Map time.

Plans are afoot. I have taken some time from work and a path north is burnt into my frontal lobes. I need to see the mountains. Rain be damned. Two days, maybe three. At the moment that will include Glen Affric then Torridon. We'll see if the legs will let me do more.

In between will be Seafood and beer and most likely chips.

I have had a lot of help with route planning. It's all good.

94 minus 27 percent.

A 27 percent decrease in humidity is a good thing when there is water sloshing around your flip flops and your flip flops are in your house not on the beach. So it goes.

Edinburgh has had a rumoured one and a half hours of sunshine. In June. As in the last 12 days. (This was originally typed 4 days ago. Again, so it goes).

Summer. Again.

Not been riding much. Not been doing much of anything except mopping and drying, but i know friends who are dealing with much larger volumes of flood water in their lives so no more on that.

Instead i've been reflecting, sorting through things. Thinking and scheming. There has been a little trail building and overall i'm pleased with the results. A master plan calls for some more. We'll see.

Been messing around in a non-serious fashion with less swept bars. The things that strike me at this early stage are:

1) you get crossed up pretty easily in slow speed, high body english scenarios. i think this is because of 2).

2) you ride with elbows locked out (or semi locked out, absorbtion coming from the shoulders) far more.

3) you cant move your weight as easily to and fro - you *can* do it, but not as easy.

4) they do look more normal.

5) you can brace against impacts more - sort of pushing the bars away from you as they rush inwards. I'm not sure if this is good or bad.

6) you can resist high speed trail inputs on the steering more easily i think.

7) your arms are bent through bigger ranges of motion with your wrists at odds with your elbows. Hard to explain...but it feels awkward when you come to lower your body mass over the bike.

In short, for higher speed/short ride/DH type applications i think wider, flatter bars are probably a good thing. For low speed, woodsy riding where you are moving all over the bike, i think there is something to be gained with high sweep bars.

BUT... More work needs done.

I have been following the introduction of the XX1 group with interest. There is a lot to like there, for me at least. I'm skeptical that no front chain guide is needed SRAM claim the alternating thick/thin teeth profiles on the chainring should keep everything ship shape, but particularly for suspension systems that lead to a lot of 'chain growth' i'm not so sure. The clutch mech will mitigate some bounce and the 'only-horizontally' movement should mean less system noise from terrain, but I'd be for belt and braces. CEN also seems to require a guide for sale of bikes in europe so we'll see how that goes. But overall, larger range cassettes are a pretty good idea.

I'm also interested in the 'new' path of movement of the rear derailleur. What i have not read about is whether this is allowed due to limited chain length variation (because there is no front derailleur) or necessary because of the geometry of the enlarged cassette. Would it be useful for all derailleur based systems?

Image is Steph's: apologies for previous lack of credit.

It will also be interesting to see Shimano's response - if any. The above cassette body is the DT swiss version. Not sure it will fit capreo (unmodified). I would not use SRAM gears: Shimano have always been better in my experience, function and longevity and im fine with my 34 or 35 - 11-34 at the moment, in the UK at least. But Shimano already has Capreo (as i mentioned in a previous post) and various folk are offering disc hubs or in the case of Canfield Bros, options to run the group as a 10 speed system.

We'll see.

2013 bikes are beginning to crop up. Refinement is the name of the game, but 650b/27.5 is throwing a spanner in the works: some companies (Scott) are not offering 26" in some models anymore. A bold move for sure but one that in my opinion will pay dividends - i cant see any reason to keep 26" wheels except for DH. Even then, if wider bracing angles could offset the inherent weakness of a bigger rim, i think it would be worth the slight increase in diameter.

I also made myself a new tool. It works very well indeed and will save a few moments of frustration every time i fit a new chain.

That's it for now. Singletrack weekender this (last...) weekend. Hoping for blue skies for it all to go down as it should.

INFORMATION!

"INFORMATION: the facts and the evidence".

Name that tune?

