A headwind is always honest.

This video makes me want to ride, and not ever get an ear ring.

I could go on about my need of coffee, hatred of headwinds on commutes and describe the abundance of cuts on my hands, but instead I'm going to bed.

Health and Happiness.

All that matters, when everything else has gone.


It's Paris-Roubaix today! Hopefully I'll get to watch it all on some hijacked Belgian feed with biased commentary I can't begin to understand. I'd love to be there in person but more for the days before when the teams do the recon rides, lie this;


Also could leave this one out,it's so euro it's almost painful:

SF.

Just a couple of finishing touches left and my cross bike is back on the road.

Fountains.

As I set off on yesterday's audax I thought I'd probably be safer in the middle of a race bunch due to some of the riding on display. It's a weird mix of old guys who can ride you into the ground, weekend warriors and newbies who have never ridden in a group.
Things settled down but I was glad that things broke up on the climb through Studly Royal and following hills, meaning I completed the distance in a small group where we all helped each other to the finish.
It was also good to talk to some familiar faces, without any drama, for a change.

Notes of a bike tart theme:
-Still not convinced about the functionality of carbon clinchers.
-Someone else's squeeking bike is like nails down a blackboard to my ears.
-Oversocks and gilets are my best friends.

Reminders.

At Home With : Cleggy Rowlands. from Channel 4Down on Vimeo.

Got to see this.

Maybe I can convince Katherine we should honeymoon in the Isle of Mann next year?
I'm guessing probably not.

Killer.

Taken over a week ago, and she's already put on 10lb.

Points.

+1

Three days in the Lake District and not getting wet.
Six years.
'The shed' is almost done.

-1

Getting mistaken for being under 18. I'm almost fucking 27.
Unpacking after a holiday.

Let's cut the crap.

No-one's impressed.

Half and Half. from FBM BMX on Vimeo.

FBM works every time.

Muckspreading.

Another ride today, still on the winter bike even though conditions would have allowed the use of no mudguards. While at work and during many previous rides the conversation often turns to aesthetics of a bike and also the rider, looks will generally be second to function but somethings should be set in stone. This is not one of those lists that frequent the internet relating to how roadies should look - rather just a few points that in my circle of friends should be followed.


- Mountain bike pedals have no place on a road bike.

- In relation to headset spacers, a maximum of 25mm under the stem is allowed. A 5mm spacer above is advised but not critical. Also the stem should be -10 degrees, zero degrees stem are fine too but not a minus angle stem flipped upside down is not.

- Hopefully bartape will be white, the same as the saddle, but if not it should be matched to the main graphic/logo colour of the frame.

- Mudguards will be accompanied by the appropriate size mudflap.

- In an ideal world the bars/stem should be free of any computer etc.


All the turbo work is paying off on the road but still need longer saddle time to get my body used to hours riding again. Unfortunately I got the call that I didn't make the cut for the Seacroft road race so I plan on riding the Fountains Audax, which is an old favourite of mine, plus it does turn into a bit of a race to be in the first group back. Also got the dates of the Summer CX series today, mostly on Wednesday nights so probably pile everyone in the van and hopefully have some fun racing.

Back to being PRO

For now that means back to having a Pro Flickr account;



But it could also stand for a variety of other aspects of my life right now.

Pissing in hedgerows.

Had a proper ride today. Rain, crosswind, keeping the knock at bay with Jelly Babies.

Also found out I've been the subject of some shit-talking. Shame people can't say stuff to your face instead of running their mouth. Not massively bothered, just simply confirmation that certain members of a certain club are arseholes.

Ghostliner.

A very mixed bag so far this week. From 'accidentally' buying a set of wheels off t'bay (although they do have Mavic SSC Paris-Roubaix rims) to getting back into the commute-work-commute routine.
Managed to see a couple of films too, as well as planning to see True Grit tomorrow. The original starring John Wayne is one of my all time favourites and it's only the Coen Brothers who could actually make an equal or better attempt at the same story, so expectations are high.
No matter what happens I am going to get out and go for a proper ride on Saturday, anyone else out?

Problems and solutions.

This weekend I've had more of one than the other.

Everything will be ok after going for a Curry'n'Film night later.

Northern Filter?

CX2 - Charge bikes from Charge Bikes on Vimeo.

Recap

Just a few things that have been going on lately:

Since the 1st of February I done over 16 hours on the road bike.

My Mum and Dad got a new puppy.

I built the wheels for and worked on a BMX today that cost over £1000 and weighed 13lbs (in case you don't know thats STUPID light) had a mint Profile cassette hub too and Ti all over it. Proper bling.

My Dad tried on a pair of Oakleys for the first time ever and couldn't see what all the fuss was about




Tomorrow we're spending Valentines Day in a place most people have nightmares about, yep it's back to Ikea. This time we're going with a list and a 'getting shit done' mentality. If she's lucky I'll treat our lass to a plate of meatballs too.

Euro Cool.

For the first time since I started my commute I almost made it all the way home in the daylight, I was fast running out of light as I approached Tad but it made a change from pitch black all the way back.

Had a couple of ebay bargains too recently; including a pair of Oakleys as seen here modeled by Katherine.


That's enough for now, the Turbo is calling. Another sweat-fest session but then I get to try out our new MASSIVE bath!

What am I trying to prove.

There's something right about getting up at seven in the morning, making it downstairs only to turn right back around and go back to bed.
My reward was a day spent with a real friend, instead of people who I pretend to like for convenience.
Watch this; it will make you a better person.

I Love My Bicycle: The Story of FBM (Full Movie) from Joe Stakun on Vimeo.

Also thanks for the telly! Now where is Katherine, I want my tea.

Mavic Service Course

A dream job that would either kill me because of the pressure or make me the man I've always wanted to be.

Getting it done.

We're in. Everything's going to plan so far too.
I'm also three days into my new commute, the headwind back tonight along the A64 was too cruel for words, all I could think was 'character building'. I even got called lucky before I left work for getting a decent length ride home and when I think of the two amazing sunrises I've seen this week I might agree.