Hello there! Been away, but now I'm back.
Spring has arrived since my last post! Longer days, more cycling time, better weather (fingers crossed!), etc. Thank goodness. Winter is the pits!
Well, it's got to go! What has? One of my saddles. Three or four years ago I bought a Selle Italia Flight saddle. The "original" model, albeit with titanium rails, this particular model saddle has been around for a long time and is well known and well loved by many cyclists. But not by me! Having read several reviews of said saddle and being aware of its popularity for some years, I eventually got around to buying one.....just as it was being superseded by lots of other new designs. Nevertheless, it was still about £40 and remained popular at the time. I can recall one of the reviews saying something along the lines of it might take a while to break in, but when it is you'll love it, very comfortable, etc. Rubbish! I've been trying to break it in on a regular basis for the past three years or more and the only thing I've succeeded in breaking in is my backside! I'm beginning to think that there is no such thing as a truely comfortable saddle, i.e. one which is still comfortable, with no trace of aching arse after 50 plus miles in the saddle. I might even be so bold as to say that those cyclists who proclaim to have found the perfect saddle only do so because after several decades they have simply lost the strength and will to continue in a search akin to that for the Holy Grail! However, I will continue in my quest. I already have a Fizik Arione saddle on one of my other bikes and this is much better. Indeed, I would recommend it, but not, alas, whole-heartedly. So, the Flight saddle will probably soon be appearing on Ebay. The fact that it looks exactly the same as when I bought it is perhaps proof positive that the "breaking in theory" is a load of hogwash - it's too hard! But at least it looks decent enough to sell. I wonder if it might attract more attention on Ebay listed under "instruments of torture"?......
But what of lighter and more joyous cycling matters? Well, on the off road front the Morayshire trails are beginning to dry out with the improving weather and, in respect of matters tarmac, with any luck we have now seen the last of the gritting wagons - no more bike-corroding salt! I took to the road myself over the weekend and it was nice to see some sort of "bike convention" taking place at one of the local schools as I passed by - good to see young cycling blood being encouraged. I also got a few off roads miles in on some local forest trails on Sunday and, having regard to the sunny and warmer conditions, donned my shorts for the first time this year. Fortunately, I didn't come across anybody on the trails, although a number of sheep in a nearby field were unlucky enough to behold my legs in all their terrifying winter whiteness. Since then I have seen them bumping into each other, gateposts, etc - clearly their retinas were reduced to ashes by the glare! Alas, I am truely "the pale one".
Here's to a cracking Spring and Summer on road & trail!
Cheers, all.
TPR
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
Sunday, 16 March 2008
D.C.O.R
As most cyclists know, rest and recovery is very important. And the more you do on the bike, the more R&R you will probably need........which can make things difficult! It can be a fine line between becoming faster, stronger and fitter, and doing yourself more harm than good. The characteristics of over-training are probably known to many of you, but for those who are not aware, you should look out for the following:
* Slow recovery
* Unexplained loss of performance
* Heavy, stiff or sore muscles
* Mood swings or irritability
* Loss of energy, drive & appetite
* Disturbed sleep
* Chronic injury or infection
It's difficult though - some of the above can result from the everyday 9 'till 5 drag, and what you actually need is to get out on your bike! But, it's wise to bear in mind that over-training is easily done and to keep a check on how you feel in general. For those cyclists who don't compete, it really is better to take a few days, or even a week or so, off every now and then to ensure your cycling doesn't bring you down, as opposed to up! Remember, you are cycling for enjoyment and to keep fit. For racing cyclists, most know very well the importance of R&R.
