tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85448729394788438412024-02-07T11:42:45.625+00:00JP Speaksmeanwhile, in Yorkshire...James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-72060691647588017262020-05-04T09:42:00.001+01:002020-05-04T09:42:07.801+01:00Influential Albums<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span data-offset-key="80ucq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Only two of these remain in my floating favourite albums list but these are the albums that were the most influential and formative to me. Presented as a single image and list so this can slide seamlessly away into the depths of the algorithm (now there's a good prog album title....)</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="38u77-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Chemical Brothers - Exit Planet Dust</b></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="6m4m8-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">A mate at school, Luke, was ridiculously into dance / rave / happy hardcore. He played me this whilst we were messing around programming BASIC games on his ZX84 at his house. Something stuck, I played it incessantly at Steve </span><span data-offset-key="6m4m8-2-0" style="font-family: inherit;">who was a massive Oasis head at the time. Sorry.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5k9ln-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Nextmen - Amongst the Madness</b></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="4gbej-0-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">First or second year at university, a house party with Big Kev's</span><span data-offset-key="4gbej-2-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"> mate Simon somewhere in Milnsbridge/Golcar. I never realised rap music could be this consistently lyrically clever. Also memories of Brett and Rory playing some of these at one of Nabs</span></span><span data-offset-key="4gbej-4-0" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">' house parties (the best).</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="70hku-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dreadzone - Second Light</b></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="e788r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">On balance, still my favourite album ever. Probably. Heard "Litle Britain" on some random chart hits mix tape of the time. Such a fantastic blend of reggae, dub and dance. Happy, optimistic and beautiful. Britain today is a power. Ideas, experiments, imagination. I wish. Brings back memories of driving back along the A55 from Wales climbing adventures with the sun setting over the sea.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c9hq-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Future Sound of London - Dead Cities</b></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="26omn-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Fresh off playing Wipeout 2097 at Sher's house with the thumping techno soundtrack. Dark and interesting, showed me that music didn't have to follow convention. We. Have. Explosive.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="be10i-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pink Floyd - Dark Side of the Moon</b></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="5ge8s-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Everyone's gotta have a Floyd album in there somewhere right? This was the first one I heard (from an old girlfriend's mate) and I had no idea music like this existed. Started me off down the road of prog.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="emhso-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Queen - Greatest Hits II</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This one is the "my dad only had a few decent albums and this was one" choice. We had the VHS video of all the music videos too. Innuendo is still a cracker and I still know most of the words to the entire album. Guaranteed to wind up Haydn.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="bpl2r-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard - Polygondwanaland</b></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="c04so-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Who records an entire album in crazy time signatures, without it being jazz, but with it being amazing and tuneful with album artwork that evokes the best bits of mid 90s computer games and then gives the whole thing away for free? Gizz do, that's who.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="2gsjl-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Prodigy - Music for the Jilted Generation</b></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7lff-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Dave Brubeck - Greatest Hits</b></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="7mis1-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Memories of Unsquare Dance being on in Charlie's Jetta as we zoomed off on some random Venture Adventure, brake discs overheating coming down Hardknott Pass, the starriest sky I've ever seen. Thanks for getting me into jazz club.... nice.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="di304-0-0" style="font-family: inherit;">Thanks for the nudge Bryan.</span></div>
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James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-17238122150453843402019-02-09T20:10:00.004+00:002019-02-09T20:12:27.460+00:00Hello, Drift Removal Services, how may I help?A friend mentioned on Facebook about starting up <a href="https://reverttoprevioussave.wordpress.com/">his</a> blog again after a brief hiatus. I opined that it was the natural life cycle of blogs, to be updated regularly only to fall by the wayside when Real Life gets under the feet.<br />
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Very much like this blog in fact.</div>
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When this blog was being updated the most regularly I had a steady if slightly boring job and not much of an outlet for my creative juices. I channelled these efforts into cycling, running and a bit of writing on here and all was well.</div>
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But Real Life gets under the feet.</div>
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Since I started my own <a href="https://www.unit3compliance.co.uk/">business</a> two years ago I have piled all of my physical and creative energies into it. This left very little in the way of bandwidth (again, both physical and mental) for personal writing and exercise.</div>
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<b>Not necessarily a bad thing?</b></div>
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So, Self employment has taken over more of my life than I expected. In an unhealthy way? I'm on the fence on that one. "Health" has many metrics, not just physical ones.</div>
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I've never enjoyed my job as much as this. In terms of the intellectual challenge, getting to meet and work with so many different companies and people, and in general job satisfaction it ticks all the boxes. </div>
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In terms of the effort required and time spent making everything happen, including working most evenings and some weekends? Well, I'm not so hot on that one. The key is finding the balance. I'm working on it...</div>
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They say "if you enjoy your job you'll never work a day in your life." This is horse shit. More like "if you love your job you'll spend all waking hours doing it or thinking about it and worrying that you aren't doing it well enough." Cos I do.</div>
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On balance, I've enjoyed the journey so far with self employment but I do need to re-balance my activities slightly to have more time for family, friends and getting out on the hills.</div>
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<b>A question of commitment</b></div>
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Running a business seems analogous to parenting. It is simultaneously one of the hardest yet most rewarding thing you can do. You are caring for something that needs a lot of looking after but that gives a lot in return (livelihood, intellectual stimulation, fun).</div>
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The same seems to be true for so many things in life; there are great rewards available when one is committed to a goal.</div>
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The more you put in, the more you get out.</div>
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You often see people, especially on their CVs or platforms like LinkedIn describe themselves as "goal oriented". Whilst this partly sounds like management speak it points towards something deeper. Perhaps a recognition that we are all seeking something in our lives. That we are all goal oriented to some extent?</div>
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<i>Consider <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow%27s_hierarchy_of_needs">Maslow's heirarchy of needs</a> for instance. This lays down so many of the goals we have, from pure survival and safety through to self esteem and self actualisation. These are both sub-conscious and conscious, animal and rational.</i></blockquote>
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I am goal oriented. Perhaps more than I feel comfortable admitting. Unless I have something to aim for, a specific event or achievement, I can drift a little, coast a little. Some things suffer a little in this drift too.</div>
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<b>Hello, Drift Removal Services, how may I help?</b></div>
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In this case, in the pursuit of a secure and successful livelihood and intellectual satisfaction that my work gives me, my fitness has suffered. But I like being fit and active (endorphins pls). In order to regain this, I need a goal to counteract the drift.</div>
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Last year I committed to cycle 1000 miles otherwise I'd have to give £100 to UKIP. I succeeded and promptly stopped cycling once the mileage had been reached! Bloody typical. Is this how my brain works? Fine, I'll play the game of Always Have A Goal...</div>
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<b>Running again</b></div>
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Getting back into running is high on the list as, for me at least, is a challenging discipline. Certainly I get plenty of fitness bang for my buck even from a short run. I'm not fast by any stretch of the imagination but I can go far. Plus, running gets you to places cycling can't.</div>
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So I'm looking at marathon-plus distance races later this year to see what tickles my fancy. Currently the <a href="https://www.hardmoors110.org.uk/hardmoors-60/"><b>Hardmoors 60</b></a> is looking very tempting!</div>
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Watch this space for updates.</div>
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I've got new running shoes and everything.</div>
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James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-61549590075945573442017-03-30T21:24:00.002+01:002017-03-30T21:24:24.165+01:00A New Venture...After working for 14 years for the same employer and having had some fantastic experiences and opportunities it is all coming to an end. Our site is being closed down and everyone will be going their separate ways. It has been great to work with many talented and genuinely lovely people over this time and I have many fond and lasting memories. I shall especially miss working closely with my manager Stewart who has been a mentor and a friend for the last 16 years.<br />
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Framing what has happened in my personal life during my time at work makes me realise how much has happened in that time. I learned to drive, got married, had kids, got divorced, moved house four times and got married again, crashed a car, learned to climb, learned to love, learned more and more about me and my place in the world.<br />
<br />
So what next? I'm starting my own business.<br />
<br />
I don't think anyone enjoys working for the corporate machine. The inevitable bureaucracy and inflexibility that permeates some larger organisations places barriers in the way of enjoying the work that as engineers we trained for and work hard to achieve proficiency at - finding solutions to technical problems. Investigating, testing, trying, and eventually solving that problem that has had you stumped for the last week is one of the best feelings I know. That ideal has to be worth pursuing.<br />
<br />
The goals are to do interesting work, to help companies get their products to market and achieve their goals, and to have fun in the process. As such I'm setting up <b><a href="http://www.unit3compliance.co.uk/">Unit 3 Compliance</a></b>, an EMC consultancy and test lab, in Bradford. This will help organisations that don't have Electro-Magnetic Compatibility experience or facilities get access to high quality pre-compliance testing and advice.<br />
<br />
Electronics friends: If you know of anyone with an EMC test requirement or that is having EMC problems then send them my way - there's a beer in it for you next time I see you ;-)<br />
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<br />
I'm really excited and can't wait to get started on this massive new project!<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-65326663384288778482017-03-03T16:11:00.004+00:002017-03-03T16:11:42.960+00:00Fitness Is RelativeIronically this was mostly written when I was Reasonably Fit. Currently I'm Reasonably Fat but attempting to reverse the tide!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Questions</strong><br />
<br />
These are meant to be very un-specific questions<br />
<br />
How do you consider yourself to be compared to your friends?<br />
How fit do you consider yourself to be compared to the general population?<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Self Deprecating Fitness</strong><br />
<br />
I'm not Very Fit. Reasonably Fit perhaps, but not Very Fit. Really Fit is another country and getting a passport involves a lot of hard work. Mr/Mrs Really Fit does an <a href="http://www.wasdalex.co.uk/">Ironman</a> triathlon in under 12 hours.<br />
<br />
Some of this is typical British self-deprecation where blowing ones own trumpet is considered crass and generally bad manners. Any American style self promotion is generally viewed to be in "poor taste" and may be subject to a raised eyebrow or eye roll.<br />
<br />
Exhibit A: Excerpt from a chat with a colleague who is a Cat 2 cyclist and races cyclocross, regularly placing well in the <a href="http://www.3peakscyclocross.org.uk/">Three Peaks CX</a> race. He is Very Fit.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
him: "You'll be getting good at the cycling then?"<br />
me: "Well I'm getting better but I'm not as fit as you."<br />
him: "Me? I'm not that fit."<br />
me: "Yes you are."<br />
him: "Yeah but there are lots of people fitter than me."</blockquote>
<i>[This is all part of the deal. I know him to be fitter than me and through this exchange we establish this order informally, using the playing down of our own abilities as acknowledgement of each others skills as an exchange of friendship. Anthropologists and psychologists have probably written many papers on such things. I'm neither so we'll leave it there.]</i><br />
<br />
The last line is key, "...there are lots of people fitter than me." Fitness is relative.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>It's everyone else's fault I'm so unfit</strong><br />
<br />
At the risk of violating the above principle of self-deprecation, taking the population of the UK as a reference, I'm most likely of above average fitness. I average about 5 hours of exercise a week with the cycle commute, general bike riding and a <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/ian-hodgson-mountain-relay-2015.html">spot</a> of fell jogging (not really running - self deprecation again). I've completed the <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/the-fellsman-2015.html">Fellsman</a>, a couple of 45 mile walks, a 6h 30m on the Yorkshire 3 peaks, <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2014/11/haglofs-open-5-low-wray-lake-district.html">occasional adventure racing</a>, a triathlon, <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/marmot-dark-mountains-2015-team-spinach.html">mountain marathons</a>, etc. But I still don't think of myself as being Very Fit.<br />
<br />
A big part of this is the company we keep. I have a lot of friends and acquaintances through running and climbing and cycling. If I was to judge my own fitness against theirs, I'd have to say I was average. Maybe I should start hanging out down at the local McDonalds to feel fitter?<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>There's more to it than just running up hills</strong><br />
<br />
What about the mental side of fitness? The part that keeps us pushing on when we'd much rather call it a day and sit down next to the fire with a slice of cake and a pint of tea?<br />
<br />
Endurance events seem to have more than their fair share of people in the V40 and above category. There could be a number of explanations to this, but it still remains that you can still cut it, indeed <em>get better</em>, as you get older. I'm certainly hoping that this is the case as it means I haven't hit my prime yet!<br />
<br />
I've certainly found myself to be more determined of mindset as I've got older. Some things that used to be important aren't as much and I am much more confident in myself and self reliant. I have a better appreciation of the signals that my body sends me and what they mean, where my limits are and the experience to know that a short bad spell will be over in a bit and then it will be business as usual.<br />
<br />
Life toughens you up?<br />
<br />
As we get older we are more aware of the finite time we have and, hopefully, we are encouraged more to enjoy it to the full. Are our forties the magic decade? Our children are less reliant on us, our careers are generally more settled, do we have less pressure than before?<br />
<br />
I'm not there yet but I'll let you know what it's like when I do. I'd be interested to hear from my friends who are there about what they think.<br />
<br />
My physio has, stencilled on the wall in their reception area, the motto "Pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever". Set against the scale of our lives, a little suffering during a fell race is a mere blip.<br />
<br />
This is helped by the human brain's incapacity for remembering time. We can remember discrete events in a run for example, a rock, sweat, a view, out of breath, a good bit of trail but we can't relive the whole thing in real time when we remember it. It's a safety mechanism to enable us to actually function and not be stuck in loops of memories and remembering memories <em>ad inifnitum</em> in real time. <br />
<br />
