Fixedisf***ed

France / Belgium 2011

2011-05-21T19:20:00.003+01:00

So the trip through France to Belgium and the 2011 SSEC went really well. There are other write ups of the event and loads of photos so I will not add to the surplus here. Instead I will let you in on the small lessons I heave learnt on this trip.

Things I didn't need:
Cool-Neck - nice idea but no better than a buff soaked in water
MP3 Player+charger+AA's - on a group trip music is not needed
Casual shorts - light trousers were fine
Being woken by fighting/f**king wild boar at 2am :)

Things I did need:
Warm jacket - Finnistare synthetic jacket now ready to rock
Longjohns - i was sleeping cold so some merino longjohns are a must
Handwarmers - single use hand warmers for putting in the foot of the sleeping bag at night
FoilFoam mat - to go under my feet - 3/4 mats don't work for 6'2" people on wet grass. Cardboard will work in a pinch!
Ti Mug / spork - we used the stove much more than cafes (8:1 ratio)
Head band and lantern cover - for Fenix AA light
Lightweight backpack - for filling up at the supermarket

Things I would change:
Casual shirt should not be white - not with dust and suncream giving a nasty tide mark
Way I pitched the tarp - make more of a tent with a little more head room
Have more patience with others

Revised weight is 7.9Kg dry, 0.61Kg for extra cycling clothes and 0.77Kg for cooking kit and 7days of fuel :) Max load out of 9.28Kg for a real comfortable tour of indeterminate length :)

Now I need another tour to try all this out and refine it again :)

Alex

Less blogging and only a little more riding....

2011-04-05T18:30:00.002+01:00

Less blogging is a good thing, less riding, well, less so! I did manage two proper rides in the last two weekends: first with Matt up in Leam Spa - a nice cruise along roads and trails to get a big fry up, the second in the FoD with Ayatollah of Niche and Co. along the Dungeons+Dragons trail.

Both were really nice as they were laid back and despite the lack of riding and addition of a small wok on the front of me I was able to keep up and not blow up on the hills. Techinical skill is still up there as I was held up by a 5" full susser on The Skull trail while on my Surly CrossCheck SS and 1.75" tyres :) I do need to loose some lbs as on the bumpy stuff I could feel my bacon jacket wobble. Having been on the slim side for the previous 33years I am not happy with this development.

Next up, and rapidly approaching is the road trip to France and Belgium. Still a few minor details to sort out (like getting to Portsmouth, and back from London although I will probably ride that over night) it is all falling into place. Minimal kit, enough food for 2 days (Easter Sunday / Monday may mean many places are closed) and possibly a change of cycling and casual clothes waiting at the race. I am still going stove-less as I can eat cold food or get something hot from supermache / cafe / bar.

SSWC in Ireland is looking tentative as the cost of camping and the ferry is starting to ramp up....I would rather a week in the sun backroad touring and filling up on local food as the sun sets over the Med :)

June brings a long over due Solstice ride in Warwickshire - 100miles in the 16hrs and change of daylight on the 19th. The ride sounds great, the 0430hrs start less so! I will throw the 38c Halo TwinRails and 36:17 Dingle (thanks to Charlie The Bike Monger - buy his stuff now!) will take me the distance.

So a summer of riding is on the cusp of starting, lets hope the weather gets it's self sorted in the next couple of weeks and lets roll.

Alex

Cullmination and realisation

2011-02-26T10:39:00.003Z

Today I saw the first pics from the 2011 National Handbuilt Bicycle Show and the lovingly crafted bike and accessories, all finished in immaculate paint and detail that builders have made to show off their skills.

And it left me cold.

Those of you with long memories will remember that Solitude Cycles was a no-frills (mostly!) business I ran with focus on fit and function. Yes I built a bike with polished stainless lugs because the Frame Builder Mafia would have taken me out otherwise (and Matt wanted it!) Yes there was the odd fancy paint job and nice touches but at the end of the day the frames were more like a nicely refurbished 90series Landy than a Porche Cayenne from pimp-my-ride.

This ties in with my love for the Surly CrossCheck which seems to do pretty much everything I have asked of it although the high-rise stem may have to go back on as the 15deg Thomson could be a little low....I need more miles to check! It is a versatile frame made in a wide range of sizes and even a choice of colours for not too much money. Sure a Rivendell would be nice, or maybe a custom IF or Seven but for the extra cash you would want a real improvement in function and then you would be scared to lock it up incase it a) got stolen or b) scratched.

The last post from Joe about his lost Surly LHT also brought this in to sharp focus: What would happen if your bike was stolen / lost / written off in a freak accident with a Buffalo? For an off the peg frame a quick call to your LBS or 10mins on line should have a new frame and fork on its way. Parts would be easy to pick up in this cross-boarder bike parts purchasing world we now live in. I would wager that with in a couple of weeks and for not that much £ / $ you would have a replacement bike, probably with a few tweeks to make it better from the previous one. A custom frame builder can take 2 weeks to reply to an initial email....

The bike is a tool for enabling travel and adventure. Yes it needs to be suitably fitted and correctly specced (stem length and rise, not brand!) but any bike will do. Fancy paint, beautiful integrated racks, gem stones (yes YOU Sheldon!) don't mean much when you are actually riding it.

I realise that this will come off as arogant and that I am having a dig at the builders and customers of these works of art. I'm not, I just prefer to focus on the practicalities of the machine first and then save some money and heart ache along the way.

Nothing lasts, nothing is finished and nothing is perfect.

Alex

Thinkering kit...

2011-02-19T17:57:00.003Z

I am really looking forward to the SSEC and the road trip across France to Belgium. I think I have everything sorted except escaping London, but as I have Tuesday and Wednesday off I may just ride back...a short 100miles that will be easy over 2 days. Guess I'll see how fit I am feeling after 7days riding!

I have been thinkering with bike packing kit. While I normally go with 2 dry bags (8L and 13L) on the rack and bars but thanks to Igor I fancied keeping it all in one place and even more minimal. The only possible addition are 2 bottle cages on the fork legs (low rider rack bolt and hose clamp) for food or sleeping mat. Total weight is 7Kg / 15.5lbs. None to shabby.

One change of clothes and a spare pair of lycra shorts. Should be enough for the 4-5days to Belgium. I may well ask a friend to take a smal bag of clothes over with them in the car so I can have a change at the SSEC.

Handlebars: Sigma LED flasher, Fenix L2D front light.

Tool Bottle + Big bottle cage: Tool bottle has, well, all the tools in and chain rag and bottle of oil. Held in with vintage leather toe strap. Super big BBB bottle cage, will take 1.5L water bottle or 1L of Glenmorangie Port Wood finish :)

Rear Rack Bag: Aquapac Noatak 25L bag containing clothes, bivvi, tarp, wash kit, 1st aid kit, sleeping pad, sleeping bag and liner, spare shorts. Not shown is bungee net and 4L superlight drybag for extra food (Our first days in France are Easter Sunday / Monday...nothing will be open!) Bivvi pole is now strapped under toptube. Spare tube taped to the top of the seatstays.

Waxed cotton musette: packed with kit. under 2lbs.

Whats in it: Camera+3xbatteries, sunglasses, keys+whistle, buff, cap, 2x small ditty bags, suncream, chapstick, hand wash, bug spray. Not shown is wallet and maps.

Charlie is talking about taking cooking kit and making some tasty food each night. As much as that appeals I think that my cold menu will have to do but I will grab some hot food from a cafe or restaurant if possible.

Clear out....

2011-02-16T16:59:00.003Z

Lots of 29er tyres to move and one odd, non bike related item :)

3x WTB ExiWolf 29x2.3 tyres - all used but in great condition. Fast rolling dry/moist tyre with plenty of cush. £10 each

2x Schwalbe Racing Ralph 29x2.4 - large volume, fast rolling and light weight! Great but everything my WTB Weirwolf's are :) £15 each

2x Conti Twister 700x42c - great monster cross tyres for Surly Crosscheck or the like. £7 each

Surly rear brake hanger

Dia-Compe non-aero levers

Monopoly boardgame - Thai edition from 1970's! Unopened!

For the tyres please email singlespeedpunk AT gmail DOT com, postage at cost or collect from Cheltenham / FoD.

Over and out

Alex

Old new ride...

2011-02-11T20:29:00.003Z

So I have had this for a while but being slack I have not blogged about it or bored people with photos...time to make amends.

Surly Crosscheck set up singlespeed with 46cm Salsa Woodchippers, A119 rims and now Schwalbe Smart Sam 700x47 These look great all round monstercross tyres as the centre tread will roll fast but the outer tread should give some grip in soft conditions or if the tyre has some pressure let out.

The crosscheck will be my ride for the France/Belgium trip as it will cope with all I (and those crazy euros) can throw at it. Adding a rear rack doubles the utility of any bike...apparently. I won't disagree.

Talking of rear racks and touring I have word of some new drybag bike touring kit, no other details at the moment but I hope to add some feedback to make it close to perfect as possible ;)

Right, some photos:

Essential kit for France > Belgium trip

2011-02-05T18:53:00.003Z

Who cares what it weighs...I have to get one :)

Bring on the Fromage and vin rouge!

News, good, bad and the down right ugly.

2011-01-29T14:08:00.002Z

Sorry for the long silence but blogging has been way down the lists of things to do. I love lists me :)

Well TD 2011 is off. Kit was sorted, bike was spot on, navigation donw and training was going OK but what I could not sort out was my head, and I am not going off half cocked on this. 2011 will be a massive year for the Td with 60+ N-S and 5 S-N riders. I think I am better off out of the scrum. The north american continent is not going anywhere soon...

I do how ever have a place in the SSWC 2011 in South Ireland and a road trip to the SSEC in Belgium with Charlie the Bikemonger. Riding has taken more of a leaisurely tilt since I, as one friend put it, chickened out of the TD. Courdride last weekend with Jo, Dan and the KoN was great fun and I had forgotten how much I like riding cross bikes off road (slowly!) and the new Surly CrossCheck (thanks Charlie!) will be the bike of choice for a while I think.

Some may remember that I rode the Dunwich Dynamo (200km from London to Dunwich overnight) Back in those days I was unfit, naive and not that comfey on the bike. I managed to finish but with a shot knee that would take weeks to recover. While the ride was great fun getting from London to Leamington with bikes on a Sunday evening was not! Luckily there is the Exmouth Exodus on the 13th Aug which takes in 100miles from Brizzle to Seaside and easier transport back.

As for the ugly, well the 130mm x 40deg stem on the Crosscheck will have to do!

Alex

Progress...kind of

2010-10-26T17:35:00.002+01:00

Well the TD prep has taken a big step closer with out me swinging a leg over a bike for a while. The ACA maps have arrived (complete with adenda) and I have been busy studying them and typing out the direction changes for a South to North trip. I didn't bother with the trail info, ie "Mile 65.4 cross cattle guard" because I will have the maps for that should I need to confirm it further. I only want the "Mile 54.3 turn LEFT on to FR 3020" on the queue sheets and the GPS should confirm it :)

The wealth of info on the maps has also (with careful reading of various accounts of previous races) to note down the locations and distances between services so I can see long drags where I might need to stock up and other points where there is another gas station 4miles down the road. I have added this to the queues and hope to plan my days around what I can hit when. The down side of this is that I will hit Pie Town either Sunday evening when they are closed or Monday when they are closed all day. I was looking forward to pie too :(

So having seen the miles between towns / services, some idea of trail conditions (or what they could be) I have sketched out a plan of where I want to be at the end of each day and thus the total days on the trail...and it is a lot less than I was planning for. Which means I will go with my original plan and if I finish early all the better :) At this stage I need to test the new sleeping bag and get some 100mile+ days back to back before commiting to any numbers.

The kit is, pending some tough testing, pretty sorted at 20lbs ex food and water. I am sure I could drop some stuff but I am happy with that weight and I have clothes for all weathers down to -10degC and up to, well 80-90degF (yes I love mixing units!) pending me coping with it as I am not naturally a warm weather person as India and Nepal have shown me. They have also given me plenty of opertunity to find work-arounds for heat and keeping moving.

So on the body training front the gym looks like the only option so I plan to sign up on Monday and get some plan for core and upper body strength and possibly some strength work out for my legs as I can spin the pedals all day but short "grunts" of climbs leave me flat!

...

Alex

And now for something completely the same....

2010-10-12T18:43:00.004+01:00

Not much to report on the whole TD thing except maps are ordered, 500g sleeping bag on the way and not much left to do but join a gym.

A while back I ordered a great T-shirt and stickers that I saw on MTBR from Bikeage. Their customer service to A1 and the T and sticers arrived today. Guess what I am wearing tomorrow :)

Spend money with them, they deserve it.

Alex

Epic / Revelate Handlebar harness drybag goodness

2010-09-22T20:20:00.003+01:00

Possibly the longest title on this blog so far.

Any one who has used a dry bag on the handlebars either with straps or a fancy harness you will know that long, thin bags work best to keep them out the way of the cables and off the front tyre.

I have been using the Alpkit Airlock XT (and the previous version) in the past but with the increased kit to carry on the TD the 13L bag is a little short and fat and unless I add freaky long cable outers to the brakes (and I guess the Jones bars don't help) it precludes the use of the front pocket which is a handy place for kit you need to hand.

Having looked about the obvious option is the Revelate dry bag from Eric, but I found the LOMO dry bag available in the UK and for £7 so I thought I would give it a go. First inpressions are that it is a lot longer and skinier than the closest Alpkit size bag. The fabric is much tougher and thicker than Alpkit and has a rip-stop n' clear window / end to it.

At the end of the day its a bag with a roll top closure for little money and it will keep my kit dry. I have loaded it with the TD kit I plan to carry (fleece, merino T, longjohns and socks, waterproofs, arm / leg warmers, Sealskinz gloves and socks, beanie, glove liners and buff. It all fits great and a little room to spare and much lower profile meaning I can stash food in the front pocket that I can now use.

£7 for a bag....and I'm happy. Easily pleased as always.

Alex

Loosing teeth and weight...

2010-09-09T18:01:00.004+01:00

...and gaining bags. No I am not suffering from some terrible disease but amassing kit for the Tour Divide.

First up is a lovely Velo Solo singlespeed sprocket in 18t, 2 lower than I have been running for a while. While I will miss the winch-ability up loose climbs I hope that training with a harder gear will pay dividends when I fit all the bike packing gear and swap back to the 20t.

Weight loss comes courtesy of Mountain Warehouse. I was after some light weight baggy shorts to wear over my cycling shorts as the Lycra look is not always welcome, especially with legs like mine! So I looked at all the usual suspects and found that a) they came with various pop-in liner shorts that I did not want and b) had so many useless pockets, zips and buckles I would be suffering from Betty Swallocks in about 10minutes (as Nepal taught me!)

So I was toying with the Endura Humvee Lightweight but at £45 a pop it was a lot to spend to see if they were any good. Mountain Warehouse did some shorts in lightweight fast drying material for £10. Fit is good and they are not too baggy.

The bags in question are the frame bag and gas tank from Eric at Revelate. The frame bag is a little wider for fitting extra water in, mesh side pocket for little bits and a removable divider at the back. The gas tank has plenty of room for snacks, camera and other stuff you need to hand.