Where the line becomes less fine is when obvious injury/pain strikes - here, you should definitely employ D.C.O.R (explanation to follow). For cyclists, pain/injury is likely to be muscle or tendon damage, and knees are often a problem. Unlike runners, fractures and other "impact related" injuries are, barring a fall from the bike, very unliklely. Serious endurance runners, particularly fell runners, are a very hardy type. An excellent read on the world of fell running is Richard Askwith's, "Feet in the Clouds - a Story of Fell Running and Obsession". It's a very entertaining book; amusing, well-written and full of stories of very tough runners, running incredibly hard routes in mind-boggling times! Well worth getting hold of a copy if you're into endurance sports. The notion of C.O.R is examined in the book. Essentially, this is the mindset of some fell runners when it comes to pain/injury - Carry On Regardless. How many actually adhere to it when an injury occurs one cannot say, but some certainly do, or have done. And in some ways they have to - the challenges they undertake sometimes require it if they wish to succeed. But, in general, and for my fellow cyclists, I would advise against it. Obvious pain is your body telling you that something is wrong and you should stop doing whatever you are doing, rest and seek medical attention if required. That said, "pain" should not be confused with, for example, the feeling that your heart is going to burst through your chest on a particularly nasty, long climb on the bike (excluding the possibility that you are actually having a heart attack! Let's hope not!), or your lactic acid filled legs screaming at you for mercy. This is just part and parcel of becoming a fit cyclist. Should real pain/injury ever strike, you will know the difference and it if does, D.C.O.R - Don't Carry On Regardless!
Wishing you an injury free lifetime of cycling.
Yours
TPR
* Slow recovery
* Unexplained loss of performance
* Heavy, stiff or sore muscles
* Mood swings or irritability
* Loss of energy, drive & appetite
* Disturbed sleep
* Chronic injury or infection
It's difficult though - some of the above can result from the everyday 9 'till 5 drag, and what you actually need is to get out on your bike! But, it's wise to bear in mind that over-training is easily done and to keep a check on how you feel in general. For those cyclists who don't compete, it really is better to take a few days, or even a week or so, off every now and then to ensure your cycling doesn't bring you down, as opposed to up! Remember, you are cycling for enjoyment and to keep fit. For racing cyclists, most know very well the importance of R&R.
Where the line becomes less fine is when obvious injury/pain strikes - here, you should definitely employ D.C.O.R (explanation to follow). For cyclists, pain/injury is likely to be muscle or tendon damage, and knees are often a problem. Unlike runners, fractures and other "impact related" injuries are, barring a fall from the bike, very unliklely. Serious endurance runners, particularly fell runners, are a very hardy type. An excellent read on the world of fell running is Richard Askwith's, "Feet in the Clouds - a Story of Fell Running and Obsession". It's a very entertaining book; amusing, well-written and full of stories of very tough runners, running incredibly hard routes in mind-boggling times! Well worth getting hold of a copy if you're into endurance sports. The notion of C.O.R is examined in the book. Essentially, this is the mindset of some fell runners when it comes to pain/injury - Carry On Regardless. How many actually adhere to it when an injury occurs one cannot say, but some certainly do, or have done. And in some ways they have to - the challenges they undertake sometimes require it if they wish to succeed. But, in general, and for my fellow cyclists, I would advise against it. Obvious pain is your body telling you that something is wrong and you should stop doing whatever you are doing, rest and seek medical attention if required. That said, "pain" should not be confused with, for example, the feeling that your heart is going to burst through your chest on a particularly nasty, long climb on the bike (excluding the possibility that you are actually having a heart attack! Let's hope not!), or your lactic acid filled legs screaming at you for mercy. This is just part and parcel of becoming a fit cyclist. Should real pain/injury ever strike, you will know the difference and it if does, D.C.O.R - Don't Carry On Regardless!
Wishing you an injury free lifetime of cycling.
Yours
TPR
Sunday, 9 March 2008
A Late Winter Saunter
Hello, fellow cyclists.
What a lovely day it's been in glorious Morayshire! No sign of the impending "Doomsday" storm as yet and plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Splendid.
