Who you listening too?

Not in a musical sense - more in a real, honest words idea. I've been listening to some new voices and seeing another side to the coin, it's refreshing but not necessarily the path I am going to follow. Mainly I'm trying to listen to that inner voice to guide me in the right direction, maybe our paths will cross or maybe not.

Think on.

It's better to keep your mouth shut and let people think you're an idiot than open it and confirm the fact.

Stop and Ride.

What is it about the internet that makes people so entitled and judgmental? Who cares if someone else’s bike is set up differently than how you prefer yours. It’s their bike, not yours. I’m sure if your bike was featured, others would point out the nuances that you actually prefer, as faults. People are so quick to point out the negatives, rather than lift up the positives.

All these symptoms are the mid-week stir-crazies. Just stop being so critical and look forward to the times when you can ride with others.

Just stop being an asshole and ride your fucking bike how you prefer.


prollyisnotprobably

Cultural Divide

I had pork pie and mushy peas and she has a steak and kidney with mash. Can you get more North or South stereotypical?
 

Uploading.

Found myself with some unexpected spare time so sorting through my honeymoon photos.

Sit still.

On a quiet Sunday morning ride yesterday, we had a series of unfortunate events that involved a car traveling too fast on a narrow country lane, which resulted in me leaving my bike at speed and meeting the road with a heavy thud.
What happened after was more like a soap opera and not fit to describe on the internet here but thanks to the kindness of the people around us, we made it back to safety and eventually I found myself spending my Sunday afternoon in York A+E.
To cut a long story short, I find myself with a couple of broken ribs, a nice bump on my head and holes in my knee and shoulder. I wasn't the only one involved but I'm happy to say everyone is fine. My bike (hopefully) just needs a little fettling, Rich wasn't so lucky and will probably need quite a bit of work to get back on the road.
So for the next few days I will be sat here, as still as I can manage - trying not to laugh or sneeze. On the positive side I'm on some rather strong painkillers and plenty of home-baking too, so it's not all bad.

I neither forgive or forget.

Although, it has been a fair while since I have been tested on that particular character trait. It has been lovely not to have take on other peoples problems or to be cast in the middle of decisions, which ultimately I have no power to effect.
Everything is finally showing signs of settling down. I have less anger, less disappointment in the behaviour of those around me and little to no care about what they say on twitter, MyFace or the like.

I could be better but then who can't say that?

Been to all these places.

FAST.

The first lap of the Elite race looks like it's on fast forward.

Home, with stories to tell.

I'm not the sort to kiss and tell though.

Almost time....

to leave San Francisco, just a couple more days left before we move on.

Here are a few points to remember;

• Fresh Air Bicycles followed by MASH are the best bike shops in SF.
• I drunk the most Blue Bottle Coffee on our trip but my favourite was Trouble Coffee. I would actually kill a man with my bare hands if it meant a regular supply of coffee and their cinnamon toast back home. Four barrel came a close second just because you can see it being roasted in the same building you are drinking it.
•  Baskets on bikes are bang on trend.
• A breakfast burrito sounds unusual on paper but in real life it's awesome.
• Americans use the word awesome far too much.
• I am addicted to pizza.

It happened again.

So Blue.

Found.

And out.

We've been waiting so long, endured so much stress and finally ticked off the last thing on our lists.

We're ready (I think), see y'all in October.

Prep.

The pit.

Circles' Pitwork Montage from Ryota Kemmochi on Vimeo.

Rage On.

YOU GET WHAT YOU GET.

Sat here eating a Sunday lunch of apple, Wensleydale cheese, crusty bread and pickle, not sure my next door neighbour likes my choice of vinyl soundtrack, as since I put on Jurassic 5 the sound of football from his TV has increased in volume.

Have been 100% alone today. Katherine left for work before I'd even opened my eyes. Taking the chance to have a full recharge of the batteries, done a lot of riding this week, a lot of stress been put on me too - now time to drop it and focus on the next two weeks before we can unplug completely.

Again, continually surprised by how rude 'people' can be, perfect phrase to sum it up is; "Squeaky wheel gets the grease". Well not in my world, I'll give respect to those who respect me, I don't pander to the needs of others who have the power to help themselves, I also don't have time to listen to (or read tweets) about how great your life is - I'm not envious, I'm not happy for you - if I don't care about you I don't care about anything to do with you.
That sounds pretty horrible but when it comes to those who I do care about I would give whole days listening to them talk and bend over backwards to help them when needed - I just have a very tough selection process and not many people pass the test.

One a related subject I'm fiercely proud of where I come from and my upbringing, I have my values and they won't ever change.
Perfect example of what I'm talking about.


Could say so much more but who listens anyway.

Knocking it out.

GOURMET CENTURY from Chris King on Vimeo.

Grand Designs:

Skating in a House - Philipp Schuster Skate Villa from ZWUPP! on Vimeo.