Cheeky!

Photo by Ken Conley

The Full Cycle - Vin Denson

Although I'd heard of Vin Denson prior to reading the autobiographical account of his life, I have to admit I didn't know a great deal about him. As I was soon to find out Denson was one of the early pioneers of the British road racing scene, heading over to the continent in the early 60's for a career as a pro rider at around the same time as other Brits such as Tom Simpson, Barry Hoban, Brian Robinson and Irishman Shay Elliott.

As the title of the book suggests Denson takes us on his journey from growing up in Chester and owning his first bike at the age of 12 through to riding for some of the very best riders in the world and back again to amateur competition after his retirement from the pro peloton.

Denson's first high profile contract saw him working for legendary classics rider Rik Van Looy on the Solo team earning himself a reputation as a gentle but hard working rider. Although Denson acknowledges Van Looy was indeed a fantastic rider it is fair to say he didn't think too highly of Van Looy as a person managing to leave the Solo Team after only one season to get himself a contract on the then biggest team of all Ford-France. Working as a super domestique for one of the all time greats Jacques Anquetil, Denson describes this period of his life as, 'the golden years'. What a team that was with Raphael Geminiani at the helm as directeur-sportif.

It was Denson's time spent working with both Van Looy and Antquetil that were of particular interest to me. Denson provides a rare insight into his relationship with these greats and their teams. An English journalist at the time wrote about Denson's role as super domestique for Anquetil saying:

"..being a super domestic was like being a valet....,'If you're going to be a valet, you may as well be a valet to the Duke of Norfolk.'"

As the term super domestique suggests Denson was no ordinary rider, victories included winning the Tour of Luxembourg as well as winning a stage of the Giro d'Italia. Denson is one of only 3 Brits to have a won in the Giro with the other 2 being Robert Millar and most recently Mark Cavendish.

The book also goes into some depth about the tragic death of Tom Simpson on that sweltering hot day on the high slopes of Mont Ventoux. In particular Denson describes the extensive period of mourning that followed the death of his good friend and the effects it had the the subsequent part of his career.

Denson is a truly honorable character with a genuine passion for cycling that, as far as I am aware, exists until today. The Full Cycle is his, very well articulated account of his remarkable life, a story I found both entertaining and insightful. Highly recommended!

The Full Cycle - Vin Denson costs £12.95 plus worldwide shipping and can be purchased from Urban Hunter.biz.

Shimano Dura Ace Dual Pivot Brakes

I won these Shimano br7700 brakes on Ebay. They just arrived with me today and are in excellent condition. They'll be fitted onto my De Rosa next week.

My Profile Photo

Since today's post is number 100 I thought it a good time to tell you the little story behind my profile photo. It was taken as I was cycling home from work one summers evening somewhere between Covent Garden and Holborn in London's West End.

My good friend Dan, the same friend who pointed out the bike shop from where I purchased my De Rosa Neo Primato, happens to be amongst other things, a photographer. One summer day he decided to travel down from Cambridge to do a spot of shopping and take a few snaps along the way. On returning home he emailed me saying something to the effect that he had taken a photo of a De Rosa bike exactly the same as mine. With the email came attached the photo. Upon opening it I instantly realised it was a photo of me on my bike on my way home. I thought maybe Dan was joking with me by not mentioning that he knew it was me. I emailed him back and told him it was me he had taken the photo of, obviously he was surprised. Of all the shots he had taken that day of various cyclists passing through central London he had managed to take one of me and email it over completely unawares.

That is pretty much the story, one of coincidence. London is a very big city but now and again things like this happen. Shortly after receiving the photo I decided to start writing my blog and there was of course only one contender for profile photo......

The Ride Journal - Issue 2

I purchased issue 1 of The Ride Journal a few months and have to say it was a good read with articles relating to all kinds of cycling. You can pre-order your copy of issue 2 here.

