tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66190093829130773752024-03-13T11:49:39.086+13:00 ROADWORKS Reparto Corse oli@oli.co.nzOlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.comBlogger235125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-28024101743902029372022-03-07T22:38:00.003+13:002022-03-07T22:38:57.455+13:00<p> Obviously I'm doing a terrible job of keeping this poor old neglected blog up to date, mainly because I'm very lazy and utterly enamoured of the ease of use and immediacy of the social media. If you do feel like having a squizz at what I'm up to in semi-realtime please check out my Tumblr (<a href="https://roadworksbicyclerepairs.tumblr.com/">https://roadworksbicyclerepairs.tumblr.com/</a>), Instagram (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/olibrookewhite/">https://www.instagram.com/olibrookewhite/</a>) or Facebook pages (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/roadworksrepartocorse">https://www.facebook.com/roadworksrepartocorse</a>). </p><p><br /></p><p>I also do hope you'll delve back through the archives of this blog from time to time, as I am sure there's at least something of interest in the hours and hours of blather I used to generate! Either way, or if not at all, may the wind always be at your back, Oli</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip40DXDPiAzf1kK8d2A6Q0p8I_hPpacNOBi8X37pmL9cR4ebCVkGAVhj-GEO1JqWQD75COpADbnnQCwsUvgoKHwp676YV-87Wju3DEEQ0DiTj18kYRtBGVQccONwIRMsnstyHqcKDvd2w5l5gfxdLck21ZizYxbxAdOaC5ChYx2Et4G5r5ESGHJuxzhA=s1384" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1038" data-original-width="1384" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEip40DXDPiAzf1kK8d2A6Q0p8I_hPpacNOBi8X37pmL9cR4ebCVkGAVhj-GEO1JqWQD75COpADbnnQCwsUvgoKHwp676YV-87Wju3DEEQ0DiTj18kYRtBGVQccONwIRMsnstyHqcKDvd2w5l5gfxdLck21ZizYxbxAdOaC5ChYx2Et4G5r5ESGHJuxzhA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-27050340124894390462020-09-18T12:01:00.001+12:002020-09-18T12:01:25.554+12:00<p>I know, I know, it's been way too long and it should be proper content rather than a sales post, but I'm very excited about this big news on the Roadworks kit front with the announcement of two - yes two! - new versions of my original designs, with the Maillot Jaune and the Red Guard colourways, both created with visibility and fun in mind. I know these are tough and crazy times but hopefully you're still able to ride your bicycles, and if you're like me new kit always cheers me up...</p><p><br /></p><p>If you're interested please message my Chief Clothing Coordinator, the wonderful John Randal at siftyjohn@gmail.com as he will be handling all inquiries. Thanks very much to him for his mahi.</p><p><br /></p><p>Massive thanks also to the great guys at https://www.ultimoclothing.co.nz/bike.htm for their help, great products and top pricing. Their flexibility and assistance in nutting these designs out has been above and beyond.</p><p><br /></p><p>The pricing is as follows:</p><p>Jersey $110 / Aero upgrade $125</p><p>Bibs $130 / Shorts $120</p><p>Vest $150</p><p>Armwarmers $55</p><p><br /></p><p>Combos:</p><p>Jersey+bibs $230 / Aero jersey upgrade $245 / Shorts $215</p><p>Jersey+bibs+armwarmers+vest $420 / Aero jersey upgrade $435 / Shorts $405</p><p><br /></p><p>Please note that special requests are welcome and shipping can be arranged to anywhere in the world, bearing in mind the constraints of COVID-19.</p><p><br /></p><p>Again, if you're keen at all on some of this fresh kit please email John at siftyjohn@gmail.com.</p><p><br /></p><p>Ride well!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSymAg1hPkE/X2P4JIHpskI/AAAAAAAAWr4/Z1ea8-2QIM0gkVGOCuQpoMzblup6EcJiwCNcBGAsYHQ/s1481/Red1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="1481" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uSymAg1hPkE/X2P4JIHpskI/AAAAAAAAWr4/Z1ea8-2QIM0gkVGOCuQpoMzblup6EcJiwCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Red1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8At7lANp8M/X2P4T56W2hI/AAAAAAAAWr8/xbFDbmDZ4Z0ZSnOd5zS_fHK80O1tTukBACNcBGAsYHQ/s1479/Red2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1479" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t8At7lANp8M/X2P4T56W2hI/AAAAAAAAWr8/xbFDbmDZ4Z0ZSnOd5zS_fHK80O1tTukBACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Red2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jBUEzFrg6M/X2P4T9VZM1I/AAAAAAAAWsA/5ncJQUL6lPIuqYu1xOLHL7rrB7LzfU-vACNcBGAsYHQ/s1475/Yellow1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="1475" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--jBUEzFrg6M/X2P4T9VZM1I/AAAAAAAAWsA/5ncJQUL6lPIuqYu1xOLHL7rrB7LzfU-vACNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Yellow1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad7nspL2s3g/X2P4T9sItII/AAAAAAAAWsE/4pB2h9haHGw4-o3Gf76PdCbKAdv_kdwGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s1475/Yellow2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="1475" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ad7nspL2s3g/X2P4T9sItII/AAAAAAAAWsE/4pB2h9haHGw4-o3Gf76PdCbKAdv_kdwGgCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Yellow2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNu_ugJvv7Y/X2P4Usw914I/AAAAAAAAWsI/7q0FZ-OZmck_DViuPos6jyhgZW9_pYFvQCNcBGAsYHQ/s1475/Zshorts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1475" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CNu_ugJvv7Y/X2P4Usw914I/AAAAAAAAWsI/7q0FZ-OZmck_DViuPos6jyhgZW9_pYFvQCNcBGAsYHQ/s320/Zshorts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-57141456782805180062018-08-25T01:05:00.000+12:002018-08-25T01:16:23.757+12:00Vale, Dario<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In somewhat sad circumstances I'm sure my friend Richard won't mind me posting this great photo again. It was taken when he got to meet the great Dario Pegoretti in person as a part of the long process of obtaining one of Dario's beautiful frames in the very early 2000s; a frame that I was blessed to build up into a stunning one of a kind bicycle.<br />
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Like Richard, I was immensely inspired by Dario's imagination, skill, and genius. I don't mind admitting I kind of fell in love with this great Renaissance character, but despite my fervent wishes I sadly never actually got to own a Pegoretti frame or meet Dario himself.<br />
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This shot of The Colours being consecrated in Dario's workshop in Caldonazzo will forever be the closest I ever got to the Great Man himself, but thanks to Richard I got as close as this and I'm proud and honoured ...<br />
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Ave atque vale, Dario Pegoretti.<br />
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18 January 1956 – 23 August 2018Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-89749510058110863992015-07-12T02:39:00.001+12:002015-07-12T02:39:14.615+12:002015 Roadworks Kit Order - Black Ops Now Available!My clothing order coordinator John and I are putting together our annual Roadworks kit order, including an updated Brierley/Rudge shorts design with a solid back panel and coloured leg bands reflecting my (pretend) Italian heritage.
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Please email <b>siftyjohn@gmail.com</b> with your requirements.<br />
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Prices: Jersey $140, Bib-shorts $130, Jersey/Shorts combo $250, Arm warmers $50, Gilet $160, Team set (buy jersey, shorts, gilet and we'll throw in a free pair of arm-warmers) $430. Skinsuit $190.<br />
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<b>***SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT*** </b></div>
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For the very first time we will be offering the coveted Black Ops option to anyone who would like the change from the traditional Roadworks Blues! Please get in touch with John as above to let him know if you'd like to take up this new choice of Colours.<br />
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Thanks as always for the support, you guys rock!
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Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-47857633385279890282015-03-19T11:56:00.003+13:002015-03-20T10:33:13.260+13:00Hawkes Bay Trails<div style="text-align: center;">
A chance to head away for a weekend out of town on an end-of-summer mini-holiday was gratefully seized by Mrs Roadworks and I, along with our youngest son, 11 year old Bodhi. After much deliberation we had decided the Top 10 Holiday Park in Hastings would be our destination, so all that remained was the wait until Julia's first ever annual leave leave was due and the Karapoti/Ironman chaos had passed. Before long it was Friday and time to pack up the trusty Sube and head off on our brief adventure.</div>
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As Julia and Bo had expressed no interest in riding whatsoever, I chucked my beloved Benson on the back to take advantage of the opportunity to ride some new terrain while they sifted about in the pool. A fun drive through the Wairarapa and Manawatu passed swiftly, then it was time to settle in to our digs.</div>
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After a trip to a supermarket sadly bereft of decent beer, I relaxed on our patio with a Hawkes Bay red to plot the following morning's moves.</div>
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The day dawned warm with high cloud and a light easterly wind - perfect riding conditions. As soon as I got rolling I found myself on wonderful dedicated bike lanes, although they did come to an abrupt halt soon after...</div>
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Despite my assiduous route research, there was no helping the poor navigational abilities that put me on the expressway to Napier, or the fact that I forgot the map that would have helped keep me on track. Somewhat baffled, and through an apparent total lack of street signs unable to work out my location, I was very pleased to see a glimpse of bike path off the port bow, and I clambered awkwardly over a gate...</div>
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And assessed where I was at on the awesome map board.</div>
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Straight away the trail held promise of exactly the sort of riding I was hoping for.</div>
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Well-formed trails abounded and many groups of keen cyclists were taking full advantage. I helped teach this particular clump of hi-vis wine enthusiasts how to navigate the many gates by tipping their bikes up onto the back wheel, much to their profuse and wine-fuelled gratitude!</div>
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The trails stretched out before me...</div>
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And I soon got into a great rhythm as my Benson revelled in its natural and intended terrain.</div>
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The path was following a river towards the Bay itself, arrowing past vines and apple trees.</div>
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I hit one patch of actual gravel the whole ride, but 20 metres was enough for the poor tyres struggling under my vast bulk to pinch flat for the third time this year already. I need tougher sidewalls and/or to lose a shit-ton of weight, stat.</div>
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Never mind, it was fixed in five minutes and I was off again, hitting the coast in short order.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yePXEZJZw6w/VQnwcq40Q3I/AAAAAAAAV-s/6gtc2f78kj0/s1600/2015-03-14%2B11.58.45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yePXEZJZw6w/VQnwcq40Q3I/AAAAAAAAV-s/6gtc2f78kj0/s1600/2015-03-14%2B11.58.45.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The breeze coming off the ocean was just cool enough to take the edge off the hot day, as I meandered south following the coast.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg10OU9F7QU/VQnwcxxvHDI/AAAAAAAAV-w/6gd4Nsjs5OA/s1600/2015-03-14%2B11.59.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Cg10OU9F7QU/VQnwcxxvHDI/AAAAAAAAV-w/6gd4Nsjs5OA/s1600/2015-03-14%2B11.59.00.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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This sign on one of the abundant (and somewhat irritating by now) gates confused me for a minute or two, before I worked out that the bike path was different from the stop bank. Signage and my lack of comprehension of signage seemed to be a constant theme of this holiday, but there you go - you can't be this pretty <i>and</i> smart...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZf4WfOI3Xs/VQnwfdZB-pI/AAAAAAAAV_E/Ja2WKrrAdtk/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.03.29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NZf4WfOI3Xs/VQnwfdZB-pI/AAAAAAAAV_E/Ja2WKrrAdtk/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.03.29.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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After being diverted back inland I crossed a bridge into the historic town of Clive, then followed the estuary back down to the coast again.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kCLRfkYUDQ/VQnwfusmd2I/AAAAAAAAV_I/WYdJMp7uWmA/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.09.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3kCLRfkYUDQ/VQnwfusmd2I/AAAAAAAAV_I/WYdJMp7uWmA/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.09.25.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think that is Napier's Bluff Hill in the distance? If so, the Brooke-Whites would be standing atop it later that very evening...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtEQ1CJYVZ4/VQnwfVpeHdI/AAAAAAAAV_A/JHJPCo27iY4/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.13.08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gtEQ1CJYVZ4/VQnwfVpeHdI/AAAAAAAAV_A/JHJPCo27iY4/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.13.08.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></div>
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A crested grebe sits atop a piling. Or would you prefer a shag on top of a pole?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YK6S3wYHt8/VQnwgg1otTI/AAAAAAAAV_Y/LmdLW6jGlyQ/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.13.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5YK6S3wYHt8/VQnwgg1otTI/AAAAAAAAV_Y/LmdLW6jGlyQ/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.13.15.jpg" height="276" width="400" /></a></div>
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The time had come for the obligatory bike pose.</div>
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The trail wended its way past some beautiful wetlands teeming with birdlife.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TuTerSXRI58/VQnwivhD8EI/AAAAAAAAV_o/MhyNOzq31Xc/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.20.22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TuTerSXRI58/VQnwivhD8EI/AAAAAAAAV_o/MhyNOzq31Xc/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.20.22.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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I rode past some cheery apple pickers (everyone was so friendly here!) until I hit Black Bridge Road where I decided I'd turn around and meander homewards.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W05FwZ4wggk/VQnwiwxvc2I/AAAAAAAAV_s/dhcxnOK_Ci4/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.30.30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W05FwZ4wggk/VQnwiwxvc2I/AAAAAAAAV_s/dhcxnOK_Ci4/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.30.30.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was only when I reversed direction that the need for all the gates became obvious. Having experienced the perils of frisky cows many times over the course of my long and interesting life I considered myself warned!</div>
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Why did the pukeko cross the road?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdeHDdvbYB4/VQnwlmS5jiI/AAAAAAAAWAA/6XrwoppePmg/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.47.15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RdeHDdvbYB4/VQnwlmS5jiI/AAAAAAAAWAA/6XrwoppePmg/s1600/2015-03-14%2B12.47.15.jpg" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
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Back into Clive past a waka taua out doing a corporate gig, complete with 'ka mate' haka being performed by the kaumatua in the stern. Very cool.</div>
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Realising I was already thirty minutes later than I told the family I'd be I began to head back in the direction of Hastings.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1MS3Dm4iRc/VQnwmcD9c7I/AAAAAAAAWAM/w0pc0Uc8sDY/s1600/2015-03-14%2B13.05.00.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T1MS3Dm4iRc/VQnwmcD9c7I/AAAAAAAAWAM/w0pc0Uc8sDY/s1600/2015-03-14%2B13.05.00.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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Despite not being super confident I was actually heading in the right direction, I took a leap of faith in my directional sense and luckily this trail followed the railway lines...</div>
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Until eventually spitting me out onto roads familiar to me from the morning, much to my relief.</div>
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With the destructive Cyclone Pam looming, bringing preceding high winds and intermittent spells of rain, Sunday was spent doing touristy things instead of riding. But this one day taste of the wonderful trails and roads of the Hawkes Bay was enough to convince me that it won't be long before I head up there again to explore further...</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4xvT5zSeGM/VQnwn7Ehq1I/AAAAAAAAWAg/qwhrNoxfm6g/s1600/2015-03-16%2B09.16.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_4xvT5zSeGM/VQnwn7Ehq1I/AAAAAAAAWAg/qwhrNoxfm6g/s1600/2015-03-16%2B09.16.36.jpg" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
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Who knows, maybe it will even inspire another blog!</div>
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Thanks for reading...</div>
<br />Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-42907656460385466872014-10-31T00:35:00.000+13:002014-10-31T00:35:37.407+13:00Mountains, Sea and Sky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Let's face it, I'm really only prolific on the social media these days, but I do love this blog and I don't want it to die completely, so forgive me if I ease back into things by repeating myself all over the interbongo initially...</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hISH9Vt3w7M/VFIbbtPNZcI/AAAAAAAAR4I/m3-Lt5as5Ag/s1600/2014-10-30%2B10.56.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hISH9Vt3w7M/VFIbbtPNZcI/AAAAAAAAR4I/m3-Lt5as5Ag/s1600/2014-10-30%2B10.56.56.jpg" height="400" width="328" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">One minute at the mill face, next minute...</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h55JjQLbHRU/VFIbUOAK-MI/AAAAAAAAR3w/erlr8_utgng/s1600/2014-10-30%2B10.10.05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h55JjQLbHRU/VFIbUOAK-MI/AAAAAAAAR3w/erlr8_utgng/s1600/2014-10-30%2B10.10.05.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">I love the south coast so much.</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mHkyKOKy4ZI/VFIbTGiV11I/AAAAAAAAR3o/Q4kGhZV3rQI/s1600/2014-10-30%2B10.10.48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mHkyKOKy4ZI/VFIbTGiV11I/AAAAAAAAR3o/Q4kGhZV3rQI/s1600/2014-10-30%2B10.10.48.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Like ships that pass in the day.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0dC-zFqQZk/VFIbaCNNlxI/AAAAAAAAR4A/ozbnY3tztRc/s1600/2014-10-30%2B10.11.51.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W0dC-zFqQZk/VFIbaCNNlxI/AAAAAAAAR4A/ozbnY3tztRc/s1600/2014-10-30%2B10.11.51.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">A clear day with no wind is so appreciated at this time of year. (I'd swear we're getting more still days lately...)</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wKcyNhIcZI/VFIbciwM8LI/AAAAAAAAR4Q/Q5i7bxf7_m8/s1600/2014-10-30%2B11.29.56.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8wKcyNhIcZI/VFIbciwM8LI/AAAAAAAAR4Q/Q5i7bxf7_m8/s1600/2014-10-30%2B11.29.56.jpg" height="296" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">It's almost summer, out with the white shoes.</span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OlP79hAfXxg/VFIbg1bhNOI/AAAAAAAAR4c/6OR8LzWhg-c/s1600/2014-10-30%2B11.52.36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OlP79hAfXxg/VFIbg1bhNOI/AAAAAAAAR4c/6OR8LzWhg-c/s1600/2014-10-30%2B11.52.36.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Chemtrails!</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IAMrS0ZZLpA/VFIbgQB2EDI/AAAAAAAAR4Y/Ufd3MuyAO40/s1600/2014-10-30%2B11.44.44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IAMrS0ZZLpA/VFIbgQB2EDI/AAAAAAAAR4Y/Ufd3MuyAO40/s1600/2014-10-30%2B11.44.44.jpg" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black;"><span style="color: white;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Variant 271 </span><a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"tn":"*N","type":104}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/homeagain" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">#homeagain</a></span></span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpTIR-itoD0/VFIbhKiVY1I/AAAAAAAAR4g/OTSUb4GWWq8/s1600/2014-10-30%2B14.32.47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CpTIR-itoD0/VFIbhKiVY1I/AAAAAAAAR4g/OTSUb4GWWq8/s1600/2014-10-30%2B14.32.47.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Home for some fruit.</span></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gYh5z1QOp84/VFIblW8uxSI/AAAAAAAAR4w/5gBoUBDLWoo/s1600/2014-10-30%2B14.33.06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gYh5z1QOp84/VFIblW8uxSI/AAAAAAAAR4w/5gBoUBDLWoo/s1600/2014-10-30%2B14.33.06.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Such nice kit.</span></div>
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<br />Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-50726615957347339332014-03-18T00:01:00.000+13:002014-03-18T00:04:19.996+13:00New Kit Time!<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's that time again, at last we are going to do another order of Roadworks kit for those of you who have been clamouring for it! <br /><br />At this stage we will be doing short-sleeve jerseys (in the classic blue), bib-shorts, warm-up jackets, long-sleeve jerseys, skinsuits (in Black Ops black!), arm-warmers, DH/trail tops.<br /><br />Prices aren't firm yet, but I anticipate they will be similar to last year's run - to give you an idea here is the 2013 pricing in New Zealand dollars:<br /><br />Jersey $140<br />Shorts $130<br />Combo $250<br /><br />Arm warmers $50<br />Vest $160<br />+ jersey and shorts combo $435<br /><br />Warm-up jersey $190<br />Skinsuit $190<br />DH jersey $110<br /><br />Please express your interest via email to my Agent du Apparel, the wonderful John Randal at siftyjohn@gmail.com. The sooner the orders come in the sooner you will be styling in your classic Roadworks gears, such as this jersey modelled in a casual style by my friend Nige at last year's Giro d'Italia.<br /><br />Thanks for the support, Oli</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
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<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-8848689152527801052013-10-16T00:42:00.000+13:002013-10-17T09:23:10.479+13:00Virtual Batcave TourI'm not blogging much, but life goes on. Here's a quick look at my workshop in it's current iteration. Be good to see you sometime ...<br />
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<br />Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-89222021016038263932013-08-30T13:20:00.000+12:002013-08-30T13:20:41.448+12:00Ten Shots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am filled with deep feelings of shame and self-loathing for leaving this blog unmolested for so long. In my somewhat pathetic defence, it's been a time of massive changes and time pressures here at the Brooke-White mansion, with Jacq finally plying her new trade as a nurse at Wellington Hospital and doing all kinds of crazy shifts, various sons coming and going as they grow up, and my usual juggling act of home duties, work obligations and riding necessity being made more challenging by said changes.<br />
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To stop folks coming here and seeing the same old post from April I've decided to lay a few shots on you at a time over the coming weeks, with no rhyme or reason. They're just samples from the many I've been stashing in the event that I'd ever write a full blog again, something which seems to be more and more unlikely since I have found myself increasingly utilising the quick and self-gratifyingly easy social media venues of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roadworks-Bicycle-Repairs/224451888034" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://roadworksbicyclerepairs.tumblr.com/" target="_blank">Tumblr</a> to tell my tales and post my pictures. Please feel free to roll over there for more of my up-to-date dribble, if you feel so inclined.<br />
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In the meantime, here's what I got.<br />
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My poor neglected fleet of Bianchi bicycles haven't been getting any attention lately...<br />
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...as I've been having way too much fun on my new custom-built Benson <span style="background-color: black; line-height: 19.1875px;"><span style="color: white; font-family: inherit;">ÜberOS</span></span>, a bicycle which is definitely well overdue for it's own dedicated blog post. In the meantime, a way too brief but heartfelt and fervent thanks to the Shadowy Syndicate of Super Friends who arranged and funded it for me, and massive thanks too to David Benson for building the frame. Haedyn Borck's stunning paintjob can't possibly go without a mention either.<br />
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There's nothing like riding a bicycle that has been crafted specifically for you by a talented artisan, and artisan who also happens to be a friend with the sort of direct insight into my riding preferences that not many framebuilders could, or would, have. I've already clocked up quite a few massively enjoyable kilometres in the saddle of this fine steed, and I plan to clock up many, many more.<br />
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One of the head suspects in the Syndicate (despite him not cracking under harsh and repeated rum interrogation) is the redoubtable and delightful Paul Larkin, who I'm very glad to say is living back in Wellington again. Welcome home, bro.<br />
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Still on the subject of WO Larkin, he recently hooked me up with some awesome HED Belgium Plus clincher rims for the Benson, which have made the already incredible ride of this amazing machine even better. The wider rim and the superbly engineered clearances of the Benson mean I can happily run genuine 700c x 32mm tyres that roll well on tar or gravel, super apt for the purposes this was designed for and covering most of my riding bases in one fell swoop...<br />
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Thanks to Paul's impressive contacts these cool rims aren't the only mad hook up he's facilitated, he also sponsored me some amazing <a href="http://www.fmbtires.com/" target="_blank">FMB hand-made tubulars</a>, a la Tom Boonen, for my old Bianchi - I think you'll agree they suit it rather well, as seen here in this shot from last summer.<br />
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Although I've been mainly loving my road riding of late, I have also enjoyed the odd foray off-road. For some unknown reason, I tend to forget over time how damn good for the soul riding a mountainbike is. Despite my Commencal being about five years old and a totally redundant wheel size, I somehow still manage to have fun on it on occasion. It's lucky I'm a died in the wool retro-head, I suppose.<br />
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Though the impression I have given here is that I've been doing nothing but riding, the doors to the workshop are still definitely open, even if I've had to trim things right back down to existing customers and friends only. I guess I'm lucky to be in the position to specify who and what I work with, but that doesn't mean it doesn't make me feel bad to have to rebuff people or work, so apologies if you or your bicycle are among the rebuffed - it's not you, it's me...<br />
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That brings to a close this brief post, see you next time with more of the same. Thanks for reading, Oli<br />
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<br />Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-79100426066975181022013-04-18T12:17:00.000+12:002013-04-18T12:32:26.462+12:00New Roadworks Kit Run!Thanks to everyone who has been asking when we'd next do a run of Roadworks kit - the time is nigh!<br />
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As well as the established products like the much-loved Blue jersey we will be doing an optional new shorts logo and a cool technical t-shirt design for your off-the-bike activities, or on-the-bike sifting.<br />
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My man John Randal is standing by his computer waiting to take your orders so flick him a line at siftyjohn@gmail.com if you're keen to get hooked up, and please feel free to put the word out to anyone you think may also be interested!<br />
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Ciao, Oli<br />
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Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-38262003616222391212013-03-17T20:09:00.003+13:002013-03-17T22:54:51.320+13:00The (r)Ides of MarchThe truth of the matter is that lately I've been as bored of my blogging as most of you out there (well, both of you) have been reading it, and I have been feeling that the formula has become a bit stale and cliche. However, someone or something has inspired me to write again, so despite my reservations, and without resorting to any dramatic change in style, I'll simply persist with what I know - hopefully the recent lack of frequency will make this seem fresh and new.<br />
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Despite my blogular silence, things have been continuing along unabated, and those of you enamoured of the social media and my dribblings will hopefully have been following my daily outpourings and updates on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roadworks-Bicycle-Repairs/224451888034" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> anyway, if you're that way inclined...Obviously there's no way I'm going to be able to catch up with the time that has elapsed since my last post, so I'll just plough ahead and try and make some of the usual old shit up, interspersed with pictures...<br />