Other news is that some of my words have been published on the Alpkit website, I hope to keep them abreast of my preparation so keep an eye on their website.

Looking forward to trying all three out, weather depending, and will report back onhow it went.

Alex

Where did it all start?

2010-09-04T17:19:00.002+01:00

I guess it started years back with the first GDR race with MikeC and PeteB out front, while I was in awe of those guys I knew I could never jump straight in to that kind of race so I looked for something with a little more support but still plenty of tough riding. I found it in the MTB Himachal 2007, 9days of riding in the Indian Himalayas, with you kit transported for you along with tents, hot showers, tech support and lots of great people.

The 2010 MTB Himachal is being run from the 22 - 30 October this year, entry fee is still really cheap and flights are not to bad this far in advance. When I raced it it worked out cheaper than doing the Trans Wales with "Gold" support! Crazy! The food, tents and facilities, people and terrain made it the best event of any kind I have been to.

More info can be found here

Just riding in the sun

2010-09-03T20:11:00.001+01:00

Ticking along...

2010-08-24T22:02:00.003+01:00

So not much to report, the Revelate frame bag and gas tank are finished and on their way. It will be great to try a full load out. I need to start thinking about some off-bike training for core strength as my back didn't like the wrenching around on the slippy trails this Saturday. Some floor work each day should help and cut down on the proto-wok I am sporting!

I have a full fitness test next week at work thanks to some promotion they are running. It will be interesting to see how fit I actually am compared to the "average" I know the weight / height / body fat and blood pressure are OK (if on a little skinny side) but knowing the V02 Max and blood sugar etc will be interesting. Might try and get it done next spring too (although it will probably cost me!)

So only a quick update...

What's it all in aid of?

2010-08-13T18:20:00.003+01:00

So this last week has been a welcome break from work and a chance to ride some, fettle the bike and catch up on reading and other stuff. Oh and I hit 34 (but still feeling 23!)

So my Epic, err sorry, Revelate Designs frame bag and gas tank are still about 3 weeks away but I was able to do a pretty good test pack of the extended trip bikepacking gear and get out on Wednesday for a ride. It started on the same route as the 210km road route I did earlier in the month but then diverted at Stanway and took in the back lanes around Guiting and some dirt tracks over the back of Cleeve Hill (including the Field of Treacle / Velcro Grass) up to the Pylons (Note for Phil Nightfire: I know that Pylons are the arms on transmission towers and the structures in question are radio masts...but thats the local name for them)

The bike was rolling well but the 15lbs ofr gear and 2 bottles slowed it down on the climbs. I had planned to keep the overall average speed (so including stops) above 10mph but with several long-ish climbs and one rocky hike-a-bike meant it was close in the end.

My Fred modification to the Blackbuck has been to add some Profile ZB Aero bars to help with the long flat sections. With a short section of 22mm plastic tube and a couple of zip-ties I was able to add a GPS and light mount to make up for the lack of bar space. All seemed to work well but I think that a Fred-Bar from Siren might be an idea to reduce the reach a bit. I will email Brendan and see whats what.

So I managed 40miles in the heat with all the gear on which is not bad but a long way short of what I can do although the 32:20 gearing and fat tyres were not helping! I did manage to keep above the 10mph average I had set my self but like I said...I have a way to go.

Another piece of the kit turned up today in the shape of an Inov8 Race 12 bag to take over from my Camelbak Octane 8. While the Octane is a great bag it was pretty heavy and short in the back. I used a 30L version of the Inov8 pack for my Nepal trip and worked really well with 15lbs of kit in it for 7days non-stop. The smaller version will do for day rides and essentials on longer rides (water, waterproofs, wallet and other stuff starting with 'W') I also got two small strap pouches for snacks and widgets as the waist pockets are really handy having another 2 to hand has to be good. Right?

So whats it all in aid of? Well next year I plan on racing the Tour Divide, South to North. Yeah, pretty big and scary but I have been following it for years, starting with the MTBR coverage of Mikesee's attempt, and have got to a point where I have to give it my best shot. I have a lot to do before June next year but if I am going to do it I will go in 100% committed, there have been too many under prepared noobs turn up in the last couple of years. If I am there I will be there for the long run or not at all.

South to North? Yeah Antelope Wells is the arse end of no where and I would rather figure out getting there while fresh than after 27 days on the bike! Plus Banf has hot springs, cool cafes and a shuttle to Calgary so much better for post-race recovery and extraction. Fixie Dave and a couple of others should be starting from there too so I won't be on own for too long until we get too spread out. I hope that we should have good re-supplies to as the N-S Leaders won't have snaffled all the chocolate milk and peanut butter (not sure about the second half!)

Only other news was that I got an email from my friend Matt who I have not heard form for a while. It was great to catch up and talk things over as Matt has attempted the GDR and had some great advice.

"Platforms + freewheel = The best way for bikepacking....along with a low-ass gear. You've got to prepare for Day 10+ and if someone that you don't know for a fact is really light and strong tells you otherwise, they're full of shit."

Good advice from some one I know and has been there and done that. Priceless.

Other than the Internet the bok Two Wheels on my Wagon has also been a great source of entertainment and information and is recommended even if you don't want to ride 2745 miles.

The only gaping hole in the plan is the psychological side of things and while Google has turned up various "self help" books it is pretty short on anything else. While I would love to employ a sports psychologist I don't have the money for that so the search continues.

OK, that is enough for now.

What can you learn form a really long ride?

2010-07-17T14:55:00.002+01:00

Well I took Friday off work with the plan of re-riding the 200km Audax route from 3 years back. What with work, not sleeping well and other stuff I woke up an hour after I had planned to get going and to the sound of blustery winds. Undetered I (slowly) got ready and left the house at 0930. What followed was 12 hours of pretty much constant riding taking in some lovely parts of Gloucestershire and Wiltshire. The route took me to Bishops Cleeve, Bourton on the water, Cirencester, past South Cerney, under the M4 motorway, west to the top of Chippenham and Calne (complete with view of white chalk horse on the hillside) before heading due north across the tops of the Cotswolds passing Westonbirt and Tetbury before dropping back into the gathering gloom to Cheltenham. 216Km / 134miles. The furthest I have been in one day by bike!

So, considering I have not done this sort of mileage for years I was happy that a) I finished, b) my knees did not play up and c) the bike fit was spot on.

So I guess the next stage is some long days back to back to see how my recovery is as I am pretty tired today!

What can I learn from a long ride?

2010-07-11T18:15:00.005+01:00

Well I got off my ass and put in the longest ride I have been on for a long while. I managed a 87 mile round trip to Ledbury and back on narrow lanes and even some dirt road Guitar Ted would be proud of. Considering my longest trip for the previous months has been to work or the shops (3miles<) I did pretty well. Some mild knee pain that disappeared after a few miles. Need to get the saddle angle (and height, the TNF shoes have thick soles) tweaked to make sure my legs and ass are happy and look at some aero bars for, err, longer dirtroad trips as my hands were a little sore from the pressure. Nice day in the sun, now to re-fuel :)

Big shout out to Alpkit and BPL

2010-06-22T18:17:00.002+01:00

LOLZ! That was my instant reaction to the Alpkit Aireo 120 sleeping mat. Perhaps working in IT with people 10 years younger is rubbing off on me.

Super light (<400g) compact (would fit in a 2L cider bottle) and stealth black. £35. Super fast delivery as usual from the Alpkit staff. Can't wait to try it out.

I ordered a new tarp to replace my MASH poncho for light weight trips as it will weigh less, be more compact and not have a hood in the middle of it! To keep it upright I ordered some Dyneema cord and glow-in-the-dark line-loks from Backpackinglight which arrived today with some jelly babies included! The line is 1.5mm thick, 1.3g/m and will support 11stone (14lbs per stone...work it out!) 15m of it should be plenty for the tarp and the line-loks will make pitching and packing back up a snap. Thanks guys!

So no excuse not to get back out this weekend!

Interesting debate about the "Ride The Divide" movie on Bedrock+Paradox blog...some really experienced riders and interesting folks commenting...and some loud-mouth Brit :)

Later...

Alex

What use is a very short ride?

2010-06-20T07:58:00.002+01:00

First a quick comment on the Welsh Ride Thing: Super event, great terrain and big thanks to Stewart and Dee for putting it on and the sponsors for the raffle prizes. No thanks to the weather, angry Scotish guys in Bothies (he f**king drove there!) and lack of motivation. On the bright side the car decided to die after I got back home (timing chain, and yes its terminal)

So what can you learn from a short ride? Well having hit the local trails for an overnighter and considering I didn't hit 12miles in all quite a bit. I cycled out of 'nham about 9pm and headed up Leckhampton with the intention of bivvying at a nice spot I had found a few years back...but in the dark in dense woods I came out on the wrong spot and ended up instead in a meadow overlooking Cheltenham and a sunset over the Malvern Hills. Lesson 1: Make sure your feet are lower than your head as this will exacerbate lesson 2: bring a pillow. I always sleep with a big pillow at home and hate with a passion the nasty thin things they give you in hotels. So as well as checking out the ground angle before lying down I will pack a lightweight Alpkit drybag just big enough for my Alpkit Fillet down vest...and it will keep it 100% in the seat pack too.

Lesson 3 is that I always over pack on food. A chilli and tortillas before I left and a big try of Sushi is more than enough. Chocolate milk and jaffa cakes are the breakfast of champions! And I didn't miss my stove (just as well as the wife took both stoves and my Ti mug camping to the 3Counties Show yesterday!) If I was going out for a whole day after a fry-up and strong coffee at the first town would have sorted me out.

I slept pretty well and was warm enough in a 1 season down bag in my bivvi with Merino leggings, hat and long sleeve top. Leggings can be swapped out for leg warmers (dual use) but if it was a really nasty day a clean dry pair is nice to pull on! Lesson 4 placing feet on rucksack makes a huge difference if you only have a 3/4 length pad. I was toying with a full lenght pad (the new Alpkit ones look great and are pretty light and pack small...not bad for 1/2 price of a Thermorest!)

So quite a few important things learnt in a space of a few hours. Its now 08:13 on Sunday and I have already been up for 4 hours and the shops won't open until 10:30....guess I get to relax :)

Later

Alex

This post was brought to you thanks to Alpkit, they don't sponsor me but I am getting the feeling that I am sponsoring them! Visit them: Alpkit

Welsh Ride Thing

2010-05-28T19:09:00.003+01:00

Is tomorrow and I am packed, pretty much. Looking forward to 200km in Wales...I hope to finish a little ahead of time and get back early.

Total kit weight 12.5lbs excluding food and fuel. Camelbak has 3 days worth of food and 2L water...not weighed that but it is hefty but will allow me to keep off the main roads and out of "local shops" that frequent mid-Wales.

Might report when I get back...or I might not.

Alex

Nepal Photos

2010-04-25T11:06:00.003+01:00

An amazing trip which I night write up one day soon...or not.

Thanks to Joe Cruz for inviting me along, Mark Slate for the amazing OS Bikes BlackBuck frame and forks, Amanda at Chocolate Fish for providing the Merino clothing for a race 2 years ago...and still going strong! and Becca for letting me go and "lending" her gears for the trip :)

Alex

Ahh Engineering porn :)

2010-04-07T16:45:00.000+01:00

Back...just

2010-04-06T19:49:00.001+01:00

A write up and photo dump will follow but only once I have recovered from the food poisoning I got on the flight back. Bad dice as one friend put it.

In short: Tough, amazing, friendly, hot, cold and dusty.

Alex

Not long to go

2010-03-17T17:10:00.002Z

Pretty much sorted now, got my Manopoly Money (aka US$) and all bags are packed and weighed (coming in grams under the allowed weight despite careful selection!)

Just need to finish the last day at work, get a haircut on Friday AM with Nick the Greek as the forecast is warm and I don't do well in the heat let alone with a mop-top.

Joe is leaving a day early (as far as I can make out with those pesky time-zones) but will arrive with in an hour of me should it all go to plan :) First couple of nights accomodation have been sorted and plans for the rest sketched out.

Look out for a quick brain fart should I get to a 'Net Cafe while on my travals or a photo dump when I am back.

Later

Dull list for my records

2010-03-01T20:09:00.004Z

Crank Bros pump, Topeak tool, Gerber micro, 2x tubes, puncture kit, zip ties, chan links, chian ring bolts and tool, tyre boot, 2pr brake pads, gear and brake cable - all in seat bag on bike

Alpkit Headtorch
3x AAA batteries
Sun Glasses and case, cleaning cloth.
Ricoh CX1, LowePro case and memory card
Ricoh battery charger and 2x spare batteries
Sandisc Clip 8Gb MP3 player, head phones and 4gb MicroSDHC card
4x Lithium AA's and charger for MP3
Leatherman lock knife
Passport / insurance documents
Copies of above
Moleskein note book with useful info
Pages from guide book
TNG Map of the Annapurna Circuit
0.1mm Technical pen
2x 1L Ziploc bags
Money belt
Wallet - 2x credit cards, cash (NRs and $US)

Sun screen (SPF50)
Hand wash
Chlorine Dioxide drops
Lipbalm
First aid kit; inc syringes and hypodermic needles,
Ibuprofen
Imodium
Bonjella
Savlon.
Mini-towel (A3 size)
40 antibacterial wetwipes
Lifeventure multi soap
Toilet paper
Toothbrush and paste
Ear plugs
Otravine
Glasses cleaner

Trousers
Rapha LS merino top
Chocolate Fish Merino T-shirt x2
Chocolate Fish Merion LS top
Chocolate Fish Merino boxers
Chocolate Fish Merino longjohns
Chocolate Fish Merino beanie
Chocolate Fish Merino socks
Montane Velocity jacket
Montane Velo over trousers
Buff
Swerve Cycling cap (waterproofed)
Silk glove liners
Long wool socks
BBB winter gloves
Lusso Repel thermal leg warmers
Flip-flops
Swimming trunks

Karrimor Global 900 synthetic sleeping bag
Silk sleeping bag liner

2m electrical tape (on bike)
4m Gaffer tape (on bike)
Epic Designs handle bar harness
Inov-8 Pro 30L pack and 2L bladder
2x small, 1x Medium Ditty bags
2x 8L Alpkit drybags

On Me:

Fox Merino SS top
Rapha 3/4 shorts
Endura FS-260Pro Bibs
Chocolate Fish Merino Socks
SBC gloves
Bell helmet
Glasses

Change is good

2010-02-28T17:15:00.002Z

Buddhists teach that impermanence is one of the things you must accept if you want to achieve enlightenment.

Joe sent me a copy of his packing list and accompanying photo. First off a 22L pack (vs my 30L one) and he is putting the sleeping bag on the bars! Cue a quick tinkering session and I have now re-jigged the set up putting the 2Kg of clothes and drybag on the bars with the Epic Designs strap-on bag harness.

This makes the pack a lot lighter and give me a little more room. I have thrown in some extra toilet paper, sandals and merino t-shirt. I can still cram it all in the bag if needed and probably will on the longer hike-a-bike sections. Speaking of hiking with a bike next time try carrying the bike over your shoulder with the front wheel facing back...much easier especially up hill.

