Top Three Zen T-shirts

Blue / Grey / Charcoal ... visit Love Yellow

Pictures of UCI Road World Championships: Switzerland 1983

GB Women.  Mandy Jones left - 4th in the World RR.

Eddy Merckx 1983 (back of his jacket & hair at least)

Assuie pro Phil Anderson. Very... relaxed.

Mega Swiss Bicycle Chain Ring

Mega Chainring. Copyring Love Yellow 2013.

We met him in Switzerland at the 1983 World Road Championships. He told us this massive chain ring was for descending down the side of mountains (sensible). S-shaped cranks… interesting and ugly.

Cyclo-Water: Pure Brilliance

Pure brilliance.

Part Two: Cycling in Devon, A Climb or Two

Our Tour of Devon continued....

For a start the weather was slightly better, no frost or fog and the the red surfaced roads that existed at that time throughout Devon were a joy to ride on. Even in the mid winter there were no pot holes to be seen. We reached Ilfracombe and stayed in a very nice private hotel on the top of a massive climb (hill) which had great sea views.

The next day was a short ride, only forty one miles to Watchet, but a memorable experience. The Lynmouth floods that had occurred the year before in August 1952, making world headline news, had prompted us to visit the scene of the disaster. When we arrived at Lynton we found the road down to Lynmouth still closed to all traffic. We climbed over the barrier across the road and then carefully descended the 25% gradient that is Lynmouth Hill.

We had of course seen TV and newspaper pictures at the time of the floods but seeing the destruction even some six months on was horrendous. Complete houses had been washed away and the size of the rocks that had been left on the river bed were gigantic. Repair work was underway but slow progress and there was a temporary bridge, put in place by the army.

All round the village there was noise of rebuilding to be heard but eerily not many people to be seen. One local approached us and told us that we were the first visitors who had managed to arrive via Lynton Hill. We turned out to be something of an event so when he said he was cooking a rabbit stew, and did we want to join him, we jumped at the chance! It was delicious.

Having enjoyed the stew we headed off westward up Countesbury Hill. There are two 25% sections on this climb and I was left behind by my companion Pete who was something of an expert climber. I ended up chasing him for the whole journey over Exmoor (thanks for that Pete) and finally caught up with him at the top of Porlock Hill where there was a sign telling cyclists to dismount and walk down the descent. Ignoring this advice we rode down the road using our one front brake and controlling our speed with our 65 inch fixed gears. We were soon in Watchet for our overnight stay.

 

(I found this video on YouTube. You'll like it if: you enjoy OAP running commentary & passengers of a nervous disposition (ooh the drama of it), lengthy periods of congestion, the beautiful English Countryside, and bus rides. I must say I love this sort of glimpse into people's lives... and the gradient hasn't changed a bit!)

On our final day we went our separate ways, Pete turning west to visit some friends in Wales and me back towards London... only 109 solo miles from Bath...

But things picked up as did the wind, which was luckily on my back, as I began my journey along the old Bath Road. All those hard miles in my legs helped the easy miles fly by. For part of the journey I had the company of a rider from the RAF who was off home on weekend leave. He assured me that the RAF was cyclist friendly and I should take my bike with me as soon as the six week basic training (square bashing) was completed. Great news!

In just over five and a half hours I was home! A great finish to a most memorable week, but now national service loomed... what was that going to bring?

Cycle Touring In Chile

This is an unbelievable head-cam view of the most scary inner city descent... watch out for the dog who ambles across the path… it does it the same time each day and sees no reason to change.

Ray Mears Would Ride Rustic Rollers Like These

If Ray Mears made some rollers, this is what they'd look like...

Zen Cyclist Mug

Zen Cyclist Mugs. Love Yellow 2013

Confidence = Balance

Unicycle Bunch Racing? It could work

Imagine the winning celebration....

Celebrations: not the sweets

Only a few days into the road season and those contesting this years Tour De France green jersey have put down their markers...

This week Peter Sagan has shown his hand at the Tour of Oman. We know that boy can celebrate a win in style and with more wit than any number of naff premier league footballers, but some footy pundits have suggested a need to restrict celebrations showing respect to opponents and fans.

They may have a point, but I as a cycling fan would like to actually encourage more and unique celebration. To illustrate this point I have attached a link to the Japanese world artistic cycling champion Rina Tachibana and would be pleased to see Peter perform part or indeed a whole routine to celebrate his next win.

