Ness Likes to Review Things

Well, that's it. It looks like I won't make it to 100kms in the next week and a bit. Turns out that soon after my previous blog post I came down with a mystery illness that has seen me at home, in bed for the rest of the afternoon and the following day. In between the writhing and the trying not to throw up and the sleepless nights I managed to yell at television screens; particularly about Rush and AT the less interesting characters of Stargate Universe... but I digress. I had to leave my bike in the bike cage at work because I could barely stand on Monday afternoon, let alone pedal on a street. I took a taxi and collapsed into my bed, and all the while I was a little bitter that this had deprived me of a goal. A goal that I knew was unrealistic to begin with, but seems stupid now. Of course that means no riding the following day and no riding into work today. I still feel pretty awful but as I am back today I am going to attempt taking her home... and if Mark has his way it'll be via the clmibing gym. I am scared that I don't have the strength and inner will to go climbing today, but I don't want to let him down. Mind you, if I pass out while he's climbing, there won't BE anyone to let him down, so maybe I should explain it that way. I don't really know what it is, it's either soy induced food poisoning or an overload of medication, or maybe it's something else. I hope I am not about to die.

My back is also killing me because the work I am doing today requires my neck to be at funny angles and that I sit in places without footrests. I will leave my work to your imagination.

But what I should be talking about is cycling. Cycling. Yes there are crickets chirping. I don't really have much to say on the world of cycling front, except that I have stumbled upon some lovely pictures to add to the blog and that I need to find the appropriate credit source for them. So I can link. Oh, and that Martin is trying to find the blog because he thinks I am blogging about him, which made me realise that all this blogging about cycling is a wasted opportunity. I should really just be blogging about Martin and the gems of knowledge and humour he bequeaths to me. Like, did you know that the owner of Segway died falling off a cliff on a Segway? I wouldn't know that if Martin hadn't discovered it and passed it on to Mark. Also, important, Martin recently won the lottery so I have to be extra nice to him if I want any of his newly acquired block of dark chocolate. He says I can have some if I can guarantee there won't be any crums. I am not entirely the lying sort, so I haven't eaten any yet.

Yes... cycling. As I have missed yesterday's blogging spectacular, today I am going to post two pin ups. I say pin ups because in this case, one is not a lady, but indeed, a man. I wonder what folder I can put him in. I might have to re-name the folder! At any rate for yesterday I am uploading the lovely Scarlett Johansson in a sailor cap on a cool looking bike. I don't think it's overly raunchy or anything so all should be well. I am also going to upload a dapper young gentleman who can make the worst cut suit look like the garb of a price. Matt Bomer is Neal Caffery on White Collar and arguably one of the most handsome men alive right now. When I looked for Don Draper on a bike and couldn't find him, I thought my time had passed, but there was something better. This photo doesn't see him sporting a suit (I have one of those too) but it's very cool and I daresay I had a heart attack when it popped up during my pin up search! *swoon*

Missed the Pin Pals dinner and I hope it went well. Therefore, no photos. But as we have been speaking about Martin winning, and other winners, I would like to take this opportunity to link you to http://www.therandomact.org/wordpress/ where Misha Collins (of Supernatural Fame) just ran 83KMs for charity and raised over 84 thousand dollars doing it. It's all a bunch of fans and geeks who have gotten together under this benevolent overload and donated money for people who cannot feed themselves let alone ride bikes... though to link it more fluidly to the blog, they did give bikes to people just resting in a park.


[Edit: Subject - THE WORST - Bike West Site just ATE my Star Pin Ups album which means no Scarlett, no Matt, and no Gwyneth, Grace and Kelly. When I move to Deamwidth everything will be fine]

Updates: Pictures.

Cycling in my Chuck Taylors makes me about a bajillion times faster. I fly. I should really ride in them more often, but the propect of changing my shoes when I get to work has never really sat well with me. I tried it once during the cycling challenge and it was bareable, but only just, which is evidenced by the fact I have not done it again.

What this mornings ride did indicate to me was that there is something wrong with my bike. It's clicking right in the left pedal, and it's driving me insane. It's loud and I can feel it in my shoe when I am riding. I need to know what it is, I hope Mark can have a look at it soon. I probably need to service my bike.

Last night I watched an episode of Flight of the Concords, you know the one with the racist fruit vendor? Well, they sing a song while riding push bikes and bouncing. I would like this skill but I cannot even take my hands off my handlebars sometimes to adjust my clothing or signal or scratch my nose, let alone bop. At any rate, I think I want a moving icon of them bouncing for my blog. Awesome.

