I was watching BBC TV's coverage of Glastonbury last night and Christine And The Queens performed Tilted.
Beautiful.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RBzsjga73s
Enjoy
Sunday, 26 June 2016
Thursday, 23 June 2016
Biting the 29'er bullet
Most of my riding recently has been road bike stylee but, historically I loved a bit of filth and rough stuff so have done a few miles on a mountain bike. Until I got the job at the bike shop, all mountain biking was done on a 26 inch wheeled steed, including the years I spent doing bike patrol when I was a police officer.
The main brand we sell at the shop is Trek and Trek have gone for the large wheel format in a big way. In fact, most of their off road fleet is now 27.5" or 29" depending on frame size or discipline. As a result, I have had the chance to test ride a few bikes and have got to say, a 29'er makes a lot of sense. The larger diameter wheel gets up to speed faster on tarmac and holds it's speed much better. It also makes for faster and slightly smoother off road riding. This is because the wheel, being bigger, deals with roots and rocks at a shallower angle than the smaller 26" wheel. It also doesn't drop as far into potholes or steps when descending.
Recently an opportunity came up for me to get a 29'er of my own so I took it and acquired a 2013 Trek Stache 8-
Here it is in all it's dirty glory. This is a 17 1/2" framed version and is equipped with Shimano SLX 10 X 2 gearing. I went for the 17 1/2" as the bigger wheel made the reach on a 19" just a little uncomfortable for me.
My bike is equipped with a Rock Shox Reverb dropper post-
This allows me to lower the saddle when required without stopping and dismounting. It operates on a hydraulic system and is activated from a push button on the bars-
A very funky bit of kit which gets used a lot. The ability to get the saddle out of the way when negotiating something a bit technical or sphincter puckering is a bit of a treat.
All in all I am very pleased with the Stache though it does get me into trouble. Often when I use it to commute too and from my day job, I find myself spying tracks, paths and bridleways and thinking to myself "I wonder where that goes?" That way my friends, lies being late for work and dinner being in the dog.....
The main brand we sell at the shop is Trek and Trek have gone for the large wheel format in a big way. In fact, most of their off road fleet is now 27.5" or 29" depending on frame size or discipline. As a result, I have had the chance to test ride a few bikes and have got to say, a 29'er makes a lot of sense. The larger diameter wheel gets up to speed faster on tarmac and holds it's speed much better. It also makes for faster and slightly smoother off road riding. This is because the wheel, being bigger, deals with roots and rocks at a shallower angle than the smaller 26" wheel. It also doesn't drop as far into potholes or steps when descending.
Recently an opportunity came up for me to get a 29'er of my own so I took it and acquired a 2013 Trek Stache 8-
Here it is in all it's dirty glory. This is a 17 1/2" framed version and is equipped with Shimano SLX 10 X 2 gearing. I went for the 17 1/2" as the bigger wheel made the reach on a 19" just a little uncomfortable for me.
My bike is equipped with a Rock Shox Reverb dropper post-
This allows me to lower the saddle when required without stopping and dismounting. It operates on a hydraulic system and is activated from a push button on the bars-
A very funky bit of kit which gets used a lot. The ability to get the saddle out of the way when negotiating something a bit technical or sphincter puckering is a bit of a treat.
All in all I am very pleased with the Stache though it does get me into trouble. Often when I use it to commute too and from my day job, I find myself spying tracks, paths and bridleways and thinking to myself "I wonder where that goes?" That way my friends, lies being late for work and dinner being in the dog.....
Wednesday, 22 June 2016
Life in a bike shop
About 3 1/2 years ago now, my Local bike Shop (LBS) relocated from a converted slaughterhouse to a converted house and outbuildings that had been used for a number of years as a computer shop. Prior to the move, much modernisation and extending was done and a shiny new shop was born.
As a customer of old, I was invited to come to the grand opening where tea, coffee, juice, wine and Rebellion Brewery Beer was to be had, along with nibbles.
Whilst perusing the wonderous bikes and stuff I got chatting to the owner and said that if he ever needed any help, to give me a call. Well, he called and a week later, I was issued a shirt, taught how to use the till (cash register) and card machine and let loose on the public. I was a part time bike sales droid and minor repairs wonk.
Working in a bike shop for me is like being a kid in a sweet shop. I absolutely love it. I get to talk with like minded folk (and beginners) about my passion, helping them choose new bikes, pointing them in the right direction for equipment, clothing etc. sorting their problems, mending their bikes, getting them back on the road after a mechanical. The list is endless.
I also get insight into new developments, early sight of new models (having a new Trek Domane SLR in the shop 3 days before they were launched was a bit special), passes to trade shows and the like.
One of my favourite things though is to see the look on a kids face when they come in with Mum and Dad or Grandparents to choose a new bike. I remember the feeling when my parents got me my first shiny new bike. It was miles too big for me (they were right though, I DID grow into it) but I loved it. That bike and me had some adventures over the years. Some adventurew would turn my parents hair white if they ever got to know about them but that is another conversation.......
Another good thing to do is to help folk either gain or maintain independence. We recently had a young man with a physical disability come int the shop wanting to see if we could help. We managed to get him mobile on an recumbent trike with an adapted pedal system to deal with his particular needs. He had a huge grin on his face after his first test ride.
We also stock electric assist bikes that use the Bosch and Shimano Steps systems. These are much better specced and more reliable systems that we have previous experience of and I thing electric assist is going to be a big thing in the future over here in the UK.
Oh, and staff discount ain't bad either!
As a customer of old, I was invited to come to the grand opening where tea, coffee, juice, wine and Rebellion Brewery Beer was to be had, along with nibbles.