The Race To The Sun

'The Race To The Sun', it conjures images of sunshine and palm tree lined promenades on the French Riveria, what a welcome thought as the chill of winter recedes and spring time approaches. Indeed the annual Paris-Nice stage race starts in Paris, or in towns near or south of Paris and finishes 8 stages later on the Promenade des Anglais in the beautiful city of Nice in the south of France on the Mediterranean coast. It is traditionally thought of as the first big European stage race of the season.

The race, started in 1933 and now entering the 67th edition (there was no Paris-Nice between 1940 and 1945) is organised by the Amaury Sport Organisation (ASO) who are also responsible for organising the biggest stage race of them all, the Tour de France. The event has changed hands many times being previously organised by Tour de France winner Laurant Fignon before being passed to the ASO.

Recent winners of the race include Davide Rebellin in 2008 and Alberto Contador in 2007. The rider who has won this event more than anyone else is legendary Irish hardman Sean Kelly with a stunning 7 consecutive victories from 1982 through to 1988. The photo below shows Kelly crossing the finishing line in Nice in one of his earliest Paris-Nice victories either in 1982 or 1983 when he rode for the Sem-France Loire team.

Paris-Nice runs from 8th March to 15th March 2009.

Dope Devil

The Tour de France has its Devil, the Tour of California had another......

Floyd Landis Interview

This interview with Floyd Landis recorded on Saturday 21st February at the post-stage 7 press conference of the Tour of California in Pasadena is the first interview Landis has done since returning to pro cycling following his 2 year suspension at the start of February.

Mikes Bikes

Today on our way back to London from Nottingham Betty and I stopped off for a couple of hours in Cambridge to visit our friends Dan, Miranda and little Jacob. It's Danny who originally pointed out the closing down sale at the bike shop where I purchased my De Rosa Neo Primato. Dan took me back to that shop today, sadly they have finally closed down. I'll never forget Mikes Bikes for selling me such a beautiful frame and forks.

On the way back to Dan's place we passed this very cool chopper bike although I don't think I be prepared to put in the effort needed to ride one. It's a bike for slow cruising that's for sure.

Saturday Ride In Nottinghamshire

This weekend saw Betty and I travel up to Nottingham to visit my parents. We took our bikes in the hope of getting out on them for a few hours on Saturday afternoon. Luckily Saturday turned out to be sunny with mild temperatures, almost spring like.

I started the morning with a run down to the River Trent to do some interval training in preparation for a 10k race I'm taking part in next Sunday. After the run training I headed home and grabbed some breakfast, then Betty and I headed out on our bikes for a gentle ride around South Nottinghamshire close to where my parents live in West Bridgford.

The plan was to ride out to Colston Bassett where we'd meet my parents for a pub lunch at The Martins Arms after which we'd carry on riding for a while.

First port of call was a visit to Colston Bassett's dairy factory shop in the hope of picking up some of my favourite Blue Stilton. For those of you who are cheese lovers and enjoy the taste of blue vein cheese I highly recommend their Blue Stilton, it's regarded as one of the best in the world. Unfortunately the factory shop was closed by the time we got there but we did get a snap of me in front of the factories signage.
Colston Bassett holds alot of memories for me as it's the village my grandfather used to take me to as a child when he was a cricket umpire for the Colston Bassett cricket club. On long warm summer days I'd sit on the grass or explore the surrounding area while my grandad umpired cricket games. After visiting the dairy we cycled over to the cricket ground to take a look. The ground looks alot smaller than I remembered it 25 years ago. I took a snap of Betty in front of the entrance but we didn't go in, it was far too muddy. You can just see the pitch in the background along with the club house were the cricketers stop play at lunch for sandwiches.
After having a pub lunch with my parents Betty and I continued on with our ride into a still sunny but very windy Nottinghamshire country side. We must have clocked up a good 40 to 45k in total on our ride, not a huge distance but enough to give Betty a flavour of the area that surrounds the City of Nottingham. Next time we're visiting my parents we'll head further out and explore some areas neither of us have been to before.

