Homage to a Yellow Jersey.

I remember when this jersey first came into my life, it was back in 2009, pre John O’ Groats to Lands End. We found it looking unloved in a discount clothes store and adopted it. It fitted the bill perfectly, it was light, breathable and above all it was cheap. I personally wouldn’t wear a yellow jersey, perhaps to avoid Tour de France comparisons or possibly because it’s such an ugly colour but that didn’t deter Jamie from snatching it up. The jersey wasn’t even designed for cycling, more like tennis, but that didn’t avert its new owner.

I wouldn’t like to speculate how much time I’ve spent staring at that yellow jersey as it was carried on the back of the cyclist riding in front of me. All I know is that it’s been through a lot, It’s been worn everyday on three long bike tours, standing up to the rigors of being hand washed in sinks and showers every night before being hung out to dry in campsites all over Europe.

I’ve watched as my favorite red jersey has faded in the sun, shrunk, and become tattered all within the lifespan of that yellow jersey, a jersey that looks exactly the same as when it was purchased four years ago. Its resilience astounds me and I’ve no doubt that it will still be going strong many tours from now, in fact it will probably outlive the both of us.

Drink Wine - It Makes You Ride Faster.

 Only girls shave their legs.

Out of Shape Cyclists and Charity Shop Specials.

I'm not going to lie, I'm very unfit. I thought I was in top physical condition until yesterday when I went on my first 'proper' ride since winter set in a couple of months ago. While most genuine cyclists have been indoors on their turbo trainers i've been in the pub. I've never subscribed to the idea of cycling indoors, for me it defeats the object completely, however i'm no racer and have no concept of training so I guess I should cut those guys some slack.

It was the day of the 'apocalypse' so I thought I should squeeze in one last ride before armageddon so I got out of bed early and got the lycra on and headed out. It was pretty cold, rain was spitting and the road was wet and slippery, all told the weather was not conducive to a pleasant cycling experience but I felt pretty hardcore out there in the conditions. Anyway I was only 40 miles in and starting to feel a little tired, when an elderly fellow, maybe 65 years old, overtook me going uphill, this was the final straw so I limped home feeling pretty ashamed of myself. I hate cycling.

On a positive note while searching through a local charity store the other day I found this for £5, It's a perfect fit, I guess thats karma repaying me for being such a swell guy.  

Another jersey I will never wear.

On the Road.

Jack Kerouac's magnum opus 'On the Road' has no doubt led many young people astray since it was first published way back in 1957. The idea of constantly moving, never being stationary is incredibly appealing, in fact Bob Dylan has cited the novel as one of his biggest influences, thats one hell of an endorsement. The lifestyle Kerouac describes is not for the faint hearted, debauchery, substance abuse and theft are part of the day to day search for 'kicks'.

'On the Road'

Now don't get me wrong, i'm talking about bike touring, not getting loaded and being promiscuous, I don't need that to get my kicks. However I feel that Kerouac's description of life on the road runs parallel to cycle touring, never being in the same place for very long and exploring the whole of a country is exactly what he preached. Our lives are are too predisposed to routine and to be able to escape from the everyday rat-race can only make us realise what it is to be free. I guess what i'm trying to say is, don't take drugs, get a bike instead.

Jack Bobridge.

© Caleb Smy.

A bit off topic but the Tour of Britain came through my home town Guildford a few months ago and I got this shot of Jack Bobridge, He had been on a solo break but had been caught, probably why he looks so pissed off.