Similarly we can't remember pain. We can remember being in pain but we can't bring back that specific sensation. Bloody good job! Add some rose tinted spectacles and even the most horrific, Type 3 suffer fest has good memories associated with it. We can fool ourselves that it was actually fun!<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-84440811708498271692017-03-03T09:56:00.001+00:002017-03-03T09:56:20.628+00:00Mapping and Navigation "Stuff Wot I Like"I keep getting asked about mapping and navigation tools I use on both my phone and computer. None are a total substitute for a map and compass and knowing how to navigate but they certainly make life easier sometimes!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Mapping</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.codesector.maverick.lite&hl=en_GB">** Star Pick**: Maverick</a></b><br />
<br />
OS mapping with offline cache, GPS, compass, route planning, GPX upload and download. If you have an Android phone and like being outdoors... GET IT.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<a href="http://wtp2.appspot.com/wheresthepath.htm"><b>Where's The Path</b></a><br />
<br />
This is my go-to route planning tool. Side by side maps for which you can select different map bases like OS 50k, OSM, Google Earth etc. Route planning, elevation, GPX import and export. Really good.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.bing.com/mapspreview"><b>Bing Maps</b></a><br />
<br />
Freely available OS maps down to 25k. Limited exporting and no route planning but a good starting point for a browse.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://gb.mapometer.com/"><b>Mapometer</b></a><br />
<br />
Good for road cycle route planning.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.google.co.uk/maps"><b>Google Maps</b></a><br />
<br />
Now that some of the 3D Google Earth functionality has been integrated into Google Maps it makes for a great experience. Look at any high rise city in 3D mode and it's like flying over it like a bird. Fantastic.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.blerg&hl=en_GB">Grid Reference</a></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
For Android. Gives you a grid reference. and a compass reading. Simple and effective!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.udeuschle.selfhost.pro/panoramas/makepanoramas_en.htm">Make Panorama</a></b><br />
<br />
Good for answering the question "what hills can you see from the top of Rum Doodle". See also <a href="http://viewfinderpanoramas.org/">this site</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Weather aside</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<a href="https://www.windytv.com/">https://www.windytv.com</a> - global weather and forecasting, wind speed, temperature, cloud base, wave height, ocean currents with an intuitive interface. Fascinating and you can lose hours to watching typhoons rolling around the Pacific.<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-24309236352096944302017-03-03T09:35:00.003+00:002017-03-03T09:35:50.223+00:00Review: Alpkit Tau Rear Bike Light<br />
I got fed up of swapping my <a href="http://www.cateye.com/en/products/detail/TL-LD1100/">Cateye TL-LD1100</a> between bikes as I only had one bracket. For the price of a new seatpost bracket it wasn't much more to buy another new light. I'd seen the <a href="https://www.alpkit.com/products/tau"><b>Alpkit Tau rear lights</b></a> available so thought I'd give one a go.<br />
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<em>Tau Rear Light (image from Alpkit website)</em></div>
<br />
<br />
<strong>Construction and Mounting</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
The light unit seems very well put together. No creaking or flexing when pressure is applied. You certainly feel like it could be dropped from a great height and survive.<br />
<br />
It's smaller width is good, as the large width is my only complaint about my Cateye light; sometimes my thigh nudges it or presses the button depending on where it's mounted on my seatpost. The Tau has no such problems, tucking in nicely underneath the saddle. It is very unobtrusive.<br />
<br />
The soft rubber back is grippy, reducing the risk of the light bouncing around meaning a lighter elastic band weight can be used. The rubber bands go on easily enough with their big pull tags. The quality of the rubber will be the determining factor in how long this light lasts I think. I'm tempted to take a needle file to the points on the side clips that the rubber band engages with to prevent any sharp edges from fretting the rubber bands.<br />
<br />
Charging is achieved via a Micro USB port hidden behind a rubber flap. This seems to engage OK and would be held in place and partly shielded by the bike frame or seatpost it is mounted to so I'm not too concerned about water ingress. I'd take it off the bike if I was washing it but I'd do that for any of my lights.<br />
<br />
As the owner of a <a href="https://www.alpkit.com/products/koala">Koala seat pack</a>, I would have preferred a method of mounting the Tau to a webbing strap, maybe a clip or some slots in the body of the light, to enable easy mounting to bike packing luggage. The small elastic band doesn't seem to hold the light steadily on a strap and I worry a bit about it falling off.is a bit small for it. More thought required, perhaps there is a way and I just haven't come across it yet. In the meantime I'll keep the Tau mounted to my seat stay, even though the angle isn't perfect.<a href="https://www.blogger.com/"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Weight</strong><br />
<br />
I think its a good job it is so light given that the length of the charging cable supplied means that it invariably dangles in mid air from whatever charging port you are using on your PC or adaptor. However, Micro USB adaptors are now the standard for charging phones so everyone is bound to have a lead already plugged into a charger lying spare.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Light Output and Modes</strong><br />
<br />
Performance of the Chip On Board (COB) LED module is good with very little observable change in brightness over a 90º arc. One complaint I have with some rear lights is the focusing of the beam with a lens results in a high peak brightness but out of angle it isn't so good. The Tau overcomes this well. The spread of light is such that I can easily check that the light is still on just with a brief glance down at where it is mounted. No more holding my hand in front of the light to see the reflected glow! I think this would be an excellent light for urban commutes with traffic coming from all angles being able to see you.<br />
<br />
Brightness is OK on low but on high it is really very bright. The stated 3 hour runtime in this mode would put me off using it unless conditions were bad or traffic particularly heavy. The "pulse flashing" mode is more of a steady throb and doesn't immediately catch the eye. Unlike the 6Hz flashing mode which is really eye catching and is my preference for the road. Especially good considering the quoted 18 hour runtime - that's enough for a couple of weeks of commuting and a long ride.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Charging</strong><br />
<br />
It has a micro USB, charges from my phone charger in hardly any time at all (note I haven't timed it). That's it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Out and About</strong><br />
<br />
As mentioned above it is very bright and with a good arc of light and seems to last a long time which will be good as the Li-Ion battery capacity decays with time as they always do. I've recommended the Tau to a couple friends looking for bike lights.<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Overall</strong><br />
<br />
Brightness, viewing angle and build quality are good.<br />
At £12 including postage I think it represents a very good value rear bike light.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Additional</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
I bought a couple of the front lights which are excellent as "see me!" lights and have now fitted a front and a rear to all the bikes in the fleet.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-43160113876508724602016-12-31T20:38:00.000+00:002016-12-31T20:44:02.180+00:00In with the old and out with the new... er... wait....<b>TL;DR</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Lost fitness but got married and had a great honeymoon. Overall an excellent year.<br />
New career challenges await!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>2016 positives (vaguely chronological)</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/fort-william-winter-trip-feb-2016.html">Lots of</a> <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/ding-ding-winter-climbing-round-2.html">winter climbing</a>, fantastic ice and good times<br />
Good run out at the <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2016/02/marmot-dark-mountains-2016-3rd-place.html">Marmot Dark Mountains</a> with Emma<br />
Fun <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/bikepacking-2-kettlewell-trip.html">mini bike packing trip</a> with friends<br />
<a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2016/09/married.html">Got married!</a> Upgraded Louise to Mrs. Pawson, I now have a lovely wife :)<br />
Mini-moon in the Lakes with some <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/kentmere-horeseshoe.html">walking</a> and <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/lakes-mtb-grind-around-grizedale-and.html">biking</a><br />
Had a great honeymoon in <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/japan-part-1-tokyo.html">Japan</a> (rest of trip report to follow)<br />
<br />
<b>2016 negatives</b><br />
<br />
General global politics, stuff that I can't change or do owt about so I'm going to ignore it and live in my happy bubble<br />
Fitness has suffered due to longer hours at t'werk<br />
<br />
<b>2016 Goals Check</b><br />
<br />
From earlier this year<br />
<br />
<i>Done!</i><br />
Get married<br />
See friends more<br />
Winter mountaineering<br />
Bikepacking<br />
Dales MTB<br />
<br />
<i>Not done</i><br />
General mileage targets<br />
3PCX<br />
100 mile bike ride<br />
Wainwrights<br />
Hardmoors 26.2<br />
Unspecified long distance walk<br />
OMM / Saunders / LAMM<br />
<br />
Running and long distance stuff has suffered this year with a variety of time consuming factors. The challenge for 2017 is going to be finding time to get better on my feet and recover some fitness.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Goals for 2017</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Marmot Dark Mountains again hopefully, I just want to finish not last!</li>
<li>Have fun in the Cairngorms this Feb</li>
<li>Running. I miss running. More running please. Aim for one off road marathon distance race this year.</li>
<li>Make the time for a longer cycle tour</li>
<li>Keep up with friends - seeing so many people at our wedding made us realise how many fabulous people we know and how little we see them!</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Biggest of all for me, there is going to be a significant career change this year. I can't say too much about it at this stage as things are still gestalt but watch this space!<br />
<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-56673984739643522062016-10-30T22:01:00.000+00:002016-10-31T08:47:07.833+00:00Japan Part 1 - Tokyo<i>This is the first part of our honeymoon travelogue (travelblogue?) of our Japan adventures. Thank you so much to everyone for your overly generous wedding present contributions to our Japan fund, you helped make it a truly memorable experience. Read on...</i><br />
<br />
<br />
I don't mind long haul flights too much. When you subscribe to the provided passivation of in flight movies, a couple of glasses of red wine and surprisingly nice airline food it does ease the transition between time zones. It was slightly thwarted on this journey due to a problem with the central entertainment computer having a hissy fit and only having four films available, three of which were the new Star Trek reboot. Since I'd seen most of these before I elected for headphones, Dreadzone, book and sleep. Louise ploughed through them with the occasional "hang on, haven't we watched this one before? Isn't this the one with whats-his-name in?"<br />
<br />
That other staple of plane travel is the gust of air that meets you as you exit the fuselage that gives an indication of what lies ahead. In this case, going from an air conditioned plane to 25C and humid was a shot across the bows.<br />
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First order of business was to pick up the best bit of paper of the holiday, our three week JR Pass allowing us almost unrestricted travel on the national rail network - only the super super express bullet trains were off limits. This wasn't too bad as we found the normal ones more than quick enough!<br />
<br />
We certainly picked the best way to get from Haneda aiport into the centre of Tokyo... altogether now "Monorail, Monorail, MONORAIL!"<br />
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<i>"In Japan when you are on a train you can sit at the front well not at the very front but right behind the driver and you can see all the way down the track and if you have a hat like me you can pretend you are the driver too and make the train noises and I want to be a train driver when I grow up." - James Pawson, age 36 3/4.</i><br />
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Not surprisingly you've got to be quick to bag the very front seat as the hardcore tourists and train fans get there first. The views are great as you approach Hammamatsucho train station with the track passing over bridges over bits of the bay and winding its way between skyscrapers. A good way to break you in gently.<br />
<br />
<i>Engineering aside: the monorail track itself is made from cast concrete sections joined together with what looks like partly flexible steel joints, perhaps for earthquake resistance. They've even implemented points systems by increasing the articulation of the joints over certain sections and bolting some beefy hydraulics to them.</i><br />
<br />
Feeling a bit spaced out,we found ourselves a small department store cafe overlooking Yurachuko station for a coffee and sat for a while watching the Shinkansen trains coming and going - they are huge. It was so warm that we hardly noticed the drizzle when we were outside.<br />
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Our hotel was in Ginza, one of the major shopping districts in Tokyo. We took a wander around the Mitsukoshi department store, an amazing feat of endurance walking around the cookware section without buying one of the beautiful steel knives or copper pans.<br />
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That night we met up with Louise's friend Yoko for dinner. They knew each other from meeting in New Zealand during Louise's travels several year's previously. She surprised us with some lovely presents including an onsen towel each which came in handy several times during the trip. I especially like the koi carp design on mine and shall certainly treasure it.<br />
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The restaurant was fab, with lots of small private rooms that had a low lintelled sliding door and <i>tatami</i> matting floor - a shoes off job. Specialising in <i>yuba</i> and <i>tofu</i> we had a really good course menu dinner. Welcome since we hadn't eaten for a while! The table had a large box of soya milk heating in the middle which slowly skinned over. This firm skin (<i>yuba</i>) was picked out using chopsticks and eaten with soy sauce - tasty!<br />
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We were pretty bushed so didn't stay out too late. Nevertheless it was great to meet Yoko and talk about her and our travels. We'll have to try and spend longer together next time we meet.<br />
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No rest for the wicked. To abuse our body clocks even further we set our alarms for 4am to try and get down to the Tsukiji fish market in time for the daily tuna auction. However it had already finished by the time we got there! We pottered around the market itself enjoying the cooler morning air and watching everyone set up their stalls and shops before heading back to the hotel for a bit more shut eye.<br />
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Up and about and a breakfast of minced pork filled steamed buns (drooling at the memory) and off to Ueno to have a wander around the <a href="http://www.tnm.jp/?lang=en">Tokyo National Museum</a>. With so much history to go at it is hard to select representative objects for display but there were many Important Cultural Properties on show. The art on show was impressive as was the samurai armour. No photos in the many of the galleries unfortunately.<br />
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<i>Side note - umbrellas. Everyone in Tokyo seems to own an umbrella, to the extent that large public buildings have umbrella racks outside, with each slot having a numbered key so you can lock your brolly up like a bike. More clever thinking!</i><br />
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The subway to Asakusa was delayed due to a power cut so we investigated the bustling Ueno market instead. Refreshed by market stall pineapple against the heat and humidity we caught the now running subway to Asakusa.<br />
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Asakusa is famous for the <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3001.html">Senso-ji temple</a> with it's large paper lantern equipped gate on the approach, the Kaminarimon. There's also a large market selling bits of street food and lots of tourist bits and bats. We were also "interviewed" by several groups of Japanese schoolchildren from Nagano who were there on a practising-their-English field trip. They gave us some origami birds to say thank you :)<br />
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We were also interviewed by a proper camera crew who were making a TV show about what Tokyo and Japan need to do to improve the city for the Olympics. About the only suggestion that we could think to make was a few more litter bins; they are like rocking horse poo and yet there is pretty much zero litter as everyone takes their rubbish home with them. Lousie did a good piece to camera about how safe it felt in Tokyo. No idea if we made the cut or not.</div>
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Sitting around at the temple in the twilight was most pleasant, with the hordes of schoolchildren being rounded up (very well behaved) and the stallholders pulling the shutters down. It made for a nice contrast against the crazy busy previous couple of hours and became peaceful and reflective instead.<br />
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We were a bit fried with jet lag again at this point so we had an emergency coffee before heading back to the hotel via the convenience store for some take out tea. I managed to ask where the chopsticks were in Japanese so all the language CD listening was worth it ;) Even the corner shop take out food is well prepared and blooming tasty.<br />