Whilst perusing the wonderous bikes and stuff I got chatting to the owner and said that if he ever needed any help, to give me a call. Well, he called and a week later, I was issued a shirt, taught how to use the till (cash register) and card machine and let loose on the public. I was a part time bike sales droid and minor repairs wonk.
Working in a bike shop for me is like being a kid in a sweet shop. I absolutely love it. I get to talk with like minded folk (and beginners) about my passion, helping them choose new bikes, pointing them in the right direction for equipment, clothing etc. sorting their problems, mending their bikes, getting them back on the road after a mechanical. The list is endless.
I also get insight into new developments, early sight of new models (having a new Trek Domane SLR in the shop 3 days before they were launched was a bit special), passes to trade shows and the like.
One of my favourite things though is to see the look on a kids face when they come in with Mum and Dad or Grandparents to choose a new bike. I remember the feeling when my parents got me my first shiny new bike. It was miles too big for me (they were right though, I DID grow into it) but I loved it. That bike and me had some adventures over the years. Some adventurew would turn my parents hair white if they ever got to know about them but that is another conversation.......
Another good thing to do is to help folk either gain or maintain independence. We recently had a young man with a physical disability come int the shop wanting to see if we could help. We managed to get him mobile on an recumbent trike with an adapted pedal system to deal with his particular needs. He had a huge grin on his face after his first test ride.
We also stock electric assist bikes that use the Bosch and Shimano Steps systems. These are much better specced and more reliable systems that we have previous experience of and I thing electric assist is going to be a big thing in the future over here in the UK.
Oh, and staff discount ain't bad either!
Tuesday, 21 June 2016
Hand Cycles
As I mentioned the other day, having established the bike club at the school I work at, I realised that a number of students were excluded through disability (the school is SEN and all students have a disability, physical, cognitive, mental or a combination). To help rectify this I started searching for options. One that I decided to explore was hand cycles.
After a bit of research and fundraising I acquired a pair of hand cycles for the school. These came part assembled and required a bit of work from me so I finished the build and took them for a spin around the car park. Both seemed to work fine but I was unhappy about letting the gang loose on them until I had had them checked Iut by a qualified spanner jockey so, grabbing the bull by the horns (or the hand cycle by the pedals in this case) I decided to ride one home after work one Friday evening and take it into the shop on the day i worked at the weekend.
Now, my commute home is between 7 1/2 and 8 1/2 miles depending on the route I use but, both options are relatively flat. Being unfamiliar with the cycle I decided on the shorter option. This would usually take 28- 35 minutes depending on traffic, bike used, weather etc. This evenings ride was a doozie! Light traffic, perfect conditions- apart from the rider. 1 hour 15 minutes or there abouts! On the flat it was OK but, as soon as the gradient started to rise, even slightly, the progress slowed. I'll put my hands up and admit that, from about 2/3rds of the way into the ride, there were occasions when the gradient had me walking and pushing. Descending was fine. In fact, as much fun as descending on any recumbent trike- go like stink, lean in to the bends and try to get the back end out a bit if you can.
By the time I got home I was an quivering, exhausted wreck. My upper arms and shoulders were killing me. In fact, I was still feeling the ache caused by the unfamiliar muscle use a week later.
The hand cycle build got the nod of approval from Mike, the senior spanner jockey but, this riders wimp factor had me putting the machine in the back of the car for the return to work on Monday morning.
My respect for anyone who uses a hand cycle went way up and remains there. If you get the chance to try one, do so and then understand why Alex Zanardi is so ripped.
After a bit of research and fundraising I acquired a pair of hand cycles for the school. These came part assembled and required a bit of work from me so I finished the build and took them for a spin around the car park. Both seemed to work fine but I was unhappy about letting the gang loose on them until I had had them checked Iut by a qualified spanner jockey so, grabbing the bull by the horns (or the hand cycle by the pedals in this case) I decided to ride one home after work one Friday evening and take it into the shop on the day i worked at the weekend.
Now, my commute home is between 7 1/2 and 8 1/2 miles depending on the route I use but, both options are relatively flat. Being unfamiliar with the cycle I decided on the shorter option. This would usually take 28- 35 minutes depending on traffic, bike used, weather etc. This evenings ride was a doozie! Light traffic, perfect conditions- apart from the rider. 1 hour 15 minutes or there abouts! On the flat it was OK but, as soon as the gradient started to rise, even slightly, the progress slowed. I'll put my hands up and admit that, from about 2/3rds of the way into the ride, there were occasions when the gradient had me walking and pushing. Descending was fine. In fact, as much fun as descending on any recumbent trike- go like stink, lean in to the bends and try to get the back end out a bit if you can.
By the time I got home I was an quivering, exhausted wreck. My upper arms and shoulders were killing me. In fact, I was still feeling the ache caused by the unfamiliar muscle use a week later.
The hand cycle build got the nod of approval from Mike, the senior spanner jockey but, this riders wimp factor had me putting the machine in the back of the car for the return to work on Monday morning.
My respect for anyone who uses a hand cycle went way up and remains there. If you get the chance to try one, do so and then understand why Alex Zanardi is so ripped.
Friday, 17 June 2016
Has it really been over 18 months?
I can't believe it has been that long since I last posted on here. Time really flies when you start to edge towards crumblyism!
Since I last posted, I reached full pensionable service with the police so I did the right thing- retired! Not before I had found other employment though. I cast my net far and wide and was offered a job as a caretaker/ janitor/maintenance bod at a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in Berkshire.
A number of positives in this job- a) I still cycle to work. b) After 5 years or so of driving a desk and developing the expanded waist line to match, being on my feet most of the day has slimmed me down good and proper. c)The school, the students and the staff are great to work with.
One of my first jobs was to get the schools fleet of donated BSO's into a useable state and initiate a once weekly lunch time bike club. As a result, a number of older students are riding around on cheap MTB's, BMX's and upright trikes. I have also managed to raise some funds to obtain a couple of hand trikes and an ICE Adventure recumbent trike.
I have got to say that the change in career has been a breath of fresh air and I love going to work again. I continue to work part time at the local bike shop Saddle Safari and do one day a weekend, sometimes two as a sales droid and minor repairs fella.
As a result of this job I have attended some excellent trade shows, taken part in some events providing start line support and met some fantastic people. One of the good moments recently was when ICE came to the shop with their demo fleet. This included their legendary Full Fat trike which I got to play with for a little while (are you watching Coastkid?). A number of folk asked why anyone would want such a beast. My answer the them was "If you have to ask the question, you will never understand the answer". ICE (Inspired Cycle Engineering) make some fantastic machines. If you want fast, they've got the VTX. You want versatile, they've got the Adventure. Quick but versatile? The Sprint. And now we're back to the abslutely nuts- the Full Fat. Whatever you want ICE have it covered. I now have to convince my wife that we have room (and funds) for a Full Fat of my own. This could take some time......
Just a taster of the last 18 months- two years of The Secret Cyclists life. Hopefuly I will be a bit less tardy in future. Keep on riding folks.
Since I last posted, I reached full pensionable service with the police so I did the right thing- retired! Not before I had found other employment though. I cast my net far and wide and was offered a job as a caretaker/ janitor/maintenance bod at a Special Educational Needs (SEN) school in Berkshire.
A number of positives in this job- a) I still cycle to work. b) After 5 years or so of driving a desk and developing the expanded waist line to match, being on my feet most of the day has slimmed me down good and proper. c)The school, the students and the staff are great to work with.
One of my first jobs was to get the schools fleet of donated BSO's into a useable state and initiate a once weekly lunch time bike club. As a result, a number of older students are riding around on cheap MTB's, BMX's and upright trikes. I have also managed to raise some funds to obtain a couple of hand trikes and an ICE Adventure recumbent trike.
I have got to say that the change in career has been a breath of fresh air and I love going to work again. I continue to work part time at the local bike shop Saddle Safari and do one day a weekend, sometimes two as a sales droid and minor repairs fella.
As a result of this job I have attended some excellent trade shows, taken part in some events providing start line support and met some fantastic people. One of the good moments recently was when ICE came to the shop with their demo fleet. This included their legendary Full Fat trike which I got to play with for a little while (are you watching Coastkid?). A number of folk asked why anyone would want such a beast. My answer the them was "If you have to ask the question, you will never understand the answer". ICE (Inspired Cycle Engineering) make some fantastic machines. If you want fast, they've got the VTX. You want versatile, they've got the Adventure. Quick but versatile? The Sprint. And now we're back to the abslutely nuts- the Full Fat. Whatever you want ICE have it covered. I now have to convince my wife that we have room (and funds) for a Full Fat of my own. This could take some time......
Just a taster of the last 18 months- two years of The Secret Cyclists life. Hopefuly I will be a bit less tardy in future. Keep on riding folks.
Friday, 19 September 2014
Sunday, 30 March 2014
Bryton let me down
Bloody technology!
I went out for an hour in the saddle this morning before reporting for duty at the bike shop. I thought I would do a bit of a hilly ride so, having set out and ridden down Marlow High Street, I crossed the river and turned left onto Quarry Wood Road. On reaching the climb I was nicely warmed up so set to the ascending. I topped out, turned round and descended and followed this with another two ascents. I then did a Cookham Dean- Cookham- Winter Hill loop and then descended Quarry Wood Road again. Before going home I decided to turn round and top off the ride with another ascent of the hill before a screaming descent and riding home.
On arrival at home I checked the Bryton GPS computer to find out distance, speed, accumulated climbing etc to find that the unit had frozen half way through the ride and lost all my data. Not a happy teddy bear. The unit is going back and I'm replacing it with a Cateye Stealth.
Lets see how that one gets on.
I'm furious really, as plotting the route I took on a mapping app doesn't show the profile i would expect, nor does the accunualted height gain tally with what it should be.
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Well, that was a long absence!
Hello again folks! Remember me?
Sorry about the lack of posting since August last year but, hardware and software incompatibilities meant I was unable to write new posts.
What’s been happening since I last wrote?
Well, I continue in my full time job with the majority of the commutes being by bike so still getting the riding in. I also continue with my part time, one day a weekend job as a sales droid for my LBS- best job in the world at the moment!
Towards the end of last year I was able to babysit one of the shops demo bikes, a Trek Gary Fisher Superfly AL Elite (2013 model) which was a) a lot of fun and b) troublemaking. Troublemaking because I kept getting 'lost' on the commutes home when I saw tracks etc that just had to be explored. Another bike to add to the want list...
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I have also been trying to deal with the floods- one of the roads I ride to and from work has been under various depths of water since before Christmas. As I posted on YACF last Monday-
'Kinell but the Thames is cold this time of year!
As I got to the bottom of Marlow High Street I could see that Higginson Park looked to be full of water up to the slope from the entrance gates. I crossed the Tierney- Clarke bridge and the downstream side of the weir looked to be a meter or less lower than the upstream side. I then turned left into Quarry Wood Road, passing the road closed signs as I did so. I hit water immediately and remained riding through water until I got to the climb up the hill. Usually the road emerges from the floods for a couple of hundred meters at about midpoint but not this morning.
