A vicarious night on a drip

CT-B ate something inappropriate during the rest day yesterday, and spent last night on a drip.
Despite suffering epically in todays' sixth stage of the Tour of Tahiti, he managed to maintain his Masters ranking but dropped to 17th on GC .
Go CTB!
Drips are Pro!

Another vicarious cycling triumph

After five stages in the Tour of Tahiti, CT-B is first Master and 15th on GC.

In Thursday's stage he got in a breakaway from the start, eventually taking a couple of minutes out of the next Masters rider.

Ron Cooper

I have wanted a Ron Cooper racing bike ever since Richard Oddy brought his 1969 Cooper on our first ever Retro Ride back in 2002.

Early this year I posted a wanted to the Classic Rendezvous email list, and within a couple of days I was in negotiation with CR listmember Gabriel Romeu for his celeste Cooper frame.
Gabriel emailed a few photos, and I was sold as soon as I saw the four neat holes in the bottom bracket shell.

The frame arrived in the mail 4 or 5 weeks later and, as is my wont, I quickly assembled the bike for the following morning's ride with the Solo bunch.

Most of the parts were handily lying about, but the Roy Thame sacrificed its wheels, to which I glued a pair of 25mm Continental Competition tubulars.

My plan was to build a basic Campag Nuovo Record road bike, but, as I rummaged around, it became inescapably obvious that I should use a lightweight OMAS headset and titanium bottom bracket which presented themselves.

Continuing in this vein, after a couple of rides I felt compelled to replace the steel Nuovo Record derailler pivot bolts with titanium Super Record parts before venturing onto the Butter Chicken loop with Gayle.

The initial build left a bit to be desired.
I struggled with the 14-21 cluster on the wheelset, and the modern Brooks Professional saddle was a bit wide, so I found a 14-24 freewheel and a rough looking old model Pro which has become more presentable with use.

Gabriel had told me the frame took a 26.8mm post, but my 26.8 post seemed to slip every couple of rides, so I reamed the seat tube out slightly to take a nominally 27.2mm SR Royal post.
While I had a broken collarbone recently, Gayle very kindly came round and buffed the post, which I had de-anodised with ovencleaner, to its current shiny finish.






The Salsa stem was quickly replaced with a plausible looking 14cm TTT Record that came at very good price from ebay.
To further improve my hillclimbing performance I replaced the expander bolt with an aluminium part that requires a 7mm allen key, a tool which is never to be found when you need one.
MORE PHOTOS

Headset	OMAS
Bottom bracket	OMAS Big Sliding titanium
Crankset	Campagnolo Nuovo Record 175mm, 41/53
Brakes	Campagnolo Record, standard reach, pre 1978
Brake levers	Campagnolo Victory
Shiftlevers	Suntour bar end shifters
Front derailler	Campagnolo Nuovo Record
Rear derailler	Campagnolo Nuovo Record Pat.82
Hubs	Campagnolo Record, wide flange 28h
Freewheel	Suntour Ultra 6, 14-24 or 14-26
Rims	Fiamme Red label tubular
Saddle	Brooks Professional
Seatpost	SR Royal ESL
Stem	TTT Record 14cm
Handlebars	TTT 44cm

***************************************************************************************

Cycling shoes for sale, part 1

The recent acquisition of a pair of Quoc Pham fixed shoes for my urban and social riding, plus a pair of Dromarti Race for more sporting toeclip & strap pedal use has rendered obsolete a number of pairs of shoes currently cluttering the bottom of my wardrobe.

The first three pairs of these orphans are currently listed on TRADEME, closing next Wednesday evening.

My vicarious cycling career

While I have not been blogging, my friends have been riding:

Kate stayed upright at the Tasmanian Christmas Carnivals this year, had a decent crack at the Elite Track Nationals, won the Manukau Velodrome Rider of the Year, and has now departed these shores.

CTB finished the Kiwi Brevet in third place, albeit with his arse abraded, then was happy to finish Masters Points race at the 2010 RaboPlus Track Nationals uninjured.
He was first Master at T42.
Against all expectation , he recently turned 40, which he turned to his advantage by wangling the old guy's spot in the BikeNZ team to the Tour of Tahiti at the end of this week.
He also organised a very entertaining Tour of the Waikato Hotpools over the Easter long weekend.

The sublime but terrifying Gayle had a solid ride at the Elite Road Nationals, got third in a stage of the NZCT Womens Tour, then topped off her season by winning the Biosport Criterium series.

