RE: PH Blog: pedal power
Friday 22nd February 2013
Adapt and survive! That's the only mantra one can live by, with or without a licence and in the absence of the latter I've needed to find new ways to enjoy the traditional B-road blast. And, dammit, if that means doing it under my own steam so be it!
Flying PH colours, even on a push bikeMan maths dictates that the approach to any problem is to throw money at it, regardless of whether there's enough to go around, and so, while the Mazda hibernates, I've splashed some cash on a slick-shod, carbon-chassised Trek Madone road bike. One that cost more than twice as much as the Eunos, fiscal denial the only part of money-related arithmetic I've ever excelled at.
Superbike riders ditch engines for pedalsFor one thing it's made me a hell of a lot more aware of road surfaces and the variance of grip different types, conditions and even times of the day can offer. At 40mph+ on 120psi slicks with a contact patch smaller than a postage stamp your relationship with the tarmac is an intimate one, the Madone's unforgivingly stiff carbon frame taking feedback to a new level. A run-flat equipped Mini is a Rolls-Royce in comparison but the pay-off is an astounding turn of speed when you've got the legs for it. And a full tank of porridge is cheaper than the same of unleaded.
Light bike, even lighter wallet as a resultI can't wait to apply this new-found appreciation of grip and slip to my driving too, my mental encyclopaedia of local roads now increased in its level of detail tenfold at least. There's not much fun to be had on busy A-roads either so the need to discover the road less travelled means I've got miles of new routes filed away in my head and ready to enjoy when I get back behind the wheel.
Track days not quite the same at the momentAnd experiencing a track day at Bedford from the passenger seat was a little emotionally challenging, my determination to ride home ending in the navigational ignominy of miles in the wrong direction and pedalling round Milton Keynes in search of the station and salvation. Roundabouts and tracks are definitely more fun in a car, unsurprisingly enough.
PH Blog: pedal power
Can't drive, can ride - Dan attempts to pedal away the winter blues
Flying PH colours, even on a push bike
I've no intention of inviting a cars versus bikes debate and have never seen a love of both as anything strange. And as you can see, such a thing as a PH cycling jersey proves the point that I'm not the only one. But the view of your typical B-road from the saddle of one of these things is a real education. And though I'm missing my driving you might be surprised how exciting an early morning hoon can be, even with pedal power rather than horsepower.
Superbike riders ditch engines for pedals
Powered or not, anyone on two wheels has to have more awareness of this than your average car driver, but from a fast-moving road bike a stretch of road that'd be dull as ditchwater in a car can be anything but. Plenty in the motorsport world are keen cyclists too, Mark Webber well-known for his biking (and typically forthright about doping and Lance Armstrong) and, only yesterday, the World Superbike riders lapping Phillip Island on their push bikes ahead of the weekend's opening round.
Light bike, even lighter wallet as a result
Me on a bike wouldn't necessarily want to meet me in a car coming the other way but I can only do one or the other so that's alright! I jest of course; as on powered two-wheelers your vulnerability means heightened observation, anticipation, road sense and awareness are other essential skills that will be equally useful behind the wheel.
There are moments in the saddle when I do crave a bit more pace, the Nissan GT-R that flashed by me in a flurry of redlined upshifts as I chased another MAMIL up Whipsnade's Bison Hill putting me in mind of Toad from Wind In The Willows and his dazed 'poop poop!' when buzzed by one of those infernal motor cars. Yep, I admit it, I'd have readily swapped seats for that one.
Track days not quite the same at the moment
So I can't wait to get back in the driver's seat. But I'm learning a lot from not being in it and it's not all bad. And if you see a bloke riding a bike in a PH jersey and you've got a tasty sounding car don't be shy of blipping a downshift or two and nailing it past. You'll have an appreciative audience.
Dan
Discussion
Nice to see a cycling article. Thought I had logged into RCUK by mistake this morning. Hopefully this thread does not develop into the predictable stupid cars v bikes debate.
The Madone is a superb bike - good choice.
I'm a car nut and also a keen road cyclist - nothing better than getting heading out on the bike on a sunny evening after work.
I like the PH top - looks good on the bike actually. Might look into getting one.
N
The Madone is a superb bike - good choice.
I'm a car nut and also a keen road cyclist - nothing better than getting heading out on the bike on a sunny evening after work.
I like the PH top - looks good on the bike actually. Might look into getting one.
N
I do both - and agree....
But you really need to flow off-road to properly feel it. Get a copy of 'Life Cycles' by Stance Films, fire up your credit card and buy a MTB for the weekends. I'd never drive again if I was forced to choose!
Just wish my bike would fit in my 147 a bit easier !!!
But you really need to flow off-road to properly feel it. Get a copy of 'Life Cycles' by Stance Films, fire up your credit card and buy a MTB for the weekends. I'd never drive again if I was forced to choose!
Just wish my bike would fit in my 147 a bit easier !!!
Should've been clearer in the piece; born again roadie but long-time MTBer. And well-versed in inserting bikes into various unsuitable press cars! We got the Madone in the back of a 911 to get up to Bedford and I've had a Specialized Demo in the back of a Toyota GT86. Where there's a will and a 5mm Allen key there's a way! There's a guy rides at Aston Hill who puts his DH bike on a custom rack on an Elise...
Dan
Dan
There is nothing wrong with a bit of carbon goodness and tight fitting lycra 
I have all three, but the MTB is my favourite child. I too would quite happily give up everything else if I had to.