Short film: Roller Race - Now And Then

Shame there's not more on Eddie talking but he does give some nice insights. Sadly he's no longer with us. Everyone in the cycling world down south knew Eddie, he was one of those stalwart officials who keep racing going and seemed to be present at every race. From a rider point of view he could be a bit on the grumpy side and was known for disqualifying people for taking their hands off the bars in the sprint... so you had to stay on his good side.

British Cycling President, Brian Cookson OBE said: “Eddie Wingrave was a wonderful servant of the sport at so many levels and epitomised the qualities of dedication and selflessness upon which the sport is so reliant. His career in cycling, cycle racing and officiating at many levels spanned almost 80 years and his passing truly marks the end of an era for London cycling in particular and for British cycling as a whole.” 

Read more at British Cycling

London Rollers Racing: Part 2 - Marginal gains of the rear triangle ‘The Bike’

I recently got chatting about the old roller racing scene with George, my 91 year old Eltham Paragon club mate. His razor sharp memory is packed with fascinating facts and one of the things that came up in the conversation was the special bike he once borrowed…

‘The Bike’ belonged to Eddie Wingrave who I’m told by George used it before World War II when riding in professional roller events. As far as I remember the bike had a longer than usual rear triangle with the sole purpose of making it extremely stable. This would enable the rider to produce a full on sprint with the added bonus of remaining upright. Considering most sprint roller events had two holders, one each side to keep the rider stable, it seems like a small detail, but to be able to ‘spin’ freely with relaxed legs is essential. Technique and style is all important... those marginal gains are not such a new phenomenon!

Flying start 440 yard time trial. Love Yellow.

George told me that at this particular event (using ‘the bike’) he was an early leader in the 440-yard flying start… until I borrowed it. I got the feeling that to this day he regrets letting me use his secret weapon.

Scratch race - 1957. Love Yellow.

Still, I was to get my comeuppance when in later life I rode a few interclub events, one of them being held by the San Fairy Ann C C. Half way through I was put up against a relative novice, and as I had already beaten several others I decided to Showboat by starting slow and roaring through to win from behind (all in the name of thrilling the spectators of course!). In the event I was soundly beaten and only learned afterwards that my opponent, despite his inexperience, had beaten most of his own club riders on his first attempt at riding rollers.

Theo Bos vs Jason Kenny

Filmed on a phone - incredible.

Great crowd participation.

Can you take a horse to water?

Post Armstrong, commentators seem to agree a need for cycling to move on.  "Hallelujah" we cry!  Let's not continue with the endless finger pointing, anyone can make a mistake, and it would seem so many have. Furthermore, in the wake of the British beef-burger/horse meat scandal, I am prepared to fully accept Contador's tall tale of contaminated meat and hope for some sort of cleansing movement myself.

I had expected some insight into what's really going on now that Operacion Peurto has commenced in the Spanish courts but it would seem that one week on there is a near total media blackout - nothing.  Good news for all the non cycling sports involved!

"That was not the true depth of the scandal, though, with Fuentes admitting that he had clients from a range of professional sports.

Manzano backed this up, while International Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid said in 2008 that he was told Fuentes had clients from football, tennis, athletics and swimming.

Allegations soon emerged of links to Spanish football giants Barcelona and Real Madrid and tennis superstar Rafael Nadal - all vehemently denied - but Fuentes refused to reveal the identities behind the remaining codenames. Which brings us back to today." (Sky Sports Report January 31, 2013)

So I've learnt; you can take a horse to water but don't make it into a contaminated beef burger, it shouldn't enhance performance, but if it does don't shout about it.

Isle Of Wight Cycling Weekend

This is the time of year when we look forward to the weather improving. In my youth this time of year also meant getting ready for the Easter Weekend.

The Isle of Wight Easter was always a big part of my cycling calendar We either set out after work on the Thursday night or sometimes leave directly after the Good Friday Track Meeting.

Our club always stayed in a small family hotel in Sandown, it was just known to us as Mrs Blacketts. Old Charlie (the club President who must have been all of Forty years old) would have been collecting our cash weekly starting after Christmas in order to make a block booking. We took over all the rooms along with the Watford Road Club in what was really quite a respectable Bed and Breakfast establishment.

Club group outside "Mrs Blacketts"

Most rode at least one time trial (promoted by the Vectis C.C.) and one road race but the main object of the weekend was the social scene. This included having informal Club Dinners in a local restaurant/cafe and the Saturday night dance at the Atlantic Ballroom.