I felt fighting fit this morning and was raring to go on the bike. Having done a long, steady ride last Sunday, I planned a shorter and more vigorous ride today. 25 miles or so on the lovely, quiet, country roads around and about Forres, Pluscarden Abbey and Dallas. I met up with one of my posse who's always ready for a bike ride on such a fine day. Having exchanged "Good mornings" we set about burning up the tarmac in earnest. These roads are a cyclist's dream - surrounded by beautiful countryside and rarely any traffic to worry about. The miles fly by and before long my partner in crime declares that he must head back home in order to undertake "The Big Shop", i.e. trawling the isles of Asda, Elgin with "her indoors" and the youngsters. Poor chap! No such concerns for me, and, as I bid my friend farewell, I offer up a silent prayer for his safe passage through the trolley invested fruit and vegetable section. One more sizeable hill is all that stands in the way of my obligatory post-ride soup and several, butter-laden, "doorstep" slices of bread. The mere thought of it gives my legs a fresh injection of energy and I tear up the climb like a man possessed! "What!? Explosive hill climbing in early March?!", I hear the old school roadies cry. I'm afraid so - The Pale Rider has little regard for convention (I hope my knees don't pay the price!)
Having given the legs a good work out, I decide to go for an easy stroll in the afternoon; the old railway line from Craigellachie to Dufftown. This really is a lovely walk (or bike ride), particularly on a nice day like today. It's four miles to Dufftown, but I only intend to walk less than half that. This trail makes a good, very gentle introduction to off-road biking; perfect for new mountain bikers of a nervous disposition or for a family outing on the bikes. It's a great ride on the way back too, as it's nearly all downhill and you can really belt along. But, keep an eye out for those on foot!
The old line runs parallel with the fast flowing River Fiddich and the sound of the water is ever present. Many of the trees which line the path and stretch up the valley sides are of great size. I find it humbling to stand close by and look upon such mighty specimens, many decades older than myself. The path climbs steadily towards Dufftown. Moss and tree covered cuttings rise up on either side. It's tranquil and one cannot help but be relaxed by the surroundings. There are several short paths leading off the old line to picnic benches nearer the river and these offer a lovely spot for a summer's day. Soon enough I reach the railway bridge over the river, where I've decided to turn back. Again, this is a great place to stand or sit awhile and soak up the surroundings. But, as beautiful as the scene is, something is calling me back to Craigellachie - a beer in the Fiddichside Inn! I'm soon sat by the open fire, pint and crisps in hand. It's pretty busy with locals, some of whom have clearly been in the pub most of the afternoon! But it's all good-natured stuff. Pubs like the Fiddichside are very few and far between these days and I fear that in the not too distant future they will all be gone, although I hope not! If you find yourself in Craigellachie and enjoy a pint in a real pub, call in.
On the way back home on the high moorland road, the late winter sun casts a mellow, golden glow over the Morayshire landscape. A truely wondrous vista. I hope to see you out there on the bike soon.
Yours
TPR
What a lovely day it's been in glorious Morayshire! No sign of the impending "Doomsday" storm as yet and plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Splendid.
I felt fighting fit this morning and was raring to go on the bike. Having done a long, steady ride last Sunday, I planned a shorter and more vigorous ride today. 25 miles or so on the lovely, quiet, country roads around and about Forres, Pluscarden Abbey and Dallas. I met up with one of my posse who's always ready for a bike ride on such a fine day. Having exchanged "Good mornings" we set about burning up the tarmac in earnest. These roads are a cyclist's dream - surrounded by beautiful countryside and rarely any traffic to worry about. The miles fly by and before long my partner in crime declares that he must head back home in order to undertake "The Big Shop", i.e. trawling the isles of Asda, Elgin with "her indoors" and the youngsters. Poor chap! No such concerns for me, and, as I bid my friend farewell, I offer up a silent prayer for his safe passage through the trolley invested fruit and vegetable section. One more sizeable hill is all that stands in the way of my obligatory post-ride soup and several, butter-laden, "doorstep" slices of bread. The mere thought of it gives my legs a fresh injection of energy and I tear up the climb like a man possessed! "What!? Explosive hill climbing in early March?!", I hear the old school roadies cry. I'm afraid so - The Pale Rider has little regard for convention (I hope my knees don't pay the price!)
Having given the legs a good work out, I decide to go for an easy stroll in the afternoon; the old railway line from Craigellachie to Dufftown. This really is a lovely walk (or bike ride), particularly on a nice day like today. It's four miles to Dufftown, but I only intend to walk less than half that. This trail makes a good, very gentle introduction to off-road biking; perfect for new mountain bikers of a nervous disposition or for a family outing on the bikes. It's a great ride on the way back too, as it's nearly all downhill and you can really belt along. But, keep an eye out for those on foot!
