The Great Escape

I’ve no doubt that cinematic institution will feature over the festive telly season (if it hasn't already) but in this instance I’m referring to 125psi roaring from my Ilpompino’s front tyre with frightening haste while piloting it through a series of twisty, freezing, mulch strewn back roads at 23mph…Remaining composed, I drew to a halt and concluded shouldering said fixer that final mile home was best, especially since it’s 29mm rear was just succumbing to similar fate.

Both sported Kevlar belts (1 and 2.5mm thick, respectively) and were defeated by two shards of indicator lens burrowing vindictively inside. Some will argue this stab vest staple is now looking decidedly long in the tooth, superseded in technical terms by Aramid. However, in my experience puncture resistance is by degrees-roll over that nine-inch nail with your name etched into its head and belt composition becomes pretty academic.

Wafer thin butyl certainly didn’t help, although fortuitously their pinpricks were easily repaired from the comfort of one’s kitchen. Rule of thumb suggests a new tube, the injured parties kept as spares. Therefore, I introduced a 35mm Kenda thorn-resistant “builders hose” to the 29mm rear and a common or garden 25mm CST up front. Nonetheless, continuing the thrifty theme, I’ve ordered industrial sized replenishments of patches and solution.

Lo and behold, Moore Large (www.todayscyclist.co.uk) has generously sent me these 32mm Kenda Bitumen reflective. 85psi and 60tpi iron-cap casings indicate rugged, rather than racy persona, though hopefully this will put paid to dead-of night deflation paranoia and see us cruising through spring and a fair while beyond. However, credible comment requires a good few hundred miles in varying conditions, so I’ll reserve judgement until January’s swansong.

Christmas usually presents copious remit for serious fettling and I’ve decided to resurrect some deep-section Miche hoops. Originally shelved on account of recurrent pinch flatting, there’s no indication of structural damage, thus I’m convinced that employing Effetto Mariposa rim tape (primarily intended to convert standard hp wire ons to tubeless service) will resolve this (as it has on my Univega’s spare Weinnman/NX30 front hoop).

Said holidays are equally conducive to reflection and moreover trying something different. It’d been a while since I’d seen some grass roots cyclo cross racing and Coventry Road Club’s 60^{th annual} meet at Kenilworth common proved too good an opportunity to pass up. Ironically, the common is a nature reserve but CRC secured special dispensation, part of which requires riders compete on UCI legal 700c ‘cross mounts. http://www.uci.ch/Modules/BUILTIN/getObject.asp?MenuId=&ObjTypeCode=FILE&type=FILE&id=NTI0MDY&LangId=1

Such stipulations don’t apply to the under 10/12s who are welcome on mountain and even balance bikes. However, anyone inclined to sample the grinding climbs and swooping technical descents beforehand risk having their entries voided. While enjoying phenomenal continental popularity, it is oft forgotten that ‘cross had a similar post war following here, riders attending on old pared to the essentials touring bikes with hand-me-down components.

Fast forward several decades and a more glamorous, dare we say, continental image, the inclusive, accessible spirit remains phenomenally strong. First up came the seemingly irrepressible under 10’s whose competitive vigor was tempered with a refreshing sense of discipline and genuine sportsmanship.

Despite relaxed rulings and the odd smattering of fancy dress, most thundered past on junior ‘cross builds. Occasional, slow speed tumble with terra firma aside, mishaps were thankfully conspicuous by their absence. This theme remained consistent throughout the under 12’s event, entrants negotiated the senior laps with commendable panache, although by this stage in the morning's proceedings, damp, nagging chill had permeated my exposed fingers, inducing unwelcome camera shake.

Mick Ives provided commentary for the main event, which progressed at a frenetic pace, meticulous organisation/intelligent marshaling optimising rider and spectator safety. However, one rider sustained sufficiently serious injury to require air ambulance rescue, illustrating that even these standards of event management cannot entirely eradicate risk.  