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With Jacq finishing her nursing degree to a very high standard after three hard years of work, life has changed up for us all quite dramatically around here. Sadly, she wasn't able to secure a job straight out of school, so while she hunts around for work she has been taking care of things on the home front, giving me more time to focus on my work, and giving me the luxury of taking full advantage of the best summer I've ever known Wellington to have since we arrived here on the Northern Star in 1967.<br />
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After years of regaling you with Tales of Woe regarding various health problems interspersed with some delusional and weak attempts at some kind of "comeback" I'm delighted to report that my health has been fantastic for quite some time now, and I'm feeling more and more well all the time. I've had the usual colds and flus, but haven't suffered from any of the underlying debilitations of the last few years whatsoever. This has meant I've been getting in some decent hours on my various bicycles, and instead of tiny highs and massive lows I am experiencing a slow climb towards something approaching fitness, with the added benefit of general health and wellbeing - as I rapidly near 50 I feel closer to 40 than I have since I was 40!<br />
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Judging by how many people I have encountered on these rides that I don't even know who comment on my lack of bloggage, I must be quite identifiable in my Blues. It's very rewarding to hear that people dig what I write, and I will admit this has been niggling away in the back of my mind as a motivation to put finger to keyboard once again..<br />
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I have settled very nicely into the home workshop, and it has on the whole worked much better than I thought it might. The lack of space isn't ideal, but I seem to be able to do anything job that I could in the old spot so it's just a matter of being organised and not over-committing. Sorry as always to those I can't fit in, but there's only the one of me, no matter how magnificent that one is. My privacy concerns have largely been dissipated, and the conveniences of being around home when working have far outstripped the minor inconveniences.<br />
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The way I've been able to ride most days of this glorious summer is because I have gotten into the "routine" of working my arse off in the morning, then bunking off for a spin before catching up with anything left in the afternoon and after tea, something I wasn't able to do in the old workshop for several years due to consideration of the tenants upstairs - the tenants here just have to lump it!<br />
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I've been mainly riding my road bikes, loving the feel of the tar and thoroughly enjoying roaming the roads of Welli as I try and get some base to build on.<br />
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Riding out to Eastbourne and home is always a good yardstick of how I'm feeling.<br />
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But the Bays is my default ride, as well as the most accessible, of course. Here are Slim and Not-so Slim caught on camera riding on the seafront in Seatoun.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo by Dave Livesey)</span></div>
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Earlier on this ride I was lucky to avoid a serious crash, as a close-passing car hit my handlebar with its wing mirror literally as I was taking the below photo of my buddy Dave - somehow I turned the fall into a recovery, even managing somehow to put the camera back in my pocket before remonstrating with the moronic oxygen thief behind the wheel.<br />
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Working from home is proving to be very cool, with one of the benefits being the ability to keep working while Bodhi is enjoying being around his own home, instead of being forced to hang out in the basement of a house belonging to someone else...<br />
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Despite the months of lack of evidence on this blog to the contrary, there's actually been plenty to report. Here now are a few things I've been posting about on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roadworks-Bicycle-Repairs/224451888034" target="_blank">Facebook</a> in the last few months - in no particular chronological order:<br />
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As far back as July I was having a delicious and fun time watching the Tour de France at my dear friend <a href="http://sifter-writes-bikes.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">John's</a> place with him and Simon Kennett.<br />
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As a semi-Englishman, I loved watching Bradley Wiggins take Britain's first ever Tour victory, although after my <a href="http://oli-roadworks.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-fool-and-lance-armstrong-lie.html">disastrous Lance Armstrong fandom</a> I'm not going to claim I know whether it was a clean win - I <i>think</i> it was, but to be frank (Shleck) nothing will surprise me now.<br />
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If you've taken the time to read his blog, <a href="http://sifter-writes-bikes.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Sifter Goes (Bike) Riding</a> - and you definitely should! - you'll know John has his challenges, but his way of dealing with them is to create further challenges. One he recently knocked off was to gain a PB at the feared Karapoti Classic - he not only took seven minutes off his best time, he won a superb 8th place overall in the gruelling event! Outstanding, bro!<br />
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Just yesterday, John and his mate Dave Sharpe spent 14.5 hours riding in their Roadworks kit <a href="http://sifter-writes-bikes.blogspot.co.nz/2013/03/raid-ruapehu.html">around Mt Ruapehu</a>, including diversions up all three ski access roads, and the extra offroad kilometres of Tree Trunk Gorge just for good measure. For John this is all part of the training as he builds up to doing his own <a href="http://sifter-writes-bikes.blogspot.co.nz/2012/12/going-big-in-2013.html">Tour de France</a>, of which more will be heard both here and in his own blog, no doubt.<br />
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I don't have the fitness yet to contemplate such epic missions, but I do aspire to one day accompanying John on something similar, if not quite so extreme. I do on occasion love to imagine I'm engaged in something slightly out of the ordinary riding-wise, and I can evoke this feeling to a degree by riding inappropriate bicycles in out of context places. It's good to be reminded how adaptable bicycles really are, and that one of the best things about these amazing inventions we're so in love with is their versatility.<br />
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Despite this though, there's nothing like riding a bike fit for purpose. One of my favourite types of riding is gentle trail and gravel road riding on a road bike. Mostly I've just used whatever bike I've had to hand, but thanks to a Coalition of GCs I have been generously gifted a custom frame and fork to be handbuilt by my good friend, the talented David Benson. As part of the nailing down of details and feel of what I was after, DB lent me his Evil Genius machine for a couple of weeks.<br />
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To say I expected something amazing but was still blown away is an understatement, as the ride of his near-perfectly fitting personal frame astounded and delighted me over a week of varied riding all over Wellington, on all sorts of terrain and surfaces - the thought of how good one built expressly for me will be gives me goosebumps.<br />
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When DB rang me to inform me of the incredibly humbling (but slightly duplicitous) conspiracy to get me the frame of my dreams, he told me that he wouldn't enter into debates on geometry and that I'd have to trust him for that. Having seen how he works and knowing the pedigree of his builds I was only too happy to put myself in his hands entirely, so I gave David my measurements and he has selected what looks like the perfect geo for me. He will be building out of beefier tubing too, for my more, er, powerful physique. Much more on this exciting and fun blessing as things progress...<br />
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At this point I'd like to pause to pay respects to my sponsors. First, Geoff and Tim and their team at <a href="http://havana.co.nz/" target="_blank">Havana Coffee Works</a> on Tory Street. Geoff and Tim have supported me as long as Roadworks has existed, and the free coffee and other help through times both thick and thin has been a vital part of my survival.<br />
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Cheers as always for the best coffee in the world, for the COFFEE YOU FEEL!<br />
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My other sponsor, and a man I have sponsored in return in my own small way for years, is my good mate the estimable Paul 'WO' Larkin, shown here in his recent role as manager/mechanic of the New Zealand Team to the historic <a href="http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/uci-cyclo-cross-world-championships-2013" target="_blank">Cyclo-Cross World Championships</a> in Louisville, Kentucky.<br />
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Paul leads the Coalition of GCs in the mission to put me astride my very own Benson, but in his role as distributor of FMB tubulars into Australasia he hooked me up with a pair of fine 25mm Paris-Roubaix tubs, as ridden to a record-tying 4th victory in the Hell of the North last year by Tom Boonen.<br />
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These tyres, in a fetching and Bianchi matching green, make for the most supple and smooth ride I can imagine my old Shamals ever giving!<br />
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I can't believe how good they look too - the ride would be improved by the tyres being fitted to some standard spokes wheels I'm sure, but who the hell cares when they look this good?<br />
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They even came packaged with some of <a href="http://www.greenedgecycling.com/team/jens-mouris" target="_blank">Jens Mouris</a>' ex-bidons too. Thanks, bro.<br />
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Paul put his name forward (and paid his own way!) for CX Worlds to support our friend Alex Revell in his quest to learn the ropes of the brutally hard cyclo-cross World Cup circuit. Since his second-place finish in the NZ CX Nationals, Alex has made a challenging and brave journey to Belgium to live and race in the spiritual home of this tough sport and, as thanks to some astute managing of his image, he has become a genuine <a href="http://vimeo.com/behindthebarriers/season-3-episode-12">international cult hero</a> to the fans of the sport. Read the excellent <a href="http://zandersflanders.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Zander's Flanders</a> for the background to all this but, in the meantime, here are Alex and Paul at the post-Worlds "Foam Party" with the new CX World Champion, Sven Nys. Paul seems underwhelmed, but I know he was actually quite whelmed really.<br />
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I feel like wherever Paul goes he takes me with him, and I'm always grateful for that, even if I am really just living vicariously through him.<br />
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No mean cx-er himself, here's WO as 'Mr March' in the Victorian Cyclo-Cross Association calendar this year.<br />
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From his base in Melbourne after the event he sent me yet more goodness, in the form of schwag of the highest order. The poster is signed by Alex and Paul's Aussie mate <a href="http://ratracingcx.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Lewis Rattray</a>, along with the previous and new World Champions, Niels Albert and Sven Nys. The cool little cup thing has been well utilised already for both coffee and rum consumption...<br />
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Alex too has kindly donated some items to the prodigious Roadworks Historical Archives, including this traditional cyclo-cross bell...<br />
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And also the race number off his back, complete with awesome and entirely apposite inscription. Most bodacious. Chur, Snor!<br />
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The last member of the Black Ops squad to rate a mention in this rambling diatribe is my dear friend, the talented <a href="http://trexterra.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">Tim Wilding</a>, winner in the past of multiple National Championships, Karapoti and Xterra, among too many other great races to list.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo by K. Harwood)</span></div>
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Having just had a wonderful weekend away for Tim's stag do, I'm truly sad Jacq and I can't be there for his wedding next weekend. I'm sure it will be a wonderful day and I wish Tim and the lovely Tamsin all the very best for a long and happy life together. To keep with the gravitas of this paragraph, here's a fine shot of Tim limbering up for our big night out in Martinborough a couple of weekends ago.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Sick as Cycle Services Skinsuit courtesy of Ben Kepes)</span></div>
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Just so T-Rex doesn't think I'm picking on him, I have to confess that he was probably the most dignified of the entire group on the night. I, however, didn't fare so well, even sustaining minor injuries in an ill-advised plinth incident of dubious sensibility.<br />
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Away from this debacle of ritualised and realised humiliation and back towards riding bicycles, with a nod still towards the CX end of things, I have sometimes been thrashing my IndyFab around the wrinkled terrain of Wellington.<br />
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Even taking it away on the family holiday in my friends Dave and Laura's cool camper van (thanks heaps, guys!) to experience some new places from atop the saddle of this cool rig...<br />
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...including some wicked exploring around the Otaki Forks area...<br />
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...as well as a wonderful morning checking out some dirt road riding in the hills around Castlepoint.<br />
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This summer's dry and dusty trails around Wellington are fair game for this fun bike also, of course, and I doubt these superb networks will ever lose their appeal.<br />
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One of the most fun rides I've been on in ages was a ride around <a href="http://tracks.org.nz/track/show/63" target="_blank">Red Rocks</a> and up <a href="http://tracks.org.nz/track/show/38" target="_blank">Long Gully</a> with my friend <a href="http://spokemagazine.com/2012/12/13/frankly-thursday-geoffrey-by-oli-and-jonty/" target="_blank">Geoffrey</a> recently. We set out from my place in fairly calm conditions...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgSxKM9Vs6E/UUU1Y6B-djI/AAAAAAAAO1g/MMYjUseQC70/s1600/SAM_0192.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CgSxKM9Vs6E/UUU1Y6B-djI/AAAAAAAAO1g/MMYjUseQC70/s640/SAM_0192.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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...only to have the wind increase dramatically as we climbed up away from the coast...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4d8T1Oa4_w4/UUU2E_z64hI/AAAAAAAAO1o/XeuMxGchmmY/s1600/SAM_0220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4d8T1Oa4_w4/UUU2E_z64hI/AAAAAAAAO1o/XeuMxGchmmY/s640/SAM_0220.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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...to a point where even standing was difficult at times! I'd like to thanks Geoffrey for putting my fears about riding with fit people to rest - when you are used to riding like a slug for years it's very cool to ride with someone with patience and an ability to fool one into thinking they are riding at one's pace.<br />
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It's not just the road bikes and the CX rig that have been getting a workout in this never-ending summer, the old mountainbike has been perambulating the environs too.<br />
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Of course it's always great to ride with my old compadres Al and Matty, who are well used by now to me slowing them down.<br />
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Matt and I, along with another good friend in Steve Grenside, were recent winners of the vet's category in the fine <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.535829266457923.119311.111509625556558&type=1" target="_blank">Creek to Peak Relay</a> race, a fundraiser for the super <a href="http://www.makarapeak.org/" target="_blank">Makara Peak Supporters</a>. As well as being surprised and delighted to take my second MTB win ever, the first being several years ago as a team in this same event with the wonderful John Randal. From 3rd last after my lap to first after John's scorcher meant I felt like I contributed little to that first win, but this year I felt like my solid (if admittedly short) lap was definitely a part of Team Roadworks' success. Quite apart from another Glorious Victory in this storied event, it was great to feel like I was actually racing again, rather than just struggling to cope. No photographic evidence of Matt or I on the short Koru/Lazy Fern laps has surfaced, but here's Steve on one of the two Grand Loop laps he rode that were the lion's share of our success story. Thanks very much to Steve and Matt for making an unfit old man briefly remember what it feels like to win a bike race!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: justify;">(Photo by Shane Wetzel - CYCL1N)</span></div>
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Non-competitively, yet still sufferingly, I've been braving the awful warm and windfree conditions to experience a few of the other wonderful trails of Wellington. <a href="http://tracks.org.nz/track/show/32" target="_blank">Skyline</a> is a perennial favourite, with <a href="http://www.wideopen.co.nz/" target="_blank">wide open</a> spaces and so much fresh air it makes one almost drunk with oxygen saturation.<br />
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On a rare cloudy and windy day atop the feared <a href="http://tracks.org.nz/track/show/306" target="_blank">Mt Albert</a> ascent. Now <i>this</i> was some fresh air!<br />
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But there's nothing like a mountainbike ride with my sons. These days it's hard to pin Ket and Harry down to one, but at last Bodhi is showing some interest in the odd ride. One day we got the lovely Jacq to shuttle us out to the Silverstream bridge so we could ride with a tailwind all the way down the <a href="http://www.gw.govt.nz/huttrivertrail/" target="_blank">Hutt River Trail</a> to meet her for a picnic in the Hikoikoi Reserve at Seaview. Here we are about to set off on this 14km epic.<br />
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And this was our arrival at Hikoikoi Reserve after a super ride that included a halfway rest stop at Avalon Playground - I would highly recommend this safe, fun and traffic-free ride to anyone with kids who aren't yet keen or ready for offroad action.<br />
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Bo and I also had a wonderful ride to <a href="http://tracks.org.nz/track/show/89" target="_blank">Pencarrow</a> one completely calm evening. I had planned it so we would have the southerly pushing us back to the car after visiting the lighthouse, but the wind was so light I honestly don't know if it made any difference. This is on the Eastbourne Promenade as we began the ride in a shot that also doubles as one of my obligatory self-pics.<br />
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Bodhi set a cracking pace on the way to the lighthouse, but still had enough breath to chatter about all manner of interesting subjects the entire distance...<br />
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As you might tell, this is one of my favourite rides. The scenery is amazing, the road relatively easy, depending on the strength of the wind, and the scenery is amazing.<br />
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Did I mention the scenery is amazing *modest*?<br />
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We finished this wonderful experience off with some delicious fish and chips by the beach as the sun sunk into the west, made all the more spectacular, we were told, by the atmospheric haze generated by massive fires in Tasmania and Canterbury at the time.<br />
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We're approaching the end of this stupidly long, make-up-for-lost-time post, so it must be time for one last picture of my beloved Bianchi. This is the now iconic Brooklyn bus stop, a guerrilla art attack that survived undamaged for well over four months. So cool to see people using it like a living room, and very kind of them to not mind being props in my photo...<br />
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So no here we are, at the end of this long post. Hope you've enjoyed it at least a bit. I now ride off into the night, unsure of when I will return...<br />
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But return I shall. Until then, thanks for reading. Cheers, Oli<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-shKxZ98G9fw/UUVOVzxy2uI/AAAAAAAAO4I/DbjQlK694ds/s1600/20130221-4905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-shKxZ98G9fw/UUVOVzxy2uI/AAAAAAAAO4I/DbjQlK694ds/s640/20130221-4905.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (Photo by Stephen Robinson - <a href="http://stephenrobinsonphotography.co.nz/">stephenrobinsonphotography.co.nz</a>)</span></div>
Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-25753809496090351162012-12-25T22:14:00.001+13:002012-12-25T22:32:49.288+13:00Merry Christmas 2012<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Just a quick post to give grateful thanks and say </span><span style="color: red;">Merry Christmas</span><span style="color: #6aa84f;"> to all my dear friends and clients who have supported me through yet another turbulent year at Roadworks. I wish you all health, happiness and heaps of riding over the Christmas break and into 2013. CU on the other side!! Cheers, Oli</span></b><br />
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<br />Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-23772838206209631402012-12-02T16:31:00.000+13:002017-12-02T10:55:34.235+13:00The Sleeping Giant Awakes <a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_bfzl9LCBKM/ULqpzHQFC7I/AAAAAAAAOrI/GZQj0O4l98Y/s1600/SAM_7525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_bfzl9LCBKM/ULqpzHQFC7I/AAAAAAAAOrI/GZQj0O4l98Y/s640/SAM_7525.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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I don't know what's happened to my blogging of late; perhaps it's the time factor required to write this drivel, perhaps it's motivation when there are so many other things to be done, perhaps the Lance Effect is still affecting me, or perhaps it's simply some characteristic sloth and indolence. Certainly the hundreds of photos I've accumulated in readiness for blogs that never got written have made approaching a new post somewhat daunting. Without wanting to dwell upon negatives, the winter hasn't been altogether kind to the Brooke-Whites, so perhaps that's it. Wait, who am I kidding? It's because it's so much easier just to post a days photos up on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Roadworks-Bicycle-Repairs/224451888034" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and be done with than to try and be some kind of writer. However, despite all these poor excuses, I do love the blog format, and I know not everyone is keen on the old FB, so here goes nothing...sorry if it's way too long, pardon me if at times it's scant of details, and apologies also for the unpracticed mistakes I'm sure I'm about to make!<br />
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I'll begin by sending some long overdue but very grateful props out to some of my supporters from far and wide who've taken the time to post me pictures of The Colours in exotic locales. <span style="text-align: center;">Thanks to you all for representing, your support means so much to me.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric nearly Rules compliant in Colorado.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nigel on the crater rim of 'Gli Astrone', a WWF Reserve not far from the centre of Napoli, Italia. Somewhere in the background is the island of Capri.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mate Colin was the brains behind the Roadworks Trail Top - here he models his one in Queenstown.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grant climbing the infamous Blue Mountains climb in a PNP race earlier in the year.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A new man in The Colours, Craig shows good form climbing Wainui Hill in another PNP race...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUGTqHUvSLU/ULqKHv-JCFI/AAAAAAAAOmg/RQG5yXmmv2o/s1600/SAM_6983.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KUGTqHUvSLU/ULqKHv-JCFI/AAAAAAAAOmg/RQG5yXmmv2o/s640/SAM_6983.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...while Bodhi captures Kerrin on the descent in the same race.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ms4r97t3VLY/ULqKOZft-AI/AAAAAAAAOmo/F5XbBMBe32U/s1600/SAM_7420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ms4r97t3VLY/ULqKOZft-AI/AAAAAAAAOmo/F5XbBMBe32U/s640/SAM_7420.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A couple of months back I had a visit from Shailer, the owner/operator along with his wife Lisa of the Haven MTB Park near Christchurch. We've known each other a long time online, so great to finally meet IRL.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jecBuBC_PWY/ULqKRFDGzwI/AAAAAAAAOmw/nejTxX2txgc/s1600/SAM_7644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jecBuBC_PWY/ULqKRFDGzwI/AAAAAAAAOmw/nejTxX2txgc/s640/SAM_7644.JPG" width="536" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark is one of my childhood friends and has flown the flag ever since the first jerseys rolled off the production line. Recently he got me to build him this beautiful Singular Swift.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF4mRSpOUX4/ULqH1lkBTHI/AAAAAAAAOk0/f9-_XCmNVIQ/s1600/287247_10150979756562434_1296881953_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZF4mRSpOUX4/ULqH1lkBTHI/AAAAAAAAOk0/f9-_XCmNVIQ/s640/287247_10150979756562434_1296881953_o.jpg" width="458" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My bro Brent is an old Welli mate transplanted to Australia to show the convicts how real coffee is made.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhQwgAkKgR0/ULqH3ajJwjI/AAAAAAAAOk8/lOtUZyDI13U/s1600/87327318c0b211e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uhQwgAkKgR0/ULqH3ajJwjI/AAAAAAAAOk8/lOtUZyDI13U/s640/87327318c0b211e19e4a12313813ffc0_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously not a jersey, but I figure we've had plenty of shots of my dear friend WO Larkin wearing the kit and not enough of his sweet Eddy Merckx.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPWEoxqSGi0/ULqH5gaYQSI/AAAAAAAAOlE/SH3UjnEfmYU/s1600/DSCN1102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FPWEoxqSGi0/ULqH5gaYQSI/AAAAAAAAOlE/SH3UjnEfmYU/s640/DSCN1102.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dear friend Alex Revell is on a Great Adventure racing cyclo-cross in Belgium, including the World Cups. He's now been picked up by a team and has support, but before that at Alex's request John Randal and I sent him a skinsuit to hopefully help him with laundry issues of consecutive days racing. Sadly never to be used in anger it's still great to see 'Snor' rocking the Black Ops.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vA8phEiNVo/ULqIOmu5WAI/AAAAAAAAOlM/r3xeakt_ozY/s1600/November+066.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7vA8phEiNVo/ULqIOmu5WAI/AAAAAAAAOlM/r3xeakt_ozY/s640/November+066.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friends Paul and Amanda teaming up for an adventure race - note Paul's original Cima shorts!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phgwCN2Bgtk/ULqIRbBCXKI/AAAAAAAAOlU/yaX7C_R3c10/s1600/Roadworks-in-Singapore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-phgwCN2Bgtk/ULqIRbBCXKI/AAAAAAAAOlU/yaX7C_R3c10/s640/Roadworks-in-Singapore.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My old mate Eoin in Singapore with his talented daughter Tahlay.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nX-0_cW5Pco/ULqTj5q52UI/AAAAAAAAOn0/WoEc7q4Xn9Q/s1600/rt20x30-LTCE0065.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nX-0_cW5Pco/ULqTj5q52UI/AAAAAAAAOn0/WoEc7q4Xn9Q/s640/rt20x30-LTCE0065.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leonard did a stomping time in the recent Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxrX-4BwR6A/ULqTS2OUgqI/AAAAAAAAOnU/gOakIBMvgys/s1600/20x30-LTCP0187.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZxrX-4BwR6A/ULqTS2OUgqI/AAAAAAAAOnU/gOakIBMvgys/s640/20x30-LTCP0187.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As did John Randal and Simon Kennett on the Co-Motion Robusta Di2 tandem I built for them recently; in fact, they did such a stomping time they now hold the Taupo tandem record of 4.09.41! More on this interesting build another time...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zGKdITDuCew/ULqTb7YMO3I/AAAAAAAAOnk/ga49dRdbYAM/s1600/SAM_6627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zGKdITDuCew/ULqTb7YMO3I/AAAAAAAAOnk/ga49dRdbYAM/s640/SAM_6627.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A solo shot of John racing in his Black Ops kit in a Wainui PNP race that Bodhi and I spectated at.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIaXWl2ZpPo/ULqTeCvQd4I/AAAAAAAAOns/AmrxJSnv7is/s1600/SAM_6690.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eIaXWl2ZpPo/ULqTeCvQd4I/AAAAAAAAOns/AmrxJSnv7is/s640/SAM_6690.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As many of you will be aware, John was the driver behind the recent runs of Roadworks kit and with the last lot he very kindly surprised me with a unique one-off pair of shorts with the same logo as the armwarmers. Old school cool.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbwH7M9_tpE/ULqTVoOzi7I/AAAAAAAAOnc/nq0DjyOxvGY/s1600/8215382226_578cb52776_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nbwH7M9_tpE/ULqTVoOzi7I/AAAAAAAAOnc/nq0DjyOxvGY/s640/8215382226_578cb52776_b.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the same time John, Simon, Leonard and the others were racing around the Lake, a couple of hundred keen mountainbikers were racing the tough Huka XL, including my man Tim Wilding doing his first ride on his freshly Oli-built 2013 Santa Cruz Tallboy. Having had a lengthy break from training and just back from trekking in Nepal T-Rex wasn't expecting to win but he sure gave it a good nudge, finishing in a fine 13th place. <br />