The old line runs parallel with the fast flowing River Fiddich and the sound of the water is ever present. Many of the trees which line the path and stretch up the valley sides are of great size. I find it humbling to stand close by and look upon such mighty specimens, many decades older than myself. The path climbs steadily towards Dufftown. Moss and tree covered cuttings rise up on either side. It's tranquil and one cannot help but be relaxed by the surroundings. There are several short paths leading off the old line to picnic benches nearer the river and these offer a lovely spot for a summer's day. Soon enough I reach the railway bridge over the river, where I've decided to turn back. Again, this is a great place to stand or sit awhile and soak up the surroundings. But, as beautiful as the scene is, something is calling me back to Craigellachie - a beer in the Fiddichside Inn! I'm soon sat by the open fire, pint and crisps in hand. It's pretty busy with locals, some of whom have clearly been in the pub most of the afternoon! But it's all good-natured stuff. Pubs like the Fiddichside are very few and far between these days and I fear that in the not too distant future they will all be gone, although I hope not! If you find yourself in Craigellachie and enjoy a pint in a real pub, call in.
On the way back home on the high moorland road, the late winter sun casts a mellow, golden glow over the Morayshire landscape. A truely wondrous vista. I hope to see you out there on the bike soon.
Yours
TPR
Sunday, 2 March 2008
Hard Men
Greetings!
"You Tube" is great isn't it?! Is there anything that's not on there?! Okay, so the screen is miniscule and sometimes it doesn't work very well, but there's certainly plenty to entertain. Yesterday evening I decided I could do with watching something to get me in the right frame of mind for a good few miles on the bike today. Something which would make my intended 50 miles or so seem like a walk in the park in comparison. "Aha! Paris-Roubaix", I thought. A quick search on You Tube and up pops a selection of videos of "the Hell of the North" from the 1980's. Just the ticket! Feet up, crack open a bottle from my real ale collection, dish of salted peanuts in easy reach and let the insanity commence!
There's good old Phil Liggett and an "amusing" American commentator who ups the entertainment factor! Mud, pave, crazy speeds, spills, frills, blood and guts (alright, just blood). Excellent stuff! 130 miles gone, covered in mud and they're still riding at motorbike speeds. Marvel, as the likes of Sean Kelly and Greg Lemond go hell for leather after six and a half hours in the saddle. Gasp, as somehow a rider still has the strength to make a break for glory. Sit goggle-eyed as a rider punctures and just starts to run instead! Hell, almost. Hard men, for sure.
Sunday dawns......to a covering of snow! What?! Well, there was no snow in the videos I watched last night, so perhaps I'm quite justified in pulling the bed covers back over and planning next weekend's ride instead. But, then I think of that well known picture of the legendary Tom Simpson time-trialling through the snow in the 1962 Paris-Nice race in fingerless gloves and shorts, and I realise that resistance is futile. Lying on the floor nearby are my numerous thick cycling tops, warm leggings and gloves. There are no excuses. The bike awaits. "But there might be ice", I half-heartedly protest. "Pathetic!", comes my own response - it's not cold enough.
.....several hours later and I'm almost home. 50 miles plus under the wheels and I'm feeling pretty good. This morning's reluctance long forgotten. Just a few more small hills between me and a pan of hot soup and half a loaf of bread. But wait......if I do that twice more I too can call myself a "Hard man" of cycling!
"No".....I'll settle for the soup!
Yours
The Pale Rider
"You Tube" is great isn't it?! Is there anything that's not on there?! Okay, so the screen is miniscule and sometimes it doesn't work very well, but there's certainly plenty to entertain. Yesterday evening I decided I could do with watching something to get me in the right frame of mind for a good few miles on the bike today. Something which would make my intended 50 miles or so seem like a walk in the park in comparison. "Aha! Paris-Roubaix", I thought. A quick search on You Tube and up pops a selection of videos of "the Hell of the North" from the 1980's. Just the ticket! Feet up, crack open a bottle from my real ale collection, dish of salted peanuts in easy reach and let the insanity commence!