Anyway, stuff thats been going through my mind. The Jones needs a little messing with. The ebb is currently run in pretty much the lowest position. Bottom bracket height is 290mm. Low. Great for stability and cornering. As i have become used to riding the Vertigo-s i've become used to a slightly higher bb. In addition, riding Jones-uk-man biff's 69er (which has a higher bb) reminded me that de-stabilising handling can be a lot of fun in the woods. So, a 420mm Eriksen post is on the way. Bushnell ebb's have a maximum 12.7mm throw, and as i am at curent maximum height on a 400mm Eriksen seat post (not due to the post - it has a minimum insertion of 70mm - but to get below the large diameter top tube, it needs to be more like 95mm)  i need a bit more post. Should be interesting to try - iirc i've been riding the Jones in this configuration for at least 3 years....the thing i'm not sure about is how the weight distribution change will affect where i want the bars (at the moment i have the loop bars flipped, so i get the 13mm drop and run a 100mm -6 dgeree stem. Flipping the stem will raise me about 16mm, or i could flip the bars? we'll see...). Taking some measurements of the front centre, centre axle to centre bar at stem etc reveal some surprising results that i'm not sure how to interpret in terms of how they affect handling. There is only so much number crunching before you need to try it out. I will maintain my saddle tip/bb distance of 83mm not raising the bars will give me a little more reach...but one of the beautiful things about the Jones handling is the ability to weight or unweight the front wheel when you need control or to minimise shock transmission. i'd kind of like to try a slightly shorter (90mm zero rise) stem on there...

What else? more new tyers on the way. Rubber Queen 29x2.2 to be exact. Rubber Queens are the burly big sister of the Mountain king II i'm running at present. Rumor is that a 2.4 will be along soon enough, but if the 29er tyres follow the sizing regimen of the 26" tyre, the RQ 2.2 will be considerably bigger than the 2.2 of the old mountain king. We'll see.

Meanwhile a quick review: Continental Mountain King II 2.4. Absolutely the best tyre for all off road conditions i have used it in. Short and sweet, eh? At 780g it isnt going to win any light weight awards. It is a big tyre, wide and tall. The high volume and square profile mean getting clearance on some frames may be an issue, but if you can and aren't a gram counter above all else, it rolls superbly, is durable, offers amazing cornering grip, excellent braking and dependable traction. The sidewalls are supportive of low pressures. I haven't used it in clay soil yet. I'll update if i do, but so far i'm extremely happy. These were the tyres i was waiting for.

I received a 710mm 20 degree bend flat bar from Seven recently. The aim is to re-examine what bar i prefer. I've been messing with a 30 degree Watson cycles parkarino as well, but this will be the least swept bar i have used for many years. It is on BA at present, the thought being that low sweep bars are probably more useful in the type of riding that this bike is aimed at. I'll need to give it some time so that i can get used to it - the immediate feeling is of having my elbows stuck out at very odd angles...but perseverance is required!...i would never like to consider myself as a blinkered zealot. An open mind and informed choice is key. Oddly, some others are looking at very similar things...

At some point i need to get round to doing a comparo of 'then and now' bikepacking kit. I was looking through some old photos recently and cannot believe how much stuff i used to take along. No doubt as confidence grows you can take less. Also some of the kit i have now is considerably better and smaller than previously - i'm mostly thinking of the full length thermarest neoAir xlite that replaced the old 3/4 length prolite and is smaller and lighter and warmer and more comfortable. Hmm. Yes, it was more expensive. But there are other parts that have helped me minimise my packed volume.

I also have to get round to thinking about what the fat bike i have in the pipeline is going to be like. At present i have no real thoughts other than i want to be able to ride on mushy ground (winter in scotland). Will this be a full-on expedition bike? shorter stays and livelier handling - more like the Maul with fat wheels? Surly have something brewing with 29x3" it seems, is this worth considering?  

Dunno. But i guess i need to get the thinking cap on.

Not been riding much, but i did re-discover the old DH course at a local woods. Was kinda fun to slip, slither and thread the trees...definitely scope for some opening up i'd say, if time allows.

More shortly...

Industrial Action.

Today i took part in the industrial action NHS doctors voted to instigate as a response to the persistent refusal of the government to negotiate, in the true sense of the word, the current pension reform they intend to force upon us.

To be clear, no one was striking. Striking is when you do not work in any capacity. Doctors were seeing all emergencies (which means anything defined by a patient as an emergency) and many were in fact performing routine work in addition. No one wants to see patients suffer.

The level of misinformation Lansley and others are willing to distribute is superficially shocking: efforts are being made to suggest that if we don't pay more, nurses pay will need to be reduced, for example. This is not true, of course. However, anyone who pays any attention to the methods of politicians in general will have no trouble seeing though this: it is typical of the machinations of the untrustworthy and Machiavellian group we currently have in government.

