So there I was belting along
the dusky back roads, putting another days’ temp job frustration into
perspective and seeing the bigger picture. This heady mix of serenity and
pragmatism was rudely interrupted by the sound of metal bouncing across asphalt…
Thankfully not the handlebar cam mount, rather this largely likeable Lucas king of
the road front light.
Aesthetically pleasing, I’ve
never really been convinced by the ornate clasp’s durability and found the
knurled bolt uniting its resin bracket unnecessarily fiddly. The lamp itself is
another commuter plus model that produces 565lumens in top, with navigational
clout through sticksville to around 25mph and 2.5 hours from a full charge.
An easily accessible li-on
cell and inexpensive replacements allow extended playtimes with minimal bulk.
However, just entering dusk, mine was sipping reserves in flashing…
Meanwhile back at the
roadside, I’d leant the Ilpompino against a gate and began foraging through
overgrown verges, hoping to find said fastener gleaming in the fading sun.
Several minutes hence, I resigned myself to its loss, popped lamp ensemble in
my wedge pack and resumed a brisk cadence-mentally scouring Perspex boxes for
suitable substitute.
This materialised as a stray
stainless fender eyelet bolt, which aside from improving tenure, makes the
bracket harder to swipe. I also discovered another (!) helmet strap complete
with Go-Pro mount, so have bolted the Knog pattern atop. These will be tethered
to a lid and trialled over the coming weeks.
I’d deliberately allowed the
Ilpompino to cultivate a grimy patina during this time to test the
effectiveness of some eagerly awaited bike washes, foaming chain cleaners and
lubricants of varying viscosity. Air temperatures are still holding around the
20c mark, thus sludgy black frame preserve continues to leach stubbornly from
my fleet’s breathe holes and bottom bracket shells.
Ideal conditions for basting
the KA’s underside and chassis with my medieval medicine…Previous coats have
remained firmly ensconced; albeit slightly weathered, thus bi-annual top-ups
stop anything nasty getting a foothold.
Most cleaners are now
designed with composites in mind, eliminating risk of solvent damage. Genuinely
effective on light to middleweight summer lubes, filmy residual road spatter
and organic stuff; heavy duty wet potions demand three, sometimes four helpings
and concerted coaxing from medium firm bristle plots.
Freelancing is synonymous
with competence-if you’re not, you don’t last. Very occasionally, we might
receive a stiff, though constructive editorial rebuke. Critically evaluate,
raise your game and avoid repeat offences.
By contrast, incompetence is
one of my biggest bugbears. Present temp role mirrors that this time two years
ago, though I’m channelling frustrations into creative endeavours, while
assuming an economically pragmatic, means-to-end focus. Stressing the positive,
I’m off to play with some rather exciting chain lubes, check progress with my
collaborators and work on some drafts before Monday’s 5.30 awakening.