The trick I have found is to stay in the middle of the road where you can see the white lines through the water.
As I progressed I saw blinkenlights approaching and I passed a guy I regularly see riding the other direction. He called a warning about the other end of the road. A timely warning it was too.
As I got to Longridge, the water got deeper and I lost sight of the white lines. I looked down and the water level was above the axles of my wheels. My feet were submerged at the bottom of my pedal stroke and shoes were full of very cold water.
(Thinking about this now, the water was deeper than the bottom bracket as my shins were wet up to mid point)
Riding into wind or with a cross wind is hard enough but, what I discovered this morning was that flow is worse. The flood water at parts of my voyage was still due to adjacent building lines, walls or embankments. Progress was fairly good but fluid (hydraulic?) resistance was noticeable. At Longridge, the water was flowing quite fast across the road. It was like riding through treacle.
I kept going though and made it to the climb Feet were frozen and got colder. The bike got lighter as I climbed as the water it had taken on board flowed out again. Wore my socks in the shower to start with to rinse them out
Once again I failed to underestimate the power of one wheel drive'
After posting that, I monitored the situation and the waters continued to rise. The strength of the cross flow from the Thames was so strong that I felt the bike being pushed across the road. I didn't fancy getting dumped into a water and debris filled ditch so I bottled it for the rest of the week. If the flow had been a head or tail flow I could have managed but I wasn’t risking the cross flow.
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
Slaying the Dragon and drowned rats
I believe everyone has Dragons that they need to beat- for some it is conquering a fear, for others it is overcoming an adversity and for more, it is simply beating something simple that has been defeating them for some time.
One of my Dragons was a climb- just a simple road that went up further and steeper than I could ride without climbing off and pushing. This Dragon was called Kingston Hill, a road that leads from Kingston Blount in Oxfordshire, up to the A40 just south of Stokenchurch in Buckinghamshire. I rode it twice last year on my Cannondale R800 road bike and on both occasions, about 200 meters or so from the point where it starts to ease off, my lungs and legs gave out and I had to stop.
On Sunday afternoon I rode out of Rafa, my Wilier Izoard XP and decided to take in Kingston hill for the first time on this bike. Well, the Dragon got its arse kicked! I made it to the top without stopping. The fact that I had to utilise MY arse as a supplementary breathing orifice is immaterial. The Dragon has been beaten.
As for drowned rats, that was me on the ride home from work yesterday. I rode out of the car park, just as the light rain turned into a deluge. I could barely see ahead of me. I was still smiling and laughing though. I mean, what else could I do? It did beg the question however- what is easier, riding into a headwind or, riding against the flow? Some of the roads on my way home were flowing like rivers!
One of my Dragons was a climb- just a simple road that went up further and steeper than I could ride without climbing off and pushing. This Dragon was called Kingston Hill, a road that leads from Kingston Blount in Oxfordshire, up to the A40 just south of Stokenchurch in Buckinghamshire. I rode it twice last year on my Cannondale R800 road bike and on both occasions, about 200 meters or so from the point where it starts to ease off, my lungs and legs gave out and I had to stop.
On Sunday afternoon I rode out of Rafa, my Wilier Izoard XP and decided to take in Kingston hill for the first time on this bike. Well, the Dragon got its arse kicked! I made it to the top without stopping. The fact that I had to utilise MY arse as a supplementary breathing orifice is immaterial. The Dragon has been beaten.
As for drowned rats, that was me on the ride home from work yesterday. I rode out of the car park, just as the light rain turned into a deluge. I could barely see ahead of me. I was still smiling and laughing though. I mean, what else could I do? It did beg the question however- what is easier, riding into a headwind or, riding against the flow? Some of the roads on my way home were flowing like rivers!
Friday, 28 June 2013
Tour de France 2013
Starts tomorow!
Yours truly will be setting up the PVR tonight to record the daily higlight show so that I can sit down in the evening with a beer/ glass of wine/ coffee and snacks to catch up on the days events (if I have been otherwise engaged and unable to watch the stage live).
I love this time of year.
Yours truly will be setting up the PVR tonight to record the daily higlight show so that I can sit down in the evening with a beer/ glass of wine/ coffee and snacks to catch up on the days events (if I have been otherwise engaged and unable to watch the stage live).
I love this time of year.
Monday, 3 June 2013
Time Xpresso 2 pedals
Recently I had noticed that I was having trouble engaging with my Shimano SPD SL pedals- fishing around with my left foot trying to get the nose of the cleat to hook into the pedal. This was probably due to the lack of riding my SPD SL equipped bike, a situation brought on by getting the job in the bike shop.
Whilst working at the shop I have also noticed that a number of folk have purchased SPD SL pedals and struggled to get along with clicking in and out of the pedals, even on the lowest resistance setting.
Recently the shop started to carry Time Xpresso 2 pedals as part of their stock. I had a look at these and was immediately struck with the way they coordinated with Rafa, my recently acquired Wilier Izoard XP- they are grey with a red highlight (OK, I'm a tart). What also struck me was their weight. Time quote 220g for a pair- Shimano Dura Ace SPD SL are quoted as average weight 248g. I don't know if this is per pedal or per pair.
I decided to get a pair of the Xpresso 2's and give them a go. I fitted them and took them out for their inaugural ride on Friday evening- only a 13 mile loop but it took in a bit of climbing- some 10% sections of seated and out of the saddle honking with lots of pulling up on the trailing pedal. The pedals were just fitted to the bike as they came out of the box, no adjusting settings or anything. I have got to say that, on initial riding, I am impressed. Easy engagement and almost effortless clicking out. I think my next ride might have to take in Whitepit Lane, about 100m of which is around 20% so lots of stresses in both directions on the pedals.