There's good old Phil Liggett and an "amusing" American commentator who ups the entertainment factor! Mud, pave, crazy speeds, spills, frills, blood and guts (alright, just blood). Excellent stuff! 130 miles gone, covered in mud and they're still riding at motorbike speeds. Marvel, as the likes of Sean Kelly and Greg Lemond go hell for leather after six and a half hours in the saddle. Gasp, as somehow a rider still has the strength to make a break for glory. Sit goggle-eyed as a rider punctures and just starts to run instead! Hell, almost. Hard men, for sure.
Sunday dawns......to a covering of snow! What?! Well, there was no snow in the videos I watched last night, so perhaps I'm quite justified in pulling the bed covers back over and planning next weekend's ride instead. But, then I think of that well known picture of the legendary Tom Simpson time-trialling through the snow in the 1962 Paris-Nice race in fingerless gloves and shorts, and I realise that resistance is futile. Lying on the floor nearby are my numerous thick cycling tops, warm leggings and gloves. There are no excuses. The bike awaits. "But there might be ice", I half-heartedly protest. "Pathetic!", comes my own response - it's not cold enough.
.....several hours later and I'm almost home. 50 miles plus under the wheels and I'm feeling pretty good. This morning's reluctance long forgotten. Just a few more small hills between me and a pan of hot soup and half a loaf of bread. But wait......if I do that twice more I too can call myself a "Hard man" of cycling!
"No".....I'll settle for the soup!
Yours
The Pale Rider
Sunday, 24 February 2008
Billy Wind
Evening, All.
Well, the weekend is drawing to a close again, but it's been a good one on the cycling front. I was out on the bike Saturday and today, which I don't usually do in the winter. Road yesterday, off road today. But my goodness it's been windy! And hard work it made it at times. Setting off yesterday I struggled to get over 10mph for the first mile or so into the teeth of the wind. All I needed was a straw shopping basket on the front to complete the "old lady on a bike" appearance.......and perhaps a blue rinse. But, I struggled bravely on. I decided a spot of hill work was in order and put together a 25 mile ish route with plenty of ups and downs. I'm no Lucien Van Impe that's for sure, but I do like to climb. Or should I say, I like to climb when I'm feeling good! Anyway, considering I'm really just emerging from my winter hibernation I didn't feel too bad all in all. The old pins were firing well enough and my heart wasn't beating too hard when I put the hammer down every now and then for a few minutes. I fueled up well before setting off though, which no doubt helped - big bowl of porridge with plenty of raisins - "excellente!", as the Ambassador might say. I can wholeheartedly recommend said dish as a good cycling breakfast. So, battling the wind aside, an enjoyable couple of hours in the saddle. Sadly, on returning home and stepping into the shower, the bloody thing didn't work! I will be drafting a stern e-mail to my landlord, Mr Rigsby, shortly!
For today I'd arranged an off road jaunt with a friend of mine. I don't venture out much at all on the MTB during the winter months, but it was good to get a few miles in on the knobbly tyres. No traffic to worry about, flying along on single-track through the trees, etc. Most enjoyable. Unlike me, my friend isn't that keen on climbing, but he's much improved since his early off road days. Billy Bunter they use to call him at school, or something like that, but now he's a pretty fit guy. He use to be big into pumping iron a good few years ago. Rumour has it that he could bench press 500lbs at his strongest, but I think someone must have added a "0" to the figure by mistake! Anyway, he faired very well on the ups today - a testament that climbing ability can be greatly improved with a bit of hard work. No wildlife spotted on the trail today unfortunately. There's usually the odd deer or two to be seen at least. We did come across an entire family out on their bikes though, which was good to see - humans not deer. I'm looking forward to going out on the MTB with my friend and his young daughter some time this Spring. She's 8 and has just got her first mountain bike. We'll be taking it easy on her though - no more than 30 miles on the first outing.......
Well, my glass of real ale is nearly dry and I can hear another bottle calling me from the kitchen cupboard. Time to put the feet up and rest the legs a while.