Racing down a rocky descent at 60mph in the evening twilight is also very good for your concentration levels. Not to mention the adrenaline and endorphin rush that you are rewarded with (A&E visit if you are not focused/something breaks).
I have all three, but the MTB is my favourite child. I too would quite happily give up everything else if I had to.
Racing down a rocky descent at 60mph in the evening twilight is also very good for your concentration levels. Not to mention the adrenaline and endorphin rush that you are rewarded with (A&E visit if you are not focused/something breaks).
Nice to read something different and pleased to see you're taking a positive outlook on what must be a frustrating time.
I'm as much a cycle-nut as car-nut but have stopped road riding now after more near-misses and accidents than I care to remember. I used to cycle 50miles a day on my commute to and from work (Essex to City of London) and then again on country lanes in at the weekend. Bizarrely, it wasn't that which made me give up but more the near misses I've had in my car recently on those same lanes which made rethink taking to two wheels.
Agree with the statement above on mountainbiking - I can't get enough of it and am now fully equipped with 2 x GBP 4k bikes (more man-maths and fiscal denial going on there too!) and nothing beats the adrenaline buzz of carving a line through what looks like a piece of unrideable downhill or technical, flowing singletrack through the forest.
I'm as much a cycle-nut as car-nut but have stopped road riding now after more near-misses and accidents than I care to remember. I used to cycle 50miles a day on my commute to and from work (Essex to City of London) and then again on country lanes in at the weekend. Bizarrely, it wasn't that which made me give up but more the near misses I've had in my car recently on those same lanes which made rethink taking to two wheels.
Agree with the statement above on mountainbiking - I can't get enough of it and am now fully equipped with 2 x GBP 4k bikes (more man-maths and fiscal denial going on there too!) and nothing beats the adrenaline buzz of carving a line through what looks like a piece of unrideable downhill or technical, flowing singletrack through the forest.
Edited by Spuffington on Friday 22 February 09:01
Nice bike Dan
I picked up my new carbon framed Mekk on Tuesday.
Took it out for its first run on Wednesday night, and a car pulled out in front of me and I hit it side-on at speed. My nice new carbon frame is now in two pieces, and I have significant bruising to my upper chest and face.
The bike had done less than 0.2 miles....
Be careful out there!
I picked up my new carbon framed Mekk on Tuesday.
Took it out for its first run on Wednesday night, and a car pulled out in front of me and I hit it side-on at speed. My nice new carbon frame is now in two pieces, and I have significant bruising to my upper chest and face.
The bike had done less than 0.2 miles....
Be careful out there!
Glad to see your dealing with a frustrating situation and while i hope you can get back to four wheels ASAP at the same time its good to keep appreciating pedal power too. As you've said it will make you appreciate your car even more when you do get in it
I'm presently thinking about buying a single speed roadie in place of my mountain bike for the daily commute and this is tempting me further.
I'm presently thinking about buying a single speed roadie in place of my mountain bike for the daily commute and this is tempting me further.
Cotic - glad to hear it is only bruising, could have been a lot worse. Distressing news about the new bike though 
On the bright side, you get to go bike shopping again, this time with someone elses money (I hope!).
Nice article Dan - proof (if any were needed) that cycling and driving can and do co-exist peacefully in many psyches
On the bright side, you get to go bike shopping again, this time with someone elses money (I hope!).
Nice article Dan - proof (if any were needed) that cycling and driving can and do co-exist peacefully in many psyches
Good Article. I like the fact that I can barrell down the road and look at the speedo on my bike and realise Im clocking 50-60kmph. Ive no experience with the Trek Madone but bikes nowadays are generic in the componentry alot of the time so if the frame suits the body then you have a choice of sram or shimano gearsets and away you go, or campagnolo. I own a road bike since last year and have been racking up the miles on it to the point that an upgrade is in the offing. I shall go german for that and the two wheel equivalent of an Audi, a Cube Agree.
Also where can I get one of those jerseys??
Also where can I get one of those jerseys??
Clinton Baptiste said:
joshxs said:
Racing down a rocky descent at 60mph in the evening twilight is also very good for your concentration levels.
60mph off road on a mtb? No chance i'm not having that!Dan Trent said:
Should've been clearer in the piece; born again roadie but long-time MTBer. And well-versed in inserting bikes into various unsuitable press cars! We got the Madone in the back of a 911 to get up to Bedford and I've had a Specialized Demo in the back of a Toyota GT86. Where there's a will and a 5mm Allen key there's a way! There's a guy rides at Aston Hill who puts his DH bike on a custom rack on an Elise...
Dan
Would love more info on this if possible please? Really want an Elise but have 4 bikes so carting them about is part of my life Dan
Clinton Baptiste said:
joshxs said:
Racing down a rocky descent at 60mph in the evening twilight is also very good for your concentration levels.
60mph off road on a mtb? No chance i'm not having that!Riding road bikes though does make you a better car driver I think. It makes you more aware of the road surface, gives you a better spacial awareness and a better intuition of what other traffic is likely to do. Plus it makes you give other cyclists plenty of room and show them the courtesy they deserve.
Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 22 February 09:35
AyBee said:
Would love more info on this if possible please? Really want an Elise but have 4 bikes so carting them about is part of my life
I'll ask next time I see him! It looks like some sort of custom rack with the bike sitting complete and upright in a kind of gutter that runs from the roll hoop back. If I find any more out I'll drop you a line.
And Cotic, that's a harsh, harsh tale. My sympathies!
Dan
Dan, here's another surprising cyclist from the world of motorsport: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/motogp/21012370
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