29th March 2020 - Brooks B67 for the Big Dummy

This weekend, being a little yesterday and then this afternoon managed to finally fit the B67 Brooks saddle to the Big Dummy and swap the bars back off the Pugsley. I had swapped the H bar off the Dummy to the Pugsley for the Puffer but as the Big Dummy may go to commuting duties soon I thought get it set back to how it should be, and it also suites and rides so much better with the H bar. The seat I have had for somewhere between 18 months and 2 years, just never getting round to it, I suppose if whats there works, then leave it :)  It was never really forgotten but just put back to a rainy day type job.
The seat just needed a bit of tensioning and the bars adjusted and after a quick sorte it was good to go. While there was nothing much up with the old SDG seat, the old Brooks felt instantly nice and comfortable.
Now I just have to get round to changing the front end back to a the more normal size and build my Dynamo hub wheels up. I have an SP hub for the front and use the existing Alfine for the rear laced onto a pair of Rigida Sputniks, heavy duty rims for sure. