As I have mentioned before, I love to watch the Giro 'd Italia and the first couple of days had me glued to the TV, smiling like the Cheshire Cat. HTC coming out on top in the Tea, Time Trial for Stage 1, Mark Cavendish getting the Maglia Rosa after Stage 2.
All this eneded yesterday when I saw the news about the tragic death of Wouter Weylandt, a talented young rider who was to become a father for the first time in September.
I don't know what happened to cause his crash and I don't expect to find out any time soon. What I do know is that there is a bunch of guys this morning, probably as I write, who are riding the roads of Italy, taking part in one of the best sporting events in the world, and they are feeling low. It is now up to the spectators to show their repect for Wouter and appreciation fo the rest of the riders and do what they can to raise the spirits of the athletes as they pass.
Some may suggest that the race should be cancelled. Some may suggets his team mates should go home. I suggest that the race continue and his team mates ride like the wind to win for their fallen colleague.
RIP Walter.
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
Monday, 2 May 2011
Clubbing
I never thought of myself as a 'Club Rider' when it came to my leisure riding. I had looked at various clubs in my area and they seemed to be too competitive for me.
What I was looking for was company when I went out of a weekend, someone to chat to whilst riding, someone to share experiences with, someone from whom I could learn.
Well, I seem to have hit the jackpot.
Marlow Riders is a new group in my area, born from a group of runners called Marlow Striders. A number of this group are/ were apparently suffering the problem that hits many long term runners- their knees were telling them to knock it on the head. Then another of the group had a brainwave. He wanted to invite as many friends as could make it to join him in paris for dinner to celebrate his 60th Birthday. The qualifier? He and they were riding to Paris. Many took him up on his offer and had to go out and buy bikes and other riding equipment. They then had to put in the training as the ride was over 3 days, finishing with an imperial century to the Champs-Élysées. They made it and a jolly good time was had by all.
I now have folk I can meet with on a Saturday or Sunday morning for a social ride.
One unexpected benefit of this is that I am discovering parts of the area surrounding where I live that i didn't know. Over the last few weeks I have been introduced to some stunning scenery and some cracking new climbs.
What I was looking for was company when I went out of a weekend, someone to chat to whilst riding, someone to share experiences with, someone from whom I could learn.
Well, I seem to have hit the jackpot.
Marlow Riders is a new group in my area, born from a group of runners called Marlow Striders. A number of this group are/ were apparently suffering the problem that hits many long term runners- their knees were telling them to knock it on the head. Then another of the group had a brainwave. He wanted to invite as many friends as could make it to join him in paris for dinner to celebrate his 60th Birthday. The qualifier? He and they were riding to Paris. Many took him up on his offer and had to go out and buy bikes and other riding equipment. They then had to put in the training as the ride was over 3 days, finishing with an imperial century to the Champs-Élysées. They made it and a jolly good time was had by all.
I now have folk I can meet with on a Saturday or Sunday morning for a social ride.
One unexpected benefit of this is that I am discovering parts of the area surrounding where I live that i didn't know. Over the last few weeks I have been introduced to some stunning scenery and some cracking new climbs.
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Brooks saddles
The other day whilst sorting through my 'Box 'O Bits' I rediscovered my Brooks team Pro-
This used to be fitted to my work patrol bike and I removed it when I 'retired' from bike patrol. I decide to fit it to G G G G granville, my commuter/ tourer.
A Brooks saddle is a thing of beauty. All I need to do now is get my backside reaquainted with the saddle.
This used to be fitted to my work patrol bike and I removed it when I 'retired' from bike patrol. I decide to fit it to G G G G granville, my commuter/ tourer.
A Brooks saddle is a thing of beauty. All I need to do now is get my backside reaquainted with the saddle.
Yehuda believed it?
One of my regular sites to visit (and one of my favourites) is Yehuda Moon and the Kickstand Cyclery.
On visiting today I saw that they were inviting folk to add the daily comic to their blog.
"Why not" thought I.
Hope you like the addition.
On visiting today I saw that they were inviting folk to add the daily comic to their blog.
"Why not" thought I.
Hope you like the addition.
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Time Travel
I don't know about your riding habits but I am an all weather cyclist. I commute by bike come rain, shine, ice, snow- whatever.
I will put my hands up and admit to the odd chikening out session when the wind is stupidly strong and gusty (I do not want to get blown accross the road into/ under a truck or bus).
I do have favourite weather conditions however and this time of year is when my favourite conditions start to crop up. Warm but not too hot, clear and bright.
These conditions make me smile and feel far too chirpy when I'm in the saddle.
Another benefit of this warmer weather is that it creates my new found ability for time travel.
My regular commute to work takes in Marlow High Street, accross William Tierney Clarks suspension bridge, left after the Compleat Angler Hotel and up Quarry Wood Road. This first section of my commute takes me 10 minutes to the top of the hill. This morning saw the time travel kick in and I got to the top of the hill in 9 minutes.
Dr Who eat your heart out.
I will put my hands up and admit to the odd chikening out session when the wind is stupidly strong and gusty (I do not want to get blown accross the road into/ under a truck or bus).
I do have favourite weather conditions however and this time of year is when my favourite conditions start to crop up. Warm but not too hot, clear and bright.
These conditions make me smile and feel far too chirpy when I'm in the saddle.
Another benefit of this warmer weather is that it creates my new found ability for time travel.
My regular commute to work takes in Marlow High Street, accross William Tierney Clarks suspension bridge, left after the Compleat Angler Hotel and up Quarry Wood Road. This first section of my commute takes me 10 minutes to the top of the hill. This morning saw the time travel kick in and I got to the top of the hill in 9 minutes.
Dr Who eat your heart out.
Monday, 18 April 2011
The Bats are back in town!
Every spring, SWMBO and I spend time in the evenings keeping an eye out through the patio doors waiting for the first bat of the year.
Last night was the night. At about 7:30 we spied a lone bat doing aerobatics around the garden hunting bugs for dinner. It spent about 10 minutes doing circuits and loops and wingovers, at times nearly bouncing off the windows.
In previous years we have had usually 2 but occasionally 3 bats doing their thing at the same time.
I love watching bats.
Last night was the night. At about 7:30 we spied a lone bat doing aerobatics around the garden hunting bugs for dinner. It spent about 10 minutes doing circuits and loops and wingovers, at times nearly bouncing off the windows.
In previous years we have had usually 2 but occasionally 3 bats doing their thing at the same time.
I love watching bats.
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Happy Birthday Mrs Secret Cyclist
The young lady (in the red T shirt) below is Anne, Mrs Secret Cyclist, my loveley wife. She celebrates her birthday today.
I'm too much of a gentleman to tell you which birthday but, it is a milestone.
Needless to say, I love her as much today as I did mummmbley mumbley years ago when I first met her.
Happy Birthday Darling
XXX
I'm too much of a gentleman to tell you which birthday but, it is a milestone.
Needless to say, I love her as much today as I did mummmbley mumbley years ago when I first met her.
Happy Birthday Darling
XXX
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