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Wednesday came and we headed out on the train to Harajuku on the other side of Tokyo to see the <a href="http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3002.html">Meiji Jingu shrine</a> where the soul of the Emperor Meiji and his consort are interred. Meiji reigned from 1867 when the Shogun was deposed to 1912 and oversaw a great deal of the modernisation of Japan including the opening up to Western trade. Befitting the soul of the Emperor it is an impressive building, however much of it was closed as it was being re-roofed. The <i>torii</i> gates are made from huge tree trunks and tower over the path with many offerings of bound <i>sake</i> barrels, wine and written prayers from the many visitors.<br />
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Next, to the reputedly hedonistic Shinjuku. It proved to be very calm (and mostly closed) on a weekday lunchtime. So we headed back to Asakusa to explore some more of the area, including the Asahi beer tower and golden... whatever it is on the building next to it.<br />
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The Beer Tower even looks like a pint in the daylight with its gold windows. Thankfully it is not all show and it houses a bar on the 24th floor with a rather good view and an excellent glass of Asahi Black.<br />
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Shibuya, famous for the "crazy crossing", the intersection where everyone crosses in all directions at once is just as nuts on the ground as the videos suggest. With all the neon and clear umbrellas it felt like we were in Bladerunner.<br />
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Most amusing incident of the evening went to the 6 guys who pulled up at the crossing all driving go-karts and dressed as the characters from Super Mario. They drove off too quickly for us to get a photo and thankfully no one dropped a banana skin otherwise it would have been chaos. A restorative pasty and juice later and we were back at the hotel, packing for the next leg of our adventures.<br />
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Tokyo is too big to cover in a couple of days, even a few weeks, but we certainly experienced a good range from crazy busy to peaceful, from new and shiny-shiny to old and traditional.<br />
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* dramatic voice *<br />
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Next time on the Japanese adventures of James and Louise in Japan.... Miyajima and Hiroshima<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-21740213385806157842016-09-19T13:37:00.001+01:002016-09-19T16:10:33.647+01:00Gig Report: Beehoover @ Chunk, Leeds<div>
or "Dad goes to a noisy metal gig"</div>
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<b><a href="http://www.beehoover.com/">Beehoover</a></b>, a 2 piece <a href="https://beehoover.bandcamp.com/">German rock outfit</a>, are one of my favourite bands at the moment with powerful riffs, great drumming, intelligent and surreal lyrics. As soon as I saw they were on a 10 day UK tour including Leeds I booked my ticket (only a fiver!) without a moment wasted. I knew Ben would be up for it as he shares an eclectic musical taste although his headbanging was restricted by virtue of a neck brace from a cycling accident.<br />
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Chunk.Leeds">Chunk</a></b> is a fairly new <a href="https://leeds-list.com/music/the-leeds-music-venue-no-one-knows-about/">Leeds music venue</a> (<a href="http://www.independentleeds.co.uk/blog/tom-bradski-of-chunk-on-the-industry/">by the sounds of it</a>) with a <a href="https://noisey.vice.com/en_uk/article/how-leeds-diy-underground-is-fighting-through-austerity-in-unison">DIY collective ethic</a>. Sitting in an unassuming building next to a petrol station on Meanwood Road the room for the gig was fairly small. A slow cooker full of chilli and some not expensive tins of beer in the mini fridge in the corner reinforced the DIY side of things. Everyone was very friendly and there was a good atmosphere.</div>
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<i>Bronzed</i></div>
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First band on were Bronzed, noisy, pretty tight, enthusiastic, shouty and with a drummer who gave it his all. A short set but one which you needed to draw breath after.</div>
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<i>Girl Sweat</i></div>
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Next, after much setting up, plugging in and turning knobs was <a href="https://girlsweat.bandcamp.com/">Girl Sweat</a>. Very chaotic, a bit too loud (muchos compression) and powered by Buckfast tonic wine. A slow build up with densely layered sounds reaching a quite cacophonous peak. Will check out some of his other stuff but I would very much like to control the volume! </div>
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Got chatting to a guy outside the venue, Chris, who put us on to a band called <a href="https://bilgepump.bandcamp.com/">Bilge Pump</a>, another noisy Leeds outfit who I'm going to have to check out. He also mentioned a singer called Karen Dalton who has also gone on the list. There was some quality Stoner Rock being played between the acts on tonight.</div>
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<i>Unwave</i></div>
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Starting off sounding almost slightly discordant, <a href="https://unwave.bandcamp.com/">Unwave</a> quickly turned out to be really good with the lead guitarist rocking a 12 string for the entire set. Not sure who they reminded me of but a really good set.</div>
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Main event time.</div>
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<i>Beehoover</i></div>
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Charging straight out of the blocks with the first track from their latest album Primitive Powers everyone was getting into the swing of things quickly. Thankfully, they played my favourite track "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8I_rEaOcfOw">Stanislav Petrov</a>" (after the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanislav_Petrov">Russian military officer</a> who thoughtfully <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1983_Soviet_nuclear_false_alarm_incident">avoided all out nuclear war</a>) and I may have danced quite a lot, looking like some loony dad who's got a pass out for the night. "Embers" from the new album was another highlight, it's soft intro putting you </div>
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For a two piece band (bass/vocals, drums) they produce a veritable wall of sound. Ingmar rocks forwards (don't cockle! I can hear my mum saying) on his beer crate seat, throwing his arms at the FX pedals and Claus' arms seem to move in a blur around the drums.</div>
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It was a (too) short a set, I'd have loved for them to play for twice as long. I really need to go to more gigs, and will keep an ear out for what's happening at Chunk.</div>
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We chatted to Ingmar and Claus afterwards, they were both really cool guys. Claus spent a year at Huddersfield uni on the Mech Eng course whilst I was studying electronics there. I talked to Ingmar about why he wrote lyrics in English rather than German - "I think I'd piss myself if I read some of the lyrics in German!". Beehoover is a "hobby band" according to Ingmar, they both have full time jobs and live in different parts of Germany meeting in the studio for occasional rehearsals and communicating over the internet with ideas flying backwards and forwards. "It wouldn't be as true if it was full time, there would be too much pressure to perform" he said. I'm glad they have that artistic integrity, especially if they keep turning out such great music.</div>
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Tired and on a schoolnight, I took my leave from them and, with ringing ears and a sore back from too much grade 2 Dad-headbanging, I wound my way home through country lanes with their latest album on the car stereo.</div>
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Quietly.</div>
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<b>Further Listening</b></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RwQDBwbConE">Heavy Zooo</a> - includes Stanislav Petrov</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=beehoover+concrete+catalyst">Concrete Catalyst</a></div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6iKGjxSdcQM">Primitive Powers</a> - the new album, really good</div>
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All their stuff is available on <a href="https://beehoover.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a><br />
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James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-79800125602695818082016-09-03T11:00:00.000+01:002016-09-03T11:00:02.567+01:00Married :)It's been quiet on the blog front mainly because it has been a busy few months. Most notably, Louise and I tied the knot in June, a wonderful day in the presence of our dear friends.<br />
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A couple of months later, we had a big celebration garden party for friends and family. Much hog roast was eaten and many drinks were drunk. Appropriately, we had a wonderful cheese wedding cake.</div>
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I'm a very lucky man :)</div>
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James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-3774410188663660592016-07-20T20:21:00.000+01:002016-07-20T20:21:07.809+01:00Sturmey Archer AW3 Gear Hub Strip and RebuildI've been having fun rebuilding the internal gear hub on my commuter bike.<br />
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Meet "Frank The Tank".<br />
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He is called Frank the Tank because he's a Frankenstein of new and second hand bike parts from lots of places and because he's no lightweight ;) I built him up from parts scavenged from five different donor bikes and a few new parts too.<br />
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He's based on an old Raleigh steel frame that someone had stripped and powder coated in white for a project before losing interest and selling it on eBay. Unfortunately the elegant white 1" threaded fork that came with it used the old 26TPI thread standard and I couldn't find a replacement headset for it at a reasonable price so a new black fork was chosen. He's been built to be an all weather, low service reliable bike for commuting and shopping.<br />
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Part of the reliability / simplicity was to choose an internal gear hub. Three speeds is just enough for the hills around here and fully built rear wheels with Sturmey Archer AW3 gear hubs are available on the internet for quite reasonable prices. Sure the rims are heavy but they've stayed true despite the abuse!<br />
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I've used him on my commute to work for a couple of years now in all weathers and, having survived two winters of commuting, it was time for a strip down and clean, including the gear hub. What started as a quick "I'll just regrease the bearings and adjust the cones" turned into a full on strip, clean and re-oil and re-grease of the entire hub with me learning a lot about it on the way!<br />
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<b>Sturmey Archer hubs</b><br />
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I've been generally very impressed with the quality of the AW3 hub. Everything is nicely machined and has stood up to 2000 miles of abuse with zero maintenance and hardly any adjustment. The history of Sturmey Archer is well documented on the <a href="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/">Sturmey Archer Heritage</a> site with old engineering drawings and adverts. There's even a Dutch picture from 1958 showing <a href="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/index.php?page=history-detail&id=692">how the 3 speed mechanism works</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-825-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-825-s.jpg" height="400" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Advert for the Sturmey Archer / Raleigh 3 speed hub<br />
Yorkshire Post, 1903. (C) <a href="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/index.php?page=history-detail&id=825">Sturmey Archer Heritage</a></td></tr>
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It is particularly impressive that the predecessor to the Type AW hub that I own was originally designed in 1914. Externally there is very little difference and internally there only appear to be minor changes between the <a href="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-21.1.jpg">1914 version</a> and the <a href="http://www.sturmey-archer.com/files/catalog/files/311/PART%20LIST%20-%20AW%20SRF3.pdf">modern version</a>. Most satisfactory.<br />
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<a href="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-21-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-21-s.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a><a href="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-133-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/images/photos/pic-133-s.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>L: 1914-1916 Type A hub</i></div>
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<i>R: 1936-2001 Type AW3 hub</i></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">(C) </span><a href="http://www.sturmey-archerheritage.com/index.php?page=history-detail&id=825" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Sturmey Archer Heritage</a></div>
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There's an amusing anecdote on the continuing production of Sturmey Archer hubs by the Taiwanese firm Sun Race on (all hail) <a href="http://www.sheldonbrown.com/sturmey-archer.html">Sheldon Brown's website</a><br />
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<i>I heard an interesting anecdote from a Sturmey-Archer veteran employee, now with SunRace/Sturmey-Archer:</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Back in the day, sometimes a batch of internal parts would be just a bit out of tolerance, maybe a bit too small, or a bit too large, whatever. The production people would take a sample to the engineering department, where a grey-haired engineer would check it out and often say "Well, it is a bit out of spec, but not really enough to cause failure, so let's let it go."</i></blockquote>
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<i>SunRace didn't have those engineers who had grown up with Sturmey-Archer in their blood, so when they found a batch of out-of-spec parts, they would say "That's out of spec! Melt it down, and make new ones, and do it right this time!"</i></blockquote>
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<b>Strip, Clean and Rebuild</b><br />
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<i>Any numbers in brackets refer to the component in the <a href="http://www.sturmey-archer.com/files/catalog/files/311/PART%20LIST%20-%20AW%20SRF3.pdf">exploded diagram / parts list</a>.</i><br />
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Removing the screw in ball ring (13) was the hardest part of the process. This part has a series of inner ramps that the drive assembly (15) pawls engage in. So me standing on the pedals for the last umpteen hundred miles meant it was tighter than Gary Barlow's wallet. It looked like it needed a special tool to remove so I cut out a section of 3mm aluminium plate to fit the dents around the rim. However it was that fast in place that it just chewed up the plate when I attempted to use it to unscrew it.<br />
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I had considered using a screwdriver and a hammer to drift it round but thought that was excessive until I did some internet research and found a couple of <a href="https://chestercycling.wordpress.com/2011/11/16/servicing-a-sturmey-archer-aw-hub/">pages</a> and a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNxwMwzS3Jo">video</a> that all recommended doing that very thing. The official instructions say to either use a C-spanner or a hammer and punch! Sure enough it loosened it off nicely, the hardened steel of the ball ring shrugging off any damage from the much softer steel of my largest, cheapest flat bladed screwdriver.<br />
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Unfortunately the time between initial disassembly and me managing to get the ball ring off meant that I'd forgotten the order of the parts so far. So I just dumped them all into a big tub full of hot soapy water, gave them a clean and a dry and then tried to figure out which bit went where.<br />
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There was precious little oil in the hub and only a small amount of good grease. There was a fair amount of crufty horrible grease on the gear ring assembly and the drive pawls and the grease in the bearings was pretty much non existent. Definitely due a service then!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kEp8yNWeo6cUP7yIPQN_8hdXdb99K0D_0AQXBob-MNITlXBusdz8gheipAI8wQf4UO2HDol1Z_5CsyzVpwJFVrHZtQ1bo6m0VC8g5XorzRSROL8ufRzj8uLSEY9ufHsfI4emnLb5yiW8/s1600/DSC_1223.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kEp8yNWeo6cUP7yIPQN_8hdXdb99K0D_0AQXBob-MNITlXBusdz8gheipAI8wQf4UO2HDol1Z_5CsyzVpwJFVrHZtQ1bo6m0VC8g5XorzRSROL8ufRzj8uLSEY9ufHsfI4emnLb5yiW8/s400/DSC_1223.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AW3 hub internals, cleaned and disorganised!</td></tr>
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With a bit of tinkering and a pale ale or two I figured out what went where. I was most impressed with the solid feel of the hub as I rebuilt it and the engineering processes that must have gone in to developing and making it. The axle (27) is a nicely machined part with a slot for the gear selector / axle key (28) and a coaxial hole down one end for the selector chain (32).<br />
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The fiddliest part of the build is assembling the gear ring assembly (9) and the associated pawls and pawl springs. The springs are really fine and I've dropped them at least three times and had to go hunting on the floor for them conducting a finger tip search with a flashlight and a magnet.<br />
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I'd had a few goes at fitting everything together and eventually figured it out before getting all the parts laid out in order.<br />
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The assembly from here is a dry run prior to things being greased and oiled for the final assembly.<br />
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All fine up to this point but this is where I went wrong. The black plastic dust cap is meant to be fitted after the drive mechanism and cone have been screwed on. Otherwise when you tighten the cone it tries to compress the dust cap between the cone and the bearings and the whole thing seizes up. To my credit, I got this far without referring to the manual or the diagrams! Maybe I should have referred to it sooner ;)</div>
