Called To The Bar

A fit of pique saw me change the Holdsworth’s arguably gorgeous Nitto cockpit in favour of this ultra stiff BBB flat section aero bar and shorter Outland stem configuration. Dun might not be the most exciting of finishes but blends nicely with the blue, black & pink livery. More importantly, I sought a shorter reach and the improved rigidity is a bonus. The flat sections are designed to accommodate aerobars but restrict brake lever choice to traditional road or TT types and while drilled for internal cable routing, running them outside results in smoother lines and better braking without compromising comfort. I was fortunate enough to salvage the flamingo pink bike ribbon-not the most obvious, or manly choice but one to which I have developed fierce attachment. Greater rigidity really sharpens the front end, making handling that little bit crisper while the flat sections provide convenient, if unintentional resting points for the palms.

The rather fetching slimline computer with phenomenally clear display has been substituted because I didn’t have any of the ultra slender cable ties needed to secure it to the bars and the wiring along fork leg- it may even see a return once some skinny ties come under my radar but the Echowell is neat, tidy and perfectly adequate for now…Well at least it was until the sensor made a bid for freedom at 25mph along the back roads… This continues a generic theme of electrical woe, my Li-on camera battery charger awaiting replacement having expired without warning three weeks ago. Manufacturers will argue to the contrary but in practice compatibility isn’t an exact science… My garage has played host to extensive late-night experimentation with redundant wireless sensors until we struck gold. Gentle cajoling couldn’t persuade this Cat Eye cordless II to capitulate with the Echowell but perseverance saw the Univega’s play nicely. Encased in medical grade silicone I was convinced the sensor wouldn’t communicate but much to my surprise, spinning the wheel induced the familiar muted bleeping while the head unit flickered into life, giving more consistent and accurate readings than most stock models!
Wired designs offer the last word in accuracy but are more vulnerable to damage during headset and other front-end overhaul. So, the solution to this and slightly fiddly escapee sensor mounts, is to continue with the wireless theme and purchase a second tool-free Knog type from the UK importer. Patience and carefully reasoned experimentation can prove extremely satisfying.

Winter, given light is very much of a premium, is the season for big reflective projects, bike builds and/or reconfigurations ready for spring and summer’s call when the workload is more consistent and the extended evenings buy greater time. Paul (Vincent) has revealed a little of his second build, apparently a twin seat and down tube design but needing paint to bring the concept alive. He’s also kindly agreed to have a meander through his spares bin in search of a dynamo lamp.

Hmm, I suddenly feel the need for something classic, a rigid mtb frameset with taller head tube (allowing me to use Midge or similar flared drops without recourse to stems with 35 degree rise), Surly type ends meaning it can accomodate various derailleur/hub geared or fixed guises oh and assorted bottle bosses/other nick-nacks too…Topped off with dove grey powder coat for a durable and unassuming (read less likely to get noticed and stolen) finish.

Clearing out the old Ka unearthed these salmon colour Kool-stops ripe for replacing the Univega's OEM Dia Compe pads-being a much softer compound gives significantly improved bite in the wet, although they’ve demanded some very precise toe-in to prevent the banshee screech upon applying the front brake in anger. Ironic since I timed the upgrade to coincide with a thorough purging of the rims' filthy sidewalls but a few longish rides are starting to see them settle down and the wintrier weather forecast should only accelerate this process.Drawing parallels with diamonds, hours are precious and not to be squandered but hopefully the spring will invite some warmer weather, allowing greater playtime aboard the Holdsworth and Teenage Dream. Right now, most mileage is courtesy of the tubby tourer with its big, supple tyres, stable, yet engaging handling and wide fenders keeping man and machine from being drenched in spray, minimising the need for perpetual post ride cleaning.

Fad Diets & Testing Times

The Univega seems to have developed a very expensive, not to mention inconvenient inner tube habit, chomping through four since the New Year. The culprit would appear to be the Kenda small block eight’s soft casings, vulnerable to penetration by shards of glass and other sharps on the seasonally slimy winter roads-especially those with a layering of horse dung. In the interests of reliability, I’ve reverted to the ultra dependable GEAX 1.5 semi slicks. This might be at the expense of some versatility but they’ll sail through winter grime sans hiss. However, a Kenda self-healing tube and my beloved speed lever have re-emerged so my world is once again round. On the subject of round, those Miche wheels I introduced in my last entry are ones to write home about-easily on par with the Halo Aero rage and a marked improvement over those commonly found on production fixers. In keeping with the Halo, mid section rims and super smooth large flange hubs make for an extremely refined and yet reliable four season’s package-they’ll even entertain tyres up to 32mmm wide. However, tubes with super long valve stems are a must in order to get pump connectors aboard. Seasonal salt, grease and grime have made little impression on the anodised sidewalls or the highly polished hubs and despite all-too regular pothole encounter they’ve remained perfectly true and tensioned