Training has gone well with 2 days off work and some extra miles on the bike with all the kit. Even had a traning session riding forest roads being chased by a shire-cob cross horse and cart up all the hills. He can not stand anyone being in front and has to try and catch them so I am the bait and get a 50m head start :) Pretty good interval training for us both.

Caffreys and Naked Gun DVD,

Later

Alex

Riding and eating

2010-02-25T20:46:00.003Z

Not much to report, just keeping the wheels turning and engine fueled.

Video from the weekend

2010-02-02T20:11:00.001Z

None of me as I was off the back with cramps. Nice trail though despite the tree felling in progress :(

Enjoy.

Alex

Practicing: Take2

2010-01-31T18:56:00.004Z

Nice ride in the FoD today despite the early start as Sheldon has to drive to Poland this afternoon! Nice 18-20miles around the woods with plenty of hills and techy trails. Dungeons and Dragons trail is pretty muddy and cut up, logging operations have not helped and the boardwalk is missing although it did not stop The Swede making the drop! I rode with all my Nepal kit / in the clothing I will use and it all worked fine, I even lost the jacket after the first climb as it was warming up to 1 or 2 deg C. Bag worked well and only a little strap adjustment as I drank the water from the wrap-around bladder.

Bike did great and the new DX thumbshifter is much better than the XT pod I was using. I put the Stout back on the front for extra grip in the sludgy conditions but the rear Weirwolf did really well in the bad conditions and gave a little cushioning on the frozen ruts.

I have packed my pedals with grease again and loctited the nuts on, this should be the last time I touch them but the right one is getting a little loose on the inboard bushing...I'll keep and eye on it.

Wise words from Mikesee: "Build it strong, build it comfey, use loctite"

Pretty worn out now, beef stew and dumplings for tea :)

First ride out

2010-01-23T18:17:00.002Z

After a quick trip into work I was able to escape for a couple of hours to give the pack and the new bike set up a try over Cleeve Hill and 3deg temps. All the kit worked well and the bag did not stress my shoulders and neck at all. The 6gears certainly helped especially across the sucky wet grass of doom towards the Pylons (Locals will know this one!) The bike is shod with WTB Weirwolf 2.55s and they are running Bonty tubes...the last two with removable valves so I can add some Bonty Super Juice that apparently will work with tubes and not only those troublesome tubeless setups.

Lusso leg warmers have two great resons to buy them: they are super long, even with my long legs the go from ankle to crotch with no problems. They are also super warm and pretty windproof which for a chilly descent over Harp Hill (or Thorung La) is what you need. Also pretty water repellant. £18 well spent.

The MP3 charger has turned up along with 2 AA Lithium batteries...not bad for £2.30 from FleaBay. Battery charger for the camera has been added (174g) but I might try and source a shorter 2pin plug flex as 1.5m is a little excessive!

More riding tomorrow, if my legs can take it!

Alex

Ouch! x3

2010-01-21T18:55:00.004Z

Ouch one is that I have just been for my jabs for the trip. Due to a pretty comprehensive pin-cushion session before India I only needed a Hep-A booster :)

The second ouch was the cost of my new Passport that arrived today, £77.50 for 32 lovely pages to fill...not that I used more than a dozen in the last one over the last decade...I blame the EU as you don't get a stamp going to the continent any more :(

And number 3 is that I seem to have been suffering from a quantum case of Kathmandu-belly and have been felling as rough as a badgers behind for the last 3 days, hopefully I am over the worst of it as I am bored senseless sat in the house. I did get to read the Lonely Planet guide book for Nepal.

While it contains much useful information there are quite a few chapters on all the terrible stuff that could happen (and if you believe some people will) as soon as you step off the 'plane. I am not sure if they are mentioning it to legally cover their asses or to disuade nervous people from venturing abroad but having traveled before I can't see too many problems with Nepal.

Last thing to sort is the insurance, camera charger and batteries and fettle the bike...which will be a days work in its self!

Bike stuff includes:
Loc-titeing all nuts and bolts,
Getting the bike box and packing sorted,
Fitting a thumb shifter (and possibly new cable and outer...damn),
Re-wrapping bar tape,
Stopping the Ourys moving all over the place,
Changing brake pads (I'll keep the old ones for spares),
Saddle angle adjustment.
...the list goes on

I want to get all this done in good time so I can spend a month shaking it down with a full pack. Tyre choice (having pored over photos of the area) will be WTB Weirwolf 2.55" with probably Bonty self-sealing tubes (my slime ones are past it...add to the list of stuff to do!) as they give good grip and comfort at low pressure and pumped up hard will roll fast on reasonable surfaces...even tarmac should I encounter any!

Right, might try some food and see if it does not bolt for the exit!

Alex

The low down for the kit weenies

2010-01-17T13:42:00.015Z

So here is the current iteration of the kit I intend to take and the bike set up (well the gears any way)

First up the gears, as described in my last post its an 8sp cassette minus the 11 and 30t sprockets. XT mech and old 8sp pod shift the SRAM PC58 chain. No dropping issues which is a shame as I really like the Paul Chain Keeper :) Shifting has been pretty good considering the two weeks of snow / slush and salt that has been thrown at it. Cleaned on Thursday night and oiled as there was a little noise from it but still working fine. I might have to go back to Finish Line Wet lube as the Rock N Roll King of Lubes might be a little out of its depth in this bad weather. Teflon tandem gear cable and standard gear outer (full length) are working fine and will do for years :)

Right, the kit. I have picked up a Inov-8 30 bag and bladder. The bladder sits on the lower back and wraps round the wing pockets and looks to keep the weight low down on your hips (ie how rucksacks are meant to be worn...CamelBak take note!) It fits really well as it is really long in the back compared to other 30L light weight bags.

I have got everything inside the bag (and a little room to spare) and the mesh side pockets are free for snacks / souvenirs / Kukris :) Total weight with 2L of H2O is 17.6lbs

Right the kit: (left to right from top)

Top row:

Crank Bros pump, Topeak tool, Gerber micro, tube, puncture kit / zip ties / chan links / tyre boot etc... [missing Avid pads, gear and brake cable]
Alpkit Headtorch, 3x AAA spares.
BBB Glasses and case, cleaning cloth.
Ricoh CX1, LowePro case, 2x spare batteries and 2 memory cards.
Sandisc Clip 8Gb MP3 player and head phones [missing 2x Lithium AA's and charger]
Sun screen (SPF50), hand wash, Chlorine Diox, Lipbalm in ditty bag (waist pocket on bag)
First aid kit; inc syringes and hypodermic needles, painkillers. [missing Imodium, Diamox and wide spectrum antibiotics which I will get in Kathmandu]
Leatherman lock knife
Mini-towel (A3 size) and 40 antibacterial wetwipes

2nd Row:

Cotton trousers and linen shirt casual / flight clothes
2x Chocolate Fish Merino T-shirts
Chocolate Fish Merino long sleeve zip neck
Lifeventure multi soap (will take 100ml bottle due to restrictions, 200ml shown)
Toilet paper, toothbrush and paste, glasses cleaner, ear plugs, Otravine (all wash kit fits in blue ditty bag)

3rd Row:

Montane Velocity jacket
Montane Velo over trousers
Buff
Silk sleeping bag liner
Swerve Cycling cap (waterproofed)
Chocolate Fish Merino boxers and longjohns
Chocolate Fish Merino beanie
Silk glove liners
Long wool socks
Chocolate Fish Merino socks
BBB winter gloves
Lusso Repel thermal leg warmers

Bottom Row:

Karrimor Global 900 synthetic sleeping bag (good to 0deg C, -5 with liner + merino layer)
Inov-8 Pro 30L pack and 2L bladder.

Not shown:

Topeak XL seat bag (for tubes, tools and pump)
2x 600ml bottles on the bike
2m electrical tape (on bike)
4m Gaffer tape (on bike)
Snacks for along the trail - bought locally.

And it all fits in this:

Not shown are the clothes I will be wearing:

Endura FS-260Pro bib shorts
Rapha 3/4 shorts
Fox Racing Merino short sleeve top
Chocolate Fish Merino socks
Cheap watch
Prescription glasses
Bell helmet
TNF Hedgehog GoreTex shoes
SBC long finger gloves

Thats all for now. I need to see about getting the bike strapped to the backpack for those long carry sections :)

Alex

Back on the bike at long last

2010-01-09T17:46:00.002Z

Well I have been commuting by bike every dau for 9mths but off-road recreational riding has been pretty thin on the ground.

2010 started with a cold, slightly hung over pootle in the FoD and we crammed another one in on Sunday too with Sheldon / Mandi and the usual suspects. Really good fun. It was also the first time since 2002-3 that I have ridden with gears. < pauses to hear all the jaws hit the floor and awaits a Ray Capo like backlash... >

Yes gears, only 6 of them so its not like I can't handle it. As background I got an email on the 27th Dec from my good friend Joe who I raced with in India a couple of years ago. He had a crazy idea to bike round the Annapurna Circuit this spring going super light stylee and mixing in some sight seeing, great food and mountains. Well how could I turn it down? Work are OK and I have booked the time off, flight booked and most of the kit sorted (and weighed!) One thing Joe did say was that it would need gears due to extended climbing at altitude and long, gradual downhills (that worry me more than the climbs!)

He also advised 26" wheels incase of needing spares...I'll (have to) take my chances on that one.

I have a source for custom boxes and a double thickness box will be about £25. I plan to take both wheels off and strap them either side of the frame and also remove the bars, seatpost and pedals. This should make for a much more manageable box to get in the airport / between planes / on to taxis. With the tools and first aid kit in there everything else can go in my carry on bag (25-30L rucksack!..we are going light!)

Merino will feature heavily in my clothing but I have also got a silk sleeping bag liner and glove liners on their way. The flat DMR V12s (with longer pins) are great with the TNF shoes I have and mean that I can take one pair of shoes. Grip is easily as good as the Time ATAC and a damn site easier to walk in / step on or off in. The old (new-ish) shoes and old but servicable pedals will be going on STW soon.

So the gears, you can fit 6 8sp cogs on to a Hope SS rear hub. I disassembled the 8sp cassette from Becca's Bontrager and also borrowed the shifter pod, rear mech and chain. I lost the 11t and 30t cogs so I have 13-15-17-20-23-26 x 32 range which seems pretty sensible and I have had no issues with the chain coming off the Middleburn Uno ring. I would put this down to a tight chain, tall teeth and no ramps or pins. I might get a Paul Chain Keeper if it is an issue but at the mo' its all cool.

In slightly related news Mark Slate has announced the BlackBuck frame will be in 3 sizes with a new fork and a really nice looking head badge. Check MTBR.com 29er forum for more info.

Right enough spew, just to say that all up pack weight with 2L of water will be 18.1Lbs :)

Alex

100th post....not bike related

2009-12-17T20:14:00.002Z

Getting my bass groove back on with a Peavey, Marshall and Line6 :)

Even got a spot in a band and have nailed 99 Red Balloons amongst others....great fun and in the warm and dry.

Alex

2009-12-09T19:06:00.000Z

Not much to report. Check out these two though...

http://www.84kmbivvychallenge.co.uk/ - looks like a fun trip :)

http://www.lookwhatwefound.co.uk/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=4 - what I eat on events like that ^ one :)

SSP

Back from Scotland....soul reset and ready to go

2009-10-18T14:46:00.003+01:00

Having spent a week riding great trails with friends, eating too much and drinking more I am back in the riding groove. My fitness made a last minute return and my handling skills were bored of kicking about in the attic so they made the 5hr trip north too. Its nice overtaking the full-sus boys on a rigid singlespeed with flat pedals.

The pedals were great, especially when the 10mm pins turned up from Ebay on Tuesday morning. The TNF Hedgehog shoes were grippy on and off the bike and did not look too odd in the pub :) I noticed no real problems climbing and none descending once I got the hang of having my heels down (like riding a horse...not that I have for years) Only down side is that the lovely Ox Blood red paint is coming off...oh well.

Pedal pins are available from these guys (you will need M4 for DMRs) and in 8 or 10mm depending how deep the tread on your shoes are.

Time for tea and cake.

Alex

Disapointment...and a pick-me-up

2009-09-08T20:40:00.003+01:00

Against the advice of my wife I listened to Muse's new single. Not good compared with their previous stuff.

Luckily YouTube has a fine range of songs from The Haunted :)

99 live

Gets the Peter Dolving seal of approval.

Alex

NEW TOYS....sorry for shouting :)

2009-09-04T16:33:00.002+01:00

My Epic bags turned up today so I quickly packed them with the bivvi kit and slapped them on the bike for a quick test. In the bags is my complete kit except food and fuel bottle. To be fair I will probably have a camelbak with waterproofs, 1st aid kit, arm and leg warmers, buff, cap and sunglasses in it so that will pretty much empty the front pocket on the bar bag (just leaving the tools, tube and pump in there)

The rear bag fits a huge ammount in and is a triumph of fabric engineering. In there is a folded and rolled 3/4 sleeping mat, cooking kit, wash kit, trousers, long sleeve top, cycling shorts and jersey, wind proof and over trousers. Again a few of the light items might make their way to the camelbak or for summer touring I might loose some of it (if I can garantee the weather!)

New on the bike is the Hope / DT front wheel to match the back...sweeet.

Off to fettle some more.

Alex

Things I never thought I would say...

2009-09-03T22:11:00.002+01:00

Why is there a crocodile on the roof?

Solitude 29er for sale

Two in one day eh? What are the chances of that.

A bacon sandwich is a dead pig being cuddled by two slices of bread.

goodnight.

Alex

Avid and Maverick on Ebay...

2009-08-30T14:26:00.003+01:00

Need to ship them out so the Avid Juicy 7's and the Maverick SC32 / DT Wheel are on Ebay for silly money!

Avid Juicy 7's

Maverick SC32

WTB Stem

Happy bidding!

I will be out and about this next week and have planned some S24HON rides, double nice if my stuff from Eric at Epic Designes arrives :)

Alex

Photo update

2009-08-23T19:44:00.003+01:00

Went out on the rejuvanated Blackbuck today. Only a short ride over Leckhampton to try and bed in the new pads in the Avid BB7s and check that Thomson stem and post were sat correctly. The WTB Rocket saddle was pretty nice considering it is pretty skinny compared to the Speed saddle on the Solly.

I did a 1st attempt on the Jones wrapping method and it turned out pretty well although I have an idea to tweak it.

Also pictured is the new Ti Stove...light and boils pretty fast. I hope to use it next week on a couple of trips.

Alex

Another break in service

2009-08-15T17:40:00.002+01:00

Just back from Scotland (sans bikes for once) although I seem to have come back with two bottles of single malt, some great memories and photos.

Now that I am back I am trying to get my riding mojo back in prep for the week off I have in September and still no plans for. I know that Eric is shipping my seat bag and handlebar set up next week so at least I will have a way of carrying stuff...somewhere.

