What's the world coming to?

I haven't been online much lately but it's obvious some people have, if only just to tell other people how much of a 'proper' cyclist they are. It seems by ignoring the festive period and riding by any means necessary you can earn 'points' for the middle-aged men, Weekend Warrior Spring classics.
Personally, I've been enjoying alcohol, food and new Peter Kay. Not been out on the bike yet but seen a few 'cross races when I had the chance;



Just found this too, which I couldn't agree with more;
How to Own a Bike

The usual

It's Christmas. For a change I'm actually all ready, presents bought, shopping done and even tidied the house for family near and far coming. Any routine get thrown out of the window at this time of year, which is why I probably was allowed to watch last night's 'cross race during tea.
Just a quick halfday at work left before the pub, and then we go home for a proper family Christmas. I have a bit of time off where riding will happen but nothing concrete planned just yet.
Merry Christmas.

.........................

Sandy

More Motocross Videos

...this is good and is definitely something to think about for the future.

Just to recap...

...for those at the back. This is everyday tit for tat, you owe your dealer and can't pay back. Fee. Suddenly he's the baddy, so you tell your mates you could have him anyway to look Geeez but he's a shady fuck - Beamer three series, lock stock and two fat fucks backing him up.

Had an excellent ride yesterday. Needed to be fully embrocated and double-layered all over but more than worth the hour of off-road fun it got me. In an effort to not overlook whats on my doorstep, I went to the usual spot only to find it half covered in frozen puddles. Initial investigation of the frozen landscape weren't good but then new lines and circuits became obvious, which along with the slowly defrosting ground made me re-evaluate somewhere I'd almost written off.
Euro 'cross, Christmas parties, hangovers, talking shit, Christmas shopping and another family roast dinner all made for another 'weekend' I wouldn't have any other way.

Mud makes fools of us all.

A moment too late,

beaten to the punch by Duncan but still posting it anyway.

Definitely feel like letting most of the air out of my tyres and going for a slide around the local fields will be the safest/most fun/easist way to blow off some steam tomorrow before the werk Christmas bash.

Not 'epic' but still very good.

Make or break.

It's nice when a customer puts their trust in you to build them something that's right, in fact a good customer can make a bad week good again.
Done a classic Shimano on Open Pro cyclocross wheelbuild this week, more new bike builds than I can shake a stick at and a personal project going on too. While the world is going wild for 23mm wide rims, sometimes you need to go a bit bigger.

Repeater.

So very tired of this repeating of opinion and lessons learned, especially at this time of year where the world and his wife seems to want to tell you their resolutions.
Today the facts are I spent the day in my hometown, Nick Craig almost won, took some photographs, talked of things I can only discuss with one person and had Yorkshire Pudding for tea.

Weekend starts here..

A pint in the Slip after work.
Home-made Mexican tea.
New batteries mean Yashica T5 is up and running.
Train tomorrow back home to see family and friends.
Bradford on Sunday for 'cross.
Hopefully roast dinner to top it all off.

Too much,

is never good.

Having too much time on your hands, means the things that really need to be done, rarely are. Thinking too much of yourself often leads to vanity and a deluded sense of self-importance. Revealing too much, either in body or mind, means you are trying to hide something or you are judged on the 'cover' not the 'contents'.

I'm fighting on a few fronts at the moment but things are tipping to my side. Recent events and the time of year are making it easier to focus on what's necessary. I'm just looking after my own, not trying to change the world or be an example for anyone else to follow.
Live your own life.

Bummer.

Today I lost something close to me, Buffy was a great dog and will be very fondly remembered.
I feel like I should just find some land, surround myself with family, build a home, tinker with bikes, drink tea and ignore everything else.

A reminder to myself...

to go here next year;

I'm loving Bart Aernouts at the moment - partly because of the Rabobank connection and also for seeing his 1x10 Di2 set up at Ruddervoorde. Can't beat Pauwels' butter wouldn't melt interview technique but at the end of the day Nys is still the Boss.

Koksijde

A thousand words.

Randoms.

Knowledge and stuff.

ALL ANIMALS ARE EQUAL
BUT SOME ANIMALS ARE MORE EQUAL THAN OTHERS.

I respect knowledge and experience but care little for opinion. In my dealings in everyday life I come across less knowledge based on 'hands-on' experience but more and more people prepared to spread what they think or have read as their input into a particular situation. In my mind this is wrong.
For example, if you want a wheel built for a specific purpose it's best to find someone who has built A LOT of wheels before - for YEARS they will have learnt what does and does not work from experience and their advice will be clear and helpful. On the other hand, you could listen to the multitude of conflicted opinion that exists and pick out anything that you consider right. Often this is simply recommendations of a certain product that is in favour at the time but without the reasoning why it works better than anything else. If you're lucky you'd get a good set of wheels or you could end up with a mess someone else will have to fix - usually someone who knows what they're doing better than the random opinion that hindered the initial process.

