Soaked in Success

Thankfully, the joys of a major sporting event tend to bring out the best in the area, city, citizens and visitors. Unfortunately, they also tend to bring out the worse in the detractors, wether that is protesting about impact, alterations to the their plans, the frustration and inconveinence caused. Cyclesguff has reported on a few sporting events that have brought out the best in Glasgow and the current UCI World Championships have been something to behold. However, it's not just Glasgow putting on the show, other cities and towns have joined the party, hosted events and adding spectacle to the routes. Talking of parties, Fort William was the place to be for the Mountain Biking Downhill World Championships. It's an epic course and always benefits from an amazing crowd. The place erupted when GB riders left the staring gate. The Women's Team GB chance of a podium were looking pretty good, but ended with Louise-Anna Ferguson missing out on a podium finish. 

The riders in the initial stages of the Men's category were no doubt wondering when the heavens would open. Not surprisingly, when the it really started to pour, the riders that where occupying the hot seats due to times set earlier in the day certainly stood a chance of a medal.  The rain didn't dampen the spirits of the crowd and Fort William favourite Greg Minaar received a huge applause as he set off on his run. What would he have achieved if it wasn't for the rear tyre malfunction? We can only imagine. Then, it really went ballistic! Danny Hart came out of the gate like a man possessed, the crowd erupted as his split times had everyone asking how is he able to cover ground at those speeds, in those conditions and in that time? Well, it is Danny Hart after all. The gasps of despair as he stacked were almost as loud as the cheers when he set off. It would be down to Charlie Hatton to put the crowd into a frenzy. Watching his run on the big screen at the finish line was mesmerising, the skill level and bravery on display was and will remain a talking point for years. For those of us lucky enough to witness his run, it was a very special moment. 

Staying with the theme of a rough surface, the UCI Elite Road Race route had come in for criticism, key points being the state of the roads (we've been banging that drum for years!) and the brutality of the city centre circuit. From a spectators perspective, the course was a a 'belter'! The stunning aerial shots of the the landscape, buildings and sculptures would certainly entice a Global audience. Even the protest allowed the chopper camera crew to go on a wee jolly and explore the countryside. Glengoyne Whisky distillery featured and I think Adam Blythe was heard on Eurosport saying that he's been there! 

There was a guffers plan in place to meet up on the Crow Rd and then in town. I made it to the Crow Rd and was somewhat surprised at the lack of people at the carpark viewpoint, but was informed of larger crowds on the ascent. The pace of the peloton as they began the descent towards Lennoxtown took the uninitiated by surprise, the resulting draft was probably on a par with the jet wash from the Emirates A380 that was flying over head. Would Pogacar be on a UAE/Emirates plane in Gold later? 

Upon arriving in town, blue skies and an amazing atmosphere were enjoyed during a quick walk through Kelvingrove Park to the Guffers rendezvous spot. It was at the end of a climb  just before the course entered the splendour of Park Circus. 

It wasn't long before the rain decided to remind everyone that it is Glasgow. The sudden downpour added to the excitement of the race, more attacks, nerve racking speeds across slippy surfaces and unforgiving drain covers and it was all to play for. When Van der Poel came down there was a moment of silence. Those watching the live broadcast on their phones were either wishing for him to get up or be caught by the chasing Superstars. What happened next demonstrated the same type of commitment that was witnessed at Fort William. The determination, belief and raw unadulterated talent to get the job down. It was, yet another moment to savour.

Predictions for next year......marketeers will be rejoicing that the Boa does indeed keep the shoe in the foot, but a new product line with the Boa wheel on the crank side of the upper or the tongue area will be footwear of choice for the discerning cyclist that want's to ensure that their shoes are not damaged from a journey doon the road.

There's still a host of events to enjoy, and cyclesguff may even upload another post before the end of the Championships.

Stay upright

Mike Burrows

'Imagine a bike that could be assembled and disabled with one tool, there's only one type of fastener used on the entire bike....?' I can't remember his exact words, but an aspect of conversation went something along those lines. I had the pleasure of speaking with Mike Burrows in the mid nineties. I was a nervous and naive student, plucked up the courage and gave him a ring. He was incredibly generous with his time and I ended up with so many insights and words of wisdom.  

