The Lull.

I don't like this time inbetween Christmas and New Year, it always seems like dead time of stupid sales and people trying to continue the festivities for no reason except to keep boredom at bay.
Had a bit of a bad luck day too, it's taken all afternoon to get two new tyres on my bike because twice messed up the inner tube just as I had got the tyre on, including a broken valve. Katherine's been at work all day so I slept in too long this morning and haven't managed to actually get going.
I need to get out and ride. My legs are aching to cycle, hopefully tomorrow I can have a pedal.

Wakefield 'cross, Yorkshire Points Round 8

Wakefield 'cross, Yorkshire Points round 8
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Photos online.

Flickr Set

Almost time for time off.

It's my last day of work tomorrow, following which we'll be making a trip over to West Yorkshire to see my family and friends before Christmas. I will also be picking up my films of sunday's 'cross event in Wakefield so they should be online very soon too.

Christmas eve finds us heading south down the M1 to Maidenhead to spend the festive period with Katherine's family. Then after that hopefully begin the New Year as I mean to go on with plenty of cycling, photography and good times.

Stuffed.

Natural History Museum
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Even though I've been working all the daylight hours every weekday (and a bit more besides), things have still been happening. This weekend was proof of what you can do in a day when you put the effort in.
The Natural History Museum made me feel like a kid again, being amazed at everything I saw, I still don't really believe all the animals on display were once actually real.
The Rouleur exhibit was inspirational, and a indication that the photographs I produce have a real market and there is an audience out there. Popped into Condor Bikes next door at the same time and just about managed to stop a shopping spree.

The only thing I have taken a break from is the road bike but only because I knew how little I'd be able to ride this month so rather than being disappointed I took a break. I'm still commuting daily, enjoying the morning race on the bike paths of York with similar minded cyclists. The hunger is there as well, one of my aims for the New Year is to really step up my mileage and become a regular at the sunday club runs.

Hopefully a quieter week this week, and then final Yorkshire Points 'cross on sunday.

London Calling.

6.00AM train in the morning to the capital.

Werking to afford the living.

This week I'll be working about 60 hours all in.

Bingey 'cross, Yorkshire Points Round 7

Bingey 'cross, Yorkshire Points Round 7
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Photos online.

Flickr Set

Winter weekends.

Today it was 'cross at Bingley for round 7 of the Yorkshire Points series. Shot quite a few rolls of film and this week am hoping for a slightly quicker turn-around to get my photos online before the end of the week.
I'm going to miss the atmosphere of these races when the season is over. Even though it's my first taste of cyclo-cross, I feel smitten already.

Condor Cross, Yorkshire Points Round 6

Condor Cross, Yorkshire Points Round 6
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Photos online.

Flickr Set

Air/Water

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Random horizon photo from a Summertime trip.


Had another busy weekend this week. I spent Saturday with a lot of my family and had a bonfire in the rain and pie'n'pea supper.
Then Sunday I was over in Brighouse for another round of cyclo-cross. It was the first time I had seen it ridden in the wet and my respect for every rider who turned out doubled instantly. There was a lot of good racing but my schnapping was hindered by one of my camera bodies jamming, still made the best of the situation. Hopefully photos will be online by next weekend.

Today I've been in bed most of the day with a bug, had to call in sick to work, which didn't feel good letting people down but I would have been as much use as a chocolate fireguard. Seems like the worst has passed now though.
I've had a lot of time to think today and tried to use what energy I had to do some organising so hopefully I can hit the ground running with both photography and cycling when next Spring rolls around.

Jonathan Noble Memorial, Yorkshire Points Round 4

Jonathan Noble Memorial, Yorkshire Points Round 4
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Photos online.


Flickr Set

Try Cycling/Yorkshire Points Round 5

Try Cycling/Yorkshire Points Round 5
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Photos online.

Flickr Set

Tour Of Britian 2008

Tour Of Britian 2008
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Photos online.

