Cycling and more.
This blog started as a way to broadcast my photography and how I created it, to document my thoughts about it. Then I talked about my other passion; cycling.
But with the events of 2020 it became much more.
I opened up about my depression. At first it was easier to type here than talk. Please click on the Macmillan cancer support link to sponsor my half marathon run in May.
Watching or listening to the news is hard work. Everyone has an opinion to defend. If others don't share that view, name calling and shouting ensues. It's much easier to label a person than it is to listen to them. The more extreme a label the better.
Social or should that be anti-social media is the same. Most contributors being polorised and closed minded.
On the street, there are selfish, inconsiderate people living without a thought for others. They drive too fast, cycle on the pavement, etc. Always defending what they do, whilst criticising others.
I cycle to unwind, but lately it hasn't worked. Too often other road users spoil it. Just a small pause to allow them to pass me safely is all that's needed. Today on a narrow lane two cars stopped at a passing point to allow Matt and myself to pass. It was so easy for them to do, I waved a thank you. Then a few yards further a Range Rover turned on to the lane. He could have stopped where the road was wide, but he didn't; instead he accelerated towards me.
What's the solution?
I don't know; Matt and I often talk about how angry everyone is. But I think it's more than that. It seems acceptable now to be closed minded, and to believe your's is the only opinion. Our society is more accepting of everyone, which is good, but somehow we have gone too far. Everyone is right, everyone must come first.
There has to be compromise. Few can take criticism or being questioned. This just leads to a less fair and just place to live.
I try not to get angry; it's too exhausting. And mostly pointless.
Words said in anger are often regretted.
I guess I'll put on headphones and listen to music this afternoon. It's one way to drown out the noise.
Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts.
It was that time again. The Waller Lane hill climb organised by the Caterham Roundtable. Last yearI did it in 2:59. I wanted to beat that time.
I went out yesterday, just a short ride to the bus stop with Matt. It was raining as I left the house, but stopped quickly. I really needed to get out, and I'm glad the showers didn't persuade me not to.
Last year I was pushing harder on the hills during rides leading up to the climb. This year I have ridden more miles than normal. And acquired a new to me bike. Lighter and a better fit. Last night watching the Giro d'Italia for inspiration. The last week is all about hills, so it was good motivation.
Road cycling is the only sport I watch, I think because I could almost see myself doing it. Not racing maybe but cycling all day with nothing else to think about it. In 2011 two friends and myself cycled to Paris; a brilliant four days. The next year it was the same group and two days for the South Downs Way.
I cycle every weekend for twenty to thirty miles and I wouldn't miss it. Chatting during our tea stop is equally relaxing. But it's only for an hour or so, and then back to real life.
I'll try to do a few all day rides this year, via a pub for lunch.
There were less people lined up so my turn came round quickly. An interesting bike was a very old tandem.
They had a couple of test starts, the weight and gearing meant a run up and pushers were needed. They started after me so I don't know if they made it to the top. It looked like it would have been tough.
The starter announced my name and the age group I was in; 40 plus. He did say I looked just old enough. Which was nice.
I started off faster then last year, which may have been a mistake, about half way up I began to wilt. But I got a second wind and as the last third flattened off a bit I managed to change up gear and accelerate. And my time; 2:49. So I was a little quicker than last year, but not as fast as I had hoped.
I remembered to press the record button before the start this time.
Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts.
This was my first photoshoot since I did three in March.
I arranged it with Ria after our last shoot. The weather had been terrible for much of the time. While sheltering from the rain we had talked about the opening of a new studio.
The Clock Tower studio is a gothic style English bell tower, constructed as part
of a church in 1861. It was converted into a domestic property in the
1990s following an arson attack.
There was a spiral staircase, a grand piano and many windows and alcove areas that kept it interesting. To be honest it was a little too much, we ran out of time before we used everything available.
The start was in a black bedroom, as we sat and talked about it one of the three cats came in a made himself at home. They had scattered when we were shown in by the studio owners. I guess this one quickly accepts new people or perhaps we had found his favourite spot.
He was included, he made a good prop I think.
I processed the majority from this area as black and white, it seemed to fit the mood.
There were five floors including a basement and roof. We started on the first floor, after the bedroom it was into the bathroom. Too small to fit lights in and with no power for the flash, I increased the ISO and brought in a reflector.
