Cycling and more: September 2018

Saturday, 22 September 2018

The big buzz

I get a buzz from cycling, overcoming the challenges of steep hills is part of it.

Unfortunately it was a solo ride this morning, and as is usual when this happens, I couldn't decide if I wanted to go. Much easier to stay in bed a little longer. But get up I did; so now I had to think where to go, and on which bike. Yes dear reader, I have a road and mountain bike. I knew I didn't fancy off road but that didn't rule out the MTB, the poor state of local roads means it more comfortable than the light but stiff road bike. Oxted was to be my destination; along a route Matt and I have, I think only done once. The reason is a steep hill. I didn't remember it exactly but I knew it was one of the steepest we had climbed. As I descended it became clear that it was steeper and longer than I remembered. No stopping now though, Oxted was beckoning. I kept the speed down, it was narrow and twisting. I'm no adrenaline junky, it hurts too much if I fall off.

I rarely attain super speed

The pics on this post are of a funfair I passed on Oxted green. They look a little like they are sleeping without the lights and the noise, resting before the next night of excitement.

The problem with going down a hill is that you have to come go back up. As I left the green on my way home the sign at the bottom of the hill said 20%. This is definitely the steepest I have climbed. This is where the extra gears of the MTB make the climb easier. I think I may have struggled on the road bike.

What I do find weird about the steepness signs is that they don't always seem right. I am sure other hills are similar to this one, but their percentages aren't as high. Maybe they should rate the climb and use a face that gets redder the worse the hill is. This would not only take into account how steep, but how long the climb is. Also if there were flatter bits where you could get your breath back the rating would be less severe.

Here is the cyclemeter log of the ride.

Not the longest ride, but a hilly one.

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Saturday, 15 September 2018

graffiti

The outfit chosen for the first location emphasised Xandria's stature with big heels and tall hair. The fluorescent top looked good against the busy graffiti background of Leeke St. It was a challenge to photograph in this dimly lit area. There were spotlights in the roof to pick out areas of the wall, which although not bright helped. I was glad to see them as I planned where we would shoot.

The second outfit, a colourful jumper, needed a clearer background so we went outside to a park. The tunnel had required the use of a flash with a 24-70mm f2.8 zoom lens. With more room I changed to an 80-200mm f2.8. This is a great portrait lens if you can step back a bit. I know in a previous post I mentioned the 85mm f1.8; the consensus being that this and the 50mm are default portrait lenses. But the way the telephoto zoom gives separation from the background is brilliant. It helped to make Xandria standout. I use it as much as I can.

This meant I was some way from Xandria, which can mean you lose connection. Pausing to show Xandria the pictures and discuss the next shot more often than normal ensured we stayed connected. It was a busy area but no-one walked into shot, everyone saw what we were doing and paused before walking between us.

We were near the river so I suggested we use that as a backdrop. To get there we passed a carousel, I couldn't resist using it.

As with the previous shoot, Xandria's mum set the style and Xandia and I worked well together to deliver her ideas. It is a joy to work as part of a good team.

Now that the weather is becoming colder and less predictable further shoots may have to wait until the spring. Which is a shame.