The dance usually ended up as an almighty "knees-up". On one occasion the knees-up got slightly out of hand and the proprietors started to get a bit panicky (probably thinking that the building would collapse) and after a great effort managed to quieten the possibly tipsy mob by asking for a volunteer to go onto the stage to lead a sing song. I was on the stage in a flash but to the horror of the management I led the whole audience in a stirring version of "Knees Up Mother Brown". I was bundled off the stage but it took a long time for the building to stop shaking such was the enthusiasm of the dancers.

There were many other memorable events like the spontaneous show we did out of a bus shelter on the sea front, the boat race we had on the mini golf course and the infamous Inter club Knicker Bocker Glory Ice Cream Race. I could explain the details of this last event but It might make you nauseous.

Golf corse boat race

Looking back it seems that the Weekend was all about having a good time with very good friends and acquaintances.

1965 beghetto iridato nella velocità

The music's not too dramatic is it?

Racing Tales: False Teeth or not False Teeth..

It is not in my nature to be controversial but I want to know why there is no mention in any training manual or racing advice books where older riders are told to remove their dentures before riding.

Whilst the weight saving is not great, in these days of marginal gains every little counts and this could provide the aged veteran with just that little extra edge.

One other point that must be made is that when making a full effort with mouth wide open it is possible that the said teeth could shoot out and  time could be lost in a stop and search exercise.

Having said that I can recall back in the late 1970's that a rider from the Folkestone and District Wheelers who lost his teeth on the climb up from Chilham to Ashford carried on regardless and then enlisted the help of his club mates after the event to return to the scene of his loss to effect their successful recovery.

So remember my motto "If in doubt, take them out".

London Roller Racing in 1050's: Part 1

Roller equipment for club contests was hired from Dunlop and most contests were a 660 yard sprint, where with a standing jump-start you were held for the first 220 yards and then released to ride free for the last quarter of a mile. This was the more skillful event as tiring riders tended to lose control and often came off the rollers and out of the race. The 440 yard race was a flying start. You were held for the duration of the ride, which was a pure test of speed.

My one claim to fame was that I could do this event in 15 seconds dead (average speed 60 miles per hour) never faster and rarely slower. My maths is not good enough but I am sure that there is somebody out there that could calculate how many revolutions per minute had to be maintained to record that time, all I know from memory is that at that rate it felt as though my whole body was about to explode.

Years ago there were no Roller Leagues but several of the local clubs ran contests in their club rooms in addition to the open contests that took place at local venues like cinemas and Town Halls. The open events were more or less a closed shop to us lesser mortals so we transferred our attention to the local club events that were run on a level playing field.

There were a few specialist riders that used to travel to the bigger events and usually won all the prizes. Whilst these were all amateur events with the usual non cash prizes I did see cash change hands at a couple of the bigger events.

It was an event at  Greenwich Town Hall that I realised why the same few riders were successful. Whilst the bikes were all checked to ensure that the gearing did not exceed 101 inches once the bike had a pass sticker put on the top tube, chain rings and wheels were secretly changed and by the time you got onto the stage to ride you found your opponent had a chain ring the size of a dustbin lid and travelled at twice your speed whilst pedalling slower than your own gut wrenching rate.

Teeny Tiny Track

Teeny tiny track… with some people who look like they've never been on a bike before.

Nicole Cooke's Retirement

I remember when Nicole Cooke was out on the continent battling, virtually on her own, in the very obstreperous world of professional cycling. That she survived and rose to the top is a tremendous achievement - not for the faint hearted.

It's a shame she has retired fairly early by all accounts, but completely understandable. The statement she released outlines her struggle from age 12, with the total backing of her father, to be simply included in what was then BCF races and championships.  One shocking revelation is that as she prepared to defend her title at the Olympics her wages were not being paid! All this after a few difficult years... (Always good to remember that as mere onlookers we see only a small part of the iceberg!)

It's a long well written statement that touches on many pertinent areas of the sport. She's a courageous person who has definitely paved the way for the British women out there now (and suffered personally for it). The very best of luck to her.

Read the whole thing here on her website.....

Posted by Love Yellow

Garage Shots: Retired Cyclist (1994 was a good year)

It's real Satin you know. Love Yellow 2012.

Only Fools and Cycles

Looking at recent posts on this site, it appears that Love Yellow has smuggled a camera into my inner sanctum where my valuable collection or even priceless cycle accessories are stored.