That may all sound rubbish to most of you. The thing is the people with experience don't necessary shout about it, they go quietly about their business while other 'flash in the pan' merchants come and go around them. This applies to every walk of life, I use the bike world as my example because that's my world but it happens everywhere.
Back to the opening lines of this entry.....we do all start equal but it's how we behave and handle ourselves that gives us our status not an online persona with n friends.

Give it four to five years and it'll be 'Here come the Dutch':




My Sunday's are falling into a nice routine recently. They start with catching up on sleep till mid morning, breakfast and shower then down to the supermarket. When back home I have an hour or so to do some jobs then sit down watching the weekends racing live while eating dinner before some online time till Katherine gets home for tea and a relaxing evening.

Chilling.

Push to Start.

When the flag drops - the bullshit stops.

Elbows.

I love the style of Under-23 racing. Full of attacking, no fear and usually a fair number of offs.


It's been a strange weekend so far. A good day in the shop yesterday, quiet enough to mean a couple of us had time to address some personal projects. What began as a joke has now taken a life of it's own and has gone too far not to see the light of day - already looking forward to riding next year. I have a page of scribbles, full of ideas based on changing one of my existing bikes for a slightly different use.
Today, with the day to myself, I got to watch Kevin Pauwels have back to back wins and still got my fair share of jobs done.

Rabobank are deep in the game;

Really looking forward to the return of Lars Boom in December for his usual dabble in the mud in preparation for the Classics, and then it all starts again!

Pattern.

BS

Now we know

Keep talking.

Big talk today about future plans.
More photographs.
Did some stuff - saw some things.

Had a little discussion about training partners with someone who gets paid to ride, I'm not alone in my views.
Also working in the bike trade we know too much, it's easy when you believe in the bikes you sell but there is one universal truth we're not meant to tell anyone;
'It's not about the bike'
It's not the tyres or carbon bars either. The enjoyment of the ride will mainly be based on your attitude, your comfort on the correct fit and whether you stay upright going round a wet corner is down to skill not the right rubber compound in a tyre.

Enjoy.

Seeing clearly.

Singular.

The hardest part of a solo ride is starting. For a change this morning I got a lift with Katherine when she went to work, this meant I had to be up and out of the door with no room for hesitation. Looking at the weather it was tempting to get back in bed but my body and mind were crying out to ride.
The best thing about cycling, in my opinion, is riding. Not commuting, training or racing but riding for the sake of it. I prefer to either be in a pair or solo, any more than that and it gets messy, these days even finding one other person is difficult but then again I haven't just ridden in ages.
Today was a belter. Revisited a couple of old favourite climbs including Church Hill in Crayke before my traditional route back from Easingwold - over the scary bridge, past the posh school, cross two busy roads and then wind down back into Tad.

I'm reading one of my favourite authors at the moment. He writes about life and cycling so well by just addressing the little moments so many others overlook. It's great when you find a book you could read all in one go but decide to take it one chapter at a time to make it last.

100%

Do we give 100% effort to anything anymore?
I'd like to say I do but having a few things going on at the same time means sharing time and effort between them all.
I hate the fact life makes you choose but there are no wrong decisions only different outcomes.

Mileage.

I'm having a hard time with Rapha at the moment but that is another story. The Continental films keep coming and mostly hit the spot.

I've always had a lot of time for Ira Ryan, in my limited dealings with him he has always come across as a good guy. I like his attention to detail here;
It all starts with one giant bag
Thinking a lot about triples, a bar bag full of sarnies and day long rides in the Yorkshire Dales at the moment.

Daily.

Everyday...
I listen to music.
I am more sure I found the one.
I knowingly spend too much time on the internet.
I sleep for (at least) seven hours.
I am convinced the world is getting less intelligent.
I'm glad I am patient but want a bit more motivation.
I wonder how I'd done if I'd gone into the family business.
I think too much.
I'm glad I get to be myself.
I want/need more tattoos.
I think of those who aren't here anymore.
I smile.

New things.

Could mountain biking be on the list. Maybe not while I live close to York, I like being able to just ride out of my front door too much but someday probably.

Back to it.

*I'm now a Godfather.

*My collection of race long footage from this season's Belgian campaign is growing and providing inspiration when most needed.