(Photo stolen from Kim Harwood)<br />
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<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, down to some of the work I've been doing. Obviously I'm not going to bore you with every single job I've done over the last five months, but here are some random samples. If you follow my Facebook page you will find most, if not all, of the work I've been doing and the rides I've managed to get out on.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QhaxNafcJA/ULqISo9nisI/AAAAAAAAOlY/9IhM8l75seA/s1600/SAM_6187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QhaxNafcJA/ULqISo9nisI/AAAAAAAAOlY/9IhM8l75seA/s640/SAM_6187.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris Tuckey builds these beautiful <a href="http://www.calderacycles.com/about/" target="_blank">Caldera frames</a> in Auckland. You should check out his website for better picture than I can apparently take, but I was delighted to be given the chance to complete the build on one for a Wellington client.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FG6Z3D1DwO4/ULqIT72c7mI/AAAAAAAAOlg/HCMFIC6ZWds/s1600/SAM_6314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FG6Z3D1DwO4/ULqIT72c7mI/AAAAAAAAOlg/HCMFIC6ZWds/s640/SAM_6314.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cyclo-cross is so hot right now. My friend Nic had a misadventure with her CX rig and needed a new front wheel.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfM0QRSwGyo/ULqIWbj4CHI/AAAAAAAAOls/i5np9P1IzBI/s1600/SAM_6449.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qfM0QRSwGyo/ULqIWbj4CHI/AAAAAAAAOls/i5np9P1IzBI/s640/SAM_6449.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I built this lovely DeRosa King 3.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnBG9ybatEY/ULqbhNYgm4I/AAAAAAAAOoc/3kcqclH6sMA/s1600/SAM_6496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AnBG9ybatEY/ULqbhNYgm4I/AAAAAAAAOoc/3kcqclH6sMA/s640/SAM_6496.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice pair of wheels.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyogffemKHs/ULqbkjIk3eI/AAAAAAAAOok/1YtQdud2p5g/s1600/SAM_6602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZyogffemKHs/ULqbkjIk3eI/AAAAAAAAOok/1YtQdud2p5g/s640/SAM_6602.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally, the bulk of my magazines have a dry and safe home and the rest are in secure storage.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuPUTEDmPf4/ULqbmcN5lZI/AAAAAAAAOos/lsjrLBmkmYc/s1600/SAM_6723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iuPUTEDmPf4/ULqbmcN5lZI/AAAAAAAAOos/lsjrLBmkmYc/s640/SAM_6723.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Facing a purple frame for the original purple man, Wheels. Not long after this was taken he had a nasty fall and broke his leg, so get well quick, bro.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2i0mab7M-0/ULqbtUJw5dI/AAAAAAAAOo8/JIRhRUNYPXA/s1600/SAM_6896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L2i0mab7M-0/ULqbtUJw5dI/AAAAAAAAOo8/JIRhRUNYPXA/s640/SAM_6896.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If the flag is flying the doctor is in! Working from home can have its problems in terms of privacy, but so far the flag system seems to be working very well.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fq0Ywq8KWtQ/ULqbxRn2XdI/AAAAAAAAOpE/0X-dwFA3CdQ/s1600/SAM_6904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fq0Ywq8KWtQ/ULqbxRn2XdI/AAAAAAAAOpE/0X-dwFA3CdQ/s640/SAM_6904.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's still a shit-ton of work to be done in our back yard, but nonetheless it sure is nice to be washing bikes in such verdant surroundings and with tui warbling and flying around.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p45UOr2x8Iw/ULqbzowtBlI/AAAAAAAAOpM/Ne6wJc9Efa0/s1600/SAM_7053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-p45UOr2x8Iw/ULqbzowtBlI/AAAAAAAAOpM/Ne6wJc9Efa0/s640/SAM_7053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to my old mate Pete for the loan of this great book (and the cool decals!) - it took me way too long to read it, but I would recommend this as a great tale of both wartime heroism and oldcore racing hardness. HTFU indeed...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oio69jS6gmI/ULqb3Nue8wI/AAAAAAAAOpU/9mh4sXsH_gU/s1600/SAM_7147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oio69jS6gmI/ULqb3Nue8wI/AAAAAAAAOpU/9mh4sXsH_gU/s640/SAM_7147.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Benson builds beautiful frames for a very select few of his friends, and thanks to the generosity of a select few of my friends I am fortunate to soon be one of DB's select few (phew!). This is a picture of his "Evil Genius" which he loaned to me for a couple of weeks to test ride. More on this later too, but suffice it to say I absolutely freaking <i>loved</i> riding it and now can't wait for my own one to be built!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzupN6k-b_g/ULqb-OuE6II/AAAAAAAAOpc/FIneGIhqB7A/s1600/SAM_7200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RzupN6k-b_g/ULqb-OuE6II/AAAAAAAAOpc/FIneGIhqB7A/s640/SAM_7200.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My tool board has turned out to be perfect for my current iteration - compact and purposeful with every vital tool close to hand, and others not far away in the drawers below...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdyt6zsMHNM/ULqnMFLLv7I/AAAAAAAAOqI/BP81zzowQlw/s1600/SAM_7649.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xdyt6zsMHNM/ULqnMFLLv7I/AAAAAAAAOqI/BP81zzowQlw/s640/SAM_7649.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tool drawers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8y4m5fJRHng/ULqcEEK6ruI/AAAAAAAAOpk/tvW21Q6pOZg/s1600/SAM_7357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8y4m5fJRHng/ULqcEEK6ruI/AAAAAAAAOpk/tvW21Q6pOZg/s640/SAM_7357.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My friend Rico Rogers has made the tough transition from being a successful Nationally ranked downhiller to being a top international road sprinter, winning many events on the UK, European and Asian Pro Continental circuits. I was stoked to be sent a couple of his Team jerseys, including the Chazal one of the French team in which he rode with storied MTBer and Olympian Kashi Leuchs, now head honcho of Yeti NZ. Along with these two cool jerseys Rico also donated a huge pile of kit to the PNP Club for handing out to juniors. Good man, Rico!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBprBeoxoOc/ULqpnCieisI/AAAAAAAAOqU/R_hmx50T3no/s1600/SAM_7414.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="484" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qBprBeoxoOc/ULqpnCieisI/AAAAAAAAOqU/R_hmx50T3no/s640/SAM_7414.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bradley's cool <a href="http://www.blackmtncycles.com/" target="_blank">Mike Varley</a>-designed Masi was in for a bit of action.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThcomRxfeTY/ULqppygHtRI/AAAAAAAAOqw/-IGtaKMLN_k/s1600/SAM_7425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="596" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ThcomRxfeTY/ULqppygHtRI/AAAAAAAAOqw/-IGtaKMLN_k/s640/SAM_7425.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frank's wicked Giant TCR Advanced SL got a nice race tune.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SWmvT2Kijk4/ULqpwTwyclI/AAAAAAAAOrA/uWqXa0PWJq4/s1600/SAM_7428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SWmvT2Kijk4/ULqpwTwyclI/AAAAAAAAOrA/uWqXa0PWJq4/s640/SAM_7428.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris King hubs are always such a pleasure to build up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pqmmf8XWSsA/ULqp5PHu8tI/AAAAAAAAOrQ/k3ueeYW7Qs0/s1600/SAM_7565.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Pqmmf8XWSsA/ULqp5PHu8tI/AAAAAAAAOrQ/k3ueeYW7Qs0/s640/SAM_7565.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've fettled quite a few of these sweet ENVE wheels now, and built a few pairs too. Very nice if you can get 'em.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNX1YuDNto4/ULqp7nCQ3JI/AAAAAAAAOrY/NbJ7-CXWyH8/s1600/SAM_7567.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rNX1YuDNto4/ULqp7nCQ3JI/AAAAAAAAOrY/NbJ7-CXWyH8/s640/SAM_7567.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leonard stuck them on his slick looking BMC Teammachine SLR01 race weapon for doing the <a href="http://www.cisport.co.nz/five-passes-tour/" target="_blank">Five Passes Tour</a> in early November.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wxNRC5KZUM/ULqqCG4MmWI/AAAAAAAAOrg/HbZ-l454JjA/s1600/SAM_7571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5wxNRC5KZUM/ULqqCG4MmWI/AAAAAAAAOrg/HbZ-l454JjA/s640/SAM_7571.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One fine spring day I fitted some new niner carbon forks to John's Yeti Big Top - pimp. Great to have John there for company, and lovely to have my long-lost buddy Bill drop in for a visit!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJrMeb10Buc/ULq--p3Os1I/AAAAAAAAOso/1UFm84QbGx0/s1600/SAM_7648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="540" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xJrMeb10Buc/ULq--p3Os1I/AAAAAAAAOso/1UFm84QbGx0/s640/SAM_7648.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My usual company is just the local wildlife...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaH2gX8d0Pg/ULqqH5c5inI/AAAAAAAAOro/csHLNofJJHs/s1600/SAM_7572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jaH2gX8d0Pg/ULqqH5c5inI/AAAAAAAAOro/csHLNofJJHs/s640/SAM_7572.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I do get to work on some lovely fruit...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnh6c4leIOc/ULqqQRIpT4I/AAAAAAAAOr4/rOp_8fdO1GM/s1600/SAM_7620.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dnh6c4leIOc/ULqqQRIpT4I/AAAAAAAAOr4/rOp_8fdO1GM/s640/SAM_7620.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking of which, these awesome wheels for Henry with a Powertap rear hub and a Chris King front and some H+Son polished shallow-v rims spun up beautifully.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcKRvgr_uoc/ULqqOb524aI/AAAAAAAAOrw/lA6K3FzuUUE/s1600/SAM_7614.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qcKRvgr_uoc/ULqqOb524aI/AAAAAAAAOrw/lA6K3FzuUUE/s640/SAM_7614.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drunken Toy Repair Master. Thanks to Henry (above) for the rum, and sorry for the grumping.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-Jn5p6rJmM/ULq-9ERIGbI/AAAAAAAAOsg/EVuFGpm0Zi0/s1600/SAM_7646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H-Jn5p6rJmM/ULq-9ERIGbI/AAAAAAAAOsg/EVuFGpm0Zi0/s640/SAM_7646.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nic's CX rig was suffering from poor rear braking, so I tweaked the cantis and sorted this rearmost cable routing with a few Nokon offcuts.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNpAxX7RLiI/ULq_KajGLeI/AAAAAAAAOs4/rTCNYKYGrO8/s1600/SAM_7675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zNpAxX7RLiI/ULq_KajGLeI/AAAAAAAAOs4/rTCNYKYGrO8/s640/SAM_7675.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One balmy night I joined some friends (truly, at least that's what they say to my face) for a lovely evening at the opening of Geoffrey Notman's latest exhibition at the Cecil Veda Gallery in Miramar. I've often thought these premises would make a funky little bike shop...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRMLBsToINI/ULq_D5GgIxI/AAAAAAAAOsw/XlxmlUrFtpQ/s1600/SAM_7673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bRMLBsToINI/ULq_D5GgIxI/AAAAAAAAOsw/XlxmlUrFtpQ/s640/SAM_7673.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful sunset from the Cecil Veda Gallery aspect.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely chap I've never met before in Auckland out of the blue sent me a very kind note and this beautiful one-off Solo riding top, which I'll wear with pride at the very next opportunity. Thanks so much, Geoff!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ywyr_l20uXk/ULq_Pz6_i-I/AAAAAAAAOtQ/JhuO_P4QNXg/s1600/SAM_7735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="574" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ywyr_l20uXk/ULq_Pz6_i-I/AAAAAAAAOtQ/JhuO_P4QNXg/s640/SAM_7735.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A matter of a day or so after the jersey arrived I got an odd-shaped parcel from Neuburg in Germany containing another cool gift and another lovely note. This stem was lying around Harald's bike shop (the marvelous <a href="https://www.steel-vintage.com/" target="_blank">Steel Vintage Bikes</a>) there but he thought on the strength of this blog that it would be better off in mine with me! I can only agree and say thanks!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLF_9GgPqAk/ULq_RJ4pg6I/AAAAAAAAOtU/n-V9XQdvvhM/s1600/SAM_7742.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nLF_9GgPqAk/ULq_RJ4pg6I/AAAAAAAAOtU/n-V9XQdvvhM/s640/SAM_7742.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In the further spirit of generosity I am continually humbled to be recipient of, Hamish has given me extremely generous terms on this cool IndyFab Planet X cyclo-cross frameset that has replaced the old Cove Frankenbeast...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyYnCNFzn7E/ULq_XHq7QzI/AAAAAAAAOtg/IqLD3HCZf_w/s1600/SAM_7761.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wyYnCNFzn7E/ULq_XHq7QzI/AAAAAAAAOtg/IqLD3HCZf_w/s640/SAM_7761.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I wasted no time cleaning the frame up, adding my personal touches...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_b6n8U29vp4/ULrFb6RCZ_I/AAAAAAAAOug/S0ESt3nvq0k/s1600/SAM_7899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_b6n8U29vp4/ULrFb6RCZ_I/AAAAAAAAOug/S0ESt3nvq0k/s640/SAM_7899.JPG" width="556" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It turned out damn well, if I do say so myself. A couple of rides later and it's just so much better than the Cove! More to come here, I'm sure.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1QqLXIzonU/ULq_ZZufgiI/AAAAAAAAOto/G-7QkWl7NYA/s1600/SAM_7823.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="528" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-V1QqLXIzonU/ULq_ZZufgiI/AAAAAAAAOto/G-7QkWl7NYA/s640/SAM_7823.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard's rocking Time ready for a good time around the Lake after a hard years riding and racing, including a stint on the fearsome cobbles of Flanders and Roubaix.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PR0RAEBr03g/ULrFZ5id_cI/AAAAAAAAOuY/NpfdlWA0Ydk/s1600/SAM_7835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="554" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PR0RAEBr03g/ULrFZ5id_cI/AAAAAAAAOuY/NpfdlWA0Ydk/s640/SAM_7835.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A very cool mini-musette given to me by Simon Kennett.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlmnW1faew8/ULrFdfiWGmI/AAAAAAAAOuo/P_LPCgfZKYY/s1600/SAM_7980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlmnW1faew8/ULrFdfiWGmI/AAAAAAAAOuo/P_LPCgfZKYY/s640/SAM_7980.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And my new favourite tool, a custom Crombie tool made by Jason at <a href="http://www.abbeybikeworks.com/" target="_blank">Abbey Bike Works</a> in the US. Now I never have to search for the correct freehub tool as it's two-in-one with a built in lever! Cheers, Jason!</td></tr>
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And I'll finish off with a video I took on a recent Bays ride. You didn't really think I haven't done any rides in the last few months, did you? I'll expound on them next time...until then, thanks for reading. Ride on, Oli<br />
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<br />Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-58699310780837201482012-10-24T18:57:00.003+13:002012-10-31T10:40:32.037+13:00A Fool and the Lance Armstrong LieHow do I feel?<br />
<br />
Foolish.<br />
<br />
Sad.<br />
<br />
Ashamed.<br />
<br />
Let down.<br />
<br />
Baffled.<br />
<br />
Like everything I thought I knew about cycling has been turned inside-out.<br />
<br />
Like I had a blind spot as big as the sun.<br />
<br />
How did I idolise this fraud, this bully, this drug-enabling sociopathic creep?<br />
<br />
How did I argue against all the evidence for so long?<br />
<br />
These are questions I don't know if I will ever be able to answer to my own satisfaction, but in a <a href="http://oli-roadworks.blogspot.com/2010/05/dopage-and-giro-dwelli.html" target="_blank">post I did a couple of years back</a> I argued strenuously that I believe in the presumption of innocence, and that until Lance Armstrong and his teammates were proven guilty I would continue to believe in them. The time has come to admit to myself (and anyone who may care what I think) that he and they have been proven guilty beyond any reasonable doubt.<br />
<br />
And that I was wrong. So very wrong.<br />
<br />
It's surprisingly difficult to let go of twenty years of being a huge fan, but the terrible preponderance of awful evidence has made it a lot easier to do so. Suffice it to say, my LA posters and memorabilia have been taken down and I will be very careful about choosing my heroes in future.<br />
<br />
I'd like to say that I'm sorry to any who I have offended with my foolishness, especially someone who probably doesn't give a shit what I think; Mike Anderson, a good man who was traduced and trampled by Armstrong's vindictive desire to crush anyone who spoke out against him, but who has risen above the slander and lies to make a good life bettering cycling right here in Wellington, and who didn't deserve being doubted by someone who clearly didn't know a thing about what he went through.<br />
<br />
Luckily when I ride my bike all such regrets and concerns evaporate in the fresh breeze of a Wellington spring day, and I hardly think about drugs at all...<br />
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Thanks for reading, OliOlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-46428765130960980952012-07-31T00:51:00.000+12:002012-07-31T00:53:56.813+12:00Short But Sweet<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7znzV9tjxDY/UBZqpUMe69I/AAAAAAAAOds/Sa4t_vMPMZg/s1600/SAM_6014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7znzV9tjxDY/UBZqpUMe69I/AAAAAAAAOds/Sa4t_vMPMZg/s640/SAM_6014.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dean caught me up as I was taking my first photo of the day...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3CcPuQkiUI/UBZth_AEO0I/AAAAAAAAOgg/u_eGUTwphWE/s1600/SAM_6016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t3CcPuQkiUI/UBZth_AEO0I/AAAAAAAAOgg/u_eGUTwphWE/s640/SAM_6016.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and led me on a merry dance. Note Dean's mint condition <a href="http://oli-roadworks.blogspot.com/2012/07/plying-my-trade.html" target="_blank">Nishiki Tri-A</a>, same as the one I modified for Jim.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7REGirN-m0/UBZqqrpc76I/AAAAAAAAOd0/f4g5hcAuo5Q/s1600/SAM_6024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R7REGirN-m0/UBZqqrpc76I/AAAAAAAAOd0/f4g5hcAuo5Q/s640/SAM_6024.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Life in the B-pore Ghetto, as the Popo visit our troublesome (ex-) neighbour. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQo7bCZybAc/UBZqsN_6pnI/AAAAAAAAOd8/KMezr1cpuQc/s1600/SAM_6025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="606" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dQo7bCZybAc/UBZqsN_6pnI/AAAAAAAAOd8/KMezr1cpuQc/s640/SAM_6025.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Hillbrick makes a nice change on occasion.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldYATHYKxbU/UBZqyFdzF5I/AAAAAAAAOeY/K3PjqSv_jxc/s1600/SAM_6057.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ldYATHYKxbU/UBZqyFdzF5I/AAAAAAAAOeY/K3PjqSv_jxc/s640/SAM_6057.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Building a nice wheel satisfies my soul.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eiElvCQ1AU/UBZq0mmPP9I/AAAAAAAAOeg/C8hf5CeeGh8/s1600/SAM_6078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--eiElvCQ1AU/UBZq0mmPP9I/AAAAAAAAOeg/C8hf5CeeGh8/s640/SAM_6078.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice to see my friend Glenn and his lovely Time again. Thanks for the Johnny Cash.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aonc7rTHJpg/UBZq4sk-KiI/AAAAAAAAOew/rY3zLR7E-IU/s1600/SAM_6090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aonc7rTHJpg/UBZq4sk-KiI/AAAAAAAAOew/rY3zLR7E-IU/s640/SAM_6090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best thing about working from home is Bodhi.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zTTWAO_0awA/UBZrBM4fvhI/AAAAAAAAOe4/8Gn7_DQgNfw/s1600/SAM_6097.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zTTWAO_0awA/UBZrBM4fvhI/AAAAAAAAOe4/8Gn7_DQgNfw/s640/SAM_6097.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Christmas present from the wonderful John Randal was finally used on a night in the Amora Hotel, which happened to coincide with the City Art Gallery launch of a book on Ian Athfield that features some work of my father Chris. What a lovely night...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XXep7QPD4w/UBZrERceknI/AAAAAAAAOfA/85YMtNmn0c8/s1600/SAM_6103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7XXep7QPD4w/UBZrERceknI/AAAAAAAAOfA/85YMtNmn0c8/s640/SAM_6103.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Casati was calling for a ride.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-5YZrCbJPg/UBZrF1HAmQI/AAAAAAAAOfI/P1OQTqI5dZ4/s1600/SAM_6104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d-5YZrCbJPg/UBZrF1HAmQI/AAAAAAAAOfI/P1OQTqI5dZ4/s640/SAM_6104.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like the 80s elegance of a Cinelli XA stem and Campione del Mondo handlebars.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdSjjXGwBis/UBZrHDQa7TI/AAAAAAAAOfQ/8FtGhDqTyFk/s1600/SAM_6105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kdSjjXGwBis/UBZrHDQa7TI/AAAAAAAAOfQ/8FtGhDqTyFk/s640/SAM_6105.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love my new armwarmers!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FghqwLDFYIc/UBZrKYZXPdI/AAAAAAAAOfY/qSAm8vW3LHg/s1600/SAM_6108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FghqwLDFYIc/UBZrKYZXPdI/AAAAAAAAOfY/qSAm8vW3LHg/s640/SAM_6108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A front whistling in from the southeast.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0P7iT7jAjgI/UBZrMrckfNI/AAAAAAAAOfg/ekBcchVPFpg/s1600/SAM_6111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0P7iT7jAjgI/UBZrMrckfNI/AAAAAAAAOfg/ekBcchVPFpg/s640/SAM_6111.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stories this old Super Record derailleur could tell.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1OpUqwXxCmY/UBZrOI8TrPI/AAAAAAAAOfo/2j0RL5a64go/s1600/SAM_6112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1OpUqwXxCmY/UBZrOI8TrPI/AAAAAAAAOfo/2j0RL5a64go/s640/SAM_6112.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trademark Casati tuning fork seatstays.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ns9IwE0VlLs/UBZ1fc8E_XI/AAAAAAAAOhA/_SKxoNfpXSU/s1600/SAM_6148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ns9IwE0VlLs/UBZ1fc8E_XI/AAAAAAAAOhA/_SKxoNfpXSU/s640/SAM_6148.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rebuilding an old 8-speed Record hub for my friend Jamie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76xJ-JYsz5Q/UBZ1gTJvy6I/AAAAAAAAOhI/U2uxGwY1FGA/s1600/SAM_6150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="514" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-76xJ-JYsz5Q/UBZ1gTJvy6I/AAAAAAAAOhI/U2uxGwY1FGA/s640/SAM_6150.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both hubs now rolling so smoothly it makes me happy in the way that only Campagnolo can.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iolVeqO-_QU/UBZ2k6WaZhI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/v4W_sUqhsqM/s1600/SAM_6048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iolVeqO-_QU/UBZ2k6WaZhI/AAAAAAAAOhQ/v4W_sUqhsqM/s640/SAM_6048.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cool pair of wheels: Miche RC2 hubs and Mavic Open Pro rims.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49nHg25175c/UBZ2n8IQRNI/AAAAAAAAOhY/Tke5dChi4X4/s1600/SAM_6120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-49nHg25175c/UBZ2n8IQRNI/AAAAAAAAOhY/Tke5dChi4X4/s640/SAM_6120.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mate Dave's wicked Santa Cruz Blur TR Carbon.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSmITAyNsRY/UBZ2pDHsIFI/AAAAAAAAOhg/BhORI24iiXs/s1600/SAM_6130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vSmITAyNsRY/UBZ2pDHsIFI/AAAAAAAAOhg/BhORI24iiXs/s640/SAM_6130.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Custom <a href="http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/" target="_blank">Rule V</a> headset cap.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bKf_ICOFJ1c/UBZ2vGWWHsI/AAAAAAAAOiI/aPguqC99trE/s1600/dh-jersey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="372" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bKf_ICOFJ1c/UBZ2vGWWHsI/AAAAAAAAOiI/aPguqC99trE/s640/dh-jersey.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanks to the surprising and humbling support shown by you all in the recent shipment of Roadworks kit, John Randal is helping me pull together a follow-up order to supply those who missed the bike the first time. To augment the jerseys, bib-shorts, arm warmers, warm-up jackets, caps and gilets we are doing skinsuits (ideal for CX, track and TT) and some baggy long-sleeved DH/trail tops. Thanks to Colin for the inspiration on the latter, and Warrant Officer Larkin for the skinsuit idea.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kF4G6s5X6gU/UBaBzNmLOYI/AAAAAAAAOio/e_w9L28SM_c/s1600/1024x1024_1313813423474103736_526395393.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kF4G6s5X6gU/UBaBzNmLOYI/AAAAAAAAOio/e_w9L28SM_c/s640/1024x1024_1313813423474103736_526395393.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He's coping without a skinsuit in this awesome photo, but when you're the reigning Holeshot King you need every advantage technology can provide to keep you at the top of the dirty pile.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGXL5McfjS8/UBZ2qCtutKI/AAAAAAAAOhk/Z1ht4YhySLQ/s1600/SAM_6143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TGXL5McfjS8/UBZ2qCtutKI/AAAAAAAAOhk/Z1ht4YhySLQ/s640/SAM_6143.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speaking of Paul, a package from him in Australia arrived out of the blue containing two slightly used Shwalbe Ultremo RS tubulars wrapped up in a <a href="http://www.fyxomatosis.com/index.php/blog/69-melburn-roobaix/1007-melburn-roobaix-2012-the-last-one-2" target="_blank">Fyxo Melburn-Roobaix</a> musette. Cheers, WO!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5PDLlhZFgA/UBZ2teANocI/AAAAAAAAOh4/37lwHYnhH38/s1600/SAM_6147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-g5PDLlhZFgA/UBZ2teANocI/AAAAAAAAOh4/37lwHYnhH38/s640/SAM_6147.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tubs went straight where they were needed, urgently replacing two venerable but perished and dangerous old tyres on my Shamals.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3e7-D_n3qRE/UBZ2ryi0sjI/AAAAAAAAOhw/Yjnq2MmIoh8/s1600/SAM_6144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3e7-D_n3qRE/UBZ2ryi0sjI/AAAAAAAAOhw/Yjnq2MmIoh8/s640/SAM_6144.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I don't think the modern tyres detract too much from the look of my Bianchi TSX-UL, do you?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ne_T_lfu5_w/UBZ2uZ3g5uI/AAAAAAAAOiA/tRbmXcKXaeQ/s1600/SAM_6152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="508" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ne_T_lfu5_w/UBZ2uZ3g5uI/AAAAAAAAOiA/tRbmXcKXaeQ/s640/SAM_6152.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And on that note, thanks for reading and cheers until next time. </td></tr>
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<br />Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-68429553511985172332012-07-08T23:46:00.001+12:002012-07-10T00:03:40.055+12:00Trooping The Colours<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoDik752094/T_kCiocyHDI/AAAAAAAAOVQ/S05qRDWtlz8/s1600/193909_10150157457123035_224451888034_8181659_655437_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NoDik752094/T_kCiocyHDI/AAAAAAAAOVQ/S05qRDWtlz8/s640/193909_10150157457123035_224451888034_8181659_655437_o.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Il Commendatore</td></tr>
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<br />
As you may be aware, I've recently done a big run of Roadworks kit thanks to the incredible work of Deputy John Randal. I wanted to publicly thank John again, as well as the good folk at Ultimo who made the gear and gave great service the whole way through the process. Most importantly I want to thank all of you who like the kit enough to actually lay out your hard-earned coin and wear some. It was very proud-making and humbling to see who and where the orders came from, and I hope to see you out there rocking the kit on the roads or trails, photos of you wearing it in your far-flung locales, or perhaps even stopping by to visit me at the shop. Thanks so much for your fantastic support, it means a great deal more than I can say.<br />
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When I first set up Roadworks in the old Holloway Road garage it wasn't long at all before people were asking me if I'd do some kit, and I must admit it didn't seem quite right for me to still be wearing my beloved <a href="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/hg/cycleservices.htm" target="_blank">Cycle Services</a> kit two years after we shut the doors on the infamous purple and green Cuba Street shop.