There's a bit of a drought in news today really. It's a shame because it means the blogging experience for the day is about to end, and it gives me such solace that I do not want it to end so quickly.

Work on the new blog space has begun and makes me happy. Mark isn't sure about the colour, Kez thinks it's lovely. I like it. I already found a very nice blogger there whom I intend to friend who has been posting some nice pictures of bikes and actors/models and such. I think they'll compliment each other nicely. Plenty of work to still do though to get everything set up and over there.

I wanted a Pin Up this Friday with a vintage feel. I found a picture of Ditte Von Tease with a bike, but I think for this blog space it might be a little too ranchy, so I left that for when I move. I hear there is one of Scarlett Johansson, but apparently that one is too provokative so she's out until I move as well. Then I tried for January Jones, Mrs Betty Draper on Mad Men and discovered no pictures of her with a bike. I thought I was ruined. Thankfully, on the blog I spied yesterday of one lovely bicyclette, I saw a stunning picture of Grace Kelly (and Mrs Draper certainly looks like her). Not wanting to post that specific picture I have found another that has a very spring/summer feel, unique style and I think captures a whole new type of vintage.



Well, it's over for another day it seems. I'll attempt some blog space moving over the weekend, but I doubt it'll happen. Wish me luck though!

I know I have been inactive with this account (or so the home page tells me) for over a year.

I know I had the best of intentions for it, but Livejournal gets in the way of those, as well as, well life.

I WILL achieve this goal of having a separate reviewing blog space then, and I will do it here.

I will start by backing up my cycling blog here I think, so that once this years cycle in spring challenge is over, I will still have access to these entries.

At this point, this journal will remain un-locked. All posts will be public.

Thinking about cross-posting options now.

Needs a lot of work but this is a start.

He is the... Adversary, Destroyer of Kings, Angel of the Bottomless Pit, Great Beast that is called Dragon, Prince of This World, Father of Lies, Spawn of Satan, and Lord of Darkness.
Do you think that, if Crowley created the M25 (is it?) to be in a demonic sigil, destined to make people curse and fill with bile, that he perhaps invented cycling?

No. Really?

Wouldn't that make sense? Because cyclists curse cyclists and so do pedestrians and motorists. They enrage people to the point of wanting to run others over willingly. This is one of Crowley's genius plans. All playing out to a Queen soundtrack. They have a song about Bicycles. And I think in it they complain about Jesus Christ.

Haven't read Good Omens? You should.

I am impressed I didn't fall off my bike on the way in today, the pollen of doom attacked and it was all I could do to breathe through my mouth and keep pedalling. Deanne says we should launch an attack on these allergy inducing scum, and I say, good on her. They are making our riding challenge (not to mention life) very difficult. And they attack in the morning, right when you have your guard down, when you emerge bleary eyed and blinking into the sun, barely having consumed caffine or food, that's when they strike. And they strike hard. Of course towards the end of the day, they slink into the shadows like ghosts in the night, and they make you believe that maybe it was all in your head, it wasn't so bad, did you even sneeze? Do you remember through the haze? And that's how they lull you, ready to pounce again in the morning. I hate Spring.

It does, however, look like a lot more people are riding on the roads and into work. The streets today were riddled with cyclists so it was more important at times to look for them rather than cars, and the bike cage at work was packed. I photographed it in the hopes that maybe someone will see it and admit that we need more space to lock up our bikes. Mine is currently locked to the outside of the cage.

In other news, tomorrow is the AFL Grand Final and everyone is on edge. I have to be particularly careful as my boyfriend is a Collingwood supporter (yes I know, there are many reasons I have to be careful), but moreso because I have to wear black and white, which means I am not allowed to ride my bike in those clothes, because my bike is red, and white, black and red are the colours of the opposition; St Kilda. This could cause me a lot of trouble indoors and outdoors so I have resolved to stay inside at least half of the day with my bike tucked in a corner, my head down and my legs ready to run at a moments notice. I know which doors lock and I have a game plan. I also need to pick up pies and candy.

Mark sent me a link to these blogs:

http://www.fyxomatosis.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=458:tgif&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=97

http://helmetsarehot.net/2010/09/sometimes-i-think-im-mad/

Helmet Lady has some serious style. She looks like a fun person. I need to meet some more crazy fun people. I mean, how cool is that? Stopping strangers in the street to have a conversation about something like a helmet and coming away with amazing stories of a man of 82's life. That's something we don't do enough.