Both black and white and colour suited this location.
Time for a wardrobe change and a move to the roof. Unfortunately the sun came out from behind clouds producing harsh light. We did our best but it just wasn't working.
Being one of the highest spots in London, you can see the cityscape in the background.
Moving to have Ria with her back to the sun was an attempt to make the best of the environment. With other areas to use, it was time to move on.
The bell tower was accessed by a narrow spiral staircase from the third floor. It had a combination of soft and hard light depending where we stood.
The soft light area was first. The windowsill was four feet off the floor. Between the two of us Ria got comfy. It was so much better to not be battling the sun.
A ladder bolted to the wall hinted at the original use for this room.
Ria's suggestion for me to lay on the floor and shoot up was another reason to work with experienced people. I wouldn't have thought of it, and kicked myself for not doing so.
The grand piano was in a small raised area, difficult to light and shoot in. Another visit will be needed to allow more time to work on it.
And the cats; we didn't see one of them and the third only put fleeting appearances in.
Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts.
May is a great month; the weather starts to improve, and there are two bank holidays.
The last bank holiday I was alone for the three rides. It was the first of three lone weekends, Matt was away for work.
At last it was back to normal, I meet Matt at the green and we cycled to the bus stop.
Later in the day I went to the bike shed custom motorcycle show. It's a long time since I had a motorbike, plenty of ideas if I ever get another.
Sunday's route was via the church yard, as I have said before, one of my favourite places to ride to. If it was a bit further from the road it would be perfect.
Today however Matt wasn't available so I was alone again. It did mean I could take out my new bike. When I say new, I mean new to me. It's a two year old Giant Defy 3.
Why did I buy a new bike? There are a few reasons; the Carrera was in need of a major service, tyres brakes and head bearings were some of the replacements needed. I have said for a while how harsh the ride is, the last seven lone rides had cemented my decision.
The Giant has a frame designed to flex in the right places to absorb road shock, without compromising power transfer. The fork is made from carbon fibre, so it's lighter and can be made to be flexible in a way an alloy one can't.
So how was it?
The steering is quicker, a steeper head angle I think. It took a little getting use to, but it wasn't the big change I felt when I first rode the Carrera after the Kona.
When I got to the rough roads there was a welcome improvement. It wasn't mountain bike soft, but the harshness was gone. I could feel the flexing, I stopped to check for a puncture at one point. The pedaling power wasn't reduced but I anticipate longer rides being much less tiring without the constant jarring. On really poor roads it was faster, I didn't feel like my hands would be vibrated off the handlebars, and my vision wasn't blurred. I felt in control.
Things I would change;
The seat. The shape is a real problem. The sides slope away too quickly for me leaving a lot of weight on the centre of my, seating area. It will have to go.
The brakes. I know I'm spoiled by the hydraulic disks on the Kona, and they are similar to the Carrera's, but they don't have any bite. I slow down, but there isn't any urgency. Improving them might be expensive so I'll have to think about it.
That's it for the weekend. Only four more days until it's here again.
Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts.
I visited the Bike Shed show 2019. The description was for custom bikes displayed without ropes, so nothing to get in the way of photography.
Tobacco Dock is a great venue, the event was very busy but it rarely felt crowded. There were many glass walled areas of various sizes. Each had a theme or housed a shop. The walkways between them showed off bikes. There was a band and an outside area, you could get your hair cut or have a tattoo. Not your average bike show, that's for sure.
The whole place had a feeling of a relaxed bike club meet, plenty of comfy couches allowed people to sit and chat.
It covered the whole spectrum; companies who would build you a bike, or sell custom parts and bikes built in a shed. One of the bigger areas was dedicated to self builds.
I talked to Alec about his Yamaha.
The major parts were stock, he had modified the rear of the frame and built his own exhaust.
He had grafted on the front end from a fireblade. Another benefit of choosing the parts that fit you is that the bike can be tailored to your needs. I had a Ducati with low standard clip-ons. They were okay for a short time in traffic, after that it just became more and more painful. Even on the motorway three hours was the most I could do before the pain set in. Previous bike accidents may have caused some lasting damage the riding position couldn't accommodate.
Bigger companies also showed what they could do. Debolex Engineering from Croydon, not far from me were there. I have a soft spot for Ducati, so this was a must see.