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Having helped Wheels and Henry in the designing of that final iteration of the Mighty Purpleness I felt reasonably confident I could come up with something without recourse to professional assistance, so I sat down with my pencils and pens to figure out what I'd like to wear. I knew I wanted to pay small homage to my love of things Italian, so the Italian stripes that already surrounded my logo were always going to end up on the cuffs and collars, but what was the rest going to look like? At the time - around 2002 - the Bonjour team of Thomas Voeckler had what I thought was a pretty sharp strip, and I wanted to tip my casquette at the French too, so I pretty much started from there.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKLmr5p3rqE/T_kHh2CnEYI/AAAAAAAAOVc/RZNMI8bQf8M/s1600/Thomas_VOECKLER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QKLmr5p3rqE/T_kHh2CnEYI/AAAAAAAAOVc/RZNMI8bQf8M/s640/Thomas_VOECKLER.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
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Here are my first sketches, which were already pretty close to how the jersey turned out even though the colours have long faded and the details were still obviously being worked out.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaq1SbZ2JJM/T_kKQVCPANI/AAAAAAAAOVo/4ORMWvDY8B8/s1600/SAM_5948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zaq1SbZ2JJM/T_kKQVCPANI/AAAAAAAAOVo/4ORMWvDY8B8/s640/SAM_5948.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not being very able on a computer or having any access to scanning technology meant I had to find the logos I wished to use and send them to Cima (as they were called before Ultimo took them over) in hard copy for them to somehow transcribe - this is most evident in my URL on the jerseys, which I wanted to be close to the Bonjour ones in feel, and is to this day exactly as I drew it with Vivid marker pens for Cima to scan!
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAB6xKDerf4/T_kRzqFPeUI/AAAAAAAAOWU/eXwrjqov6FY/s1600/oli+web+address+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iAB6xKDerf4/T_kRzqFPeUI/AAAAAAAAOWU/eXwrjqov6FY/s640/oli+web+address+copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Using the Havana logo was essential, as my close friends Geoff and Tim were already looking after me with as much free coffee as I could drink, along with t-shirts for the all the family once or twice a year. In return I look after their bicycles and try and spread their good word far and wide.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLjmmqBdlww/T_kQnJZUlxI/AAAAAAAAOWM/hCNSdd90pFg/s1600/havana-hq-slide-47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gLjmmqBdlww/T_kQnJZUlxI/AAAAAAAAOWM/hCNSdd90pFg/s640/havana-hq-slide-47.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Being an avowed Campyphile, I wanted to put the Campagnolo logo somewhere on the jersey. To hopefully avoid any unpleasantness I opted to use a long out-of-date logo that used to be ubiquitous on Campag-equipped machines on the '70s. I figured the jersey was essentially for me, but that any Shimano or Sram users would at least not mind me plugging the Old Masters even if it wasn't their choice of componentry.
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So once the poor folk at Cima had figured all this out they sent me a printing sample/mock-up to approve, which I promptly did.
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4qLmo3USRM/T_kb6LBT8GI/AAAAAAAAOWo/7h0ipNuPbz8/s1600/SAM_6061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="446" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R4qLmo3USRM/T_kb6LBT8GI/AAAAAAAAOWo/7h0ipNuPbz8/s640/SAM_6061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Before long a box of kit turned up that was distributed around only a faithful few at that stage, but I was proud to see my name emblazoned on the bodies of some of my favourite people. Afraid I haven't got too many photos of that era - again, my computer literacy was sorely lacking at that stage - but I'm proud to say that great guys like John Randal, Dave Hicks, Martin Lewington, Mark Wright and Richard Tait were among the first to fly the colours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnLw9VIDBog/T_kd3EkPu2I/AAAAAAAAOXI/Tj7Ool99jB4/s1600/dsc02173.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DnLw9VIDBog/T_kd3EkPu2I/AAAAAAAAOXI/Tj7Ool99jB4/s640/dsc02173.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Randal, whose results and adventures are too numerous to mention, but always inspire<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R7tLq3mRZHo/T_kdxM2Is-I/AAAAAAAAOWw/EVFyifdfIqI/s1600/MartinL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-R7tLq3mRZHo/T_kdxM2Is-I/AAAAAAAAOWw/EVFyifdfIqI/s640/MartinL.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Martin Lewington<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssFHfXiVNUQ/T_kdzInStEI/AAAAAAAAOW4/DV9aqRs0QbE/s1600/PegorettiRichardTait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ssFHfXiVNUQ/T_kdzInStEI/AAAAAAAAOW4/DV9aqRs0QbE/s640/PegorettiRichardTait.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Richard Tait (r) with Italian framebuilder extraordinaire Dario Pegoretti<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3wt4bTqR7U/T_kd1CxIIEI/AAAAAAAAOXA/rEIRWa8X5pw/s1600/Rage+Epic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3wt4bTqR7U/T_kd1CxIIEI/AAAAAAAAOXA/rEIRWa8X5pw/s640/Rage+Epic.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark Wright</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4MK5bW_Bdo/T_kgK-uUurI/AAAAAAAAOXQ/RiiLN1H5-3Y/s1600/DaveHicksSS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s4MK5bW_Bdo/T_kgK-uUurI/AAAAAAAAOXQ/RiiLN1H5-3Y/s640/DaveHicksSS.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave Hicks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div>
The next lot of jerseys went to a new wave of riders, which included two guys in particular who would go on to become not just pivotal Roadworks riders, but two of my very best friends; Paul Larkin, and then Tim Wilding. Paul came to me for a bike fit on the recommendation of my friends Nic and Karl and we hit it off immediately, and he would go on to also pull Tim into the fold a year or so later. In those early days Tim was fully sponsored and couldn't wear my kit, but we nonetheless also struck up a great working relationship and friendship - a friendship that has carried the three of us in various combinations through many fun adventures. That led him to eventually share my jersey race to race with that of his other main supporter, Mike Stylianou, the NZ distributor of Santa Cruz and Ibis bikes. While many riders in the Colours have ridden to wins and podiums in varied events far and wide, Tim is definitely my Pro-Elite star with victories in the Karapoti, X-Terra, NZ and Australian Singlepeed Championships, NZ National Hillclimb titles, etc., etc. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pN4ulreb1g/T_kpS5KlM1I/AAAAAAAAOYE/NafBH_cOt9U/s1600/TimW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3pN4ulreb1g/T_kpS5KlM1I/AAAAAAAAOYE/NafBH_cOt9U/s640/TimW.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim Wilding</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfenP_kxKmw/T_kqG7IXFKI/AAAAAAAAOYU/tRFPbI13d50/s1600/teschner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NfenP_kxKmw/T_kqG7IXFKI/AAAAAAAAOYU/tRFPbI13d50/s640/teschner.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Larkin (in my short-lived actual shop!) </td></tr>
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It goes without saying that I was wearing the kit from the start (Hello-o, have you not <i>seen</i> my relentless self-portraiture?), but also I made sure my family got tooled up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nl6ORVz3AcU/T_ksMQOCMPI/AAAAAAAAOYc/Od1whJwir9U/s1600/2004karipoti_start.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nl6ORVz3AcU/T_ksMQOCMPI/AAAAAAAAOYc/Od1whJwir9U/s640/2004karipoti_start.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me racing the Karapoti Classic in 2004<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTRrDs5lvNA/T_ksNcbhLqI/AAAAAAAAOYk/VfYpE0G-s6U/s1600/2004team_roadworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jTRrDs5lvNA/T_ksNcbhLqI/AAAAAAAAOYk/VfYpE0G-s6U/s640/2004team_roadworks.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me post-Karapoti with Harry (left) and Kester in 2004</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-154kXrDStTs/T_kpOSuEY7I/AAAAAAAAOXs/H0B-BzdVrh4/s1600/386395_10150609089313146_809658145_12485913_432794414_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="456" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-154kXrDStTs/T_kpOSuEY7I/AAAAAAAAOXs/H0B-BzdVrh4/s640/386395_10150609089313146_809658145_12485913_432794414_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My eldest son Kester and I racing the Makara Peak Relay<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrRD-PgKweY/T_kuIKfxN1I/AAAAAAAAOY0/Hajl-18HypA/s1600/2006Bodhi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FrRD-PgKweY/T_kuIKfxN1I/AAAAAAAAOY0/Hajl-18HypA/s640/2006Bodhi.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">By 2006 the youngest BW was also RW, although in his own custom Kirby kit<br />
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lk81CTpTtdk/T_kpPrJUlEI/AAAAAAAAOX0/dbs5Z1tmNBQ/s1600/Jacq2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lk81CTpTtdk/T_kpPrJUlEI/AAAAAAAAOX0/dbs5Z1tmNBQ/s640/Jacq2.jpg" width="474" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My darling wife, Jacq<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ci5BJGp_is/T_ksP4P9qAI/AAAAAAAAOYs/6EynZcslzLY/s1600/2005karipoti_alex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4Ci5BJGp_is/T_ksP4P9qAI/AAAAAAAAOYs/6EynZcslzLY/s640/2005karipoti_alex.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My good buddy Alex "The Instigator" Tashkoff racing Karapoti in 2005<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaQN0xYWf9Y/T_kpQWbMvqI/AAAAAAAAOX8/1MEzwInog3A/s1600/JohnandKatyTrailerbike.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EaQN0xYWf9Y/T_kpQWbMvqI/AAAAAAAAOX8/1MEzwInog3A/s640/JohnandKatyTrailerbike.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another shot of John, this one with his beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn<br />
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</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XStsFDtJEPw/T_lLFM0QGAI/AAAAAAAAObY/rhk0wTrbYT8/s1600/332644_10150277893106398_1227300984_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XStsFDtJEPw/T_lLFM0QGAI/AAAAAAAAObY/rhk0wTrbYT8/s640/332644_10150277893106398_1227300984_o.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And here's one of my favourite photos of the kit ever. Katy in race mode</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As Roadworks lurched from success to failure, from crisis to drama, from premises to cave to workshop, I still somehow managed to do enough work to keep people interested in supporting me. I didn't do many runs of clothing, but Ultimo helped me out with a few small orders over the years. Sadly I don't have photos of all those who raced or rode in the jersey, but here are a few more of the cool cats I'm lucky enough to have known and/or worked with over the years.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uI_AlF6Efkw/T_owdBGIG4I/AAAAAAAAOdA/Jar01-t3Wew/s1600/2009+Half.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uI_AlF6Efkw/T_owdBGIG4I/AAAAAAAAOdA/Jar01-t3Wew/s640/2009+Half.jpg" width="454" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My great friend (and ex-boss) Henry Chlebowicz racing the 2009 Taupo Half Ironman</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcC6n-YKJ8Y/T_kpVltKz_I/AAAAAAAAOYM/uHEadJw6PXg/s1600/cp20x30-CWKZ0239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pcC6n-YKJ8Y/T_kpVltKz_I/AAAAAAAAOYM/uHEadJw6PXg/s640/cp20x30-CWKZ0239.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daryl Bloomfield</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGFwhyqxnro/T_kypj8fDGI/AAAAAAAAOZA/aQ0Ld8QSpMg/s1600/229739_151242841623298_100002127508591_308086_5588312_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IGFwhyqxnro/T_kypj8fDGI/AAAAAAAAOZA/aQ0Ld8QSpMg/s640/229739_151242841623298_100002127508591_308086_5588312_n.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grant Perry<br />
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYbJreaSzoA/T_kyq46ek9I/AAAAAAAAOZI/ieoLIQHovdo/s1600/DSC_0023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HYbJreaSzoA/T_kyq46ek9I/AAAAAAAAOZI/ieoLIQHovdo/s640/DSC_0023.jpg" width="466" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peter Moore<br />
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PC3FytDaSow/T_kyry_0iSI/AAAAAAAAOZQ/xHxSWpl2qMU/s1600/Daniel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PC3FytDaSow/T_kyry_0iSI/AAAAAAAAOZQ/xHxSWpl2qMU/s640/Daniel.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daniel Coe<br />
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n49LjI2QzfY/T_kysrTTYGI/AAAAAAAAOZY/fGI6fx9RBIc/s1600/DaveWW.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n49LjI2QzfY/T_kysrTTYGI/AAAAAAAAOZY/fGI6fx9RBIc/s640/DaveWW.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dave Livesey<br />
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</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVENyNnCd3k/T_kytm4KKUI/AAAAAAAAOZg/mCz9Qk0yGI0/s1600/ben.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sVENyNnCd3k/T_kytm4KKUI/AAAAAAAAOZg/mCz9Qk0yGI0/s640/ben.JPG" width="508" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Wilde<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ch9ZW9hZqeI/T_kzWZ6O7dI/AAAAAAAAOZo/sIV1wTY6UMM/s1600/JoelThumbsup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ch9ZW9hZqeI/T_kzWZ6O7dI/AAAAAAAAOZo/sIV1wTY6UMM/s640/JoelThumbsup.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joel Healy<br />
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<div>
The jersey has been spied in all sorts of places...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUukM3TIG0A/T_lfCEDa3MI/AAAAAAAAOcU/aQcoCBCe-K4/s1600/image-upload-44-717387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mUukM3TIG0A/T_lfCEDa3MI/AAAAAAAAOcU/aQcoCBCe-K4/s640/image-upload-44-717387.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hanging on the wall of fame in legendary Rotorua bike shop Bike Vegas</td></tr>
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<div>
<br />
Even though it wasn't actually my jersey, I was very proud to have my logo on the shoulders of John and Megan Dimozantos when they raced the fearsome <a href="http://sifter-writes-bikes.blogspot.co.nz/2012/04/2012-absa-cape-epic.html">Cape Epic</a> in South Africa earlier this year.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9r-EmwSD6DQ/T_k3TwIzM0I/AAAAAAAAOZ0/putydKLvptE/s1600/556492_10150642390004531_633059530_9444443_669386910_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9r-EmwSD6DQ/T_k3TwIzM0I/AAAAAAAAOZ0/putydKLvptE/s640/556492_10150642390004531_633059530_9444443_669386910_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I always look forward to Paul's latest cyclo-cross exploits in Australia, and he's sure had a few...<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-js8wjrYXlfQ/T_k_V6mPH-I/AAAAAAAAOaA/jDFb9msAT-g/s1600/ce-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-js8wjrYXlfQ/T_k_V6mPH-I/AAAAAAAAOaA/jDFb9msAT-g/s640/ce-1.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul up to Dirty Deeds</td></tr>
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<div>
<br />
When I did the last order of clothing from Ultimo a few years ago, I ordered myself some special kit in black that I dubbed the "Il Commendatore" gear. This was done to give myself a bit of a morale boost, as well as for the slimming effect of black on a portly gent. At first I felt good about being the only one wearing this unique strip, but it wasn't long before I realised I'd like to widen the scope a tiny bit to include just a few others. The first non-Oli to wear the newly renamed Black Ops jersey was my dear friend John. Ever since Cycle Services days John has been a great friend to me, extending to so many kind acts of friendship I choke up when I think of them. Whether things go well or bad for me or my family he is always among the first to reach out emotionally, supportively and, on occasion, even financially, and as I seem unable to reciprocate in such tangible ways I gave him my spare jersey. Oddly it fitted him a lot better than it fitted me - that will teach me for being over-optimistic about potential weight loss!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjgWLoOkv5g/T_lB4sStvpI/AAAAAAAAOaQ/l_8nNs-6k0I/s1600/20x30-LTEA0034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjgWLoOkv5g/T_lB4sStvpI/AAAAAAAAOaQ/l_8nNs-6k0I/s640/20x30-LTEA0034.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John racing with the Big Guns on lap two of his Taupo Enduro ride last year</td></tr>
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Once John had a Black Ops jersey the clamour for more really began - it got so that I was feeling so much pressure to black folk up I almost flagged doing any more clothing just to avoid the issue! In the end, I decided that I still had a couple more guys I wanted to hook up and that everyone else would just have to deal with not making the cut. For those of you who do feel they have missed out, I'm truly sorry. There are many people who I could have (perhaps even should have) added to the list, but the wider the net the more chance of missing someone out, and then it would get into the territory of choosing one over another or just letting everyone have one, in which case the Black Ops would be just another jersey and I didn't want that. This small gesture is a small way for me to thank these two guys who, like John, have done so much more for me over the last decade than I can ever say publicly. If it's any consolation, away from the meaning behind the blackness I actually prefer the blue jersey, which is still the beloved original Colours I envisaged ten years ago, and it's the jersey I generally reach for first when I'm heading out for a ride. Once John had offered to help we put the call out and to our delight and amazement the orders flooded in and we put in the order, including the new gilets, caps and armwarmers, along with warm-up jackets for a lucky few...<br />
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The two riders who would join John and I in the Elite Black Ops Squad are Paul and Tim, and I know and they know exactly why this is so.