A pedal worth a thought if you are looking for an alternative to Shimano SPD SL or Look Delta or Keo.
Whilst working at the shop I have also noticed that a number of folk have purchased SPD SL pedals and struggled to get along with clicking in and out of the pedals, even on the lowest resistance setting.
Recently the shop started to carry Time Xpresso 2 pedals as part of their stock. I had a look at these and was immediately struck with the way they coordinated with Rafa, my recently acquired Wilier Izoard XP- they are grey with a red highlight (OK, I'm a tart). What also struck me was their weight. Time quote 220g for a pair- Shimano Dura Ace SPD SL are quoted as average weight 248g. I don't know if this is per pedal or per pair.
I decided to get a pair of the Xpresso 2's and give them a go. I fitted them and took them out for their inaugural ride on Friday evening- only a 13 mile loop but it took in a bit of climbing- some 10% sections of seated and out of the saddle honking with lots of pulling up on the trailing pedal. The pedals were just fitted to the bike as they came out of the box, no adjusting settings or anything. I have got to say that, on initial riding, I am impressed. Easy engagement and almost effortless clicking out. I think my next ride might have to take in Whitepit Lane, about 100m of which is around 20% so lots of stresses in both directions on the pedals.
A pedal worth a thought if you are looking for an alternative to Shimano SPD SL or Look Delta or Keo.
Wednesday, 29 May 2013
Grand Tour No.1 is over
Well done to Vincenzo Nibali for his victory in the 2013 edition of the Giro d' Italia.
Further congratulations to Mark Cavendish for his victory in the final stage and for clinching the Points Competition jersey. He becomes only the fifth rider to win the points competition in all 3 Grand Tours.
Have you ever wondered how we get to see the great images that we watch on the television from the tours?
Here is a great article from 'Cycling Tips'. It relates to the Tour de France but gives a great explanation of the hoops the production crews have to jump through to facilitate our fix of Grand Tour viewing.
I can't wait for the beginning of July. Vive la Tour!
Further congratulations to Mark Cavendish for his victory in the final stage and for clinching the Points Competition jersey. He becomes only the fifth rider to win the points competition in all 3 Grand Tours.
Have you ever wondered how we get to see the great images that we watch on the television from the tours?
Here is a great article from 'Cycling Tips'. It relates to the Tour de France but gives a great explanation of the hoops the production crews have to jump through to facilitate our fix of Grand Tour viewing.
I can't wait for the beginning of July. Vive la Tour!
Friday, 24 May 2013
Fuzzy has a Bike Bunker
Recently, SWMBO and i have been doing some outside space remodelling. As part of this activity, she decided we needed more room in the shed and therefore, i should get somewhere to store my bikes.
After a bit of research, I opted for an Asgard Addition 3 bike storage shed.
When i ordered the shed, i was advised that there was a 5 to 6 week lead time and sure enough, 5 weeks later, the shed was delivered. 8 panels, 3 link pieces, about 150 screws and two hours later this was born-
Bloody marvellous bit of kit.
After a bit of research, I opted for an Asgard Addition 3 bike storage shed.
When i ordered the shed, i was advised that there was a 5 to 6 week lead time and sure enough, 5 weeks later, the shed was delivered. 8 panels, 3 link pieces, about 150 screws and two hours later this was born-
Monday, 20 May 2013
The difference between trikes and uprights-
- or Upwrongs as some in the 'bent crowd call them.
This morning’s ride to work was the first outing on an upright for a week. I immediately noticed the difference in driver perception.
Every overtake I experienced last week whilst on the trike was accomplished by the driver moving to the other carriageway when room permitted. If it didn't, they were closer to what was on the other side of the road than to me.
As I rode to work this morning, 50% of the passes by motor vehicles were with 2 feet or less between my elbow and the side of the vehicle. I would say 25% were with a distance of about half of what I got last week. The remaining 25% were the same as last week.
I can only assume that I wasn't as scary looking on the upright.....
Well done to Mark Cavendish for reaching (and passing) 100 professional victories!
This morning’s ride to work was the first outing on an upright for a week. I immediately noticed the difference in driver perception.
Every overtake I experienced last week whilst on the trike was accomplished by the driver moving to the other carriageway when room permitted. If it didn't, they were closer to what was on the other side of the road than to me.
As I rode to work this morning, 50% of the passes by motor vehicles were with 2 feet or less between my elbow and the side of the vehicle. I would say 25% were with a distance of about half of what I got last week. The remaining 25% were the same as last week.
I can only assume that I wasn't as scary looking on the upright.....
Well done to Mark Cavendish for reaching (and passing) 100 professional victories!
Friday, 17 May 2013
Of Bats and Bikes (or Trikes)
Well, as promised a few days ago, here is some catch up stuff.
Every spring, SWMBO and I keep a weather eye out for the annual return of the Black Arrows display team- a pair of bats that use the airspace over our back garden for hunting. We were beginning to worry due to their lack of action this year but, it would seem that the cold weather had delayed things. 10 days ago, the advance party made a few passes over the garden. We haven't seen it every evening since but, 4 or 5 appearances have occurred. I think we are very lucky to be able to watch them in action.
Today marks stage 13 of the Giro 'd Italia. This is, I think, my favourite Grand Tour. I have been fortunate enough to attend at least one stage of 4 Tour de France editions but the Giro is by far the better spectacle in my opinion. Absolutely barking stages such as those on the Strade Bianchi (unmade gravel roads) or the climbs and summit finishes up also unmade tracks. The challenge to the riders seems almost extreme at times.