In 2008 an increase in retirement age was agreed (retirement age greater than politicians btw) and an increase of over 40% in pension contributions was agreed with pathways to deal with any increased need that might arise thereafter. Yes, the world has been going through tough times recently but the NHS pension takes in £2 billion annually more than it pays out, and this excess goes to the treasury. The best predictions suggest this £2 billion excess will be the case for the next 5 years. As an aside, politicians still contribute at a level similar to the pre 2008 reform we agreed to, let alone the new level which is another 40% higher again.

So i am a doctor: what do i think about it?

1) the politicians have for too long used the Hippocratic Oath as leverage in order to push through action that weakens and degrades the NHS.

2) as relatively high earners, there is always going to be negative connotations to complaining about action that affects our pay. If NHS doctors (indeed, all staff) were primarily or even significantly driven by their take home salary, there would not *be* an NHS. The pension has been one of the few features of working in the NHS that helps retention other than personal satisfaction in helping others.

3) the industrial action is indicative of the point we have come to in the funding and organisation of the NHS. Yes, it is about pension reforms and the lack of rational discussion that has been unilaterally disallowed by the government, but it cannot be seen without a back drop of staffing issues, NHS reform issues and the overall funding level of a service under increasing pressure.

Will the industrial action damage the trust the public have for us? i dont know. To be honest, i sometiems feel that the NHS is taken for granted. Perhaps a little bit of damage to the perectpion that NHS staff will always provide whatever is asked of them is a good thing? We shall see how this plays out, but my suspicion is that there will be more industrial action in time.

The Talented Mr Vernor.

Brian Vernor's film about the Trans Andes Challenge. Looks like a lot of fun.

Refried.

Moving on.

Plan: Daisy's bath & bed time, pack car, drive to Aviemore, ride, bivi, ride, meet chris and marty and more riding then home.

Route: Aviemore, Glenmore Lodge, Coire Cas, Miaden Creag an Leth-choin at the gaping mouth of the Lairig Ghru, up Ben Macdui, drop down to Glen Derry via Loch Etchachan/Coire Etchachan and (once i'd met up with chris and marty at the Linn of Dee) head up Beinn a' Bhuird and Ben Avon, before dropping down to the River Avon and following this to Tomintoul and back to Aviemore via the Braes of Abernethy.

Bivi site was hopefully somewhere near Lochan Buidhe.

How it went: Started riding at 10pm and despite knowing some fine folks who were taking a wee dram at Glenmore Lodge, i pedaled past and up to Coire Cas. The moon rose over Cairn Gorm and i headed across below Coire an Lochain and began to climb. It was cold but the efforts kept me warm. The forecast was generally good with some precip due in around 1-2am. My plan was to keep going until then and bivi down, get moving by 6am and meet up with the boys at 9am at Linn of Dee.

By 12.30am i was being chased by tumorous clouds. Short of my predicted bivi site, i kept an eye out for some receptive ground, found some and bedded down. Knowing the route allowed me to pack plenty of food and fluid as the initial climbs are not onerous. I had also elected to bring a couple of cans of Red Stripe and i supped a cold one back while i laid out the bed-stuff and manged a turkey, cheddar and mayo roll as the moon was enveloped by cloud. Sometime around 5.15am i woke to rain and wind buffeting my bivi sack. A quick pee led me to the conclusion that the rain had come in later than anticipated and i should head back to sleep for half an hour or so, which i duly did. The next time i awoke, the cloud gave me about 6 meters of visibility and it was wet with a fine drizzle. Nuts. Ah well, i needed to move. The coffee i had looked forward to would have to wait as it was too cold to sit outside my sleeping bag and i again assumed the uphill walk until i could start riding again past Lochan Buidhe. From here it is a steady climb over alternating beautiful plateau singletrack and sack-of-coal-size boulder fields to the base of the summit cone of Macdui. The ground was frozen; the grass petrified in a layer of frost. The wind was rising and i wasn't too surprised when the precipitation thickened to snow. As i made quick time over the last boulder field before the climb up to the summit of Macdui, the wind rose again and the snow turned to hail. Visibility was low, 5 meters max and the hail was stinging any exposed flesh. I felt sure that it would clear: the weather system had generally been very stable with relatively high pressure and good, clear skies, sunshine and moderate wind only. There was no reason to expect this pattern to change, other than it was the Cairngorm.