Whilst I am happy to share the sight of these jewels with the world I do not want to create the impression that I am a cycling Equipment Nerd who over the years has spent a vast fortune on bikes and bits.

The truth is that in sixty odd years of riding I have only ever bought one bike that I have always cared for and treasured! Unfortunately like the broom that won an award for careful use over 25 years by road sweeper “Trigger” in “Only Fools and Horses”, my bike has had about six new frames, 30 wheels, innumerable tyres and inner tubes, several sets of brakes and gear mechs and one pair of brake blocks (stopping was never a problem unlike starting)

The latest incarnation. By Eltham John.

More Garage Shots: Retired Cyclist

Early Low pro bars. Love Yellow 2012

Haven't seen action for a while. Love Yellow 2012

garage shots MORE here...

More Garage Shots: Retired Cyclist... Wheels

Active Cobwebs. Love Yellow 2012

Loads Of Old Wheels. Love Yellow 2012

Remeber These? Love Yellow 2012

More garage shots..

More Garage Shots: Retired Cyclist

'Borrowed' from the side of the road at the women's Tour of the EU

'Borrowed' from the side of the road at the Tour De France one year

Every cycling garage needs a few of these.

What's in a name? (and other RTTC related business)

One of the more obvious changes that have occurred in British cycling in the last 50 years is in the style of the names of the clubs appearing on start and result sheets.

Please note this document is Private and Confidential. Love Yellow

In the fifties it was nearly always clear from the name of his club of the area or district  where any rider came from, e.g. Notts Wheelers, Barnet C.C., North Lancs. Wheelers, Norwich Amateur B.C. and so on.

There were of course the few exceptions like 34 Nomads, San Fairy Ann C.C. but as the 1959 RTTC Men’s Twenty Five Miles National Championship result shows these were a very small minority  

A few famous names from many parts of the Country. Love Yellow

It was always interesting to look at a result sheet and see which areas of the country were producing the best riders.

Having reached the stage when I no longer get start or result sheets, (because I no longer  enter events) I can only suppose from looking at the few results published in the Cycling Weekly that either all riders are now professional or choose only to ride for clubs with exotic names like Kinesis Morvelo Project, Scott-Contessa-Epic, or Biketreks RT. These club or team names give no indication of the area from which they attract their members.

Has anyone any thoughts on how this lack of local attachment has affected club loyalty and pride?

The above event was in the days before we had access to motorised transport so the day before the event my team mates I rode most of the way to Thrapston and after the event we arranged to meet up with about 20 to 25 other London clubmen, including Ken Craven and the other Crescent Wheelers,  Roy Savery  and Roger Wilkins of the Gravesend C.C. to ride  the 90 odd miles back down the A.1 Trunk road to London.

The group set out with bikes loaded with saddlebags and carrying racing wheels and despite being loaded up were soon exceeding 20 m.p.h.   After about an hour of purgatory we decided enough was enough so we said goodbye, turned off and went to Cambridge where we had a pleasant day out on the river before proceeding home by train.

Garage Shots: Retired Cyclist

Garage Shots: 'the odd sprocket' Copyright Love Yellow 2012

That spider's seen better days...

Garage Shots: 'Campag hubs' Copyright Love Yellow 2012

Can't beat Campag quality… an old'n but good'n

Guess What This Cycling Item Is?

Clue: Generates a lot of static

Clue: Static electricity.

The Answer:   TAT

Of course they were state of the art rollers in their day but now have lost their sheen and gained a few paint streaks. Shown here in all their retired glory at the back of Eltham John's garage.

Rollers (not the sort for your hair)

Grass Roots Racing: John Clarey - Tour De France Rider

On looking through some old photos of grass track racing at Avery Hill Park, I spotted a future Tour de France rider.

Grass track  - Devil take the hindmost - Avery Hill Park

He is not easy to spot as he is near the rear of the bunch. This was not unusual as he had very early in his career developed the annoying habit of making his way to the front only when the finish line appeared.

To make him easier to spot here is another pic of a young John Clarey picking up his first place prize at the Eltham Paragon Road Race that was held on the tough North Downs circuit in Kent.

Prize Presentation by Eltham Paragon club president Charlie Almond 

In the background on the left is Sid Phillips of the Kent Road Club another prizewinner and who was, I believe an early inspiration in Mick Ballard’s development as a prolific short distance time trial winner. This event was filmed the the Eltham Amateur Film Society but unfortunately I have been unable to trace any copies of the film.