Stag.

Another wonderful weekend. Family party for my Godson's first birthday, followed by a busy Saturday in the shop. Then I got to achieve a dream I've held for a fair few years - fire a gun.

For my stag do I organised a trip clay pigeon shooting at a range near Masham for some of my closest male family and friends - it was an amazing experience for us all. Half of us had never even touched a gun before, yet after a couple of hours we were hitting more than we missed (almost). At the end of the day I scored the most points in the shootout but still had to do the Stag forfeit - take my trousers off, hang them on the nearest tree and let everyone fire off a round before slipping them back on with a bit less material than before. The looks I got all night in the pub later was worth it, plus I don't think anyone actually believed it had happened.

Today I managed to sleep off any thick head I had then relax in my parents garden with the dog, before having the afternoon with Katherine, a lovely tea then catching up with the weekends MotoGP. Number 46 is back on it.

Right about now.

I just gone and turned 28. Just come back off a bike ride, been on phone to best mate and now have a cup of tea in hand. Crackin'.

Fixing it for you.

Knowing is part of it.

I want to be as smooth in my new role at werk as Magilla is on dirt.

Pondering

When you change from a bike rider into a cyclist? Tonight, on the return leg of my daily commute, I passed through a small village I have come to know well. The drag up through the houses that means staying in the big ring is a feat not always achieved. The section at the church, which is the steepest, comes directly before the top and with it usually a sudden increase in speed or maybe just a chance to coast before the upcoming junction. Instead of focusing on the next stretch of road I found my mind wandering off into a time not too far away when I didn't even have a big ring or brakes for that matter, when I mostly tried to ride just on one wheel and the phrase going riding usually meant just hanging out with friends not mileage that meant walking up stairs was a challenge after. I'm not sure I miss those days or just see them for exactly what they were; great times and a stepping stone to where I am now - a place where I'm happy to be.

RIP MCA

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.

Satisfied.

Custom double chainset for customer 32-22 on new touring bike. Done.

Solving the noise that has been making an appearance on the cross bike for a while. Chainring bolt spacers - who'd have guessed.

A ride home, which was more an exploration than a commute.

Sunday brunch with the most beautiful girl in the world - who I definitely don't spend enough quality time with.

Fucking Flanders.

Almost time.

Woolly boob

It's funny what you talk about on rides. We had a lot of fun on the fountain's Audax on Sunday - not such much the usual, just a few friends enjoying beautiful surroundings. Then on an evening ride things went off in a whole other direction but still was a great ride.

Not even been touring.

Your tomorrows are losing time.

Who knows what we all think when no-one else is around. It's crazy to see ordinary folks turned into some kind of idols for actually having the motivation to get off their arse and complete a task. It's always the quiet ones. It's not right, this need to have the world accept you based on your preferences.
Concern yourself with what's going on in your own world.

Slayer.

A beautiful experience

Insider knowledge: we stopped and took in the view on the same bench that Chavenal is sitting on at the top of the Paterburg way back in October. I for one am looking forward to the new finish - can wait to see the Pro's big ringing up the same climbs we rode.

Another recap.

This Is It.

I've moved on a step. It feels right and I will give it 100% to make it a success. Got to get shit done, as they say.


“It is very easy to feel smaller, to feel less than, when you see people with an advantage walk where you struggle, who have ease of motion where you are constricted, it can be a real shot to your moral, like, it can be flummoxing to a degree where you’re almost paralytic. You’ve got to keep picking yourself up and reach for it. And that’s the long and short of it. ‘Cause if you don’t, it won’t get done.”

— Henry Rollins

Big Change.

I have decisions to make.
I know what I'm going to do but my habit of running through every possible outcome to every possible choice is leaving me running out of headspace.

Whilst I'm thinking, do yourself a flavour and visit superouleur, Duncan knows what he's doing.

+1

The Hope hub and Mavic Open Pro combination.
Custom touring bikes.
Two sets of Campag Record hubs coming in for building.
Riding to work.


Getting out and about.
Fittings and getting custom.
Loud music.
Laughing till crying.


Aging hipsters.
Sunshine.
Proper fresh bagels.
Not listening to those people.

Portland.

20lbs.

600th post on this here thing.

Racing dirty.

This could seriously work

Sandpits.

If only...

I could build a time machine, go back and tell my 16 year old self I should see this band by any means necessary.

The best band in the world. Full stop.

BS.

This is exactly what I think. Not really sure why other people have any problems with it.

While you're capturing the zeitgeist, they're widening the motorways

Solo fifty miles. Embrocation on toes. Spinning 38x15. Flask of tea.

Spam, double egg and beans. Buttered toast. Pint mug of tea.

K-B-K. Seeing roads I've ridden. Always going to be a sprint.

Good things - done well. Nothing special just living exactly how I want.

Whips.

Lately...

I've been discussing the difference between snobbery/elitism and simply knowing the right tool for the job.

I've been wondering why it's so difficult for people to let me just ride my bike.

Am glad Lars Boom can laugh about it, after getting dealt with by Boonen.

Chris King hubs and cx-ray spokes.

Super-duper

Duncan is killing it with these videos.

All change.

A Sunday ride with friends.
Got rid of one bike and modified another.
Ordered my wedding ring.