Other colours include Blue, Red, Silver and Gold so there’s something for all tastes and livery. These are a wheelset befitting the Holdsworth on a permanent basis meaning the Ilpompino can have its hoops back complete with 38mm rubber and the quasi-crosser makeover can progress as planned-albeit sans carbon fork. Forks tend to be the one area traditionally overbuilt on production bikes and said beast is no exception, although this surgery will coincide with headset replacement or similarly invasive procedure.
Elsewhere, I’ve come to the conclusion that Joshua requires a “Balance bike” to perfect his handling skills and moreover confidence- even with big wide bars rotated within easy reach, his inseam isn’t quite long enough, hampering his ability to get the flats of his feet down at the crucial loss-of-balance point. Credit where due, his coordination is good and learning to relax sees further improvement but I’d like to bring his skill and confidence base along as efficiently as possible. From here, the second-hand Raleigh acquired through David Hunt-our local recycle agent will come into it’s own and I’ve promised him a set of enduro type mtb fenders as further incentive. Contacting David this week in the context of a dynamo lamp, I was shocked to learn from his wife Diana that he died suddenly in October and would like to publicly offer my sincerest condolences to the family.

On the subject of recycling, I’ve resurrected this original leather covered Turbo saddle and earmarked it for the Teenage dream once I’ve found time to drop the featherweight Thompson post at a local engineering firm for machining to the smaller 27.0 diameter. Not urgent by any means but dormant projects grate on me and while a fair weather mount, I’d also like to fit some of the race blade type guards to extend its horizons-especially during the spring months, notorious for their changeable weather fronts.
Paul Vincent, long time friend and fellow scribe who so generously donated the Holdsworth frameset has turned his attentions to the torch. Judging by this photo, his first effort looks very, very alluring. Made from fillet brazed plain gauge Columbus Cromor and finished in a very fetching matt black, a’la Mad Max it screams eyeballs-out, no compromise TT rocket. He’s working on his second, seemingly top-secret build and I’m getting very excited at the prospect of seeing both machines in the flesh. Watch this space…. One of the diesel strength coffee faithful, some might be surprised to find me partaking in tea…I’ve no love of that considered quintessentially English. Authentic Indian Chai and Rubious variants have always been warmly received but this “Clarity” herbal brew pleasantly surprises me. Combining a sweet, spicy flavour with stimulant properties, it encourages focus for long periods without caffeine’s unwelcome come down or diuretic properties that could make it the perfect pre/post ride beverage.

The Great Thaw

After two weeks comprising of casual fettling, inspecting potential car purchases and generally making best use of enforced saddle-leave, the coldest weather front in over two decades finally relented leaving water-logged roads and the need for mudguards-hence my first official ride of 2010 was aboard the Univega. This also presented the ideal opportunity for testing some fantastic little commuter lighting. Power to weight, the curiously monikered Nuke light easily knocks 5watt lead-acid lamps into the shade. Better still, it charges from the USB port or mains in just over three hours and the tool free handlebar bracket means it goes on and off in a flash.

Talking of flash, the sudden thaw brought legions of cyclists, from old couples aboard tandems to young families and competitive road racers freed from turbo trainer slavery flocking to the highways and byways. Unfortunately, I'd forgotten to swap the gorillapod from Univega to Teenage Dream so you'll have to settle for this shot of said machine lazing on the outskirts of Peldon village. More fun comes courtesy of this Miche Xpress road-fixed wheelset. Mid section anodized rims with machined sidewalls are laced two cross to shapely large-flange hubs turning on super smooth cartridge bearings, promising a heady blend of zip for time trialing and reliability for four seasons' road duties. Rumour suggests they're growing in acclaim amongst the dispatch mob which bodes well for us mere mortals.

With a moderate £200 asking price they're a touch pretty for daily drivers left locked for long periods in and around slum neighbourhoods and those lured by the thrills and spills of fixed gear 'cross racing will find small flange hubs deliver a smoother ride. That said, first impressions are very favourable and I'll return with a more comprehensive report five hundred or so miles from now...