Hmm, I’m getting a sudden desire to organise an altogether different category of ‘cross racing, requiring entrants present on rigid mountain bikes with dropped bars…Fancy collaborating? Drop me a line: roadpathtoenlightenment@gmail.com

   

In the saddle, back on the game

Since my last entry, I’ve  secured another temp gig and therefore some fiscal liquidity, plugging the gaps between retainers and other, less consistent editorial payments. Managing sheltered housing schemes is familiar territory for me and not unpleasant work, although nowadays I associate it with the classic, slightly kitsch but brilliant piece of social commentary that is “Pearls Café’”.

For the uninitiated, it’s an old Specials’ track dating back to 1980, seemingly about a deranged old lady in a café, lamenting her life. However, the final verse the narrator suddenly has an epiphany; that his present girlfriend is cold, shallow and unfeeling  “ When I first met you, I really thought you were a wet dream come true. Now I know that you don’t care about somebody else’s nightmare”.

Having lured Joshua back to his BMX courtesy of this spatter deflecting SKS X blade clip on mudguard, there’s been a resurrection of competitive ambition on his part, expressing a desire to try racing first hand and wanting to accompany me on evening meanders. Given woefully inadequate standards of driver etiquette/skill seem supplanted by ever greater aggression, I’m of the opinion that cross country mountain biking is the most obvious and accessible outlet, with a view to cyclo cross when he’s twelve or thirteen and suitably prepared for long, steady road outings.

The nice folk at Zyro (www.zyro.co.uk)  dropped Minoura’s VC100 bracket over for me to play with. Beautifully made from CNC machined, silver anodised aluminium, it essentially converts the bike to a mobile tripod and camera spec allowing; ensures capture of impressive video footage-whether carving through deserted back roads or hustling through congested city centres. This is largely attributable to a combination of rigidity and broad, shock absorbing rubberised cork platform.

Obviously, it cannot compete with the 180degre peripheral capture of a helmet cam and 350g magnesium bodied super zoom compacts are pretty much its limit. Some of you will baulk at fifteen quid but while the backyard specials brewed using an old reflector bracket and similar oddments from the spares box are phenomenally satisfying to make, should it fail at tour typical speeds, cameras run the risk of becoming bin fodder.

Spring may well be in full bloom but manufacturers are keen to showcase their new season’s lighting and I require little persuasion to try them Silva, a marque more commonly associated with compasses, torches and similar generic outdoor apparel have been expanding their bike range.

In stark contrast to their road specific see with Pave’ comes this quirky looking “Commute”, which given cursory inspection looks indistinguishable from a sea of similarly competent contingency units, perfect for extended summer playtimes on the best bike or as dynamo companion/backup.

On paper 45 lumens lags behind the latest generation of bobby dodgers but the collimator lens delivers a very pure beam, devoid of halos with reassuring peripheral prowess. Tool-free silicone wrap over mounts are a welcome revolution, offering secure purchase, yet slipping off in seconds when locking in the street. This one is unremarkable other than to say it sweeps anaconda fashion around the full panacea of handlebar diameters without indigestion.   

Reassuringly stout composites bode well for longevity, shrugging at the inevitable everyday carelessness and Silva boast that it’s unaffected by temperatures as low as minus 20. A rubberised, centre mounted switch is easily operated in gloved hands and on the fly, although not the sort prone to accidentally engage when hibernating in jersey pockets/panniers. USB rechargeable li-on cells have almost become default but while in many respects a blessing, AAA are readily available pretty much anywhere and offer tour practical run times-I’ve managed eighteen odd (max) and an Uber frugal ninety eight in flashing using premium grades. All the more impressive since it gives change from £20. www.silva.se.

Another unexpected pleasure is this beautifully crafted saddlebag complete with Camera insert made by Emily O’ Brien. Hailing from Medford Massachusetts, she’s a mile munching, limerick loving music teacher and lifelong fettler who manufactures a handmade range of luggage/accessories capable of passing her own rigorous testing regime. Initial impressions are extremely favourable and its one of the most exciting bits of luggage I’ve had the privilege of testing to date. http://www.dillpicklegear.com/