wildog_a

I have just had a mail with details of the nexty lot of Cranky Monkey skills clinics, presented by Adrian Ilsley and Gavin Pelser... If you can't make Knysna, the one at Fountains on 8 July will probably be at least as exciting... <?:namespace prefix = v ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" /><?:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />Sunday 24th June 2007 Beginner Level 1 Skills Clinic Venue: Northern Farm Time: 08h30 to 13h00 Cost: R375 per person (Max 8 people per group) Instructors: Adrian Ilsley and Gavin Pelser Bookings: Click here to book Info: Click here for more information on what the course entails Sunday 8th July 2007 Advanced Level 3 Skills Clinic Venue: Fountains Pretoria Time: 09h00 to 13h00 Cost: R400 per person (Max 6 people per group) Instructor: Dylan Victor Guest Speaker: Megan Jaffray from Pace & Power Nutrition Bookings: Click here to book Info: Click here for more information on what the course entails

Ha! found the original string for the guy with the HUGE chainring in the picture below. His pace machine is on the left... how's that for a chain? On 30th September, 1928, Belgian racer L?on Vanderstuyft regained the Paced Hour Record, covering 122.771 kms (76.29 miles). From "Le Miroir des Sports" No.447/783, 11 September 1928. http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/d/166504-2/VDStuyft.JPG

To my enormous irration I am now unable to find the link where I read about the speeds attained on these machines. Here is a pic of the 1924 motorpaced French national champs while I try to look for it... http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/d/117176-2/demi_fond_1923.jpg

here is an example of the tandem used as a lead bike. Note the stoker's aero kit, and the following distance! http://www.wooljersey.com/gallery/d/117157-2/Dickentman.jpg

Quite interesting actually, the bike was used for a motor-paced hour record attempt. Fork setup almost certainly an early experiment in aerodynamics. Pacing was generally done by a tandem pair with the fuel tank between them. Big wool sweaters was preferred garb for the tandem stoker, because of the aerodynamic advantage it was thought to offer the following cyclist... the sweaters were ultimately banned!

By the way, now I've had an affirmative reply from Richard as well. Perhaps I should get Rich to bring his Diadora girls (they don't have to ride at all, just pose in cycling kit in the vague proximity of some bikes)... to rekindle wider interest in riding to work!

Yes, Geoff says he will be there, and we are having coffee afterwards at that fancy Woolies in the Design Quarter. They have ruled my bike too butch, however!

While we are all trying out our lights, or trying out the cars without our lights, we may just want to keep going all the way to the office. I got this notice from PPA this morning. Wouldn't it be cool if we did actually all try to ride our bikes to work one day? >>BIKE TO WORK DAY<< It's time for our next Bike to Work Day! Start planning now to cycle to work on Friday 23 March 2007. Can you assist in spreading the word by putting up posters at your office, or by getting a note into your company's newsletter? Email info@pedalpower.org.za for more information. Must say, I conducted a bit of an impromptu commuter experiment towards the end of last year when my Sparky-car was feeling a bit cranky. If you think people drive inconsiderately when you are in full kit, try riding your bike in a skirt and a pair of plakkies... obviously no helmet! Richard and Geoff, I hereby publically challenge you to a circuit with me, in suitable girl attire, around the block where Cycle Lab is (including William Nichol, whether the traffic light is working or not - helmet obviously in situ) in peak time traffic. The ride will end with a triumphal swoop through the Design Quarter. Ad?le Tait Editor Ride mag

Bly jy't hom nie gekoop nie, want die ding verg nogal leeswerk! Volgende keer as jy Hustler-prentjies kyk in die CNA moet jy bietjie blaai na p96 waar sy vital stats staan... paar verrassings. Ons dog ons doen die nasie 'n guns deur die rugbyspelers aan te moedig om fiets te ry en liewer die rugby nonsens te los!