Mark Cavendish has won a couple of stages so far this edition and it was nice to see him dedicating his second stage win to Wouter Weylandt who was killed on the Giro 2 years to the day previously.
Sir Bradley Wiggins was a pre race favourite this year but it would seem that illness has got the better of him. He dropped quite a bit of time over the preceding few days and retired before the start of today’s stage. Rigoberto Uran is likely to take over as Team Sky leader. I wonder if this will have an effect on the plans Team Sky have for the Tour de France. I hope they stick with having Chris Froome as team leader supported by Wiggo.
In 10 months, I will either have the option to retire from my current job OR, if the Home Secretary has her way, I will be compulsorily retired (we find out some time in July). In preparation, I have got myself a part time job at my Local Bike Shop! I spend one day a weekend in the shop as a sales assistant and occasional supervised spanner monkey. I get paid to talk about bikes and fettle them! I am in heaven.
One major plus side of the job is that I get to see and occasionally try out some different stuff. The shop owner has an Inspired Cycle Engineering (ICE) Adventure recumbent trike. As the shop is a dealer for ICE, a bit of product orientation was called for. Boss Man is away for a week so I have been using the trike to get to and from work. Riding it is an absolute blast. It makes a very different use of the leg muscles when ascending but, descending is great fun. The trike doesn't have a rear brake (apart from a 'parking brake') but has independent disc brakes on each front wheel. Hooning down a hill, bleeding the speed off prior to releasing the outside brake, leaning in and clipping the apex of a turn before accelerating out id very exhilarating. I am sure that, with practice, I can get the tail out a bit and negotiate the bends with a bit of opposite lock. I want one! I would go with the Sprint I think with a larger back wheel 26" maybe to promote faster progress on the flat. Pity about my budget though....
Every spring, SWMBO and I keep a weather eye out for the annual return of the Black Arrows display team- a pair of bats that use the airspace over our back garden for hunting. We were beginning to worry due to their lack of action this year but, it would seem that the cold weather had delayed things. 10 days ago, the advance party made a few passes over the garden. We haven't seen it every evening since but, 4 or 5 appearances have occurred. I think we are very lucky to be able to watch them in action.
Today marks stage 13 of the Giro 'd Italia. This is, I think, my favourite Grand Tour. I have been fortunate enough to attend at least one stage of 4 Tour de France editions but the Giro is by far the better spectacle in my opinion. Absolutely barking stages such as those on the Strade Bianchi (unmade gravel roads) or the climbs and summit finishes up also unmade tracks. The challenge to the riders seems almost extreme at times.
Mark Cavendish has won a couple of stages so far this edition and it was nice to see him dedicating his second stage win to Wouter Weylandt who was killed on the Giro 2 years to the day previously.
Sir Bradley Wiggins was a pre race favourite this year but it would seem that illness has got the better of him. He dropped quite a bit of time over the preceding few days and retired before the start of today’s stage. Rigoberto Uran is likely to take over as Team Sky leader. I wonder if this will have an effect on the plans Team Sky have for the Tour de France. I hope they stick with having Chris Froome as team leader supported by Wiggo.
In 10 months, I will either have the option to retire from my current job OR, if the Home Secretary has her way, I will be compulsorily retired (we find out some time in July). In preparation, I have got myself a part time job at my Local Bike Shop! I spend one day a weekend in the shop as a sales assistant and occasional supervised spanner monkey. I get paid to talk about bikes and fettle them! I am in heaven.
One major plus side of the job is that I get to see and occasionally try out some different stuff. The shop owner has an Inspired Cycle Engineering (ICE) Adventure recumbent trike. As the shop is a dealer for ICE, a bit of product orientation was called for. Boss Man is away for a week so I have been using the trike to get to and from work. Riding it is an absolute blast. It makes a very different use of the leg muscles when ascending but, descending is great fun. The trike doesn't have a rear brake (apart from a 'parking brake') but has independent disc brakes on each front wheel. Hooning down a hill, bleeding the speed off prior to releasing the outside brake, leaning in and clipping the apex of a turn before accelerating out id very exhilarating. I am sure that, with practice, I can get the tail out a bit and negotiate the bends with a bit of opposite lock. I want one! I would go with the Sprint I think with a larger back wheel 26" maybe to promote faster progress on the flat. Pity about my budget though....
Tuesday, 7 May 2013
Lack of action
I have continued to be very lax in updating on here haven't I?
In my defence, there has been als sorts going on at hoem and at work- nothing earth shattering, just lots of requirments on my time which ahs meant that, apart from updating the mileage log, I have'nt had the time to write.
These things including home improvements, a part time job at my local bike shop taking one day a weekend out of my time, lots of stuffs at work etc.
Things are happening however, that mean I am busting to write.
The Giro d Italia is on- Grand Tour season has started!
The bats are back!
I have got a part time job at a bike shop!
Watch this space for updates soon.
In my defence, there has been als sorts going on at hoem and at work- nothing earth shattering, just lots of requirments on my time which ahs meant that, apart from updating the mileage log, I have'nt had the time to write.
These things including home improvements, a part time job at my local bike shop taking one day a weekend out of my time, lots of stuffs at work etc.
Things are happening however, that mean I am busting to write.
The Giro d Italia is on- Grand Tour season has started!
The bats are back!
I have got a part time job at a bike shop!
Watch this space for updates soon.
Wednesday, 10 April 2013
I want to ride my bicycle- I want to ride my bike...
