Coffee and Cycling. Is there a better match?

Musette Caffe - Between Burrard Street and Hornby Street in Vancouver

You have to love someone who has a vision and then sticks to it. And not only someone who has a vision, but also has the necessary creativity, persistence, and business sense to make it work.

Thomas Eleizegui is one such person. In a coffee-mad and bicycle-mad city he has found a great way to combine the two in a great little cafe. Fabulous coffee and the most bike-friendly space you'll ever find.

Inside, apart from the usual range of espresso-based beverages and tasty snacks, are a staggering array of cycling souvenirs. Photos, musettes, and even LEGO figurines, all speak to the cafe's concentration on meeting the needs of cyclists. Bike racks both inside and out, along with loaner locks make this a safe place to bring your ride.

And the colour? Inside and out a stunning tribute to the cycling heritage of a fine Italian brand, Bianchi. This sea foam green, known to Bianchi aficionados as "Celeste" is one of the most readily identified colours in cycling. And at Musette (http://www.musettecaffe.com/) not only is the building exterior painted in in "Celeste", so is the espresso machine.

So, while the cafe may be a bit hard to find, its brand image is unforgettable. Highly recommended.

PS What is a "musette"? I can't do any better than the description on the cafe's webiste. "Musette Bag: Small lightweight cotton shoulder bag, used for containing food and drink given to riders in a feed zone during a cycle race. The bag is designed so that it can be easily grabbed by a moving rider. The shoulder strap is placed over the head and one shoulder, the contents are then removed and placed into jersey pockets or bottles (bidons) are placed into bottle cages. The bag is then discarded."