Riders On The Storm

The MASHSF boys riding their own unofficial Tour of California on fixies!

Manx Rocketman Makes It A Double

Mark Cavendish of Team Columbia-Highroad secured a second victory in yesterdays 216.1km 5th stage of the Tour of California . Cavendish credited George Hincapie and Mark Renshaw for delivering him into the position where there is nothing else he could do but win.

Whilst watching the racing last night one of the commentators made a good point about the difference between Cavendish and Tom Boonen. He said Cavendish needs the support of his team in the form of a lead out train in order to put him in the right place to sprint the last few hundred metres, whereas Boonen has more overall sustained power. An example of this is seen in Boonen's many classics victories such as Paris Roubaix where a massive sustained effort over a huge distance over difficult terrian is needed in order to win.

However, when it comes down to a pure sprint finish I can't see Cavendish being beaten as long as he has a strong lead out. Considering he is only 23 years old I'd have to think Cavendish will remain the number one pure sprinter for many years to come. He has every chance of matching or even beating Mario Cipollini's record of stage victories and I'm sure he'll finish a few Tour de France in the process, something Cipollini didn't do.

If Only All Traffic Lights Looked Like This

Cavendish Takes Victory In Stage 4

Britain's Mark Cavendish of the Columbia-Highroad Team beat Tom Boonen to the line to win yesterday's 187.7km fourth stage from Merced to Clovis in the Tour of California. Boonen nearly took it with Cavendish sitting up a little early to celebrate the victory.

Boonen must have been hoping for revenge after a similar incident happened last year at Scheldeprijs Vlaanderen where Boonen lifted his arms in a victory salute only to be surprised by Cavendish's winning lunge to the line.

I'm certainly looking forward to watching the rivalry between the two of them over the whole season. With the likes of Thor Hushovd, Daniele Bennati and Robbie McEwen to add to the mix I think it's going to be a very exciting season for fans of the sprint finish.

Anti Role Model

Yes that really was Maria Cipollini smoking a cigarette.

Courtesy of Graham Watson.

Before and After

Birthday dinner starters at our local Vietnamese restaurant.......

2 minutes later.........

Birthday Training Day

It's my birthday today. Since the weather here in London has risen a few degrees and it's dry I decided to take the day off work and indulge myself in a few hours of training. I started off the morning with a 2 hour bike ride doing loops around Regents Park. It's pretty hard finding good riding in the London area because there is so much traffic. Doing loops around the park may not be the most interesting of rides but since there isn't much traffic on the perimeter road and not many traffic lights either it's a bit like cycling around a giant track. I did the ride on my Wilier Izoard Pro. I've had the bike for exactly a year now, it was a birthday present to myself this time last year. It's an ideal bike for what I use it for which is mainly weekend long rides and cyclo sportives. The frame is stiff and responsive and also very comfortable. Add to the mix the excellent Campagnola Chorus (10 speed) group and a set of bomb proof Fulrum Racing 3 wheels and I have to say it's a pleasure to ride every single time.

After the ride I quickly changed into my running kit, at home, and headed out to Victoria Park for a 13k run. I suppose I did what a triathlete would call a brick workout although I have to say I'm not training for either a triathlon or duathlon. I do have a 10k race coming up soon as well as a number of sportives over the next 6 months but I did today's session simply because I enjoy getting out and pushing myself.

Betty and I are off to a local Vietnamese restaurant this evening to celebrate my birthday. Fresh rolls and deep fried squid, mmmm, can't wait!

Paul Kimmage Interview

Here's Paul Kimmage being interviewed the day after his clash with Lance Armstrong at the pre Tour of california press conference.