I've also received a pair of the Russian made Flax linen socks From Mila Ptashenko of Pure Linen so we'll see if the claimed health giving properties ward off the evil eye, keeping me sans germs for the remainder of winter. 2010 seems to be forging ahead at phenomenal speed relative to my sense of achievement but maybe there's some truth in the old adage of things being darkest before the dawn and hopefully lighter evenings will resurrect my creative spark. Another nice surprise is this Gusset stem arriving in today's post. With thirty-five degree rise and detailing topping that of models costing twice as much, it may provide the optimum position for tarmac and trail duties aboard the Univega.

Business took me to Cambridge, a city synonymous with academic excellence and one with an enviably safe cycling environment. Cyclists and pedestrians co-exist peaceably and without incident-even in the main shopping areas while the extensive network of generous cycle lanes provide seamless connection to suburbia. Refreshingly driver behaviour/attitudes seems notably improved with fewer incidents or aggressive undertones. Joe and Joanna public all too frequently assumes that vehicle taxation pays for road maintenance and thus use this(consciously or otherwise) to legitimate irrational and downright intimidatory behaviours towards more vulnerable traffic. Roads are of course, maintained and developed through direct taxation-irrespective of whether a motor vehicle is owned/used on the public highway.
Reminiscent of Amsterdam, there's a real sense of liberation in watching heavy, single speed hacks trickling along the car free concourse, the gentle tinkle of bells and rattle of chain guards/fenders announcing their presence to passers by. Cycle parking can border on abandonment thanks to sheer numbers but the seemingly progressive local authority has addressed this with the construction of large, secure, multi storey parking nestling alongside short stay car provision .

Fixers were conspicuous by their absence and glancing at them drew suspicious stares from their owners so the little Fuji stayed tucked away in my breast pocket. Common to most cities, theft is a serious problem and while this particular region isn't beset with the same degree of socio-economic hardship as some inner city locations, relative affluence, a transient population and ready motorway links translate into higher insurance premiums.

Consistent supply and demand means machines are offered openly for sale on street markets at suspiciously keen prices. The uncomfortable truth is so long as people remain ignorant/indifferent to stolen property, it will continue to flourish. Thieves lack the rudimentary values of mercy and compassion and simplistically, continue their sordid activities because they can. Punishment and consequence are infrequent relative to economic reward while such behaviour is labeled "victimless"-they get a bike from someone who's insured and therefore likely to get a new/better machine anyhow. Bicycle theft is curiously regarded as small beer to police and public alike but frequently just another avenue of organised crime incorporating car, van, motorcycle theft accompanied by drug and people trafficking/ money laundering of industrial proportion.

Anyone unfortunate enough to lose a treasured bike will confirm that insurance payouts are a last resort, sugaring the economic loss yet never replacing the memories of racing glory, epic rides, good times and bad told in nicked frame enamel and worn anodizing. Gone to pay for a fix, settle a debt or fill an order book!

Poverty and/or lack of opportunity are the over simplistic, default explanations for such phenomenon but fundamentally flawed rationale's. Much of the world lives in genuine poverty but does not steal. On a lighter note, the region has many fine bike shops and on the strength of my visit, a disproportionate number of hairdressers/barbers too-a bi-product of unprecedented incidences of helmet hair?

An Explosive Start

Well, not the sort of bangs one yearns for. Two punctures on the Univega caused by two shards of glass working through the tyre casing marked New Years' Eve but a minor irritation in comparison with the sudden demise of the Ka's cam-shaft, orbiting the M25 with son and co-pilot beside me on New Years' day. Mercifully as the Endura is an old eight valve pushrod engine, I was able to coax it the final eighty miles home. Alas, an estimated £600 rebuild pushes it beyond economic repair given twelve years and 90,000 miles. For the time being, this large load-lugging diesel Renault is serving me well. The purists will doubtless question my need for a car but 30,000 business miles (let alone the 9,000 aboard my two-wheeled fleet) dictates otherwise.

Purging the dreaded hiss proved trickier than first thought thanks to the unreliability of quick seal, glue-less patches that lift with frightening ease in sub zero temperatures. To the rescue comes my ultra dependable Rema tip-top found hibernating in the depths of a little used saddlebag, sealing both awkward holes first time, sans fuss-even opposite the valve stem on an ultra-light tube!