I have fitted the rigid forks back on the Blackbuck to give them another go with the beefy WTB Stout rescued from Becca's bike. It will be interesting to compare it to the Maverick SC-32's...I expect it to be rougher but much faster handling. We'll see. The impetus for this was the lovely thread on MTBR.com with the Don McClung bikes on it.

Another thing I am trying are flat pedals for more sedate riding and road stuff. The idea of just taking some Vans Old Skools on tour appeals as with size 12's spare shoes take a lot of room in the bag. We'll have to see how sucessful this is as I do enjoy being clipped in on technical stuff. For road I have no concerns so stay tuned for the results.

Right, which whisky to try now...

Tour Divide Fixie...done!

2009-07-14T18:01:00.001+01:00

Major props to Deanna Adams who has just completed the Tour Divide (2,745miles) on her beater fixie (46:17 and 35c tyres!) in a time of 31days 5hours and change.

Well done :)

Alex

Clear out....

2009-07-12T16:31:00.009+01:00

Some lovely stuff I have on flea bay at the moment and ending on the 14/7/09.

Brooks Swift Ti £51 so far...
Surly 20t 3/32" fixed sprocket £4.99...

Salsa 135mm x 40deg stem £9.99....

ACS Claws 20t freewheel £4.99 and no bids so far...

25.4mm > 31.8mm handlebar shims £4.99 (£20 new!)

One thing I am selling that I can't sell on Ebay is my Leatherman Supertool. This has to be 10years old but is in great condition. Some burnishing of the handles and the serrated blade has a couple of nicks in it. It has had lots of use but now sits in the drawer as I am now desk based. Other than that is is 100% spot on and ready for antother decade of use. Comes with leather belt pouch (also in great nick) and all for £30GBP including first class recorded post with in the UK. Over 18s only please :)

Email me at singlespeedpunk at gmail dot com. Payment via Paypal or bank transfer.

Alex

Progress backwards

2009-07-04T13:58:00.003+01:00

I am simplifying stuff, parring away the edges. Minimal stove set-up thanks to Backpackinglight and bags on their way from Eric and the 6speed singlespeed finished.

36:17 and 34:19 freewheel, 34 or 36 :18 fixed. All with minimal (or no in case of freewheel ratios) brake fettling. Still not really a geared bike but should piss off the singlespeed purists. Good.

Found this on Kent's blog announcing that he will be at the TD next year:

If I stray away too far from you, don't go and try to find me.
It doesn't mean I don't love you,
it doesn't mean I won't come back and stay beside you.
It only means I need a little time
To follow that unbroken line
To a place where the wild things grow
To a place where I used to always go.

Nice.

Stuff for sale on Ebay including Surly track cog, ACS freewheel, Brooks Swift Ti, handlebar shims and a Salsa stem. Link here.

Alex

TD - now a film for all the blue dot junkies

2009-06-29T18:50:00.002+01:00

Only three short clips so far but it looks really nice and the "Codes in the Clouds" track on the first one sounds great (check them out on MySpace)

Teaser Mike Dion from Ride The Divide on Vimeo.

Teaser Matthew Lee from Ride The Divide on Vimeo.

Teaser Mary Metcalf from Ride The Divide on Vimeo.

Nothing else to report at the moment...only posting to annoy Miketually :)

Alex

Welsh Ride Thing.....part done

2009-05-31T09:02:00.002+01:00

I might get round to a full "race rpeort" but for not I will say that I bagged 6 of the 11 (10 plus a bonus one) check points despite arriving an hour and a half late with a splitting headache. The push over the boggy moorland was not a whole heap of fun but I made reasonable time considering. Bugged out of No7 as it was all pretty waterlogged. Cut down to the A44 and bivvied in a lovely bit of pine forest. Super sunny both days and I was back at 11:30 am on Sunday having covered 94km.

The bivvi kit and packing were pretty much spot on although I did pack the matches and water treatment tabs in the wrong bag that lead to a couple of horrible moments. Oh and I burnt the porridge to the bottom of the Ti mug and I can't get it off! Might try sandpaper now...

BIG thanks to Stuart and his wife for organising the event and providing cups of tea and bothy locations :) forestfreeride.com for training and guides in Mid Wales.

Alex

Plans, plans, plans.....

2009-05-10T20:39:00.003+01:00

97km, 3500m of ascent, 10 checkpoints and quite a few "where the f*** am I" moments :)

So do I race it or take it easy?

Alex

OK I know its been a while

2009-05-07T19:59:00.004+01:00

But I have not been slouching. Started a new job, ridden the HoNC 100km on the Solitude fixie with 40c tyres and toasted my knees in the process, fitted and fettled a pair of Maverick SC32's on the BlackBuck (best forks ever) and lots of other stuff.

Next event up is the Welsh Ride Thing at the end of the month. I have the kit list down and packed and the food sorted. All up weight is 26lbs including all the food for 3 days and 2L of water. Weight with out food / water is @15lbs so none too shoddy. Distribution is similar to the Get em Dai Ride but with the new Camelbak Octane 8 taking the spare clothes, wet weather kit and camera (as well as water) This pack is really nice as the hip belt is a good width and has side pockets. This takes some of the weight off the shoulders and makes it a little more bearable. I have used it on all day rides on the BlackBuck (including all the tools, spares and first aid kit in...1kg for it all!) with no issues.

The photo of me geeking out over weights is taken in the new SolitudeCycles Bike Research Lab (or our cellar) which has had light, power and insulation added. The junk has been cleared and a tool board and vise added. I also treadted my self to a drill, new screwdrivers and socket set...living the life!

I have the maps marked up and a route planned. I hope to download it on the GPS tonight if I have time. 10 checkpoints in a big loop should make it an interesting ride, I have one night at a Bothy that i have good info on (see the earlier aborted trip to mid-wales for a bothy night) and the other is in a pine forest over looking a lake (and one of the check points...if you have the grid ref!) I will be sure to post lots of pictures and do a write up when I get back.

The Mav's on the BlackBuck have been a revalation, while the longer legs and less off-set have slowed the steering down a bit it has helped the over all stability and the 95mm of travel has helped on the bumpy fast trails. I have just fitted a WTB Stout to the front end as the WeirWolf and ExiWolf were slipping out under hard cornering...and I am no superstar on a bike! I hope that this super grippy (if a little heavy) tyre will keep the front end planted. All up weight of the bike is approaching 30lbs which has made some people flinch but its front and rear suspension (CaneCreek post remember) and a heavy-ish steel frame with big wheels, slime tubes, big bendy bars and modorate kit. It ride fine and the only time I notice it is lifing it on to the car.

Non bike stuff included a trip up to Birmingham to see Snuff and NoFX play the O2 Academy. It was a really good gig with two great old school punk bands playing a greatest hits from their extensive back catalogue.

Over and out.

Alex

Riding and sunshine

2009-03-18T15:23:00.002Z

Both have been in short supply until recently. Sunday saw a 77km ride to practice for HoNC in a few weeks time. All went well until I bonked and my knees started playing up after about 50km. Powergrips are not for me :( Back to the SBC shoes and Time ATAC's all the way.

Tuesday night ride was around the FoD and finished up with a trip down DogSoldiers in the pitch dark..spooky! Becca will need some new rechargeable AA's for the 24hr race as my old ones are starting to get a memory / limited capacity. I took the BlackBuck as having a freewheel helped with the recovery although after 30km my knees protested anyway.

I now have a pair of Maverick SC32 forks to fit to the BlackBuck, not sure how they will affect the geometry as they are 50mm taller and 12mm less rake. I have just fitted the 29er kit, topped up the oil on the spring side and built a wheel to suit...quite a busy lunch hour! I hope to get them fitted tonight depending on what chores need doing as I was busy all Tuesday and its Mothers day this Sunday and the family are coming round!

The SC32's look to be the fork fettlers dream as they are easy to work on and have lots to change. Short of setting the air pressure and adding the oil to stop bottoming out I have not changed anything ...yet! Shim stack, oil cartridge pressure and negative spring might all come in for fettling until they are set just right for me.

Pictures once I get it sorted.

Alex

Long.......pause.......

2009-03-03T12:45:00.003Z

Yeah, sorry for that. I would say that I had nothing to report but that would be a lie. In the last 2 weeks I have:

1) Been really ill...you don't want any more info!
2) Seen my (useless) Doctor (see point 1)...never again
3) Visited IceBike trade show and listened to a seminar by Jay Townley...that guy talks lots of sense.
4) Got a new job...not involving bikes!
5) Given my notice at my current job
6) Did the silly fixie thing of trapping my finger in the drivechain while cleaing it!
7) Not written anything on my blog :)

Pretty tame stuff compared to Jill and Geoff who had to scratch the Iditarod race after frostbite / knee problems...get well soon guys. Shaggy John is well on his way into that race and was 3rd to the first check point at 57miles! Go John!

Becca has signed up for the Mountain Mayhem 24h in Solo Singlespeed Womens class...her first ever 24hr and I'm playing pit-bitch / moral support / mechanic / chef.... Currently trying out a new SBC Sonoma Ladies saddle, as her old Terry Gella Bella and Madison L21 were knackered, in advance of the HoNC 100km a month away.

I have signed up for the "Welsh Ride Thing" which is a GDR-alike over 3days in mid-Wales (ok, so pretty tame!) I am currently trying to plan what I really need and what can stay at home as I will be hitting some big hills and walking quite a bit. I have fitted some flat pedals and Powergrips to the Solitude so I can wear my SBC Taho shoes (sans cleats) as they are easier to walk in and don't look too odd in the pub! Its a little odd and quite hard getting your feet in them while pedaling but with a little more practice I will get my 2nd foot in with out kicking the pedal of having it kick me!

Top tip: Mule Bars, particularly the Liquorice and fennel seed one....Yum!

Alex

Nothing Tuesday....

2009-02-10T19:44:00.003Z

Pretty quiet day today. I took the BB out for a walk over Leckhampton hill, a ride is too strong a word for it. Good to get the heart rate up and have a think. Despite the 20t cog some of the snow was too deep / slusshy underneath to ride much and the brakes are still making a horrible noise! Time to hit MTBR for some ideas on how to solve it!

Some photos to finish, including Becca's new tool roll from Minx-Girl.

Alex

Tool roll

View over 'Nam

Clouds clearing

Snowy gully push

Snow fun being ill

2009-02-08T20:18:00.004Z

Well today I was recovered enough from my nasty throat infection / falling over illness that I could get out on the bike and enjoy some of the snow. Having spent two days unable to stand up for long, let along ride / work / do anything constructive I was glad to get out. The weather was not too bad and despite the deep snow and frequent off's I stayed warm and happy. The new SealSkinz waterproof and warm socks certainle helped. They are much improved on the c2000 versions that were two old walking socks with a thick carrier bag between them :) Toasty feet all day and room for some thin merino socks if its really cold / wet.

Bike de jour was the BlackBuck with new SBC Ergo Grips, I have seen people run them with the Ergon grips but as a) we didn't have any in stock and b) the SBC ones are 1/4 of the price I thought I would give them a go. Despite not having the angle 100% spot on they really helped on the bumpy downhills, or at least the down hills I didn't have to pedal down to keep moving! I have tweaked the angle (and that of the brake levers) so it should be spot on now. I also fitted the Salsa seat clamp from the Solitude as the cheap QR on the BB was not holding the post even with out the Carradice bag! The bolt-on collar seems to hold it a lot better and I compared the WTB post to the Cane Creek, Titec and BBB posts we have in the house and they are all the same diameter (give or take a little!) so its not the post. Fingers crossed this stops the slipping.

Other things that needed sorting was taking the 1/8" bearing out my rear hub...when I find that joker they are for it! Tightening the front wheel cones a tad. Stopping the brakes rubbing / squeeling was another taks undertaken while listening to Scotland loose to Wales in the 6nations :( I think I need a little copper slip on the backs of the pads and check the frame and forks with the disc mount facing tool although the Avid brakes should take care of that with the spherical washer mounting system.

I have to say the more I ride the BB the more I like it. Its quite different from the Solly which was designed with "regular" v2.0 29er geometry (72/72deg, 470mm x 47mm fork and 300mm BB height) I dropped the EBB to the lower position which lets me run the saddle a bit lower and makes me feel a lot more "in the bike" which for messing about on and keeping up with people like Sheldon makes sense. I guess I will keep tweaking things as I go along but as it is I am amazed with how fun it is and how well it fits.

While I was off I did manage to watch the film I had on rental. "Gandhi" is an amazing film that should be on the sylabus of every school and be show on TV a bit more. So much we could learn from a simple man and his ways.

A few photos to finish.

Alex

Nasty weather moving in

That did hit the camera!

Pushing throught the deep snow on the common

No kick stand needed!

Bothy Bother...

2009-02-03T13:48:00.004Z

Last weekend saw me take a rare Saturday off and travel up to mid-Wales for a long day ride and over night stay in a Bothy Sheldon had found (somehow!) We started form Rayader and rode up over the hills, through quite a few bogs and streams before heading back into town after 21miles and 5hours of riding. Despite a pasty and hot chocolate Becca was still feeling too cold to spend a night in a Bothy (and the stream crossing and 2km ride to get to it in wet clothing) so we had a pub meal and headed home.

The BlackBuck performed really well as an all day bike and the descending performance was great although the Carradice Glentress seatpost bag kept making the post slip on the bumpy stuff so I need to find another way of carrying my kit...possibly a Wingnut Gear backpack... I have re-greased the front hub and replaced the bearings as the sealing on it was not up to the normal Shimano standards and after 4 rides they were full of dirt and rough as a badgers arse :(

Despite taking the camera I only took 4 photos and 2 of them were crap...ah well.

Alex

Blackbuck NOT for sale...too late suckers

2009-01-21T19:22:00.003Z

Info here...but no longer applies.

Pics below....closest you will get.

Alex.

ing b*d!

2009-01-21T13:57:00.002Z

1.36 : 1 midmarket rate today, my guess is that HSBC are offering around 1.32 : 1 on tourist money :(

Oh and Northern Rock; we know our fixed rate has come to an end, stop sending us the letter telling us this! Save some £ and pass on the interest rate cut instead!

...and breathe.

Alex

Damn that pesky £ : $ rate

2009-01-20T19:53:00.002Z

1.39 mid market rate at the moment, which is 0.01 less than the rate HSBC were offering last week, they are now down to 1.36. Why is that important? Well the entry for the Spiti race needs to be paid in US$ and I live in the UK. Race entry (even with my repeat offender / press discount) is £1200 (or slightly more than I earn in a really good month) Add to that the air fare, spending money and some of the kit I need to buy and its £2k for 8 days racing.

Now I know it will be an amazing experience and I will love it, what I struggle with is the fact that I always said if I went back to India I would do it at my pace and do some sight seeing / relaxing inbetween the racing. £1200 will pay for a plane ticket, spending money AND anything else I need to tour India for a month, figure in the £2k and that covers the mortgage and bills while I am away if I can't get it as paid holiday.

Factor in other things like wanting some bedroom furniture (like a wardrobe to hang my stuff in) and a DVD player that works, your know, once in a while and it all looks a bit skewed.

Guess what I'm saying is that unless the £ gains against the $ I will have to look at pulling the plug and either taking a solo tour in India or just take a ferry to Europe or stay in the UK and pray for good weather.