Never Mind The Boll**ks Here's Rock Racing

Although I'm not a fan of the controversial band of riders that make up Michael Ball's Rock Racing team I have to say that, from a purely aesthetic perspective, I really like the new graffiti/anarchy inspired kits the team have unveiled for the first time at this years Tour of California. It's certainly a massive improvement on the previous Alien v Predator look. I've been scouring the net looking for clear photographic examples of the new kit but unfortunately there aren't many about yet. Here are a couple captured at the prologue time trial held in Sacramento this past Saturday. The look certainly fits nicely with Rock Racing's new viral marketing campaign.

Photos courtesy of Ken Conley

Knog Ride Hard Gloves

About a year or so ago I spotted a pair of Knog's Ride Hard gloves on the internet that were different to any cycling gloves I'd seen before. The gloves looked very cool and I decided I must find myself a pair. Searching google I could only find a small handful of stockists in the USA. Not wanting to pay the duty I decided to call Knog's UK distributor (Knog are an Australian company) to see if they could help me. They told me that nobody in the UK had them at the time but that they would be hitting the market very soon. After much anticipation and with great excitement I finally found a stockist in the UK that sells them. Although they have been around for a while now I finally got a pair for myself just over a week ago.

As soon I removed the gloves from the box I could see they were top quality and they smelt great too! Made from goatskin leather the gloves are hand stitched with double stitching at the key wear points. The palms are padded with suede for greater comfort and there are velcro fastenings on the cuffs.

Although the gloves aren't meant for use in extremely cold weather I have worn them on a number of occasions over the last week through the rain and can honestly say they're very comfortable. Like all quality leather they'll become even more comfortable as they wear in over time.

Ride Hard gloves come in sizes small to XL (I'd suggest buying one size bigger than you'd normally go for) and can be purchased from Urban Hunter, http://www.urbanhunter.biz/, for £29.95. An absolute bargain I'd say!

Kimmage Versus Armstrong - My View

The clash between Paul Kimmage and Lance Armstrong at Thursday's pre Tour of California press conference is clearly a moment that has refocused the divisions amongst those of us who care about cycling and its future (see yesterdays YouTube posting to watch what happened). On one side there is the pro Armstrong camp who believe he should be left alone to race and raise awareness of the global cancer burden. On the other side is the pro Kimmage camp who are sick and tired of the dopers and cheats who discredit and tarnish cycling's reputation.

I can empathise with both camps. Kimmage is an ex-pro cyclist turned journalist who very bravely rejected the traditional code of silence in favour of speaking out against doping. Cycling needs people like Kimmage with his openly staunch anti doping stance in order to help turn the tide against cheating, without the likes of Kimmage and his ilk it would take cycling far longer to rise from the depths from which it has fallen.

As I mentioned in my second ever posting Armstrong's mission to raise awareness of the global cancer burden and in turn raise millions for the cause is an extremely worthy and noble one. Even if Amstrong is using the cause as a smoke screen to cover up a different reason for his comeback I say, so what? He still raises awareness and he still raises money. Amstrong's Livestrong cause will always be the trump card he can use against detractors such as Kimmage.

Although I agree with both Kimmage's and Armstrong's causes I find myself disliking both of them. Kimmage should never have called Armstrong a cancer, he made a big mistake doing that, it was a very distasteful and offensive comment to make. Armstrong's arrogance, and for want of a better term, strong arm bully boy tactics are equally dislikable.

Ultimately though I believe when both Armstrong and Kimmage are old men reminiscing about what they have achieved in their lives they'll be able to look themselves in the mirror and know they both brought more good than bad to the world.

Paul Kimmage And Lance Armstrong Clash

This little crossing of swords between Sunday Times journalist Paul Kimmage and Lance Armstrong happened yesterday in a pre Tour of California press conference held in Sacramento, California.

(Correction to the You Tube title, Paul Kimmage is Irish not British as I'm sure Mr Kimmage would want pointing out.)

Manhole Covers Make Me Nervous

As I may have mentioned before my daily commute from East London to Hammersmith in West London is fraught with danger. Not only do I have to attempt mind reading in anticipation of vehicles turning left without indicating, cab drivers making sudden u-turns or lemmings crossing in front of me (glad my parents aren't reading this) but I've recently become more and more nervous of the humble manhole cover.

