A long way in a car.

Today's total was sixty-seven and a half miles, done on a round trip to Thirsk and back.

A mess.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Exactly what I needed.

We had a hard week, last week, but the weekend put a lot of things right again.
Whoever said 'laughter is the best medicine' was spot on. Friday night's mix of laughs, good food and good conversation eased my mind of thoughts I'd been clinging on to for the wrong reasons.
The ride, or more specifically, the climb out of Birdsall on Saturday morning allowed to me to forget them all forever. For once, I didn't try to power my way to the top, instead I sat up and enjoyed the view. It still hurt but the task took on another meaning. As well as trying for progression in fitness, the ride became more about the journey, the places we were passing through and what they meant to each of us. At the end I was as tired mentally as physically, but I awoke refreshed with the hope shedding some mental baggage will help me enjoy future rides more than ever before.
Sunday was quiet. Filled with eating, reading the paper and enjoying the company of each other.

Points.

+1

French cycling terms
Home cooking
Fig rolls

-1

Not cycling because of the ice.

One for the scrapbook.

Why My Bike exhibition featured in York Press on Friday 13th of February

Juno.

"You're like the coolest guy I know and you don't even try."




"I try really hard actually."

Another Bike.

This is the latest addition to our stable, it's a Ridley alloy audax frame with carbon forks. The plan is to build it as a single-speed commuter for Katherine. Just keeping it simple and not too heavy, but so it's more comfortable for longer rides than the little shopper she has now.

Another Bike.
Originally uploaded by Paper Thin

Besides a couple of events, it has been the quiet week we needed. The Whymybike exhibition is now up at CityScreen in York. It's the culmination of a year long anonymous project, so it's a with a mixture of pleasure and relief that I can see the results on the wall and the end in sight.
The snow has caused us less problems than many areas of the country but it has stopped me doing any serious road miles for a week or so. February always passes quickly, being the shortest month, yet I can't resist the feelings of hope that a few extra minutes of daylight brings. Spring is coming.

Progress by Stealth.

The words above were mentioned in a documentary I watched this morning. The subject was Savile Row. The street in London, which is famous for bespoke and very expensive tailors.

I didn't think that I would have much in common with a Savile Row tailor but I was wrong.
We are both trying to sell a product without obviously promoting it. They rely on word of mouth and returning custom to sell their suits. A concept I am trying to utilise in showing my work to more people but only in a manner in which I am comfortable with.

I always want to take photographs that aren't easy produce. I want to take care and pride in my work, and I want it to last. To be owned by people who appreciate it.
Using film might take longer. It maybe more hit and miss. It maybe less commercially viable, but I don't mind. To me film is real, it is traditional, it takes skill to use and you have to learn from your mistakes. Most importantly it takes time.

I'm not disappointed that digital has taken over the photographic world, in a lot of ways it is much needed progression. What I am disappointed in is the devaluation that traditional film photography suffers.
I see hope though. Photographers still using film and producing amazing pictures, groups still loyal to traditional methods and publications still promoting the message.
Film is not dead.

Originally uploaded by Paper Thin