On Monday 20th March 2013, as I sat at my desk (yup, hardened desk jockey, me), my colleague at the adjacent desk spent the day coughing and spluttering over everyone as a result of a bug picked up from his young daughter, which she had caught at someone at nursery.
By Wednesday 20th march 2013, as I continued to sit at my desk, my throat was a tad raspy, my nose getting a bit bunged up and my head a bit woolly. I decided to drive home as I felt crappy.
I had dinner at 8:00 that evening and, by 8:30 p.m. I was tucked up in bed. I stayed there until 10:30 a.m. Friday 22nd March. I did not rise for anything. No food, no fluids, no trips to the facilities. I just laid there, alternating between dead to the world and hazy consciousness, overheating or shivering cold. I almost, though not quite, wished I was dead.
On recovering, I had to spend my spare time outside in the sub zero temperatures, demolishing a wall, brick by brick and reclaiming the bricks for re-use on a new garden wall. Several days of hammering and scrubbing with a wire brush plus a day with a rented heavy duty breaker to break up a 1.5 m X 3 m concrete slab and disposing of all the waste.
This catalogue of woes meant that my steeds and I were becoming strangers.
All was remedied however on Monday 8th April 2013 when, as a result of having no bricks to polish, no concrete to break and no real symptoms of illness beyond the nagging post stinking cold cough, I could ride home from work! 7.75 miles of mostly flat but sometimes upwardly mobile roads were negotiated in 34 minutes and 27 seconds. No record and, to be honest, it hurt but hey, I'm back in the saddle.
Cue Queen to fade....
By Wednesday 20th march 2013, as I continued to sit at my desk, my throat was a tad raspy, my nose getting a bit bunged up and my head a bit woolly. I decided to drive home as I felt crappy.
I had dinner at 8:00 that evening and, by 8:30 p.m. I was tucked up in bed. I stayed there until 10:30 a.m. Friday 22nd March. I did not rise for anything. No food, no fluids, no trips to the facilities. I just laid there, alternating between dead to the world and hazy consciousness, overheating or shivering cold. I almost, though not quite, wished I was dead.
On recovering, I had to spend my spare time outside in the sub zero temperatures, demolishing a wall, brick by brick and reclaiming the bricks for re-use on a new garden wall. Several days of hammering and scrubbing with a wire brush plus a day with a rented heavy duty breaker to break up a 1.5 m X 3 m concrete slab and disposing of all the waste.
This catalogue of woes meant that my steeds and I were becoming strangers.
All was remedied however on Monday 8th April 2013 when, as a result of having no bricks to polish, no concrete to break and no real symptoms of illness beyond the nagging post stinking cold cough, I could ride home from work! 7.75 miles of mostly flat but sometimes upwardly mobile roads were negotiated in 34 minutes and 27 seconds. No record and, to be honest, it hurt but hey, I'm back in the saddle.
Cue Queen to fade....
Friday, 8 March 2013
Yesterday, as a result of my little part time job at the bike shop, I got to attend ICE Bike, Madison's trade show in Milton Keynes.
Now, apart from the usual bling, there were some interesting thaings to see.
Park Tools had a good display, complete with their new, all singing, all dancing, powered workshop stand. It has the usual clamp system to hold a bike whilst it is being built/ repaired BUT, this stand has an electric motor to lift the bike to work height.
Chariot make a cracking Stroller which is quickly interchangeable to a bike trailer/ ski trailer/ jogger trailer etc. Very pricey but I reckon It has potential.
I got a few little freebies including Parks mini bottle-opener bottle opener and a Shimano chain checker.
I am in trouble again though.
I am in trouble already because I have recognised that I need a recumbent trike like what we have on display in the shop. I therefore am in trouble to the tune of the £2500 I need to make my life complete.
Having gone to ICE Bike, I now realise that my life is far from complete. Not only do I need the trike, I also now understand that I NEED the Genesis Caribou fat bike they had on display. That is another £1500 I am in trouble to the tune of.
Ho hum.
Maybe if I speak to the right rep, they will realise that what they need is exposure. If they lend me a fat bike for a couple of months, I can use it to commute to work at my full time job, just for shits and giggles you understand. Folk in this fat bike free zone will see what they are missing and will want to buy a fat bike of their own.
Just a thought like, if the right rep is out there reading......
Now, apart from the usual bling, there were some interesting thaings to see.
Park Tools had a good display, complete with their new, all singing, all dancing, powered workshop stand. It has the usual clamp system to hold a bike whilst it is being built/ repaired BUT, this stand has an electric motor to lift the bike to work height.
Chariot make a cracking Stroller which is quickly interchangeable to a bike trailer/ ski trailer/ jogger trailer etc. Very pricey but I reckon It has potential.
I got a few little freebies including Parks mini bottle-opener bottle opener and a Shimano chain checker.
I am in trouble again though.
I am in trouble already because I have recognised that I need a recumbent trike like what we have on display in the shop. I therefore am in trouble to the tune of the £2500 I need to make my life complete.
Having gone to ICE Bike, I now realise that my life is far from complete. Not only do I need the trike, I also now understand that I NEED the Genesis Caribou fat bike they had on display. That is another £1500 I am in trouble to the tune of.
Ho hum.
Maybe if I speak to the right rep, they will realise that what they need is exposure. If they lend me a fat bike for a couple of months, I can use it to commute to work at my full time job, just for shits and giggles you understand. Folk in this fat bike free zone will see what they are missing and will want to buy a fat bike of their own.
Just a thought like, if the right rep is out there reading......
Monday, 4 February 2013
I have been slacking!
Hi folks!
I have just realised that it has been over a months since I posted on here (apart from mileage that is) which is very lapse of me. I do apologise.