And moving onto style, as we had hoola hooping yesterday and the vintage market is on the weekend, I am uploading a vintage pin up picture of Marilyn Monroe with a gold bike and burlesque style retro outfit. Very cool I think.

I'd normally go out encouraging you to ride more etc. etc. but I just saw a picture of Van Dam with a mullet eating a rattle snake and it's made me feel sick and I think it's more important to ask you this weekend to battle the pollen plague rather than continue to do what you are already doing; riding.

As promised, last night, after riding around during the day, I rode to the climbing gym after work and climbed some walls. I was pretty impressed with myself given I was climbing harder things and have been out of practice. Also given I got up to a really high point on one climb and rather than seeing the rafters and freaking out and falling I stopped to inspect the dust and cobwebs thinking it would make for a great photo. Of course it would have involved me climbing up there again which was not going to happen. Rode home the long way via Prestige Kebabs to pick up some dinner, so I am sure I rode more than I wrote down, but I still don't think it's nearly as much as anyone else is riding. I say this because this morning, my sitting bones were really sore. I could barely pedal comfortably up the little hill onto Barrack street and yesterday I was smashing much bigger hills sans gears. I think I peaked early.

At any rate, I am glad I had some strength left in my weary old lady bones to ride into work again today. I think it's becoming force of habit which is terrifying because it makes me think "Oh no! I am becoming one of them!". It's not that I don't like "them" it's that I don't want to belong. Actually it's just that I am being funny. I think that's the point that I have discovered in my many wobbles and learnings; cyclists get a cheesey grin when they see other people cycling and most of them are more than happy to help out with tips or to compliment you on your bike or riding style. Maybe it's that B is such a tiny bike, I don't know, that's just my experience of it. I mean, when I bought my bike I was firmly against the concept of riding. It freaked me out and, more than that, I had un-learned how to ride a bike (I know, I am capable of crazy things). The fact that she looked so cool and matched me well and Mark had found her made me want to buy it to give it a try. It was worth it for the grin it received. But having said that, I was HOPELESS. Like I cannot tell you how many times I was not able to pedal down a small side street or turn my bike around. I learned how to ride at night on a side street with Deanne running beside me screaming enthusiastic enthusiasm. Mark yelled at me (in a loving way) to learn to use my back pedal break when riding because it's safer, and I was terrified of skidding. I am sure the reason I haven't fallen off yet is my sheer will power and belief that falling off is the last thing in the world I want to do. I had Anneke trying to dink me on my bike and getting nowhere, I tried to dink her which was also a bad idea. I could never keep up with her or Mark most of the time. But I think in my head I was just amused when I was riding with someone else because I have that little Scrubs JD aside that thinks I am part of some sort of cycling gang when there are more than two of us rolling very unthreateningly down a side street together. I haven't been confident enough to ride on less busy roads til now and I still fail at some basic things. I choose when I am comfortable and when I am not. I am sure (well no, this is a lie, Mark probably wouldn't think this) that Mark must get sick of me slowing him down or not being able to get up hills or ride to a concert because the dress I am wearing doesn't have enough give to pedal. I think the fact that I am still riding is a boone because I actually never really wanted to, I'm still a bit scared and I still have plenty of reasons to not want to. But I have an unwitting and unconditional love for my bike and so I keep doing it.

Enough of my self reflective ramblings. In other news, Jana sent me some more of my Glamour Push pictures and asked me to remind you all to wear helmets when you ride. I know you all do, I've seen some of the cool ones you have, but for those who might not be aware there are some great ones out there, you just have to look hard or be internet saavy. At some stage I would like to take photos of people in their helmets specifically to make people think it might be cool. Maybe I am fighting a lost cause, but I like those, so why not? I am also going to upload a couple of the new Glamour Photos for ya'll to see. Maybe

And finally, today's Star Pin Up Girl is the ever lovely and classic Audrey Hepburn in black and white on a stylish old ladies bike. I love her cute little polka dot dress and I think if anyone ever made the cyclist stylish, it was probably this little miss. Photo is in the gallery and a couple of snaps from yesterday's adventure will be up later today or tomorrow.Potentially Until then, keep cycling.