The top of Macdui is like a giant pile of sack-sized boulders. There is no real chance to pedal and the risk of a sprained ankle is high. Care is needed. There are several cairns leading those who are travelling in poor weather on and there are also many small weather/wind breaks. As i reached the familiar trig point, the weather again worsened. It was hard to keep the bike on the ground due to the wind and it was almost impossible to see if i faced into this fierce, freezing banshee from the north. The hail built up ice on my glasses making them worse than useless and i was slowly becoming hypothermic despite the physical activity. I knew the path down to Loch Etchachan was vague at first. The last time i rode down it i noted how it sort of coalesced as i passed the ruin that is just east of the summit and headed off to the north east. I followed this same route and came to the cliffs south of the desired location. Damn, it was bad weather to make an error, and the ground was hard going. Rather than chance my luck traverisng too far at a lower level, especially as there was a fractured cornice on the edge, i went back up to the summit and followed a new line via the ruin. Again, i came to the cornice, though there was no fracture at this point. There was no sign of any way down although for a fraction of a second i could see the tiny lochan that is en route through the swirling cloud and hail. Back up to the ruin again as i could not believe that the trail was wiped out by the snow and sheltered enough to recheck the map.

In retrospect this was clearly an error of judgement. I wasn't thinking straight at all. I descended again, desperate to get out of the furious weather. Again, the cornice. This time i dropped the bike and kicked a few steps and went to the edge. Again, i saw the tiny lochan and then realised i *was* in the right place but there was no way i could get down safely in this weather with a loaded bike. That realisaton led to some despair as it meant i had to not only turn back, but get back through the ferocious weather. I also could tell my right hand especially was far from functional, the brakes on the bike had become solid and i was in big trouble if i stopped moving or took a wrong turn.

This of course i did almost immediately. Rather than head back up to the summit again, i decided to try and circumnavigate the summit cone and rejoin the path at a snow field that would allow me to drop down again.

About half way round on featureless ground, with extremely poor visibility and a degree of disorientation i lost my grip a little. Several 45 degree turns, looking for a way out or a trail and then i stopped dead, closed my eyes and had a chat with myself. It was time to make a good decision and stick with it. Turn round, back the way i had come following tyre tracks in the snow and back to the ruin and then the summit. From here, rejoin the cairn route down and get out of the weather.

To cut a long story short, i made it down. A significant amount of arm wind-milling restored some function to my hands and so i ate all i could as i moved. I hummed and talked to myself and kept my baby girl in my mind's eye and just kept moving. On one of the snow fields, i encountered a total white out. My previous tracks had been obliterated by the weather and it was a little like wandering through a dream. It was only after i dropped again below Coire an Lochain that the snow and hail stopped and i knew i was out of danger. The ride down to Coire Cas is always a hoot and BA brought a smile to my stiffened face as i popped water bars and roosted the fine shale. Back via Loch Morlich and the sun came out as i rode peacefully through Rothiemurchas. I could see the cloud lift off the summits and it was possible that if i had timed things differently i might have been able to kick steps into the snow and get down to Glen Derry, but it was a chance too far for this day.

Set: on flickr.

Ride on.

Indulgence.

Whining is pretty self indulgent, isn't it? A lot of the thoughts i typed above are real, but things are not catastrophic, i'm not about to give Daisy away (afterall, she did a most excellent "MOOOOOO!" today and she's my ultimate partner in mischief) and i'm not going to go all Kaczynski. I *might* have to go and hide in the woods for a while though. Anyway, this is all most likely because i haven't had any coffee or beer for 3 days....

I want to say thank you for all the kind words and supportive (and elbow in the ribs/ttfu) comments and emails. Not expected/very grateful.

Ok. As you were.

Raging against circumstance.

Circumstance: we've been on holiday this week. It has been beautifully warm and sunny - relatively rare in Scotland. We desperately needed a break. Work has been busy for us both and i know i was burnt out. The situation wasn't being helped by being ill for the last few weeks. Then Daisy started vomiting. Dramatically. Every 30 minutes or so for about a day. Then it started the other way. Needless to say, the last few days before we left for our planned break to Aviemore was messy and tiring. Still, after a slight delay we figured Daisy was well enough to travel - and one of the reasons we had decided on a wee lodge in Aviemore was that it was very much a known entity. Easy to get to and easy to get things we might need, which meant we didn't have to pack the kitchen sink.

The game plan was a few walks in the stunning forrest. Perhaps a steam train ride. The lodge is affiliated to the Hilton hotel so had access to a swimming pool, soft play and various other activities that we know Daisy loves. It should have been a good break - time to enjoy our own company and recharge the batteries.