Things to do on Sunday

Given that I have not blogged for more than two months, I would be surprised if anyone is still reading this, but in case you are, there are a couple of good things to do in Auckland this Sunday:
The official opening of the SH20 cycleway is at 9:30 at Winstone Park, Mt Roskill.
No doubt the event will be blighted by the presence of various dignitaries seeking to greenwash their public image, but in compensation, refreshments are promised.

This should give the Frocks on Bikes crowd enough time to don new outfits before cycling across the new Mangere Bridge at 2:30pm.
Download the NZTA invitation HERE.

Chris Whitley - latest update

A lot has happened in the last week.

Chris got the tracheotomy tube out on Christmas Eve and was able to enjoy a somewhat pureed Christmas dinner the following day.

Having asked for his laptop, it was apparent that Chris wouldn’t want to stay put in hospital much longer and on Monday 28^th he was released from hospital to trial staying at home overnight. Under this system Chris would stay at home at night, but come into the hospital during the day for necessary treatment.

In the event, Monday’s sleep was a little short and Jan had to bundle Chris back into the hospital in the wee smalls on Tuesday morning. After a little more recovery and seeing the various specialists they were given the all clear for him to be released from hospital and for any necessary care to be performed at home. At one point it looked like they were going to have to travel to west Auckland for rehabilitation but a better alternative has been found.

Since getting home, Chris has been able to (slowly) negotiate the stairs on his own, bathe, and also made a trip up and down the steep drive to retrieve the mail. Jan drove him down to the velodrome where they stayed for about an hour, walking and catching up with a few people down there.

Chris is enjoying home cooked meals again and seems very happy to be back at home in an environment where he can rehabilitate in familiar and comforting surroundings. It has yet to be confirmed how much help will be forthcoming through ACC both in rehabilitation and home help but that should be sorted in the coming days.

As indicated earlier in the blog, the easiest time for Jan would be while Chris was still in hospital. Now she will be kept very busy looking after Chris and accompanying him through the steps to come. In that regard, if you find yourselves with a bit of free time on your hands and can help out with little chores about the house please drop a line to Jan, and visitors are welcome in the afternoons.

Chris is still finding getting a good sleep challenging, but if he doesn’t get too tired through the morning and can stretch through the day without a snooze, he is better placed to have a decent sleep through the night.

He has more of his familiar look about him every day, and in spite of the fact it seemed his early recovery was drawn out, it is still a relatively short time since the accident and we can be thankful for that.

Thank you to everyone who has given their time, energy, support and good wishes over this time. I’m sure Chris hopes to be back in your circles again very soon.

Honjo mudguards, part 2

After almost a year of procrastination, I made a couple of long mudguard mounting eyebolts, and a suitable spacer out of some lying-about perspex, to adjust the front mudguard line on Donna's Bob Jackson.

Lowering the guard about 5mm below the fork crown means it sits concentric with the wheel instead of higher at the front.

In this photo the eyebolt still needs to be shortened about 15mm
















BEFORE










AFTER

Chris Whitley - Monday updates

From Peter Alexander:
After battling an infection late last week that had his temperature up, Chris has had a good night last night and his lungs appear to be much better. Antibiotics go so far, but the body has to contribute a lot to the healing as well.

He was able to give one of his riders advice for training while he is away overseas, and had the room in stitches during another visit from a couple of riding colleagues. Though such visits often tire Chris out, he seems to have taken this in his stride a bit better, and a bit of laughter appears to be good medicine for him.

Chris continues to be well looked after, and was even able to get his bed turned around to check out his old stomping ground on the North Shore through the window. The medical staff are still keeping a good eye on him, and again he seems to have taken some good steps in recent days.

Jan is keeping busy around visits to the hospital, and sounded really upbeat this morning. Her strength and focus continue to be an inspiration.

...and from Liz Williams:
Chris has been moved from critical into the high dependency ward.
He still has a trach tube in his throat so can't talk, but is communicating by writing notes which are apparenly legible and make perfect sense.
The doctors have said that every day will be different, and he is expected to recover a lot faster once this lung infection has cleared up.
He was stoked with the card that everyone signed on Friday night so thanks for that.
He still gets very tired so if you're planning to visit please leave a message for Jan, or Jenny and Paul first.
Visits have to be very short, and lots of time between each one.
This is the nature of head injuries like Chris's, he really needs lots of rest!