Flickr Set

Drop it like it's hot.

After six month's in a very long pipeline it's finally online.
Please check it out, any feedback or questions are welcome.

My Website

Thank you.

A Sunday in Hudds'

Yesterday I made the trip over to Huddersfield for another Sunday of cyclo-cross. The weather was a tad worse than last week, gale force winds instead of lovely blue skies. It didn't seem to effect the riders too much with another two awesome races, underlining the toughness of each rider in the field.
I got another 5 rolls of film which are going to the processor's today and should be ready by the end of the week, and last weeks photographs from Temple Newsam will be online in the next couple of days at http://www.flickr.com/photos/paperthin/

To any riders/interested parties, any image is available to buy. All my photographs are shot with film and are hand printed by Silvertone printers, who have over 30 years experience and produce faultless work. Digital prints are also available, please contact me with any requests or questions on paperthin.ben@googlemail.com

My website is going through final building this week and shouldn't be long before that hits the internet too.

Bike Weekend

Yesterday I rode Manchester Velodrome for the second time but the first time on my own track bike. I had a great session and the bike held up just fine.

Today I went to Temple Newsam in Leeds and photographed a cyclo-cross event. It was the first time that I'd witnessed 'cross and I loved the whole experience. It was such a family occasion, full of real characters but full of hard riding too. I tried to capture the day as a whole rather than just the racing, my photographs will be online, on my Flickr, soon.
I plan to photograph the rest of the events in the Yorkshire Points series too, hopefully building up a body of work at the end of it.

A bit like Jurassic Park...

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

you know, the bit where the raptor is behind the curtain.

So it goes

- A week in Cornwall is a grand way to pass the time.
- Got a haircut yesterday.
- Had my first day at my new job today.
- Going to watch the Tour of Britain next week.
- In two weeks I'll be an Usher at a wedding for the second time this year.

I can take stuff apart and I can almost put it back together.

So I signed this thing called the Offical Secrets Act, which means I can't tell you how much my former job sucked.
I'm in that inbetween period at the moment.
Time is passing slowly but watching Family Guy and reading cycling books helps, especially with all this rain about at the moment.

I'm dangerous, like I imagine a dolphin could be

Change is coming.

Next few weeks new opportunities are coming my way, a little bit of traveling and hopefully happier times.

We're all tourists sometimes.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

All my SF photographs are online (finally).


Also after almost six months of just having a holding page my website is actually coming together, and will be online soon.

Same Old Story

I don't want to hear it over and over again.

Everybody needs to get some new stories and then we can talk.

I'm still here, just quietly going about my business.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Another one in the stable

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

The pain makes it real.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Today I rode up to Helmsey to watch the road racing National Championships. I planned to take some photos of the day and enjoy the roadside atmosphere. All in all I think the bag I took weighed somewhere in the region of 15kg.
My route included going through Bransby, which I could remember had a steep climb but just how steep I would discover later. The body will do things that at first feel impossible, cycling gives the power to make me feel super human. It's as if suffering gives me strength I didn't know I pocessed. As I climbed today, my bag weighing heavier with each pedal, lactic acid making my muscles burn, all I could focus on was the pain and getting to the top. And then it was over, enjoy a quick rest during the descent and then do it all over again.
It might sound stupid to some people and not that great a way to spend a day off but each of us looks for our own sense of achievement.
I take photos for the same reason. The feeling of seeing a shot on film that is exactly how I imagined it as I took it is incredible. The above photo shows someone else's moment of suffering on Bulmer Bank. This image looks exactly how I wanted it to and therefore a success even before others judge it.
I will continue to take photographs and climb hills on my bike. It's as if pride won't allow me to stop.

Finally getting around...

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

to editing my SF photos. Digital first and then later on FILM.

Think I've been putting it off because I don't want to be reminded I'm not there anymore.

Trying to find the time I want to kill.