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The next thing to do was to grease it all up using white lithium grease throughout. Mistake. Error. Redo From Start+++++. Putting grease on the freewheel or drive mechanism pawls just causes them to stick to their carrier and not click back into place - the main function of a pawl. As a result it took about 5 seconds for the freewheel or the drive mechanism to click into place. Cue a re-strip and re-clean, applying nothing but light cycle oil to all of the internal components and grease to all three bearing races. Much better!</div>
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<b>Putting it back on the bike</b><br />
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Upon reassembly the freewheel seemed to jam so my first thoughts were that I'd put some pawls in the wrong way round also I couldn't figure out why tightening the cones didn't stop a significant amount of wobble at the rim.<br />
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This was when, after looking at the <a href="http://www.sturmey-archer.com/files/catalog/files/311/PART%20LIST%20-%20AW%20SRF3.pdf">exploded diagram</a> that I figured out that I'd put the dust cap on in between the bearing surfaces rather than covering the drive mechanism. Idiot. I'd also put the non drive side spacer washer (25) on the outside of the lock nut and not the inside (minor error).<br />
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Lastly I realised I'd lost the non drive side axle nut so had to order a new one from the eBay store of Hopkinson Cycles in Horbury. More idiocy on my part.<br />
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I corrected these issues, had the usual round of faffing around trying to adjust the cone bearings so that they were juuuuuuust right and presto! the wheel was back in and working properly. Nice sharp clicks from the drive and freewheel pawls, smooth changing of the gears, lovely. I'll feed it some oil down the changer hole so it has something to be getting on with and away we go :)<br />
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<b>Further Frank-ing About</b><br />
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I also took the time to fit the proper diameter seatpost. I'd been using a 1" seatpost with some shims made from a coke can which meant a real fiddle adjusting saddle position, the very thing that had caused me a bit of knee pain beforehand.<br />
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After measuring up I ordered a 27.0mm seatpost (not the conventional 27.2 of modern bikes) from eBay and a nicer brown saddle I'd taken off the tandem, which is much more in keeping with the look of the bike.<br />
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I also improved the pannier mounting, removing the crappy looking P-clips and replacing it with a much nicer piece of threaded rod and some nuts between the original rack mount brackets. This moved the mounting point inboard to suit the rack I've got and it tidies up the frame too.<br />
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This means that Frank is ready for the next 2000 miles of urban pottering, commuting, shopping and general practicality.<br />
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James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-88338560613718320352016-07-07T12:27:00.000+01:002016-07-12T15:24:53.421+01:00Bicycle RaceTook a <a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/632464447">ride up to Skipton </a>with Munny, Lukas and Robin to watch the <a href="http://www.skiptoncycleraces.co.uk/">Skipton Bike Race Criterium</a>. A steady ride up through Cononley following the usual, slightly hillier but much less frantic route to Skipton with a couple of diversions I wasn't familiar with. This was my <b>1000th ride</b> that I've logged on Strava!<br />
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We acquired fish and chips (essential), and wandered around the course, picking up Mark from work and watching the juniors hammer it around the bumpy corner next to the fish shop. We eventually settled down just outside the Beer Engine with a nice pint of dark ale to watch the senior race, with Emma joining us in time for the start. Very civilised.<br />
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The elite men were seriously fast and spat quite a few people off the back end of the group. The guy in the white kit in this photo was the eventual winner. He seemed to bridge the gap between the peloton and the breakaway group and hang in there for the win.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Skipton Crit 2016 winner mid pack</td></tr>
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Standing on the inside of the fast corner was quite an experience, it was hard not to flinch as they came past, leaning over so that their heads were passing within a foot or so of the metal barrier. This video gives you some idea!<br />
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I cycled home with Emma, and managed to pick up another puncture on the rear wheel about a mile from home. Must have a bit of something still in the tyre from the last one. I walked it home as it was easier than faffing around changing it at the roadside. On the mountain bike today!<br />
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It was nice to see Munny and Lukas again, our paths don't cross as often as I'd like. Good to meet the famous Robin, I see his rides on Strava a lot and to chat with Mark from work for a bit. It's always good to catch up with Emma too and to hear about her family holiday in Portugal. A cool evening with cool people.<br />
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Lets end the blog on a musical note :)<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-26494279386253202002016-06-29T22:00:00.001+01:002016-06-29T22:00:45.996+01:00Kentmere HoreseshoeWe were having a mini-honeymoon in the Lakes (more on the big day soon when we get the photos from our photographer!) so we decided to get some walking in and tick off a few more Wainwrights.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T' Wife and me at the trig on High Street</td></tr>
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The Kentmere Horseshoe was top of my list, having had it recommended by several friends. Including the nip out to High Street, it packs in 9 Wainwrights into 13 miles of walking: Yoke, Ill Bell, Froswick, Thornthwaite Crag, High Street, Mardale Ill Bell, Harter Fell (Mardale), Kentmere Pike and Shipman Knotts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Strava log of the route</td></tr>
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It was a gorgeous day, much nicer than the day before when we had a tired potter up Loughrigg watching the rain sweep up Troutbeck and Kentmere. Heading up Garburn Road we saw a group of mountain bikers coming down, one of whom had a properly mashed rear derailleur that had thankfully avoided being dragged into his spokes. Not too far to trundle down the road to Wheelbase I guess for for him the ride was over.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down over Kentmere</td></tr>
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Once we'd gained the ridge it was a nice steady height gain over the first peak of Yoke and onwards to the crazy slate arrangements of Ill Bell. We could see Morecambe Bay, the windfarms in the Irish sea, what could well have been the Galloway Hills in southern Scotland, Cross Fell and Ingleborough - a truly marvellous panorama.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwt072Cgc_sGTRuxakelcDMTX8DHl5LCFGPtm1jWuljXym1L_IDqA1u8xoQO00HpXQnFxBaQuboHWwSH7d8i22JhyphenhyphenDqN11NvRyyKxNmneVEFkmN9OWJbQXKZg5-vp4_FpuMuJGFUvsLfM/s1600/DSC_1548.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHwt072Cgc_sGTRuxakelcDMTX8DHl5LCFGPtm1jWuljXym1L_IDqA1u8xoQO00HpXQnFxBaQuboHWwSH7d8i22JhyphenhyphenDqN11NvRyyKxNmneVEFkmN9OWJbQXKZg5-vp4_FpuMuJGFUvsLfM/s400/DSC_1548.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steady climb up to Yoke</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRayth06N1C1eccO5Pn0JeqmzzN6R74LGEE9DZ1RX-160SgY-SgkK9AAPChpOuZeojxZdRSXRQNQyB5mtIst_5XS9w8mL0EegnS_YALssYtWQn8EQ5FwFcSKduO4mQj5H8ljTW7OWqIzd/s1600/IMG_1304.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQRayth06N1C1eccO5Pn0JeqmzzN6R74LGEE9DZ1RX-160SgY-SgkK9AAPChpOuZeojxZdRSXRQNQyB5mtIst_5XS9w8mL0EegnS_YALssYtWQn8EQ5FwFcSKduO4mQj5H8ljTW7OWqIzd/s400/IMG_1304.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama from the summit of Ill Bell (C) <a href="http://www.foxtailphotography.co.uk/">foxtailphotography.co.uk</a> aka t' wife</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URbd03iGP0E/V3Qx8NlEZ6I/AAAAAAAAByw/3yuxw12NcMk2V2ONLPHmoXP2DgIoi4iKgCKgB/s1600/DSC_1551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-URbd03iGP0E/V3Qx8NlEZ6I/AAAAAAAAByw/3yuxw12NcMk2V2ONLPHmoXP2DgIoi4iKgCKgB/s400/DSC_1551.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of Kentmere Reservoir</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1sSXU6jxo8iCKGB3eee9LCIB3Y5paKmdLtiNrRkoIZXfQjm_s6MaBDoxAJIgFZ2_tz60uK6NYCTKkZ0j4LwanwGUL4LASEsCadhYGnxNFldnjlqnXXHat6QLUvDmFJjGY802ElnQI7Z6/s1600/DSC_1552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs1sSXU6jxo8iCKGB3eee9LCIB3Y5paKmdLtiNrRkoIZXfQjm_s6MaBDoxAJIgFZ2_tz60uK6NYCTKkZ0j4LwanwGUL4LASEsCadhYGnxNFldnjlqnXXHat6QLUvDmFJjGY802ElnQI7Z6/s400/DSC_1552.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back down the ridge to Windermere</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lITSxH0lhFQ/V3QyKvapcdI/AAAAAAAAByw/1_iSNtp632MLQcfiEFbStszG0ImVGp1tACKgB/s1600/DSC_1572.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lITSxH0lhFQ/V3QyKvapcdI/AAAAAAAAByw/1_iSNtp632MLQcfiEFbStszG0ImVGp1tACKgB/s400/DSC_1572.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small Water and Haweswater from Mardale Ill Bell</td></tr>
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By this point I was starting to get a bit sunburned, having forgotten to pack any sun lotion. Time to deploy the time honoured sun hat of Englishmen abroad! MY BRAIN HURTS!<div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2ZvixQqc90/V3Q0vqvLdBI/AAAAAAAABy4/ci6JITIWjrwBbiAsH05OIKM5aFRASQmNQCKgB/s1600/DSC_1576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T2ZvixQqc90/V3Q0vqvLdBI/AAAAAAAABy4/ci6JITIWjrwBbiAsH05OIKM5aFRASQmNQCKgB/s400/DSC_1576.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7Ixe95CZOE">Mr. D. P. Gumby</a> spotted in the Lakes</td></tr>
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<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmYo5_c5WqA/V3QyNDJyOVI/AAAAAAAAByw/pX1qQ2JrEYAnvLx5sMq8ajd-Y7zCG_dXQCKgB/s1600/DSC_1575.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bmYo5_c5WqA/V3QyNDJyOVI/AAAAAAAAByw/pX1qQ2JrEYAnvLx5sMq8ajd-Y7zCG_dXQCKgB/s400/DSC_1575.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last steep climb of the day onto Harter Fell</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ33wFcWFg8/V3QyQ6aogcI/AAAAAAAAByw/yE7Q2T0AJUEDeiXYoSpTrJc0s1a3tI_fwCKgB/s1600/DSC_1578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ33wFcWFg8/V3QyQ6aogcI/AAAAAAAAByw/yE7Q2T0AJUEDeiXYoSpTrJc0s1a3tI_fwCKgB/s400/DSC_1578.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Kentmere Pike</td></tr>
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Cracking day, great route and fab views. Get on it.<br />
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p.s. hard boiled eggs are now a must-have walking food.<br />
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p.p.s. My knee high red socks and Ramblers Association membership are in the post.<br />
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James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-81180120009204963112016-06-29T21:19:00.000+01:002016-06-29T21:19:00.078+01:00Fork Service.After <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/lakes-mtb-grind-around-grizedale-and.html">damaging my freehub in the Lakes</a> I thought I'd take the opportunity to strip my coil fork down and give it a good service as it was sticky, rattly and squeaky - all the things a fork should not be. Thankfully, Rock Shox provide a <a href="https://sram-cdn-pull-zone-gsdesign.netdna-ssl.com/cdn/farfuture/_mBrCuCYT-SBL3DkZdhn2lNAAPVYm7Uc0L9SBOCIY_o/mtime:1440002679/sites/default/files/techdocs/gen.0000000004936_rev_b_xc28_xc30.pdf">pretty detailed service manual</a> for it. Also thankfully it's a very basic coil fork so there's not a lot to go wrong and not a lot to service.<br />
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Stripping it down took a couple of hammer blows on the bolts on the bottom of the fork legs to persuade the lower legs to part company from the stanchions. Once they were apart it was fairly easy to see that there was no grease or oil remaining in either of the legs.<br />
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I stripped the spring out and also the damper, emptying the oil into the jar of bike related old fluids that now resembles the rhubarb gin our neighbour gave us. It has a cheeky nose with a hint of apples and engine oil. A bit young, could do with laying down for, say, 35 years until it's past it's half life.<br />
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Everything was cleaned and re-greased with SRAM Butter supplied promptly and efficiently by the folks at <a href="http://www.bikegoo.co.uk/">Bikegoo</a> (along with some 5wt and 15wt suspension fluid) and reassembled. I used a bamboo cane with tape around it to get the right fluid level in the damper leg and my set of baking measuring spoons from the kitchen to get the right volume of oil in the bottom of the damper leg. Improvisation is our watchword!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXNfGt61gw8/V3QoGQr9srI/AAAAAAAABxI/usfkNk8Vc_MJjmwdqEBBZn-_14NbwM0WgCKgB/s1600/DSC_1626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hXNfGt61gw8/V3QoGQr9srI/AAAAAAAABxI/usfkNk8Vc_MJjmwdqEBBZn-_14NbwM0WgCKgB/s400/DSC_1626.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fork in the work vice, just after filling the damper leg bottom with oil</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All in all, it took a couple of hours to take the fork off the bike, strip, clean and reassemble it.<br />
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Best of all, it's now like a new fork! It sags gently when I sit on the bike and bobs gently with pedalling. Taking it down through the old Riddlesden golf course it ate up all the bumps and more. It has also delayed my decision to change to a better air fork now it has some new life back in it. I should have done it sooner and it will certainly be on the regular servicing list in future. Happy bike fixing times :)<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-43515015128703281322016-06-22T13:05:00.002+01:002016-06-24T21:17:36.407+01:00Lakes MTB: A Grind Around Grizedale and Some Pass Bashing (Got Bashed)<b>Grizedale Grinder</b><br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/611139988">https://www.strava.com/activities/611139988</a><br />
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It would be rude to go to the Lakes and not take in a bit of the fantastic biking to be had in the region. Spending a bit of quality mini-moon time with The Wife (need to get used to saying that!) meant heading over to Grizedale for a potter around the fire-roads with the odd excursion onto the red trail singletracks.<br />
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Of the bits that we did there was nothing massively challenging although Louise was surprised by a step down in the boardwalk at one point causing her to utter a naughty word before falling, very gracefully, into a tree. A slightly scraped arm was the only damage.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBVyS474XxQWMTWab_rnn5dkMThYQxbGtoRR2myRySUJKoEYHAuBo1MAjapuI-W8AKSsMcC1G1rKJt6ZwJuzqHYQTzIoksD7hujYREnpKsGRjsYt4h2DYg6cq-S-7Vtjj3xyHZO5J3Lco/s1600/griz_lou_hand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfBVyS474XxQWMTWab_rnn5dkMThYQxbGtoRR2myRySUJKoEYHAuBo1MAjapuI-W8AKSsMcC1G1rKJt6ZwJuzqHYQTzIoksD7hujYREnpKsGRjsYt4h2DYg6cq-S-7Vtjj3xyHZO5J3Lco/s400/griz_lou_hand.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tis but a scratch!</td></tr>
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They'd been doing some logging so we did get some nice views down across Coniston Water and up to Coniston Old Man and Dow Crag allowing us to trace the route of a walk we did a few winters ago over Wetherlam way.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JM_BYX0YO4/V2px9YzQX5I/AAAAAAAABvY/vLAyeHxtJNkY6En3DAwThKMFAK6eL5KYQCKgB/s1600/grizedale-grind.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1JM_BYX0YO4/V2px9YzQX5I/AAAAAAAABvY/vLAyeHxtJNkY6En3DAwThKMFAK6eL5KYQCKgB/s400/grizedale-grind.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View good. Malt loaf also good.</td></tr>
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We were startled at this point by what looked like a bloody big hornet, causing us to head off in short order. Later research led us to finding out it was in fact a <a href="http://www.uksafari.com/woodwasp.htm">Great Wood Wasp</a> and is in fact entirely harmless. Phew!<br />
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The threat of rain meant we headed back early instead of exploring some of the sculpture trails in the area. I think I prefer the Blue single track at Whinlatter, the fire roads are a bit boring to be honest even though the views are much better.<br />
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<b>Pass Bashing (Got Bashed)</b><br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/611937823">https://www.strava.com/activities/611937823</a><br />
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Last day of the holiday and Louise wanted to see the Beatrix Potter house in Near Sawrey and to catch up with a family friend. I'm not National Trust Man yet as my beige elasticated waist corduroy trousers haven't arrived from my tailors (soon, soon) so sooner than part from the mountains my love, I went for a bike ride instead.<br />
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A short sharp rocky climb on tired legs out of Ambleside up to the top of Jenkin Crag was rewarded with some pleasant views over Windermere and Bowness.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq67m3HKGPtxz80ZYdOl4f5jkzTaMkogRr11TVJyJO9G6ZMV2eSL3w7IrwXiM4-IlmRGKhuS_QRUH7Om1LX7cJoxQgnllaTHcT3GYXpbfJV8X3IhLc_QdjGIryyW3CZeGT-y4p1dQV-pRJ/s1600/DSC_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq67m3HKGPtxz80ZYdOl4f5jkzTaMkogRr11TVJyJO9G6ZMV2eSL3w7IrwXiM4-IlmRGKhuS_QRUH7Om1LX7cJoxQgnllaTHcT3GYXpbfJV8X3IhLc_QdjGIryyW3CZeGT-y4p1dQV-pRJ/s400/DSC_1592.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Jenkin Crag</td></tr>
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The track contoured around the hillside, maintaining the view over Windermere until I dropped sharply into Troutbeck village down a slightly rocky but fun bridleway. A short road section led to the bottom of Dubbs Road and the long steady climb up Garburn Pass.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oL_YAuLEN6rPzh205JxJ6q2Q5Vf34w_3EtGbGg95dcosI82h0gyDOKbUjvGY5HJp1Zm-tRFkP0kJn4MKO4JN6WdNyqkoJiYkPKM_PrAxZlsLO2xUlyyXKJbLmpboOaX3OzrNvlaFy0Yj/s1600/DSC_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-oL_YAuLEN6rPzh205JxJ6q2Q5Vf34w_3EtGbGg95dcosI82h0gyDOKbUjvGY5HJp1Zm-tRFkP0kJn4MKO4JN6WdNyqkoJiYkPKM_PrAxZlsLO2xUlyyXKJbLmpboOaX3OzrNvlaFy0Yj/s400/DSC_1598.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garburn Road Climb</td></tr>