Sorry for the downer of a post but things need evaluating :)

Alex

Stuff for sale...

2009-01-13T15:41:00.008Z

Stuff for sale....email singlespeedpunk AT gmail DOT com for dibbs / payment options.

Titec stem, 110mm x 6deg x 1-1/8" and 25.4 bar. Used once and a little long for my frame. £15

Scott Multi tool. £10

Scott seat bag, plastic clips and velcro strap. £7

Polaris jacket, medium, waterproof and breathable. Hood included. Works great but the elastic neck, waist and hem draw cords have lost their elasticity. £15

Huge Kirkland bumbag, @15l (possibly more) adjustable hip belt and stabilisation straps, padded back, 2 main pockets, compression straps. £10

Karrimor bum bag, main compartment plus two bottle pockets. £8

Original Cool Tool, some surface rust on allen keys but works fine. £10

27.2 x 400mm BBB seatpost, twin bolt head. Some slight marking on lower part. £10

34.9dia sealt collar, allen bolt. £5

Photos and prices. All prices include postage to UK main land. Email for other destinations.

Alex

January lull....

2009-01-13T14:44:00.001Z

Not much happening at the moment. The beard experiment is over as it failed to get past the "scruffy git" stage. Riding has been ok but uninspiring. Currently cleaning out the spares box so look out for some stuff on Singletrackworld soon (seach for singlespeedpunk)

Other than that not much to report.

Alex

Beard and training

2009-01-06T20:03:00.002Z

Well the first "Turbo trainer Tuesday" is over. When I finally got the DVD to work due to the scratches on it the film (Hannibal Rising) was pretty good and kept me ammused for 2hours of spinning.

My beard is progressing in the normal way, ie patchy and not joind-up. I might have to shave some bits so people know its intentional and I'm not just homeless.

Good news on the Spiti race is that the price of BA flights has come down, bad news is that new work commitments might scupper the whole thing. I am awaiting confirmation that its all ok so until then I am carrying on as if I am definately going. I had a chance to chat to Dhananjay on Gmail Chat and clear up some stuff about the race but mainly catch up on whats happening on the Indian Subcontinant, specifically Shimal.

Not much to report so thats it.

Alex

Happy new year, etc..

2009-01-01T14:20:00.008Z

Yep, '09 is upon us already. I hope this intangible change on the calender puts the crap weather and sickness behind us. I so need to get out on the bike more! I did manage a 55km ride on Tuesday with the Ashton club (of which I am now a member...at last!) I rode from home to Kilkenny up on the Cotswolds and met up for a 21mile ride that turned into an epic slog with 5 puncture stops and numerouse faffing stops in the cold weather. I was pretty well dressed for the cold except the SBC Deflect "windproof" gloves are not and I had neglected to buy any liner gloves so I resorted to sticking my hands in my armpits during the many stops to keep them warm. I now have a pair of liner gloves that should make them suitable for -5deg use.

With the light fading I headed back down the hill to home and a hot shower. On arriving home I found a package from Charlie the Bike Monger containing a 20t Surly cog, Salsa seat clamp and beefy KMC Z610 chain (the 3/32" version of the Z710 most people know and love) Later that night we descended mob-handed on to a curry house in Evesham for some food served buy the bussiest waiter ever (he was the only guy there!) all washed down with beer and scrumpy.

The bike worked well with the CX tyres in the mud and was a lot faster on the road there and back. I did try out the cork tape / mouse mat / cotton tape bar wrap and found it too small a diameter for my long fingers and that I got a painful ulnar nerve...not great. The 42c treads at 60PSI won't have helped but still worrying. So this morning I trimmed the tape below the brake lever and re-fitted the Oury grips which I know work well for 8hrs+ on rigid forks and skinny tyres :)

The CC Thudbuster ST was great, it took the edge off the rought trail and enabled me to stay seated over frozen hoof-churned trails with out getting the saddle inserted anywhere! Definately worth the £ and weight, not sure about the ribbing I got for it though! It does look odd but the amazing performance makes up for it. 10/10 for that one then. Only other change in the seating is the swap of the WTB SST saddle onto the Solitude. I had forgotten how great they were until I used one on the BlackBuck build. The Brooks will stay packed away until the weather improves or I forget to change it!

The first day of the new year was spent fettling the bike and starting the STW January Beard Contest. I have no chance of winning but wonder what sort of face mat I will grow in four weeks...not much is my prediction but we'll see. I fitted the 20t Surly track cog, KMC Z610 chain and Salsa clamp to the bike and finished it off with Michelin AT tyres and a few CtBM stickers (except the "Chicks dig singlespeeders" ones the wife objected to!) I now have 36:18 and 34:20 available with no brake faffing and 36:20 / 34:18 if I want to adjust the brake pads a little. All I need to finish it is a Phil Wood Lock Ring from Will at Hubjub as I have lost my Miche one and Phil use an odd size (compared to Dura Ace / everyone else)

1st January 2009 - No beard

Becca has signed up for the Hell of the North Cotswolds this year with plans of doing the 100km route so we will have to dig out the old routes and try some 50 and 75km trips prior to early April so she does not die halfway round! Good training for me as well as the "Tuesday Film and Turbo" sessions. Which reminds me I need to sign up to Lovefilm to get one for next week.

Best do that now.

Alex

Brain training

2008-12-20T12:36:00.008Z

Because I have been too ill to ride :( Becca has had the flu, and just like she said in the marriage vows, she shared it with me. Cue 2days off work bored to death. I am back in today as its the "busiest shopping day" of the year...well not in this bike shop. Pretty much all the bikes are sold and awaiting collection. P+A is going OK for last minute / little pressies and the odd kids bike.

So while I was off I did do some thinking about how I am going to build a good base mileage early in the year given the weather and motivation that early January brings. So I have decided to combine watching all those movies I have never go round to seeing and training into one. One joy of wooden floors and a detached house is that you can set the turbo-trainer up in the lounge and watch a movie with the sound way up with no complaints. So I need to compile a list of good movies I want to watch and fill out a Blockbuster membership form.

I realise that it won't replace all out doors cycling but should allow me to shift some of the extra stone I have gained in the last few months. Base miles interspersed with self-flagulation on the Ashton club rides should help build my strength and stamina.

I think I have pretty much sorted how and what I am carrying on the Spiti Race, yeah I know its months away and planning whats going where should be way down the list I had plenty of "mind time" on my hands in the last two days so I have it sorted. Frame pack will take the tools, tubes, pump, first aid kit, arm and leg warmers, buff and hat plus snacks and race book (if its the same as the MTB Himachal we need a "Time Book" which is a 50page duplicate book for signing at the start and finish of stages)

The Camelbak Classic will take 2l oh H2O and the Montane jacket on the bungee net and the lip balm, emergency whistle and MP3 player on the straps. I know I hate carrying stuff on my back but the Classic with its minimal weight and good straps is OK for longer stuff. No matter how I pack the kit the ride is going to hurt. Getover it. The only unknown I know at the moment is where the riders support jeep will be on the day. Each Jeep is shared by 4 riders and carries their stuff during the day and word is you can access your stuff during the race. Handy if you end up busting lots of tubes or rip a tyre.

I have just been lent a copy of "Short Walks in Shangri-La" and while it is about a walking trip to Nepal some of the stuff rings true with India too and while I am only a couple of chapters in its an entertaining read.

later

Alex

...and now we have corporate sponsorship

2008-12-16T13:29:00.008Z

Yep, long time aquaintance and purveyor of fine singlespeed, fixed and 29er bits Charlie the Bike Monger has agreed to kit me out with some essential stuff for my trip. I am not sure when I first met Charlie but I am pretty sure I was still at Johnny A's and it could have been one of the singlespeed races at Thetford. His online business has grown from a few items on Ebay to a proper online shop stocked with lots of great stuff and information on how and why to use it.

My bike is awaiting a 20t Surly fixed cog and new chain and a tropical tweed cycling cap for me. Stainless steel and wool...what a great combo. Needless to say that by bike will now be sporting (more) CtBM stickers and please follow the link on the left for all your perverted cycling parts needs :)

Other news is that I have fitted a CaneCreek Thudbuster ST to the bike [Si'down at the back!] If its good enough for uber-Viking berserker Dicky I can dam well use one too. Its the secret to off-road fixing over long distances according to the big-D so I'll give it a go and hope it saves my ring on the rough stuff. Thanks to Extra UK (CC importers) for doing me a staff deal on it.

Also on the bike are two chainrings, a Surly 34t and 36t so I can run a dinglespeed 34:20 (uphill at altitude) 36:18 (downhill and over 15mph!) without moving the brake pads or more likely a 36:20 for round here as we lack amazingly long up or downhills. So no its not a singlespeed anymore. Blah.

Also worth noting is the mc write up on dropbar padding and wrap. Cloth tape is a lot more durable and making use of an old mouse mat pure genius. Might give it a go if I can get my Oury grips off in one piece.

Riding has been a start-stop affair as I went on the Ashton night ride last Tuesday with Trevor from work and had a blast in the cold clear night on to of Cleeve until I clipped a pedal on the way into a small bomb-hole and went A-over-T and landed hard on my right side. I managed to keep riding but the next few days were worrying as it hurt more and more on my hip and upper arm. Then it started to heal just as a huge bruise came up on my shin. Ah well. Training is just not a good idea :) My fitness was not as bad as I feared BUT I still have a huge way to go to get it back on form.

Planning the logistics side of things has been easier as sitting indoors with a cup of tea sounds a better option at this time of year. Latest plan is to carry the bulky but light stuff (ie clothing) in the Carradice SQR pack where it won't rattle and the heavy tools, tubes etc in the bottom of the frame bag. This leaves the top of the frame bag for food, water, camera and other "to hand" stuff. AND NOTHING ON MY BACK. Worth using CaPsLoCs for that. I hate carrying stuff on my back and unless I am really careful my neck and shoulders mutiny which is the last thing you want on an 8 day race.

Thats enough for now.

Alex

Chocolate Fish Mernio Beanie

2008-12-08T13:27:00.002Z

I had a phone call from Amanda at Chocolate Fish the other day checking that my mailing address was the same as she wanted me to test the newest product in their range, a beanie made from the off-cuts of the T-shirts. Regular readers will know that I have bought CF stuff in the past and in 2007 they sponsored me more of their great clothing for the MTB Himachal. So I could be seen as biased but I'm not and you'll have to take my word for it.

The beanie is pretty light weight and packs up really small. Available in black, blue or green and made from 190gm super fine NZ merino (and made in NZ too) the price of £7.50 it is amazing value (others charge up to £35 for boutique brands!) At this price it will make a great stocking filler for cyclists and outdoors people.

So how does it work? It fits great under a helmet and the seams are a lot less noticeable than the synthetic ones I have used (Polaris and Lusso) It is not quite as warm but that's a good thing as after adding 250g of super-insulating polystyrene helmet you can over heat pretty fast. All the normal praise for super fine merino applies (no itch, does not stink after a few rides, works well over a range of temperatures etc...) Definately a bit of kit that will always be in my frame bag for unknown weather conditions or on my bonce at this time of year!

Buy it here and don't forget to look at the other stuff too as it works just as well and is a lot cheaper than other brands!

Alex

Nothing about bikes

2008-12-06T19:27:00.002Z

Just a great cover of a great tune

Have a nice weekend.

Alex

Why and whats next?

2008-12-02T10:25:00.004Z

Interesting thread on the MTBR Endurance forum asking why people push themselves in long races be it a 24hr race in a team or a solo attempt on the GDR. I was going to post until I saw that, what I assumed my answer would be, had been posted a dozen times already: Personal challenge, being outdoors, self sufficiency, ranking amongst other riders, etc.... The more I thought about it the more I realised that while those things did matter they were often secondary to the real reason.

I want to suffer. I want to confront my demons and I want to meet them on my terms. I want to beat them down and back into the dark corners of my mind. Simple.

I have yet to find anything as cathartic as a 3hr+ climb a vertical mile up a mountain pass in 80deg heat on a singlespeed. Perhaps primal scream therapy whilst having your legs beaten with a big stick might come close. I find the simple, repetitive almost trance inducing act of sitting and pedaling up a hill totally relaxing in a mental way. Sure your legs burn and your lungs heave but you shut that out after a while and you retreat into you mind, seeking out the dark corners away from the scorching sunlight and dust outside. You open doors, stumble across memories and feelings long buried. You laugh and cry, sing snippets of old songs and let the mental pain you uncover leave your body with the ragged breath from your lungs.

At the top you are not quite sure how you made it or what other riders might think of you. But you are calm, centred and happy; you suffered and survived. You went looking for pain and found the right dose, one that stimulates your mind and body enough to make it tougher but also aware of how frail it is. I hope that through seeking out hurt and self-doubt I can make my self not only a better person but also tougher for when an unfortunate event befalls me. I won't be shocked beyond action like a person thrown into icy water for the first time, but accept the pain and get on with it like those nutters who swim in ice covered lakes for fun...or perhaps they like the pain?

So whats next? I have had word of an 8day race in the Spiti valley run by the great guys at HASTPA who run the MTB Himachal. 480km and 16,000m of climbing, so shorter and steeper than the Himachal! The race starts on the 21st July and takes in a couple of 14,000'+ passes in the weird barren moon-scape of the Spiti valley. The start and end is in Manali (where I will find a real Yak this time!) which is a great place to acclimatise / recover. The real draw is the fact that the Spiti area is sheltered from the monsoon rains and is one of the driest places on earth...which after riding in the UK over the last 2-3years sounds great! Perhaps I can export some of our weather or set up a meteorological exchange program :) Details will be up here soon

I have been making plans for the 2009 MTB Himachal but I think that this new, bigger challenge might be the one. The only bad news is that the short time scale and the cost of the event and airfare. Don't get me wrong the event is cheap for the level of support and organisation you get (support jeeps, all catering, full medical team, emergency helicopter on standby and a pressure chamber if you get altitude sickness!) but on the wages of a bike shop employee it is big £££ to find at relatively short notice. If anyone would like to contribute in a small way to my taking part there is a Paypal Donate button on the top of the sidebar. I feel cheeky but failing a big company wanting to sponsor a lone singlespeeder in a race that only a small community of endurance racers will ever hear about I need to self-fund it. I am willing to send everyone who sponsors me a CD-ROM of the photos and copy of my write up when I get back.

Right enough of the begging and navel-gazing.

Alex

Photo taken by Cass Gilbert, shamelessly stolen by me.

No riding, just planning

2008-11-19T18:31:00.003Z

Motivation continues to wane, bike sit dormant in the cellar but I hope that its on the turn.

Very little to report, I am still fettling the 3PR route in MemoryMap. Plans for another multi-day ride might be in the offing too. So much to plan.

On the other hand people I know have been busy: Jill from the Up In Alaska blog has published a book and Dave Nice (aka Slowerthensnot) is a film star so have a look here.

No chance to read the book yet as it only arrived at lunch time today but if its anything like the blog it should be great. Dave's short film is a really good sketch of a rider who just loves to ride and get out there and do it rather than waste time on-line talking about it.

