Windy? Oh yes

Set out sunday regardless of the weather to do W2 at glynncorrwg. Stewart's idea so I expected him to be raring to go :)
It rained , it blew and it was suprisingly warm (for a bit) until we were on the return, as we got nearing to Energy the rain started driving across the hillside until we were thoroughly drenched.
Dropping into Energy though made it all worthwhile. Stewart had cramp and was suffering on the climbs so we eventually got back to the car at about 3.00pm (we set off at 10am) we did stop at various points for a chat and a laugh ( we've done the same route in about 3 1/2 hours previously)

We've gone through 2 sets of pads (they were on their way out I suspect) so i'm going to have to order some, maybe some of the Superstar ones as they have a special offer on at the moment.
I'll report how I get on with them.

No Riding Weekend

Funny weekend that, no riding at all du to my brother coming up for the weekend, lounged about a bit flew the plane ( actually flew not just crashed it) then went to see the Ospreys.
The Ospreys are an odd team at best, I'm no expert but they dont seem to be able to live up to the promise. They have a team stuffed full of international players ( oddly they insist on playing some of them out of position) and produced some fine rugby in the first half but nothing in the second. They werent helped by a Referee and Linesman who had obviously decided to run away to France at some point and didnt want to ruin their chances. Still, we won so thats a bonus (but no bonus point)

Hopefully back on the bike next week so i'll be back to stuff I know about.

Arrrrrgggghhhh!!!!!!!

No riding for me yesterday, leg pain and a severe head cold (felt like someone had spent the 2 hours I slept for stuffing cotton wool into my head). And now to top it all my throat is burning like hell and my voice has gone :(

Ah well if I feel better wednesday then its street riding on the jump bike for me for an hour or two.

Pedals

Well I tried flats for everyday riding and just did'nt get on with them. Dont know why as when i'm on the jump bike or riding DH on the hardtail the flats are fine.
So I've gone back to SPD's and so far i'm finding them good again, think I need new shoes though as my feet are sliding side to side at the moment.

Been riding

Went out to Clyne jumps on sunday for a change. Have'nt been out on the jump bike for a month or two. Threw myself into it and jumped a lot better than the last time I went.

Caswell Surf

Went surfing last night at Caswell, did'nt have my glasses on so seeing the waves was a bit tricky.
After my problems with the nose digging in on take offs I tried taking off at an angle (I think your supposed to but I'm crap at this) and got a much better take off, found it difficult to get up but thats mostly because i'm weak :)

Had a good time though, but i've got to get my glasses sorted out for next time.

Alternative commuting

Skated to work on the longboard today, its a Lushboards Mako with Holeys.
Windy but sunny so did'nt have any wet weather to contend with. Left the house at
7.40am and arrived at work at 8.20am so not bad for about 6miles. Dont fancy skating home though as its mostly uphill, if I learn to pump it wont be so bad :)

LUSH LONGBOARDS

Saw someone flying a 2line powerkite this morning as well and it made me want to get the 3m out for a go, better wait for the wind to drop a bit though, dont want to try paragliding :)

Tandem Saga Continues

The rotors and the adapters are in so the brakes will be up and running tonight. Got to get a rear gear cable (extra long) and that should be the whole bike done and dusted.
Just need to get someone daft enough to sit on the back and I'm away again :)

Tandemental :)

The Tandem is starting to look a bit healthier , the brakes and mechs are back on, tyres are fitted and the seatposts are where they should be, just need the bigger rotors and adapters now and it will be finished and ready to reaquaint itself with Afan and Glyncorrwg (and maybe an epic ride up the Beacons)

Monday Night

Almost right :) Stewart arrived ready to ride, Paul was scared off by some slightly damp weather in the morning and Nick had to look after his daughter. The weather turned out lovely.
Rode the DH a couple of times then set off on the tech track, which is looking good with some improvements made by Julian. Met Andy at the end of the tech and took him to the top of the edge path as he'd not ridden it before (I had'nt ridden it for a few years)
Thoroughly enjoyed it I must say, not as near the edge as I remembered it as well.
No more riding this week though, gonna have a little break to tidy the bikes up and get the tandem off road worthy again.

More Riding

Following on from last mondays ride around Clyne we arranged to ride the BMX track at BrynBach Park in Tredegar. Monday it appeared that there would be about 7 or 8 of us by wednesday it had dwindled to myself and Stewart.(everyone else is a slacker)
Arriving at the park it looked fantastic and a little intimidating, big step ups and rollers and some enormous berms.
A couple of laps later and it all seemed a little easier (although neither of us can manual or pump very well)
We had a superb evening and will be heading there again. The shame is that a big city like Swansea has nothing like this on offer. So i'm going to petition the council to provide more facilities that the kids want such as BMX and skate parks, a BMX/Pump track maybe even a velodrome of some kind. We need more outdoor activities that dont cost the earth. Once you have a bike or a skateboard then thats that, the only outlay should be for repairs. Everyone gets fitter and happier.
I'll be asking the local shops to join in and it wont be just cycle and skate shops, i'm going to get everyone involved if I can.

Right thats enough preaching , i'm off up Kilvey Hill for a spin on the On-One.