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1pt1-dDAm4/T_lFCmtsTRI/AAAAAAAAOag/4EW-nkXyJlk/s1600/MelburnRoobaix2012_142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M1pt1-dDAm4/T_lFCmtsTRI/AAAAAAAAOag/4EW-nkXyJlk/s640/MelburnRoobaix2012_142.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Ops Warrant Officer Paul Larkin (shot taken from Fyxomatosis Melburn-Roobaix photoset)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tim enjoying hitting up the infamous rockgarden at the Oceania Championships in Rotorua</td></tr>
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The two shots above were taken after the clothing was organised by John and while I was in the terrible throes of The Interregnum. Thanks to Ultimo this large pile of goodness very soon arrived and John sorted, mailed out (to those overseas or out of town), and then literally hand delivered to all but a few of the Wellington orderers the day before he took Kaitlyn to London to visit his sister! Above and beyond, bro, above and beyond. Grateful thanks also go to the lovely Jo Goudie for delivering the remainder.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kit destined for all parts of NZ, as well as Australia, the Netherlands, Italy, UK and the US.</td></tr>
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So now the photos are trickling in of riders wearing the kit and riding the gear all over the show. I'm keen as to see (and blog) more, so send 'em in please! Here are a couple to get the ball rolling...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vgL_s-32T0/T_lJpRblQVI/AAAAAAAAOa4/H6PBEweW9TA/s1600/392381_10150180715319945_798562492_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8vgL_s-32T0/T_lJpRblQVI/AAAAAAAAOa4/H6PBEweW9TA/s640/392381_10150180715319945_798562492_n.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owen riding up a Wellington hill in his new jersey and his fetching striped armwarmers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUMcRI_tL7c/T_lJtZnKoOI/AAAAAAAAObQ/9wQ9ZA71-As/s1600/Roadworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="564" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HUMcRI_tL7c/T_lJtZnKoOI/AAAAAAAAObQ/9wQ9ZA71-As/s640/Roadworks.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian National U15 Sprint Champion Tahlay Christie in action in Western Australia</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHHNEyNZIK4/T_lJqTlk-5I/AAAAAAAAObA/wJfpRx8-X3o/s1600/411704_10150868311211398_1491854495_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CHHNEyNZIK4/T_lJqTlk-5I/AAAAAAAAObA/wJfpRx8-X3o/s640/411704_10150868311211398_1491854495_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Randal out for a ride around London...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7tRQYiM11Y/T_lTuPOjqWI/AAAAAAAAObs/hAziCmbPDXE/s1600/174913_10150285664126398_585191397_8003173_1270414634_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v7tRQYiM11Y/T_lTuPOjqWI/AAAAAAAAObs/hAziCmbPDXE/s640/174913_10150285664126398_585191397_8003173_1270414634_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and shralving some good old Kiwi trails </td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2s8KaS048T8/T_lFBrYv-sI/AAAAAAAAOac/AZFyOJibs-M/s1600/IMG_0096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2s8KaS048T8/T_lFBrYv-sI/AAAAAAAAOac/AZFyOJibs-M/s640/IMG_0096.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Ops rider Tim Wilding giving cyclo-cross a nudge on my monster-cross bike</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUqKGBbPn98/T_lTvL7SVNI/AAAAAAAAOb0/eZXp8jaPDuw/s1600/179559_10151902115430331_1646279004_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AUqKGBbPn98/T_lTvL7SVNI/AAAAAAAAOb0/eZXp8jaPDuw/s640/179559_10151902115430331_1646279004_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Australian-based WO Larkin holds court to an adoring crowd at the Melburn Roobaix...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcuGlBXw3xg/T_lJrjY41rI/AAAAAAAAObI/VkzcCdcie7k/s1600/LarkinBlackOps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PcuGlBXw3xg/T_lJrjY41rI/AAAAAAAAObI/VkzcCdcie7k/s640/LarkinBlackOps.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> ...and Paul steams the gnar on Rata Ridge during a recent hop over the ditch<br />
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So that's the Trooping of the Colours. Of course I've not mentioned heaps of names I should have, and I've barely scratched the surface of the tales of derring-do that have been created in the Roadworks strip, but hopefully the gist of it is there. I hope you enjoyed it, and keep your eyes on the blog if you're keen to grab some yourself - we'll be doing a follow-up order fairly soon, and any requests will be most welcome. Just not in black.</div>
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Until then, thanks for reading and thanks again to all who wear The Colours for the great support. </div>
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Cheers, Oli<br />
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<br /></div>Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-89881518999678775542012-07-01T18:20:00.000+12:002012-07-09T01:23:29.714+12:00Plying My Trade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Well the new workshop is up and running, and I'm starting to get back on top of the work again. It feels so good to be once more working on bicycles after yet another Dark Time in the chequered history of Roadworks. The evolution of the space could be a blog on its own, but I'll let a <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/24439014@N05/sets/72157630363887574/show/" target="_blank">slideshow</a> take care of that instead...suffice to say it's been a long, tough but also often fun process that I'm glad is now (almost...) at an end! The main purpose, of course, was to enable me to get back to twirling my spanners, and in that I've been successful.<br />
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An unexpected byproduct of all this has been the at times harrowing work of sorting out all the materiel I've accumulated, and working out what I can keep and what needs to go. I've already moaned about throwing stuff away, but it's also been great fun rediscovering some of the random stuff I've squirreled away over the years.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpMo8Xz8Z8c/T--_SqsmwiI/AAAAAAAAOOs/uIn7N5CgaZg/s1600/SAM_5892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpMo8Xz8Z8c/T--_SqsmwiI/AAAAAAAAOOs/uIn7N5CgaZg/s640/SAM_5892.jpg" width="540" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My magazine collection after the cull.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A July 1998 edition of L'Equipe souvenired on my behalf from the Tour de France.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sh4ZHJyajs0/T-_ByvWeOoI/AAAAAAAAOPE/I-bCeYjYxRc/s1600/SAM_5950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="531" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sh4ZHJyajs0/T-_ByvWeOoI/AAAAAAAAOPE/I-bCeYjYxRc/s640/SAM_5950.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A rad NOS pair of Diadora booties, sadly way too small for me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf05l8DRSfE/T-_B0LmU3qI/AAAAAAAAOPM/dbXLM7BlPV0/s1600/SAM_5990.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zf05l8DRSfE/T-_B0LmU3qI/AAAAAAAAOPM/dbXLM7BlPV0/s640/SAM_5990.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few jerseys are missing the old Wall of Fame.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some wheels that need sorting out.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some crisp 28h SunTour Superbe Pro hubs rescued from the pile.<br />
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Part of the reason I have so much old kit to handle is because I have over many years willingly become a repository for such bicycular detritus. This recently culminated in scoring this excellent condition Nishiki Tri-A that was sold to Steve in about 1986 or '87 by the Bicycle Village. He couldn't recall which one of us actually sold it to him, but it was always slightly too big for him so I'll unfairly blame Roland (RIP); "What size is it?" "<i>Your</i> size." Steve is moving to the Big Smoke so this rarely ridden machine was surplus to requirements and he hunted me down to take it off his hands. I almost said no, but I'm really glad I didn't. Thanks, Steve!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The aero levers, handlebar tape and Look Carbon pedals are the only changes from original spec on this early triathlon marketed machine.<br />
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After racking my brains as to a good home for it I offered it to my best friend Jim, to replace the endless succession of police auction shitters he has been attempting to commute on. He was delighted but stipulated flat bars, so flat bars is what I gave him. I think it turned it out grouse, and I'm very happy it's gone to a good home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fW9ZlKZmyc8/T-_LvTmWg2I/AAAAAAAAOQc/2OdQ1lp1Tjg/s1600/SAM_5989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fW9ZlKZmyc8/T-_LvTmWg2I/AAAAAAAAOQc/2OdQ1lp1Tjg/s640/SAM_5989.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Nitto wedge-clamp stem, some old Marin flat bars with ODI grips and a pair of Altus brake levers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIGKPUFocyw/T-_Lp2pAV1I/AAAAAAAAOQE/guCzlsXhRb8/s1600/SAM_5985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iIGKPUFocyw/T-_Lp2pAV1I/AAAAAAAAOQE/guCzlsXhRb8/s640/SAM_5985.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tange 1 tubing. I absolutely love the chromed seat-stay caps.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2atn-Aiq4I/T-_LrcleADI/AAAAAAAAOQM/FECVm4A_HVU/s1600/SAM_5987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Q2atn-Aiq4I/T-_LrcleADI/AAAAAAAAOQM/FECVm4A_HVU/s640/SAM_5987.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In fact all the detailing of this frame impress me.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rr0qb1YGdPo/T-_LtVXBfKI/AAAAAAAAOQU/x_v2fepdm2Y/s1600/SAM_5988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rr0qb1YGdPo/T-_LtVXBfKI/AAAAAAAAOQU/x_v2fepdm2Y/s640/SAM_5988.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Obviously Mr Kawamura cared deeply about the quality of the frames he built.</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tv8GcTkrxE8/T-_LnxXJkgI/AAAAAAAAOP8/C4eqa3wqcOk/s1600/SAM_5984.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tv8GcTkrxE8/T-_LnxXJkgI/AAAAAAAAOP8/C4eqa3wqcOk/s640/SAM_5984.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jim's new commuter weapon.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
<br />
One thing I rediscovered during the Interregnum is that I'm definitely happiest when I'm working, so it's been so satisfying to get stuck back into it. I'm blessed with many patient (long-suffering?) friends who humble me by patiently waiting for me to sort my shit out until I can get to their work, and I promise I am trying to get around everybody as quick as I can. The facts are though that I have my perpetual time constraints added to dramatically reduced space for storing pending work to deal with, so I have to beg your further indulgence as I attempt to find the balance...<br />
<br />
Working from home was already something I did from time time, but usually not more than building the odd wheel in front of the telly.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMPd0w8o2rw/T-_IxlP-6iI/AAAAAAAAOPg/m_6e6KoekII/s1600/SAM_5851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EMPd0w8o2rw/T-_IxlP-6iI/AAAAAAAAOPg/m_6e6KoekII/s640/SAM_5851.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bob's Burgers is my new favourite cartoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uku3I4SkwrE/T-_IzJ0QjCI/AAAAAAAAOPo/cJy23IhFtqo/s1600/SAM_5900.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uku3I4SkwrE/T-_IzJ0QjCI/AAAAAAAAOPo/cJy23IhFtqo/s640/SAM_5900.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The above wheel in situ along with it's partner on Jonty's wicked new Ritchey SwissCross CX rig.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div>
But, despite enjoying working in my pyjamas in the bosom of my family, there's definitely something fundamentally important about actually going off to work, and last week I was finally able to do just that so I packed up my lunch pail and set off down the path. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fmrCNoV-a3k/T-_PlDqp7QI/AAAAAAAAOQo/wZD6zcQ-rBo/s1600/SAM_5924.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fmrCNoV-a3k/T-_PlDqp7QI/AAAAAAAAOQo/wZD6zcQ-rBo/s640/SAM_5924.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At this stage I still haven't hung the tools.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUsLU--M1y4/T-_Pmx0DTzI/AAAAAAAAOQw/dfE3xzgbSlk/s1600/SAM_5925.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sUsLU--M1y4/T-_Pmx0DTzI/AAAAAAAAOQw/dfE3xzgbSlk/s640/SAM_5925.JPG" width="516" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A favourite pose reborn.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T89fZ8I_4HM/T-_PpWf9kRI/AAAAAAAAOQ4/5oPNMAGNhp8/s1600/SAM_5928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="513" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T89fZ8I_4HM/T-_PpWf9kRI/AAAAAAAAOQ4/5oPNMAGNhp8/s640/SAM_5928.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slip out for a short ride, you say? Why, I don't mind if I do!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAz5weEr_BQ/T-_peQO_wSI/AAAAAAAAOVE/MOyjmWnD25o/s1600/SAM_6046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="537" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GAz5weEr_BQ/T-_peQO_wSI/AAAAAAAAOVE/MOyjmWnD25o/s640/SAM_6046.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Tuesday night's worth of building, with truing and tensioning to come.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sxRJMQP4to/T-_PrytMPwI/AAAAAAAAORA/PZzz03BTJQc/s1600/SAM_5935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3sxRJMQP4to/T-_PrytMPwI/AAAAAAAAORA/PZzz03BTJQc/s640/SAM_5935.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churning them out now!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite all my promises to myself, it's never as easy as just getting out for a ride. From 3-4 rides a week for a shining moment there I'm back down to one ninety minute outing a week, or two if I'm lucky. However, the 4th of June was my 49th birthday and traditionally I <i>have</i> to ride on my birthday, so I dressed up warm and headed out on a 49km outing around Wellington on a frigid but fine day.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfHTjRaPp2A/T-_Ptt41BvI/AAAAAAAAORI/mhkOivZiR-Q/s1600/SAM_5937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zfHTjRaPp2A/T-_Ptt41BvI/AAAAAAAAORI/mhkOivZiR-Q/s640/SAM_5937.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The waterfront is poetry on an empty weekday.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucB7iVUBrOg/T-_PvpaiUrI/AAAAAAAAORQ/zA7R7nzCVlk/s1600/SAM_5939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ucB7iVUBrOg/T-_PvpaiUrI/AAAAAAAAORQ/zA7R7nzCVlk/s640/SAM_5939.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's good to stop and watch the waves break over the rocks.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujje8dnJM2c/T-_Px1WT-pI/AAAAAAAAORY/g4Ot53J5cnU/s1600/SAM_5940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="467" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ujje8dnJM2c/T-_Px1WT-pI/AAAAAAAAORY/g4Ot53J5cnU/s640/SAM_5940.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hillbrick is no Bianchi or Benson, but it's a nice ride nonetheless.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuaARozWSqM/T-_P4uFxn4I/AAAAAAAAORg/wuK1VNz_6P8/s1600/SAM_5942.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PuaARozWSqM/T-_P4uFxn4I/AAAAAAAAORg/wuK1VNz_6P8/s640/SAM_5942.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pirates!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Joo7iL3yO88/T-_P6mdwWOI/AAAAAAAAORo/9SsJVPGz66w/s1600/SAM_5943.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Joo7iL3yO88/T-_P6mdwWOI/AAAAAAAAORo/9SsJVPGz66w/s640/SAM_5943.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light and shadows contouring the contours.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
My birthday ended with a glass of wine and a partial eclipse of the Moon, which I managed to expertly capture in this crystal-clear image...<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NVWZEN8fgw/T-_THl74wHI/AAAAAAAAOR0/pkgEO8rFgfU/s1600/SAM_5947.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="488" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0NVWZEN8fgw/T-_THl74wHI/AAAAAAAAOR0/pkgEO8rFgfU/s640/SAM_5947.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
My friend Chris scored this cool Colnago CT-1 Lux Titanio frameset off another friend and gave it to me to build up.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVsWOyTFXnw/T-_UHoL1BCI/AAAAAAAAOR8/lhnIRRCS3sc/s1600/SAM_5951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yVsWOyTFXnw/T-_UHoL1BCI/AAAAAAAAOR8/lhnIRRCS3sc/s640/SAM_5951.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The frame after cleaning and prepping.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pc2NdKeRHPQ/T-_UJahq3nI/AAAAAAAAOSE/gsJ6IdMheck/s1600/SAM_5955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="492" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pc2NdKeRHPQ/T-_UJahq3nI/AAAAAAAAOSE/gsJ6IdMheck/s640/SAM_5955.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And ready to race. This fine steed has already carried CJ to his first win after coming back from a nasty elbow injury.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As astute observers of this here blog what you is reading will be aware, my dear friend John Randal has just organised a massive order of Roadworks kit for worldwide distribution. I will expand on this at length in an upcoming blog, but until then I would like to profusely John again, as well as thanking all of you who supported me through grabbing some of the clothing. I have been feeling the love, and it truly helped my morale. To celebrate I took my new Black Ops kit out for a pleasant whirl one day. The inspiration for the name of my business was in full evidence on this small Bays ride...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Up5e6hvnnU/T-_UM5Wg6RI/AAAAAAAAOSM/N-KQniY5g1c/s1600/SAM_5962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Up5e6hvnnU/T-_UM5Wg6RI/AAAAAAAAOSM/N-KQniY5g1c/s640/SAM_5962.JPG" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loving the Black Ops kit so much I wore my gilet underneath it instead of over it!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_xAouqMPCw/T-_UOu1GfkI/AAAAAAAAOSU/8-y9eamZHkA/s1600/SAM_5963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-X_xAouqMPCw/T-_UOu1GfkI/AAAAAAAAOSU/8-y9eamZHkA/s640/SAM_5963.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the third lot of roadworks between home and Tarakena Bay.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5DRwo5MTFA/T-_UQwR1XZI/AAAAAAAAOSc/Mx4y519Ta-E/s1600/SAM_5971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w5DRwo5MTFA/T-_UQwR1XZI/AAAAAAAAOSc/Mx4y519Ta-E/s640/SAM_5971.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best parts of a ride are often the stops. The day was warm in the sunlight, but chilly in the shadows. Not a breath of wind either...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1jWUE7PvAc/T-_UShU3CtI/AAAAAAAAOSk/NLNNWtA5Pt4/s1600/SAM_5973.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-a1jWUE7PvAc/T-_UShU3CtI/AAAAAAAAOSk/NLNNWtA5Pt4/s640/SAM_5973.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uh oh, here it comes. Suddenly there's a stiff southerly breeze ablowin' as the presager of a cold front scythes overhead.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIt93nZQlC4/T-_UUinMjqI/AAAAAAAAOSs/YuGHBaEzc2U/s1600/SAM_5974.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIt93nZQlC4/T-_UUinMjqI/AAAAAAAAOSs/YuGHBaEzc2U/s640/SAM_5974.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vinyl Slut HQ.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxxJBFTWX4A/T-_UXVBx5uI/AAAAAAAAOS0/ZQUS_ByKfk0/s1600/SAM_5977.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nxxJBFTWX4A/T-_UXVBx5uI/AAAAAAAAOS0/ZQUS_ByKfk0/s640/SAM_5977.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arse. My first puncture in a couple of years slowed me down even more than the interminable picture taking did.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AqQV9x2Z6c/T-_UZ1rOLtI/AAAAAAAAOS8/xgD45Bl4PbA/s1600/SAM_5978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AqQV9x2Z6c/T-_UZ1rOLtI/AAAAAAAAOS8/xgD45Bl4PbA/s640/SAM_5978.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More roadworks near home and a hot nurse on her way to placement.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oFdkOmyYvk/T-_UbtIuHNI/AAAAAAAAOTE/vrYNc0mUpWA/s1600/SAM_5980.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8oFdkOmyYvk/T-_UbtIuHNI/AAAAAAAAOTE/vrYNc0mUpWA/s640/SAM_5980.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This better be a hotmix job...(it was!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wzO0ynsJH-A/T-_Uc9t3jLI/AAAAAAAAOTM/bVKI4eFvDkg/s1600/SAM_5981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="592" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wzO0ynsJH-A/T-_Uc9t3jLI/AAAAAAAAOTM/bVKI4eFvDkg/s640/SAM_5981.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literally five minutes after this photo was taken the rains came in a biting cold driving deluge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
I'll finish this off with a lovely piece of Italian steel. Andrew built himself up a lovely Guerciotti road bike that needed a new Capagnolo Record headset fitted, along with some new wheels he got me to build up...<br />
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</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HG4PMfzUDII/T-_gbIWRtLI/AAAAAAAAOTk/zwcZI8XWOBg/s1600/SAM_6050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="528" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HG4PMfzUDII/T-_gbIWRtLI/AAAAAAAAOTk/zwcZI8XWOBg/s640/SAM_6050.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campagnolo Record hubs on Mavic Open Pro rims. Nice.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcj4l0gfC6w/T-_hb9f-54I/AAAAAAAAOT0/qhebqZQfhOc/s1600/SAM_6049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pcj4l0gfC6w/T-_hb9f-54I/AAAAAAAAOT0/qhebqZQfhOc/s640/SAM_6049.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circles and triangles are all I see.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xy_zfXy6cY/T-_hCsWNL5I/AAAAAAAAOTs/D-LorMxIuHk/s1600/SAM_6028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7Xy_zfXy6cY/T-_hCsWNL5I/AAAAAAAAOTs/D-LorMxIuHk/s640/SAM_6028.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unusually for a modern frameset the old one inch threaded format is used. The threads needed a good clean-up before the headset was installed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Installed. I do still love the look of the traditional quill stem.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpp02YB_a5k/T-_h7Wij2jI/AAAAAAAAOUE/MSUMhMFfVRE/s1600/SAM_6030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lpp02YB_a5k/T-_h7Wij2jI/AAAAAAAAOUE/MSUMhMFfVRE/s640/SAM_6030.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The frame has earned the right to wear the World Champion stripes through numerous victories in Cyclo-Cross. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A proud name emblazoned upon the top-tube.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQP8LSli-jk/T-_h92YvPJI/AAAAAAAAOUU/NRuWek5hJjs/s1600/SAM_6032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="555" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LQP8LSli-jk/T-_h92YvPJI/AAAAAAAAOUU/NRuWek5hJjs/s640/SAM_6032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Record headset, Record hubs and Record frameset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7rZMIjzIEg/T-_h-nB03zI/AAAAAAAAOUc/exkVKSDJdto/s1600/SAM_6033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t7rZMIjzIEg/T-_h-nB03zI/AAAAAAAAOUc/exkVKSDJdto/s640/SAM_6033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The headset.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tdErTDqXDM/T-_iAX71xII/AAAAAAAAOUk/7Zy0vwpI_GU/s1600/SAM_6034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6tdErTDqXDM/T-_iAX71xII/AAAAAAAAOUk/7Zy0vwpI_GU/s640/SAM_6034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Regal is a classic saddle from the past that tips its hat to the even older leather saddles of an even earlier epoch.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBTAHfsPPuI/T-_iEcPi9XI/AAAAAAAAOUs/i59OT4C3DbI/s1600/SAM_6087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="475" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bBTAHfsPPuI/T-_iEcPi9XI/AAAAAAAAOUs/i59OT4C3DbI/s640/SAM_6087.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finito, and mighty fine.</td></tr>
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As I said, it sure feels good to be working again. The Tour has just started though, so you might have to bear with me a while...Until we meet again, thanks for reading. </div>
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Pedal on, Oli<br />
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<br /></div>Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-55569253634513567952012-06-05T23:01:00.003+12:002012-06-12T20:05:28.168+12:00Slow Progress...<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With our assorted reprobate tradesmen taking well over four weeks to do the work they said would be done in four days, I have found getting <a href="http://oli-roadworks.blogspot.com/2012/05/remakeremodel.html" target="_blank">reestablished in my new workshop</a> frustratingly far from easy. I am someone who needs to work to avoid going batshit crazy, so luckily the wonderful <a href="http://sifter-writes-bikes.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">John Randal</a> had a fun job just waiting until I was in a position to wield my spanners effectively again. His project was a nice <a href="https://www.facebook.com/blacksealnz" target="_blank">Yeti</a> Big Top 29er hardtail, to complement his ASR 5c full-suspension <a href="http://sifter-writes-bikes.blogspot.co.nz/2012/04/2012-absa-cape-epic.html" target="_blank">Cape Epic</a> weapon. As soon as I possibly could, I shoved stuff aside until I had a corner to work in, then I moved my essential tools and a few props into the space and set to work.</div>
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With the old 'shop still in a sad state of half-packed major disarray, and my cleaning gear buried in the piles of crap, I had to use my kitchen sink to clean up the few parts that were being moved over from John's old Turner. Luckily Jacq wasn't at home to see this sort of thing going on where I prepare the evening meals...</div>
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I didn't do a build log of this fine machine (phew, I hear some of you say!), but I sure did take some shots of the finished gig. Here are the wicked Roadworks decals made up by my friend Dan from <a href="http://producer.co.nz/" target="_blank">Producer</a> - carefully placed, I reckon they suit the forks nicely!<br />
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Tapered head tube and the very cool Chris King headset, plus more branding sit below the Yeti yeti.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owuCvQ4zczA/T824wnvYIRI/AAAAAAAAOGA/p3f0NmQ9urQ/s1600/SAM_5789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-owuCvQ4zczA/T824wnvYIRI/AAAAAAAAOGA/p3f0NmQ9urQ/s640/SAM_5789.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The large logo along the top-tube looks highly visible lit up by the flash, but it's surprisingly stealth in real life.<br />
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A bike always looks better with a quality head badge, and a pewter one looks better still.</div>
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The XT front derailleur mounts directly to the seat-tube, which stiffens the whole deal up and makes the front shifting quicker and more precise.<br />
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New ten speed XT chain, cassette and chainrings, and John's old rear mech. Note I have installed the optional 142mm spaced 12mm rear axle fittings that suit the Hope hubbed wheels I built him in readiness for the build - similar to the 15QR front axle set-up many people will already be familiar with, this should stiffen up the rear end a bit, as well as making wheel removal easier.<br />
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The Big Top...</div>
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...complete. Bar the tubelessing, that is, which is beyond me and my rudimentary capabilities at this point in time. I love the proportions of this 29er - they just look...right. Note John's trademark black/white rim combo, carried over from the 26" Turner Flux he used to ride.</div>
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As soon as I was done I had to push everything back to make room for the plumber to do his thing. Well a small portion of his thing, at least...</div>
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The genesis of the new Roadworks. Note that at this stage bugger all of my shop stuff has migrated yet...the boxes on the right are Kester and Harry's old toy boxes. Contrary to popular belief, Harry's bed isn't actually there for me to crash on when work gets too arduous.<br />
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Finally the time came for the actual shift to take place. The work at home hadn't ceased, but my time in the old shop was fast running out. Things were so tense between the bad left tenants and I that have to confess I was reluctant even to be there to pack up and sort out the vast amount of stuff that needed sorting and packing, but a concerted effort between my invaluable helper Kester and I over four days did the business...<br />
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And so the six-year Mk IV era came to an abrupt close.<br />
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...and, somewhat poignantly, it was as if I'd never been.<br />
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As I turned out the lights and locked the door for the final time, I felt a great flood of emotion as I reflected on some great tings and times that were had in this Berhampore basement. Goodbye, old friend.<br />
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Still unable to fully set up at home, I at least had the fun of beginning to sort out some of the random stuff I had secreted in various nooks and grannies in the old shop; stuff I should probably have sorted out before the move, but lacked the wherewithal to do.
