I have some flats with restraps and a -16 degree stem with brakeless risers for popping to Dalston.

wearing your sister’s jeans

hipstertw@s in That London

*waves*

I have a brake and SPDs though.

With brakes go for it. Without brakes, madness.

Edit: one brake will do.

I managed to “magic ratio” singlespeed a soul (old 130mm rated one) using 32-16. Could just have been luck based on the small amount of stretch in the chain I was using.

the water must taste lovely on a wet commute

I have an emergency mudguard for such eventualities, more importantly it’s only 4 miles I can just about handle that without needing a drink.

*claps*

2 beers = legal EPO.

I’m more than happy to draft or be drafted on my commute (same area as aP up there) but only those that look like they know what they’re doing. Anyone in hi-vis is to be avoided.

It’s to be expected when the ITV coverage is sponsored by Wii U.

My fixed is at 2.49% with the ability to overpay by 10% of the outstanding amount, or at least it will be assuming all goes well with the survey this week. Variable rates were about the same.

As an aside, we’re potentially looking to rent the flat out in a few years time using the capital to buy the next place. As moving to a buy to let mortgage will require 25% deposit, is it better that the house price stays low so that the required deposit is smaller or that the value goes up increasing the capital? Maths is not my strong point, I much prefer colouring in.

riding in normal clothing

Oh the humanity!

And in two years house prices will have also moved upwards I’d say.

Quite probably, but the aim is to overpay considerably.

We’ve just gone for 2 year fixed on the basis that after those 2 years we’ll have paid off enough capital to move us down into the next LTV band and hopefully a lower interest rate. Hopefully.

but where would you test yourself

Richmond Park obviously. 50kmh here using a people carrier as my lead out man.

Of the three SSCX is probably the most useful for London life.

Herne hill velodrome hold CX races through the winter.

Do it. Got mine last week.
From this;

To this;

My allotment thread

[OT] Corsica looks nice. Any recommendations where to stay for me and the mrs? I think I will go there for a week… a house would be cool.

Have a look at Simpson travel we stayed in a little villa on the coast north of Bonafacio. Corsica Is ace.

Edit: it was this one Clicky

Lower Richmond Road in London last night too

Nick B, a little late but, where abouts? I ride down there everyday but missed the po po last night (I was irresponsibly drinking and riding along upper Richmond road at the time) :D

cheap Bob copies

Any info on these? I’m in need something for allotment duties.

£9.30 for a Guinness and a Mean Time pale ale in London’s leafy SW London last saturday. I’m used to London prices and rarely even notice but that seemed a little excessive.

Day one progress report.
I spent today completely clearing out the first beds and weeding around the strawberries. Tomorrow (if I can move) I’ll start on the brambles and then tackle the long grass near the soft fruit.

genuine love

Or he’s very good at grooming.

The herbs will be more or less just for the bees, but they’ll also jazz the place up a bit, fill up some space and can be added to an impromptu salad. I kind of want to attract the birds and butterflies but I’m sure I’ll start getting annoyed when they start stealing my dinner.

I’ll be plying my neighbours with tea in return for tips as soon as I can.

Cool. I’ll pick up a hoe tonight (sniggers)

I’ll get something in this year. My Mum just suggested French beans which should give a crop by the end of summer. Other than that I’ll be aiming for all the herbs in the world and some salady bits and bobs. Hopefully some broccoli, kale, cabbages and maybe broad beans can go in over winter.

I think carpet’s allowed but they don’t appear particularly keen on it, he was scowling at someone elses carpet paths. There is a homebase next door so once I’ve started clearing I’ll pop in and get some weed suppressing mat.

I’m so excited about starting. stupid work getting in the way quality allotment time.

It’s not as bad as it could be. Comes with a shed, water butt (of sorts), huge fig tree, rhubarb, strawberries, wheelbarrow, some soft fruit bushes, some tools, space for a green house. Bit of clearing and she’ll be fine.

5.5m x 22m in total which should be manageable.

Looking south

North

‘soft fruit’

Fig

Not allotment bike

Nice plot. That’s some good going to get that far since January.

I’m moving house in 2 months and the first thing we are doing is ripping out all the carpets which should come in handy for weed suppressing. I’ve got a pretty comprehensive list of things to do for next year so the end of this year is all about prep and structural work. I have plans for a shed, potentially a greenhouse/polytunnel, pond, small wildlife area for bees, an EPIC compost heap and a series of raised beds which I should be able to make a start on straight away.

Right, I’m off to see what I’m dealing with. I shall return shortly with photos.

pump track

Yeah, don’t bother

the allotment nazis will make your life hell

ooh you’re a miserable bunch :-)

I get to build a super niche allotment bike, fixed gear, offroad, porteur, touring bike, rhubarb carrier combo. My beard is already swelling with pride at the nicheness.

So basically, dig out weeds, dig in shit, read and keep my eyes to the ground when I’m out and about. I predict there’s going to be some back pain on the horizon.

Shame about the cars really.

I love the cars, tucking in behind a considerate people carrier (that you can look through) at 40kmh for half a lap makes life so much easier*

*faster on strava

I didn’t technically walk out, but I did wander back into our box at the O2, watch QI on Dave, order more red wine and drink myself into oblivion while a fat wheezy version of guns and roses ruined some 80s rock classics.

They were firing up one of the triumph 650cc derny bikes at Herne Hill on Saturday morning. Bonkers things.

16 FEET! 8O

32-16 on the mountain bike and currently run 51-17 (79 GI) on the track bike on the road. It’s useable but a bit too big in reality, in the process of dropping to 49-17 (76 GI) which should make life a little easier on the (up)hills.

Air Max 1

This!

Also Nike Blazers

Strava seems to get very confused by laps of richmond park.

More importantly, I turned myself inside out last time I was there and you’re still faster than me. Sulks. :(

He wanted a shit car, not a haircut.

Damn. I was about to offer up a cheap as chips Saab 900 convertible. 6 months tax, 9 months MOT and a turbo the size of a dustbin.

God I love that car.

Currently in commuting/training mode with bullhorns, TT extensions and a front brake.

But here it is track mode

KILL IT WITH FIRE!

Only know a little about Dr John, one of those artists i’ve always known about but never investigated fully. I’ll queue Remedies up for after lunch.

if we are going slightly off piste can i recommend this Walter Gibbons – Jungle Music some of the finest disco you’ll ever encounter. Magic Bird of Fire is a particular high point.

WINNER!

To make camo feel a bit better I shall shortly be sujecting my studio to surfer blood.

For a bit later in the day, there is an amazing playlist by Matthew E White where he picks his influences (link below). It’s also worth listening to his album for some indie/blues/gosspel/R’n’B goodness.

playlist

Kurt Vile – Wakin on a pretty daze.

perfect for a sunny day