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This got steeper and looser the nearer I got to the top, requiring the odd pause for lungs and legs to recover, before it finally flattened out. Food stop!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzCqUUfra4x8auMxKNJiUCQdrDanJBmBHWD_wHb40PsvgStOfi_UNq0w1tC6Oflgtk146-Fs3gkV0UeCAqfrrVwcJNE_n9v8YdSEA2fwE3hlEmn5jpXGAjuzXLZtKiIVImmBbeBwmab-m/s1600/DSC_1599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBzCqUUfra4x8auMxKNJiUCQdrDanJBmBHWD_wHb40PsvgStOfi_UNq0w1tC6Oflgtk146-Fs3gkV0UeCAqfrrVwcJNE_n9v8YdSEA2fwE3hlEmn5jpXGAjuzXLZtKiIVImmBbeBwmab-m/s400/DSC_1599.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Garburn Pass. The joys of the descent were to follow!</td></tr>
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The descent from here was brutal. Despite dropping the seat to its minimum height and hanging my arse off the back of the bike I struggled to keep the bike pointing in the direction I wanted to go. A bike with a slacker head angle, better suspension and wider bars would have made life easier. So would being a bit stronger in the upper body, too much champagne and fine dining this week obviously. I now know how the ball in a pinball machine feels!<br />
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Down into Kentmere and then out again on High Lane heading for the next pass and the descent to Sadgill in Longsleddale. Another rocky climb but not quite as steep which was good as my legs were beginning to struggle. The descent wasn't as rocky as Garburn but made up for it in steepness. More hanging the arse off the back of the bike to remain in some semblance of control.<br />
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The exploratory climb up Gatesgarth Pass was too much to hope for as far as my legs were concerned so I bailed just at the start of the steep bit and turned around.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvi3G1YHPayM4WlrEw-uoDt-CxE2rBpj_srqdveBsSS6iJBHI8dRYmwG8JMIo4fb-cFW6JZ8qL2BDjklmaSBQSniTaUAVpYSb2yHJ7GnsTA_7okU0NwI-5e7i-gj5kJK7T2m9iAybGfgt/s1600/DSC_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDvi3G1YHPayM4WlrEw-uoDt-CxE2rBpj_srqdveBsSS6iJBHI8dRYmwG8JMIo4fb-cFW6JZ8qL2BDjklmaSBQSniTaUAVpYSb2yHJ7GnsTA_7okU0NwI-5e7i-gj5kJK7T2m9iAybGfgt/s400/DSC_1600.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't be sad, Sadgill. you are lovely.</td></tr>
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Time was running low, I was hungry and my freewheel had started making a clunk every revolution. Time to head back down Longsleddale to Staveley for a well deserved feed at the lovely <a href="http://www.wilfs-cafe.co.uk/">Wilf's Cafe</a> (lentil and black bean bake with sundried tomatoes and olives, a coffee and a big slice of chocolate cake since you asked) and good old browse at <a href="http://www.wheelbase.co.uk/">Wheelbase</a>.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UY5t8OlUlKQ/V2p5lxAGatI/AAAAAAAABws/NtbWyGXQ0pUbfTMvp3WgUFRj1or5Sd9XQCKgB/s1600/DSC_1601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UY5t8OlUlKQ/V2p5lxAGatI/AAAAAAAABws/NtbWyGXQ0pUbfTMvp3WgUFRj1or5Sd9XQCKgB/s400/DSC_1601.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice waterfalls at Garnett Bridge</td></tr>
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I bought a couple of Lakes MTB guidebooks in the bike shop and was slightly pleased to see that the route I'd taken gets a "very hard" rating in the book for the descent of the two passes I'd done. I'll come back when I'm fitter and better and smash it out properly next time. The broken freehub has been replaced and I'm servicing my fork ready for round 2!<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-55228435223831563592016-05-30T22:25:00.002+01:002016-05-30T22:25:45.509+01:00Bikepacking 2: Kettlewell TripThis is a slightly belated blog from the other weekend's bikepacking adventures. Chris put a shout out on Facebook for anyone wanting to join in on a trip up to Kettlewell, a camp over and a ride back the next morning. Jonny was keen, fabricating a bracket to fit a rear rack to his old Raleigh and Adam packed his panniers with samosas. Having a free evening, I jumped at the chance as I wanted to try out my new bikepacking bags from Alpkit. We met at Steeton train station on the Friday afternoon, ready for off.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenny loaded up with camping things. Bloody <a href="http://www.alpkit.com/">Alpkit</a> fanboy...</td></tr>
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It was a very pleasant spin up through Cononley into the back of Skipton and then out on the Grassington road, light sunshine and cloud. Traffic wasn't too heavy and was mostly respectful and well driven. It was good fun riding in convoy and with everyone loaded differently we looked like a proper travelling circus.<br />
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We took the road through Linton to Grassington and then the back road all the way up through Conistone to Kettlewell, this last bit proving especially quiet which allowed us to ride side by side and chat.<br />
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Tim (Full Of Win) had pointed us to the campsite in Kettlewell just behind the church on the back road, saying it had the poshest toilets he'd ever seen on a campsite. He wasn't wrong; nice sinks, underfloor heating and in very good condition! For the princely sum of £7 each we had a pitch for the night at the top of the field.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Travelling Circus: Chris, Jonny, me, Adam</td></tr>
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We knew it was forecast rain later so Chris and I took some time setting up our tarp properly. We were quite happy with the results too.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tarp for two.</td></tr>
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What did it look like inside? Have a look!<br />
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We meandered off to the Blue Bell (on another hot tip from Tim) in the search of pies of legendary status. We found them.<br />
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The meat and potato pie, which we all ordered, was marvellous. As were the pints of local ale, even the one we liked the least was pretty good. No room for pudding afterwards<br />
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It was drizzling outside so, tired and full, we quickly settled down and fell asleep, our tents and tarps resounding to the various sound effects that accompany a big tea and a few pints...<br />
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The rain kept me awake a far bit through the night, and I occasionally had to push the tarp to remove the accumulated puddle to stop it pressing on me. I got a the odd splat in the face which wakes you up very suddenly!<br />
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Adam left early to meet his family for his daughters first birthday, I unashamedly pulled my buff over my eyes and got a another hour's kip ;) It wasn't long before Chris and I roused ourselves, packed up, then stood around whilst Jonny faffed around a bit (<i>plus ca change</i>...) before we headed into Grassington to find a cafe for breakfast.<br />
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The roads were still damp but it was warming up and drying off quickly.<br />
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Grassington furnished us with a small bakery with some fab looking cakes but a bacon butty and tea was high on the agenda. We sat in the square, squeaky styrofoam cups of life giving tea, rustling paper bags with baked goodness inside, swallows singing on wires.<br />
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The ride back to Keighley was punctuated (ha!) by a shard of glass from a broken mirror by the roadside making it's way through my rather underinflated Conti Gatorskin tires. New tube, a higher pressure and we were off rolling again, back through Skippy town and down to Keighley.<br />
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We stopped in the cafe by the bus station for toasties where I bade Jonny and Chris farewell for their return leg to Huddersfield. I headed home, unpacked and promptly fell fast asleep on the sofa for a couple of hours, the lack of sleep the night before taking it's toll. Louise tried to rouse me to no avail, the cup of tea and apple went untouched!<br />
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A most enjoyable adventure.<br />
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<b>Bikepacking Lessons Learned</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>The tarp needs to be tensioned enough on the edges to ensure it sheds water and doesn't accumulate a massive puddle. By the time it was wet the tarp weighed about twice as much</li>
<li>Try the bivvy bag outside of sleeping mat so I can sleep on my side, I cant sleep properly on my back!</li>
<li>Tire pressures, make sure you've got enough in there youth!</li>
<li>The Alpkit Koala setapack does woble around a bit unless you pack it super tightly and cinch the straps up really well. Once packed properly and strapped down firmly it's brilliant.</li>
<li>Packing the sleeping bag inside the bivvy bag, whilst very easy to get everything out and set up, makes for a larger pack size. Sort it.</li>
<li>Smaller tarp for solo adventures would be a good purchase.</li>
<li>As would a comfier saddle for longer adventures, the stock Genesis one is a little hard on one's posterior</li>
</ul>
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-12400261427412423332016-05-25T22:05:00.001+01:002016-05-25T22:05:30.701+01:00Cote Gill and Mastiles LaneTuesday rolls around, the forecast is nice and the trails and bridleways of the Dales are calling. Karl is otherwise indisposed (house hunting) so an early off from work sees me rolling out of the car park near Malham Tarn for what the (excellent) <a href="https://www.v-publishing.co.uk/books/categories/mountain-biking/yorkshire-dales-mountain-biking-the-south-dales.html">South Dales guide book</a> lists as it's first Classic ride - Cote Gill and Mastiles Lane. Admittedly I'm doing it from the Malham side and not Kilnsey but there's the same amount of up believe me!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the way up to the top of the hill</td></tr>
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It's a steady climb up to Cote Gill top on grassy track. Nothing technical or muddy, just sit and spin and enjoy the views, the sheep staring at the intruder, the purple and yellow flowers making the most of the sun, curlews barracking you from the skies and oystercatchers and lapwings zooming around overhead. And the brutal headwind that reduced me to the granny ring for much of the climb!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to head down Cote Gill</td></tr>
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Over the top and a long steady descent with Cote Gill on the right. I was somewhat disappointed to not get a good view down into the gill from the trail. I must come back for a walk up it at some point, perhaps on a roasting summers day where is northerly aspect might offer respite from the sun and make for a nice cooling gorge scramble.<br />
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Before I knew it I was down in the very quiet and pleasant valley of Littondale, with my knobbly tires on freshly laid tarmac making me sound like a swarm of disgruntled wasps as I rolled down towards the main road and on to Kilnsey.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Littondale</td></tr>
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There were plenty of climbers on Kilnsey crag but too far away for any of my photos to do them justice. Lots of lurking at the bottom in down jackets, one chap redpointing a route with an inventive heel hook rest on a ledge and someone else top roping a pale patch of limestone on the left of the crag. A good evening for it.<br />
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Turning right at the Tennants Arms I pulled in on a grassy bank, pulled on my jacket which smelled of ripe banana, ate the aforementioned fruit item and the standard cheese/marmite bagel, enjoying being out of the breeze for a moment. A man in a white car drives past, opens his door, a dog jumps out and then runs up the road with the man following behind. Most people use feet and, you know, a lead when walking their dog, not a mid price Japanese saloon car...<br />
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Up a short tarmac climb and the long climb of Mastiles Lane hove into view, extending up into the darkness of a cloud shadow looking ever so slightly foreboding. To the Granny Ring Batman!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mastiles Lane</td></tr>
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Not a bad climb really, steep but mostly fairly easy to pick a good line along the edges. The hardest bit was the slightly looser and rockier steep section at the top where my front wheel was feeling light and a bit of zig zagging over the width of the trail was required. The climb up Rooley Moor on the <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/mary-towneley-loop.html">Mary Towneley Loop</a> was much harder with it's unavoidable fist sized rocks ready to send you off in interesting new directions like pinball bumpers in slow motion.<br />
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At the top of the steep part, I paused to cough up a lung or two, noting the lack of really hard exercise of late. Now that work has calmed down a little, the dial registering "busy" instead of "frantic", I hope to he stretching my legs a bit more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A good climb.</td></tr>
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The ride back towards Malham along the top of Mastiles Lane was great. Fast rolling grass, the odd depression in the trail to pump the bike into for a bit more speed, middle ring riding all the way scattering sheep and skylarks. Well worth the climb up.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdW4mtIJhFhRVqBDUDHVuUlso_7A14Tt6t8ttyzEbI2BEybfBiJ_0kKKVQgmsHYhyphenhyphenKOdnZzPnFZN5ibIzkDFwzEmKgE2niOwxMVP87VqPdzWTIRQ3iE6VTFVUEWBMI1bQKSL0bC4fxSFZ/s1600/DSC_1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhdW4mtIJhFhRVqBDUDHVuUlso_7A14Tt6t8ttyzEbI2BEybfBiJ_0kKKVQgmsHYhyphenhyphenKOdnZzPnFZN5ibIzkDFwzEmKgE2niOwxMVP87VqPdzWTIRQ3iE6VTFVUEWBMI1bQKSL0bC4fxSFZ/s400/DSC_1487.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fingerpost, Street Gate, Malham Tarn</td></tr>
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I wasn't ready to pack up yet, so I headed for a quick loop around Malham Tarn, surprising groups of blindfolded children on a "team building" exercise from the field centre with dings of the bike bell.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCkrUvjgCx0/V0S3w19jCYI/AAAAAAAABuI/ztEMmnGQW6YEGjz0FyCsNJ8fPJghkJ_bgCKgB/s1600/DSC_1491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HCkrUvjgCx0/V0S3w19jCYI/AAAAAAAABuI/ztEMmnGQW6YEGjz0FyCsNJ8fPJghkJ_bgCKgB/s400/DSC_1491.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They have a problem with spiders at the Field Centre...</td></tr>
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A quick whip back along the road, back to the car and then off in search of chips...<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-69213519543020448742016-05-02T19:30:00.000+01:002016-05-02T19:32:27.365+01:00First Ride With The BoyI've been wanting to take my son out for a bike ride for a while now, but merely wanting something does not make it happen. It was a kids weekend so I spoke to their mum about taking Ben out his bike (which lives at hers) and thankfully she agreed.<br />
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So, for a nice easy first ride, we parked up at Farnhill and rode down the canal towpath to Skipton in the sunshine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZVAEQQU0ZqJ5MaNGbE16JdcNL2h_ITl4jK-Qr47QuFLnZOKC0-Fws2eRVol31mnAfm4EUlBDOrysvaKznBaB_kAW4Eazgjpera8srQ5bk5AZtqIuxP7iInp0Y1M5zb_Ko9msPJ1ODzS7/s1600/DSC_1373.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZVAEQQU0ZqJ5MaNGbE16JdcNL2h_ITl4jK-Qr47QuFLnZOKC0-Fws2eRVol31mnAfm4EUlBDOrysvaKznBaB_kAW4Eazgjpera8srQ5bk5AZtqIuxP7iInp0Y1M5zb_Ko9msPJ1ODzS7/s400/DSC_1373.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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He loved it, and it was a nice man and boy moment riding along together. It's the first time he's been on his bike further than the end of his street so the feeling of exploration was ever present in his new environment. Also, he was putting the hammer down on the flat stretches and enjoying moving fast, I struggled to keep up (or at least pretended to).</div>
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We reached Skipton sooner than I thought and enjoyed a really good chocolate ice cream from the Tug Boat Ice Cream canal boat. Most of it ended up in my moustache.</div>
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<i>Me and my mini me</i></div>
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We were back at the car before we knew it, Ben sailed past the turn off to the car and had to be called back. He insisted on riding around the car park a few times before letting me put his car back in the boot! I'm glad he enjoyed himself.<br />
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One of my more distinct memories from my youth was going on a bike ride from Huddersfield to Marsden along the Leeds-Liverpool canal towpath with my Dad and brother. Now, I feel like I've been present at an similar notable moment in my son's life and hopefully given him a lasting memory. Here's to many more rides to come.</div>
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James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-75619785129066342702016-04-18T17:00:00.003+01:002016-07-26T07:41:41.238+01:00Don't Let The Existential Dread Set In...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I saw this on Facebook the other day and it summed up perfectly how I was feeling at the time. I'm normally fairly resilient towards feeling down but a heavy cold, lack of sleep and busy family commitments prevented me from the usual antidote of getting out for a run or a ride.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFmRz8kjBaghvXYVew3lwYpd_1ct0OzPEAVaMf8y1m30vIHelGhrNqpWfdt3CE-XcdsYuY2UkKB9CCSCWeA6F3Alf6eGTef4yAbZQn-24y9Xk7rdSaQ8wdR56CxGM5x4jCtBmliQ7Azth/s1600/existential-dread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFmRz8kjBaghvXYVew3lwYpd_1ct0OzPEAVaMf8y1m30vIHelGhrNqpWfdt3CE-XcdsYuY2UkKB9CCSCWeA6F3Alf6eGTef4yAbZQn-24y9Xk7rdSaQ8wdR56CxGM5x4jCtBmliQ7Azth/s400/existential-dread.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.webtoons.com/en/slice-of-life/bluechair/ep-59-busy-work/viewer?title_no=199&episode_no=61">Original can be found here at Blue Chair comics</a></span></b></i></div>