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Some of the stuff was out and out rubbish, but some of it was cool stuff like this early-90s Santini headband I inadvertently wore into Revolution Bicycles later that evening, much to my chagrin and everyone else's amusement.</div>
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And I have begun to discover large amounts of cool but musty old kit I will probably never squeeze into again.</div>
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Amazingly, and perhaps despite appearances, I am really starting to make some sense of things by this stage!<br />
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If you ignored all the preamble and judged me by the last few blogs I've posted you'd perhaps think riding my bicycles was all I've been doing of late, but you would be wrong. Once the shop move began, and in between the accursed tradies demanding my presence as some kind of clueless foreman, the riding stopped dead. So after another futile wait all of one sunny morning for them to inexplicably not arrive, I eventually thought "fuck this" and slipped out for a nice head-clearing and ire-reducing ride.<br />
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It was an absolutely glorious day, and the harbour lay still as a mill pond under the brittle sunlight.<br />
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All Wellington cyclists will know the Pass of Branda as one of the vital and hard-fought primes on the famed World Championships circuit...<br />
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...but most of them will have passed this wharf by at a rate of knots, and without a glance. That ain't how I roll, nope.<br />
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Home again to the reality of sorting out tyres and other assorted detritus.<br />
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My friend Tor kindly heeded my impassioned pleas and gave up his time and his truck to help take a large load of rubbish to the tip and the metal recyclers. After using the tool board for nine years at Cycle Services and all 12 years of the various incarnations of Roadworks, I decided it didn't suit the new, more minimal approach of Mk V. For a start, it's simply too big for the space I have, but also because most of the tools it so proudly hung are all but redundant these days, and they will be carefully filed away in drawers for access only when required. So it was goodbye to another old friend, and one who served me well for nearly 20 years.<br />
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With the removal of the rubbish finally out of the way, and no work being done on the house but still no way for me to proceed in my unpacking, it was clearly time for another ride. The rain that fell while I sipped my morning coffee had abated by the time I emerged blinking into the light, and the day was rapidly turning out nice again, albeit very windy. On windy days what better to do than hit the hills? For the first time in a long while I wanted to reach for my long-dormant mountainbike or cross rig for some muddy action, but sadly both were buried under immovable piles of boxes, wheels and tyres, so it was out with the ever-ready road bike again.<br />
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After rolling through town I wended my way up one of one of my favourite climbs, the little known Colle delle Sar. In the mid-70s we lived in the nearby Barnard Street, and this climb and the others around Wadestown were the magnificent Giro d'Italia mountains where I staged my glorious pretend exploits. I rode up and down these Dolomite-lites over and over again to the racket of make-believe motos and helicopters and cheered by the crowds in my fertile imagination, an imagination fueled by the stories of Coppi, Bartali and Zilioli told to me by my Uncle David, a lecturer in Italian at Victoria University whose Italophile imagination had been captured by the glory days of the Giro, despite not being a cyclist himself.<br />
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The views seem a lot more industrial than I remember from those bygone days of my youth, but the hills and harbour still look just as good as they ever did on this lovely autumn day.
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I am pretty sure I used to climb these hills a lot faster as a boy, but I was happily making steady, if slow, progress. For some unknown reason I decided to slow it still further by heading up the unfeasibly steep Roscoe Terrace...the sign you see is not far off the actual gradient, at least according to my legs!<br />
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I stopped at the top on Wade Street to take stock, and by take stock I mean calm my tortured wheezing and wait until the powerful urge to hurl had passed.<br />
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I was pretty pleased with my efforts though, especially as I climbed it in the 39x23 - among all the shit that's going down right now at least I'm getting stronger.<br />
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Once I'd eventually managed to regain some equilibrium, I continued on my way for a pleasant ride in the afternoon sun around Wadestown and Mairangi through eddies of swirling leaves, before taking an exhilarating drop back down to town and ambling home...<br />
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Where more slow progress is surely to be made.<br />
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Until next time, thanks for reading. Cheers, OliOlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-4378397762750106322012-05-26T00:17:00.000+12:002012-05-29T17:34:01.894+12:00An Ill Wind...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
...They say an ill wind blows no good, but the Shamal wasn't blowing on the day when I took my 1997 Bianchi TSX-UL out for a roll on my newly installed wheels.</div>
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In a display of amazing generosity my friend Jamie has recently laid these beautiful tubular wheels upon me, in return only for the twin promises of some reciprocal wheels at some point in the future, and for me to actually ride these beautiful satin and polished hoopular constructs, not just display them to collect dust. </div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Initially I intended to grab myself some lovely new Veloflex tubs to glue on, but times are tight and it waits for no man, so some cool old period Vittoria tyres I had lying around got dusted off and glued on instead to get me out on the road. At last this classic old bike is as she should have been built back in the 90s, and I took her out on a gorgeous autumn day to capture her in a couple of scenic photos here and there.</span><br />
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As I took her up to speed on the fast run down through Island Bay the wheels fair hummed along, sounding almost carbon-esque in their resonance. The ride of this lovely old bike was transformed from great to awesome with the addition of these super-stiff race wheels from a bygone era.<br />
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Moa Point, where I essay badly to silhouette the Flite saddle against the blue expanses of the Cook Strait.<br />
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The ITM Krystal titanium stem and Super Italia Pro-2 handlebars are classics, although the pros mainly rode the nearly identical steel Columbus Max Eclypse stems for their noticeably increased stiffness.<br />
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The satin-finish aluminium Record cranks are among the prettiest ever made, in my not very humble opinion. The Chorus Pro-Fit pedals were a 21st century special order from Vincenza to achieve compatibility with my other Campag machine. Note also the matching period bidon, clutched in a colour-coded Elite Ciussi cage.<br />
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Between the steel forks and the Shamals, the ride can only be described as harsh. But I certainly do like a bit of road feel...I hate to think how this sort of set up must have felt to the racing sardines of the peloton!<br />
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Scorching Bay, and the saddle silhouette is all but achieved.<br />
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Surprisingly, the surly fucker on the hand-cycle who has been ignoring my cheery greetings for years said, "Nice bike!" as I passed him.<br />
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Random accidental photo of my Pantani replica glove as I dismount...<br />
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...to take this arty shot of the city framed by the frame. Saddle shot nailed and, yes, that's a Record titanium seat post you're ogling too.<br />
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I do so love these roads I've been riding for 35 years.<br />
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Forcella Originale!<br />
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I have a very tidy back end.<br />
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Oriental Bay.<br />
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I casually paraded through town, fending off the amorous advances of all the mad Bianchi fans before stopping to rest outside the Parliamentary Library.<br />
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On the steps of the Parliamentary Library with Parliament and The Beehive behind.<br />
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Close up of the head tube and the lovely polished front brake caliper.<br />
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Similar view, but acceding to the clamour of those who couldn't see the 1992 Record Ergolevers.<br />
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I took a detour through some <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zjhYimnR6o" target="_blank">dirty back roads</a>.<br />
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The iconic Wellington Cable Car makes its way down from the Kelburn to the City. Nice to look out over Kelburn Park and the City beyond to see some of the route around the Bays I had just taken.<br />
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Of course Kelburn is just a quick spin of the Shamals away from Northland and the fabulous Revolution Bicycles, along with the mandatory delicious coffee brewed by my good friend and Revolution Grand Poobah Jonty Ritchie.<br />
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No photos of the speed-limit breaking drop back to sea level, but I wasn't going to let the ride pass without a photo from one of my favourite spots on the fabled Waterfront.<br />
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Home again after a great fun ride on a bike that is theoretically way out of date, yet still possesses a delightful ride that stands up well against anything modern I've ever ridden. The wheels add so much character and honestly make it feel as much like a modern race bike as a 22lb machine ever could.<br />
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As the wheels are set up with the original 8 speed freehub spline I simply replaced the spacers with 9 speed ones and added a washer under the 26t and presto, 9 speed compatible!<br />
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Another view of the Krystal stem, along with the Record headset.<br />
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Bianchi and Campagnolo go together like, er, Bianchi and Shamal wheels.<br />
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Hope you enjoyed the first of what I hope are many great rides on this superb Shamal-shod steed. Say that ten times fast...<br />
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Thanks for reading, OliOlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-20112771459252014022012-05-14T18:34:00.002+12:002012-05-14T20:51:43.358+12:00Interregnum Ho!Hey, whut? Two blogs in three days? Something must be badly out of whack! Well, it's because I'm grumpily sitting here in limbo unable to work, pack or move as builders and plumbers come and go replacing our cracked bath. The plumbing requires access to my new space so I can't move my gear in, and I've actually had to move the stuff I had already moved back out while the builders do their thing! In these somewhat unexpected circumstances, and because I'm trapped at home "supervising" the work, I thought I'd make use of the thumb-twiddling time between brewing the lads cups of tea to finally get back up to date with a bunch of photos of a couple of rides I've done, along with showing off some other little bits and pieces...<br />
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I'll begin with a Friday morning ride in a southerly buster. As all you Flamands will know, there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad choices of clothing. I layered up and headed out into the teeth of the gale, warmed by my Defeet base layer and the smug sense of self-satisfaction riding in such conditions engenders. Naturally, ten minutes after I set out the sun started to force it's way out from behind the scudding clouds.<br />
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But regardless I was dressed for bear.<br />
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And the Hillbrick is happy rain or shine. In this case, shine.<br />
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The following Sunday Wellington awoke to clear blue skies, and with the previous week's stiff southerly dying out as the day progressed. After celebrating Step-Mothers Day in the morning with Jacq and her Three Sons, I received their blessings to slip out for a nice leisurely ride. I set out a bit aimlessly once again, but definitely yearning for the hills. I raced traffic through town, then headed up Glenmore Street thinking I'd perhaps do a few loops of K-Town and Northland...<br />
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I took a quick detour after the Karori Tunnel to have yet another look at a house my late Dad designed for some friends back in the '70s. I've seen it come onto the market a few times and seriously wished I had the resources to buy it - it would be pretty cool to live in one of the homes he architected, although the close proximity of the pylon is perhaps a bit of a worry...<br />
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The old Pump House on the Karori Dam at Zealandia.<br />
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I headed up Birdwood Street...<br />
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...and Messines Road...<br />
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...before rolling down into K-Town and up Makara Hill Road, with the intent of turning around at the top to head back the same way. Fat chance. Once I'd made it up as far as the summit the descent into Makara Village proved too much of a temptation - I'd worry about the climb out later!<br />
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I don't mean to sound big-headed - as if! - but a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away there was a time when among my circle of hard-riding compadres I totally owned this downhill, and it was nice to get a wee taste of those halcyon days again. I was about 40 seconds slower than my quickest time, but that's still plenty quick enough I reckon, and I was bloody carving.<br />
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Now I was down in the valley it seemed a shame not to head down towards Makara Beach...<br />
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It's been a long time since I've felt up to riding this great loop, which seems a bit ridiculous when it's really only a couple of hours riding, albeit fairly hilly ones. Shows how ill I must have been and how low my confidence had got.<br />
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Random self-pic #658, somehow managing to completely miss my facial region.<br />
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Hit the Beach.<br />
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One of my expertly stitched panoramas. The sea was calm and the sun shone, but the air was cold in the Bay.</div>
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Not wanting to get a chill, I turned straight around and headed back up the road.</div>
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Ah, bucolia always opens one up to reflection.<br />
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Still not really sure of my direction, I instinctively veered left at the intersection with the main road and headed north(ish) up towards the Takarau Gorge. Most of the hills you can see here used to be dense with pines until recent logging, making the feel of the Gorge totally different from in my youth when we used to race Paris-Roubaix over the damp and shaded unsealed roads.<br />
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The Gorge climbs gently towards Ohariu Valley along a meandering stream that has, on occasion, turned into a raging torrent that has washed away big chunks of the road...<br />
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The tight twists of this Secteur can be dicey if a car full of hoons comes barreling towards you, but today there was nary a car on the road to rouse me from my reveries.<br />
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Once clear of the Gorge itself the vistas open out. Across the rolling paddocks that is Mt Kaukau in the distance with the radio mast on the summit.<br />
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We're so lucky to have such peaceful country roads only minutes away from the CBD - they truly are sheer bliss to ride.<br />
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One of the many old primes we regularly used to fight tooth and nail for back in the day...<br />
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...which is followed immediately by a quick little descent that was often the catalyst for a break to slip off the front.<br />
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Just before you drop into the Takarau Gorge/Rifle Range Road intersection and Ohariu Valley proper.<br />
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And heading out of Ohariu Valley...<br />
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Climbing felt great all day today...<br />
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...which makes for an even more enjoyable experience, I think you'll agree.<br />
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The shadows grow so long so fast, these days.<br />
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Before heading back into town I stopped for the quick gel that it turned out I didn't actually have with me. <br />
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I recall when there wasn't a suburb here at all. The inexorable march of progress, I guess.<br />
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After wondering whether or not to head along through Khandallah and down Ngaio Gorge, in the end I opted to zip down Ngauranga instead...<br />
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...and relish the speed rush that fast and wide descent entails. Obviously taking photos slowed me at the start, but an aero-ish tuck and 100-odd kilograms made for a swift drop down to sea level once I'd stuffed my camera back in my jersey pocket - I didn't have a speedo, but I was passing some cars and holding the pace of the rest so I estimate I was hitting at least 90kph without any problem, and without feeling any of the fear I wondered if I might experience these days.<br />
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After such an adrenalin shot it was nice to hop up on the footpath and chill out along SH2 back into town.<br />
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I ambled along the Waterfront to feel the ambience on this gorgeous autumn eve, before heading home to complete what had been one of the best soul rides I've had in years.<br />
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The following day was Monday (funny that!), and I had an appointment in Petone to meet up with a fellow <a href="http://www.velominati.com/" target="_blank">Velominati</a> for a coffee. Along with some other likely lads, Bianchi Denti had recently been over to Belgium with Velominati founders Frank, Marko and Brett on an organised "<a href="http://www.velominati.com/cyclotourism/keepers-tour-2012-update-part-i-roubaix-rvv/" target="_blank">Keepers Tour</a>" to ride the courses of Paris-Roubaix and Ronde van Vlaanderen, among many other cool activities I and many others jealously observed from afar. Little did I know as I read their great reports of the trip that these thoughtful gents would have graciously taken the trouble to grab a very cool souvenir for a curmudgeonly old Welli bike mechanic. I'm super grateful they did, as I've been a big fan of 1996 World Champion <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johan_Museeuw" target="_blank">Johan Museuuw</a> for a long time.<br />
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Here then is the prized souvenir, the signature of the Lion of Flanders on a Lion of Flanders flag, as well as a couple of cool Malteni beer coasters...Cheers, Richard and Keepers!<br />
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It was actually a hell of a week for souvenirs. Just a couple of days later I received a manila envelope in the mail that contained the one signature I don't have and that I've most coveted ever since the rider involved grabbed my attention in the dry pages of Velo-News as a brash amateur winning the Settimana Bergamasca back in 1991. This young tyro would go on to become a Tour de France stage winner on debut in 1993, World Champion in Oslo later that same year, and eventually a record-smashing seven-time Tour de France winner. I'm talking about the great Lance Armstrong, of course. These days he is a controversial figure, but as an <a href="http://oli-roadworks.blogspot.com/2010/05/dopage-and-giro-dwelli.html" target="_blank">unashamed fan</a> my admiration for his feats hasn't dimmed and getting his autograph is a huge deal to me. I was awestruck, amazed and astounded to be given this rare memento, and I'm very grateful to my new friend Mike for sending it to me. Also, I'd like send much respect and aroha to my mate Graeme who facilitated the initial contact. Cheers to both of you!<br />
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The photo is from the finish of Stage 17 of the 2004 Tour, as Lance wins from Andreas Kloden into Le Grand Bernand. The video of this thrilling stage finish is well worth watching - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yf1nJYkCHQ">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Yf1nJYkCHQ</a><br />
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While I'm on hiatus, I still had to deal with a couple of tasks I'd committed to prior to needing to shift. Luckily, building wheels is a job I can do at home in front of the telly in a pinch.<br />
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First off was this sturdy cyclo-cross wheel for Jonty - a Velocity A23 rim laced to a Shimano 105 freehub is the go as he gives the growing season of CX races a nudge. My friends Owen and Andy have set up a new <a href="http://wgtncx.org/" target="_blank">HotCX</a> series (in association with <a href="http://www.iride.net.nz/" target="_blank">iRIDE</a>) to augment and lead into Mike Anderson's excellent and ground-breaking <a href="http://blog.thebikehutt.co.nz/2012/05/2012-cyclocross-series.html" target="_blank">Bike Hutt</a> series that has run for the last few years. If you're not planning to race any of them, I heartily recommend making the effort to spectate one or more of these races, as they are super crowd friendly and a total hoot to watch!<br />
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Secondly, I built my main man John a wicked pair of Hope/Arch EX wheels for his new <a href="http://www.yeticycles.com/#/bikes/bigtop" target="_blank">Yeti Big Top</a>, of which much more will come at a later date. Choice.<br />
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I'd like to offer my hearty congratulations to Roadworks rider Joel Healy, who earned himself a fine bronze medal in the M1 Time Trial for <a href="http://www.pnp.org.nz/" target="_blank">PNP</a> at the Club National Championships last weekend. Great stuff, bro!<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Photo brazenly stolen from Brian Bushe: L-R Karl Murray 2nd, Mike Henton 1st and Joel Healy 3rd)</span></b></div>
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Lastly, please don't forget to hit John up (siftyjohn[a]gmail.com) for some sharp looking Roadworks kit, as modelled here by the estimable WO Larkin, Esquire. Email now, we have operators standing by!<br />
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Until next time, thanks for reading. Cheers, Oli<br />
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<br />Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-22505638929042791822012-05-12T21:01:00.000+12:002012-05-14T00:01:09.635+12:00Remake/Remodel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The jungle drums are beating and the rumours are rife, so I figure I'd better come clean. As those who have followed me through any or all of the 12 years of Roadworks' existence will know, my life doesn't seem to have a moment without some sort of ridiculous drama going down. In that vein, and as some of you will already know, my latest saga is that I have been put into a position where I have felt forced to abruptly give up my workshop space of the last few years. It's never been the most convenient venue for my customers, but it was the perfect solution for my personal needs. Now thanks to some rather major problems with the new upstairs tenants it's become impossibly inconvenient even for me, which of course makes working there untenable.<br />
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This means I am now in the process of moving the workshop back into my own home to regroup for what seems like the hundredth time, before getting back under way in yet another incarnation of this crazy "business" I've created. For logistical reasons I'm not ready to recommence operations yet, but I thought I should post a quick teaser of the slowly evolving Roadworks Mk V to allay your fears and let you know I'm close to kicking it live once more. And for those of you who may recall with horror my brief 2006 tenure in the old dirt-floored basement, please be assured it's no longer exactly the same rudimentary dirt-floored cave it used to be!<br />
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Despite this not being at all my choice of timing, and despite the huge hassle of rearranging the house to make room for me, not to mention packing up and moving my insane amount of paraphernalia from old shop to new, there are many reasons why this move will make my life easier, hence easier for my clients too. For the last few years the succession of tenants upstairs from the shop have made life progressively harder and harder, so I'm looking forward greatly to being able to set the terms of access entirely with the needs of me and my family in mind, and without having to worry about treading on anyone's toes when I'm just going about earning a crust. Privacy is my one major concern about running the show from home, but the appointment-only way I work will hopefully prevent punters from turning up unbidden during family and/or downtime...I'm looking forward to finding out anyway!<br />
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I still have some clutter to clean up from the old shop...<br />
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...but in the meantime I'll clear up some of the blogging clutter I have been clearing up in recent times.<br />
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Graham's new Cove Hummer needed a Chris King headset installed.<br />
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My Auckland buddy Daniel made me up these cool Roadworks decals, so when I'm back up and running please swing by the workshop and grab a couple. Dan did a fantastic job and I'd recommend <a href="http://producer.co.nz/" target="_blank">Producer</a> for any of your graphic or printing needs without hesitation.<br />
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As my recent ride posts might show I'm riding plenty at the moment and getting fitter (and keener!) all the time, so I decided to ditch the compact cranks and fit my manly 53/39 cranks. Not content with just the stock chainrings I adapted some Record 'rings to fit, as can be seen in the last ever shot of my Bianchi outside the old workshop.
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The best thing to do when you've been fettling one's steed is to take it out for a strop. Taking advantage once again of the glorious autumnal conditions, I headed out for a Bays loop with a hill chucked in.<br />
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This is looking roughly south-east over Seatoun towards The Heads and Pencarrow.<br />
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My bike propped on one of the entrances to the fabulous <a href="http://tracks.org.nz/area/show/22" target="_blank">Miramar Trail Network</a>. A bit much for the road bike, perhaps, but well worth a trip with one's mountanbike fo' sho'. Lyall Bay and Te Raekaihau Point in the distance.<br />
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I kept climbing...<br />
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..past spectacular views of Makaro/Ward Island and the Eastern Bays...<br />
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...and Matiu/Somes Island and the Hutt Valley towards the Tararua Ranges.<br />
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I spent most of my youth trying to avoid this place, yet here I am now in my dotage happily riding around it.<br />
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The descent begins, interrupted only by sleeping policemen and rabbits.<br />
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Another view of The Heads taken on the fly.<br />
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Looking NW over towards Wellington City itself.<br />
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An arty shot taken from the lovely walkway that traverses the western slopes of Maupuia.<br />
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Oriental Bay on a pleasant evening is a very nice place to be.<br />
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While I'm still on the riding tip, on a subsequent ride on a very windy day I battered my way once more around the Bays then along to Ngaio Gorge and Crofton Downs, before heading up into Mairangi and Northland...<br />
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...after the inevitable coffee break with my man Jonty, I blasted down Glenmore street and back around to Evans Bay and over Constable Street to home.