A visit to his workshop to see and hear his process and approach must have been a privilege, this link to the cyclist magazine is well worth a read 

https://www.cyclist.co.uk/in-depth/10866/mike-burrows-bike-designer-profile

When you look at what he's achieved, it's not just the design of an iconic bike that is better known and attributed to the car manufacturer Lotus than him, it is also the compact frames, incredibly smart components and utility bikes that demonstrate that he was a master of his craft. It's also the details and elegance of his products that are a joy to behold, this pic from an early Windcheetah explains why.

Thanks Mike

Femmestastic!

The first guff post in sometime and what a post to make. Mother, World Champion and now the 1st ever winner of Paris-Roubaix Femmes

You showed us all how to stay upright today Lizzie!

34

 History, statistics, emotions and a very healthy dose of green. Thank you Mark!

time flies

Thinking of the title of this post, I decided to look up the history of the idiom. It dates back to something 18oatcake, but there is a reference of a similar phrase penned by Shakespeare “the swiftest hours, as they flew”.
 

A recent work/holiday trip across the pond to Sunny California in July did provide time to capture some interesting images and speak with equally interesting folk.

Marin Museum of Bicycling - is well worth a visit

Jet-lag is no problem when riding Tamarancho hours after landing...

do you remember these droppers?

A very rare beast, Alta Cycles are no longer in production. This is the actual bike used for filming the MASHSF films. 

One of the nicer looking ebike hire/rentals

cyclesguff at Apple, Union Square San Francisco

This bus had been shipped from the Netherlands for 2 month tour...I'm wondering where it is now

Turn12 Bar & Grill in Monterey is well worth a visit

There is one really skilled Scotsman in this pic

Those Scots get everywhere....Robert Louis Stevenson's former lodging in Monterey

Surly ebike - proto or home build?

 

What a collection of old skool metal.! I met these dudes outside Work Horse Cvcles in Monterey

Perfect for Santa Barbara

Paul Sherwen

Saddened to hear the news of Paul Sherwen. I grew up listening to and watching Paul and Phil commenting on the Channel 4 coverage of the TDF.

I had the opportunity to meet Paul and Phil many, many years ago. They were both very generous with their time and signed my autograph book. It was an amazing experience for a young lad with an unhealthy obsession for cycling.  

Thanks for the memories and the introduction to the wonderful sport of cycling.

Wherever you are Paul, Stay Upright

Traction

It's currently raining, well let's say it is chucking it doon! A most unwelcome contrast to the wonderful crisp autumnal day that was enjoyed yesterday. During yesterday's ride I was contemplating tyres and what to fit for winter. It was at this point that I started to notice my thoughts wondering off to yet more reviewing of online reviews. Time would also be allocated to discussing the pros, cons and of course, price. For some reason, possibly due to a memory of Sean Kelly describing his most cherished Paris Roubaix win, the picture below was recalled from my memory banks.  

Note the cable routing, some fancy gear integration going on

The picture above is in stark contrast to the levels of diversification and marketing hype that we are currently experiencing in so many fields of life. I don't think I'm alone in these thoughts. And it wouldn't be too ridiculous of me to state that we are living in unprecedented times of constant product launches and the associated sense of flux. Welcome to Generation Beta. The online assault of mass consumerism has well and truly taken over. The Guffers can't complain too much. Where would this outlet be if it wasn't for the tools and technologies that we now take for granted? 

The image in question is from the 1984 Paris Roubaix. Judging from the rather lovely BMW moto, the notion that you must have all terrain tyres to ride on cobbles covered in mud and plough the edges of fields, had really yet to take a grip of the motorcycling world. BMW launched their Gelände/Straße range to the public in 1980. Hubert Auriol and his BMW R80G/S won that other famous and brutally challenging race that used to start from Paris in 1981. 

He did Stay upright

The rider of that moto and pillion had a level of skill and balance that most of us can only dream about. Cor Vos, the Dutch Photographer responsible for the shot isn't any different. The photographers were shooting on film. No immediate opportunity to review images on a digital screen or viewfinder. The positivity of the commissioning picture editors who believed in their skill. And, understood their ability to catch images that show the raw pain, emotion and eventual glory of the riders would be proven when the negatives arrived. What was the choice of tyres, gears, rim width, frame compliance, bar drop etc for the riders in the peloton? It's very evident that it was limited. 

The riders on the velos had their moment in glory. Alas, that wasn't to be found sprinting for the win in the velodrome at Roubaix. Sean Kelly won his first Paris Roubaix that year. If it was Alain Bondue or Gregor Braun, we may be listening to either of their voices and thoughts being beamed through multiple digital communication protocols. 

Stay upright