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The moment passes, music and tea always helps<br />
"Bees" by Caribou<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RqdQGdf8ado/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RqdQGdf8ado?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-33360840585257153062016-04-13T22:03:00.000+01:002016-11-08T12:30:44.234+00:00Peter's Phantom Powered Condenser Microphone Pre-Amplifier<i>Another imported page from my old website which I'm winding down.</i><br />
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<i>This is being hosted on behalf of Peter Miles who designed this circuit for his church's sound system and used it for the basis of a presentation on SPICE simulation at work. The pre-amp is in regular use and has proved very reliable. Words and circuit design by Peter Miles. Any errors are likely to be mine!</i><br />
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<b>Summary</b><br />
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An audio pre-amplifier designed to interface an electret condenser microphone to XLR balanced microphone input at mixing desk which provides phantom power.<br />
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<b>Specification</b><br />
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<li>Bandwidth, suitable for good quality speech 100Hz – 10kHz ±3dB</li>
<li>Gain, in range 12dB – 20dB</li>
<li>Low noise</li>
<li>Output impedance << 3kohms (to drive into 3kohms input impedance at mixing desk).</li>
<li>Transformer coupled balance output on to pins 2 & 3 of XLR audio circuit.</li>
<li>Powered from 48V phantom power coupled on to pins 2 & 3 of XLR audio circuit via 6k8 resistors</li>
<li>Provides DC bias in range 1.5V – 5V at input for the electret microphone module.</li>
<li>Construction, shielded inside metal box. Box to be grounded to pin 1 of XLR audio circuit.</li>
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<a href="http://www.epanorama.net/circuits/microphone_powering.html">Some useful information on powering electret microphones</a><br />
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<b>Schematic</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qVyYxl1MHp4NW7tgj694lFrLXGXjNx-_TkMT9S0TXHD5vwa5KTGhBmkIElTVv1wKEyYe6iw89vCFHk4PyeAEyijRAxyBTXwUVjPHS3eqtIn1A7L3RkbpOu4jwP7F052YDU7rRbPWE3c8/s1600/pre-amp_sch_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-qVyYxl1MHp4NW7tgj694lFrLXGXjNx-_TkMT9S0TXHD5vwa5KTGhBmkIElTVv1wKEyYe6iw89vCFHk4PyeAEyijRAxyBTXwUVjPHS3eqtIn1A7L3RkbpOu4jwP7F052YDU7rRbPWE3c8/s400/pre-amp_sch_large.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tucfxkW8D2d_46t1RXkIDl9VrQFQ1Oa-CUrQgzKoRXhsJQClo3EK1NBRinOnMF_Pva5zcxemF5FYQS37CsNl1L2RtY3GjwoV9SzJLIwEtM-71nkSmC4oZ4sdUq3xgX5KegmoJb3miPUg/s1600/2N5457_pinout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9tucfxkW8D2d_46t1RXkIDl9VrQFQ1Oa-CUrQgzKoRXhsJQClo3EK1NBRinOnMF_Pva5zcxemF5FYQS37CsNl1L2RtY3GjwoV9SzJLIwEtM-71nkSmC4oZ4sdUq3xgX5KegmoJb3miPUg/s1600/2N5457_pinout.png" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIukx_AFme7NUtkhshugucrNr0tVKyLSx2JIfAwWD-8mFo_NYcN3lgA9A-_Raw8RXoPZDO9sukU0Xfx0OQVHNOapEtTxw5Ty7_6F7vGwJHglBmMz8Ukut4aSsQZUnY9lZFPw1j3ZgQjzoZ/s1600/bc182_pinout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIukx_AFme7NUtkhshugucrNr0tVKyLSx2JIfAwWD-8mFo_NYcN3lgA9A-_Raw8RXoPZDO9sukU0Xfx0OQVHNOapEtTxw5Ty7_6F7vGwJHglBmMz8Ukut4aSsQZUnY9lZFPw1j3ZgQjzoZ/s1600/bc182_pinout.png" /></a></div>
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<i>2N5457 JFET BC182 NPN</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-U7rBacPb6HoyTkLxVQLO8ZR0CH6ahA7oypJRNIWNMkr7l3-WjGBHq-Lw267W5T8VPLrTn4uRefnRy3_eETtYoNj66bSWfvY_hY7aI_NEObtYBIDcPT1varRsF0vOkQAIwrU1rlbL3vD/s1600/neutrik_nte4_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL-U7rBacPb6HoyTkLxVQLO8ZR0CH6ahA7oypJRNIWNMkr7l3-WjGBHq-Lw267W5T8VPLrTn4uRefnRy3_eETtYoNj66bSWfvY_hY7aI_NEObtYBIDcPT1varRsF0vOkQAIwrU1rlbL3vD/s400/neutrik_nte4_large.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Neutrik NTE4 transformer datasheet</i></div>
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<b>Bill Of Materials</b><br />
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<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="0" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Tahoma; width: 100%px;"><tbody>
<tr bgcolor="#CCCCCC"><td><strong>Item</strong></td><td><strong>Supplier</strong></td><td><strong>Part Number</strong></td><td><strong>Description</strong></td></tr>
<tr><td>Veroboard</td><td>Farnell</td><td>1201473</td><td>CIF AJB16 RBP STRIP PROTOBOARD 100X160</td></tr>
<tr><td>Copper clad plain board</td><td>Farnell</td><td>149054</td><td>KELAN PCB, PLAIN S/S 100X160MM</td></tr>
<tr><td>Box for system</td><td>Farnell</td><td>1171664</td><td>BOSS ENCLOSURES DIECAST BLACK Length / Height, external:62mm; Width, external:112mm; Depth, external:31mm</td></tr>
<tr><td>JFET</td><td>Farnell</td><td>682366</td><td>ON SEMICONDUCTOR 2N5457 TRANSISTOR, JFET N TO-92</td></tr>
<tr><td>Zener</td><td>Farnell</td><td>9844627</td><td>FAIRCHILD SEMICONDUCTOR BZX55-C5V6 DIODE, ZENER 500MW 5.6V</td></tr>
<tr><td>NPN Bipolar</td><td>Farnell</td><td>9558462</td><td>ON SEMICONDUCTOR BC182G TRANSISTOR, NPN TO-92</td></tr>
<tr><td>XLR Cable</td><td>Farnell</td><td>4259348</td><td>LEAD, XLR MIC P-S 1.5M Connector A:3 Way XLR Plug; connector B:3 Way XLR Socket; Length, lead:1.5m;</td></tr>
<tr><td>Transformer</td><td>CPC</td><td>LS01463</td><td>NTE4 NEUTRIK AUDIO TRANSFORMER-YELLOW</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>Simulation Results</b><br />
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Simulations performed using <a href="http://www.simetrix.co.uk/site/index.html">Simetrix</a><br />
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<i>Gain</i></div>
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Gain at 1kHz = 4.04mV / 500uV = 18.1dB<br />
Measured performance on bench 9.9dB<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3uAU4269IME7Ev5axcvDCk4eX6GGQesxANDCVwMIXkAY5TtKjvuoUC3g6uZz_DudLxDW1OCdmJV1UOB7yQXl_ZL8ldFkaaxZNCHe3RLICx9cOEiWBLYfEyszkCqOqs_oxyLRhcGkmn9V/s1600/freq_response_sim_large.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS3uAU4269IME7Ev5axcvDCk4eX6GGQesxANDCVwMIXkAY5TtKjvuoUC3g6uZz_DudLxDW1OCdmJV1UOB7yQXl_ZL8ldFkaaxZNCHe3RLICx9cOEiWBLYfEyszkCqOqs_oxyLRhcGkmn9V/s400/freq_response_sim_large.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Frequency Response</i></div>
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<b>Finished Assembly Photos</b><br />
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<ul>
<li>Copper clad board on back of vero board to provide ground plane under the entire circuit</li>
<li>Circuit located inside diecast box by the copper clad board being cut larger than the veroboard and providing tabs that slide into the groves in the box inner walls</li>
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-66129887119740543792016-04-11T21:24:00.001+01:002016-04-11T21:24:36.369+01:00Team Spinach Ride Again: Open 5, Todmorden, March 2016This weekend saw the last race in this winters Open 5 Adventure Race series, <a href="http://www.openadventure.com/open5/2015-16/south-pennines.php">this time based out of Todmorden</a>. Practically next door compared to other venues like North Wales and the Lakes. Emma was free that weekend we set the controls to Team Spinach!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMxt_V7AQvLmZelp76OTtfup9Kt9OdmdX1YAqzNho74ow44QOjFPRd6uAZpORCbjLicCPoH7GxU5CGgmIHohmRZIz24K5p-9MeEe7H7FdxKBREKP9OD14LREL4c9WM_AJ7bF3iCA5_-jW/s1600/team_spinach_open_5_tod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtMxt_V7AQvLmZelp76OTtfup9Kt9OdmdX1YAqzNho74ow44QOjFPRd6uAZpORCbjLicCPoH7GxU5CGgmIHohmRZIz24K5p-9MeEe7H7FdxKBREKP9OD14LREL4c9WM_AJ7bF3iCA5_-jW/s320/team_spinach_open_5_tod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i>Go team :-P tired but happy faces after the long run back!</i></div>
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<i>Photo courtesy of <a href="http://www.openadventure.com/">Open Adventure</a>.</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10156784858530503.1073741905.190613530502&type=3">Check out the rest of the (really good!) photos here</a>, it really gives a great idea what it's like to take part in one of these events!</div>
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There had been a dusting of snow on the high tops overnight, which made for a nice drive over the moors, and a cloud inversion over Hebden Bridge as we descended.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhnSP8MHdiQ/VwvjJ_l-EeI/AAAAAAAABjo/PkgLRzzVGfsTgoC-C86z82yxzXX8Wf_Mg/s1600/DSC_1274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QhnSP8MHdiQ/VwvjJ_l-EeI/AAAAAAAABjo/PkgLRzzVGfsTgoC-C86z82yxzXX8Wf_Mg/s200/DSC_1274.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkhFX9jV8II/VwvjJP13zpI/AAAAAAAABjo/suD13leyz5QDfGVl0s0Z9EoSP5HBFnyvg/s1600/DSC_1275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UkhFX9jV8II/VwvjJP13zpI/AAAAAAAABjo/suD13leyz5QDfGVl0s0Z9EoSP5HBFnyvg/s200/DSC_1275.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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We arrived in plenty of time so after a tea, a study of the map, getting ready, locating the car key, wheeling over to transition we had about 10 minutes left to get started.<br />
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<b>Bike Stage</b><br />
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No battle plan survives contact with the enemy and our bike plan of not taking in the large obvious loop eventually went out of the window. We picked up the Mary Towneley Loop near Rodmer Clough and rode all the way round anti clockwise to Long Causeway. It looked slightly different going the other way from my <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/mary-towneley-loop.html">previous expedition</a> but some bits were very familiar. This is the first time I've ever had anything approaching local knowledge on an Open 5 event and it was welcomed!<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIuhjNJHOmc/VwvjA7SHemI/AAAAAAAABjk/mVI7ZcDFnzMYW35V3aEBhTlPgpoaNRYyA/s1600/DSC_1280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rIuhjNJHOmc/VwvjA7SHemI/AAAAAAAABjk/mVI7ZcDFnzMYW35V3aEBhTlPgpoaNRYyA/s400/DSC_1280.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It was a glorious day, blue sky, deep blue reservoirs, beautiful moorland colours, lapwings dancing overhead, nice riding temperature. Perfect. We both appreciated the bit of head space that this segment of ride provided.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkjPeDKz-AI/Vwv6sYis0vI/AAAAAAAABkQ/02PKI_NI6CgYuvy5bps10jxWNIB5DyJfg/s1600/DSC_1276-PANO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="78" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JkjPeDKz-AI/Vwv6sYis0vI/AAAAAAAABkQ/02PKI_NI6CgYuvy5bps10jxWNIB5DyJfg/s400/DSC_1276-PANO.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Clever Google stitched this panorama without being asked!</i></div>
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Everyone coming the other way at Widdop res were telling us that control 24 wasn't to be found but we stopped for a look anyway.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YKIPwF-nUrSpbBhyphenhyphennm6Mhx3eZNbbA5XH-KnhDWMhTTPvLP9RjUddQ43Gy9e41T6TGjk7YizThWhSsPJ5fPxIBjuuR42c2okRq4BCJnWMdvO9Bf6W1nkdWkEGgKACvz2qJzcAGPhKSnip/s1600/DSC_1281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YKIPwF-nUrSpbBhyphenhyphennm6Mhx3eZNbbA5XH-KnhDWMhTTPvLP9RjUddQ43Gy9e41T6TGjk7YizThWhSsPJ5fPxIBjuuR42c2okRq4BCJnWMdvO9Bf6W1nkdWkEGgKACvz2qJzcAGPhKSnip/s200/DSC_1281.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Lekc3Z0TgBVZPXntF8K7jMowo41EHwPyZRCKBdndqbon_EH82xqaYFT7Y8kOPevW_OCQ1B3-neMFOIb6NKWUuG2rVw_GOMrEOvtpfgRKd55Us1mMO5chW8FFHQ8r-iwpHbe-gfn2_70w/s1600/DSC_1282.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Lekc3Z0TgBVZPXntF8K7jMowo41EHwPyZRCKBdndqbon_EH82xqaYFT7Y8kOPevW_OCQ1B3-neMFOIb6NKWUuG2rVw_GOMrEOvtpfgRKd55Us1mMO5chW8FFHQ8r-iwpHbe-gfn2_70w/s200/DSC_1282.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Is it here? Or perhaps it is here? No?</i></div>
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But it didn't matter, we had a great ride over all different kinds of surfaces from fast bridleway, muddy steep descents, rocky climbs, bits of road and rutted stone sets. Definitely a good day to be out and about. We were also glad to not find the permissive bridleway that dropped down to the back of Cant Clough reservoir, it sounded like a right old miserable mud fest! Going the long way round worked out pretty well.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WL0FTWhMc_I/VwvjGAjw14I/AAAAAAAABjk/iB_R5L1M1DI0N2Wok2lPdAHSuhGtV8d5w/s1600/DSC_1279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WL0FTWhMc_I/VwvjGAjw14I/AAAAAAAABjk/iB_R5L1M1DI0N2Wok2lPdAHSuhGtV8d5w/s400/DSC_1279.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It wasn't long before we picked up on a bit of trail I recognised from the Haworth Hobble and we were bombing back down into Todmorden and back to the school. Emma is a good rider and I can just about keep up with her on the descents. A longer than preferred bike ride at around 3h 45m and 24 miles but crucially we had fun and sometimes that is what matters.<br />
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<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/541288240">https://www.strava.com/activities/541288240</a><br />
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<b>Run Stage</b><br />
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I refuelled with lots of water in transition as I'd dropped my water bottle on a bumpy bit of bridleway and lost the contents. We knew we didn't have time for many controls on the run so just went for the nearest ones, slogging up the wooded cliff (hill seems too kind) behind the school to pick up a couple of high points value controls.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9wm0A6EXEY/VwvjBMfrwLI/AAAAAAAABjk/ayOwCYlTjLAAyc6KWrLwfFEs_lzxmkm3A/s1600/DSC_1285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y9wm0A6EXEY/VwvjBMfrwLI/AAAAAAAABjk/ayOwCYlTjLAAyc6KWrLwfFEs_lzxmkm3A/s400/DSC_1285.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>I caaaan seeee myyyyy biiiiike froooooom heeeerrrreee!</i></div>
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We had one wrong turn on an overgrown path before we put ourselves right. Bumped into an ex colleague, Dave W, at this point who was racing. He let us photo his control description sheet as I'd lost mine on the bike ride and Emma left hers in transition. Ooops!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8umII_ruw4DLCOtw2AQB7PqzSoYFoiqPJWBmF74wieUheVOsAzoG_pz6JaJANt22nUjBim2SyqpGJCKRz5iX_dv9egFCCd-nhz5Xtm6Snc3Kag2uYtZEFi_17y3V2GJiflsOORDwJ-mW/s1600/DSC_1284.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf8umII_ruw4DLCOtw2AQB7PqzSoYFoiqPJWBmF74wieUheVOsAzoG_pz6JaJANt22nUjBim2SyqpGJCKRz5iX_dv9egFCCd-nhz5Xtm6Snc3Kag2uYtZEFi_17y3V2GJiflsOORDwJ-mW/s640/DSC_1284.JPG" width="360" /></a></div>
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<i>It was a right slog up this hill...</i></div>
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We picked up another well hidden control affixed to a railway bridge; the lack of the usual red/white warning tape that is normally affixed to the controls made a big difference in ease of locating them! Then the short steep climb up to Rake End where a marshal was stood holding the control for us to dib before hammering it back down the hill for one last control near a farm. At this point we knew we were going to be late back, the question was, how late?<br />
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Flying totally by instinct, I led us wiggling and winding down steps and snickets, mostly guessing what seemed like the best path through the Salford area of Tod, dropping us out by the Golden Lion pub on the canal.<br />
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We belted it back along the main road; I haven't run that hard for a while and was only just keeping going, Emma not far behind, with the finish in sight. The event clock was pointed away from us. Did we make it back in time?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_EVtnUlKivqHS0S7P8IZN3Zh-BcIwAj7YEkboODzmtQ3KGj96qauIba5KOMoInWu6xflnX9M7AD4f-rIyES355fVY3QaWJs9aTocJ6zwaqxVJQTgs-M8pSHgHRx4SAsUaKmd0_1NoMPk/s1600/open5fin_tod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB_EVtnUlKivqHS0S7P8IZN3Zh-BcIwAj7YEkboODzmtQ3KGj96qauIba5KOMoInWu6xflnX9M7AD4f-rIyES355fVY3QaWJs9aTocJ6zwaqxVJQTgs-M8pSHgHRx4SAsUaKmd0_1NoMPk/s400/open5fin_tod.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>The faces say it all.</i></div>
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<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/541288051">https://www.strava.com/activities/541288051</a><br />
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<b>Fin</b><br />
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We dibbed into the finish just three minutes late dropping 6 points, not bad considering I was expecting to be at least 10 minutes late. A couple who were descending from our next to last control turned up about 5 minutes after us with a puzzled "didn't we..." "how did you get back so quick?"<br />
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Downloaded, 384 points scored, happy with that! Should put us in the top half for the mixed pairs, I thought. Got changed, acquired a well needed cuppa and wandered in to the hall to catch the end of the prize giving.<br />
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We were pleased to have <a href="http://www.openadventure.com/results/1516/s-pennines/mixed_pairs_class.html">made 4th place in the mixed pairs</a> but the scores from the lead guys and girls was really impressive, they must have cleaned up the entire course!<br />
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Also the prizes were being given out for the series with some very deserved wins. Even though the came second on the day by a whisker I was glad to see <a href="https://planetbyde.com/">Rosemary</a> (check out her blog) and Lucy win the Female pairs overall. We chatted with Lucy afterwards and said congrats. It never ceases to amaze me how many people in the AR community that Emma knows and that know her!<br />
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<b>Postscript</b><br />
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One shower later and I took the lovely <a href="http://foxtailphotography.co.uk/">Louise</a> out for a <a href="http://www.shamabingley.co.uk/">tasty </a><a href="http://www.shamabingley.co.uk/">curry</a> to celebrate a good race result and her having a successful wedding fair earlier that day. We were very hungry!<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-75375071742625116982016-04-04T21:28:00.001+01:002016-04-04T21:28:21.278+01:00Pull Up BarMy opportunities for climbing these days are a bit restricted by time and other activities. After a good winter climbing trip I'm planning to get out for more trad climbing this summer as I'm finding that I miss it. So as to not be utterly rubbish when I do get out I'm going to need to work on my upper body strength at home.<br />