Old Barnstomer Motorcycles had a unique take on exhausts, I took the first picture and after taking the side view was handed a card as a prize for not just walking away with one shot. There was much more to the bike than the backend.
The barista from Mainhattan Choppers was next to it.
Both bikes demonstrated incredible metal work and attention to detail, as well as creativity.
There were plenty of biles from my era, Kawasakis and Suzukis I lusted over, but couldn't afford when I was young. Both given a modern twist.
Competition bikes with their own particular requirements, and what must have been very loud exhausts took my fancy.
Then there was, what I can only describe as, bikes that show just how far you can go.
V8 power anyone.
Big bike manufacturers had stands, showing their appreciation for the custom genre.
It wasn't just two wheels,
Two more of my favourites.
The event was very relaxed as I have said, more than that the people running it and exhibiting were friendly and approachable. And the other visitors were easy going and a pleasure to be around.
I'll be back next year.
I photographed a more informal event from last year hosted by a bike builder.
Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts.
This weekend has been maybe the worst for cycling safety.
So many close and/or dangerous overtakes have occurred it is depressing.
I like to take photographs of my cycling, but today I just wanted to get home safely and as soon as possible.
I have posted before about the inconsiderate and downright dangerous
behaviour
of some other road user. But this weekend was ridiculous.
This is from yesterday.
Just a pause of a few seconds was all the driver needed to make. Instead the car was driven over the raised round about and I was forced to brake to avoid the car or the curb.
I have reported the driver to the police, but I doubt anything will be done.
Today was worse.
An oncoming car didn't slow the Seat. My life, the people in the other car and the Seat's drivers life all put at risk to save a few seconds.
Here again the driver drove on the wrong side of the road towards a right hand bend with no way to know if anyone was coming the other way.
And then on a series of bends a pickup truck overtakes the car patiently waiting for a safe overtake and me to save a few seconds on his trip.
No-one in Surrey seems interested in dealing with this.
The NHS has said they will give bicycles to the obese to get them to lose weight. I don't think most obese people are that way because they can't afford a bike. But suppose some of them do go out for a ride. It's not likely they will do it for very long once they see how dangerous it is. Another wasted opportunity not to mention money.
The super cycle highways consuming huge sums of money, I don't think they are the complete answer. Are they maybe a partial admission that the law isn't being enforced? They can't be added to most roads, and when constructed; where do the vehicles go that use to park or drive there? Are they built more to make it harder for people to use the roads? It's doomed to fail if that's the case, it is a pipe dream to hope that everyone will walk, cycle or use public transport. It's just not an answer for everyone. Don't get me wrong, everyone should make changes to cut congestion and pollution. But even wishing really hard wont remove all cars and lorries from the road.
Another example of a solution that may not be as successful as it should to justify the cost is the twenty miles per hour limit applied to most minor roads in Croydon. I don't live in Croydon but do use the roads affected. I'm sure it cost a lot of money to put up all the signs. But it wasn't well publicised. Whenever I travel along at twenty, I always have a queue of cars close behind. And then it's like I'm cycling again; they try to overtake no matter the dangers. Bends in the road, or oncoming traffic doesn't stop them.
Both are examples of those that make the decisions thinking if you throw enough money at a problem and wish really hard it will be fixed. At least you can say you are doing something, or you would if you just had some money.
Of course the standard response is cyclists jump red lights, ride on the pavement etc. I don't, so how can you justify subjecting me to dangerous driving?
Then there is cyclists don't pay road tax. No-one does; it's called Vehicle Excise Duty and is based on emissions. So cyclists would be zero rated. Does it also mean any zero rated vehicles shouldn't use the road, or the driver potentially injured or killed?
Registration is a contentious issue, I'm not totally against it. Just not sure if it's not another opportunity to throw a lot of money around without actually changing much. All cars are registered and they still commit offences. And kill and injure more people than bikes.
The media has a terrible record on this too. Always trying to build a conflict between cyclists other road users. But then the media generally has a very poor record on research, and unbiased reporting.
Cyclists aren't just the victims though.
Don't jump red lights or ride on the pavement. If a junction or stretch of road is unsafe, don't make it worse by breaking the law.
Ride at appropriate speed and take into account other road users. Can they see you, can they react in time?
Please add your address to my mailing list, or click the follow button to be kept informed about future posts.