Right, better sign off.

Alex

A picture...

2008-11-12T18:25:00.002Z

...is worth a thousand words. Not sure how many Excel spreadsheets, e-mails and gramm counting that equates to but I will let you know nearer the time. Thanks to IanMunroe on STW for the idea / .gxp file of the route and GPSBabel for the conversion so I can use it in MemoryMap.

Rough data from Ian: 650miles, >50% off road. 100,000ft climbing. The 3 highest rideable peaks in England, Wales and Scotland. 1-2weeks to complete.

Think its doable? Fancy a shot at it later next year? Drop me an email singlespeedpunk AT gmail DOT com.

Alex

New ride

2008-10-26T19:47:00.005Z

Well here is my new ride, an OS Bikes Blackbuck singlespeed. What another singlespeed? Don't you have one of those already? Well I do but the Solly will be rocking a fixed gear, 42c CX treads and optional bike packing gear for epics, mixed terrain rides and stuff. The BB will be for shorter rides (sub-8hr say) and messing about on. The freewheel and dual disc brakes makes it a little more friendly for technical riding and group stuff....no one likes being dropped on a fire road downhill in the first 50m :)

I had followed with interest GuitarTeds testing of the BB on twentynineinches.com with a variety of different forks. The geometry is pretty different from "regular" 29ers with a 74deg head and seat angle, 435mm forks with 51mm rake (tail about 55mm, vs 70-80mm for most other 29ers) 612mm top tube is spot on for me and the 18" seat tube fine as well. The EBB is the closest fitting I have see on a production frame and makes it easy to adjust the chain tension. Ah hell, read G-Teds write up, he's better at it than me.

I managed to get it built up on Friday night but had to wait until Saturday to finish it as the Avid rear hose was 10" too short (the front was only just long enough on a rigid bike!) and the top-hats in the Race Face BB needed replacing after the original ones shattered when I installed the cranks. I did read, understand and follow the instructions but still they fell apart. After the silly easy fitting of the Deore HTII cranks to Becca's bike earlier in the week I was a little miffed but that's life. Oh and they don't spin too easily, I hope that this will bed in a bit.

First ride was a 2hr social jaunt over Breadon hill, starting with a nasty climb to gain height then taking in grassy descents, mud, singletrack, wet roots and psychotic trail dogs. The handling felt really stable to start with, I could even manage some no-handed riding on the road and kept the front end from wandering on the stiff climb up the fields. When I got it on the twisty trail however the handling was super sharp and a real "think about it and its done" sort of response that saved me a couple of times (mainly turning in too sharp on wet, muddy grass)

I need to fit a shorter stem (90mm vs 105mm on there) and slide the saddle right back. Colour co-ordinated stem spacers. A seat clamp that holds the post a bit better as the QR one slipped a litte with me bouncing on the saddle, aided by the hefty Carradice Glentress seat pack (filled with tools, tube, pump, jacket, over trousers, food and camera!) A surly Constrictor might fit the bill nicely.

The saddle pack and a spare SQR block on the Solly allows me to carry enough for most day rides (along with 2 bottles on the frame) and easily move it from bike to bike depending on the ride. The frame bag will be fitted for big stuff and when I really need to cart the kitchen sink about! Talk today was of a bivvy at Afan and possibly the West Highland Way next year over 4-5days with some side route diversions.

Finally a pic, with the Titec bars looking really odd, well odder than normal!

Alex

Touring bike for sale: Dawes Horizon.

2008-10-13T10:21:00.002+01:00

A friend at work is selling his touring bike he has just finished renovating. Specs and contact details below.

Dawes Horizon touring bike, recently re-built with lots of new stuff and hardly used.

classic reynolds 520 db lugged cromo frame and forks (early 90')
Tiagra x-type semi compact c/s 50/34t
Tiagra rear mech
Sora 09 9speed sti shifters and front mech
Brooks B17 special saddle std black copper rails/rivets
3t bars
LX cantis
Mavic Ma3/open sport rims rebuilt on rsx highly polished hubs
new chain,bar tape,cassette,seatpost,cables etc.

Every thing new except headset and tyres.

£300 collection only from Cheltenham.

email giles.g1 AT googlemail DOT com or call 07852219455

Slacker...

2008-10-12T18:33:00.002+01:00

Lack of energy, motivation and err, umm, eloquence? Despite the lovely weather I have not been out on the bike. Yeah, I should I guess but when a habitual early riser sleeps in until gone 10am on a sunny Sunday something is wrong. Today has been a relaxing one, some light DIY, bike fetting and zombie killing on the Wii.

The winter bike project is well under way. I have an OS Bikes Blackbuck frame and forks on its way from Mark Slate (WTB / Cunningham fame) and a stack of Titec, DT, Race Face, WTB and Avid parts sat at work ready for the frame to land here. My cousin Nicky has expressed an interest in building up a bike so I might see if he wants to give me a hand putting it all together (wheels included) one weekend. Its cool to help people learn stuff...might have to miss out on the beers and metal while doing it ;)

The plan for the bike is to be a low-geared freewheeling bike with "normal" bars for messing about on over the winter while the drop-bar Solly is fitted with 42c tyres for long mixed-terrain rides and bike-packing.

Speaking of bike packing, there is a new site / forum on that subject (MTBR.com missed a trick there) that is worth checking out. A nice mix of newbies like me and seasoned vetrans so there is a good spread of experiance and some cracking ride reports.

My friend, best man and bike-adventure vetran Matt sent me a great present, a photo book made up of photos we all took on the GDR ride with captions. Its great to have a hard copy of the shots and once we get a coffee table it will look cool on there :) Thanks Matt!

OK, enough blather from me. Have a nice week.

Alex

Back

2008-09-29T20:31:00.002+01:00

Yep, been back a week now but have been pretty busy at work and other stuff has sapped my blogging time (never much recently) Riding has been spotty but The Wall trail at Afan and some sweet trails around Tintern (Monmouthshire) have been sampled. Still rocking the drop-bar fixie but there might be a change (or addition) on the horizon.

The new Haunted album landed today and it shows a return to form and better (read heavier production) than the new and pretty good Metallica album. Still waiting for the new Jesu EP to arrive from Japan but having listened on the 'net it has to be some of the most, err, comercial and poppy output form Mr J K Broadrick ever.

Lots of events appearing on the off-the-radar radar (if that makes sense) Plus some local stuff.

Later

Alex

Sorry for the silence

2008-08-29T08:17:00.002+01:00

But wedding planning has been No. 1 on the list for a few weeks now and with the big day about a week away don't expect much from me for the next month :( Just booked a cottage in Scotland with what looks like loads of great riding, beeches and distilleries on the door step. Plus we will have another 8days to tour around if we want and probably visit some of the 7Stanes trails and other great places north of the border.

OK, over and out for now

Alex

Been back a while

2008-08-03T15:58:00.004+01:00

But only just got round to posting anything. I have some photos on the Picasa slide show below, more (and better) photos can be found on Sheldon's Flikr account.

The trip was everything a road-trip should be; long miles, weird people, bad food and good beer. Throw in some gorgeous weather and we had it made. From a kit point of view everything worked 100% although if I did it again I would ditch a lot of the snacks and hot drinks (plenty of pubs, cafes and shops along the way) The coffee mug/press while pretty good would be swaped for a towel. The best bit of kit had to be the bungee net as you could use it to dry your shorts, carry jaffa cakes and catch a lift from other riders :)

Alex

Still here...but not for much longer

2008-07-22T21:40:00.002+01:00

Yep, GDR-Wales is fast approaching and I have pretty much finalised the kit pending any big swings in the weather. The snacks I am taking are my only concern as in all its 2kg of stuff, 1.5kg I could loose and still have emergency food but I guess I like the idea of not relying on shops / pubs for a snack :)

Final pictures will be up in a day or two along with final info and plans. The only big change is that we are starting from Shrewsbury as Tym can't make it so we are eating, drinking and sleeping at his place before heading due West the next day towards Balla.

Time for sleep and to try and shake this damn cold :( Why do I always get a cold a week before a big event...answers on a postcard...

Alex

New GDR record!

2008-07-09T18:37:00.002+01:00

OK, I am slack and this is old news but congratulations to John Nobile for setting a new GDR record of 15days, 1hr plus change. A really great ride considering the dodgy conditions at the start.

Photo stolen from GDR blog with out permission...sorry.

Big cheer for Jenn still on the trail after a nasty case of gardia / back-garden-trots. Hope you are feeling better and continue to amaze us all the way to Mexico!

Alex

Normal programming will resume...

2008-07-05T20:40:00.004+01:00

After this detour, although I guess it could be linked to my love of singlespeeds and fixies in its simplicity and efficiency.

I have been shaving for the last 15 years and despite trying most razors on the market I have struggled to find anything that fulfils my strict criteria:

a) Removes face fuzz
b) does not remove skin/blood/facial features

As I said I have tried everything from supermarket specials with one blade throw-aways to the fancy and heavily marketed / hyped cartridge units with an ever incereasing number of blades...they will end up with a "Mach 20" razor that resembles a cheese grater and is about the same size! Some of the supermarket specials were pretty good but the consistency was not there, one pack were super smooth and charp the next like shaving with a rusty bread knife. The multi blades all gummed up, dragged and removed lots of skin.

I needed a solution as shaving at night so my face could heal over night was wearing thin. I stumbled across "Badger and Blade" following on from a Wiki article and I discovered the world of Double Edged Safety Razors. They are what your Dad / Granddad used up until the 1980's. A thin double edged blade held in a solid metal handle (the Gillette are the most famous of this type) and used to carefully and with NO PRESSURE shave you face. Sure they need a little more thought than the numpty face rakes out there now but they do a better job and with much less irritation.

So a week after this revalation I bought a Murker HD razor, Taylors shaving soap, badger hair brush* and some Derby and Israeli blades. I also got 5 Merkur Palatinum blades free with the razor. So having read up on the "How to" on Badger and Blade I set to having my first "real" shave.

There is something very satisfying about using shaving soap, you get to whip up a lather in your old coffee mug and apply it while trying not to stuff the brush up your nostrils. Picking up the razor and applying it to my face the first time was slightly scary but once I had the correct angle the bristles never stood a chance. The trick is to shave with the grain of the hairs then lather up again and make a pass across the grain. Once you face is used to it (about a month) you can add an against the grain pass for a BBS** face.

While it does take longer than a regular wet shave and is best done after a hot shower / bath (unless you can wrap your face in a hot flannel for a few minutes) the whole job only takes about 15mins and the results are worth it.

The razors are pretty cheap for something that will last decades and probably be passed on to your children but the real clincher for me was the price of the blades. A pack of 10 Gillette platinum coated blades costs less than £5 and each blade is good for 5-8 shaves. When you have finished with it just pop the blade in a safe sharps-box (or a sweets tin with a slot in the top and lid taped on!) and you can always recycle them. Each blade is very different in character and you need to try several different types with your razor to find what works for you. The Murker Platinums were a bit "draggy" for me in the HD, the Derby a bit aggressive but the "cheap" Israeli blades were pretty sharp and smooth. The new Gillette Platinums are even better but require a little more care, esp on the first shave!

A good way to try them out is to get a sample pack from HERE and give them all a try and then buy in bulk the one that works best for you.

So it might seem a little antiquated compared to the fancy multi-blade cartridge razors out there but it is still about because it works, is cheap and gives better results. Things that have been forgotten in the race for the "next big thing"

OK, thats me done.

Alex.

*Not UK / European Badger as they are protected, Asian ones that are eaten for food anyway and the pelts discarded.

**BBS = Baby Butt Smooth

Tour divide / GDR amazingness

2008-07-05T18:17:00.002+01:00

Well Matt Lee has finished the first ever TD in 19.5days...damn amazing given the terrible conditions (snow) earlier on in the race. Ardie Alson finished in 21days+ which is still amazing for over 2,700miles!

John Nobile is chasing down the GDR record and is (as of the last call in) 2hrs ahead of JP's record and has 14hrs to ride 125miles. Having ridden with John in India I can say that he is damn fast and has proved it pulling back a time deficite in bad conditions. Go John GO!

My own GDR-Wales preparation has been limited to a 2hr blast up the hills with all the kit on the bike to make sure nothing worked loose or fell off. I did notice the rack bag a little when coasting and pushing the bike but only a little rub on the back of my legs, not actually limiting movement. Now its just a waiting game and thrashing out minor details like getting to Chester with the bikes! Train or possibly a car...not sure right now.

Sheldon has test packed his gear (click for link) and gone for a seat-post mounted rack as he has funky IF drop-outs on the bike that make rack fitting a PITA. Alpkit drybags front and back plus a camera case. MSR stove fuel and hip flask on the frame...nice priorities!

Last thing is that I am clearing out some more stuff on Ebay so take a look HERE.

Right, time for food.

Alex

Bike packing kit....done (Updated!)

2008-06-26T20:03:00.004+01:00

Well as done as it gets for an event still a month away. I might swap out some clothes depending on the weather and we are looking at sharing some stuff (stove, 1st aid and tools) so it might even get a little lighter. Snacks and emergency food will add about 1.5kg depending on how much Billtong I get...a 500g bag sounds good!

Sheldon is due over soon to collect his rack and borrow my rack top bag to try packing his kit, he's now thinking that panniers might be a little big even with all his camera gear. Not sure what Matt is doing as he is awaiting his custom sized PHD sleeping bag and bivvi tent...that's what you get for being a body builder and having arms thicker than my legs! I think he is going for the drybags / straps ultra light method too on his Solitude Audax bike.

Total kit weight at the moment is about 6.7kg base weight, add another 3.5kg for water and snacks so about 10kg / 22lbs all in. I have yet to fill and weigh the hip flask but I am happy to drag that sort of weight about! Only the camelbak with 2l of water and camera will be on my back so I am happy to ride all day with no discomfort, I much rather the bike take the weight and then I am only really noticing it when lifting it over fences!

The drybags are from Alpkit who make some amazing kit for really reasonable prices and great customer service to back it up. I really reccomend anyone looking for out door kit have a mooch about their site and give some of it a go. To give you some idea of the value the straps to hold the drybags to the bike cost more than the bags themselves! I also got a couple of packs of clip-its (mini caribena clips) so I can attatch the bungee net over the rack bag so I can carry extra stuff (jaffa cakes etc..) and possibly dry clothes as we ride.

Some photos of the finished set up then goodnight.

Alex

MM 2008 / Bivvi test v1.0

2008-06-22T17:55:00.002+01:00

Just back from Eastnor Castle and Mountain Mayhem 24hr race. I was not racing but providing catering and mechanical help to the Ashton MTB club (6 teams, 1 solo!) I did use the time to test the tarp / bivvi / sleeping bag and found it super good. I only managed about 4hrs in it as I had people to rouse and bikes to fettle but it all worked...despite the 30mph winds and driving rain.

No pictures but the tarp was strung at and angle against a fence so Sheldon and my self could (easily) get our heads and chests under it only leaving our legs exposed.