Today Martin suggested we all ride up and see the wildflowers in Kings Park. Apparently they are very beautiful. The ground in Kings Park is carpeted currently with Martin's favourite flower, Everlastings. They are tall and small and blanket the area in a sea of pink and white, seamlessly flowing together between the trees and attracting various insects with their colourful array.

I've performed google searches to discover the power of Everlastings, and granted I haven't been at it long, but I don't think I have found anything that captures the boundless beauty of what Martin so eloquently described to me. I feel like it is pointless to believe that the essence of their appeal, the way that they reach out and metaphorically touch the viewer, could ever be captured by a photograph. I can only hope Martin goes up to Kings Park and takes some photos riding amongst the Everlastings, as I so greatly want to do, but cannot due to my allergies.

What I have found are a few images that set the scene; really start to inspire the imagination as to what Martin is truly talking about. I would have uploaded these to an album entitled "Everlasting Fire", but the cycle instead in spring website isn't equipt for the sheer number of photos and blog posts that I have assaulted it with. Alas I will have to merely send these on to those who are interested and allow you all to imagine their stunning relevance. Personally, I think cyclists prefer to ride through or past fields of sunflowers, or at least that's what seemed to happened during the Tour De France, but not Martin, I think he's carrying the torch for West Australian riders, asking us to think not of those in France or around the world, cycling past golden fields or forests of green, but to think of our backyard, the sweeping banks of pinks and whites that blow in the sea breeze and make Kings Park a special place. Martin, WA salutes you.

Today has been a really hard day, so instead of focusing on that, I am going to focus on blogging about cycling. Deanne laughs at me and asks if I am trying to win that bike in the lamest way possible, I say no, because I don't think people who make decisions will be reading this blog, I do, however, hope that someone recognises my upstanding qualities, dedication and winning smile. Someone has to. Woe is me.

But enough of that. To drown my sorrow I went to Perth's greatest comic book shop QUALITY COMICS and spoke to my good friend Gianni. Gianni showed me his new fixed gear bike (in photographic format) that he built himself. It's amazing, dark green with white wall tyres. I think we should ride together, I think we will look like Christmas in a really awesome better than Christmas way. I also think that I convinced him to build me a bike, so maybe I don't need this fancy bike I may or may not be blogging so hard for, I am sure Gianni's special will be cooler. He has the cool DOWWWWNNNN.

I hope he sends me pictures of it soon, then I can post them in the albums for everyone to see. Can you tell I like his bike?

Also, as I was leaving, I saw a really cool poster for a Vintage Market/Fair in Fremantle on October 17th. The picture is a vintage pin up on a bike. I photographed it rather than trying to find pen and paper to write the details down but it's supported by Sugar Blue Burlesque and cost like $3 to get in! I think it's a great event to get a bunch of people together for and we can take our bikes and ride around Freo. It's also the last day of the challenge so it'll be nice to go out that way.

Now for today's star on a bike lady pin up. As you may have guessed, today's lovely is Ellen Page. I love this photograph though when I investigated further I found that what she is wearing is very expensive. Still, awesome to see that ladies can ride in serious lady-like style.



More organisation of events to come, hopefully will get some cool trips in this weekend. Until then, we'll all keep sponging off Deanne rides to Stirling.

[Edit] I don't really know when I posted this so I am guessing dates!

It's good to be back in the swing of things where cycling is concerned, I did miss it over in Melbourne.

Yesterday, in the spirit of it all (and because we had just come back and so had no food in the house) Mark and I headed out for Breakfast on our bikes. We parked at Urbanistar for a coffee and breakfast muffin. I really recommend it, it's a nice roll down William Street and the coffee is cheap and good.

Today I tried out my new boots and it seems that riding in them is both better and worse! I have a lot more push in the front of my shoe and flexibility but less feeling. Hmmm.

We also went to the grocery store yesterday and through the Orchid, very lovely.

I guess the point is, I hope everyone is finding nice places to ride, and changing it up a little bit.

Mainly, this post is to alert you all to the images I will be posting momentarily. [Edit] Again, photos may or may not be added depending on who they are of.

Yesterday was the first official day of the Cycle to Work Challenge. I'm very please to say I got frocked up in my work clothes and rolled down to work; and it was such a lovely day to ride I nearly rolled down to the foreshore instead. I've seen a marked increase since yesterday in the number of people riding but for the most part it has been people riding very fast in lycra. For this reason, and because our fearless leader is organising events such as 'How to Change Your Inner Tube With Deanne', I feel it is important to impart some knowledge as a recently novice cyclist who is small, has no gears on their bike and is slowly learning how to ride safely on the road.

