New film out

Brilliant film by the bikedarlington blog team.

http://bikedarlington.blogspot.com/2009/11/beauty-and-bike-premiere.html

How's the @rse doing?

When I first started really riding lots of miles 4 or 5 years ago, I used to get a bit of a sore bum. The last 2 seasons have been the highest mileage-wise, but no real problems. Even so, I decided to buy a Brooks saddle (B17), and have done about 30 miles on it so far.











My initial thoughts are good. The 'load' seems to be spread over a wider area, thereby reducing pressure 'hot spots'.

My only gripe is I tend to slide forwards a bit, but am putting that down to 'newness'. I have moved the seat forward a few mm on the rail, so time will tell.

I did tilt it back one notch on the seat post, but that instantly put pressure (that I did NOT enjoy) on my gentleman's selection, so I tilted it forwards again.

Windy autumnal ride

Well, didn't manage to convince Mandie to come for a ride, so did a 22 mile pootle around the lanes.

3 cars over took me on the first 21.75 miles of the route, and 6 overtook me on the last 1/4 mile stretch!???












Set the self-timer, press the shutter, run back to the bike and pose.....

.......it's a pity about the focus?















I always think this area looks like the fields of Flanders? This spot is about 2.5 miles from home, and is what call my 'private' training ground.

Summer ride

I found this short video of me pulling Roisin along in her trailer. It is on the back roads near Tophill Low nature reserve in East Yorkshire

Not a car in sight, no lycra in sight, no helmets in sight, no hi-viz (nanny-state, risk-assessed) tabbards in sight.

This is the essence of cycling to me.

Happy Halloween

As this was Roisin's second Halloween, and the first that she would have an idea what was going on, instead of last year's 6 month old gurglings, I decided to get a bit arty/crafty and make her a lantern.

I ended up doing two.


















Sorry for the late post, but just found the pics.

Job done....

Well, if I can de-grime my bike, then anyone can do it. A big bucket of (hot) soapy water, a big brush and a dollop of patience.

Picture proof to follow for all non-believers.

Makes me want to ride it now.

Have almost talked Mandie to go for a ride to a local garden centre that has a lovely cafe with a wood-burner blazing away.

A nice big mug of hot cocolate beckons.

Cleaning time

This weekend the bikes get a thorough clean up. The racer will be de-grimed and put away for the winter, and my commuter hack/tourer will be polished to get it ready for winter. I will also get out the turbo trainer so on the odd days I don't ride outside, I will do an hour or so inside to keep the fitness going.