*Fed up to the back teeth with so much rehashing of what we all know already. I'm going to start learning new stuff and doing new things.

*Beer supplies just about right.

In no particular order.

Looking forward to the weekend.
Family celebrations.
Problem solving.
Studio headphones and my music.
Standing up for myself.
A perfect fit.
Having a laugh.
Short term goals - long term plans.
Knowing when not to be part of the crowd.
Secret beer shop.
Strictly.
Our big day plans.
I get custom, you're a customer.
Reading.
Her.
Having contacts.
Not paid to sit at a desk all day.
Never, ever using Twitter.
Helping others get the bike they want.
"Tips and Tricks"
Inside jokes.
Not giving a fuck.

Another on the list.

Let's do this.

So very scared.

I try my best but sometimes I fall short of where I want to be. Today I failed but will do all I can to stop it happening again.


Adventure. I would love to do something like this but in a way it's also my worst nightmare.

All the trick 'n treater's have gone away and I still have half a bowl of marshmellows, oh well time to fire up the gas hob.

Sandy

Floor it.

When I was finialising my plans for the trip to Belgium, it was important to get the right people on board and to find a date when we were all available. It came down to two weekends in October, both of which had Superprestige races happening on the Sunday. In the end we went earlier rather than later, this weekend was the other option manly because of the race in Zonhoven. Having just finished watching today's race it's obvious it would have been a cracker to be at but I have no regrets only ambition to be back there as soon as possible. The course is unusual, as it seems to be located in a huge sandpit. The action usually centres around a very steep sand descent that claims it's fair share of riders who are unlucky enough to come unstuck. Bart Aernouts came off the worst today but still finished the race, which was won by Niels Albert who rode away from everyone on lap one never to be seen again.

This is simply insane;


Had another chilled out Sunday, even got some D.I.Y completed, when it comes to home-improvement I'd rather get someone who knows what they're doing but I can now add minor electrics to my lists of can do's.
Tomorrow I have another list of things to do but out and about not at home. Hopefully it includes a minor improvement to one of my bikes.

Recap, for those at the back.

Back to emo.

Who knows when it starts but sooner or later we all change ourselves to fit into the situation our lives have become, simply to make it all more bearable or to forget the truth we don't want to accept.
The other night I had a proper 'monk on', it wasn't a particularly bad day but just something had a left a bad taste. It took some thinking and blasting music from my past to remind me of a couple of important facts, especially as I was also told today;
"Any day you wake up can't be that bad."
There are more important things in life than petty worries about materialistic bullshit.

Interesting.

A cool insight into the effect of mileage on different riders.

Now.

Take me here now.

So...

Here are a few things I've been thinking or doing over the last couple of days;

Half thought I might be coming down with something because I've been so exhausted after work but then sleeping for 12 hours last night seems to have done the trick.
Didn't race today because I couldn't get myself there. Trying to think long term when it comes to racing without getting ahead of myself, now just want to keep off road skills going and mindset ready for a few more efforts before the season changes again.
Have been riding my hack to work. The Bob Jackson is in the spare room for the Winter, the Speedster is in Audax mode and playing about with the idea of a massive mod to the 'cross bike.
It's our first day off together in a while tomorrow, one objective is to look at suits. I want to look like it belongs on me rather than a monkey kicked through Top Shop.
Shot a roll of film in my beloved OM-1 today, all at F1.8. Going back to playing with depth of field and doing stuff that makes me happy.
Watched today's World Cup race whilst eating home-made guacamole and drinking one of those famous Belgian beers. The best thing was all the highlights of the Junior and U23 races - those kids just go right from the gun and don't look back.

Just following orders.

I've just read these words; Anyone can be cool - being awesome takes practice. I personally couldn't agree more, it's never been easier to align yourself with the latest trend without ever understanding it and this can lead to once obscure interests becoming 'watered down' to better fit in with the mainstream world.
A great example is bands who start small then get big. I have a friend who thinks the first album from any band is the best and all others after aren't worth listening to, I'm not so sure on that one but I love bands who did a few albums etc but then split or just don't exist anymore. This means they can't spoil what made them great for me in the first place. One in particular that springs to mind is "Small Brown Bike", they can do no wrong because they're not around anymore. Their music will always mean something to me I can't really explain - it's the sort of stuff I listen to now when I've had a day where all I wanted to do was swear at folk but shut my mouth instead.
I can come up with so many bands that have gone the other way but there's no use being negative all the time.

