Caps
Not long ago during the cold months of winter, I ventured out for a short ride upon my Dawes...I tossed on a wool cycling cap that comes down around the ears and headed off. It wasn't til I got a ways away from home that I realized I had forgotten to place the helmet on over the cap! Something I never did before...go without a helmet. So I am not advocating riding without a helmet...in fact. I used to do helmet safety speeches to children and school groups, girl and boy scouts and you name it...I used to love the tag line I used...one bump and you too can "relearn the alphabet"...
Well...I caught myself doing it more and more...forgetting to wear the helmet over the caps..in winter, it was understandable because the wool caps are heavier, come down around the ears...they would fool me into thinking i had it on. But summer approached and I found myself taking a few rides down to the lake...without a helmet or hat. So I dove back into my inner sanctum of cycling apparel...and brought out my caps.
I love caps. I have cycling caps from every walk of life. Teams, small clubs...you name it. I love the way I can keep the bill down when the sun is glaring and flip it up on the climbs, catch that bit of wind to downflow and cool me...I know it is probably all psychological but I love the way they feel. And now, I have been able to find newer sources for this simple enjoyment!
I got a cap from Shaun Deller...made from recycled garments...they are awesome. I got a cotton one for the summer that I love...My girlfriend made me order her a woolie for the fall and winter and I intend on getting myself one as well.
Deller Designs for those who are interested...
So now I saw the "blue prints" if you will for making your own cap...
Blue Prints here...courtesy of James Black with photos here...and he gave his blessings for anyone wishing to use the design!
Britt...my lovely and talented girlfriend is quite a little seamstress...as I have come to find out from her re-working my cycling messenger bag! (pics to follow someday), Now, I am thinking of introducing her to the art of cycling cap making...! The work she did on my messenger bag was wonderful...so I am thinking she should have too tough a time and getting me a cap or two manufactured!
For those not as daring...you can always look to Shaun Deller or Walz Cycling Caps also. I am quite interested in exploring the Walz caps a bit further because they look well made and very retro and owning a Deller Cap, I can vouch for the quality and efficiency for his caps! There are other mainstream companies as well such as Kucharik and Swobo...I just chose Deller because of the "small" craftsmanship and recycling idea. Walz seems small as well with some high standards.
I guess the purpose of this little blurb is simply...I love caps and it is nice to see a bit of resurgance in people supplying them to those interested! I would be extremely happy to get Britt to fashion some stylish caps for me as well. It would satisfy my desire to design one myself! I will have to update the masses to my progress. any more cycling caps links are welcome...send away.