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To this effect I've installed a pull-up bar in the garage. The idea is that when I arrive back from my cycle home I can do a full set of pull ups before I enter the house and find that motivation has deserted me. Five sets of pull up exercises a week should see some progression.<br />
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This was a slight technical challenge as the roof beams are a bit flimsy to have 85 or so kilos of Yorkshireman dangle from them and the headroom in the garage is a bit limited so I'm going to have to lift my legs up to get the requisite clearance! After a bit of thinking I ended up coming up with the below design.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw5Xge4FSByOz3Huhm7kmI3atqEGZVIPI3ClTHGsJQ_kAL-FUMbZH6xrOLWJruSVxPl7BocJje6gL2UGPmVezfQNTiR7W5O7L9wUEaIkuaeUBPFzRfP2mOEV2HrF5VdeKtS5_WyWAzGbb/s1600/pubftg3d.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOw5Xge4FSByOz3Huhm7kmI3atqEGZVIPI3ClTHGsJQ_kAL-FUMbZH6xrOLWJruSVxPl7BocJje6gL2UGPmVezfQNTiR7W5O7L9wUEaIkuaeUBPFzRfP2mOEV2HrF5VdeKtS5_WyWAzGbb/s400/pubftg3d.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Simplified view of the mounting method</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Since its only in the garage I don't have to worry too much about it's appearance so the frame is made from rough sawn timber. A couple of lengths of 2400 x 100 x 50mm for the reinforcing beams from B+Q and the rest is made up of similar cross section lengths from an old pallet that I ripped apart. Recycling!<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_C_hQon5gU/VwK--dXracI/AAAAAAAABX0/0u5th9UJuOgQQ-eGBsI5sMkvHsFCgpHGQ/s1600/DSC_1178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w_C_hQon5gU/VwK--dXracI/AAAAAAAABX0/0u5th9UJuOgQQ-eGBsI5sMkvHsFCgpHGQ/s400/DSC_1178.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The pull up bar hooks into the arms for easy removal. I should have used a coping saw to cut the rounded ends but I confess I was too lazy so carved them out with a chisel. The hook base is reinforced with a few screws.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5gAXs6O96kXebpt1ONQrJWlzYzXbwedBvLAyLR1yOVKbCDC2Bldl-UiVteHbjGNc1M1DeUKIv9anlSaWjkoAlOSXiHyJIxumLNOlBuDpYrDbp801azMRhJYS0lcWCI8igjFxpXTmQ979/s1600/DSC_1179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5gAXs6O96kXebpt1ONQrJWlzYzXbwedBvLAyLR1yOVKbCDC2Bldl-UiVteHbjGNc1M1DeUKIv9anlSaWjkoAlOSXiHyJIxumLNOlBuDpYrDbp801azMRhJYS0lcWCI8igjFxpXTmQ979/s400/DSC_1179.JPG" width="225" /></a></div>
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The arms swing up into the roof space for added headroom.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBPIBv-6A0M/VwK-6xfoE7I/AAAAAAAABX0/xbnlvLb9AckfZl5WSWWbLYEVJ2XE2X0Ag/s1600/DSC_1177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pBPIBv-6A0M/VwK-6xfoE7I/AAAAAAAABX0/xbnlvLb9AckfZl5WSWWbLYEVJ2XE2X0Ag/s400/DSC_1177.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The M10 x 150mm coach bolts hold the arms tightly enough and the surface is rough enough to hold it in place. Penny washers spread the load and double nuts (I didn't have any M10 Nyloc) prevent loosening.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFGvsaEwUtGQxeLmiedsw4dYRe8UNQH8wp0yGO31-rszudaKqG5fpeyY0GqTgy6Xkauc_2L9Gb_V1IpdOf9m6aFrAfJnkE8eS-xH4PlVOw7MV5CsnWlxjeqt2s8f1m_nu5P343Ud4z1N5/s1600/DSC_1180.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggFGvsaEwUtGQxeLmiedsw4dYRe8UNQH8wp0yGO31-rszudaKqG5fpeyY0GqTgy6Xkauc_2L9Gb_V1IpdOf9m6aFrAfJnkE8eS-xH4PlVOw7MV5CsnWlxjeqt2s8f1m_nu5P343Ud4z1N5/s400/DSC_1180.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The bar is a 25mm galvanised steel conduit that was getting thrown out of work a while back that I saved. More recycling! I can always add some self amalgamating tape for extra grip if necessary.<br />
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Not exactly fine craftsmanship, but rough, ready and ultimately practical.<br />
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I've got this picture stuck up on the reinforcing beam that I look at when I've completed a pull up. Just a little something to keep me motivated!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqdkEFkqmdsXdxi3cyHKFnhrEWB8fEhLTR-9M0hqns79pjfY4dNqeMs986r2awjGgwroqTOy8x_z-QQqXSEP4VeoHPLxg_wuiD1U_7DXd_3KiYTZ58Ijlr53tN7TDdhog-BNn2hY3aZP-/s1600/onemore.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDqdkEFkqmdsXdxi3cyHKFnhrEWB8fEhLTR-9M0hqns79pjfY4dNqeMs986r2awjGgwroqTOy8x_z-QQqXSEP4VeoHPLxg_wuiD1U_7DXd_3KiYTZ58Ijlr53tN7TDdhog-BNn2hY3aZP-/s400/onemore.PNG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Himmelswillen, VS 4c, Wharncliffe; Louise; Point Five Gully, V 5, Ben Nevis, the nippers.</i></td></tr>
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There's some <a href="http://www.rockrun.com/wp/pull-up-bar-exercises-for-climbers/">good suggestions</a> for training routines on that internet and I'm intending to do the following for the first week to see how I get on. I'm starting from pretty much nothing, I can probably do one or two pullups unassisted. So I'll probably start with my feet on a chair and progress from there.</div>
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Week 1, daily routine<br />
<ul>
<li>Standard pull ups, palm away from face, 5 reps</li>
<li>Straight arm hang, leg raises, 90º knee bend, 5 reps (working core)</li>
<li>Lock off and slow controlled descent to straight arm over a few seconds, 5 reps</li>
<li>Push ups, 5 reps</li>
</ul>
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I'll probably still suck at climbing!<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-73467097566724060412016-03-29T22:19:00.002+01:002016-03-30T12:03:48.433+01:00Ding Ding! Winter Climbing Round 2<i>There's a corner of Ben Nevis that forever belongs to <a href="http://www.ukclimbing.com/news/item.php?id=70348">Rachel and Tim</a>. Friday's climb was for them.</i><br />
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The journey up was quick and uneventful. We stopped for maximum tourist-ing on the way down Glencoe and before we knew it we were installed in the cottage. The <a href="http://www.thecourtyarddairy.co.uk/">cheese</a> was out, Jake was blocking the fire and Ben was occupying a whole sofa to himself. Standard.<br />
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Time for cottage pie and cunning plans!<br />
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<b>Sunday: Tower Gully</b><br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/522441554">https://www.strava.com/activities/522441554</a><br />
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The first day of a winter trip is generally an easy one to get everyone's eye in. Eleanor and Adam hadn't done any winter stuff before and Louise was wanting a relatively big adventure for her. After a bit of research and with a good avalanche forecast we chose Tower Gully (winter grade I) on Ben Nevis for more dramatic scenery on the ascent.<br />
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We started from Glen Nevis thinking the distance wouldn't be much greater. However we neglected the relative roughness of the Tourist Path compared to the easier North Face Path which slowed us down a little. The weather started off clear.<br />
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The Ben was looking a bit black with not much snow on the buttresses in Coire na Ciste. However the gullies looked to be holding the snow well.</div>
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Always time for a spot of bouldering in B3 boots.<br />
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We cramponed up at the foot of Observatory Gully, by which time the clouds were starting to come in, and made our way slowly up.<br />
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There were odd bits of ice that came skidding down from climbers in the Tower Scoop and Smith's Route areas but nothing major. One large noisy bit sent Jake scuttling to the edge of the gully but it was otherwise fine. Jake and Ben had a play on the ice at the foot of Tower Scoop before we started up the steeper slope to break out left then right into Tower Gully.<br />
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Louise was finding the steeper ground steps a bit more difficult so with a combination of Jake kicking steps and me stabilising her weak leg and providing a shove every now and then we made it to the cornice, thankfully it had been pre-cut. A confidence rope for Louise with some body belaying from Jake and Adam saw her over the top. "Nothing any more difficult than that in future thank you!" she declared. I'd got this far in a thin base layer and a thin hardshell so was glad of the opportunity to put my Buffalo top on.<br />
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<i>Louise getting over the cornice with a little help from her friends</i></div>
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<i>Victory top out shot: (L-R) Ben "Hawaiian" Powrie, Eleanor "Cthulu" Jones, Louise "Fox Tail" Miller, JP "elp!" (self), Jake "Gunwin" Goodwin and Adam "Thistlewhistle" Thistlethwaite.</i></div>
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We summited the <a href="https://www.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/blog/2016/03/britains-tallest-mountain-is-taller/">newly increased in elevation trig point</a>, drank summit whisky, fed some crumbs to the Snow Bunting that was singing on the summit shelter and started to head down the Tourist Path. We were also treated to a high cloud inversion that unfortunately only just cleared the summit so no other peaks were visible.<br />
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We were lucky enough to see three stags on the way back down, grazing quietly not 30m from us. Brown stag against brown background in fading light doesn't make for a good photo, but one kindly stood still on the horizon for us.<br />
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It was a long day and I hadn't brought enough food so was pretty tired by the time we got back down. Thankfully, Eleanor had put some lamb in the slow cooker so we polished that off quickly and made plans for the next day. <a href="http://www.yr.no/place/United_Kingdom/Scotland/Ben_Nevis/">Weather</a> and <a href="http://www.sais.gov.uk/lochaber/">SAIS</a> forecasts were both good so we decided on a shorter, slightly easier day in the Castle area, again on Ben Nevis.<br />
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<b>Monday: South Castle Gully, the Superindirectissima Finish (II, 3)</b><br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/523155989">https://www.strava.com/activities/523155989</a><br />
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Louise was having a rest after long gully adventures so the five of us walked in with the intention of climbing South Castle Gully on the far west side of the North Face. We had fancied North Castle Gully but our observations that day before suggested that it wasn't complete with a large rock band visible about halfway up. Opting for the usual North Face car park and walk in to the CIC hut we set off walking at about 7am, the longer daylight hours giving us usable light until after 6:30pm.<br />
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Eleanor was struggling on the walk in and wasn't feeling too good so her and Ben decided to head back to the cottage and rest up - not a nice or easy decision to make when you've come all this way but sensible - the mountain wasn't going anywhere. I know from first hand experience that climbing when feeling rough is bloody awful and you end up doing more harm than good. I've bailed on climbs in the past and gone in search of tea and cake! Jake, Adam and I carried on and geared up at the foot of the Castle Gully access ramp.<br />
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The snow was fairly firm as we headed up, the blackness of Castle Ridge showing just how much snow and ice had melted with the temperature rise. It wasn't long before we reached the bottom of the Castle where Adam and I roped up for some moving together practice whilst Jake soloed above us taking a few photos. We ended up having 25m of the 50m rope out between us which, in my experience, is about the minimum useful rope length for moving together on a Ben Nevis gully. The rock is surprisingly compact and opportunities for gear placements are few and far between and some imagination and/or digging is generally required!<br />
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We made good progress until about halfway up where we reached a large chokestone with a deep <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randkluft">randkluft</a> (gap between snow and rock caused by melt back from the rock). The snow on top was soft and sugary giving no purchase for axes. The snow at the top of the randkluft was similar and wasn't holding weight very well. There were no gear placements to aid climb over the rock and the walls either side were vertical. Too difficult, so we dropped back down and I went exploring around to the right, trying to find a way around the difficulties.<br />
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After some to-ing and fro-ing sorting out rope drag, I found a belay on a block below a promising looking gully/chimney leading up onto Castle Ridge. Adam belayed me up on increasingly soft and shallow snow to the termination of the gully where an unfrozen series of grassy ledges led out on the right to a short chimney with a short, tricky move to escape.<br />
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I hummed and hawed, waggled a nut between some blocks, stowed my axes away, took a deep breath and then bridged and hauled on a series of disconcertingly loose blocks to reach the top of the chimney. Thankfully it was just that one hard move (around technical grade 3 on wobbly blocks!) before reaching a small platform with a good thread and block belay. Jake tied in to the middle of the rope to come up the last bit of the chimney shortly followed by some apologetic swearing from Adam as he made it up too.<br />
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Jake wandered back down to say that it was easy ground from here so we de-geared and de-roped before scrambling up the last bit to the flat top. Phew, that could have been easier! We found the top of the gully, uncorniced and steep-ish, looking like it would have been fun to have a go at. Maybe next time. We picked our way down through the rather loose boulders straight towards the end of the half way lochan before dropping off to the Allt a Mhuilin path back to the car park.<br />
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So much for a shorter, easier day. It could have turned into a bit of a long one (but not necessarily an epic) had we had to downclimb all of our progress. I found the prospect of route finding through the rocky buttresses and gullies exciting and challenging and was very pleased when we overcame the obstacles and made it to the top. A good mountaineering day out with some good decision making and a satisfactory result. Adam professed to having much <a href="http://jptds.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/types-of-fun.html">Type 2</a> fun!<br />
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Back at the hut, we found that Louise had made her signature dish of spaghetti bolognese, yum! A few beers were opened and we kicked back, looking forward to some different winter fun the next day.<br />
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<b>Tuesday: Skiing</b><br />
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After a relaxing breakfast of croissants, bacon and egg sandwiches and coffee, we drove round to the Nevis Range ski centre for some ski lessons! Adam, Jake, Ben and I had never skied before so we had expectations of falling over a lot. Louise and Eleanor have both skied in the past but were a several years out of practice. Let the fun begin.<br />
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This was a first time wearing ski boots for me, fully rigid plastic boots are not the most comfortable items of footwear for walking in! Eleanor and Louise headed off for separate lessons on the upper slopes and Ben, Adam and I got onto the nursery slopes. Because it was late in the season the snow was a bit patchy but there was enough to learn on.<br />
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We went through the basics of putting skis on and off, moving forwards, backwards, side stepping etc before getting on to the more tricky business of snowploughing.<br />
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Adam very quickly picked things up and was snowploughing like a pro, Ben and I were a little bit behind.<br />
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We broke for lunch, the food in the Nevis Range Snowgoose restaurant was really good and well needed after the morning's exertions. Using muscles that you don't use very often is always harder work! After lunch we headed out onto a larger, more open run, initially practicing on the dry slope and limited snow at the bottom.<br />
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I was having trouble slowing down properly with my snowplough and I fell off the button lift a couple of times. No one told me you weren't supposed to sit down on the bloody thing!<br />
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Eventually I got the hang of things and was steadily skiing down the slope, roughly changing direction and it all starting to come together and feel a bit more natural. I like skiing! Ben struggled a bit but by the end was using the button lift and skiing down a fair way with a bit more control. Louise and Eleanor were parallel turning and having lots of fun :)<br />
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Comedy moment of the day was Adam skiing very slowly into a Chinese tourist who, after a second of thinking about it, fell over in slow motion with near perfect comedy timing.<br />
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We all had a post ski gluhwein to refuel before catching the gondola back down the mountain and back for a full roast dinner by yours truly. Yum!<br />
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Adam decided he was having a day off after bruising his thumb on the slopes, leaving Jake and I, Ben and Eleanor with some decisions to make. They decided to go for Number Two Gully (which looked quite fun) whilst I suggested to Jake that we might try The White Line, a grade III route that I'd had my eye on for a couple of seasons. And so it was...<br />
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<b>Wednesday: The White Line (III)</b><br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/524938527">https://www.strava.com/activities/524938527</a><br />
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We walked in with Ben and Eleanor who were heading off to do Number 2 Gully. On the way up from Coire na Ciste there cloud cleared and we got a great view of the bottom of the route along with Number 2 and Comb Gully extending off into the distance. We went off ahead of the other two, spotted the bottom of the icefall start of the route and geared up for the off.<br />
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This was one of the best winter climbs I've done. The ice was superb, taking screws and axes really well with plenty of ripples for feet. The first pitch went well and I found a good belay below the second ice pitch and it was smiles all round.<br />