+1
The first Condor bikes arriving in the shop.
Knowing people on the inside.
Tips on DVD quality footage.
Maybe planning another trip sooner than I thought.
Genuine people.
Shimano.

-1
Getting dicked around.
Seeing what I love to do change.

What actually matters.

I could write about meeting the great Freddy Maertens, the swag I brought back from Belgium, future bike plans or the big-ring riding I did this weekend but at the moment the thing I'm most proud of is last night I was asked to be a Godparent to the youngest member of my family.
That is all.

Lastly.

True story.

Today I changed a rear inner tube on a Pinarello BMX and then straight away another inner tube on a Time RXRS Ulteam road bike - the first weighed probably twice that of the Time although by the owners description of the road bike it has some faults - it rattles your teeth out under 20mph and after a 140 mile ride last week it left him limp.

What goes up must come down

Straight back there.

Watch more video of European Cyclocross 2011/ 2012 on cyclingdirt.org

Centrum Ronde van Vlaanderen

Action

These kids could race:


We saw the start of this race but couldn't stick around without risking the ferry:


It's strange seeing the course on the screen and knowing exactly what it was like on the day, Euro courses are so much harder when you see them in the flesh.

Back with stories to tell.

Guess where I was at the weekend

Everything will come out soon enough.

Stoemper

SF.

Now we know.

I think I know what it is now. I don't like people talking for me or like they know me without actually knowing who I am. When this happens, instead of lashing out I retire into myself and become more private. The major problem of this is I become a hermit in my own life and I don't like that. As I said to someone earlier today,
"I neither forget or forgive."
So, this weekend I'm mentally and physically out of the office.

Points mean prizes.

Yesterday morning I was questioning why I want to race my bike, then I went and did my first 'cross race of the season and remembered why.
From my point of view I had a really good race - slow start, didn't blow up half way through, picked up a couple of places each lap, only started to suffer on the last lap, had a minor mechanical on one of the very last corners when I rolled a tub but didn't panic, popped it back on and finished the race 36th out of 53 starters. The worst thing was feeling dehydrated because it was so hot but my bike handling was spot on when it needed to be. I have a few things I can learn from and improve but that's what it's all about.
This morning I got up and got out for a recovery ride, and last ride of the year, on the Bob Jackson. Caught up with a good friend and then filled in everyone at work with what happened during my race.
Now time to turn my attention else where...

Buzzin'

What a day. I guess another bonus of werking in the trade is 'shows', they are what you make them - granted there is a lot of same old but at the same time you can find some proper gems.

There was far too many bang tidy 'cross bikes but the future is definitely disc brakes, it may not be there now but certainly it isn't far away.

There is so much happening right now, I can't begin to think how good it will get if everything comes together. The only thing slightly missing is a few like-minded people to ride 'cross with - nothing serious but just each person helping push the others with friendly competition - maybe I should start my own gang? It would have a strict entrance exam but the main criteria would be not to be a douche.

A proper winner.

I'm not massively taken with the three peaks, I would love to ride it one day but probably not any time soon but I am a fan of Nick Craig. A down to earth attitude mixed with unbelievable skill makes him a great rider in my book. Also interesting he rode it all on one bike - just shows obsessing over equipment isn't always the answer.

Under a red sky.

It's funny how with so little effort your day can go smoothly or descend into madness. Today's activities were planned last night and with agreement for the other half, an evening 'cross training ride was penciled in. Work flowed, Red Bull consumed and just after six I rolled out the door into a warm evening.
An hour sprinting around the tracks, avoiding dog walkers and angry joggers, mainly practicing advice given to me by my betters seems to have paid off. I came away with the thought 'make the best of what you've got', I may not have the perfect place to ride on my doorstep but a little imagination goes a long way. I've always had a decent amount of power when riding off road but lacking confidence and technique means the speed isn't always there. That's slowly changing and with confidence in my equipment (even the brakes most of the time) I feel a little faster than last year.
This feeling carries over into quite a few aspects of my life at the moment and I don't always feel that way. In a way it get's easier when you don't focus too much on what's going on around you but make sure everything that matters is sorted. I'm definitely taking that attitude with a little travel arrangement currently. Transport, check. Accommodation, check. Everything else, we'll see.

Joy Division Oven Gloves.

A morning diverted by waiting for the plumber meant my all day ride plan and last outing on the Bob Jackson for this year had to be shelved.
So as usual I hit YouTube for inspiration:

Ended up with a really good out and back to some of my favourite singletrack. A couple of hours blasting through trees, avoiding dogwalkers and leaving my Grifo tread pattern in the mud. It was a great antidote from the week of work I'd just done, not stressful just jam packed, also blasting Half Man Half Buscuit helps too.

