The Mercian slims down

And loses the unnecessary dangly bits. I've been meaning to 'fix' this bike for a little while and have finally got round to it, although it still needs more work. Clipless pedals, better wheels and a better brake mainly. That old 1960's single pivot might look right on the bike but it doesn't give you a great deal of confidence!

RLJs and pavement cycling

Maybe its just me but the increase in numbers of cyclists in Sheffield of late seems to have produced a disproportionate increase in the number running red lights or using the pavement? Recent jaw dropping acts of stupidness witnessed by myself have included:

Twit1 trying to avoid red light at junction of London Road/Boston Street by cutting on to the pavement and shooting across the junction. Except his timing was off and the cars in front of me were turning left just as he was crossing at speed.

Twit2 deciding to ride at speed down London Road (even though there is a flippin' bus/cycle lane there) causing peds to scatter.

I think that both Twit1 and Twit2 deserved the very unflattering appelations thrown at them from myself and others.

I bring this issue up as I came across an incident on a cycling forum where a cyclist ran a red light at a ped crossing in London recently and ran into someone who has subsequently died of their injuries. The git on the bike apparently got up remounted and rode off. See the cycling through red lights thread here for the source of the info.

The wonders of whisky

When feeling slightly knackered after numerous hilly miles how best to prepare for the 2 mile slog from Beeley up to the top of Beeley Moor? Easy! Stop at Devonshire Arms and refuel with a large Malt Whisky. Worked for me anyway as I got up there faster than I have ever done before. No pics from the top as visibility was stupidly poor in the fog. Probably less than 40 yards.

How (not) to bodge a dodgy mudguard

The bolts on Pete's rear mudguard stays decided to fly away resulting in hideous noises as the guard rubbed on the tyre and stays clattered against spokes. With no tools to effect a repair or actually remove the damn thing this seemed like a reasonable thing to do at the time! My guess is that it'll still be like that when the rest of the bike dies (the tightarse).

Winter approaches

And its time for Green Vernon (as oposed to Blue Vernon with the Dangly Bits) to wake from his shed slumber. He's a simple reliable soul who is easy to please and pleases easily.

Some might consider him to be a bit of a luddite with his single fixed gear, ancient Brooks saddle, Carradice saddlebag and centre-pull brakes but he's efficient and does exactly what he's supposed to do with the minimum of fuss. As long as you keep his tyres up to pressure and lube/tighten his chain every once in a while he's a happy bunny who never complains.