Wednesday update

From Liz Williams:
Chris had a problem with his lungs which has led to him being transferred back to the critical ward.
He is in the best care possible, and the physios, doctors and hospital staff are working with Jan to try to get him to breathe properly.
While Jan really really appreciates everyones support, she is asking at this time for visits to be kept until he is out of the critical ward. Keep the support coming via the blog, and doing things around the track etc.
Keep tuning in to the blog for updates, keep up the positive vibes!

Chris Whitley - Wednesday Update

From Peter Alexander:

Chris is settling into the routine of recovery. The doctors are keen to see him clear the rest of the phlegm in his lungs which has been present from day one, and he gets physio in the mornings and occasional scans to see how things are progressing. There is a suggestion that in coming days he might be popped onto a stationary bike to test his legs as well.

He still has a feeding tube but is able to feed himself a little as well, and those of us with any experience of hospital food will realise this is not just a physical achievement, but also a mental one!

From here on he will have his good days and bad days and for us it is important to respect his rest time, and balance this with his need for a bit of company and stimulation. He needs those little workouts and then his recovery time, just like any good training program.

He tried to temp me into playing Frisbee with the plastic lid from his plate yesterday, which is another indication that even when tired and feeling the weight of his injuries that the spark is burning inside willing and waiting for the rest of him to catch up.

He has come a long way in a few days, and surprised a few of the medical staff along the way – our hope is that he continues to do that.

Chris Whitley update - Sunday Afternoon

Chris is now in the Neurological ward in Auckland Hospital (out of Critical Care) and is progressing well. He is awake for long periods and while he has no recollection of anything since the accident his mid-term memory appears just fine.

He restarted a discussion we were having about something a week ago and seems to have lost none of his wit. At one point earlier in the day he had Jan and Jenny Vahry in hysterics, and it makes you wonder how long it will be before he is asking to go home.

His body is regaining more of its normal function, but it will be a little while before he is stable on his feet.

There is no doubt that his good level of fitness prior to the accident and his determined personality has contributed to his speedy recovery, but there is still a way to go.

Jan is doing well, and will now be trying to get as much rest as possible before Chris determines that he really does want to go home.

Many thanks have to go out to Jenny, Chris’ daughter, and Jan’s sisters for their support at this time.

Chris Whitley - Saturday update #2

From Peter Alexander:

Chris has continued to improve through the day, and has been responding well to questions from the medical staff and family visitors. At one point he commented he was “wired for sound”, so wanted to know what all his tubes and wires were, and the personality we know and love continues to peek through in these exchanges.

He continues to sleep a lot, but is awake more often and. He is co-operating with the medical staff and understands he needs to take time to heal, and that the best is being done for him.

He is being assessed for moving from to a ward soon so that is an indication of his progress. Once on the ward he will be more accessible for visitors, but shouldn’t be inundated.

Jan will have family around her over the coming week, but she and Chris will appreciate our support in the coming weeks as Chris goes through his various stages of recovery.

Let's keep this quiet...

Donna was away for a few days, so I took the opportunity to replace the broken SKS mudguards on her Long Haul Trucker with a pair or Velo Orange Zeppelins.
So far she hasn't noticed.
Intended for 650B wheels which are larger than the 26" on the Long Haul Trucker, the Zeppelins need some extra effort to get a good mudguard line, which I achieved on the back wheel with this custom stainless bracket, and a less elegant plastic block behind the chainstay bridge.

At present the front guard is too far from the tyre at the front, but it won't be hard to make up a long eyebolt and spacer to put it right.

Saturday update

From Liz Williams:

Chris is making good progress today, he opened his eyes for a bit and recognised Jan, squeezed her hand etc.
His breathing tube was removed and he told the nurse to piss off, which is good.
I think the prognosis is that he is going to be fine, it's just a matter of time, lots of time. Jan is good, but ...please refrain from calling the house, give her space etc, but if you could leave messages here, or email him on krisbike@xtra.co.nz.
Jan has been very grateful for everyone's support so keep it up. He's not ready for visitors yet but maybe by Tuesday arvo.
If you know the Vahrys, ring them before going up there, or call the house and leave a message after Monday arvo

Some more news about Chris

From Peter Alexander:

"He came off his bike after clipping a roundabout (no other road users involved).
He barely had enough time to pick himself up off the road and move to the side and there were three emergency personnel on hand who happened to be travelling behind.
He has broken his left collarbone and has road rash down the left side of his body, and has suffered a significant knock on the head.
Chris was sedated overnight and intubated and ventilated to assist his breathing.
He had the sedation removed late this morning and is expected to wake up soon as the sedation wears off, and has been rousing intermittently through the early afternoon.
The specialist visited early this afternoon and was able to rouse Chris enough that he could respond to simple instructions.
Jan has been with him most of the day and will stay nearby the hospital for the short term."

