Flo K's blog

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Flo K

Last night I rode part of the Bristol ring road cycle path expecting it to be nothing more than a series of sections through housing estates and parallel to major roads continually cut by traffic lights and bollards... to be fair, there was quite a lot of that, but I have to say, I really enjoyed the ride and the variety it offered. Perhaps it was because I was cycling to a specific destination, or the fact I had my SS bike, thrashing through different areas or perhaps it was the variety of sights, street art and people I saw, I just can't put my finger on it!

 This morning while riding along the tow path I was joined by 3 Deer! Amazing, needless to say I was not quick enough with my compact, alas.

They ran in front of me for approximately 100yds before leaping into the trees.

Flo K

Sunday I raced in the infamous Frome Cobble Wobble on my SS / Fixie. 200m of steep wet cobbles, with massive crowds packed in either side of the course. As it rained just before the start I began to think my choice of fixed / ss category was foolish, but it was awesome, great fun and my SS with it’s 7ooc x 28 Vittoria tyres was uber grippy.

After 7 years of riding from Bristol to Bath I have finally spoken with the elderly gentleman I see riding everyday, come rain or shine. Regulars on the path and A4 will know the guy I mean, constantly tapping out a rhythm on his Dawes tourer.

I have just returned from a fantastic week in Normandy with my family where I managed to sneak in a couple of rides in the hills above Honfleur and along the Seine estuary.

Quite an eventful start as my rear hydraulic brake was not working when I unpacked the bike, with no way of fixing it, I took it off! I was riding an MTB with slick tyres as this bike fits nicely in the base of the boot with pram, luggage a bucket & spade on top.

 I rode to work fixed this morning for the 1st time in about a year and did not enjoy it. It's the descents I find most difficult, on wet roads heavy with traffic it was a little sketchy. So much so that I have flipped the wheel at lunch time. The question is, am I being a coward and should I swap back? I am riding the ss / fixed category at the Frome Cobble Wobble which is a hill climb so no descending. Dilemma.

Flo K

Is there such a thing, a one bike does everything perfect machine. I'm someone who has 1 of everything: a tourer, MTB (HT and Suspension), road bike, folder, but do I need them all. By having many bikes do I not spend enough time on any given one? Dilemma, which is my favourite (I know, it's a nice dilemma to have) and I guess I am spoilt by the nature of my work; but you know, sometimes I would just like, the 1 do everything bike that I will ride every day for the rest of my life, but maybe this doesn't exist?

Yesterday morning I had a great ride, usual route bathed in sunshine and a great flow. But on my way home the story couldn't be more different. Mechanicals, dogs and people running in front of me and a horrendous side wind, dragging my single pannier and creating a sail effect. I really couldn't wait to get home, but then isn't it amazing, after some good food a quiet drink and a play with my children all I wanted to do was ride my bike again. Better than domestic duties or pointless television.

The mudguards and bell are definitely coming back!

Flo K

Last night on my commute home I cycled past a beer garden and a young lad threw a half eaten chip at me, he was sat with his parents and they didn't say a word!

Go figure.

K

ps the bell is definitely coming back..................