It's more I buy stuff because I like it, and if I stop using it for some reason, I just put it away rather than getting rid off it - because I still like it.
For example, that Joe Murray Bokor 26er frame felt perfect, but then at a race in 2006 I was getting smoked on the rooty stuff by the lads on the Singular 29ers, so I got one of those and the Bokor became an attic dweller for the next 13 years.
It's when you start considering the N+1 shed, you realise that maybe you have a problem, and it's time for a cull.
And of course, first you need to check whether you still like something or not, so bikes magically happen out of random bits.
But then, there is probably an essential part missing, so it's time to go to the bike shop... NO NO NO stop there.
Ok so I did say 47 but have found some extra stuff.
Got to make it worth the Aussie’s drive.
Anyway, there’s only one real climb and it’s not steep, just a bit of a drag. Don’t be too worried by the fact it’s known locally as the “Col du Glamis”.
Hello macretro clan
Hopefully everyone has had a decent bank holiday weekend, I also hope the weather was a bit better with the rest of you than what it was up here.
I technically had today off but went and worked/ or sounded out work with someone else, maybe time for a change, anyways I was home for about 1.30.
The weekend up here seen me pottering about with several projects but no real riding, we have had snow, hail, sleet along with gale force winds since Thursday. Today was better especially this afternoon as the wind had dropped and the sun was out between hail and rain showers but did finally manage to get out for a while on the Jack Taylor. I had planned on swapping the bars out for the new Nitto B136 randonneurs along with the new 80mm stem. I was also going to take away the Dura Ace aero levers and put on some Mavic 419s I have. I have the three sets of levers and have earmarked the black hooded ones for a very distinct build but the other two are for the Taylor and the Mercian tourer. I just couldn't make up my mind which ones for which. The solid bladed set with the Dia Comp hoods are for the Mercian and the other drilled 419 pair are for the Jack Taylor I have decided. Earlier in the week I polished the two drilled pair and also washed the hoods as they were a bit manky from sitting around. Came up nicely. Just pottering really but after riding the Taylor this afternoon confirmed the decision about the bars and the shorter stem on the Jack Taylor. Fitted some bits up to the Mercian as well but this is really just to get it rolling while the other one is finished off. It will be a real parts mock up and then if it works then it may get built properly over time but the other King of Mercia is first.
Anyway a nice ride and then just playing outside with bike parts between playing with Caleb and the dog.
A nice weekend.
Well today was meant to be the far north gravel ride that Brian posted about last week, short notice and a long way north for many.
There was a big turnout, well if you count me and my multiple personalities and even they were calling me Billy no mates.
This ride I decided would continue on to Altnabreac from a start point near Loch More then turn off the loop and head west across the flow country and up over some big hills to Forsinard for a cup of coffee and some cake.
It was looking a bit wet around the place up here this morning but was due to clear but I still allowed to get a bit wet from a shower or two, thankfully though the day just kept improving and I missed the rain completely.
The ride to the station was not as enjoyable or as quick as it usually is as over the winter the fast orange sand/gravel has had tons of big chucnks of blue metal stones laid on it for the estate which makes for about 7 of the nine miles to the station very rough indeed. Thankfully from the station turnoff to the west there is still the nice clay/sand road and while there is a lot more climbing and descending on this part it is a nice road to ride on.
The only drawback or pain today was the really heavy wind from the north west, it was up around 30mph in the high country and it was cold as well. Out the wind it was quite warm. As you can see for big sections this is really open country and there is no hiding from the wind. At least on the way back it wasn't so bad. I stopped at Forsinard and had a coffee and cake after stopping at the viewing platform. It was a quick turnaround as I didn't get going out there until late morning and with a round trip of just over 6 hours it was getting late.
I ended up doing about 76klm and about 5 of this was on tarmac, into and out of Forsinard. The rest was gravel/sand/dirt road, most of which was fairly good condition. This is wide open country out here and there isn't much about, least of all people. On the dirt sections I had one car from an estate come past me on the 3 klm climb from the tarmac on the Forsinard side and one parked car a bit further on. About a dozen though on the tarmac section.
All in all a great ride in some nice weather. Took a good few photos to maybe try and entice a few people up next time
The Trucker also rode perfectly as it usually does. It feels really nice on the sand and gravel and handles it very nicely.
Off tomorrow morning early for Brians ride on the Black Isle. Maybe see someone there :shock:
Hope everyone has had a good day as well