Chris Whitley

This morning I heard that Chris Whitley is in a coma in Auckland Hospital after falling off his bike yesterday.
I will update this page as i get updates of his condition.

Stolen Bianchi

Gayle Brownlee's beloved Bianchi Nirone was stolen from her home yesterday.

Veloce groupset 2007 with 08 Chorus cranks

American Classic sprint 350 wheel set

FSA bars

San Marco Ponza Saddle

Look Keo sprint Pedals

Trek batcage bottle holders

Topeak computer

It would be a good thing if someone quietly left this outside the nearest Police Station, before Miss Brownlee herself catches up with the malefactors.

If you should see it about, please GET IN TOUCH

Phew!
Got myself on the train out of Siena after a frustrating half hour looking for the stazione. Turns out I have ridden past the entrance several times without knowing.
Today I have three or four trains to catch, followed by 20kms riding in the dark from Milan to Saronno.
Tomorrow I could ride somewhere, but somehow I doubt it.
Fly Wednesday, home Friday.

Yesterday, l'Eroica was nearly perfect.
We started early to avoid the midday heat, rolling out of Gaiole about 5:30.
On the first climb, to Brolio, I got into a big bunch of riders, who were either pissed or over-caffienated. This was tolerable on the climb, but on the descent I took advantage of one of their periodic team meetings to slip off the front.

For the first hour it was dark, except for the full moon which hung over the horizon, lightening as I got to the outskirts of Siena, where I had a near-disastrous misinterpretation of the course signage.

Before the first ristoro I rode a bit with Steve, one of the Americans from my hotel, but his pace on the strada biancha was a bit sluggish.
At the ristoro I filled up on crostini di frutta, pocketed some bananas, then left on my own.
Soon passed a couple of riders, and then saw no one for 15-20kms, which, with the absence of superfluous course marking, caused me to be a bit fretful.
At about 70kms a this guy on a 50s Atala caught me, churning a low gear that might have been 46 x 28. He leapfrogged me repeatedly, stopping to take photos then jumping past.

Arrived at the second ristoro probably before 10, fed, divested any remaining warm kit and headed up the hill towards Mont St Marie.
This is the section that I recce'd on Wednesday, and it was certainly easier without a full saddlebag, and much cooler mid-morning.
There was a photographer on the first climb, and a smile from his very beautiful assistant briefly made the gradient a little flatter.
I permitted myself a quick breather in the shade at Mont St Marie, and rolled on.

In '06 I arrived at ristoro 3 a sweaty overheated mess, and took a long time to get myself cooled and functional.
This time I sauntered in to find that I was 20 minutes early, and that cards could not be stamped until 11am.
Just when I had got myself comfortable, the official remembered that he was Italian and started stamping anyway.
Got stamped , grabbed a couple of bits of Nutella-coated toast, and went in pursuit of anyone who had overtaken me at the ristoro.
Reeled them all in, I think, except for Atala guy, who was in a totally different league to me.

The return to Gaiole was via the strada biancha climb back to the castle at Brolio where I rounded up the last of the queue jumpers and watched Atala guy storm off into the distance.
Made an effort to keep the speed up on the descent, then tried to hammer the 4km uphill drag into Gaiole, which, unsurprisingly, was harder than it had felt earlier in the week. Arrived in Gaiole about 12:15, when the queue in the finishing chute was still pretty short.

Consumed, in the course of the afternoon, a panini, a sizeable plate of pasta with salami and prosciutto, some wine, two beers and two gelatos.
Roamed the swapmeet, tried to get my roommate Mark Micheletti to buy a nice early 50's Ortelli with Campagnolo Cambio Corsa shifter, schmoozed with a bunch of great new friends.

Friday

My readiness is questionable, but excitement is rising by the minute.

Yesterday we did a brisk 60km bike shop raid to Siena; today a loop around the top of the 205km course, plenty of strada bianca and 1000m climbing in (maybe) 60kms.

There are some super famous guys riding- we found Moser, Gianni Motta and Franco Bitossi on the start list today.