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One of the last jobs I did in the old shop was build a sweet pair of training wheels for Barry. Mavic Open Pro rims on a Campagnolo Record rear hub and Chris King front will let him thrash his bike with impunity through all conditions, while giving him some nice touches of bling to go along with the delightful ride quality such a wheelset engenders.<br />
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<span style="text-align: center;">I decided in lieu of spending up large on some new Veloflex tubs that I'd just glue the cool old Vittorias I had fitted to my new Shamals for display purposes. Here's my Bianchi ready to ride, and just waiting for the right occasion to head out. More about that very soon.</span><br />
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A cold and bleak Sunday afternoon definitely wasn't the right occasion, but it was the first chance I'd had in a few days to prise myself off the windtrainer and head out on the road so I pumped up the tyres on the Hillbrick and set off. Once I was actually riding I realised I didn't have a clue where I wanted to go, so I just followed my front wheel down through Island Bay and around the South Coast.<br />
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After a cruise up Happy Valley and an awesome fang down Brooklyn Hill I wandered aimlessly through town, heading roughly for my usual Parliament-Glenmore Street route up towards Karori with a tentative view towards maybe heading around the Makara loop. As I neared Parliament I was delighted to see the friendly smile of my dear friend (and Clothing Facilitator - see sidebar!) John "Sifter" Randal. He was on the side of the road waiting for young Alex Revell to arrive before they headed out to do some hills around Korokoro. I had a wee chat with John before setting off on my way, but when I was nearly at the top of Bowen Street I figured I don't have many opportunities to ride with John and Alex, so I turned around and raced back down just in time to catch them as they set off...<br />
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It was cool to be riding with some good friends - all too often my road rides are hastily snatched opportunities than prevent me planning to hook up, so I invariably don't. I enjoy riding solo, but it's always good to feel the Fellowship of the Road.<br />
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The tempo was very tame at first, perhaps to warm up, but I suspect mainly on my behalf as the boys did their best to baby the old man along. I was glad for their mercy, as I'm sure if it had ratcheted up I would have struggled eventually. I told Alex I would be okay for a bit more pace on the back though, and the speed did become more respectable as we moved along...<br />
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...I am better at sitting in the wheels than it looks, but the gaps are only opening as I took the photos.<br />
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Knowing they'd both be thoughtful and take it easy on the climbs for me and not wanting to slow them down or disrupt their training plans, I turned off at Petone and made my way back to town alone. The training must have worked well for Alex as he took a well deserved Duathlon win the following weekend in the first running of the new iteration of the historic <a href="http://crazyman.co.nz/" target="_blank">Crazyman</a> multi-sport race. Great stuff, Alex!<br />
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Here I am in an unusual right-handed self-pic, heading back into town along the suprisingly clean old cycle path between SH2 and the railway line.<br />
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No ride report would be complete without a shot of my bike in repose - seeking out the locations for these photos is an important part of every ride.<br />
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As by this time I was in the throes of shifting (still am!) I don't have so much work to relate but, at only a week out of date, this is as good a time as any to halt this post before we all run out of bandwidth. I'll be back before you know it...<br />
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Thanks for reading, Oli<br />
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P.S. Please get in quick if you are keen on wearing some Roadworks kit. John has organised jerseys, bibshorts, gilet/vests, armwarmers and caps to enable you to replicate my suave style. Email John at siftyjohn[a]gmail.com and he will hook you up. Cheers, OliOlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-9186291128846926532012-04-29T00:20:00.001+12:002012-04-29T10:53:01.625+12:00Clearing the Decks - Part 3<div style="text-align: center;">
The problem with trying to clear the decks is that you sweep them once, but the very next minute a new wave washes over them, dumping more blog action all over the clear spot. Oh well, all I can do is my best. You'd better get a pot of coffee, six pack of beer, carafe of wine or other tipple of your choice and settle in for a long one. </div>
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I have been doing as much riding as possible lately, and that's both because, as well as the reason I am, feeling better than I have in years.<br />
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The Bays are part of my therapy, and my therapy seems to be working well, as I develop increasing feelings of perkiness and vigour, and even some occasional glimpses of some long absent fitness...</div>
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As with <a href="http://www.velominati.com/blog/" target="_blank">any rider worth their salt</a>, choosing one's riding kit is a vital preamble to one's ride. At the moment my choices are dictated mainly by fit, so I'm down to just a few options. My Cape Epic jersey is in rotation with my cool new <a href="http://www.fyxomatosis.com/" target="_blank">Fyxo</a> one and my two shop jerseys.</div>
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The qualities of light and shadow are ever changing; the main reason why I never tire of ogling these views.</div>
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Autumn in Wellington has utterly owned the shit as summer for warm, still weather. It's pretty cool to be riding in shorts and short sleeves in the late afternoon in April, and not just out of sheer bloody-mindedness...</div>
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As I hinted previously, I got to have a good look at my first <a href="http://www.breezerbikes.com/" target="_blank">Breezer</a> recently. Eric from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/French-Cancan-Ltd/316033255097283" target="_blank">French Cancan Cafe</a> in Newtown is a passionate mountainbiker from when he still resided in his native France, and he bought this cool steel hardtail there way back in 1992, although he has been judiciously amending it ever since. As an avowed roadie in that era (not now, surely?), this was one of the few mountainbikes that ever actively appealed to me from the dry pages of the old newsprint Velo-News.</div>
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The Mavic wheels are UCI compliant.</div>
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If you get the chance to see the movie <a href="http://www.klunkerz.com/" target="_blank">Klunkers</a> please do - you'll see Joe Breeze racing hard on inappropriate machines down the trails of Marin County's Mt Tamalpais in the 1970s, as he and the other visionaries/stoners began to bring the idea of mountainbiking to the world in the popular sense.</div>
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Phew, that's quite enough work! Better get suited up and hit the road...<br />
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This day I headed out along SH2 to Petone Foreshore, and I decided ad hoc that a ride up the Hutt River Trail would be the parcours du jour.</div>
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My seamlessly-stitched panoramas are highly sought after among the shutter-bug cognoscenti.</div>
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At first I thought I'd head up the west bank, but the brilliant day had brought out swarms of rampant golfers to the Shandon course, and several near misses from poorly shot golf balls helped me quickly decide I'd be better off on the other side of the river.</div>
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I rode under the bridge past the Estuary...</div>
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...loving the little boardwalk.</div>
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These days are to be seized, so I was surprised I was sharing the River Trail with only a few other walkers and cyclists, although it looked for a moment like I was heading towards potential trouble as some Police were busily arresting several of a rowdy bunch of about 20 kids under the first bridge I was about to ride under...luckily they were all so distracted by the melee that I just ghosted past undisturbed and untroubled.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_p62mP9dko/T5ugy_-ui-I/AAAAAAAANcg/l4KQ1_eM_t4/s1600/SAM_5237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c_p62mP9dko/T5ugy_-ui-I/AAAAAAAANcg/l4KQ1_eM_t4/s400/SAM_5237.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here is the almost identical but thug-free second bridge.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3F4O1xKJPeg/T5ug0p90nbI/AAAAAAAANco/wyhIPOsBA3w/s1600/SAM_5239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3F4O1xKJPeg/T5ug0p90nbI/AAAAAAAANco/wyhIPOsBA3w/s400/SAM_5239.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Ah, the serenity!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6H-y5_YLf2M/T5ug28upjeI/AAAAAAAANcw/e8lialbPK7E/s1600/SAM_5240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6H-y5_YLf2M/T5ug28upjeI/AAAAAAAANcw/e8lialbPK7E/s400/SAM_5240.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Past Avalon's Fraser Park without another bicycle in sight...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfyHxN57b84/T5ug4B_YTJI/AAAAAAAANc4/59GU-s8JG4U/s1600/SAM_5241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zfyHxN57b84/T5ug4B_YTJI/AAAAAAAANc4/59GU-s8JG4U/s400/SAM_5241.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...and alongside (but not actually on) the mean streets of Taita. </div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIGR1-0rmgQ/T5ug6H5EOpI/AAAAAAAANdA/FFOzA0bsusc/s1600/SAM_5244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OIGR1-0rmgQ/T5ug6H5EOpI/AAAAAAAANdA/FFOzA0bsusc/s400/SAM_5244.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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It may be a lowly bike path, beneath the attention of "real" riders, but it was such a change from dealing with the traffic I felt no remorse or shame for avoiding the road for once.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cOyi7kJMPk/T5ug70Hsy_I/AAAAAAAANdI/yMBthwLLZPo/s1600/SAM_5245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8cOyi7kJMPk/T5ug70Hsy_I/AAAAAAAANdI/yMBthwLLZPo/s400/SAM_5245.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Across the river can be seen the quarry that was used in the Lord Of The Rings as Helm's Deep.</div>
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Heading towards Stokes Valley. At this point my mind was humming and my legs just wanted to keep going forever. Cycling is at its best, when it almost feels automatic - like you could just ride and ride and ride , and your mind is both clear of thought, yet full of awareness.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxFvoioI3LY/T5uhAftorQI/AAAAAAAANdY/zWCU5B77kIQ/s1600/SAM_5248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gxFvoioI3LY/T5uhAftorQI/AAAAAAAANdY/zWCU5B77kIQ/s400/SAM_5248.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Idyllic riverside scene. I can't remember what I was thinking here...</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3bzzxcpkqA/T5uhDtxL6nI/AAAAAAAANdg/in0_iTow4sI/s1600/SAM_5250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3bzzxcpkqA/T5uhDtxL6nI/AAAAAAAANdg/in0_iTow4sI/s400/SAM_5250.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Oh, another idyllic riverside scene!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hos3ZXFtj6Q/T5uhHMLZ1TI/AAAAAAAANdo/97FF02KCF6A/s1600/SAM_5251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hos3ZXFtj6Q/T5uhHMLZ1TI/AAAAAAAANdo/97FF02KCF6A/s400/SAM_5251.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Good to see the idyllic riverside scenes aren't immune to a spot of tagging.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvL5O4IghPg/T5uhMaA7qlI/AAAAAAAANdw/rVdEoddkE-I/s1600/SAM_5253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvL5O4IghPg/T5uhMaA7qlI/AAAAAAAANdw/rVdEoddkE-I/s400/SAM_5253.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Despite almost every fibre of my being calling me ever onwards, I somehow managed to access the last remaining sensible part of my brain which told me I was running out of time, and that I'd better turn around for home. Here I'm looking south back down the Hutt River towards Wellington, and home.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCDpq2FyLiU/T5uhPWDv3wI/AAAAAAAANd4/Ru_6W6ucA9k/s1600/SAM_5255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VCDpq2FyLiU/T5uhPWDv3wI/AAAAAAAANd4/Ru_6W6ucA9k/s400/SAM_5255.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The funky sculpture that greets visitors to the Valley of Stoke. I presume at some point as one hurtles around the roundabout the sculpture shows an aspect that means something.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8NUWFW-rXA/T5uhRGHBE8I/AAAAAAAANeA/6rE1fVTST3Q/s1600/SAM_5257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d8NUWFW-rXA/T5uhRGHBE8I/AAAAAAAANeA/6rE1fVTST3Q/s400/SAM_5257.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Strange, I've seen that Taita before! Reprazent. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m59KOgdKGyE/T5uhTcka3LI/AAAAAAAANeI/bc6jiI3iV0E/s1600/SAM_5258.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m59KOgdKGyE/T5uhTcka3LI/AAAAAAAANeI/bc6jiI3iV0E/s400/SAM_5258.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Estuary approacheth once more.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwOoL4FDWEk/T5uhVU_G3BI/AAAAAAAANeQ/a_Ek6L4P4gE/s1600/SAM_5259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="295" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IwOoL4FDWEk/T5uhVU_G3BI/AAAAAAAANeQ/a_Ek6L4P4gE/s400/SAM_5259.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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By the time I hit the Wellington Waterfront my legs were definitely feeling it, so I hit cruise control for the last leg - I like tapping out tempo, but I have always loved just meandering about.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9uhFR0PKY6A/T5uhXWBlFiI/AAAAAAAANeY/3F7tUmWUdCg/s1600/SAM_5260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9uhFR0PKY6A/T5uhXWBlFiI/AAAAAAAANeY/3F7tUmWUdCg/s400/SAM_5260.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's pretty cool to be able to ride through the Basin Reserve while a game is going on. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBO-Q80RGi8/T5uhYzbMHGI/AAAAAAAANeg/6F0zycFeqG8/s1600/SAM_5263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sBO-Q80RGi8/T5uhYzbMHGI/AAAAAAAANeg/6F0zycFeqG8/s400/SAM_5263.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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And then home again, after what had ended up being a solid three hour ride. I don't usually get much chance to ride long these days, but it's definitely something I love and most definitely something I want to do much more of as time allows. Chance would be a fine thing...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8rjeouEKfs/T5uhaiV4eII/AAAAAAAANeo/FU74xmbHrok/s1600/SAM_5264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--8rjeouEKfs/T5uhaiV4eII/AAAAAAAANeo/FU74xmbHrok/s400/SAM_5264.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The following day was Easter Sunday, and between Bodhi's cleverly plotted Egg Hunt and other family fun on this Holy Day of Foil and Chocolate I was unable to scuttle out for a ride. But Easter dinner with my in-laws at their home in Johnsonville seemed a good way of combining missions. Clearance was given, and shortly before Jacq drove the boys out I set off on my bike...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgCi6pg1W6w/T5uttL1iyvI/AAAAAAAANfE/5H4PqGgPUZ4/s1600/SAM_5301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jgCi6pg1W6w/T5uttL1iyvI/AAAAAAAANfE/5H4PqGgPUZ4/s400/SAM_5301.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another superb day had turned into a gloriously warm late afternoon, perfect for riding. I set off towards the distant Mt Kaukau, and Elliott Street beyond.</div>
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Everyone must be out of town for the holidays - it's pretty rare to have Thorndon Quay to oneself!</div>
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I headed up Ngaio Gorge into the setting sun.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb5Q3zJa8kM/T5ut2NMxZMI/AAAAAAAANfk/PLvGyfWlt2U/s1600/SAM_5307.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vb5Q3zJa8kM/T5ut2NMxZMI/AAAAAAAANfk/PLvGyfWlt2U/s400/SAM_5307.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love this little glimpse of the harbour from three quarters of the way up.</div>
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I swept down the fast little descent into Ngaio itself.</div>
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Long shadows.</div>
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I zipped up one of my favourite little detours, Simla Crescent...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsFvrazfqL0/T5uuAV-dj4I/AAAAAAAANgE/5t2EwOv32EE/s1600/SAM_5313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xsFvrazfqL0/T5uuAV-dj4I/AAAAAAAANgE/5t2EwOv32EE/s400/SAM_5313.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...all the better to take a picture of my feet. As you do.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbvKFC_5sKQ/T5uuCfCtgeI/AAAAAAAANgM/9SGEvepOTSk/s1600/SAM_5314.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbvKFC_5sKQ/T5uuCfCtgeI/AAAAAAAANgM/9SGEvepOTSk/s400/SAM_5314.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mt Kaukau is the high point of these 'burbs.</div>
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I used to attack this little climb hard out on my Raleigh Arena every morning on my way to school.</div>
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Looking from Burma Road over the Ngauranga Gorge towards the harbour, Matiu/Somes Island and the Eastern Bays.</div>
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Through the grounds of my Alma Mater, Onslow College, as the sun sinks behind the hill.</div>
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I arrived only a couple of minutes behind the family, and only slightly sweatier... </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UViPG9WhOBw/T5uuQx9-X0I/AAAAAAAANhE/HuclcG9npfY/s1600/SAM_5324.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UViPG9WhOBw/T5uuQx9-X0I/AAAAAAAANhE/HuclcG9npfY/s400/SAM_5324.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...which is, of course, nothing that a shower and a cunningly transported set of clothes can't take care of. </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_0ykiJe21E/T5uuS-jOizI/AAAAAAAANhM/huE3KNXUSKY/s1600/SAM_5325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D_0ykiJe21E/T5uuS-jOizI/AAAAAAAANhM/huE3KNXUSKY/s400/SAM_5325.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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After a delicious meal and some delightful fun times with the rellies, it was home to tuck Bodhi up and get settled in for the Easter Race, Paris-Roubaix. </div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DC-3mWnKygM/T5u32YUYbKI/AAAAAAAANjI/GJgiAz9hwxA/s1600/522953_10150796656553035_224451888034_11679074_1834414369_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DC-3mWnKygM/T5u32YUYbKI/AAAAAAAANjI/GJgiAz9hwxA/s400/522953_10150796656553035_224451888034_11679074_1834414369_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Fantastic to get live coverage of this extraordinary race, and most enjoyable to watch the resurgent Belgian three-time winner Tom Boonen join the great Roger de Vlaeminck (above) on a record-equaling four wins, after soloing in for the last 50 kilometres.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gORIdYSu9pw/T5u0KgRdfpI/AAAAAAAANhY/Kizo0-Jkh3w/s1600/SAM_5364.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gORIdYSu9pw/T5u0KgRdfpI/AAAAAAAANhY/Kizo0-Jkh3w/s400/SAM_5364.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Due to school holiday time restraints, and inspired by my beautiful wife Jacq's regular training of late, I have surprisingly resorted to the windtrainer to attempt to begin to get rid of the Easter Eggs I was stuffing in my face only the night before. </div>
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Not actually riding outside on the road or a trail goes against everything I used to believe in, but needs must where the Devil wants, and my desire to regain some of what I used to have (or more correctly, lose some of what I now have) outweighs my hatred of indoor riding. Bodhi captures my thoughts and feelings exactly in this slightly scary photo...<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JCF4vneljg/T5u0Ocor_9I/AAAAAAAANho/O6mHtmKeFoY/s1600/SAM_5370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_JCF4vneljg/T5u0Ocor_9I/AAAAAAAANho/O6mHtmKeFoY/s400/SAM_5370.JPG" width="395" /></a></div>
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After joining his friends and dear family to meet John Randal on arrival back in NZ after his astounding <a href="http://sifter-writes-bikes.blogspot.co.nz/2012/04/2012-absa-cape-epic.html" target="_blank">Cape Epic adventures,</a> I was pleaseed to properly catch up with him a few days later and hear some of the stories from the man himself. What a time Megan and he had! I was stoked when he kindly added a precious signed number plate to my Wall of Fame. Thanks, bro.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lWAYBGJ3no/T5u0SQ-90NI/AAAAAAAANh4/ZvkY8cag5Z8/s1600/SAM_5376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2lWAYBGJ3no/T5u0SQ-90NI/AAAAAAAANh4/ZvkY8cag5Z8/s400/SAM_5376.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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As my old boss Roland used to say, "Fun's fun, but tae Hell wi' nonsense!" so it's back to work we go.<br />
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My old mate Gary was after pulling down his old tubular wheels and turning them into clinchers. The Dura-Ace 7400 hubs are super-sexy, and still mint on the inside, where it really counts... </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o60ymRwYnww/T5u0WVN9bgI/AAAAAAAANiI/lg9ACvpHL7A/s1600/SAM_5378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o60ymRwYnww/T5u0WVN9bgI/AAAAAAAANiI/lg9ACvpHL7A/s400/SAM_5378.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...sadly we wouldn't be able to re-use the Wolber Profil 20 tub rims on any other potential project, as they were both radiating cracks from the nipple holes despite looking hardy used.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdmN4pw8dbg/T5u0Xz5kSXI/AAAAAAAANiQ/h8Nj4pSqOn8/s1600/SAM_5380.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QdmN4pw8dbg/T5u0Xz5kSXI/AAAAAAAANiQ/h8Nj4pSqOn8/s400/SAM_5380.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Prior to building the new wheels, I gave the hubs a proper polish.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRKneMhxw2M/T5u0aWf6soI/AAAAAAAANiY/HimziOADv1A/s1600/SAM_5383.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="323" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CRKneMhxw2M/T5u0aWf6soI/AAAAAAAANiY/HimziOADv1A/s400/SAM_5383.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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What's that, you couldn't see them properly?</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDu4f_x0hF4/T5u1sSRBFZI/AAAAAAAANjA/iZq9scDFGKc/s1600/SAM_5384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HDu4f_x0hF4/T5u1sSRBFZI/AAAAAAAANjA/iZq9scDFGKc/s400/SAM_5384.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here are the finished wheels. Sano build, with 3x rear and 2x front DT Competition spokes with brass nipples all around. Solid and reliable as anything, but with a sprightly feel and a lovely ride quality.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VTlxnWOSv0/T5u9s1A_g3I/AAAAAAAANjU/rLxAneZhT2o/s1600/SAM_5394.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VTlxnWOSv0/T5u9s1A_g3I/AAAAAAAANjU/rLxAneZhT2o/s400/SAM_5394.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The shizz.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMUrNHwTr2c/T5u9ubjJyEI/AAAAAAAANjc/IVq1hP64m8o/s1600/SAM_5396.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZMUrNHwTr2c/T5u9ubjJyEI/AAAAAAAANjc/IVq1hP64m8o/s400/SAM_5396.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The next pair of wheels I was to build were for my friend Graham, a lovely pair of Phil Wood fixed/free hubs...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zo5awMfGxhk/T5u0cPObp5I/AAAAAAAANig/t3zjPv6-vqo/s1600/SAM_5386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zo5awMfGxhk/T5u0cPObp5I/AAAAAAAANig/t3zjPv6-vqo/s400/SAM_5386.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...were to be laced into Mavic Open Pro rims... </div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_eTy79hH5RQ/T5u0hkLfK_I/AAAAAAAANiw/Tv2EDP73JG4/s1600/SAM_5393.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_eTy79hH5RQ/T5u0hkLfK_I/AAAAAAAANiw/Tv2EDP73JG4/s400/SAM_5393.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...to create a set of wheels for his boss new Kona Paddy Wagon.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-j0E2Cgkm8/T5u0fUbR0kI/AAAAAAAANio/Ma3SjbHPaC0/s1600/SAM_5392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8-j0E2Cgkm8/T5u0fUbR0kI/AAAAAAAANio/Ma3SjbHPaC0/s400/SAM_5392.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A lovely Brooks B17 leather saddle will provide a lifetime's posterial comfort, as long as it's treated well.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NHV2Bha83o/T5u_g0AdNBI/AAAAAAAANkk/fENru7-ltDQ/s1600/SAM_5397.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9NHV2Bha83o/T5u_g0AdNBI/AAAAAAAANkk/fENru7-ltDQ/s400/SAM_5397.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://bikesnobnyc.blogspot.co.nz/2010/12/bsnyc-friday-attack-rabbit.html" target="_blank">Eric the Chamferer</a> has been at his nefarious work again.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcRcSziP_ek/T5u_ibkp5wI/AAAAAAAANks/PVDkJ8afcCI/s1600/SAM_5398.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LcRcSziP_ek/T5u_ibkp5wI/AAAAAAAANks/PVDkJ8afcCI/s400/SAM_5398.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The bottom bracket is of Canadian origin, just like the bike and its owner.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxoUaoplzfU/T5u_jxJSikI/AAAAAAAANk0/tbdFRWW522E/s1600/SAM_5401.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hxoUaoplzfU/T5u_jxJSikI/AAAAAAAANk0/tbdFRWW522E/s400/SAM_5401.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I love it when a bike has a grunty headbadge!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTCFeT3PRwY/T5u_lhyyctI/AAAAAAAANk8/e2wgUT1YAoI/s1600/SAM_5402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oTCFeT3PRwY/T5u_lhyyctI/AAAAAAAANk8/e2wgUT1YAoI/s400/SAM_5402.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The wheels installed, although sans tyres at this stage.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHtnwWD73fk/T5u_nfFvMHI/AAAAAAAANlE/QGstUbIXgEw/s1600/SAM_5403.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CHtnwWD73fk/T5u_nfFvMHI/AAAAAAAANlE/QGstUbIXgEw/s400/SAM_5403.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Brooks manufactured the lovely leather handlebar tape also. Not quite as easy to wrap as most modern tapes, it's well worth the extra effort to get it right. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVvuEEQcW5o/T5u_q2a7xZI/AAAAAAAANlU/E3XOrSp11CE/s1600/SAM_5406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JVvuEEQcW5o/T5u_q2a7xZI/AAAAAAAANlU/E3XOrSp11CE/s400/SAM_5406.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Old school cork handlebar plugs are a nice touch.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gN8oqI-YDVU/T5u_o3pKpuI/AAAAAAAANlM/IG0sZE9ITjM/s1600/SAM_5405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gN8oqI-YDVU/T5u_o3pKpuI/AAAAAAAANlM/IG0sZE9ITjM/s400/SAM_5405.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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With Graham still waiting for some bits it was as done as it was going to get with me. I await avidly the imminent pics of the finished build.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tsBWrn9HAgM/T5u_s9C-fRI/AAAAAAAANlc/Ug6uoLHuOFg/s1600/SAM_5407.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tsBWrn9HAgM/T5u_s9C-fRI/AAAAAAAANlc/Ug6uoLHuOFg/s400/SAM_5407.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Talking about wheels (well, we were before!), ever since my mate Jamie generously donated some beautiful Shamal tubular wheels to me to put on my period Bianchi...<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKoYd-K1_Ss/T5vKjHozTbI/AAAAAAAANmA/F6BPqmaWcDQ/s1600/SAM_5010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RKoYd-K1_Ss/T5vKjHozTbI/AAAAAAAANmA/F6BPqmaWcDQ/s400/SAM_5010.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...I've been able to roll out on my classic Ambrosio Giro d'Italia clinchers on a daily basis for the first time in about a decade. Just looking at the beautiful polished Campagnolo Record rear hub brings back very happy memories of working at the great <a href="http://homepages.paradise.net.nz/hg/cycleservices.htm" target="_blank">Cycle Services</a>, as it was a birthday present from the crew there in 1995 or '96. Many years ago, as cassettes became harder and harder to obtain, I converted it from the original eight-speed to nine-speed with the kind help of the estimable <a href="http://retroride.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">David Benson.</a> </div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvfyqRzWp0E/T5vMEKJHBQI/AAAAAAAANmI/pmoXIERxhIo/s1600/SAM_5412.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mvfyqRzWp0E/T5vMEKJHBQI/AAAAAAAANmI/pmoXIERxhIo/s400/SAM_5412.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This day those lovely wheels would carry me out to Eastbourne. As my more long-suffering readers will know, this is one of my most favourite old stomping grounds, and one I haven't visited in way too long.<br />