Yours
TPR
Well, the weekend is drawing to a close again, but it's been a good one on the cycling front. I was out on the bike Saturday and today, which I don't usually do in the winter. Road yesterday, off road today. But my goodness it's been windy! And hard work it made it at times. Setting off yesterday I struggled to get over 10mph for the first mile or so into the teeth of the wind. All I needed was a straw shopping basket on the front to complete the "old lady on a bike" appearance.......and perhaps a blue rinse. But, I struggled bravely on. I decided a spot of hill work was in order and put together a 25 mile ish route with plenty of ups and downs. I'm no Lucien Van Impe that's for sure, but I do like to climb. Or should I say, I like to climb when I'm feeling good! Anyway, considering I'm really just emerging from my winter hibernation I didn't feel too bad all in all. The old pins were firing well enough and my heart wasn't beating too hard when I put the hammer down every now and then for a few minutes. I fueled up well before setting off though, which no doubt helped - big bowl of porridge with plenty of raisins - "excellente!", as the Ambassador might say. I can wholeheartedly recommend said dish as a good cycling breakfast. So, battling the wind aside, an enjoyable couple of hours in the saddle. Sadly, on returning home and stepping into the shower, the bloody thing didn't work! I will be drafting a stern e-mail to my landlord, Mr Rigsby, shortly!
For today I'd arranged an off road jaunt with a friend of mine. I don't venture out much at all on the MTB during the winter months, but it was good to get a few miles in on the knobbly tyres. No traffic to worry about, flying along on single-track through the trees, etc. Most enjoyable. Unlike me, my friend isn't that keen on climbing, but he's much improved since his early off road days. Billy Bunter they use to call him at school, or something like that, but now he's a pretty fit guy. He use to be big into pumping iron a good few years ago. Rumour has it that he could bench press 500lbs at his strongest, but I think someone must have added a "0" to the figure by mistake! Anyway, he faired very well on the ups today - a testament that climbing ability can be greatly improved with a bit of hard work. No wildlife spotted on the trail today unfortunately. There's usually the odd deer or two to be seen at least. We did come across an entire family out on their bikes though, which was good to see - humans not deer. I'm looking forward to going out on the MTB with my friend and his young daughter some time this Spring. She's 8 and has just got her first mountain bike. We'll be taking it easy on her though - no more than 30 miles on the first outing.......
Well, my glass of real ale is nearly dry and I can hear another bottle calling me from the kitchen cupboard. Time to put the feet up and rest the legs a while.
Yours
TPR
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Any Old Iron?
"Any old iron, any old iron, any any any old iron?!", I once sung on stage at junior school whilst clanking two pans together and donned in flat cap, one of my grandad's old shirts and braces. What the audience of parents, teachers, etc made of it I don't like to ponder, but I enjoyed myself!
But what the Dickens is this talk of "iron" about, I hear you ask? Well, push irons of course, and in particular, just how good they need to be. Can you get by and have fun with just "any old iron"? The simple answer is "yes!". Bikes, hey? Where do you start.....or finish?! Mountain, road, hybrid, track, single-speed, fixed gear, carbon fibre, steel, titanium, alloy, £500, £1,000, £2,000, £5,000, etc, etc. But, it's the latter I'm concerned with here - cold, hard cash. You earn it, the bike shop wants it. Some guy once said, "It's not about the bike". I can't remember his name but he was a rider of some note. He was right though. It's about enjoying yourself on the bike and when it comes to going faster, training wisely and increasing your fitness/eating well can more than make up for the fact that you're on a significantly cheaper machine than other cyclists. My first mountain bike was a fully rigid Marin. Second hand. £100. Bargain. A steel machine, with pretty basic components, it was certainly no light weight. But, it was reliable, comfy and a great bike to learn the basics of off road riding on. One of my most memorable rides aboard my Marin was when myself and a friend blew away a group of fellow mountain bikers riding much more expensive machines - an excellent case in point that money can't buy fitness. More than a few years ago........