The recent bout of bad weather (has anyone who commutes in London noticed how snow or rain seems to start and finish during rush hour periods?) has started to focus a large portion of my attention on the manhole cover. There are so many devilish covers to negotiate, I seem to pass one, with trepidation, every few metres. Fear of its slippery surface conjures up images of my front wheel slipping away with me falling with a smack to an undignified halt in the middle of the road.

It's not without good reason that I admit this anxiety. I've seen friends come a cropper on a couple of occasions when turning on a wet cover, even at near stationary speed. Until now I've escaped this fate using various simple strategies many of you will be aware of.

If your unable to cycle around the cover, cycle over it in a straight line, there's no chance of it getting you if you attack it straight on with confidence. It may be OK to turn on a cover in dry weather, although I would advise even against that, but never turn on a wet cover. If you find yourself turning on a cover, heavens forbid, wait until you've passed it before applying the break. Although slightly off subject I have to mention that drafting of vehicles is also not a good idea in the wet, not only is your breaking speed reduced but you'll have less time to react to oncoming covers. Save drafting for dry weather.

I'm generally not superstitious but today is Friday 13th which in this country at least is considered unlucky. I'll be taking extra care on the roads today and especially over those covers. Please do the same and take care out there!

Photo Book Collection - Rouleur Annual 2007

Continuing with a look at some of my favourite photos from my collection of cycling photo books I've included 3 scans below from the Rouleur Annual 2007 (thanks Betty for the scanning). The first 2 set of photos were taken by Timm Koelln from his famous series of portraits taken of riders immediately after racing, Koelln started creating these portraits from 2005 onward. Nice tan lines Magnus!

In the third set of photos the first is of the Kapelmuur during the Ronde Van Vlaanderen (Tour of Flanders). I believe the second image is also a section of road taken from the same race.

Courtsey of Rouleur.cc

thebikeshow.net - Interview With The BikeSnob NYC

If like me your a fan of New York's humorous bicycle satirist BikeSnob NYC then you may want to check out Jack Thurston's excellent new show on thebikeshow.net. Thurston heads over the pond to Brooklyn NYC to record a rare interview, in person, with the Snob. The show also features Dave Brailsford, Performance Director of British Cycling, explaining how his team achieved a record medal haul at the Beijing Olympics.

thebikeshow.net broadcasts live on London's Resonance 104.4fm. You can also find thebikeshow.net podcasts on itunes.

Catlike Whisper Plus

After much deliberation I've taken the plunge and purchased a new helmet. The old Giro Atmos served me well and has gone into retirement, well actually I've given it to Betty.

My new head protection is a Catlike Whisper Plus as worn by Euskaltel Euskadi and Cervelo Test Team pro cycling teams.

Weighing in at 290 grams for a size large, it isn't the lightest helmet on the market although at 15 grams heavier than the Atmos the difference is minimal. After having worn it a couple of times I have to say it is very comfortable. I'll have to wait until the summer to see if its 39 air intakes help cool me down.

Tour De Ville

Tour De Ville is a new bike shop very close to where I live on the opposite side of London Fields in East London. The store sells lots of beautiful, in some cases rare, second hand road, track and town bikes as well as an assortment of other bike bits including an excellent collection of books. Not only that but the staff there are very friendly and helpful, not something you can take for granted in all bike shops.

I popped down there yesterday evening and took a few snaps of the place. If your in the area go and check it out.

You can find more information about Tour De Ville here.

Build Your Own Track Bike

Here's my effort, you can try building your own here. Great fun if you have the time.

Maybe I Will Stop Running Red Lights

Wise Words

I'm a firm believer that you get what you pay for when buying a bike.

Thanks to Milano Fixed for this one.

Pages From A De Rosa Calalogue - Part 2

Not sure what year these De Rosa catalogue pages are taken from. Click here to see my first posting of 1986 De Rosa catalogue pictures.

