No, not that one.Tthankfully,
after several years, she appears to have finally accepted her approaches are
unwelcome, and non-reciprocal.
Serial, uninterrupted monogamy is, in my
experience, often practiced by those who don’t want to work on themselves. Moving
from one partner, without taking stock and investing in yourself, is an
avoidance strategy.
Each relationship inevitably
fails because the other, unwitting party cannot fix them. So, they move to the
next and this cyclical shift perpetuates. A complete waste of time, emotional
and monetary reserves. We all have our lessons to learn. Some choose not to.
I am referring to the
persistently wet/windy weather front. One that has compelled me to tolerate a
filthy fleet. On the flip side, during drier spells, let alone brief periods of
sunlight, I’ve been testing the mettle of assorted bike washes.
Crankalicious ceramic chain
lube arrived at SDC HQ and was passed to Steve, esteemed co-editor and touring
aficionado. However, the fixed’s links looking distinctly thirsty, prompting the
introduction of some Finish Line Ceramic Wet. I’m reasoning this will be an
interesting comparator and in ideal testing conditions.
Bucking the trend for curing
periods, both are pour, wipe and scoot off, which is welcome when time’s not on
your side. Elsewhere the SKS lube your chain formula is also going strong, 180
harsh miles hence. It looks a filthy, congealed mess but I’m assured this is locked
in the top layer and not chewing components.
The Schwalbe Active Winter https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/schwalbe-winter-spiked-tyre
remained in situ on the Univega, given
further snow was forecast. I wanted the option of getting some miles in,
regardless. https://www.facebook.com/Sevendaycyclistmagazine/posts/1863791363651786?notif_id=1521379387031484¬if_t=page_post_reaction&ref=notif Another title I freelance for, have sent me these Panaracer T-Serv
PT Folding 700x32C.
Vee rubber have also sent me
their 700x32 Zilent and and their 42mm Baldy. Will be interesting to see how
the latter compare, speed-wise with Maxxis Roamer https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/maxxis-roamer-tyres
These, as their name implies;
are aimed at the urban market Soma Shikoro https://www.sevendaycyclist.com/s ,
are my favourite big(ish) section all-rounders Quick acceleration, smooth
passage over lumpy sections, at 464g apiece, they’re a little heavier than the
Panaracer (As you’d expect. However, they’re also made, under licence, by them).
Over the years, I’ve hustled
around the capital on everything from 20mm to 2.1 inch, generally settling for
26x1.5 (or thereabouts) due to their balance of speed, comfort and control
across badly surfaced, glass strewn tarmac. Otherwise; 32mm was my default for
touring and general road biased riding.
It was also the biggest
section many 80’s touring bikes could swallow without fouling; or forgoing full
length chrome plastic mudguards. Personally, I’m happy to leave fag paper
clearances and toe clip overlap in the dim and thankfully distant past.
With this in mind; there are
some frames, components and other, unrelated objects I’d like to own from this
and other eras. At the right price… Some would argue that Nostalgia’s true
power is the commodification of emotions, those we attach to objects.
Subjectively, a MK III Norton
Commando is a nice motorcycle. However, its outclassed, totally eclipsed by
modern machines. Therefore, I wouldn’t entertain the £20,000 “market value”,
nor would I’d pay fancy prices for air cooled type 1, 2 and 3 VW cars. Yes, I am fond of them but regard these
things as working vehicles, not museum pieces. The same applies to my 1991 road
bike, aka “The Teenage Dream”.
A fair-weather machine but a
bike ridden in fair weather, nonetheless. It’s fun to ride yes, there’s a deep
sentimental bond and no I wouldn’t willing
part with it. That aside; I certainly wouldn’t pay some of the prices
I’ve seen comparable machines being offered for.
Another, arguably more
positive/optimistic account of nostalgia, is that it (according to Sedikides
and Wildschunt) “Is shown to be both a driver of empathy and social
connectedness, and a potent, internal antidote for loneliness and alienation”.
Indeed, Sedikides suggests
nostalgia is the “perfect internal politician, connecting the past with the
present, pointing optimistically to the future”. Whatever your particular
perspective may be, its food for thought. I’ll leave you with a few shots from
my booking with Louise, a delightful ballet/dance and lingerie model.