Jake's Rides

What's the odds of survival?

Last October I was reminiscing about the time I reached 66mph on my bike. On that entry I included a map to show the incline of the road. Well, now I can add a picture, thanks to the foresight of my brother who's held on to a photo taken at the top:

An incline of one-in-four might not sound like much but believe me it is (Especially on a push bike with no glasses or helmet on). You can just see where the road appears to end and drop off in to the valley...

Some Crazy Dudes

Thanks to James Jennett for today's link to Trials Kings, and in particular the movies section. In James' words, these guys are "Nuttier Than Squirrel Shit". I can't help but agree.

The videos have the effect of making me feel both old and boringly unadvanterous. There's no way you'd catch me doing anything like that. I barely even ride down steps nowadays.

Just Checking In

It's been a week. Sorry. Life gets too much sometimes. Still finding time to get out on the bike once a week though. Nothing, I hope, will ever get in the way of that. The problem is that I am taking my camera with me and taking waaaay to many photos. This means that I spend waaaay too much time maintaining this site.

London to Brighton Bike Ride 2004

Here's something I bet you never expected to read here - some exciting news. It looks like I might be a part of the London to Brighton Bike Ride this year.

Through a connection I have a link to the Powergen team, who are entering their amazing five-man beast of a creation. Room for a small one at the back?

Looking forward to having a go, whilst doing my bit, "for charity mate". I have no idea how it all works out logistically, but I'm sure all will come clear nearer the date - 20th June - and I'll let you know any developments.

Biking as a part of my life

Thanks again to my older brother Tim, here's a picture of myself and my younger brother, Leo, doing some emergency repairs to an old trike (I'm the one in trousers).

The tricycle is one of four pedal-powered machines in this shot. You can see that it's always been a part of my life.

It's a shame you don't see kids on bikes nowadays. Boxing Day always used to mean loads of kids on the street riding their, impossibly clean, new bikes. Now, I guess they are indoors playing on their X-Boxes.

My Second Mountain Bike

After posting this picture of me fooling about years ago, I sent a link to my brother, Tim, who took the picture. He's kindly scanned and mailed me some other pictures that I had forgotten existed. Here's a picture of my second mountain bike and first Trek 7000, to go with the picture of my first mountain bike:

And, for comparison, a recent shot of my third bike and second Trek 7000:

There's quite a difference. I had remembered the old 7000 as being a lot sexier - with thicker tubing and a nice green-splatter paint effect. It looks like a any other boring bike in this shot. Maybe it's just now that we compare to modern standards that it all looks a little tame. Like the VW Golf. The mark one probably looked great in its day, but doesn't look so hot compared to its latest incarnation. Still I have fond memories of this bike and it's good to have a photo. Thanks Tim!

I'd like to be able to tell you which year this model was. It would have to be a guess and I would go for about 1991/92. It was sold in the summer of '93 when I passed my driving test and wanted to get my first car. Here's what trading in an £700 bike get you - a £250 Mini! You live and learn...

This car was sold just before I went to university. There was then a gap of about 7 years in which I didn't own a bike!

Longest Presta Valve in the World

Last week I just happened to be in Halfords (spit!) and happened to need a new spare inner-tube. Swallowing my pride I bought a Michelin 26" Presta with "long valve". Thinking nothing more of it, I was shocked when I got home and took it out of the box. Have you ever seen a Presta valve so long!?

Why on Earth is it soooo long? It's not even threaded, so I can't secure it to the rim. I let you know how it performs when I get round to needing it...