The river of advancement has flowed at a phenomenal rate over the past twenty years. Despite this, some things remain strangely familiar and the humble bar mounted computer is one such example. The Vetta on the right of the picture is one of the first generation wireless units, looking quaint in comparison with the fourteen function base model nestling beside it. However, they share identical batteries and very similar transponders, spoke magnets/consumerables.

Some firms are developing super-consoles incorporating rear view mirrors and a wealth of other space ace advances firmly rooted in science fiction. Not sure I'm ready for this particular quantum leap but that's the beauty of cycling-it can be as simple, or complex as we choose. An ultra compact, bar mounted sat nav on the other hand has my senses screaming with excitement...Technological developments and the economies of scale, supply and demand have certainly brought exotic materials well within the reach of most mortals while specifications continue to rise for the same and indeed, less outlay every year.

Admittedly, there's considerable badge engineering and cloning at play with only the decals and livery separating some brands. Such must be partially responsible for the revival in traditional, bespoke frame building. Now, I've always loved high quality steel framesets but contrary to the romantics, we're unlikely to return to the halcyon days of the post war era where (predominantly) young men qued up, desperate to be chosen for an apprenticeship by local wizards of the oxyacetylene torch.

Time and again, letters from bright young things crop up in the Cycling media asking if they should embark on a frame building course in preference to a BSC in engineering. The usual, reasoned editorial response is that academic qualification is a sound, life-long foundation. There's no reason why a career in frame building shouldn't follow but should demand drop off or ill-health force retirement, the academic grounding provides options and in some cases a lifeline. Twenty five years ago, skilled typesetters and artists re-touchers in the print industry enjoyed earnings equivalent to £1500 per week. Those days are but a memory thanks to radical changes in both production methods and the political landscape.

Just as there are remarkably good frame builders with little or no academic or formal education, there are salesmen "from the streets" earning five figure salaries, capable of out-witting psychology graduates without raising a finger. However, failure to adapt often sees such revered economic prowess vanish overnight.
Recent "Arctic" conditions have caused coastal based frame builder Justin Burls to contemplate the integrity of his workshop roof as it groans under the sheer weight of snow. That aside, he remains focused on long steady swims and turbo trainer slavery in preparation for his first triathlon in June. Our postman continues to slither tirelessly along the lanes aboard his 50lb Pashley delivering our mail with a cheery smile. However, such was seasonal demand, I've only just received the Jagwire cableset sent on December the 16th!
This week's new toy is a Gorilla pod- basically a highly articulate tripod made from rubberised discs capable of latching on to pretty much any surface-great for touring or casual group rides. This version comes complete with an integral spirit level and entertains cameras-including SLRs up to 800g. Thus far, I'm really impressed, although, there's been scant opportunity to come out to play/take many "from the cockpit" shots...Maybe next week!

Year's end coincides with the transformation of an old friend

Determined to complete the Teenage Dream's revamp, I set about stripping the old quill stem, fork and other threaded components ready for the local shop to work their magic given my mighty Czech headset press is nowhere to be found. To his credit, Alan at Riverside Cycle Centre very kindly performed the op on a while I waited basis. The early nineties saw a fashion for small scale/bespoke builders offering winter bike/frameset which was basically their race model only with mudguard eyes. The Teenage Dream is a textbook example of this genre with insufficient clearance even with 23mm rubber! While the full length Maple wood fenders look divine, endless fettling couldn't dissuade them from fouling the tyres. Therefore, for time being at least, we are sans guards until some race blades/similar come under my radar at the right price.

However, I'm delighted to report the New fork and Woodman components have transformed the front end, bringing handling bang up to date. New computer battery installed, it was time for some serious riding along memory lanes. I'm about twenty pounds heavier than back in 1991 but if anything I'm faster on the climbs and relatively fearless on the descents. Thundering along the flat, rural roads saw me transported back to the days spent emulating our racing heroes, the strange phenomenon of tractor racing and of course, exchanging personal philosophy, tales of unrequited love and component choice/preference at cola stops.
So as we count down to the New Year, a timely look at said bike's evolution. Gone are the Cinelli bar and quill stem, the Stronglight 80 cranks, FAG bottom bracket, Campagnolo Athena brakeset, twenty year old Vetta wireless computer, New Old Stock Gran Sport levers and Look/SPD pedals and Hutchinson HP20 tyres. Only the Mavic/Campag wheelset, Rolls Saddle, Kalloy Uno post, Campagnolo Victory mechs and Regina six speed block remain.