Trying to get the details right.

Good:
Thinking about the next possible new bike.
A Saturday to myself.
Being involved at work.
Chocolates brought back from Belgium.

Bad:
Thinking about the next possible new bike.
Ebay time-wasters.

Indifferent:
Rough commutes.
Not enough time in the day.

Get off the bandwagon and put down the handbook.

This is so very, very true.

Enough said.

Frustrating.

Today could have been so different. The latest round of the Yorkshire Points cyclocross series was in the village where I was born and raised, and where 80% of my family still live within 3 miles of. To say it was my home race would be putting it mildly, however I was not in a fit state to take part. I turned up not even sure why I was there, half a practice lap later I knew I wouldn't be racing. I had the lung capacity of an asthmatic budgie and no power anywhere. A real shame as it was a pretty good course, maybe not ideally suited to my lack of tech skills but would have been a good test.
The whole day has highlighted a few things for me and given me some points to work on in the near future, also raised a question I've been thinking about for a while;
Are West Yorkshire cyclists 'harder' than those from York and surrounding area?
I certainly think cyclists in York can suffer from a lack of drive and camaraderie that those from the Halifax area seem to have in bucket loads. Maybe it's just the lack of hills, it could be something deeper like the differences between the working and middle class populations or it could just be rubbish and we're all the same.

Belgian humour

Watch more video of CrossVegas 2011 on cyclingdirt.org

Pride.

A little bit of Friday inspiration;
Belgium the only place where they clean the roads for a bike race.
Lars Boom making it look easy.
Guy martin making you wish you had his desire and drive.
And a little bit of classic Yorkshire too.

Tally.

+1

Boom taking control in the ToB.
The wind is dying down on the commutes.
Beer festival time.
Cyclocross.

-1

Major sore throat at the moment.
Still not a moments peace.

Not here or there.

Without effort everything can slowly diminish. Although when the effort feels like a battle it's probably not worth it, unless the juice is worth the squeeze. I have weeks of being all over the shop in front of me but it's all my own doing, there's been enough sat around so now we can have some action.
Ask me how it all went in November.

Go Dutch.

No idea what's being said but the footage speaks for itself;


Boom does it all right, and usually Euro to the extreme;
-He respects the lifestyle that comes with being a Pro cyclist, follows 'Le Metier' if you will.
-Always trains in matching kit and fully covered up.
-Rocked a Euro mullet shamelessly.
-Is almost the complete rider, World and Dutch champion in multi disciplines, is seen in the Classics, breakaways and a lead out man in stage races and wins a few 'cross races in the winter.
-Still a small town guy.
-Does everything with a sense of style that most people would give their right leg for.
-Di2 on every bike.

The stars of Amateur hour

I think it's about time we forget about the idea of PRO, leave it to the professionals and embrace being amateurs. No-one is getting paid to ride so forget the attitude and enjoy it.
Had a nice morning seeing how low I could go with pressure in both set of tubs. Discovered what was too low and then settled on a couple or race day settings that should do me right for every occassion. The best thing however was my gluing stood up to the test, giving me more confidence to throw the bike around.

Don't Panic

This is probably going to be one of those blog entries that rattles on a while because not only do I have some time on my hands to mull over several subjects but also I have some responsibility this weekend so am likely to be broken away from the task at hand.
Let me begin with thoughts of priorities. I think we live in a very confused time, I know money makes the world go round but as there seems to be less money around people are exploring other aspects of life. An example of this I encounter more than most because of my profession is the middle-aged man wanting to reinvent himself as a bike mechanic. I can't offer much in the way of explanation, but there are others too such as celebrity farmers and a rise of the here today, gone tomorrow 'bits and pieces' shops. I was told this week that there isn't actually less money today than in the past, it's more like those with it aren't spending or investing because there is less chance of a decent return. Personally I try to distance money from my decisions, sometimes it's impossible but most of the time it succeeds in making my life a little more enjoyable.
Back to priorities, I can see at the moment where I'm failing. I need to make sure I pay attention to the most important aspects and aren't too distracted by outside influences. I want to make sure I look after those closest to me, plan for our future and make sure we get the most out of life. If I had my way, it would be a Mediterranean way of life we followed, based on home-life, family, good food and quality rather than quantity.

Somethings I keep for the future, always planning.


For some people I would go to the edge of the world.


Almost time for tasting blood in the name of fun.