It's been a long time since I've posted anything. There are many reasons for this but not too many I am going to share.
One thing I will say is that nice guy's finish last when in the 'work' environment, it sucks but it's true.
I'm still taking photographs, I still ride bikes and I still go to bed really early.
I think everyone and their dog knows about The Mighty Boosh, but if this doesn't make you smile just give up now
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXHkrmS3vco

Bricking it.

I have been realising that I have a love/hate relationship with travel. It's a really worthwhile thing to do but it can be so much work to get organised. It also makes me think about how much I like the place I live, and the things I have grown up around.
I'm sure SF will be amazing but I'm a worrier so can't help myself. If anyone has recommendations or "Top 5 things to do/see" drop me a line @ paperthin.ben@googlemail.com.

When you shave your head, you kinda feel like somekind of Superhero

Thats right. I finally gave up and got my haircut, a lot less fuss and a hella lot less air resistance when riding.
I've been trying to focus on the positive aspects of every situation I find myself in, it doesn't always work but slowly it's coming together. Had some amazing luck recently.
I got an awesome track frame for not a lot of money, I backed the winner of the Grand National today and got given a pair of bars for free that I've been searching for ages to find.
How amazing was the sun! when it came out for two days but now it's snowing again. Only ten work days left before heading to SF, it's got to the point of preparation when the ball is rolling but it's still too far away to be centre of attention, and also the point where I worry about everything far too much.
Anywho check you later.

Hella long time

Haven't written in a while, a lot of things have changed and then again it seems a lot of stuff never changes.
I'm suffering computer problems, which may not be solved for a while.
Less than a month to us going to SF.
A job is a job.
Nowt much of interest to report really.

The 11th International Contemporary Artist Book Fair

I have a table, where I'll be selling my goods. It's in Parkinson Hall in Leeds Uni, tomorrow and Saturday.
Come on down and bring your Mother too.

Back in the day.

Old.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

It's like a disease .

And I'm dying. I hardly ever stop thinking of bikes, I probably ride everyday, I can't stop buying bike parts. I'm obsessed.
But I love it. It does no-one any harm, it's keeping me fit and I can afford it.

You never know what life is going to throw your way and we all know that everything you thought would be the same forever can completely change in a second. What matters the most is how you cope with the ups and downs. When something negative happens to me, I've started trying to find a positive from the situation. If you don't things can soon build up and bring you down, we all know this because even though few people would actually admit to being depressed, no-one is actually happy all the time.

Donald Ducked.

What I now say instead of the F word (most of the time).

It's been a strange few days. Starting at the weekend when I rediscovered my love of Jack Daniels, and also what it does to me. Cider makes me pee once an hour all night but no hangover whereas JD just gives me a cracking headache unless I sleep it off.
Finishing work earlier means I have more of the day to myself, which is great. Have been out riding a lot and also getting stuff done in the studio.
It's my day off today, so we came over to Leeds. I hate Leeds but did manage to buy the BEST SUNGLASSES IN THE WORLD EVER. (photos soon)


+1

The film 'Juno', totally original and killer soundtrack.
Catching up with friends.
Double toe straps.
Colour prints done by hand, not digital.

-1

People who have no new stories. If I've heard it once I don't want to hear it again.
Cuts on your knuckles that won't heal.

Don't mess...

...with the cyclists of York, we stick together and together we will get you.

I have just witnessed some disgusting behaviour. I managed to miss what actually started everything but as I looked up the road on Skeldergate Bridge I saw a fat taxi driver stop in the middle of the road, jump out of his car and start swearing at a cyclist who had stopped on the pavement. At this point the driver pushed the guy on the bike to the ground and continued the abuse.
By now a few people were watching the situation unfold. It was only after the cars lined up behind the abandoned taxi got impatient did he get back in and drive off, all the time continuing the abuse.
Not being a fan of bullies, dickheads or taxi drivers and having being blessed with a crazy good memory, I remembered the guy's number plate on my way to see if the cyclist was alright. Another guy on a bike had witnessed the whole thing and came over, along with a pedestrian. The poor guy was pretty shaken up but seemingly unharmed. I gave him the plate while the others said they would be witnesses for when he went to the Police.