Bad Blood: The Secret Life of the Tour De France

‘For when the one great scorer comes to write against your name, he marks – not that you won or lost – but how you played the game.’ Grantland Rice

Those of us who are fans of pro cycling know only too well the disappointment and disillusionment felt when we hear that yet another one of our cycling heroes has fallen from grace due to a positive dope test. There are so many memories that spring to mind where you can remember watching one of your favourite riders climbing up a mountain at an amazing speed or winning a race with power and finesse. Then soon after the doping results come back positive and the realization dawns on you that what you were really watching was a lie.

I’ve just finished the immensely readable Bad Blood: The Secret Life of the Tour De France by Jeremy Whittle. Whittle takes us on a journey from naive fan through to cycling journalist, Tour De France insider and confirmed sceptic. His first hand accounts of broken friendships and having to choose sides in the war against doping really do provide an honest perspective on the reality of cycling at the elite level.

This book really changed my view on who the real heroes are in cycling, men like Christophe Bassons and Filippo Simeoni. It’s a real shame their careers had to suffer so much just because they told the truth.

If your looking for an intelligent and thought provoking account and what has gone on, and probably still does, behind the scenes in pro cycling then look no further.

Bad Blood: The Secret Life of the Tour De France is published by Yellow Jersey Press.

Magnum View On The Tour De France

I know the Tour De France is a long way away but I just remembered this beautifully presented essay entitled Tour De France which is a slide show of Tour photos taken by Magnum photographers over many years. The essay is really bought alive by commentary from Danish filmmaker Joergen Leth, who directed amongst other movies my favourite cycling movie of all time A Sunday In Hell.

On cold and gloomy days like today, well in London anyway. It's nice to sit back and dream about the greatest bike race on Earth. Enjoy and chapeau!

(click here, when the website appears press play).

R.I.P Frederiek Nolf

Mark Cavendish's win in stage 4 of the Tour of Qatar is overshadowed this morning by the sad news that 21 year old Belgian Frederiek Nolf of Team Topsport Vlaanderen-Mercator died in his sleep last night at the Doha Ritz-Carlton in Qatar. Nolf who would have celebrated his 22nd birthday in 5 days time is believed to have died from a heart attack although an autopsy will take place to confirm if this is the case.

"Cycling is in mourning when you lose such a young talent, a guy like him," said cycling legend Eddy Merckx, who is the technical sponsor for the team.

Photo Book Collection - Flandrien

My good friend Danny commented recently to my Cycling Books post asking why I hadn't included my Rouleur photo book as part of the list. I commented that I may feature them seperately at a later date. This little string of comments got me thinking about my very small collection of 3 cycling inspired photo books. 2 are by Rouleur, the 2007 and 2008 photo annuals. The 3rd is a book of photo's taken by Stephan Vanfleteren called Flandrien.

About a year or 2 ago I attended an exhibition of Vanfleteren's Flandrien work at the Host Gallery (funnily enough it is the same gallery I attended the exhibition of Rouleur's 2007 photo annual) in London. Although I hadn't been there on the opening night when apparently Johan Musseeuw himself had been in attendance I did manage to pick up a copy of Flandrien.

As you are probably aware cycling is the number 1 sport in Belgium even ahead of football. The region of Flanders in Belgium is the hot bed for cycling within a cycling mad country. Many of the most famous riders pro cycling has ever known have come from this tiny region in Northern Europe.

Vanfleteren's collection of photos features not only many beautiful portraits of Flanders most famous sons but also captures the land itself and the everyday people that live there.

The photo's in this post are just a few of my favourites taken from the Flandrien book. Over the next 2 weeks I will also feature some of my favourite photos from the Rouleur annuals.

Eddy Merckx

Johan Musseeuw

Freddy Maertens

Carlos (Eddy Merckx aficionado)

Schellebelle (Kermiskoers)