Over the next few days away from my usual surroundings I shall be doing a fair bit of equipment testing of my workman-like 'cross bike and wheels. There will be no reports unless of an spectacular success or failure.
In my mind if you want to make cyclocross sexier, leave the marshmellows and novelty at home and bring professionalism and hard racing.


Thinks that's enough, time to crack open one of my Dad's bottles of red wine, think about what's for tea, walk the dogs and prepare for the start of Strictly tonight.

Another.

Skills.

There is not much more satisfying than learning and perfecting new skills. Tonight I have been mostly applying a second layer of glue on the rim and adding a first to a fresh tubular base tape, tomorrow night more glue will be added before I join the two halves together and create a bond that will see me through the season's racing.
Gluing tubs is a perfect example of a skill which seems impossible at first but when explained is very straight-forward, it just requires complete focus and attention to detail. At first I was a little messy, maybe not in total control but still got the job done. Now I'm on another level, learning from my own experiences and finding what works the best for me. There is always more to learn and I already know improvements for the future. The best part is being responsible for my own equipment, there is no blame just mistakes to learn from.

Talking of seasons I might even be around during the 'festive period' this year and get to race at Tod this year.

Todmorden Cyclocross 2011 from Maia Media on Vimeo.

Know where you come from.

Two hundred miles in a car solo really gives you some quality thinking time and chance to blast some tunes.

dave young. Nowhere Fast bmx video. from martin bravo on Vimeo.

This video part is responsible for so much in BMX and also introducing me to the wonders of Slayer. Reign in Blood helped keep me awake tonight, also makes a commute pass a little faster than normal.


Rocket From The Crypt, this was the first time I ever heard of them - bought the album 'Scream, Dracula Scream' the next day and haven't looked back since. Speedo is a sideburn hero too.


As powerful as any guitar music, name of the song says it all.

Keep it like a secret.

So much going on, can't even start. Lists help me function;


I'm now deep in the tubular game but actually taken a side step in a slightly different direction and am quietly confident about it paying off.

Found the best small Italian restaurant the other night, will be revisited many times.

Got my passport back in record quick time - good to leave the country for another 10 years.

A few changes at work for Winter, hopefully we get a bit more time together.

Sometimes working in a bike shop is the best job in the world, especially when you get your favourite products on clearance and TRADE!

Got a weekend of driving over 400 miles ahead of me. IPod charged and full of hardcore/punk to ensure there's no dawdling.

Assembling some Rapha themed ebay listings for the near future.

Also, this RaphaSuperCross has me slightly concerned. I loved racing at Huddersfield last year - sounds pretty nightmareish this time round.



There's more but I just don't have the time.

Hooking up.

Massively inspired by Duncan; this is really what blasting through the woods should be like.

Jason Thomas: On The Frontline from Rob Mitchell on Vimeo.

My War

It's so easy to get wrapped up in the stupid shit that goes along with life. Who's doing what, what's new and how we're all into the same stuff. But really it's all a distraction.
It was refreshing to get out in the wind and blast round the Knaresborough loop yesterday morning without a care about much. The downwind section into Little Ribston was so much fun I almost turned round and did it again, at a guess it was up around 35mph or there abouts.
An afternoon BBQ stretched into the evening, full of laughing till I cried, meat, an amazing dog and telling tales round a firepit. Then it was time for the second ride of the day - a midnight trip down the A64. It's unbelievably quiet without any cars and just a tad spooky with my headlight being to only source of light around.
Today was a classic recovery Monday mostly spent listening to Black Flag and sorting stuff for Katherine's birthday. If there is one thing in life that separates the men from the boys it's the appreciation of Black Flag. It ain't exactly easy listening and the Henry Rollins era vocals actually fill me with anger - in a let's get shit done way.

Sitting down too fast.

Have It.

POW.


Booked it. Packed it. Fucked off.

We're no longer sitting at home waiting for moments to come to us, we're out and looking for the moment.
Ian Mckaye
FVGAZI.

Sweep the leg.

I've managed three evening rides in a row over the past three nights, each one different but with a specific goal. Yesterday was a two hour spin after work, emphasis on the spin with a healthy amount of socialness.
Tonight was an hour riding in circles around the woods, doing hill-repeats and getting more experience riding technical sections fast. Each evening has been the best time of the day, beautiful sunset and just a real peaceful end to busy day.


Not sure how I started thinking about Katate Kid, but no matter how cool the skeleton costumes they still get beat by an old Chinese dude:

Squeezed.

