The end of yet another day was fast approaching when I switched the channels on the TV and caught a glimpse of a man and a bike. Intrigued by the ‘strange’ bike I continued to watch as the film ‘The Flying Scotsman’ played in front of me. Now, I have been fully aware of the hour record for some time, gripped by the phenomenal speeds and power that are produced, but I am ashamed to have only just watched this wonderful film; one I’d highly recommend to cyclists and non-cyclists alike.
I was really captivated by his creative design and innovative nature to change the face of cycling (something I am hoping Trevor Allen of the Ergon 24 hour racing team will consider in his new job designing bikes!). Obree’s simplistic outlook on the feeding (maramalade sandwiches), hydration (tap water) and construction of his bike for such a feat (old washing machine parts) appealed to the very nature of what, to me, cycling is all about. I guess I am currently drawn to ‘older’ bikes with the ongoing restoration of my 1985 Eddy Merckx, but strip away the fancy designs of even the most modern bikes and essentially you have the same basic components – pedals and wheels. We just need to get out and ride.
And what a great way of getting about. The RockettRides team have been overjoyed recently to help with the planning of so many UK end to end rides and European trips this coming summer. The arrival of the sunshine has really inspired a rush a cycling enthusiasts, so long may it continue.
We’d like to wish RockettRides follower, Les Donaldson from Orkney all the best in his recovery. Finding himself in great shape for his attempt at a 3day end to end journey in the summer, Les badly broke his ankle and is sporting a titanium replacement. We all wish you the very best and hope you’re back in the saddle as soon as possible.
This morning I undertook some power output assessments on behalf of the Human Powered Aircraft that is being built at the University of Bath. After a very brief warm up, the cadence increased, the gear increased and I was suddenly approaching my hardest session of the year so far. With hips bouncing on top the saddle and with hands clenching the bars, sweat flowing from everywhere and my wattage readings being recorded every ten seconds, I was reminded of how tough it is to really push hard in training. The engineers produced graphs and diagrams instantly to illustrate my power output in relation to the aircraft, and the good news is I will get that thing in the air and human powered flight at the University of Bath will occur. I’ve asked for a brief explanation of what on earth I do once it is airborne!
Anyway, I am currently lost in the witty, entertaining and informative book ‘The Hour’ by Michael Hutchinson. What a fabulous read and for anyone who has any interest in cycling it’s a must read.
