Saturday, February 28, 2009
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.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Saturday, February 07, 2009
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.
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.
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.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Art of the Lie.
1. Pick a subject your audience has little knowledge of. That way there's less chance someone will know something that could reveal the lie.
2. Speak confidently and without repetition.
3. Include facts (or previously told information) to make the audience think what you say is the truth because they've heard it before.
I don't lie but are continually faced with people who do.
2. Speak confidently and without repetition.
3. Include facts (or previously told information) to make the audience think what you say is the truth because they've heard it before.
I don't lie but are continually faced with people who do.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
An Awesome Waste of Time.
"Hogan knows Best"
A reality show made about Hulk Hogan and his family.
At the moment I'm enjoying my solo training and looking forward to getting back into group riding. Work is part-time right now and finally don't have too much outside York coming on, so keeping it local for a while.
A reality show made about Hulk Hogan and his family.
At the moment I'm enjoying my solo training and looking forward to getting back into group riding. Work is part-time right now and finally don't have too much outside York coming on, so keeping it local for a while.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Done and Dusted.
I'm sat here in front of a roaring open fire, all tasks done for the day and drinking a pint of Belgium's finest Blonde Beer. Only one thing could make it better and she's twenty odd miles away.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Home is not Home anymore.
This week finds me house-sitting for my parents. My duties include looking after the family business, walking the dog and caring for the various other animals too.
I never thought I'd say this but I have no desire to live in this house anymore. For a long time it has been my family home and somewhere I couldn't imagine leaving. Somehow that has changed.
My room is no longer mine. It has been redecorated and all evidence of the years I spent in there gone. I don't mind though.
I've moved on.
To tell you the truth where I live now doesn't feel like home. I have very little attachment to the four walls and everything else. For me Home is with Her. I know eventually we will find our own place, settle and start making memories for ourselves. Then we will be making a Home together, which comes with a sense of attachment and belonging.
I can't wait.
I never thought I'd say this but I have no desire to live in this house anymore. For a long time it has been my family home and somewhere I couldn't imagine leaving. Somehow that has changed.
My room is no longer mine. It has been redecorated and all evidence of the years I spent in there gone. I don't mind though.
I've moved on.
To tell you the truth where I live now doesn't feel like home. I have very little attachment to the four walls and everything else. For me Home is with Her. I know eventually we will find our own place, settle and start making memories for ourselves. Then we will be making a Home together, which comes with a sense of attachment and belonging.
I can't wait.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Black is the new Black.
The start of a new year and I'm going to talk about subjects that are anything but new.
Originality.
When growing up I was part of a small group of people who rode bikes. We listened to the same type of music as each other, wore the same clothes and spent a lot of time in each others company. At no time did anyone copy another.
When one person copies another, that person will never be as good as who they copied.
It's hard to separate inspiration and copying. We've all been inspired by others but it's how you do it for yourself that counts. These days a lot of society depends on the influence of a few on the many, but it has never been as important to be your own person and live your own life.
Back in the day we listened to music because we liked it, nowadays it's seems like it's only correct to listen to what Radio One tells you is cool. We watched a lot of American BMX videos and picked up on bands when they were just starting out, we didn't shout about what we liked from the rooftops, we just did it for ourselves. Now through mediums like Facebook, the bands you like get you points with people who have never met you.
Copying is one person wanting to be exactly like another, at the cost of not being themselves.
Everything has been said before so there's no need to lose sleep about any of this. And I'm not writing this as some kind of trend-setter, only as someone who has seen both sides of the problem.
Originality.
When growing up I was part of a small group of people who rode bikes. We listened to the same type of music as each other, wore the same clothes and spent a lot of time in each others company. At no time did anyone copy another.
When one person copies another, that person will never be as good as who they copied.
It's hard to separate inspiration and copying. We've all been inspired by others but it's how you do it for yourself that counts. These days a lot of society depends on the influence of a few on the many, but it has never been as important to be your own person and live your own life.
Back in the day we listened to music because we liked it, nowadays it's seems like it's only correct to listen to what Radio One tells you is cool. We watched a lot of American BMX videos and picked up on bands when they were just starting out, we didn't shout about what we liked from the rooftops, we just did it for ourselves. Now through mediums like Facebook, the bands you like get you points with people who have never met you.
Copying is one person wanting to be exactly like another, at the cost of not being themselves.
Everything has been said before so there's no need to lose sleep about any of this. And I'm not writing this as some kind of trend-setter, only as someone who has seen both sides of the problem.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Monday, December 22, 2008
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.
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.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Stuffed.
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.
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