Bicycles (3)

onsplekkie wrote: Now, thats a stunning bike. Front fork made of bamboe too? Gear hub a Alfine? Living with fysical pain must be draining energie at times, glad to hear that lights shine bright for you ons most aspects of life Micheal.

Ha! ha! I haven't finished that fork yet, It's actually a Canon Lefty 29er. I have some dried and aged bamboo that I used to make a 'wrap' for it. I wanted to make it look like it was bamboo and I'm very close. I just have to cut some slivers of bamboo to fill some gaps and then I'll cement it all in place and give it a gloss coat to match the frame.

Yes, the rear hub is an 8 speed Shimano Alfine. The bike was created for the 2011 World Single Speed Championship race in Ireland (hence the Celtic/Maori combo artwork). It started life as a single speed with 'rigid' carbon forks. The official video of that race opens with close ups of this bike: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWf0qWNevXE
13 seconds into the video is a shot of me in my costume (with face tattoos) poking out my tongue.

Since these photos were taken, I've fitted a bamboo handlebar; it looks fabulous and is very comfortable.

My leg strength has diminished now and comfort decrees that I need suspension so I've made those changes.

Yes, I understand why pain creates depression in people. Luckily I'm naturally positive and, despite pain, I always try to keep my mind and body active. Photography, motor bikes and mountain bikes have been mind savers for me. I'm much better but know I'll never be what I was again (who ever is as they age anyway?). I've let go the tennis I loved but adapted to life with what I have. I can now walk, slowly, as far as my wife can in a day but we prefer the bikes because we can explore so much further. Luckily, most walking tracks allow bicycles here.

Edited by Idleidolidyll - 05 October 2021 at 21:16

addy landzaat wrote:

Hmmm, slightly too much blur or not enough blur in the rider. Bright sunny day; I'm wondering why?

One of the reasons we still live where we do is the 300 hectares of park, gardens, kids, playgrounds, swimming pool, tennis court, cafe and mountain bike tracks starting less than a minute from our door.

I took my Sony A7R and Minolta AF 500mm f8 Reflex out on my mountain bike and caught some action this afternoon. Hand held but it was fairly bright.

Totara Park Mountain Bike Tracks:

1.

Totara Park MTB by Michael J Breen, on Flickr

2.

Totara Park MTB by Michael J Breen, on Flickr

3.

Totara Park MTB by Michael J Breen, on Flickr

4.

Totara Park MTB by Michael J Breen, on Flickr

Quit a legacy you've build there Mike. Not that I've cycled many a trails, but when I do I truely love them! Would like to come out the NZ and do some serious exploring on these trail

onsplekkie wrote: ChainedCycle

Lovely light Maarten. I'm guessing morning rather than evening light

onsplekkie wrote: Actualy midday, last days of november in NL one thing i like about winter months, lovely light

long shadows at midday!: I forget how far north you are

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