Too close....

Start Today.

It's perfect weather for me today, exactly what I needed, something to wash away cares of the last couple of weeks and at the same time allow me a few hours to alone time to sort out some much needed jobs. A second pint-sized mug of Yorkshire Tea and a reminder of how to ride like you stole it;
A free listing weekend on ebay means unneeded 'stuff' can get gone. Surfing the web - finding inspiration to pick up my camera again. Shoot black and white film, get high off chemicals again and see what appears on the paper.
On the surface sometimes it feels like I'm almost interested in too much - jack of all trades but master of none - but actually when I dig deeper all my 'hobbies and interests' are linked by being hands-on and having a D.I.Y ethic. Another key issue for me is having quality not quantity, it doesn't always work out that way but I always strive to do my own thing as much as possible.
Now Moto-GP and reinstalling an eMac operating system in the hope it can be of a use or maybe raise some cash.

Lessons to learn.

Make the most of what you've got.

I bet you think I'm boring, but just wait till I get old.

What a strange but beautiful weekend. Leaving negativity behind for a change and embracing a three day weekend, meetings with family, catching up with old friends, Roast dinners and generally taking some quiet time.

 Bill Strickland, cementing himself as one of my all-time favourite writers; "I like it that I never have to ride, not really. I like it that even when it feels I have to ride, it is still a choice."

Wonder what I will choose tomorrow.

Hold on, there's a break in clouds ahead.

Remember a time when information was harder to come by, when we were all just happy to be doing what we wanted without the press of responsibility guiding our thoughts and desires? Yeah me too, never gonna be the same again but at least we had it. This reminds me of something I used to know;

Out of the blue.

A fair few ups and downs recently have been washing over me. The worst of it hits you unexpectedly and pins you under the surface. Losing a close family member is truly awful and a sobering reminder we have less time than any of us think. The better times serve to lift you back to the surface and act as a kick to get started again - never forgetting what's happened but not to dwell for too long. A good bike ride with friends goes a long way.

Now we know where to go.

Had a quiet reflective day - then finally awoke with the making of Yorkshire puddings and fresh bread. Also catching up on Henry Rollins' radio show, the latest episode has Ian MacKaye guesting and selecting the music. Two of my all time favourite people and amazing tunes too. Listen here.

No-one else in the photo

Boonen put the finishing touches to an amazing Spring by winning in style today, couldn't believe what I was seeing as he dropped his team mate with about 50km to go but he obviously knew he could hold it. A little bit of a shame to see the rest fight for second - thought Boom was going to solo for second after he jumped on his 'cross bike but sadly not to be.

All inspired we took Katherine's new bike for it's maiden trip out straight after the finish, we're working on speed but the style is already there in buckets.

Secret muscles

I'm a lot like my Dad in many, many ways. One recent addition to the list is developing what I once called secret muscles. Neither my Dad or I are particularly 'built' or work out but a big childhood memory for me was his ability to lift, throw or generally control anything. Being farmers I'm talking about lifting bales of hay or straw and controlling a head-strong bull, for an quiet unassuming man he was stronger than I could even imagine. Another distinctive memory was watching him trounce the other Dads in a school sports day, welly boot throwing contest - again a quiet, competitive streak, another thing on the list.

This week I have;
-noticed the effect my recent riding has been having.
-found out one of my all-time favourite bands released another album.
-stood up for myself and what I believe, even when fools have been testing me.

Ooooo La la la la

Boonen doing the new course justice with an amazing win - not sure what Ballan was trying, maybe trying to lead out Pozzato to get an Italian win? Who knows, at least it proved Tommeke can put in the work needed and finish it off too.

Again it gives me a massive buzz to see the roads we rode last Autumn play such an important part in one of my favourite races of the year. Can't wait for tomorrows ride now.