Today's spec sheet reflects a less arbitrary European stance: Campagnolo Xenon 53/39 crankset, Shimano UN53 bottom bracket, Genetic Look type pedals, Acor Carbon fork, Woodman Saturn headset, 8cm stem, Salsa Bell-Lap bars, Miche dual pivot brake callipers, Cane Creek SC5 aero levers, Dia tech light action down tube shifters, Kenda Konstrictor 700x23 tyres, basic cork wrap and Decathlon ten function wireless computer& Van Nicholas Ti bottle cage complete the line-up. The only planned developments are mudguards and of course, the Thompson post. However, these are wants as opposed to needs. A second "cold snap" is promised for the next forty eight hours so I think the Univega and I will be starting the year together. 2010 hasn't yet begun and I've already been invited to parts of the globe as diverse as Perth (Australia), Negombo and the Czech republic (No, I'm not going all that way for a headset press!). However, right now, I'm having a wander round the web in search of these, my favorite Cola...

Happy New Year!

Christmas Closure

Nothing's ever simple, began my rant in a fashion mirroring that of my six year old as I tackled the Univega's makeover. Having performed the rush around and cut the cables routine before stripping cantilevers and cockpit, other gremlins presented themselves. It was one of those jobs for Boxing Day when respectable folk were leaping in their cars and heading for the holy grails of DIY and superstore but oh no, I had to plough headlong into this having returned from the temp job and twenty minutes before dinner... Having transplanted bar, stem and controls, it became immediately obvious that the curious, yet extremely effective star fangled nut substitute wasn't re-useable.

After some uncharacteristic sulking, my focus shifted to the twenty three year old CK toolbox containing all manner of ill sorted spares. A quick sift reveled a Gusset SFN replacement of exacting dimensions. However, while the black bung does a superb job of retaining precise bearing adjustment it obscures the fork crown fender mount. Some lateral thought resulted in judicious bending and filing of the stainless steel hardware, allowing the black bung to pass through while securing the fender securely inside the steerer tube.

Convoluted perhaps but it solved the problem and meant I could progress to the Dia Compe V brakes. These are surprisingly proficient stoppers combining great power with none of the mushiness associated with lower-middle range brakes-especially with Tektro's RL520 linear pull specific levers.

Continuing the best laid plans theme, the STX pods proved impractical thanks to torturous cable run and delayed shifts so it's back to the faithful Ultegra bar cons. I've always had something of a soft spot for STX components primarily because they offer a lot of bang for very modest buck. However, the marginally "Superior" STXRC front mech has proven one of the most temperamental I've known-fine on a day to day basis but the proverbial pig to set up.

Earlier in the day I'd driven cautiously through the icy lanes to the temp job via the bank and a bike shop that caught my attention. Paying cheques into the bank meant I'd financially survive the festive season and the bike shop provided some good, benchmark cables. Some gentle enquiry revealed he'd be happy to install the Teenage Dream's front end for a very reasonable sum. Frankly, these are very frustrating jobs-annoying because I can undertake them myself but available time and a missing tool eludes me. Therefore, the sensible solution is to outsource this while I attend to more pressing matters. As my late father often remarked, just because you can, doesn't mean to say doing so is the best use of time/resources. Needless to say, the Univega's upgrades have transformed the handling- not that the Nitto bars were remotely floppy but the WTB and Salsa stem make for a phenomenally rigid, yet comfortable cockpit.
Further success has been achieved on the wheels front. While drafting some copy for another publication, I had cause to contact Greyville enterprises. Serendipity lead Steve to suggest these 700x23 tubes with 60mm long Presta valves- just the ticket for the Halo Aerorage wheelset, meaning the original hoops can be returned to the Ilpompino complete with 38mm snow tyres. The ITM fork while undeniably gorgeous can wait for now- a fully operational and finely fettled fleet is what's called for in the depths of winter. Sure, I wouldn't dream of subjecting the Holdsworth or Teenage Dream to the horrors of salt and slush but I like the idea of machines being ready for action.

Contagious Carbon & Conspiracy Theories

Forget the swine flu pandemics, I appear to be gripped by a frenzy of carbon conversion. This time it’s the turn of Izzie, my beloved Ilpompino. Having seen the new Genesis Day-One- basically a Reynolds 520 framed cyclo crosser with track ends, carrier, fender mounts and flip/flop hub I am thinking very, very seriously about a revamping the Ilmpompino too thanks to an ITM carbon cross fork and a simple conversion to cross rubber. Afterall, with some obvious nods in the direction of the road path genre, the Ilpompino is in effect a crosser with track ends so it makes sense to exploit these characteristics to their full potential. Gearing of around sixty to sixty-three inches is practical sans asphalt with something in the seventies for grinding away on metalled road. A very refined Ritchey post provides some additional luxury and will compliment the ITM fork superbly.