Inspired by the usual youTube videos and the fact I had an hour in an otherwise busy day I managed to squeeze in a ride tonight. It never fails to amaze me how you can simply ride and everything slots into place, all the problems I'd been sorting at the computer simply solved themselves. It's as if the mind cannot cope with bullshit during the physical exertion of riding so you can look at everything with commonsense and reason.
Towards the end of my loop I discovered that the cows had my usual 'cross practice spot, which meant I had to back up and head along the river. Richard Groenendaal would have been proud, 15 solid minutes of remounts then a shake down ride on the singletrack on the way home.

You need me. I don't need you.

I was going to write a long post about a load of stuff I've been giving too much attention recently but this quote in the photo says it all.
There will always be people with similar interests to me, I just have to decide which ones to let in. Respect is a massive thing for me, on that score and a few others I am painfully old-fashioned, and like my Dad you only get one chance I don't really have much time for second chances.
We're both going to do what we want, when you change your behavior for someone else then you lose something of yourself.

I have way too much to do today to ride but this looks like an awesome way to get rid of the cobwebs, also a classic example of the PRO pain face:

and how wide are those bars?

Grand day out.

Bothered.

The Weekend Warrior.

Is a cyclist, mainly found in the road genre of the sport. A funny character who is obsessed with so many niche aspects of cycling that actually riding can sometimes be a second thought.
They will always have advice and opinion, rarely their own, about equipment, training etc but dig deeper and it's easy to spot this information is not based on real-life experience. Their rides mainly are with similar minded 'mates' who ride Colnagos, Looks, Cervelos - these rides branded as social are more like a hammerfest, an ego-driven rage round the country lanes simply trying to show anyone and everyone you are fast or at least faster than them. Many now class these rides as training for Sportives. It is common to be passed by a solo weekend warrior simply without acknowledgement whilst he pedals 53x12 only for him to ease up and sit 50 yards ahead desperately trying to recover before you catch up with them.
They use the term 'suffering' to describe their rides, without exactly knowing why.
Some will be obsessed with either a country, a company or a Tour and refuse to acknowledge the existence of anything else.
They will often visit bike shops without actually buying anything but relying on the mechanics to fix any problems ill advised home maintenance has caused. Equipment choices are often based on what is PRO or what got 9/10 in CyclingPlus. Weight is always a factor. Clothing is not so easy to pin down, many wear top end gear but just as many mix and match pro team kits from throughout history. Full and bulging rear pockets are standard.
Usually neither commuters or racers, cycling is more a way of getting outside on a weekend, spending excess income and keeping up with the jones'.
They are never retired, retired weekend warriors play golf instead.
They are real cyclists and definitely should not be looked down upon, most do more mileage than average and realistically they will spend more money than most thus keeping the bike trade alive for a while longer.

True.

Knowing you have more to learn is half the battle, being humble and accepting the lesson that's another story.
http://redkiteprayer.com/?p=5952

Coming together.

One of my all time favourite videos.


It feels good to get a little more responsibility thrown my way and everything work out ok. Take a deep breath and stay in the moment, must remember to do that more.

Strange times.

Think I may have been more tired than I thought, as I almost slept for 12 hours last night, which also meant the riding I wanted to do would have to be in the afternoon not morning. I left on my 'cross bike for what turned out to be a mostly on road ride, went in search of new woods but drew a blank. After somehow ending up in Boston Spa I tried the path back to Tad along the river only to end up in the middle of a flooded field full of angry cows. With any further trouble avoided I got home and cleaned my shoes and bike, only to start thinking about heading back out on my road bike straight away.
If anyone was watching it must have been slightly strange to witness. No more than 20 minutes after coming back home I left again on a different bike, only wanted a short loop and threw in some kind of intervals on a difficult little triangle of roads to mix things up. Best way to know you're riding hard enough? Taste blood? If yes then just continue on your way. Back home again with a little deja vu and the usual after ride routines. Now just typing this whilst watching the Swift's fly past my window against the setting sun. Mustn't grumble.

Looking in the mirror at my only opponent.

Trying to decided whether to try and ride on or off road tomorrow;

At the moment there's a clear winner.

Richard Groenendaal looks resembles a bulldog that has just received bad news but I bet he's a good coach.
Then...

29-11 Gieten : Repo - Richard Groenendaal from jef cleemput on Vimeo.

And now....

Doing it from the front.

Destroyed.

Hard words but it sums up how I feel pretty well.
Long days at work, headwind commutes, fine rain that soaks you through, having no appetite because I'm so tired, feeling let down by people; all contribute but the worst thing, my hands. They are bloodied, stiff and cramped, suffering from split nails, papercuts and gashes across knuckles. Don't know why but this week I've ruined my hands.