I can't believe how the driver acted and I hope he gets what he deserves, if it had been me he had started on I think my U-Lock and his wingmirrors might have got to know each other.

This just goes to show that no matter what type of bike you ride or for what reason, bike riders need to stick together.

Points system.

+1

New projects going well.
V-Necks.
Wicker bike baskets.
Booking flights to San Francisco.


-1

Workplace arguements.

Sundays.

Done.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

This weekend I finished building up my Bmx, basically it's all the parts from my old bike on a new frame.

Sunday night sometimes leaves a strange taste in my mouth. Traditionally this was the night when homework was done before going back to school meaning the short lived weekend was over. Now I'm in a job it has become the night on my one regular day off a week. It always feels like an inbetween time, no longer the weekend but not yet time to work.
When I was unemployed Sunday's were fine. An old friend of mine once said.
"Weekends are meaningless to the unemployed."
It was actually Friday night that I disliked in those days, but thats a whole other story.
A remedy for the 'Sunday Blues' is a drainage ditch that lies somewhere in Dewsbury but if I told you where me and Rob would have to kill you.

Accident.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

The colour when you're done dying.

Paint.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

First time out this year.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Yesterday was the first time in 2008 that managed to get my track bike out on the road. Stopped next to the Minster for a break.

Today I'm:

Sick of;

Elitism
Sarcastic rubbish in ebay listings
Taxi drivers seeing you ride towards them but pulling out anyway

Looking forward to;

Getting my film back tomorrow
The Summer
Riding bikes



If you live in York and own a bike and you haven't already been, go to Cycle Heaven on Bishopthorpe Road. The best bike shop in town.

Cheers Rob.

For hooking me up 'nuff times today.

Style for miles.

Style for miles.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

BMX for life.

Word to the Wise.

I've finally joined the world and his wife, and gone and got me a website.

www.paperthinphotography.com

Content to be added soon.

Days off were meant to be this good.

It's only lunchtime and already I'm buzzing because today has been so good. Here are few reasons why;

1. Got up early enough to not feel like I'd slept too long but late enough to give me a couple of hours longer than I normally get.

2. Been listening to 'Rocket From The Crypt' since waking up. Do yourself a favour and do the same.

3. Went on a ride around town, for the first time in ages. Great to be back riding fixed, mashing between cars with hood up and tunes blasting (safety first) and finished off with a bag of chips for lunch.

Can only get better too, have some spare time this afternoon to plan for the Artist's Book Fair I'm part of in March, then chill with Katherine and then STEAK for tea.

Treats.

Bedford Rascal.

Bedford Rascal.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

The worlds smallest campervan?

I want it to be Summer again.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

An old old photo from the archives from when it was warm and not f-ing raining.

That tower on top of that hill.

That tower on top of that hill.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

It doesn't hurt to sometimes look at your surroundings through the eyes of someone else.

Her.

Her.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Two, Double Zero, Eight

I'm currently down south, writing this in my girlfriend's parents kitchen. We made the drive after work monday, and spent New Year's eve in a south London community centre listening to her Father's band playing a set. It's actually one on the only year's I've actually gone out, having been up since 5 am, then driving over 200 miles it was slightly hard to keep awake but managed till 2 am before falling asleep in the car on the way home.
Got a couple of days yet before have to be back home for work, so today we're off to Katherine's Nans birthday party and then tomorrow is the return leg of the drive.

There's probably some new ideas happening in the BMX side of my life soon. As I've moved more on to other aspects of cycling, I have been slightly guilty of neglecting my small brown bike but I have a hankering for a home spray job and possibly a longer frame too.