What have I been up to in the meantime? Well, we had a visitor, a friend of SWMBO came and stayed for a week as part of her vacation from Chicago. Whilst she was here, we made a couple of trips out. These included a trip to Avebury where we walked around the stone circle. Our visit coincided with some very cold weather which meant that we had the place to ourselves. No hardship though because the hard frost and looming cloud made for a fantastic atmosphere and awesome light-
Avebury really is a lovely place to see.
Our friend is a bit of a Harry Potter fan, as am I, so we also spent a day at the Harry Potter Studio Tour at Leavesden, Watford. Now, this really was a treat. Some of the sets that were used have been rebuilt in the tour venue including The Great hall, Griffindor Common Room, the kitchen at the Weasley house, Snapes potions classroom etc. Also on display are costumes from throughout the film series, props, special effects models, production models, external sets, the list goes on. The day we went was the day the snows descended so, after four hours or so, we decided to cut it short and drive home. Apparently the record is over eight hours! before we left however, we did sink a glass of Butterbeer. Yum!
If you get the chance to do the tour, take it. Some think it is expensive (£27 I think) but it would be easy to spend a whole day wandering round the sets and exhibitions.
Finally, I have got myself a little part time job, in preparation for my possible enforced retirement from my current full time job. I now do one day a weekend as a sales droid and sometime spanner monkey at my local bike shop! I get paid to talk about bikes, sell bikes, repair bikes and generally have a good time!
Heaven.
I have just realised that it has been over a months since I posted on here (apart from mileage that is) which is very lapse of me. I do apologise.
What have I been up to in the meantime? Well, we had a visitor, a friend of SWMBO came and stayed for a week as part of her vacation from Chicago. Whilst she was here, we made a couple of trips out. These included a trip to Avebury where we walked around the stone circle. Our visit coincided with some very cold weather which meant that we had the place to ourselves. No hardship though because the hard frost and looming cloud made for a fantastic atmosphere and awesome light-
Our friend is a bit of a Harry Potter fan, as am I, so we also spent a day at the Harry Potter Studio Tour at Leavesden, Watford. Now, this really was a treat. Some of the sets that were used have been rebuilt in the tour venue including The Great hall, Griffindor Common Room, the kitchen at the Weasley house, Snapes potions classroom etc. Also on display are costumes from throughout the film series, props, special effects models, production models, external sets, the list goes on. The day we went was the day the snows descended so, after four hours or so, we decided to cut it short and drive home. Apparently the record is over eight hours! before we left however, we did sink a glass of Butterbeer. Yum!
Griffindor Common Room with a Harry and Hermione costume
Snapes classroom
The Weasley family kitchen
The Black family tree at Grimauld Place (not a tapestry but a painting on canvas)
4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey
A Creature in the Kreacher Shop
Olivanders wand shop on Diagon Alley
Part of the MASSIVE Hogwarts model used for some of the exterior shots.
Finally, I have got myself a little part time job, in preparation for my possible enforced retirement from my current full time job. I now do one day a weekend as a sales droid and sometime spanner monkey at my local bike shop! I get paid to talk about bikes, sell bikes, repair bikes and generally have a good time!
Heaven.
Saturday, 29 December 2012
Arise Sir Wiggo and other things
Today saw the release of the New Years Honours List, where The (Other) Boss- Her majesty, bestows honours on The Great and The Good.
One of this years recipients is Bradley Wiggins. The Kid from Kilburn has been Knighted. I can't wait to hear his acceptance. The Queen must be quaking in her boots!
Also receiving a Knighthood is Wiggo's boss Dave Brailsford.
Being made a Dame (Lady Knight) is Sarah Storey, paralympics cyclist and Gold Medal winner, who has also achieved as an able bodied athlete.
Victoria Pendleton is awarded a CBE whilst Jason Kenny and Laura Trott receive OBE's and Joanna Rowsell, Steven Burke, Mark Colbourne, Neil Fachie, Philip Hindes, Peter Kennaugh, Danni King and Craig Maclean each receive an MBE
Having browsed the list, it appears most medal winners at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games have been recognised, along with some coaches and federation leaders. Our sport of cycling has done well.
The other thing for me to mention is my own nearly New Year Honour. 28 years ago today The Boss (Mrs Secret Cyclist) stood next to me at the altar, accepted my ring and said "I Do" when the Vicar asked The Question on my behalf. She is a great lass! As we took a stroll around the town after lunch today, we spied this car outside the local church
Another couple was preparing to share our anniversary day. Congratulations to them, whoever they are.
One of this years recipients is Bradley Wiggins. The Kid from Kilburn has been Knighted. I can't wait to hear his acceptance. The Queen must be quaking in her boots!
Also receiving a Knighthood is Wiggo's boss Dave Brailsford.
Being made a Dame (Lady Knight) is Sarah Storey, paralympics cyclist and Gold Medal winner, who has also achieved as an able bodied athlete.
Victoria Pendleton is awarded a CBE whilst Jason Kenny and Laura Trott receive OBE's and Joanna Rowsell, Steven Burke, Mark Colbourne, Neil Fachie, Philip Hindes, Peter Kennaugh, Danni King and Craig Maclean each receive an MBE
Having browsed the list, it appears most medal winners at the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games have been recognised, along with some coaches and federation leaders. Our sport of cycling has done well.
The other thing for me to mention is my own nearly New Year Honour. 28 years ago today The Boss (Mrs Secret Cyclist) stood next to me at the altar, accepted my ring and said "I Do" when the Vicar asked The Question on my behalf. She is a great lass! As we took a stroll around the town after lunch today, we spied this car outside the local church
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