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A
A
Amsterdam - Nowhere in the world is cycling more engrained in everyday life, for all of life's different peoples, than in Amsterdam. There are more bikes than residents, and rush hour is a beautiful thing.
B
Bitterballen - When the incline never ends, or the chilly wind never ceases, sometimes you need to pull into Cafe Pump for a slightly guilty pleasure. We wouldn't normally condone such deep fried snacks, but these savoury Dutch treats go very well with a cold beer, and provide a rich and filling reward after a few tough kilometers.
Bogota - Often a surprise inclusion on any list of cycling cities, but it should never be that way. The Colombian capital has over 300km of dedicated bike lanes, and a weekly Sunday ciclovia where a large portion of the city is shut off to motorised transport. Viva la bicicleta!
Bogota - Often a surprise inclusion on any list of cycling cities, but it should never be that way. The Colombian capital has over 300km of dedicated bike lanes, and a weekly Sunday ciclovia where a large portion of the city is shut off to motorised transport. Viva la bicicleta!
C
Cortado - In Italy it's known as an 'espresso macchaito', in Mallorca it's called 'cortado'. We think it's the cyclist's perfect caffeine fix; not too long, milky, or heavy, and not too short that it's all over before it's warmed or refuelled.
D
Downhill- Ahh yes, that blissful moment when the climbing stops, and you can just relax, stop pedalling, and enjoy the views. Or, slam down twice as hard on the pedals and try and break your PB for speed. Whatever your school of thought, going downhill is a blast.
E
Espresso - The king of coffee. The original. The three sips, and go. When the road matters more than the pitstop, you and you cleats are eternally welcome at the bar for a sharp refuelling. Sugar optional.
Espresso - The king of coffee. The original. The three sips, and go. When the road matters more than the pitstop, you and you cleats are eternally welcome at the bar for a sharp refuelling. Sugar optional.
F
Fixed - Stripped. Minimal. Pure. Being a hipster is always optional, as is a beard, but the pleasure of riding a fixed gear bike through an urban environment shouldn't be underestimated.
G
G.O.R.P - Standing for 'good old raisins and peanuts'. Obviously a great source of energy and largely useful vitamins, and small and light enough to slip into those handy back pockets. Here at Cafe Pump we're always sampling different variations of our home-made GORP's, why not try ours next time you're in?
H
Hammer - Hammer down on those pedals. When you've finished what you're up to, we'll welcome you with open arms. We'll have ready whatever your heart desires; a cold beer, a coffee'n'cake, a full meal, or a hearty plate of p amb oli.
I
J
Jelly Babies - The most loyal sweet blighters to carry around in your cycling jersey. Never climb without a handful of Jelly Babies to see you to the top. Take two extra for fun.
Jerseys - Though we think Jelly Babies take priority, we couldn't possibly leave this page without a shout out to our favourite jersey suppliers, Prendas.
Jerseys - Though we think Jelly Babies take priority, we couldn't possibly leave this page without a shout out to our favourite jersey suppliers, Prendas.
K
Knooppunten The all-encompassing Dutch/Belgian network of signposted cycle routes. Follow numbers as you pedal through the lowlands, with the handy green numbers guiding you through some pleasantly scenic cycling.
Knooppunten The all-encompassing Dutch/Belgian network of signposted cycle routes. Follow numbers as you pedal through the lowlands, with the handy green numbers guiding you through some pleasantly scenic cycling.
L
Lycra - To lycra or not to lycra? For beginner roadies, that is often the question. For many others, it's not even something to be considered. Whatever your stance, you're welcome at the Cafe Pump bar without the need to cover up your athletic lines with over-layers.
M
Mallorca - The largest of Spain's Balearic islands, Mallorca is a cyclist's paradise even in the winter months. Cycle there for a strong Spanish sun, smooth tarmac, kind traffic, routes encompassing mountains, forests, and spectacular coastline, and local people, food, and drink which can all be rather hard to leave.
N
Negroni - A couple of these, and cycling, generally don't mix well. This potent, and simplistic yet classy cocktail should be enjoyed strictly after the ride. It's basically a double Campari, double gin, and double Martini Rosso mixed over ice, with a slice of orange. Take one for light refreshment and light headed-ness, or two for pure escapism after a less than satisfactory ride.
O
'Off The Back' - When, for whichever reason, you fall off the back of a ride, we at Cafe Pump will always be there for you. We promise to never judge, and serve you a large slice of cake and a strong black coffee.
P
Pamboli Pitstops - Another Mallorcan addition to our A-B-C, pa-am-boli makes a perfect road snack; delightfully simple, endlessly versatile, hearty, and at it's best when full of local flavours. Check the menu for Cafe Pump's take on pa-am-boli.
Q
Quads - The engine room. Most of the fuel for your ride comes from here, the rest comes from our cake tin.
R
Rules - Here at Cafe Pump we may or may not follow all the rules of serious road biking, but we definitely think they make for both an informative and entertaining insight.
S
Strava - Some people are all about the stats, some people are of the opinion you should focus purely upon the wind on your face, the burn in your thighs, or the tan lines forming on your arms. We sit somewhere between, but you can find us on Strava.
T
Travel - The bicycle is travel. A daily commute, an across town a-b, a full days ride, or 2 blissful weeks exploring Mallorca on your new carbon fibre whip. To bike is to travel.
U
Upshift - Using the gears on your bike sounds like child's play, but you'd be surprised at how many folk aren't aware of the 'correct' methods, and more importantly, why they exist.
V
Velodrome - Quite frankly, we've never even set foot in a velodrome. It's only listed here because we couldn't think of anything else. That said, we're hoping to get to a velodrome soon. If you want to find your nearest velodrome, click on the link.
W
Wind - Currently located here in mid to north Europe, the weather seems to be getting windier by the day. Specifically, here in Amsterdam if you cycle a 40km circular route, there is always a strong wind pushing you back. How does that work!?
X
Planet X - If you're based in the UK, or based anywhere else and don't mind paying shipping costs for that matter, you'll do no better than to check these guys for their sales. Quality products for all cyclists at decent prices.
Y
Yellow - Are you worthy of the yellow jersey? And, more importantly, have you tried our homemade custard?
Yellow - Are you worthy of the yellow jersey? And, more importantly, have you tried our homemade custard?
Z
Zandvoort- Whichever kind of bicycle you own, you'll surely agree that a pedal to the beach is a pretty sweet way to spend any given Saturday. Our local beach is currently Zandvoort, and they have a pretty cool annual cycle meet and race.
Zandvoort- Whichever kind of bicycle you own, you'll surely agree that a pedal to the beach is a pretty sweet way to spend any given Saturday. Our local beach is currently Zandvoort, and they have a pretty cool annual cycle meet and race.
