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Tuesday 18 June 2013

Fallowfield Loop complete again

June 17, 2013 was a big date for cycling in Greater Manchester. For it was this date that the famous Fallowfield loop ceased to terminate - at it's eastern end -  in a 'temporary' fence complete with its bossy signage directing people to the utterly useless replacement. It might as well have been a sculpture two fingers sticking up at you!

The story goes back about five years I think to a land deal whereby Belway Homes bought a piece of land for a development of stunning 4-5 bedroom townhouses in a glorious waterside location - what other type is there?
This development led to the existing public right of way being block off as a temporary measure while the houses were built. Nowt wrong with that really but you can't just block off public rights of way without providing a suitable replacement - it's the law, like.
As is often the case, the law was disregarded for far too long and matters were taken over by the people using the path: the fences were pulled apart to allow access. They were repaired, then pulled apart again.
Recently other fences have been put up and a new anti-tank barrier went in last week.
But now, finally the horrible block & mesh fence with scaffolding pole assembly has gone.
But, beware what you ask for: my first attempt to ride across to the path resulted in a comedy face plant as my front wheel disappeared into an unseen abyss!
Fortunately it was a slow speed incident and was funny more than anything: especially for the two schoolies witnessing my fall from grace. It could have only been made more comedic if one of them was practising his swanney whistle as I tumbled to the ground.
Ride safe

Saturday 15 June 2013

Wednesday 12 June 2013

@letour cometh

I probably am a bit sad for spending a tenner on the 2013 official Tour souvenir guide - limited edition to just 8 million copies! But I won a tenner on a scratch card so I thought, why not?
There's a wall chart in it and everything! I wonder how long it'll be until I fill my own name into one of the stage winner slots? 

Monday 10 June 2013

Flaming June, plate spinning and bad spelling

There's been so much happening in the world of two wheels of late that I've not managed to keep all the plates spinning and keep my blog updated. Truth is, I've been enjoying the outside and riding rather than writing! Manged to squeeze in 200 miles last week!
So, by way of an update, here's a few of the things, had I been on the ball, I'd have written about recently.
Other bloggers have no trouble
The bastion of peace and tranquility that is Oxford Road, could be about to become kinder, much kinder, to us cycling folk. For the civic overlords at Manchester City Council are encouraging you, yes you, to tell them what you think of their plans in a consultation exercise. Apparently 'Dutch style' cycle lanes could be installed  as part of a revamped streetscape. Reports that this includes strategically situated bongs have not been confirmed. You can find out more about it here.

TfGM was also reportedly successful in its bid to trouser £15m for the, still annoying, Velocity cycle scheme. This is the money we all pledged our support for in a web-based clicking exercise a few weeks back. Cash in: get building.

Not to be outdone, Tory led anomaly Trafford Council has bagged £320,000 for 'paralell routes' (sic) at the A56 in Gorse Hill and Old Traffod.

And finally, that Brady Wiggin chap is no longer any good, so the Daily Mail is switching its allegiance to  Chris Froome who is just about British enough for them to support.

Tuesday 4 June 2013

How many parts to your bike?

Check out this fascinating image from today's Grauniad G2 supplement. It's a photo of a 1980s Raleigh racer stripped down to all of its constituent parts - not gone to the trouble of removing the inner tube patches though.
...427, 428, 429... shit! 1, 2, 3, 4...
Its part of a series called 'Things Come Apart by Canadian photographer Todd McLellan - sounds more Australian to me like.
So there are 893 pieces to this bike including pedal reflectors but only one single front and rear wheel reflector which is some kind of oversight. 
If you look carefully you can spot the red Raleigh branded seat post nut which has just taken me back to the 80s and my Grifter.
I bet it was a bugger to break that chain apart...you can buy a copy of this on the Guardian website.

Sunday 2 June 2013

June: Manchester bike month

Quite what happened to the month of May, I don't know. Had some lovely days riding and got a good few miles in. 
All the grim weather was in Italy for the Giro where Wiggo bailed out ill.
Some UCI tool denied any wrong doing relating to Lance's doping - that's despite them having the hematocrit levels of all riders...
But, anyway, that was May. It's June now and there's loads to look forward to: the tour starts this month, it's national bike week (15th - 23rd) and its also Manchester bike month - yes, a whole month of cycling related events and wot not.
Check out the web site for more info and, of course, ride safe.