Me and said friend were riding one of our favourite routes in very hilly country. We'd paused at the bottom of a tough climb to fuel up on butties and flapjack - lunch al fresco. Into view, approaching the bottom of the climb come a group of four riders. As they get nearer we see that they're all riding very nice bikes indeed - a couple were Dekerfs, with top notch componentry - we're tallking £2k plus. We exchange "hellos" and as they pass I say, "See you later" (not meaning it literally). But one of the guys seems to think so and replies, "Yeah?..." with a chuckle and backwards, disparaging glance at my "bottom notch" Marin, as though to say, "I doubt it!". Well, I'm not one to rise to the bait......but we quickly finished our lunch stop and set off in pursuit! Half way up the climb, the "Dekerf boys" are spitting blood and as we sail by with a cheery "Awright?", they don't look too happy. We top out well ahead of the four musketeers and begin the long, fast descent. By the time they catch us up in the village at the bottom we're already eating more buns and drinking coffee. They look even less impressed.
The moral of the story is clear - it's not the push iron your on, but how you ride it.
Fast, slow, in between, expensive or cheap - just enjoy the ride.
Yours
TPR
But what the Dickens is this talk of "iron" about, I hear you ask? Well, push irons of course, and in particular, just how good they need to be. Can you get by and have fun with just "any old iron"? The simple answer is "yes!". Bikes, hey? Where do you start.....or finish?! Mountain, road, hybrid, track, single-speed, fixed gear, carbon fibre, steel, titanium, alloy, £500, £1,000, £2,000, £5,000, etc, etc. But, it's the latter I'm concerned with here - cold, hard cash. You earn it, the bike shop wants it. Some guy once said, "It's not about the bike". I can't remember his name but he was a rider of some note. He was right though. It's about enjoying yourself on the bike and when it comes to going faster, training wisely and increasing your fitness/eating well can more than make up for the fact that you're on a significantly cheaper machine than other cyclists. My first mountain bike was a fully rigid Marin. Second hand. £100. Bargain. A steel machine, with pretty basic components, it was certainly no light weight. But, it was reliable, comfy and a great bike to learn the basics of off road riding on. One of my most memorable rides aboard my Marin was when myself and a friend blew away a group of fellow mountain bikers riding much more expensive machines - an excellent case in point that money can't buy fitness. More than a few years ago........
Me and said friend were riding one of our favourite routes in very hilly country. We'd paused at the bottom of a tough climb to fuel up on butties and flapjack - lunch al fresco. Into view, approaching the bottom of the climb come a group of four riders. As they get nearer we see that they're all riding very nice bikes indeed - a couple were Dekerfs, with top notch componentry - we're tallking £2k plus. We exchange "hellos" and as they pass I say, "See you later" (not meaning it literally). But one of the guys seems to think so and replies, "Yeah?..." with a chuckle and backwards, disparaging glance at my "bottom notch" Marin, as though to say, "I doubt it!". Well, I'm not one to rise to the bait......but we quickly finished our lunch stop and set off in pursuit! Half way up the climb, the "Dekerf boys" are spitting blood and as we sail by with a cheery "Awright?", they don't look too happy. We top out well ahead of the four musketeers and begin the long, fast descent. By the time they catch us up in the village at the bottom we're already eating more buns and drinking coffee. They look even less impressed.
The moral of the story is clear - it's not the push iron your on, but how you ride it.
Fast, slow, in between, expensive or cheap - just enjoy the ride.
Yours
TPR
Wednesday, 6 February 2008
Ride Safe
With the sad loss of a well known cyclist recently, thoughts turn again to the dangers of cycling on the road.
There's no doubt about it, cyclists are very vulnerable. I've had several close shaves myself, including one a couple of years ago where I still can't believe I got away with it. It was so close (in the last fraction of a second I resigned myself to the horrendous impact) and "serious injury guaranteed" that instead of the anger, or shock, one usually feels after such incidents, for some while afterwards I couldn't stop grinning with sheer relief! I was very lucky.
As a cyclist, I think it pays to assume that at every junction, roundabout, etc there is the potential for you to get knocked down. Proceed with the mind set that drivers will not see you. If possible try to make eye contact with drivers. Have they seen you? Will they approach or pass you with caution? At every parked car, assume that someone inside will open the door as you approach. You can guarantee that on the one occasion you don't, out will pop the car door! The ultimate example thus far of a driver not seeing me on my bike happened one Christmas not too long ago.
