Cleanliness is next to the velodrome
As far as Cycling and racing iconography goes, Paris-Roubaix sits at the very zenith. It’s the most revered race among fans not only because of the pavé and the punishment it hands out, but there’s also the traditional finish of the race in the old velodrome, and what are possibly the most photographed showers anywhere in the world. Outsiders could never understand the significance of a shower and its importance in relation to a bike race.
It may seem ridiculous to some, but any visit to Roubaix and the velodrome usually includes a wander over the road to the old shower block, and if you’re really lucky, a cleansing soak under the holy water. On our first Keepers Tour we were allowed into the building but a no bathing policy was in place that day. I think the caretaker just wanted to get us in and out so he could return home with the wine for his children. The second occasion we were granted permission and I’ve never seen a bunch of blokes more enthusiastic to get naked and wash themselves in front of each other. And photograph it. Unfortunately on our last visit we were unable to even get access to the block, and a more disappointed crew I’ve rarely witnessed. We were on a high from a brutal day on the stones in the rain, we were filthy, tired and hungry, and there would have been no more perfect a scenario for a soaking.
Being the reverent types of people we Cyclists are, we look for ways to pay homage to our heroes and the scenes of their battles. Maybe you’ll name your cats Fausto and Gino, or your dog Eddy, or your first daughter Roger. Perhaps you’ll own a replica bike that one of your idols once rode, or your walls may display photographs or posters of races and racers long gone, or erect a shrine. Possibly, you’ll dream big and plan a replica Roubaix shower for your own home.
I’m dreaming big, and making it a reality. Long has there been talk between myself and my good mate @rigid, who also happens to be an accomplished architect, of a Roubaix shower in either his or my home. With a new house build coming up for me, we’ve been looking at the ways to incorporate the classic concrete stall and hanging shower head/chain arrangement, just like the real thing. Every non-Cyclist I mention it to needs a ten-minute explanation and photo gallery session, with stunned disbelief and incredulity the most common reactions. I’d probably have the same response if someone told me they were re-creating the tanning bed from Donald Trump’s place, so it’s understandable I suppose.
But the rest of us freaks are more like “fuck yeah”. Another friend of mine who’s a bathroom guy just can’t get his head around it, and is reluctant to build it for me not because of any perceived difficulty, but because he just doesn’t get it. Which is the whole appeal, because we are different, and we celebrate it. We live on the edges of society, shunned by motorists, laughed at by other sports, and it’s just the way we like it. And if there is any bizarre way to honour our sport’s icons, we will find a way to do it, no matter what anyone thinks. I’ll be in the shower.
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@ErikdR
Not forgetting in our modern world you need to spec soft concrete in case you slip on soap and whack your head. Though I guess they'll probably ban the soap - non slip soap anyone?
@KogaLover
Ha - yes, I know. Still, you made a valid point: those Roubaix installations look very functional indeed.
I stumbled across this link re spiky architecture, if you're interested. Scary stuff:
http://architizer.com/blog/dont-mess-with-architecture-top-10-razor-sharp-buildings/
While I admire the craftsmanship involved, I must admit that where most of these buildings are concerned, I fail to see the point (pun intended...)
And yes, I think Brett will probably go all the way and build both changing booth(s) and shower stall(s) in vintage Roubaix style, bless him.
@Teocalli
Hehheh... yes, if architects had their way, they would probably ban soap entirely from their projects. It leaves suds and foam all over our pristine surfaces. it comes in various gaudy colors that ruin our esthetics. And it causes people to slip and fall, leaving ugly blood stains all over our carefully laid out, shining tile-work, FFS! Perhaps we'll allow a discreet, vintage wooden tub with old-fashioned brown soap, perched on a carefully designed, raised ledge - but that's it.
Where can I buy this soft concrete of which you speak? Sounds great.
@Teocalli
Will that be before or after they tear up all those dangerous cobblestones and replace them with with an EN1176 and EN1176 compliant surface?
From memory the changing and shower stalls are made of an exposed aggregate in a cementitious base which had been cast into shape and probably finished by grinding and then polishing. It's not so common these days except as a high end minimalist finish but it used to be common in schools, hospitals, government buildings etc especially in hotter climates.
@chris
I recall the stuff from sinks, it was called "graniet" in Dutch. Basically some sort of cast cement/concrete with little stones in it that made it colourful. Getting back into fashion again btw.
@chris
You'd need to ask these guys.......
@piwakawaka
though not quite as nuts as the Red Hook Crit, this is pretty rad.
@chris
"Cementitious." Now there's a word you don't read every day, and I'm all the happier for it!
@wiscot
Forgive me. I just read my post and realized it sounded like I was happy I don't read the word cementitious every day. Au contraire. Rare words like that make me smile and happy. I had no idea such a word existed - but now I know! Thank-you.
@ErikdR
Whatever it is, hopefully helmeted dude is not treating it as a urinal