The sturdy Surly rack is staying put as while I don’t rush to fit racks per se, it means a pannier or two can be towed should fancy take me. One of the main advantages over the venerable Genesis in my eyes are wide armed cantilevers giving better modulation, feel and mud clearance. Mini Vs seem to crop in and out of vogue but my main (relatively mild) aversion to them stems from their need to run so close to the rim, clogging at the first hint of mud and grit.

Wheels are less of a concern but tyres are a little tricky. There’s some loose talk of snow in the weeks following Christmas but this to me is little more than bored weather forecasters wanting to capture the public’s imagination and evoke a more magical aura to the festive season.

Therefore, the Schwalbe studded snow tyres are overkill and will remain firmly tucked away in their corner of the workshop for now. However, these Panasonic Mach semi slicks in 35mm form should be fine for firmer trail and mixed work- they’re not the best in wet, muddy conditions though so we’ll have to see what the weather front brings. On the subject of weather, Justin (Burls) has made the brave step to recovery and cleaned his winter bike- he’s even supplied proof and can faithfully say there’s been no foul play, no photo-shopping here! This loyal, high mileage (and some might say, mistreated) racy winter companion extrudes a really authentic lived-in beauty that makes it all the more desirable. True, the salt monster has left his calling card on the crank arms but despite countless miles in all weathers, it looks remarkably well preserved and certainly owes him nothing. Old faithful is fairly unique being one of Justin’s earlier frames painstakingly finished in automotive two-pac rather than stoved enamel. Those in search of glamour will undoubtedly left mesmerized by his latest sub 15lb Ti road build but I must confess irrational, nay guilty attraction to his Rosso red workhorse. Yes, deep down I acknowledge this is wrong, on a par with fancying your best mate’s wife/husband and such public declaration is likely to find me prohibited from passing within four hundred metres of his workshop. However, assuming Justin and I remain on speaking terms following these revelations, I hope to be back in the New Year with polishing cloth, Waxoyl and MR Sheen-er, I mean a full report on his latest featherweight Ti missile.
Maybe a consequence of my vocation but I’ve become slightly jaded by professional cycling’s fall from grace- that is to say, I expect and am almost nonplussed by scandal and revelation. Sometimes, usually as the elderly Ka and I are meandering along another stretch of motorway at steady speeds, these things resonate within me. Is there something inherent to competitive cycling which predisposes it to doping and similar cheating or is it the consequence of enormous commercial interest that applies to many others? I have arrived at the conclusion the media spotlight concentrates on cycling as a soft option, wanting to pretend dark undercurrents don’t flow through soccer, athletics, show jumping and of course, golf!

A very prudent observation is that cycling, though specifically cycle racing needs to focus on getting it’s own house sorted rather than pointing to other sports and disciplines as a convenient distraction. Otherwise it is behaving in the way of a defensive child retorting they’ve done better than little Johnny or Joanna… I must confess to being fond of historical scandals- Coppi and the White Lady, Anquetil and his interesting solutions to his wives' infertility being two of particular note. However, the dirtier side of corruption, sleaze and quasi ritualised drug taking in some teams disappoints yet doesn’t surprise me. I hate to say it but cheating in competitive sport is here to stay, detection just becomes increasingly difficult.

Researching the death of Johnny Thunders, former New York Dolls guitarist and Heartbreakers' front man in a seedy New Orleans motel some twenty years back draws interesting parallels with Marco Pantani's mysterious demise. Both share the open and shut junkie overdose/suicide label but they smack of botched investigation/laziness on part of the authorities. Thunders had been openly critical of the music industry for some time and was battling heroin addiction with large quantities of methadone acquired in London.

Contrary to the rock and roll cliche' he wasn't found dead on the toilet, guitar around his neck but very badly beaten. Pantani's career had been overshadowed by depression and rumor of cocaine addiction on an industrial scale. Allegedly, he died in his hotel room on February 15th 2004 having "trashed it" beforehand yet his body was found with perfectly manicured fingernails...

Snow drives back the foot that's slow, the dogs of doom are howling low. Despite my cynicism, we've had eight inches of snowfall overnight and six hours without power and I'm annoyed at not seizing the moment and getting the Ilpompino ready, or at least shodding the Univega with snow tyres...