I hope the sun comes back for the weekend.


Nice inspirational video, from someone who has had worse and still comes back for more:

My Friends Are Talented "Catching Up" from John Jenkins-Stark on Vimeo.

The other way of doing things.

Cyclocross bootcamp Rabobank style.


Boom.


More Boom.

Took the opportunity for some cx practice this afternnon inbetween the rain, bike fettling and household responsibilities.
I'm really happy with the bike apart from the ongoing battle to find the best brake pads to go with the CD finish on Open Pro's. My skills are on the dot - dismounts, remounts and carrying all spot on. The only thing missing is an area to ride which is expansive enough to work on technical bike handling. My little field has some lumps but the laps are way too short and not varied enough to simulate race course conditions. My have to think about a few options that involve driving to locations or at least a ride out and back.

Think I may have a man-crush on Lars Boom, judging by all these videos!


RIDE LIFE: RABOBANK'S LARS BOOM by broadbandsports
On the road Boom.

Get cracking.

I've ended up with free wristbands for the London-Surrey race in a couple of weeks, which is also running as a test event for the Olympic road race. At first I got a bit excited and thought they were for the actual road race next year, now all I have to do is figure out a plan to see if I can actually make it down to Box Hill on a Sunday morning.

Everyone should now be listening to 'Otis', which is the new single from the soon to be released album from Jay-Z and Kanye West, 'Watch the Throne'. It songs like both of them are back to their best.

It's funny, when you're a bike mechanic everyone seems to think you love talking about bikes when you're not at work. There is a healthy amount of truth in that but it starts to suck when people try to test your knowledge or start quizzing us over massively unimportant details. The thing is most cyclists glean so much knowledge (or just opinions) through the internet that most just want to show off how much they 'know' rather than hear the answer to yet another pointless question.

There are however some universal truths:
Always change the chain and sprockets at the same time. Don't ask why. Just do it.
There is no such thing as puncture proof.
Never use aluminum nipples, they will seize.

We don't have the best job in the world but chances are most of us enjoy our days a lot more than the average office worker.

A mess.

Hamme : Beloften from jef cleemput on Vimeo.

Could it be. Things, people, places are all falling into place.

Back to work.

10/10 Beloften from jef cleemput on Vimeo.

On guard.

Maybe.

Plans, planning, consulting calendars, juggling.....can it be done?

Almost didn't realise

it's Yorkshire Day.

Education.

Patina; A change in appearance produced by long-standing behavior, practice, or use.

I like the sound of that.

Using possessions without fear of them aging, sounds like the best way to get value for money in my book.

Winning solo.

One day Classics are so much better than stage races, rider's tend to put everything on the line because there isn't a tomorrow.

Latest website to blow my mind. www.manualforspeed.com

Another imaginary bike;
2009 Look 586 Proteam frame and forks.
Decked out in Shimano Ultegra Di2 or Campagnolo Super Record 11.
Either way with gold Hope hubs with black H Plus Son SL42 rims and silver Phil Wood spokes.
3T bars, stem and post topped with a black SLR.

This one is definitely never going to see the light of day, seeing as even though the frame is reduced at one of our suppliers it still costs more trade than my cross bike did at full retail.

Finally found a tiny but amazingly fun stretch of singletrack right next to where I live. Blasted through it a few times on the may home tonight and it put a massive smile on my face.

Ignorance is Bliss

What's better;
Being the person who has everything dialled. Smooothed with all aspects of life, a problem solver who sorts out the little annoyances life throws up.
Or
Being the person who knows life is full of problems and it's how you deal with them that counts. Knowing you can't always win but making the best of every situation.
Answers on a postcard.

ssshhhhh.

I kind of want to be a bit more 'under the radar' about this years cyclocross season. As August approaches I have planned to bias my riding a bit more towards the 'cross bike so my skills are sharp, I'm keeping the one bike idea but using tubs for the first time off-road. Probably one set of Dry and then glue a set of Mud's as the weather turns. I got a bit ahead of myself last year and hopefully I can learn from my mistakes, ride most of the race's in the Yorkshire series and have fun too.
Here are a selection of videos for inspiration.

Well shot and from the U.S;

Saturday Morning, USGP from jamie kripke on Vimeo.

Euro-cool;

Cyclo-cross Worldcup Aigle 2010 from radsportphoto.net on Vimeo.

A weird one but with loads of 'behind the scenes' footage before the race starts;

Cyclocross World Cup Kalmthout Women, featuring Katie Compton from Kiwivelo on Vimeo.

Lastly,

Still don't have a moments peace.