Lets all get mopeds.

What cyclocross courses should be.

A day.

So many reasons why this is all kinds of awesome.

What she said.

We'll have to see what happens from here on in.

Placebo.

It's a shame someone has to buy into being cool or shout about the latest and greatest things they have bought to be appreciated by their peers. I'm not sure where I'm going with this train of thought, perhaps it's just an observation.

Why do I want it to be muddy again?

'appen as maybe

Taking time off training

+1
A Sunday lunch of fish finger sandwich and Duval.
"the legs were very good today"
Belgian top 7.


-1
Missing a Sunday ride. Think that should change.
Kevin Pauwel's red legwarmers.
Plans need to be made.

Follow the leader.

Have It.

Nice words.

Well written.

Do I need to know.

There are some people in this world that you can actually have a conversation with. One where it doesn't feel scripted and you respond to what you hear instead of what you have been thinking while the other person is talking. Mostly people want to talk to you or at you. Blasting you with their knowledge, perhaps not even caring if you're listening. The subject matter will be something they think they know a lot about even if most of what they are dishing out is regurgitated opinion.

Nothing else matters. I held my Godson in my arms last night and thought of nothing else other than him. I think children have a very healthy way of making everything else in you life insignificant.

Excellent choice in music

Say What?

I've heard so many of these but still so funny.

Run up.

I held my tongue.

The subject of style keeps cropping up in my life recently, in everything from cycling to our wedding. I have a few thoughts I would like to write down on the matter.
For me style is not just about looking good but more about the attitude and appearance an individual has almost without choice. In simple terms;
Your 'style' is who you are when no-one is looking.
Being stylish is a compliment but an almost unachievable goal to those who chase it. When it comes to clothing it's very easy to make a fool of yourself by trying to be something you're not in an effort to impress.
I had my first suit fitting earlier in the week for what I will wear on my wedding day. The only other time I have been measured for something was my Bob Jackson, so I was interested how a tailor would differ to a frame builder. As it turns out they are more similar than first thought, my point of view is I want to trust that this person knows his craft, so while I have an outline of what I want I'm prepared to be guided to the best outcome. This worked perfectly with the bike and I have a feeling it will for the suit too. By allowing the 'crafsman' to be in charge they do it their way rather than fitting their way to your demands - the simple way to get what you want is to choose the maker who produces the goods you like the best. No point going to Mercian and asking for a Brian Rourke or going Saville Row and wanting mass-production.
It's not a case of high quality or brand names being the best either. The phrase "fit for purpose" rings true - you shouldn't get married in a hoody or wear the 'Sunday Best' for washing up.
If style is being yourself then this also raises the problem of punching above your weight. This one is more obvious in material possessions rather than clothing. The ill-advised sports car or the bike scared to be ridden in case it get's dirty or scratched. In my circle of friends we all do (and always have liked) to have 'nice' things and it's good to have people around you who share similar ideals. But most important of all is to have folks near at hand to remind you of who you really are, mostly this is done by friendly ribbing. If this banter has no ill effect and the decision was quick and felt right - it's usually right, fitting as it were.
I experienced this first hand a couple of times this week. Once when I opened the box revealing my new 'disco slippers' aka cycling shoes and then later the same day when guiding a customer through speccing his custom build on one of our Condor touring bikes. In the latter, I was the playing the trusted expert who was being allowed to do his job to provide the best possible service, while the customer added the personal touches to make it exactly like he had imagined. We both walked away happy.

Agreed.

More wise words.

On the inside.

Building.

It seems like everything is an advert these days, or people are talking as if their only aim is to sell/endorse/big up a product or company.
A shame but not something to dwell on. In the shop we've had a couple of down to earth days - busy but quiet enough to think. One of the benefits of working in a bike shop is the lunch time service on your own bike. For me today it was tyre swap, new brake pads and a quick fettle for the cross bike.
We don't get paid the most, don't have a lot of holidays and we have no ladder to climb but being a bike mechanic is the best job I've had. We get to create, solve problems, see things from the inside and trade price usually beats any 'online' best deals. Knowing what works and what is just hype is the first step to stepping off the 'consumer super highway'.

This is here.

Rollins was on fire last night - he hardly stopped for breath in two and half hours, keeping everyone in the audience hanging on every word. Nothing was off limits, Black Flag, his constant touring and the inability to say no all got the treatment. It was massively motivating and thought-provoking.
It ended a really busy day that included wedding plans, talking suits and probably a quick trip to London in the near future.

Love the speed of this and the tease of one of my favourite songs going.

This reminds me of growing up.

Nationals.

Nys riding away from everyone in the mud again and Aurelien Duval playing it smart to win in France.
Boom wins again - can he win a Classic this year? I think so.

Looks like Ian Field won over here so the National Champion skinsuit with be getting a bit more 'euro' action next season.

Tickets in hand.

It's not always the one's who are talking the most that you should listen to.

PEZ: OK, but after all the mud, how do you keep your gear and kit so clean?

BW It only looks clean from afar! If you hold it up to the light, it’s not that clean at all!

Panning.

Mud.

Fresh start.

Part of the problem or part of the solution?

Lists
Is 2012 the year to stop all this?

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.