Well, it must be said that I am a bike tart! Although I'm
er....... maturing (!) in years, I can't resist a good bike. They just make me
smile.
The earliest of my dim memories has me on a
self-made BMX in our local town recreation ground looning around with my
friends doing jumps and tricks (I have the scars to prove it). I'd blag and buy
parts to build up or improve my ride into something worth. I can't for the life
of me think why I ever get rid of a bike - especially my early BMX!!
After years without a bike, I fell into the
Mountain Bike thing when my family started Camping Holidays. It was only
intended to be a bit of a Family rider.
I started to use it more when I first got into the
Keep Fit thing. Living near East Midlands Airport at the time, I used to ride
around the Airport perimeter trail of an evening with a friend. Fun cycling
under planes while they were landing.
Moving back down South, I stayed with the MTB for a
while and went over the local woods, then on to the local Forestry Commission
trail (Bedgebury) where I still go now. Single-track looning is the best.
Usually go there nice and early in the day to miss the crowds. All weather. Not
fussed. I'll post some Video soon.
Bedgebury Insomnia MTB Race from 2013 - 12 hours, at night :)
The 'before' shot
It was being
friends with the mud that sort of encouraged the entry into my first encounter
with the Tri Club - the annual Kingswood Duathlon (2.5Km run, 13Km ride, 2.5Km
run). The first time was my first public 'event'. I hadn't a clue about how I'd
do (read 'if I'd finish'). To my surprise, I came off the first run in
something like 14th. This quickly faded during the bike and second run, but
even so, HAPPY!!
Joining the Tri Club after this meant the move in
to the Road.
As I wasn't sure if I'd last any significant time
with the Tri Club, I bought a road bike for 40 quid off Ebay. Figured I'd not
waste too much if it went wrong. Needless to say, this lasted about a year
before I plunged into CARBON bikes :D
As I used to
love building bikes up, I opted to build a Road Bike instead of heading down to
the local dealer. I also decided to take the risk of importing a Carbon Frame
and wheels. It was a risk, but I think it paid off (and I almost stuck to the
budget!)
I think
I've probably done over 3000 miles on this bike so far, and it's still going
strong......
However, it's a
general Road bike. For those real keen, there is the out and out Time-Trial
bike that is much more focussed on allowing speed to be built-up and
maintained.
The riding position is a lot more aggressive, with
the aim to reduce the overall cross-sectional area of bike / rider (mainly
rider!!). This is achieved by shifting the riders weight forward over the crank
/ pedals and lowering the handlebar contact points, thus lowering your
shoulders.
With this new position comes a compromise in
comfort over long distances, so it is an acquired skill, so plenty of practice
needed!
This is where Priorclave have kindly stepped in to
support me by supplying a TT bike. How cool!
I’ve gone about this in the same manner as my Road
Bike, by buying out of China with an un-branded frame, forks and wheels, and then
sourced the remaining components on the Web to keep costs down.
Made In China .... you have to throw things
together the second you receive them just to see what it looks like - its a Boy
thing!
Mid-Spray...
Nearly there - in the Priorclave Yellow and White ... Nice!
Completed bike pics to follow in the next Blog :)
W.
