Made By Wade: The Year In Review

It’s been a productive year for us here at Made By Wade. Dom has been busy taking a ton of photos in areas as different as Scotland and the USA. There have been a couple of film-making highlights, which the man himself will now expand upon for you. Take it away, Dom! Continue reading →

The Rouleur Classic

Rouleur magazine is probably the most essential read for those of us interested in the wide world of cycling. A high-class, high specification publication (with an appropriately high end price-tag, it has to be said) it features nothing but the best writing and photography. Dom has subscribed for years, naturally.

Steel Is Real interviewee and friend of the film Rohan Dubash writes for Rouleur, and kindly dropped Dom an invitation to The Rouleur Classic, a gathering of like-minded cycling folk in central London. In his guise as Doctor D, bike surgeon, Rohan would rebuild a Fignon Raleigh from scratch on the first night of the show.

Dom’s visit on the third day had a Fignon connection. He has a picture of the legendary French cyclist made especially for him by the street artist Stewy for services rendered, and he brought it along to grace Doctor D’s stand.

Naturally, Dom was there to drum up interest in Steel Is Real, and he was in full promo mode as he toured the show. Chatting to people from Prendas and Rouleur artist Martin Proctor, he was spreading the good word about our little film.

But there were plenty of treats for the connoisseur–so Dom was very much in his happy place! A Colnago Master Arabesque frameset. A great selection of ex pro bikes, a Thomas Voeckler Colnago, an Indurain Pinarello time trial arrow-like machine, a Boardman hour record yellow French track velo. Maglia Rosas from the Giro. Trophies carefully dotted around the ballroom in lit glass cabinets. Such wonders.

The big draw for many, though, was an interview with the legendary Sean Kelly, who gave a great overview of his life and career to cycling broadcaster Matt Barbet. Watching it, Dom had an idea. Steel is Real is ostensibly about UK cycling, but getting a name like Kelly on tape would be great for the film. Dom being Dom, he approached. We’ll have to wait and see what happens in the next couple of months, but the Wade charm may just win the day…

Dom’s day at the Rouleur Classic went all too quickly, and it was soon time to help Rohan pack up his wares. The following day he would be off gathering more interview footage. The Steel is Reel wheels just keep on a-rollin!

Enjoy the slideshow of shots taken on the day by Dom below.

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The Story Of A Busy Summer

It’s been a full few months for us at Team MadeByWade, so it’s about time we filled you in on our activities over the summer.

Most of our focus is on Dom’s new documentary project. With a working title of Steel Is Real But Carbon Is Quicker, it focusses in on the heroes of British cycling that you might not have heard of. We’re looking at the grass-roots hardcore that are out in all weathers, the back-room geniuses that make magic with a frame, two wheels and a chainset, and the old-school legends that gave the sport its grounding.

With interviews in the bag from cycling star Yanto Barker, bike doctor Rohan Dubash, photographers Chris Weston and John Pierce, and chats with British cycling legends Colin Sturgess and Phil & Grant Bayton, Dom is taking his passion for the sport and putting it on the big screen. There’s at least one exciting name yet to sit in front of his Ring Of Lenses, and Dom is confident that Steel Is Real will be a must-watch for new and old fans of the toughest sport there is. Allez allez!

Another new project revolves around Dom’s continuing support of the Cube Microplex in Bristol, one of the UK’s most interesting independent cinemas. He’s putting together a history of Bluescreen, the venue’s long-running short film night. Dom responded to a request from Bluescreen’s founders, and with six interviews in the bag and an assistant editor hired, his film will see the light before the end of the year. We’ll keep you up to speed on progress, of course. Expect a premiere showing at The Cube!

Meanwhile, work continues on our long-term project, The End Point Of A Circle. Our yearly interview with Gimpo (number 7, if you’re counting) took place as scheduled, and a new cut is in progress. A couple of key interviewees are being courted who will really help complete the back story of Gimpo’s long, strange trip. As we move towards Year 17, mysterious rumblings are heard on the M25. Next time you cross the QE Bridge and hit Top Dead Centre, remember: Gimpo patrols the boundaries so you don’t have to.

We’re into the closing stages of one ongoing project. Decks, Dance and Videotape scored an interview with Roger Nell, AKA rave DJ Mr. South. He graciously invited us into his home, and a fun afternoon was had spinning tunes, drinking cava and chatting about dance music. Mr. South was the last person we really needed to speak to, so following a final post polish and colour grade we’ll be pushing this one out for all of y’all to enjoy.

Of course, Dom’s trick bag of vintage and digital stills cameras comes out on a regular basis. Here’s a few shots he took at the Prescott Speed Hill Climb for vintage cars in Gloucestershire in August.