More when I have had some sleep

1st Test

2008-06-10T11:25:00.003+01:00

I managed to get a test ride in on Sunday with the full GDR Bivvi kit and the new Carradice bar bag (that looks very similar to a Barley saddle bag...) I packed the full kit minus food as I know I have plenty of space in the top of the frame bag for snacks and emergency food. The bar bag worked well and although loosing the side pockets would give some more hand room I had no issues on the 3hr ride with the buckles rubbing my hands. Riding with the weight on the bike was not too bad, and a damn sight better than the 23-24lbs total would hint at. Spreading it along the bike (and keeping the tools/water down low) really helped to balance the bike and although I was not super fast I was able to ride The Skull and Dowies Pt2 with no issues.

Only real thing to sort now is the camelbak. I am using my ancient Source bag from c2000 that takes a 2L bladder, rain jacket and trousers and 1st Aid kit. The shape is pretty good with the weight low down but the lack of a proper waist belt means that the shoulders take all the strain. A 10L version of the Karrimor bag I used in the Himalayas would be tops....the search continues!

Packing list as follows:

Bike: Fenix light, GPS, rear light on rack.

Bar bag: Sleeping mat, bivvi bag, tarp, lock. 2.1kg

Frame bag: 1L water; tools, tube, pump, etc.; maps, food+snacks, 4x AA's. 2.2kg

Rack Bag: Sleeping bag (in W/proof bag), stove, mug, wash kit, matches, spare clothes and more space for food. I am also adding a bungee net for additional storage / stop stuff moving about too much. 2.9kg

Source Hydro Pack: 2L water, camera, waterproof jacket and trousers, 1st Aid Kit, wallet/keys. 3.6kg

= 10.8kg including 3L of water (base weight = 7.8kg including bags!)
Food/snacks will add about 2kg for the 4 days...most refueling will be in pubs / local shops!

I have circulated a Memory Map of the route to the participants and got back from Matt a break down of the climbing which was rather alarming....37,000feet in 4 days / 400km! I am looking at the route again to see if there are any silly / unnecessary climbs I can edit but I know that there will be a few "stern walks" along the way. My 20t ACS freewheel on its was from the USA might help a little.

EDIT: Having looked again the scale is to blame for some of the "ski jump" route profiles....ok a 10% climb is plenty on a loaded bike but it is do-able. I have added an alternate on Day 3 and 4 to miss out some of the worst climbs if we are totally knackered though!

I'll finish up with a couple of shots of the bike.

Alex

A little news...

2008-06-04T08:11:00.003+01:00

Well I did manage to get out over the bank holiday weekend...in the driving hail and sleet. Pretty cold and wet but a good 1hr45min blast then off to the pub for a beer. Other riding has included taking Trevor and Hazel to the FoD for a nice jaunt in the woods which turned out a little tougher as the Dog Soldiers trail was still pretty wet and slippy. It was Hazels first proper mountain bike trail and she did really well to stay on the bike...better then Trevor and his new SPD pedals :)

Date for the GDR is set on the 26-29th of July so if anyone can arrange good weather for then in Wales it would be appreciated! I need to make a decision on the final packing and start taking all my kit on some rides to have a shake down even if I don't end up camping out.

Other big news is that I passed my driving test yesterday (at the age of 31!) so I can now borrow the Chav-mobile for rides further afield. Any one in the Cheltenham area looking to learn should give Colin Parry a ring as he was a great teacher and immensely patient even with my bumbling lack of coordination! On a completely different note Final / JK Broderick has a new EP out on download only (MP3 or FLAC) on his blog. 47mins of minimal bleeps and soundscapes....great for late night bike fettling.

Over and out

Alex

Fine tuning but no test....so far

2008-05-27T16:04:00.005+01:00

Still faffing with the kit and packing options. I have ditched the emergency foil bag as carrying a sleeping bag, bivvi bag and spare clothes should negate the need for a big bacofoil sack :) I am toying with the idea of a front rack to take the clothes and sleeping bag (in a drysack) so I only have to carry water on my back. The only problem is that the front racks are all pretty small top plates and fixing the bag on there might be tricky. The other option is a bar bag (which I had sold as I was using bar mounted bottles) from Carradice (their zipped roll bag) which can take snacks and waterproofs thus freeing up more space in the frame bag for clothes possibly?

I have made out a provisional menu for the trip and considering the proliferation of pubs and small towns along the way I should not need too many calories in the bag. I am planning porridge/sugar/dried fruit, Geobar and coffee for breakfast. Snacks include 100g of Billtong (jerky) nuts, dried fruit and spicy chickpeas. Evening meals will be in a pub although I will carry some emergency food incase the pubs are closed / out of food / not friendly!

A provisional date has been set so that gives me a target to aim at and a couple of months to try stuff out. My latest purchase that will require some testing / trial and error is a poncho / tarp. I was considering buying some SilNylon but this worked out the same price and was already assembled :) I will need to sort out various pitching options and procure some tent pegs and guy lines from my current tent selection to make a complete shelter but at about 400grams and 2m x 1.5m I think it will be worth taking along.

Still riding...

2008-05-20T17:25:00.003+01:00

although Becca is getting faster now she is riding to work most days. I hvae the WTB Weirwolf 29x2.55's fitted and I am loving the floaty comfort and grip :)

Just tried out my GDR-UK loading on the bike and it all fits pretty well. The camelbak bladder is a little narrow and rounded compared with the pocket in the back of the AlpKit pack but it works OK. Loads of room in the rack pack for food and snacks in the frame bag. I might even put the waterproofs in the Gourdon as it only has my clothes and sleeping bag in it! Guess it depends on the weather!

Full kit list so far:

BIKE
GPS
Frame Pack
Ft light
Rack
Rack bag
Rr light

FRAME PACK
£/Credit Card
Buff
Glasses cleaner
Maps
Montane Jacket
Montane Trousers
Snacks
Sunglasses+case
4x Lithium AA's
chain oil
pump
Tool kit**
Tube

RACK BAG
1st aid kit*
Bivvi bag
Camp soap
Ear plugs
Food
Matches in ziplock bag
Mini lock
Razor+oil
Scourer in ziplock bag
Sleeping mat
Stove
Suncream
Ti Mug
Ti spork
Toothbrush+paste
TP

ALPKIT GOURDON 20L
Altura longs
Camelbak 2l bladder
Camera+case (Left-pocket)
Cycling shorts
Merino LS
Merino Cycling Jersey
Merino socks
Sleeping bag
Snacks (Right-pocket)

WEAR
Baggy shorts
Cap
Cycling shoes
Cycling shorts
Helmet
Merino Cycling Jersey
Merino socks
Glasses
Summer gloves
Watch

1st Aid Kit*
3x Antiseptic wipes
Bandage
2x Dressing
Foil blanket
Plasters
Savlon
Scissors
Tape
Tweezers
Vitamin N
Latex gloves
2x Rehydration salts
Water purifier tabs
Safety pins
Needles+floss
Whistle

Tool Kit**
£cash
Chain links
Chainring bolt tool
Chainring bolts x2
Electrical tape
Gaffer tape
Leatherman knife
Puncture repair kit
Spokes+nipples
Topeak Hexus multi tool
Tyre boot
Zip ties

So there you go, a tantalising list of kit. I have left out some info and particular models as its no fun if some one tells you everything! Have fun trying it for your self. I am still waiting on a couple of small bits (50ml bottles, Cyalume's and possibly a basha/cord/pegs if the weather looks iffy)

Check out dR jOhNs blog for the ultimate (?) bloody mary :)

Right, off to help my sister move house!

Alex

SSUK

2008-05-07T18:19:00.002+01:00

Sorry for the month long silence, not a huge amount has happened that was worth writing about. Minimal riding and motivation have given way to err, more riding and motivation! SSUK 08 was held at the weekend and I would like to thank all the oragnisers, helpers and staff for a great time. It was great to catch up with old friends and make some new ones. There was beer, whisky, great food and bad dancing. Oh and a bike race somewhere inbeween :)

Due to lots (ok, 3) of requests here are the recipies for the cak and flapjack Becca was handing out all weekend:

Chocolate Beetroot cake (from Green & Blacks Chocolate cookbook)

100g Drinking Chocolate
230g s/r flour
200g Caster sugar
100g Dark Choc (recipe says min 60% I use 70% in case the 10% makes a difference)
125g unsalted butter
250g cooked beetroot
3 large eggs

Preheat the oven to 180

Butter and flour 18cm tin.

Sift together drinking chocolate and flour, then mix in the sugar.
Melt the chocolate and butter together in a ban marie.
Puree the Beetroot.
Wisk the eggs then stir into the beetroot. Add to the melted chocolate mixture and dry ingredients and mix well.
Pour into cake tin and bake for 50min.

Flapjack (from Nigella Lawson’s domestic goddess)

450g rolled oats
75g soft brown sugar (I use a light muscavado)
300g unsalted butter
50g golden syrup (I think its far to messy to way so use about 4 serving spoons or until the mixture smells more like golden syrup then butter!!!)

Preheat oven to 190.

Mix the oats and sugar. Melt butter and syrup gently over a low heat, once melted pour over oats and mix. Press into tin and cook for 20-25min.
While they are still warm (about 10min out of oven) cut into squares then leave to cool fully before removing from tin.

Photos will be fettled and added here as a mini slideshow and linked to my Picasa site soon (maybe tonight but I have loads to catch up on!) I only took about 6 photos and mainly around the Mabie red trail on Monday, Becca was snapping away during the race so she will take the credit for the shots ;)

Later

Alex

First batch of photos

2008-04-06T12:29:00.003+01:00

Just spent a slightly hungover morning sorting and fettling the first batch of photos from the visit to the 101Sqd at Brize Norton. More to come once I get them off Becca's camera.

Enjoy!

Alex

I'm back!

2008-04-05T18:21:00.002+01:00

Sorry the blogging has been a little sparse but I have had a busy time recently. Week last Friday I and 14 other supporters of Leonard Chcshire disAbility were guests of 101Sqd. on an air-to-air refueling mission that included taking fuel on to our VC10 from a TriStar then off-loading it to 3 Tornado F3's and a Tornado GR4. For a plane geek like me it was great and I still have 150 photos to sort through! Thanks to Flt Lt Mike Udall and the rest of the crew for allowing us along and answering our questions / not throwing us out the cargo hatch!

My article about the MTB Hiamachal race was published the same day in Singletrack Magazine (WHSmiths, Tescos or LBS for a copy) and I was chuffed it was on page 10 and had some good sized photos to go with it :) Fame and fortune here I come. I am also working on a conceptual art project with my Aunt (who is a famous artist in her own right) that is to do with bike although should have a broard appeal (are you listening Mr Sarchi?)

Riding has been stepping up begining with a great ride on Bank Holiday Monday in the FoD with the Ashton crew. We were some of the last there but managed to throw the bike together and get ready while people faffed. I felt a lot better on the bike although the 34:18 gear still feels a little tall for the climbs and tech stuff...guess I just have to TTFU :) Also met Becca for an after work ride up Harp hill and over Cleeve. While the lower section is rideable the second section past the resovoir is a killer and a good reason to walk. Once on the top it is still quite a way to the radio masts and on to the fun (and almost dry-ish) singletrack. It was great to get a 2hr+ ride in after work and only need lights for safety on the way home.

The lighter evening are not only great for riding but popping out for a beer after work. Now Becca is back at a reasonable hour (or even before me!) we can go for a drink with out ending up eating at 10pm!

So lots to report but no photos as of yet as I have been too busy with 101 other things to download them...may be Tuesday if the weather is as bad as it is forecast!

Over n out.

SSP

Some riding...

2008-03-24T12:17:00.001Z

...and a lot of suffering. The ride on Tuesday was cut short due to my chest not liking the sub-zero air I was forcing into it as I puffed up the side of Prestcott Hill Climb course having already ridden from 'Nam to Gretton. I felt bad about bugging out as I was looking forward to a blast over Cleeve and a nice pint in the pub afterwards.

Fridays ride started from the Killkenny car park and the group took in 18 windswept, cold and muddy miles. The 34:18 seemed like a monster track gear, and Becca's Thursday afternoon jaunt over Cleeve had taken the wind out of her sails. It was such a tough ride in bad conditions I didn't take one photo and finished off a whole bag of Harribo towards the end just to keep going. To say that 6weeks off the bike and a chest infection has effected my performance might be an understatement! We made it back to the car and only missed out the last gravel track descent and road climb. The rest of the afternoon was spent relaxing and eating, the effort to go to the pub was just too much!

The frame bags are proving really good and despite a few "nice kite" remarks the issue with side winds is pretty much non-existent even in the 35mph gusts on Friday. Becca can pack in a 750ml bottle, jacket, tools, pump, tube and camera in her bag and I can fit all that plus winter gloves, gillet and more snacks. The one thing I am re-evaluating are the bar mounted bottles which due to the drop-bar set up are pretty near my face when I duck under branches and have a tendency to start jumping out over rough ground. Some cold setting seems to have removed the "ejector bottle" problem but I am thinking about a 2l water rucksack so I can ditch the bar bottles and the one in the bag. As much as I hate lots of stuff on my back I think I can manage a basic camelbak with just water and £££ in it.

I still have to conduct a full test-pack for my bivvi gear (both basic S20ON and longer trips) but as the ride today is not until 4pm I guess I might do it now.

FoD pictures to follow.

Alex

Finally

2008-03-14T19:02:00.007Z

The bags have arrived and I stole a few moments at lunch time to snap some pictures out side of the shop. Antibiotics are slowly making a difference but work has not helped with a stressful two-computer upgrade to RMS v2.0 and all the MySQL / Networking / Microsoft headaches involved. Oh, and now Becca is ill :(

No riding until probably Tuesday and then definately the Easter weekend.

Can't wait!

Alex

Life on hold...

2008-03-13T18:11:00.003Z

I am back to work just about although I am still pretty rough until the Corvonia and Ibuprofen kick in. Went to the Dr's today and ended up with some Amoxycillin 250mg which should clear up the nasty chest infection plus the nausea and blocked ear that came with it! For some one who is in pretty good health for decades at a time the start of 2008 has been a bad one. With luck this should be the last of it.

Still waiting on the frame bags. They are in the UK, Gloucester even, but Parcel Farce are living up to their name. First the site said they tried and failed to deliver them on Monday...not true as the shop was open and no big red truck turned up. So yesterday evening I re-scheduled delivery for today and rode the bike in so I could fit it straight away (I even got up early to fit the heli tape while I was having breakfast!) No dice. Now the on line lie generator is showing "HELD - Awaiting payment of charges" Now no one has seen the letter with the £x listed on it and the 13 digit number so I can pay it online and get the bags moving the 10miles from the depot to me, despite the insitance that it has been sent (by which carrier...just guess!).

I rang the depot and got through to a guy who how after a few false starts and confusion seemed to intimate that the parcel would be with me tomorrow and I could pay with a business cheque (best dig out the Solly cheque book and transfer some £££ into the account) So I will await the delivery tomorrow and if not I am tempted to pop round the depot and start kicking off as the "Express service" has just doubled in time scale with 50%+ of it being spent sitting on a shelf half an hour away!