After almost no sleep on the first night, i woke in the morning and promptly vomited. Unusual for me. Trina didn't feel great either. Daisy was rallying so we tried to entertain her as best we could. Then the floodgates opened for me. That was Monday and nothing very much has changed as i sit here on Thursday morning, except Trina is just as bad.

Why am i telling you all this, dear blog? Well, in truth it is because i am bitter and angry. Raging, if you will. I desperately needed a break. Desperately. Instead i have been chained to a porcelain prison. I had grand plans of managing a ride in the Cairngorm while we were away, to take advantage of the unprecedented fine run of weather. The conditions were amazing. Instead we drove home with our hearts (or stomachs, i couldn't tell) in our mouths on monday evening. With us both being so unwell, it was too hard to deal with everything and keep Daisy entertained without being at home.

This has been a bit of a pattern the last few months. Any time off or window of opportunity has been thwarted by circumstance. Illness, exhaustion, house stuff whatever. I've tried to be Zen about it. Keep in mind the long game.

But at the moment i'm just sad. Fed up. My will is broken.

I dont do 'wanderings' anymore. One of the aspects of my life that i felt defined me seems to have evaporated. My head is full of white noise and i don't see much light at the end of the tunnel. There it is.

I cant remember how many posts i have made now that i look back on, shake my head and consign to the misery pile. But it is far too many. Maybe the sign is that this blog is dead. The blogger certainly isn't fit for purpose.

Who knows?

Getting me down.

I can't shake this cough. The last couple days i feel like i'm going to pop out a hernia or an eyeball every time i cough. Been fevered overnight for 3 nights and i ache. Damn, i'm tired of it. Anyways. New rubber arrived. Spent an hour out before my energy gave out and, despite the limited time, it reminds me of how i felt way back in the day when i ran Marin Rockstar tyres. Fast rolling, good wide centre bar (siped no less) and an amazing edge that in contrast to a lot of modern tyres does not induce blood curdling terror as you lean the bike, waiting, before it digs in: throw some shapes and the bike smoothly transitions into a confidence inspiring, rail-around-the-corner feel that lasts even through shearing, wet mud with an undercurrent of slick roots.

Finally, after many, many years of 29ers (when i started with the RoShamBo there was the wtb nano, and the mythos to choose from) i have the tyre of my dreams. These tyres will need to be prised from my cold, dead fingers.

Detail orientated.

AHHHhhhhh! acai berry juice!....that and goji berry juice are a first class way to get some anti oxidants into a pretty oxidised body after recovering from a bit of a cold.

I thought id better get some updates done.


It is no secret i am big proponent of Jeff Jones designs - both bikes and components. I have been using Jones bars - H and loops - for so long now most other bars feel weird to me. I really like them. Comfort factor is high and the ability to distribute weight fore and aft is unparalleled. However, riding different bikes sometimes benefits from a slightly different set up. B.A (my Vertigo cycles all-mountain - though i'm beginning to dislike that term - hardtail) is slowly evolving, as is my style of riding that bike. When the fox doss is released, it will be added and i have some tyres in the post and there are some due later in the year that i think will complement the hard riding nature of this bike. I have already talked about my thoughts on forks that may or may not end up on B.A. My ponderings have also turned to handlebar and cockpit set up. No surprises that i have tried 5 different stem lengths and 3 different styles of bar on the bike already. But all have fallen short of perceived ideal. I *do* agree that shorter and wider has an advantage in steeper, nastier terrain and it is here that i wonder if somethign a little wider than the Jones' 27" could be beneficial. Of course, to achieve this and still allow comfort on long ride in and ups, a wider 45 degree sweep may not be the best, indeed, after using a 28" wide 31 degree sweep Watson cycles Parkarino on my 'cross bike, i think this may be a useful set up.

As good as the Parkarino is, there would be somethings i would change. Firstly, it would be slightly wider - ideally 29"/740mm. It would be made out of ti, because so far ti bars in my experience have been peerless at soaking up trail vibration, but it would have a bigger diameter centre section to mitigate ti's suppleness that can become a little flexy as the length increases - this is a bar for mid-gnarly riding after all!
The usable grip section would be longer too. One of the truly great things about the Jones loop bar is the huge 195mm length of usable grip. You can place your levers wherever they feel best but have huge swathes of real estate along which to place your hands. This translates to a huge range of weight distribution with little effort and no contorted arm positions and also eases the efforts demanded of you hands and wrists during prolonged rides.
So where am i up to? This is a sort of second draft of the concept. A fair amount of thinkering around how it will be made to come. But i think it might be pretty damn good.

