¾ lengths, tights and fluro
training jackets have been the order of this week thanks to falling
temperatures, cobalt skies and regular cloudburst. These GT are old favourites,
staples, entering their fourteenth year of service. Had a sibling pair, though
these were written off during a tangle
with terra-firma back in December 2001.
After some further deliberation
and experimentation, I’ve acquired a remote trigger for the Geonaute, thus
overcoming the push button lottery when seeking to capture short action
sequences.
This is a genuine part-I’ve had
mixed results pairing pattern triggers and still cameras, so wasn’t prepared to
risk buying twice and wasting money. A
receptive range of five metres gives plenty of scope.
Handlebar was the most obvious
choice but since I regularly alternate between fixer and tubby tourer (let
alone test mounts), tethering via crocodile clip to nelson/breast pockets of my
various technical jackets seemed a better solution.
This avoids potential interference
with wireless computers and makes best use of said action cam’s user friendly
features. Therefore, £12 well spent, bringing the running total to £162.
Question is; can I resist further, organic upgrading-bolt on playback screens,
spare Li-on cells and similar goodies?
Frankly, it’s a matter of reining
myself in and maximising its existing potential.
While primarily purchased with a
positive ride-capturing mind-set, it would appear road users of all
denominations are increasingly acquiring action cams to demonstrate
poor/dangerous road craft and mitigate themselves from any wrong-doing.
Anecdotally, the past few outings
suggest drivers are more aware of the helmet mounting, thus overtake and
generally behave more graciously, though there remains a hardcore of “punishment
passers” and not just cars/commercial vehicles.
Curiously enough, some lone
riders sporting club colours have literally overtaken within a hairs’ breadth
of my elbow, despite turning a steady 18-20mph and clear, wide roads.
Thankfully, they’re very much the exception and usually strike when I’m aboard
the Univega…
Frankly, policing other people’s
behaviour, or discussing the finer points of road etiquette aren’t my fortes,
thus I simply respond with a polite, cheery greeting and hustle along at
80-90rpm.
By contrast, I’m drawn to other people’s lighting systems-blinkies in particular have a really hypnotic effect along unlit roads characterised by dense, overhanging forestry.
Driving home at dusk the other
evening, I slowed behind a rider winching himself along the intensifying
incline. Dropping the KA into second and easing past with a ten foot gap, I
admired the 29er but was most captivated by the pulsing of his high power lamp.
Indicating and gradually easing
back to the left, glancing in the rear view mirror confirmed they were using
either a Magic Shine MJ808-E, or One23 Extreme Bright 1000-my fixer’s default
see-by winter lamp.
Despite a slightly low-rent lens
and reflector, its’ surprising just how spellbinding this sort of output is and
how effectively the aluminium headlamp diffuses glare. Some uber systems can be
painfully uncomfortable for the rider, let alone other road users or small
mammals.
Nonetheless, I’ve resurrected its
2000lumen sibling, which also offers phenomenal bang for very modest buck.
However, my sample was let down by a slightly whippy bracket that chattered
annoyingly over washboard tarmac. Introducing some silicone putty to proceedings
has cured this particular ill.
Talking of lights, while my
latest temp gig keeps the lights on and cupboards relatively full, it’s not
“feeding my soul” and fuelling some underlying frustrations. Therefore, the
solution lies in a creative role capable of nurturing existing soils.
Staffer’s
jobs, let alone anything contract or part time have become rare as hen’s teeth.
Time for some serious miles to stimulate lateral thought and those all
important reactive sparks...