I was approaching a cross roads down the main road indicating right. At the cross roads was a chap in a car who was clearly intending to go straight over, i.e. he was at the give way - my right of way. Despite the fact that there were no over vehicles in sight, visibility was excellent and I was wearing a bright blue top, as I started to make my turn, I knew that the guy in the car hadn't see me. Out of the junction he started to pull. Only at the point of me being just to the side of his wing (after taking quick avoiding action!) and literally staring him in the face through the windscreen did he see me. And when he did, the look said, "Christ, where did you come from!?". Well, up the road, plain as day, for about 100 yards was the answer!
Whilst being cautious, you should assert your position on the road. If you ride too close to the kerb or side of the road, drivers will be tempted to go around you when they should wait for any traffic coming in the opposite direction to pass, if there's clearly not enough room. You may feel pressured by vehicles behind you, but by trying to accomodate them and tempting them to pass, you may well put yourself in more danger. If, however, you feel the breath of an enormous lorry bearing down on you from the rear on a quiet, narrow, country lane, it might be very sensible to pull in and let it pass. Employ common sense. Not only might this prevent you from being squashed, it will help make the lorry driver in question that bit more cyclist friendly, which can't be a bad thing!
Above all else, NEVER ride pillion on a brakeless BMX with a lunatic at the controls who has a tendency to ride through busy cross roads without looking, screaming like a banshee, after spending the afternoon in the pub and whilst carrying a large bag of takeaway curry!.........as an also "very lucky" friend of mine once did many moons ago.
Take care out there.
The Pale Rider
There's no doubt about it, cyclists are very vulnerable. I've had several close shaves myself, including one a couple of years ago where I still can't believe I got away with it. It was so close (in the last fraction of a second I resigned myself to the horrendous impact) and "serious injury guaranteed" that instead of the anger, or shock, one usually feels after such incidents, for some while afterwards I couldn't stop grinning with sheer relief! I was very lucky.
As a cyclist, I think it pays to assume that at every junction, roundabout, etc there is the potential for you to get knocked down. Proceed with the mind set that drivers will not see you. If possible try to make eye contact with drivers. Have they seen you? Will they approach or pass you with caution? At every parked car, assume that someone inside will open the door as you approach. You can guarantee that on the one occasion you don't, out will pop the car door! The ultimate example thus far of a driver not seeing me on my bike happened one Christmas not too long ago.
I was approaching a cross roads down the main road indicating right. At the cross roads was a chap in a car who was clearly intending to go straight over, i.e. he was at the give way - my right of way. Despite the fact that there were no over vehicles in sight, visibility was excellent and I was wearing a bright blue top, as I started to make my turn, I knew that the guy in the car hadn't see me. Out of the junction he started to pull. Only at the point of me being just to the side of his wing (after taking quick avoiding action!) and literally staring him in the face through the windscreen did he see me. And when he did, the look said, "Christ, where did you come from!?". Well, up the road, plain as day, for about 100 yards was the answer!
Whilst being cautious, you should assert your position on the road. If you ride too close to the kerb or side of the road, drivers will be tempted to go around you when they should wait for any traffic coming in the opposite direction to pass, if there's clearly not enough room. You may feel pressured by vehicles behind you, but by trying to accomodate them and tempting them to pass, you may well put yourself in more danger. If, however, you feel the breath of an enormous lorry bearing down on you from the rear on a quiet, narrow, country lane, it might be very sensible to pull in and let it pass. Employ common sense. Not only might this prevent you from being squashed, it will help make the lorry driver in question that bit more cyclist friendly, which can't be a bad thing!
Above all else, NEVER ride pillion on a brakeless BMX with a lunatic at the controls who has a tendency to ride through busy cross roads without looking, screaming like a banshee, after spending the afternoon in the pub and whilst carrying a large bag of takeaway curry!.........as an also "very lucky" friend of mine once did many moons ago.
Take care out there.
The Pale Rider
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