What else? did you know that one of my favourite breweries - New Belgium - and one of my favourite bands - Clutch - have produced a collaboration? Clutch beer, no less. Would like the try that.

I've been garage nerding about tubes again. With the fresh and voluminous Continental rubber now at hand, the volume of tubes and how to best get good feel, puncture resistance and low rolling weight with appropriate durability has been raised for me again. Enve rims make this slightly problematic as they are deep (31mm iirc) compared to an aluminium rim.

I have started using tufo and token 'Vittoria style' valve extenders. These allow you to increase the valve length of removable core presta tubes, whilst retaining the valve's ability to be closed - a boon in muddy wet conditions.

At present the lite 26 and supersonic 26 tubes are 130g and 100g respectively and are made in taiwan, whereas the heavier tubes both 26 and 28x2.5 are made in china and come in at 200 and 230g respectively. Is it true that simply more rubber makes a tube more durable and for a system that can be run at lower pressure? i doubt it, but im coming to the conclusion that it may be somewhat practically associated.

The tube on the left is also new. It is a Michelin DH presta tube. It is ridiculously thick, and regrettably the valve core is not removable, so i will have to fit an alternative extender (in which, the valve core stays open) in order to use it with the enve rims. It will be fitted to B.A when i am going to plough through rockfuck. I have no idea how much it weighs: that is so far from being the point of this tube.
It is also probably no secret that i have very wide feet. VERY. Short and square, knowwhatimean?

Anyway, this limits me for decent cycling shoes that arent in the downhill style...yup: i aint the skinny racer boy type. Still, i do relish a performance shoe...but i *dont* like carbon soles, becuase the riding i do tends to need a fair old bit of portage. So, when my last pair of sidi's lost their souls, i decided to try some other brands. Problem: the mega dominator has been the only shoe that has bloated around my paddles for years. Still, with shimano's new large volume toe box, and the arrival of the giro high volume shoe, i thought i might have an option. So i did what any self respecting but limited cycling shoe fetishist would do: i bought them both. Interestingly, the correct size for me (43, i'm a 42.5 but my toes are so square i need the half size extra) was on the money for both of these brands - certainly not always the case.
The privateer is slipper like to say the least, and fits really, really well. The quality of the shoe seems high, and it is both supportive and stiff enough, whilst giving in a way that allows comfortable walking even on concrete surfaces. High hopes there then. It has a thin sole, and as such you dont feel like your pedals have turned into wooden blocks.

The shimano shoe i chose is the M162 - there's that phrase again - all mountain shoe. It is very snug accross the toe box for me, but roomy compared to so many shoes. In addition, there is no constant loop of fabric accross the whole toe box, so my reckoning is it should give a little (by the by, the privateer also is split in terms of fabric in a similar way so the mesh sections will allow give and movement.

Neither of these shoes are a winter shoe, or even a scottish autumn shoe, but both show promise. The shimano is robust and has a different 'set' on the pedal. It is firm, but again allows walking and carrying with no heal lift. The sole is thicker than the giro and seemingly allows a little less rotational movement on the pedal before what i think must be the fins of the sole force disengagement. its a little sooner than i would like, but the robust and lugged sole may pay dividends in certain terrain. Certainly both shoes provide excellent grip, even on slimey smooth stone.
So: we'll see. All i can say is im stoked to have 2 different pairs of shoes that might fit.
All in all, keeping out of mischief. And i have an incendiary green chile for tea. Aces.

A wee log hop.

It has been dry and time has allowed, so i've been out in the woods. Solo, early exploratory rides. Rides with old friends. Rides with new friends. It's been good.

Front end.

Been rolling along, you know? I think the last few months have taken a bit of a chunk of the available energies and i feel tired. Tired and sore. My back is crunched up and i'm in desperate need of getting back to some regular exercise. This was highlighted in some ways when i was called for a medical for an insurance policy. Nothing out of kilter, but just a point in time that made me think. I'm not getting any younger and this time last year i was back from a big race and getting my head round doing another. At this time my bike racing calendar is entirely empty and i wouldn't say i have either the motivation or the chance of gaining the fitness that might make it happen.

Yes, i have been riding a bit more - pushing it through the woods has been fun. The trails there are challenging and nearby which is a bonus. I even enjoyed a road ride the other day. A new route took me over an unfamiliar ridge and afforded good views of the snow capped mountains north of here. Part of me wanted to enjoy a big day in the hills, but part of me is shying away from the commitment it takes. Who knows why?

