Had an email chat with Ryton on Dunsmore based Lee Cooper regarding a few projects and decided to solicit his advice concerning the Holdsworth’s damaged bottom bracket shell. Its cause remains a mystery but will involve cutting out the original and replacing it with something of equivalent, period sensitive quality. Then of course, “Ninja blue” will need fresh livery. On various occasions I’ve explored the notion of something more radical- bottle bosses, my name emblazoned along the down tube in tasteful italics etc but this is unnecessary and structurally invasive indulgence-not that I could be accused of being a purist given its overtly contemporary flavour. The obvious plan of action is to leave the torchmanship to Lee and the paint to Maldon Shot blasting & Powder Coating.
Speaking of which, Graham and the boys managed to slip the tune up stand and carrier through last week, giving them a much cheerier red rebirth. If you want something done, give it to busy folk. Embracing this mantra on an a pragmatic level has seen me take the cash flow demon by the horns and doing some seasonal shift work in local factories. This isn’t the most obvious source of inspiration and I’d be the first to admit coming home feeling pretty exhausted physically but having left my brain very much in neutral, find creativity positively flows for a couple of hours hence. Breaks between the days have also seen a spike in focus/productivity words and pictures-wise. So long as I’ve reached the first, preferably second draft stage during the week, weekends can prove incredibly fertile ground creatively-principally because my mind is relaxed
Serendipity is another of my buzzwords and this came in the form of a cycle event. I’d decided to leave the motorway and do a quick sweep by the supermarket when a procession of riders, some clearly seasoned others distinctly green whizzed, or in some cases wheezed past. These became less bunched with time and I swapped shopping bags for CSC camera with 50-180mm lens, clicking away from a safe distance so as not to attract unwelcome attraction. Further investigation suggested it was in aid of little haven’s children’s hospice-a worthwhile cause if ever there was one.
So many organisations need support in some way or other, although I always fear public spiritedness is being exploited to the advantage of local and moreover central government who may cut existing funding or otherwise shirk their obligations.
Leather has rocketed back into vogue in recent years and the economics of supply and demand are beginning to swing in the consumer’s favour as more brands enter the market. Harrogate touring maestros Spa cycles have done precisely this, launching their own range of saddles and luggage. The Aire (pictured) is a narrow, racing design made from untreated Australian cowhide that measures 148mm at its widest point, thus music to my sit bones. Untreated finishes aren’t simply an exercise in cost cutting either, although will require more frequent feeding to keep it supple and the elements firmly at bay-most notably during the bedding in period, which is around the 600 mile (800 km) mark.