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The second pitch was steeper and longer than the first and I was wishing that I hadn't lent two of my ice screws to Ben. Five screws for a long ice pitch, minus one for the belay you just left, minus one for the expected belay at the top only left three for runners on the pitch! Thankfully I managed to get a hex in halfway up before moving around a steep ice arete.<br />
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Around 12pm we heard a large chunk of ice fall off and down the gully from near where Ben and Eleanor were climbing - it made a right old racket. Thankfully we could still hear them OK once the crashing noise had died down. They said that a large piece of ice had come down from Comb Gully Buttress just behind them and hurtled all the way down into Coire na Ciste. Glad we made it to the route in time!<br />
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There was one last slightly hollow sounding ice step to get over, hopefully with some good rocks on the other side for a belay? No. Just a long snow slope and I'd just run out of rope! I put a sling over a (slightly too small) spike and equalised it to my last ice screw in the least hollow sounding bit of ice and made a very uncomfortable semi hanging belay. Bringing Jake up on a tight rope went OK.<br />
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The next pitch was a straightforward snow slope but the route finding went a bit vague here. We incorrectly estimated our position on the route, thinking we were a bit higher than we were (very hard to tell from a photo a long way off in totally different conditions!). I didn't like the look of straight up and the chimney pitches to the right looked a bit more tenuous although on reflection they would have probably been hard but OK. So we ended up traversing right underneath the upper cascades looking for a way up.<br />
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Lo and behold, a familiar buttress hove into view. We had moved onto Raeburn's Easy Route that Jonny and I had climbed back in 2012. From here it was a bit more moving together and up an easy snow slope to the top.<br />
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Jake was very happy to reach the top having completed his hardest winter route to date. The steady walk in, late start on the route and the slightly more complex than expected route finding meant we topped out at 6pm. I would like to go back and do the proper route straight up next year. Our calves were pretty trashed from the long traverse and we were running out of energy. We drank our victory summit sloe whisky, stuffed a load of jelly babies and flapjack down us before packing up and storming down the tourist path in poor weather conditions and back to the car at around 8pm.<br />
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We were presented with bottles of beer on our arrival and declared tomorrow a rest day!<br />
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Ben and Eleanor reported having saved an inappropriately dressed Chinese tourist who, having seemingly scrambled up the Red Burn, was wandering around Carn Dearg shouting for help. They refused to tell him where the summit was and escorted him down to the tourist path! Good work guys. Also they reported having seen Mountain Rescue out in force, which turned out to be fired by the discovery of the missing climbers' bodies at the foot of Observatory Gully.<br />
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<b>Thursday: Extreme Bowling!</b><br />
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A very steady start to the day involving a lie in, a big breakfast, followed by a morning nap. Eventually a sleepy walk down to the Nevis Centre to go EXTREME BOWLING!!!!!*<br />
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<i>* actually, just bowling.</i></div>
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We did find an ice axe so heavy that even Jonny would have considered getting a lighter model. No step cutting with this baby, one swing would remove half the cornice!<br />
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Bowling (good stretching for tired muscles) and isotonic sports beer (essential recovery fluids) were liberally administered.</div>
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I knocked up a bit of kedgeree when we got back for tea, followed by a super early night. Our plan for the week was going to happen - the perfect alignment of day and name of climb...<br />
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<b>Friday: Good Friday Climb (on Good Friday!) and the CMD Aret</b>e<br />
<a href="https://www.strava.com/activities/526385021">https://www.strava.com/activities/526385021</a><br />
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Ben and I set an 0430 alarm to make sure we were first on the route as we didn't want to be waiting behind some slow gits throwing ice down on us. Much better to be the gits in front than behind! Despite feeling very tired and lethargic after a full week at it we still made it to the CIC hut in an hour and a half - not bad for tired legs - where the resident population of climbers was just beginning to stir.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_7RhSFTick/VvjyQr4Co3I/AAAAAAAABVA/dIiY4n7LuLA40VkTA22cD-_qn_kHtmNRg/s1600/DSC_1147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9_7RhSFTick/VvjyQr4Co3I/AAAAAAAABVA/dIiY4n7LuLA40VkTA22cD-_qn_kHtmNRg/s200/DSC_1147.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqv7bPrV3X-SVZI3N5cJ3d_F4HC4NbXtU5vUUOpEoZq1OAHCny-Ac7ybacmsD9WLQP0JYExycIuYlUgKEuboc7vVcEoo3RdFvJ_cGu4VIlZb7Sqt5Gm898zhLqdUbpygDDcbJs4El3RHX/s1600/DSC_1148.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNqv7bPrV3X-SVZI3N5cJ3d_F4HC4NbXtU5vUUOpEoZq1OAHCny-Ac7ybacmsD9WLQP0JYExycIuYlUgKEuboc7vVcEoo3RdFvJ_cGu4VIlZb7Sqt5Gm898zhLqdUbpygDDcbJs4El3RHX/s200/DSC_1148.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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The views up Observatory Gully were fabulous again but Rachel and Tim weren't far from our thoughts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPt8k0CalQSHTsWX8sBUtxfSs1HBTkGJIbF-23S8iD7HYbVZlVBr5DrACt769g5ayoK-xfCyU5buZW85STISsVW6eO781AW8MezUlB6YO0-zs_9wJR351zBVz3iaZgiOQsxovVluPs0b3/s1600/11973_10153457392982143_6116262223647458145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWPt8k0CalQSHTsWX8sBUtxfSs1HBTkGJIbF-23S8iD7HYbVZlVBr5DrACt769g5ayoK-xfCyU5buZW85STISsVW6eO781AW8MezUlB6YO0-zs_9wJR351zBVz3iaZgiOQsxovVluPs0b3/s400/11973_10153457392982143_6116262223647458145_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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As we ascended there were a couple of people on Smith's Route and one soloist on Tower Scoop who made his way over to Indicator Wall when he'd finished. We stayed ahead of the crowd and, soloing our way up the steep approach slope, made it to the foot of the gully, almost tucked out of the way rather apologetically, on one end of the wall. Thankfully it didn't look quite as steep as the guidebook suggested. In fact, Indicator Wall looked like a more interesting prospect!<br />
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I was feeling pretty bushed at this point, so had a brief rest and a drink whilst Ben sorted out his stance and the rope. A couple of nuts in a large crack in at the base of the gully and we were ready.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-aNYsbXN3Hq-AW-5AO_YHwPIfWmPkiQASGVv0wChBnQ-0xACrTr21RYcdfipnRRea4bnG0YVEqum7nnmz2HA1GEdCJui3smZFbTc8Ttd56yZ_ChnTN-LXqOnta0V0x2Ori5ceqjF25f9/s1600/12294703_10153457393222143_5370691069147629390_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH-aNYsbXN3Hq-AW-5AO_YHwPIfWmPkiQASGVv0wChBnQ-0xACrTr21RYcdfipnRRea4bnG0YVEqum7nnmz2HA1GEdCJui3smZFbTc8Ttd56yZ_ChnTN-LXqOnta0V0x2Ori5ceqjF25f9/s320/12294703_10153457393222143_5370691069147629390_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The first pitch was a steady gully, not too steep, with plenty of gear options on the sides, terminating in a steep rock wall and ice fall. I put a couple of screws in for the belay then brought Ben up. The spindrift was starting to pour down the route now, like white waterfalls of hood-filling cold.<br />
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I headed straight up the icefall, putting a screamer on the first runner just in case, finding an easier angled slope around the corner which my calves thanked me for. The ice was over too quickly, giving way to an easier angled snow slope. I headed off to the rocks, found a large boulder to belay from and put the belay plate in autolocking "guide" mode so that I could take a couple of snaps of Ben as he came up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_1or2LZVon6T5Aaz1grMylFzs-unsMTVED6DWPWmkrYREZn4m5PKYgy1d2-2tm1l0WCm3tx36AHqyNyGJxwMRtSqow2dulrHC-2AxX9MVSH9Fa1OktOjFIaAv-LV7ZMC3o-oRFqz9_SH/s1600/DSC_1153.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_1or2LZVon6T5Aaz1grMylFzs-unsMTVED6DWPWmkrYREZn4m5PKYgy1d2-2tm1l0WCm3tx36AHqyNyGJxwMRtSqow2dulrHC-2AxX9MVSH9Fa1OktOjFIaAv-LV7ZMC3o-oRFqz9_SH/s400/DSC_1153.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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A quick swap over, some very efficient belay organisation, and I was off again up the easy last pitch to be greeted with the highest belay platform in the land, the summit plateau, about 25m from the trig point. Not enough rope to get there to put a sling around it so I quickly fashioned a buried axe belay (solid!) and a bucket seat. I was chatting to a chap from "a small village called Liverpool" who was in his first winter season having climbed the tourist track and feeling very good about himself. Well done mate. Ben arrived and we'd topped out by 1145, good going. It was a short but interesting route, well worthwhile!<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2sXS4FJYjc/VvjyWXuBCdI/AAAAAAAABVA/XoSJmgKfKIY4QHIPp39XJBNP1krXA_T9Q/s1600/DSC_1155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-g2sXS4FJYjc/VvjyWXuBCdI/AAAAAAAABVA/XoSJmgKfKIY4QHIPp39XJBNP1krXA_T9Q/s200/DSC_1155.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGewpipnhJVDJI6T0li522VHFlyuHKs-3hg4-2tn77UMENl9l04Yk7fVTVuey2UQBCvUk2AiutFEVbBgbLN-dFbWvW6rKDnwYeWL1ne_v3Y0hz889avT51GtxugLXOl7PSwyj9WbWrC6C/s1600/DSC_1160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEGewpipnhJVDJI6T0li522VHFlyuHKs-3hg4-2tn77UMENl9l04Yk7fVTVuey2UQBCvUk2AiutFEVbBgbLN-dFbWvW6rKDnwYeWL1ne_v3Y0hz889avT51GtxugLXOl7PSwyj9WbWrC6C/s200/DSC_1160.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>Watch out for the killer jelly baby!</i></div>
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Still feeling a bit shot, we decided to go back down via the CMD arete as Eleanor, Jake and Adam were coming up that way.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC4ZUwEmwghYfW7hQQ42KTcJDpxjv7A0H9ffZfX0ihKoZ59ITM_ykCOi_arL27pQMopA9r6UEBAVs8PCo5G1C1jPjx-mu-kqsWqnQtUwwrJ8qXRYc3IQsas7vkxK3RY9aXg3cwZTArQUU/s1600/P1090113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPC4ZUwEmwghYfW7hQQ42KTcJDpxjv7A0H9ffZfX0ihKoZ59ITM_ykCOi_arL27pQMopA9r6UEBAVs8PCo5G1C1jPjx-mu-kqsWqnQtUwwrJ8qXRYc3IQsas7vkxK3RY9aXg3cwZTArQUU/s200/P1090113.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbnRYROpHVc/VvcAhexsCZI/AAAAAAAABTI/V8UJqmNSYM0OihuEHRBNTJuDTx64yj-_Q/s1600/P1090115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zbnRYROpHVc/VvcAhexsCZI/AAAAAAAABTI/V8UJqmNSYM0OihuEHRBNTJuDTx64yj-_Q/s200/P1090115.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDLFaDPMR4bQPQ5Q4cA6x8WAmeTDNXY8clVLRvrx7Y4CkYFw5qY_oeOM8aO9RI-QPFcQFF1w3CbQtFfkMhhPFQQAS_lHwEwpVtTMuzzeODBwTKWnRgZQVK4S2xml2IG0fkU8GXHDOTmQr/s1600/P1090124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaDLFaDPMR4bQPQ5Q4cA6x8WAmeTDNXY8clVLRvrx7Y4CkYFw5qY_oeOM8aO9RI-QPFcQFF1w3CbQtFfkMhhPFQQAS_lHwEwpVtTMuzzeODBwTKWnRgZQVK4S2xml2IG0fkU8GXHDOTmQr/s400/P1090124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Bloody magnificent.</i></div>
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<i>Play "spot Eleanor, Jake and Adam"</i></div>
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<i>The large white gully is Observatory Gully which we ascended twice this week, 500m from bottom to top!</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLIk4scd_OXRk5BQl2Y6kl8guRYKclYfNrQrU9lBeqLSpgrlRQL_Gisly0TQmR4nl5zdVMe3hrtqXvRSsTyirPANsoneT6_f47YT85980aKLMNs9UUFyd3RYS9240ubIBwUXrx8_V6eo6/s1600/P1090133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLIk4scd_OXRk5BQl2Y6kl8guRYKclYfNrQrU9lBeqLSpgrlRQL_Gisly0TQmR4nl5zdVMe3hrtqXvRSsTyirPANsoneT6_f47YT85980aKLMNs9UUFyd3RYS9240ubIBwUXrx8_V6eo6/s400/P1090133.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Good scrambling and exposure on the CMD arete</i></div>
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The others had made good time along the arete and even better time on the zig zags on the way down and weren't far behind us. They all had "fun" on the arete despite the windy conditions and soft snow conditions (no crampons required). Ben and I got shoved over by one vicious gust on the way down too but made up for it by some really long glissades (bum slides) down some long snow patches.<br />
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Back at the car in good time having booted it out of the park all day, what a good way to end the week. It was all too much for some though...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH836CKWNu_4CslzlpaSkW4uLi9WCJPu7Zw0m98GTu9XBSc_Bvc8JqpAKZXD8uWFp8kU54yCDo55hlboO9z-vZ4kL4dMjWJe2a0U6Gdnlj5xrKxS9rGKUZwzJI-HNRBC04a_wuXWNLHDM/s1600/DSC_1162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYH836CKWNu_4CslzlpaSkW4uLi9WCJPu7Zw0m98GTu9XBSc_Bvc8JqpAKZXD8uWFp8kU54yCDo55hlboO9z-vZ4kL4dMjWJe2a0U6Gdnlj5xrKxS9rGKUZwzJI-HNRBC04a_wuXWNLHDM/s320/DSC_1162.JPG" width="180" /></a></div>
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...and we all ended the week on a high.<br />
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Saturday was a long drive back, with Louise aquaplaning down most of the M74 whilst I slept off my adventures in the passenger seat. The weather was pretty crappy, having to slow down to 40 on occasions because the rain was so heavy you couldn't see anything.<br />
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Sunday was a victory celebration with <a href="http://www.thegrove.pub/">Grove</a> beers, Maroc pizza and thence to the <a href="http://www.magicrockbrewing.com/tag/magic-rock-tap/">Magic Rock Brewery taps</a> for the vintage reggae night featuring the awesome sounds of a the Axis Valv-a-Tron valve amplifier sound system. We danced our bums off and what a superb way to end the holiday.<br />
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James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-12017889668570571352016-03-28T16:56:00.000+01:002016-03-28T16:56:00.444+01:00Types Of FunI often talk about "types" of fun. Here is my guideline.<br />
<ul>
<li>Fun will vary between these levels during your adventure.</li>
<li>They are not discrete levels, its a full spectrum from a walk in the park at one end to potentially serious injury at the other</li>
<li>The longer it was since the adventure, the more fun it will seem.</li>
</ul>
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I present, the Scale Of Fun! (TM)<br />
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<b>Type 1 Fun: </b>Fun at the time, fun in the pub afterwards.<br />
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<b>Type 2 Fun: </b>Not fun at the time but fun on reflection in the pub afterwards. Pushing your comfort zone.<br />
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<b>Type 3 Fun: </b>Not fun during the event and not fun in the pub afterwards. More of a learning experience!<br />
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<b>Type 4 Fun</b>: You are having a very bad day. Rarely achieved as it will probably involve a serious incident.<br />
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Type 1 is the ideal, but some of the most memorable experiences I've had have involved not insignificant amounts of type 2.<br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8544872939478843841.post-82569222280718015022016-03-10T16:19:00.002+00:002016-03-10T16:29:25.261+00:00DJ Steve Davis? Hell yeah!I had to check the calendar when I read this article in <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/music/2016/mar/10/steve-davis-snooker-champion-radio-show-dj-interview">The Guardian</a> about legendary snooker player and all round gent Steve Davis doing DJing at the <a href="http://blocweekend.com/">Bloc Festival</a>. It's not April 1st is it? DJ Steve Davis?<br />
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<i>For it is he. Gent!</i></div>
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I was surprised to find out he was into prog rock, Canterbury and Magma. He has his own radio show on an Essex community radio station, <a href="http://www.phoenixfm.com/about/">Phoenix FM</a>, where he and his co-presenter <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kavus_Torabi">Kavus Torabi</a>, a very interesting sounding musician, present <a href="http://www.phoenixfm.com/category/the-interesting-alternative-show/" style="font-weight: bold;">The Interesting Alternative Show</a>.<br />
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Being a big fan of <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0072l4x">Stuart Maconie's Freak Zone on 6 music</a> I thought I'd <a href="http://www.phoenixfm.com/2016/03/08/playlist-and-mixcloud-stream-for-2016-03-07/"><b>have a listen</b></a> to an episode of theirs.<br />
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<b>Wow.</b><br />
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What a fab playlist! Prog, jazz, psych, French... stuff... wow (again). 20 minute epics and a threat to play <a href="https://youtu.be/hIw7oeZKpZc">Dopesmoker</a> in its entirety on a 2 hour DJ set so you've only got 1 hour to worry about what to play = genius :)<br />
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Steve and Kavus have got a great interplay; there's an <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/profiles/how-we-met-steve-davis-kavus-torabi-9035848.html">interesting article on the Independent website</a> about how the two of them met.<br />
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This is definitely going down on my regular listening list along with the Freak Zone and <a href="http://www.mikehardingfolkshow.com/">Mike Harding's Folk Show</a>. Ignore the fact that the studio is a tiny bit echo-y and the production isn't as polished as a BBC show because the music is fabulous and the commentary is insightful, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, amusing and - above all - <u>interesting</u>. I've picked up several new bands to listen to just from the first episode.<br />
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If you like the alternative, the challenging, the weird and wonderful then <b><a href="http://www.phoenixfm.com/category/the-interesting-alternative-show/">go listen!</a></b><br />
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<br />James Pawsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14953919792579031529noreply@blogger.com0