Sea Otter happened and a few product intro's i found interesting. Saint for one: the brakes and drive chain are coming my way for sure. I'm also interested in the smorgasbord of 650b (or is that 27.5" now?) stuff. I've had a few 650b wheels on the go for a few years and i like them. It has always been my feeling that with an open mind, this will be the wheel size for many. Of course, having an open mind (and an open wallet!) is like common sense: not particularly common. But we'll see. I think there is a lot to be gained from it. As well as the mid travel bikes that the industry seem to be preparing initially, i think a 29" front/suspension forked/650b rear woodsy bike is a winner. It's much easier to get the short stays than with a rear 29 and visually the clang of the dissimilar wheels is gone and functionally it works well. We'll see.

Personally i'll stick to 29" wheels. For me and my type of riding it fits. Another thing that has been churning around my mind recently are the new breeds of 29" forks and particularly the 34mm stanchions. There are times when im pushing at the upper end of my spectrum of riding that the fork on BA feels a little twangy. Not bad, but you know it's moving. This is one of the aspects of my early mag 20s that made me move over to Manitou and once i realised they were pretty useless, back to rigid!. Fox were first with the 34mm size (i think Rock Shox use 35mm for some of their bigger travel 26" forks) but 2013 will see X fusion, who have enlisted the help of a certain Paul Turner (though seemingly primarily for rear shock and dropper post consultation) bring a 34mm stanchion fork to the market - the Trace. It looks good on paper.

Of course, ever since Fox introduced their 34mm stanchion fork i've been wondering if it might be good on the front of B.A. But there are negatives to consider: notwithstanding the change in geometry the 140mm stock travel length would cause, the increased leverage imparted might be an issue for a frame designed for a 120mm/32mm stanchion fork.

So, there is a lot to consider. This weekend, i finally sat down and tried to work out whether the Fox 34 is something i want to try or not. After briefly looking at the TALAS option (a feature i really like for prolonged climbing) i found that the internals were not adjustable in terms of total travel. 140/110mm is the option: Fox's way or the highway. In addition, the offset of the 34 fork line is apparently 51mm rather than the standard 46mm of the 32 forks. That will lessen trail for all other numbers being controlled, 'quickening' steering. It would also marginally increase front centre.

The Fox 34 forks are also longer for a given travel than the 32 forks: around 12 or 13mm. In other words, even if i committed to a Float fork and reduced the travel, the fork is going to be longer than the 32 it would replace.

All in all, i would have to accept 10mm less travel, and end up with a non-TALAS fork that would potentially feel like it was a little quicker steering, but would be stiffer. All on a back ground of concern that it could potentially damage the frame.

Overall, it doesn't sound like a good idea does it?

Maybe we'll see how the X fusion stacks up in time.

Rock n' road.

  Bruce Gordon rocks. And roads.

It is time.

"A process cannot be understood by stopping it. Understanding must move with the flow of the process, must join it and flow with it."



Yeah. What he said. So i dug out the bikepacking bags and remembered how to strap them up.

A plan is afoot. Sometime soon. Maybe the train. Maybe the East Highland Way. Maybe something closer. Who knows? it's all part of the process...

Was it Calvin, or Hobbes?

The days are just packed...

Sufferin' Succotash

As any cat worth his thhhhalt will tell you, succotash makes a fine accompaniment to a meal. Primarily boiled corn and beans, the variations are endless. This is adapted from the Lupe Pinto's cook book version.

Stoke up the barbeque and smoke 2 green peppers. If that is not going to happen, blacken the peppers skin in an open flame, bag and peel. De-seed and chop.

Meanwhile, fry 2 chopped onions, chopped garlic - 2-3 cloves - and 3 stalks of celery, chopped up too. Get em done, but not to mush and add the peppers. Stir in a pound or so of corn and a pound of white or Haricot beans. Then add 2-3 pickled and chopped jalapenos and a small tub of 2% fat greek yoghurt, or cream if you're feeling like you have arteries to spare. Stir and serve.

Help.

I trained for 10 years to do the job i do. does that count for my 10,000 hours to make an expert? Hardly! Sometimes, i come into work and just shake my head at the strangeness of it all. Over recent years, the health of the general populace in the UK has improved out of all recognition: very little of my time is taken up with actual pathology these days...there are lots of theories why this is, but there is no doubt it is happening. What floods in like a tidal wave to fill the vacuum left by physical ill health is worry. I'm not sure how well i have been equipped to put up with the quagmire that has formed as a result.