Weekly report

Sundays ride was a bad day for all. John, previously the fastest up hill, failed to make it (hes been off the bike for a few years) so he needs to get some miles in. Stewarts slow puncture could'nt be repaired due to the new tube having a slightly oversized valve (tiny bit bigger than standard presta so woudlnt fit through the rim).
Next week will be better I hope. Clyne woods tonight for a play about then Wednesday after work I'm heading up to BrynBach BMX track for a play.

Holiday this week from wednesday so hopefully the weather will brighten and I can get out for a couple of days.

Fixie stuff

Fixed Gear Wales are organising an Alleycat , head over there to see whats happening.

I've finished building my commuter singlespeed and have been riding to work on it the last fortnight, 42x16 seems ok although the hill from Dunvant Rugby Club up to the main road is a bit of a slog. I've not got off and pushed yet though.

Wednesday evening we are heading to BrynBach BMX track near Tredegar (weather permitting) for a spin around, most of us are on 24" jump bikes. Julian used to race BMX's back in the day so he should be the one to beat.

Frankenbike is back!!!!!

I've built another singlespeed to replace the Dawes 700c I had.
Since building the On-One to replace my Rohloff'd Thorn I wanted a commuter again.
Steel rigid forks, some scammed wheels from a mate and the Thorn raven 853 frame and away I go. 42x16 gearing seems fine for the ride on the flat and hills are rideable with some grunting.
Pannier rack to be fitted for the winter I think and then its riding everyday regardless of the weather.

More crap

Im rubbish at this blogging lark, over a month between posts.
Big changes on the bike front. The Rohloff Hub has gone so the Thorn Raven is heading for SingleSpeed commuting duties.
To replace it I have a new On One 456 frame with the bits from the thorn on it and some bits kindly provided by Stewart (back wheel and disc rotor) and my parts box for mechs.
Been out for one short ride but so far its great. Out again tonight to Afan so will post update later.

Thursday Blues

Ah another day started, Bikes fixed , head hurting feeling sick so not a good day all in all.

Went riding last night , managed 2 runs before I felt like my eye was about to explode (hence the above sickly feeling). Nick thought he'd bent his shock but luckily it was his chainguide instead.

Why is it people are so bloody miserable when the sun is shining? It's a lovely day and all I saw on the way in is gloomy looking people walking,driving and cycling.

busy busy week

Not posted for so long I've forgotten how to type :)
Went to Brechfa again on sunday and did the Raven with Nick, Stewart and Minty.
Good ride , great singletrack and a good time had by all.
No riding monday night, everyone seemed too tired :) slackers

Spraying the DMR tonight and fixing Stewarts P7 so another bust evening for me

off to do some work now.

Sunshine :)

No showers so I went jumping , or more accurately I took the bike to the jumps but failed in all kinds of ways to actually jump any of them.
Still the weather was good and there were other people who could jump so I had someone to watch.

Showers :(

Its gonna rain again, showers forecast and a severe weather warning. No jumping for me today I think. Ah well maybe I'll go surfing instead, I say surfing but what I mean is I'll take the board to the beach and flounder about until I'm tired.

seeing as none of you read it post on it or bother to comment I'm taking the blog for myself to post irrelevant crap.
As of now only I can post so ner ner :)

sunday ride

possible change of plan, what about Brechfa? Meet in the car park about 10.30-11ish do the Raven then maybe the final descent on Gorlech or summat like that?
text me mail me or phone me :)
Chris

Monday

Monday night after work, weather permitting (i'm not going if its leathering it down) Kilvey Hill on DH bikes (or xc bikes in Stew's case unless the Kona is repaired by then)
I'll be riding from work so wont be available for lifts

sunday 7th june

Sundays ride , im thinking Glyncorrwg and either doing Skyline (with 2nd shortcut) or W2 (the Wall and Whites.
Anyone fancy it? Glyncorrwg Car park for 10am

I'm in I'm in !!!!

righty oh, author permissions added for myself, Stewart, Nick and Paul
Nick and Paul you'll both need to open googlemail accounts, just follow the instructions
as for tonight, thinking I may sopt on the front and fly the kite as mentioned, will confirm later.
Chris

Wednesday Evening ride

Can't imagine i'll be riding wednesday, my right leg has swollen up like a balloon, more midge bits than everyone else got together :(
Might fly my kite on the seafront instead, i'll be in the carpark outside St Helens Rugby ground and then on the beach there flying a 3m blue/white/green power kite, come down and have a go.

Good ride last night had by all (except maybe Minty and his drag brake bike)
Nick cleared a full run of the jumps on his XC bike so expect him to be selling a 24" wheel Azonic very soon.
Stewart has worn out the main pivot bearings on the Stab (lardy git) so thats more work for me :(

Next ride maybe wednesday up kilvey depending on whether I can keep my eyes open.
Mail or post your preference.

Monday 1st June 2009

Not sure where yet, Clyne is my favourite,
Kilvey Hill would be nice but its so hot I dont want to put my body armour on

Right then, i'll be posting here so we can co-ordinate when and where we are riding.
With a bit of luck it will save anyone not getting the message and we can all decide where we'd like to go.