In our new series called The Ride, we explore the relationships between cyclists and their handbuilt custom bikes, and how those partnerships enhance their cycling experiences and broaden their horizons.

Our Bikes of Eroica California series continues with a post about a 1980s Mercian bike with Suntour Cyclone components.

German cyclist and bike collector Hartmut Snoek came all the way from Germany to attend this year's Eroica California, and he brought a German-made Rickert bike with him, one of more than 50 that he owns.

Vintage bike collector and rider Brian Ignatin gives a defense of Eroica California, under criticism for being too exclusive based on seemingly arbitrary equipment restrictions.

Robert Scheive brought a British-built Jack Taylor bike to Eroica California, equipped with wider gearing and tires for the gravel roads of this event.

A very special custom-built bike has been ridden by Jerry Haussler since it was built in the 1970s, and was recently displayed at Eroica California.

Veteran frame builder and bicycle designer Jim Merz brought a bike to Eroica California that is literally an amalgam of tubes, lugs, components and design ethics from across his forty years in the bicycle business.

Velo Classique is a vintage/custom bike specialty shop in northern Virginia with deep roots in the history of cycling in the Washington, D.C. metro area.