I suppose when this sort of thing starts to lap against the hull of my existence, i try to find a reason to jump on a bike. The more involving a trail the better. It is no secret that i love riding the rocks and roots and the East Coast of the USA, and Virginia in particular, is a great favourite.

I follow several blogs of riders from that area...it helps fill in the gaps between my dose of 'gnarl'. Nate Shearer keeps one of the blogs i like the most. Excellent photography is mixed with interesting philosophy. Recently he uploaded a video of riding in the area of Short Mountain. I try not to re-post stuff, but this is WELL worth it...i *think* there might even be a Hugh Jass appearance in there somewhere. Enjoy - this *is* a reason to be cheerful.

Pwappa Relaxcyling on Short Mountain with Spaghettilegs from Scott Wootten on Vimeo.

Bespoked.

We jumped on a plane and soared under a bright sun, southwards, to Bristol. We met friends from near and far and enjoyed strolling around the busy but superbly organised show. Coffee from Look Mum No Hands led to beer as the afternoon wore on and perenial favourite Mud dock provided an excellent place for food, more conversation and reflection on the day. Sunday started with a breakfast in Rocotillo's then another quick zip around the show, a few more too-short-hello's and then being flung back through the azure sky, homewards. What a fine way to spend the weekend.



Highlights of the show for me in terms of bikes: Darren Crisp's commuter, off road and road bikes and Robin Mather's beautiful bikes - particularly the pink commuter - so, so clean.



It was also excellent to see Shand Cycles hand built production models. I'd strongly recommend a long look if you are in the market for a disc brake 'cross or all-road style bike. I've uploaded some pictures to flickr. Enjoy.

Shit happens.

The rain had gone. The Maul was beckoning me mischievously. Lack of fitness be damned: i knew i had to get out on the race bike and see if i could create the horsepower necessary to do it justice.

If you've read this blog much you'll probably know that recently i picked up a weapons grade race machine from Sean at Vertigo cycles. Then i basically stopped riding for several months!....the purpose remains the same for this bike tho' - A to B as fast as possible.

As soon as i clicked the pedals i wanted to sprint. And i did. Over roots, rocks, through the odd patch of mud, up, down around. For an hour and a half i let my ragged breathing and painful muscles hold this machine back from what it really wanted. To put everything into play and fully open the throttle.



I must get fitter. I must.

Then i popped into the air over a small dry stane dyke that had collapsed over the years and square edged the rear wheel. As i went into the sharp right and roosted so aggressively only Greg Herbold would have approved, i knew the rear tyre was going flat. Crap.

Then i realised i didn't have my pump.

Damn. I did have my Genuine Innovations gas and inflator unit though. I got to about 15 psi and then the seal blew on my inflator....It has sat wet in bags and packs for years, so it doesn't owe me anything. I turned tail and headed home....10 more psi and i would have had to make a decision.

That bike is incredible....

2 posts?

2 posts in one week? Blogging isn't dead, its just comatose.

Spent a bit of cave time yesterday sorting some stuff out. The bike packing bike needs deployed soon. Very soon. Don't know how, where or what, but i need an overnighter....my sleep pattern may not, but i do. I need to see the sun come up with some camping coffee as i lie with a broken back in a bivvi/sleepbag cocoon.



Anyway. I was trying to fit some new style xt brakes to the bike packing bike. Once you get used to the exquisite lever feel, the old style ones wont do. The power is so good too. Anyhoo, problems!....firstly, the ultra short levers dont play too well with original Jones bars. So i had to pull the old ti ones off. By design or fate, who knows? but i had a set of the alu loop bars in the parts pile, so i filed the shim edges, lined everything up, smeared some loctite under the shim and torqued the stem bolts.

Then i went to bolt on the caliper and lever. Crap! no 180 front disc post (2 posts?) to IS adaptor. I clawed through the parts boxes and managed to put to gether an embarassment of all sizes from 140 rear to 203 front, but no 180 front. In the past i have filed down avid 185mm rotor adaptors, but in this instance i wanted the correct part.


A trip to the shop and bingo!....brake on.

Yeah the hose is too long, but with some of the new style soft bags mounted under the bars, you need a bit extra hose. I'll try it out, work out what i need and trim it later. As a side note, all you Jones owners, Porcelain Rocket are doing some sweet bags for Jones bikes....see here.



(image belongs to Porcelain Rocket, i hope its ok to show it)