One good thing that has kept me sane are the recent long posts by mc on his blog, great to see he is getting back into the writing thing and that 700see is finally on its way! Lots of good stuff to while away some time with so check it out. (Link on the right ---> )

OK, enough chesty-cough angst and patience deficit.

Alex

Still here...

2008-03-07T18:02:00.005Z

...when its all working. The medication that is! I have been struck down by a nasty bout of man-flu and can only function when the Ibuprofen, Strepsils and Hot toddy are in pharmacological alignement :( Driving have been going well with the test at the end of April booked and some more 2hr lessons penned in for the next few weeks.

No shots of the revived bike yet as I am too shaky to ride it anywhere to get some good shots (like the park at the end of the road!) I should have the Carousel bag soon...tomorrow would be nice and will get some in-situ photos done ASAP. I have stolen these from Jeff's Flickr account, go and have a look at the sweet stuff he sews.

More next week

Alex

Becca's mini frame bag for her small 29er. Note the custom daisy logo (the bikes name)

My much larger twin compartment bag complete with waterproof lower zip to keep the tools dry :)

Moving along

2008-02-29T18:09:00.004Z

Well I should finally pick up my frame, resplendant in its new powder coat, on Monday. Plan is to collect it with the headset in my bag and then swing by Williams Cycles on the way back to borrow the headset press (no, you can't borrow tools there...I work there so its different!) and then back home for some assembly and fettling. I have the week off with three aims in mind:

1) Learn to drive. I can physically drive, I just need the practice to pass the test (mid April)

2) Finish plastering the bedroom. Been on the cards for a while and now I need to finish it.

3) Assemble and ride my bike for the first time in almost a month.

Guess I will have wiped 33% of those off by 7pm Monday...no slacking on the week off.

I got my BB back from Phil Wood who have fitted new bearings, serviced the axle (?) and supplied new rings. I am not sure as to what was up with it or how much it has cost me as the packing note does not list prices and the descriptive lines are cut off before imparting any information. I have emailed them but I am still awaiting a reply... My guess is that there was mud in the bearings, which given the reputation of Phil stuff and the 4 year old hubs I am running on the same bike, is a bit odd. No I don't jet-wash the bike...I don't even have a hose in the yard. Bucket of water, FS-10 and a sponge all the way :)

Got an email from Jeff to say the frame bags are ready and I Paypal'd him the balance and shipping...just a matter of waiting now, which is the one bit I am not tooo good at! I also added to my bike packing kit with a pair of flip-flops for longer trips where you might want to change for dinner (ie T-shirt, shorts and sandals for a pub meal, not a suit for 4 courses at The Fat Duck...I wish!) I guess at £2 and <150g I guess it was a no-brainer!

I have planned the total of the GDR-UK/Stag ride out on MemoryMap, while I was only going to plan the off-road section I guess it can't hurt to have the whole lot on the GPS, especially with the complex Chester to Ruthin sections with its inneumerable small roads and off-set junctions.

I'll leave you with a picture stolen from mc's site of his fixie, such a nice simple (if gangly) bike.

Alex

All quiet on the biking front...

2008-02-18T18:42:00.004Z

Well not quite but not a lot of MTB-ing going on despite the good weather! Lee has moved some cable guides on my frame and shot blasted it and tomorrow I am taking it over to Stroud to be powder coated. Most of the other bits are in place for the re-build with only cable inners and Rock n' Roll "cable magic" lube to land on the door mat.

Becca's bike is having a little TLC too as she had fried her front and rear brake pads so I took the opertunity to add some in-line cable oilers to keep the V-brake noodle running sweet and check the drive chain. Well I can say that the chain bends as far sideways as it does up and down! Not bad for an almost 2 year old PC48! The cheapy chainring is toast, partly due to the "bash ring" helping to keep all sorts of crap on it and grinding the chain away. A shiny SRAM PC-870 and Middleburn hardcoat / single ring bolts should sort that out!

I also added some new finishing kit as she managed to crimp her bars at the weekend (putting on loc-on grips no less!) So I have I new Titec stem, seatpost and Flattracker bars on order at silly money. She never liked the shot-peened silver anyway so the new Johnny Cash black stuff will improve the look!

I should hear from Jeff at Carousel soon and the guys at Phil Wood who have my "grindy with a little play after a year" BB back...most weird. Hope to be getting some nice packages from over the pond soon then :)

I have planned out the bulk of the GDR route and just need some PC time to sort out the off-road sections on MemoryMap for putting on the GPS. As much as I would like to leave it behind the GPS is very handy and avoids me buying / carrying too many maps :) Loks like a 4day trip from Chester all the way down Wales and back over the boarder to the Forest of Dean...it even ends up on the Dowies trail :)

Smacktalk...what-ho

2008-02-05T17:55:00.000Z

Yeah, in an attempt to motivate myself for the forthcoming "season" I am intending to try some "smacktalk" thanks to Dicky for the inspiration :) Bear with me as it does not come naturally to a slightly repressed middle-class English chap.

The "Bike of Doom" is all stripped down, but not like the dissassembled T-101 at the end of the Terminator film (films 2 and 3 don't count), more like the bionic man awaiting to be re-built faster, better, stronger. Some new bits to upgrade the killing capacity against geared bikes and coasting wusses (and to remove the clicking in the crank and headset!)

Frame is getting some powder coat in a top secret colour that will allow me to blend in with the scenery until I strike (Note to self: kill powder coaters after to keep secret safe). To allow me to stalk my prey for longer Jeff at Carousel is working on a frame bag to allow me to spend days lying in wait for an over-weight middle manager riding a skill-compensator to crush. The twin handle bar mounted bottles and Brooks saddle will get nods of approval from the old boys in the pub who remember 6-day events between the wars. Almost as satisfying as the ridicule from the camelbak pack-animals who just don't get it.

Having stripped it down I thought I would weigh the parts and frame, just because, well I am a geek. I would love to say that it was 6.66kg but after the digital scales stopped flashing "EvIL eRR0R" it turned out to be 4.45lbs for the frame and about 26lbs all up with Mich 29x2 tyres and slime tubes. Weight means nothing if it fails, I tell all the weight weenies this as my monster truck rolls over their Euro-Carbon paperweight as they attempt to fix it. "To finish first, first you must finish"

To allow faster running down and dispatch of the weak prey (hey, no point making them suffer too much) I am installing a pair of WTB Weirwolf 29x2.55" tyres...yep they fit in the back of the frame...with room to spare. BIG volume (like a Slayer gig) and a huge contact patch (sasquatch?) will allow me to ride like its an XC full-sus with none of the "should I 'push' 'pull' or 'wiggle' my shock...oh its blown anyway" shnaniganns. Inflate to <30psi and roll 'em.

Clad in natural Merino fibers I will be invisible to all sensors and scanners, the only thing that will announce my arrival will be silence and a sudden lack of single malt. Don't expect a fanfare, shouting, toe-to-toe confrotations or beer-can crushing. Just a thin guy on a bike pedalling like buggery, surfing the catastrophy curve as it intersects the singeltrack.

So thats the plan, SSUK08, GDR-UK and trails all over the country will feel the wrath of my two-wheeled juggernaut of doom. Or something.

Alex

Awww crap

2008-02-05T10:29:00.000Z

Really a sad day.

So long and thanks for all the bikes.

Alex

Back in the saddle...sort of

2008-01-22T13:26:00.000Z

Well for the first time in a while I feel pretty good. Being back on solid food is one big factor and a little sunshine today helped too...black-Monday is over and spring is just around the corner...please allow me my dillusions!

No work today (as its my day off) but I have not been lazy, far from it. Being able to venture out I decided to run some errands so I loaded up 2 big boxed of stuff for the charity shop (Emmanus, Cheltenham for those who want a rummage for Playstation games or rock/metal CD's) and rode over to drop them off before heading up town to the pet shop for 2 bags of kitty litter then back home to drop them off. Back out to take some paper and pedals to work and collect a couple of jiffy bags so I could post my lights. The last trip was to the building suppliers for a bag of plaster and a few other bits I need to be getting on with this week while the motivation to finish the bedroom is still here.

Not sure of the total weight I hauled but I think that it would have filled the back of a regular car! Again the Xtracycle pays for its self.

I might make a trip up to the garage to collect the MOT and V5 for Becca's new car but I am pretty bushed and the weather is not looking too great so I might leave that for tomorrow lunch time.

Still some stuff for sale, please see yesterdays (now edited) listing with photos.

Over n out.

Alex

D n' V blues

2008-01-20T17:32:00.000Z

Yep, I have had the dreaded D+V virus and have been laid up for over 2 days now. I am on the mend but it really knocked me back both physically and mentally. I hate not doing stuff and lying in a room that is only half plastered / 10% decorated was not great. Thankfully Radio4, Iain M Banks and HH The Dali Lama kept me occupied and interested.

The clear out continues with bags, lights and odds-n-sods being the next to go. Details and photos below:

Source hydration pack (no bladder) only about 3-4l storage but enough for day rides plus 2-3l of water. Nice tear-drop shape and strenum strap keep it stable £10

Carradice zipped roll, used for 4 years and apart from some cossmetic scuffing in great condition £10

PHOTO TO FOLLOW

Topeak wedge bag, the big one with expanding zip and qr straps. £8

Kirkland HUGE bumbag, probably big enough for S24ON trips if you pack carefully. Two big compartments and loads of compression straps and lashing points. Nice wide padded hipbelt and 2" clickfix buckle. £12

Avid Shoirty4 canti. Brand new and never fitted let alone used. £12

Pace 38t chainring. 110BCD / 5arm old style. Used but life left and no shifting ramps so great for singlespeeds/fixies. £10

Paragon cowled dropouts. Replaceable hanger steel dropouts for frame building. Spare (shotblasted, so a little rough) hanger included £12

Paragon Sliders. 3x gear sided with mech hanger and one NDS disc slider. For use with Paragon steel or Ti sliders. £15 the lot

Prices include first class UK postage and all will be sent recorded post. Payment via Paypal to singlespeedpunk AT gmail DOT com and use the same email for any more questions.

That is all...

Alex

Fizzing at the bung

2008-01-10T19:58:00.000Z

A great expression I got from an Kiwi guy on MTBR. It means to be really excited about something. Well I spoke to Jeff at Carousel Designs last night and I have just sent a deposit for two frame bags (one for Becca and one for yours truly) Speaking to Jeff was great and reminded me why I like the fringes of the bike trade...its the infectious enthusiasm and sense of adventure. I have been lucky enough to experience it several times from people like Paul Turner and Frank S at Maverick, MC, Guri at Star, and a bunch of other guys who are really into their work/fun and want to share it.

This is not to be confused with zealots who force their ideas on you and become a little overbearing (Cloxxki? :) ) Its the good-natured, puppy-tail wagging sense of fun that make me smile and lay down £ and time in their venture.

Now I have told you all how to fleece me...be warned theres not a lot to gain!

Now for the clear out. Email me at singlespeedpunk (at) gmail (dot) com if you want anything. Prices include postage to the mainland UK.

1) XTR M900 canti brake (only 1) with salmon KoolStop pads (plenty of life left) £15

2) Avid Shorty4 canti, never used or fitted £15

3) Avid 160mm Roundagon 6bolt rotor. Not bent/warped, with bolts £10

4) Avid IS 51mm mount, for 160mm / front £5

5) Mavic MA3 32h black rim, life left, not bent TAKEN

6) Mavic MA3 36h black, even better as used on fixie (no braking!) £10 (£5collection)

7) Mavic OpenSport 32h silver, loads of life as replaced to match (trashed) front rim :) TAKEN

8) Pair 26x2.5 street tyres, off Saracen Pylon "urban MTB" with tubes. Only a few commuting miles and up for sale as total over kill on Xtracycle. £20 the pair (£15 collected)

Thats all for now. Big bundle (20+) metal/punk/industrial CD's to come when I get round to listing them. Probably <£1 a CD!

Later

Alex

Err, hello again

2008-01-08T19:32:00.000Z

Sorry for the break in service there but i have had a pretty busy (and stressful) christmas and new year. The stress was mainly confined to work and I did get in a couple of great rides as well as seeing frined and family.

A few things on the go now, I have my SSUK entry so I will be heading up to Scotland in May...probably bikepacking for a couple of days to make the trip worth it. To help me in this I am ordering a custom full frame bag from Jeff @ Carousel Design Works. I plan to have a bottle on the bars and carry a 1l bottle in the bag along with tools, tubes, stove, food and other heavy stuff leaving the (higher and further away from the CoG) rack pack for the light stuff like sleeping bag and clothes. Becca is also getting a mini frame pack as her frame is so small fitting a seat pack is a nightmare and she hates barbags. It should enable her to carry all her food, water and junk on day rides with out me acting as pack animal :)

Other than that I have been doing a little (very over due) DIY and planning the wedding...although I still have to book the disco (quickly adds to list) My article should be in the next issue (Feb time) of SingleTrackWorld if Chipps can find the photo CD again :)

The 2008 MTB Himachal is open for entries and is slightly earlier this year (late Sept) Go on, you know you want to!

I am also having another clear-out that includes some bike stuff, info to follow later in the week.

OK, all for now.

Alex

Fixedisf***ed

France / Belgium 2011

Less blogging and only a little more riding....

Cullmination and realisation

Thinkering kit...

Clear out....

Old new ride...

Essential kit for France > Belgium trip

News, good, bad and the down right ugly.

Progress...kind of

And now for something completely the same....

Epic / Revelate Handlebar harness drybag goodness

Loosing teeth and weight...

Where did it all start?

Just riding in the sun

Ticking along...

What's it all in aid of?

What can you learn form a really long ride?

What can I learn from a long ride?

Big shout out to Alpkit and BPL

What use is a very short ride?

Welsh Ride Thing

Nepal Photos

Ahh Engineering porn :)

Back...just

Not long to go

Dull list for my records

Change is good

Riding and eating

Video from the weekend

Practicing: Take2

First ride out

Ouch! x3

The low down for the kit weenies

Back on the bike at long last

100th post....not bike related

Back from Scotland....soul reset and ready to go

Disapointment...and a pick-me-up

NEW TOYS....sorry for shouting :)

Things I never thought I would say...

Avid and Maverick on Ebay...

Photo update

Another break in service

Tour Divide Fixie...done!

Clear out....

Progress backwards

TD - now a film for all the blue dot junkies

Welsh Ride Thing.....part done

Plans, plans, plans.....

OK I know its been a while

Riding and sunshine

Long.......pause.......

Nothing Tuesday....

Snow fun being ill

Bothy Bother...

Blackbuck NOT for sale...too late suckers

****ing b*****d!

Damn that pesky £ : $ rate

Stuff for sale...

January lull....

Beard and training

Happy new year, etc..

Brain training

...and now we have corporate sponsorship

Chocolate Fish Mernio Beanie

Nothing about bikes

Why and whats next?

No riding, just planning

A picture...

New ride

Touring bike for sale: Dawes Horizon.

Slacker...

Back

Sorry for the silence

Been back a while

Still here...but not for much longer

New GDR record!

Normal programming will resume...

Tour divide / GDR amazingness

Bike packing kit....done (Updated!)

ing b*d!