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I made my way out along the Hutt Road, the monotony of the constant roar of traffic only broken up by being chased by a dog just before Horokiwi. I don't use the term lightly, but that was one motherfucking quick motherfucking sprint for an old fat boy! Luckily the dog ran past my back wheel and not into it, and even more luckily his dash took him into a temporarily empty lane and not under the wheels of one of the many passing cars or trucks. I stopped at Horokiwi and *555ed him, hoping that he'd be okay until the promised units arrived.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FAtVKIT1TRo/T5vMHe30w_I/AAAAAAAANmQ/uslyjXmedrk/s1600/SAM_5416.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FAtVKIT1TRo/T5vMHe30w_I/AAAAAAAANmQ/uslyjXmedrk/s400/SAM_5416.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Moody skies above the city, annoyingly corrupted by that sporadic random blurry spot from who knows where in the guts of my $79 camera.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkVBFyDMivE/T5vMKPdF0kI/AAAAAAAANmY/SW7cABfTJVY/s1600/SAM_5421.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fkVBFyDMivE/T5vMKPdF0kI/AAAAAAAANmY/SW7cABfTJVY/s400/SAM_5421.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Another view of Mt Kaukau, which seems to be calling me from all directions. Might be time for a cyclocross mission...with Matiu/Somes Island in the foreground, I must be looking in almost a straight line opposite from the photo I took from Burma Road.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcrLly2_Tlk/T5vMOh7LkzI/AAAAAAAANmg/nU3aCbEOlOk/s1600/SAM_5422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcrLly2_Tlk/T5vMOh7LkzI/AAAAAAAANmg/nU3aCbEOlOk/s400/SAM_5422.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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By the time I got to the end of Eastbourne I contemplated carrying on around to Pencarrow but the twin devils of time and lightweight tyres managed to persuade me to leave that for another time...<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWegzJU435E/T5vMedoDUUI/AAAAAAAANmw/dxdsGw4MugU/s1600/SAM_5426.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YWegzJU435E/T5vMedoDUUI/AAAAAAAANmw/dxdsGw4MugU/s400/SAM_5426.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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...after all, there's always plenty of that, innit?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6GxG-qRFss/T5vMaKwK-4I/AAAAAAAANmo/5ftDQpTJyWc/s1600/SAM_5424.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r6GxG-qRFss/T5vMaKwK-4I/AAAAAAAANmo/5ftDQpTJyWc/s400/SAM_5424.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Until I next have some then.<br />
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CU, Oli.<br />
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<br /></div>Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-79434974970059158552012-04-18T00:00:00.000+12:002012-04-29T00:22:20.118+12:00Clearing the Decks - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hello again, my fellow bike fiends. To kick things off, here is a picture of my drawers.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_89O1YiRfEQ/T40lRJtyO3I/AAAAAAAANN8/n-ghnhYh_mE/s1600/SAM_5022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_89O1YiRfEQ/T40lRJtyO3I/AAAAAAAANN8/n-ghnhYh_mE/s320/SAM_5022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Inside my drawers is a large and specialised tool, which I like to pull out and play with from time to time.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHYfw_RRIO8/T40lSbp2LDI/AAAAAAAANOE/LIhlxKAj_8A/s1600/SAM_5024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zHYfw_RRIO8/T40lSbp2LDI/AAAAAAAANOE/LIhlxKAj_8A/s320/SAM_5024.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Now I've run out of stupid and pointless double entendre, here is the finished product parked outside <a href="http://www.havana.co.nz/" target="_blank">Havana Coffee Works</a>. This machine's somewhat unprepossessing appearance belies it's solid Italian cyclo-cross heritage, and my sponsor Geoff's Bianchi is once more restored to full function after a repaint and extensive mechanical service. I took advantage of dropping it off to partake of the best coffee in all of Wellingtown...</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCJ5f0ZKlRE/T40lVnQzi-I/AAAAAAAANOU/ohfWsyh2Mt4/s1600/SAM_5038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JCJ5f0ZKlRE/T40lVnQzi-I/AAAAAAAANOU/ohfWsyh2Mt4/s320/SAM_5038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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To change it up to the modern era, Brian's Trek Speed Concept needed some new tri-bars and a few other little tweaks.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_zXDkUQqpw/T40lT0IkpwI/AAAAAAAANOM/aZ_l0oSIRWA/s1600/SAM_5036.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7_zXDkUQqpw/T40lT0IkpwI/AAAAAAAANOM/aZ_l0oSIRWA/s320/SAM_5036.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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One weekend recently some cool cats organised a <a href="http://spokemagazine.com/2012/02/13/the-mt-vic-super-d-is-back/" target="_blank">Super-D event on Mt Victoria</a>. I had a small window of spectating between dropping sons off and picking them up again, so I hastened to the locale stat to catch the vibe. It was great to (briefly) catch up with some of my favourite bikey-type folks, although it was not so great to not catch up with others. The event had a good turnout as can't be seen here due to the multiple shuttles carrying the bulk of the riders to the summit.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLPJaM8D5eg/T40lXeQE5UI/AAAAAAAANOc/8k_7pUyj3fQ/s1600/SAM_5040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CLPJaM8D5eg/T40lXeQE5UI/AAAAAAAANOc/8k_7pUyj3fQ/s320/SAM_5040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I got to actually see my man Mike racing his venerable <a href="http://oli-roadworks.blogspot.com/2010/10/bearing-my-soul.html" target="_blank">Bianchi Super GL</a>!</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea4bicasjcA/T40lZ8LdkGI/AAAAAAAANOk/UGnZOKiCbtI/s1600/SAM_5048.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ea4bicasjcA/T40lZ8LdkGI/AAAAAAAANOk/UGnZOKiCbtI/s320/SAM_5048.JPG" width="273" /></a></div>
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And nice to see local legend Rod Bardsley throwing down with his usual inimitable style on the drop that he created and that bears his name..</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynySDjY_Egk/T40lbiappcI/AAAAAAAANOs/M_y8z8b1ToI/s1600/SAM_5051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ynySDjY_Egk/T40lbiappcI/AAAAAAAANOs/M_y8z8b1ToI/s320/SAM_5051.JPG" width="301" /></a></div>
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Here's Jonty Ritchie powering up one of the pinch climbs that pepper this tough course on his way to a win in the Masters 2 field, and a great 8th overall. The rest of the results and photos are <a href="http://spokemagazine.com/2012/03/25/urge-mt-vic-super-d-results-and-photos/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jXYqyx9gnI/T40lfafYFfI/AAAAAAAANO0/SdMt0FjkVaY/s1600/SAM_5060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6jXYqyx9gnI/T40lfafYFfI/AAAAAAAANO0/SdMt0FjkVaY/s320/SAM_5060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Inspired by these feats of derring-do, but not enough to actually drag out my MTB and get dirty, I set out on my road bike to hit the hills. Of course my camera ran out of batteries the first time I tried to take a shot of what was for me an epic hill ride that included scaling Mt Albert, Mt Crawford, Mt Victoria and Te Ahumairangi before grovelling home a jelly-legged mess. Accordingly, I have just one grainy phone-shot to remind me of those fun times - fun times that included coming the closest to death I've been on a bike in many years. Suffice it to say, I survived becoming a hood ornament on a Wellington bus on a tight and rapidly closing corner by a combination of cool calm, good brakes, the mountainbiking instinct of riding it out instead of binning it, my Beggar's Canyon T-16 skills and sheer dumb luck. One second the bright yellow front of the bus was filling the road from rough gutter to badly-parked car, the next I was past and clear - unable, however, to fully enjoy the great descent that should have followed as my mind replayed the whole incident again and again...</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">Thanks again to my Generous Benefactors for more kindness, this time in the form of this great Sean Kelly poster, as well as a Pedro Delgado one I forgot to take a photo of! Cheers, Henry and Vitas!</span><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6v47Lgdtn8/T40vPnzGtFI/AAAAAAAANPM/jFC95-QbTpg/s1600/SAM_5074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6v47Lgdtn8/T40vPnzGtFI/AAAAAAAANPM/jFC95-QbTpg/s320/SAM_5074.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
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Simon is building up his dream bike for the 2014 Kiwi Brevet, and he got me to build him up these fine Hope/Arch wheels.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-po4XwMynTho/T40vR7Ka1tI/AAAAAAAANPU/pCHmnZG6s5I/s1600/SAM_5076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-po4XwMynTho/T40vR7Ka1tI/AAAAAAAANPU/pCHmnZG6s5I/s320/SAM_5076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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And Paul wanted his old Dura-Ace hubs rebuilt into some nice new Mavic Open Pro rims for training on.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnfDEZiJVcI/T40vT2_hoFI/AAAAAAAANPc/ljydMN1FDN4/s1600/SAM_5077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pnfDEZiJVcI/T40vT2_hoFI/AAAAAAAANPc/ljydMN1FDN4/s320/SAM_5077.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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The headtube of Eric's lovely old early-90s Breezer...</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OGi-ZJold8/T40vVdUrxLI/AAAAAAAANPk/WNzWj-Wgdj4/s1600/SAM_5079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4OGi-ZJold8/T40vVdUrxLI/AAAAAAAANPk/WNzWj-Wgdj4/s320/SAM_5079.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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...and the down-tube. More on this later.</div>
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Yet more generosity lavished upon me by my friends. I may joke about it but it's because I am honestly humbled by the kindness and the presents I am given by my mates. I really don't know what I do to deserve it, but nonetheless I'm truly grateful - I love you guys! <a href="http://www.fyxomatosis.com/index.php/blog" target="_blank">Fyxomatosis</a> is my favourite non-forum cycling website, and I have lusted after one of the jerseys for ages - somehow, and without a single hint from me ever, WO Larkin sensed this and sprung into action. Chur, bro!</div>
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The decals look super sick on my fork legs.</div>
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At the first available opportunity I put the new jersey to a torture test. Well more of an enjoy the crisp autumn day test, actually.</div>
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I headed up Onslow Road with heavy legs, but heavy legs are just photo opportunities calling my name.</div>
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I love Wellington's capricious climate and try not to buy too much into the cliches that abound, but even I have to admit it's rare for the clouds to be reflected on the harbour in the late afternoon when the temperature is warm - it's usually a chilly morning phenomenon.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UH7bRuNObUw/T41CYE0z91I/AAAAAAAANQU/3mOr_-z0GdQ/s1600/SAM_5096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UH7bRuNObUw/T41CYE0z91I/AAAAAAAANQU/3mOr_-z0GdQ/s320/SAM_5096.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Ngauranga Gorge seems so peaceful from up here.</div>
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Looking back over my shoulder towards the Eastern Hutt Hills.</div>
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What a beautiful city I'm blessed to live in.</div>
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Hey, it's random riding along foot photo time!</div>
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Ship!</div>
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It's not my fault, my Bianchi <i>told</i> me to take the shot...</div>
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I got no excuse for this one.</div>
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Talking about my friends, as I was earlier, my old compadre from Bicycle Village and Cycle Services days Henry has been keeping his hand in the bike game by knocking up a couple of cool retroesque projects. Here's his sweet Guerciotti/Alan...</div>
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...and his latest ride, a lovely DeRosa.</div>
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The DeRosa heart is almost as iconic as the Colnago club or the Bianchi eagle in terms of Italian iconography.</div>
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I'm honoured that Henry has my decal on his machine, even though I did nothing to help the guy who taught me much of what I know build this stunning steed.</div>
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I've been playing with some old wheels lately too. These awesome Ambrosio Crono wheels needed a bit of truing here and there.</div>
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I fitted some bad-arse piratical disc rotors to some wheel for a bike that Bill will hopefully get me to build some day.</div>
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Karapoti isn't just the lead-up; as well as ensuring your bike is up to scratch prior to this arduous and bike-hurty race, it's also vital to check it over stem to stern after the event. This is John Randal's rear hub, although to be fair he's been thrashing it for a lot longer than just one puny Karapoti.</div>
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Sadly Steve's nearly new Tallboy needed a drivetrain replacement after Karapoti and the training that went into it, and this after the not inconsiderable pre-ride spend-up. It's purring once more after throwing lots more money and time at it.</div>
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And I'll finish this small drop in the large ocean of my potential bloggage with yet another ride in this most amiable autumn.</div>
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One of my favourite ascents of Mt Vic is via Roseneath Terrace.</div>
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I took this one from Robieson Street, scene of one of my more nefarious youthful indiscretions once upon a time.</div>
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The city side of Alexandra Road is a superb power climb and a wicked descent...</div>
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But, like this long and winding blog, I was out of time and almost out of road, so opted for a (very) quick fang down the southern side of Alexandra to Newtown and home.</div>
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Until next time, thanks for indulging me. Chur, Oli</div>
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<br /></div>Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-80831821144695084292012-04-11T00:34:00.000+12:002012-04-11T00:43:57.923+12:00Clearing the Decks<br />
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At a loss for a theme or any sort of structure to create a clever blog from the huge backlog of photos and stories I've accumulated over the last few months, I'll just keep it relatively straightforward by posting the photos in roughly the order I took them in, accompanied by a few well-chosen words.</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">All these things we prize dearly. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">Here's my recently rebuilt fillet-brazed steel Hillbrick, equipped with parts courtesy of my friend Leonard, along with a Chorus seatpost from WO Larkin. Thanks!</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Put your best foot forward, and make sure you've got a spanner on it.</span>
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My friend Angus swung by for a late summer visit, bringing his cool Gios all the way from the UK via the Hutt.
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Dave wanted an Alfine 11sp wheel built up for his commuter.</div>
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The lovely Kath and her Quintana Roo has been tri-ing hard all summer...</div>
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...and I sprung her at it later on during Tri Nationals.</div>
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Jonty loves his old bike parts, and I love helping him keep them rolling. Like minds.</div>
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Black Thursday. The tenants upstairs suddenly scarpered, cutting off the power as they ran and leaving me to a super-busy day working in near darkness until the power could be reconnected...</div>
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My trusty Dolphin was of limited help in illuminating a brake bleed to Megan Dimozantos' Yeti.</div>
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But I got there in the end to complete the last service before Megan set off to South Africa to race in the gruelling ABSA Cape Epic MTB stage race with my good buddy John Randal.</div>
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I delivered the bike to Megan in person, when her and John shouted me to dinner in town. </div>
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I was pleased to help them a bit on their way, and tried to be as much a part of the Team as possible by investing as much good mojo into their Yetis as I could, knowing that once the bikes left NZ I would be powerless to help. So I was truly honoured and proud when Megan and John kindly presented me with a Team jersey, as modelled here by John himself the following night at Revolution Bicycles on the eve of his departure to SA.</div>
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Barry brought his and Ione's Colnagos in for a service - on his one I was able to use my Park Ultra-Torque bearing puller for only the second ever time! The bearings felt rough but just needed removing, flushing and repacking to regain that silky-smooth Campag steez. </div>
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The two Colnagos in post-service repose.</div>
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A sturdy wheel for reliable duty.</div>
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An old bike trade friend from the 90s has recently moved back to NZ from the UK, and was leaping back into the deep end of triathlon at Nationals in Wellington. Graham stopped by for a catch up and so I could give his venerable Scott Waimea Pro a quick fettle.</div>
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He kindly donated these cool and soon to be hung prints to The Archives!</div>
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Some months ago I built my man Tim Wilding a pair of lovely light Stan's Alpha 340 wheels for his beautiful Ibis Silk Road, but a defect in the rear rim necessitated a warranty rebuild. Some amazingly swift (same day!) service from local Stan's distributor Cycletech and a rim swap was effected, as was an always welcome coffee catch up with the man himself.</div>
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After coffee comes beer, and a rare (not really rare at all) visit to my favourite bike shop, Revolution Bicycles. As well as the always superlative hospitality offered by owner Jonty (left) and his offsider Alex (right), we were blessed by an all too rare visit from Cliff (in blue), our good friend from the US. In case you're wondering how John teleported back from South Africa, this was actually the same night his jersey portrait was taken. The other looming sifters are Friday night perennials Reece and Andy.</div>
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After what had been a long and stressful week (apart from all the coffee and beer, that is...) I was delighted to find my first available ride opportunity was in absolutely perfect conditions. Of course I headed around the Bays.</div>
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Proudly wearing my new Mitre 10 Mega/Yeti/Roadworks jersey for the first time, and feeling pretty fly.</div>
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Closed roads for Tri Nationals and the tail end of the event meant some clear roads to relish in the pleasant conditions.</div>
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A quick shot of The Most Photographed Bianchi In History while I was waiting for the aforementioned Kath to blast by.</div>
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Talking of Bianchis, my beloved old veteran 1996/7 era TSX-UL...</div>
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...has been crying out for a pair of Shamals since I sold (for free - I never did get that money?) my clincher pair back in '99. I have pathetically bleated about it so often that my friend Jamie must have thought he could shut me up by giving me a pair, so these turned up on my door step all of a sudden. I couldn't be happier about it, so thanks very much Jamie! </div>
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The wheels needed a wee bit of a true and some panelbeating, and the hubs needed a bit of a ream and some new grease but were otherwise perfect.</div>
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And here she is, at least while I wait for some new tubs to replace the awesome looking but fatally perished Vittorias I used to mock it up. At last. Again, my thanks to Jamie.</div>
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While I was frittering away my time socialising in bike shops, meandering around the Bays on my bicycle and fettling old Italian wheels, my friends and Roadworks stalwarts Mark (pictured) and Richard were <i>really</i> working, as they tackled the 144km Rainbow Rage Epic with aplomb - great stuff lads, and thanks for representing!</div>
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While on the subject of riding epic rides, I'll finish this blog off with the first photo I got from South Africa of John and Megan acclimatising in Capetown. For the stories of their amazing race check out <a href="http://sifter-writes-bikes.blogspot.co.nz/2012/04/2012-absa-cape-epic.html" target="_blank">John's blog</a>, or Megan's take is <a href="http://megandimozantos.blogspot.co.nz/" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
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I'll be back to continue clearing the decks soon. Until then, thanks for reading. Chur, Oli</div>Olihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6619009382913077375.post-52287394410193476162012-03-13T23:45:00.000+13:002012-03-13T23:45:11.195+13:00Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All a good bicycle build needs is Time...</div>
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Recently a long-overdue visit from my old mate Glenn was most welcome, as was his delivery of his new Time RXRS ULTeam frame "module" and a large selection of fruity bits and pieces. It's been a while since I blogged a build, and I thought you might enjoy this one of a very fine machine indeed...<br />
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The first step on a frameset like this is establishing the seat height, and as cutting an extended seat mast requires extreme and absolute diligence in measuring seat height, doing so without all variables accounted for is out of the question. To eliminate any possibility of dimensional error I decide it behooves me to fit the cranks before doing anything else, so to begin I carefully press in the Campagnolo adaptor cups with my custom-fabricated adaptors that work with my storied VAR headset press.<br />
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Campagnolo Super Record. There truly is nothing like it.</div>
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A reverse-threaded crank fixing bolt is torqued into the titanium bottom bracket axle. As the frame probably isn't well enough supported by my stand, and/or strong enough for a 100kg behemoth to be be swinging off a long lever as I deliver the high torque required, I whack the pre-tyred and cassetted wheels in to help facilitate the leverage required as I work on the ground.<br />
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With the wheels removed once more and no less than six careful measure and remeasure attempts I feel confident to gently secure the frame in my stand and veeeeery carefully begin to cut the seat mast using the Time-supplied cutting guide. Into the hands of Fate!<br />
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Not too much removed. After cutting I spend some time carefully sanding the "stump"<br />
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It's always a relief when the post-cut double-check shows that my numbers are on the money - millimetre perfect. I love it when a plan comes together, and this one sure did.<br />
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Cutting the steerer tube also requires great precision and, with the forks already installed as part of the "Module" it necessitated carefully lying the frame down and having at it. Again, the Time guide came into play.<br />
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Stem fitted and the clever "Quickset" headset given a tiny tweak to silky-smooth adjustment.<br />
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Out with the lubrification - cheers, Dave!<br />
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Time to fit the SR rear derailleur.<br />
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Look Keo Carbon Blade pedals installed.<br />
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The rear brake caliper goes on next...<br />
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...and I do my best to line up the pads to the Zipp 404 Firecrest wheels without yet being at the stage of fitting the cables.<br />
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An eponymous bottle cage looks the part.<br />
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The latest iteration of the venerated San Marco Regal saddle is as comfortable as the earliest versions dating back around 20 years.<br />
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I carefully set up and align the Super Record Ergolevers on the Time carbon handlebars...<br />
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...then fit the 'bars into the stem, using carbon paste and careful wielding of my torque wrench.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I whip out my beloved<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-size: x-small;"> </span>UT-CN300, measure and shorten the chain, then push through and peen the joining link pin. </span></span><br />
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I manually set the limit screws to ensure the chain won't go into the spokes or down into the frame, checking first that the hanger is aligned - unusually for a new bike, this one was perfect. <br />
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All done except for cables and handlebar tape.<br />
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Gear cables cut to length and fitted...<br />
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...gears adjusted and working perfectly, with traditional Campag precision.<br />
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Getting the cables to cross over just so is one of my OCD fixations - I just can't stand seeing bikes with fucked-up differing length bits of cable hanging out all over the place like the spaghetti dropped on the manager of the Death Ray Chemical Corporation's head. I am cognisant, however, of the fact that this photo doesn't exactly demonstrate my point...<br />
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Brake cables fitted. Ah, just so.<br />
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Handlebars taped.<br />
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Almost finished...<br />
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Anti-rattle tape in place - thanks to my man Doon for this tip from back in the day.<br />
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Onto the scales is the final step before the test ride. 7.04kg with pedals and bottle cage is pretty damn good for a larger bike like this!<br />
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And finis. Glenn's Time RXRS ULTeam built and ready to go. May he enjoy many, many kilometres of fun aboard this stunning machine that was the most fun build job I've had in ages. Cheers, Glenn.<br />
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Thanks for reading, OliOlihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12870524373958344954noreply@blogger.com3