n + 1

Rule 12 of The Rules states that: "The correct number of bikes to own is n+1", where n is the number of bikes currently owned. Its another good rule, which should of course be adhered to.

For quite a while after getting my road bike I was content, but by autumn 2015 I started to ruminate on the need for another road bike - a spare one perhaps, if something went wrong with my main bike.

But I couldn't afford a new, pricey bike. So I started thinking secondhand. But obviously nothing too beaten up as that would require fixery skills that I don't have. Eventually I started to think that maybe something old school would be appropriate - something made of steel perhaps. But still no rash decisions were made.

I knew that a blogging friend (who sadly I've not met yet - Hi Gav) had a retro steel bike called an Orbit America. I loved the name - it sounded great! I googled the model and looked at some pics. After which it was a small step to add two words "for sale" after "Orbit America" and press return. And there one was - in England, on a blog, with lots of pics and a nice price! "Wow", I thought, then "it's probably sold already though", as the date on the blog post was quite old. A quick e-mail exchange later and the news was good - it was still available, and even better it was a 56cm frame - a perfect fit! 12 speed, 1989 or thereabouts and only three careful previous owners!

Things proceeded quickly, and before I could change my mind or chicken out, I'd made an offer. Which was acccepted! Brilliant! Now just the logistics to sort out, and bike number two (if you ignore the by now abandoned old hybrid in the back of the shed) was on its way!

A couple of weeks later, after some tricky courier japes, I came home to find a large cardboard box hiding behind the shed. That night I extracted the parts and tried to work out how they all fitted together!

Bike bits!

Hastily assembled  & not yet rideable!

The next day dawned sunny & bright and I just had to get out for a spin - what a great bike! Its a 12 speed, although 5th gear doesn't really work, but the shift from small front chainring to large in 4th at the back is just perfect - a gradual increase in power - the bike just flies along - very comfy! I couldn't wait to get out there for some adventures on my bike number two!

Orbit America - perfect for a sunny day!

Reflecting on Rule 5

You may not be aware of The Rules. But you should be. Especially Rule 5.

Rule 5 is quite simple - HTFU. If you have to ask, then read (and obey) The Rules. We'll discuss some of the other key rules another time.

This evening was an evening for contemplation of Rule 5. I'd failed to get out earlier, due to lamey excuses such as work, so when the wind picked up and the rain began to hammer down, I knew I'd be in for a bit of a pasting, Still, going out is better than not going out. So out I went. HTFU.

It was only when I turned the first corner I realised the wind was from the east - a hard start and end then. And so it proved - on the last hill, the wind picked up steadily as I neared the top, the rain was pinging off my eyeballs, the top seemed to be getting further away with each pedal stroke! HTFU and get over the top!