Blackheart

Yeah. I didn't mention that it totally destroyed my stats for the week.

Wasn't me. It was the stretch which passes boulders (the uphill end) leading to the steep loose climb which intersects the drag to silvermine gate.

Yesterday while riding in Tokai i encountered a group of 6 horseriders. First encounter was while i was going up the hill. They had stopped for water, i moved over to the opposite side of the trail, we exchanged friendly "good mornings" and waves. Next encounter was when i was returning down the hill. It was clear that they had not heard me coming, so i slowed right down and followed them at about 10m distance. One of the older riders was periodically checking around and behind, but he must have missed me at first, eventually he did notice me. He immediately called out to his colleagues "bicycle coming, move over". He waved me through and then apologised profusely for not noticing me at first and for holding me up. I told him no worries and it's nice to share the trail with such considerate people. It was just a nice little cameo of how things can be with just a little bit of patience and consideration.

I try to focus on how much more of a workout i'm getting for free. Gusty cross winds freak me out though.

Ouch. Same thing happened to me a few years ago. just after the wire barrier the road takes a right and takes the first big gust coming through apostles. I got pushed into and over the armco barrier, still clipped in. Ended up about 4m down the hill towards the sea. My wife who was behind me said it was the funniest thing she'd ever seen.. I was lucky, just some cuts and bruises. Speedy get well to the cyclist.

No didn't drop it, it's just had a 'robust' life.

Sorry for the crappy quality, but here they are. Speedmaster 100% original, never been restored (as you can see) Tissot back. I love the 3 spoke steering wheel! Tissot front. The face is actually a very deep blue which looks black indoors, but really comes alive when the sunlight hits it.

1971 Omega Speedmaster Professional. A 30th Birthday present from my wife. 2013 Tissot Heritage PR516. Which is a re release of an iconic 1965 motorsports watch. A Christmas present to myself.

I used to shoot competitively as a youth in UK. Outdoor Olympic distances with a recurve bow, a take down Yamaha with all the dampers etc. I forget the draw length, but i remember it was a 40lb pull. I also did some traditionalist shooting at country fairs and exhibitions. Proper longbows with an 80lb pull shooting an oak arrow that weighed about 200g. Impossible to hold, just aim, draw, release. We used to shoot at 'bunts', basically a round tree stump set flat into the ground at about 100 yards. Incredible to think that the medieval archers would pull 100 - 120 lbs and be able to have 3 arrows in the air before the first one hit. It's a great sport, i'd recommend anyone to give it a try.

Mototcyclists in South Africa generally wave or give an incline of the head. When i went touring in Germany. Nothing, not a wave a nod. Nothing. When i questioned a couple of locals about that they told me they were too busy concentrating on riding their bikes correctly to worry about greeting a stranger. Once i forgot about greeting, or being greeted or why that sob didn't greet me back I had a much better time riding without that particular mental clutter. I don't initiate greets anymore, i don't worry about being greeted anymore, but if someone makes the effort i will reciprocate.

As a lover of all things Celeste it pains me say it: Late 1990's Bianchi 'Team Issue'(HaHa) MTB. It had cable actuated hydraulic disc brakes called 'trymax' and you really did have to. It had a head angle of about 73deg and tried to kill me every time i rode it. Weighed about 15Kg. I hated it, loved the cool as **** martini paint job though, totally regret selling it.

i've been using a Garmin Forerunner for years, can only recommend it. It can be set up for running, cycling and multisport. Uploads data to pc or mac faultlessly. Has a dedicated bike mount too. If mine broke i'd get another.

My new Enve Carbon bar (and my new bike its attached to)

Thought i would share my new Cotic Solaris build with you: The Specs: Frame: Cotic Solaris (m) Colour: Duck Egg Fork: Reba RLTi Transmission: XT 3x10 (for now, i see an xtr 2x10 in the near future) Brakes: Hope Tech X2 Wheels: ZTR rims on Hope Pro2 hubs Tyres: Scwalbe Racing Ralph 2.25 Snakeskins Seatpost: Thomson Elite Saddle: Fizik Gobi XM Kium Stem: KCNC Fly Ride Handlebar: Enve Sweep Carbon Pedals: Time atac Julien Absalon signature Weight: 11.8kg A big thank you to Matthew at Cotoc SA, Paul at Cotic UK and Andreas from Bike Lane in CT for making this happen so quickly after my Flash was stolen. Thanks Guys!

My 2011 Cannondale Carbon Flash 2 29er was stolen on 3rd Jan from my garage, while I was at home during the day. I have complied with every condition off my Cyclesure policy, even down to the size and type of chain/cable to be used. After 2 weeks of backwards and forwards with Cyclesure, today I received notice that they will not cover because there was no sign of forced entry into the garage. I have all the supporting documentation usually necessary, receipts, serial numbers, photographs. Police have opened a case of theft/housebreaking and have assigned a detective to the case. The CSI dude showed me where the thieves got over the wall and accessed the garage side door. Feels like I'm getting screwed on a technicality.

My 2011 Flash 29er carbon was stolen from my garage on 3rd Jan, while I was at home during the day. White and black, carbon lefty, ergon grips, green cables.