Rule Number 1 - Everyone hates cyclists; even cyclists It's important to remember that a lot of people dislike cyclists and feel they shouldn't be on the road or footpath. This shouldn't discourage you from riding, but it should make you more aware of what is going on around you and how to behave when riding. A lot of cyclists can be seen as dangerous because they ride on the road without knowing the rules, or they weave out and inbetween cars and let's face it, signalling is not as easy on a bike. It's important, even when you are on the footpath to know when to bail, and how to do it safely. A confusing situation for cars is made more confusing by cyclists getting involved. Be confident on the road and learn with someone who knows and on non-busy streets. If you are not confident, don't ride on them. Round abouts are awful. SERIOUSLY. And if you can tell a car behind you is getting impatient and might try to get passed you, either go when it's safe or get off. Just this morning this happened to me at a banked up round about. Knowing the ute behind me seemed like he was going to try to run me off the road I looked for a safe opportunity to lift my bike onto the footpath and get off the road. Similarly, approaching a built up intersection yesterday I carefully pulled over into a parking bay and walked on the path until it had cleared. Too much going on at the same time, not good. And not good for a novice cyclist. Saying good morning on the footpath, signalling to cars, making eye contact, pulling safely off the road when you need to, or hopping off your bike and walking when there are lots of pedestrians on the footpath are all good ways to not make people want to kill you.

Rule Number 2 - Cars are scary; so are pedestrians
It's very easy to get freaked out by cars, they are huge, scary and generally can kill you. Being sure of yourself on the road is important, as is not getting freaked out when a car passes you. It takes time and practice but as long as you hold your line and anticipate what is ahead you will be okay. Also, pay close attention to parked cars, you never know when someone will open a car door and not see you. That will not be fun. Similarly, pedestrians often do not look for you on the footpath. Bells can make people jump every which way so paying attention is important, as is slowing down. Lots of people walk with earphones in or talking on mobiles so it's important to be vigilant and watch what they are doing to look for your window to pass them or turn etc.

Rule Number 3 - What should be in your basket
A basket - especially for a lady - is a very useful thing. There are many different types of basket and many ways to attach them. Personally, I have a larger, flatter one on my back tray. This works well for me because not only does it fit more, it doesn't hinder my visibility. Mine is tied down securely with occi straps which you can find at the reject store for cheap. Be very careful with these as they can flick you. Strapping down whatever is in your basket makes it obviously more secure, so they are good things to have. In addition, my basket usually contains a lock (thicker cable is better), lights (you would be surprised how dark it gets in winter and quickly), a jacket, a pocket hair brush and mirror, lunch and a hand bag. Occassionally it will include shopping, clothes, documents etc. it is vital to keep a lock, strap and lights in your basket though.

Rule Number 4 - Group riding is a skill
Riding in a group is a great way to learn about road rules but you have to be comfortable in both your ability and in that of the group you are with. On the road there are many cyclist who ride very fast in groups and this can be intimidating. Watch carefully for these. Calling backwards is a great way to ride safely while you are still learning rules, but make sure you are also watching cars and pedestrians for yourself. Similarly, hand signals are important, and making your you are not riding too close to the other person in case they need to break suddenly or in case they have an accident and come off. Only do things that you are comfortable with and try not to hesitate as this may cause unsafe behaviour from others.

Rule Number 5 - Keeping your bike in good working order
As Deanne says, treat your bike like you would a car. Be aware of how it feels so that you know if something is going wrong. Check the tyres to see if they are properly pumped before you ride and know how to change an inner tube. Carry your smart rider and some cash with you incase you do need to get somewhere and your bike is damaged. Clean your bike and have it serviced. Check tyres for damage and for grip. Check breaks and see how your bike responds to gravel, sand and wet roads. Once you get a feel for it, you will know what to do and what not to do.

That's enough serious prattling from me. I am enjoying riding in and today I did the same. Tonight I fly out to Melbourne and I will keep my eyes peeled for some good stories and shots. Photos will be uploaded sporadically. I decided this morning that if I win this bike, I am going to name it after Morgana in Merlin, because she is awesome. Do with that what you will. Next time the blog will resume its humourous tone, I promise. I felt that some serious information would not go astray this time.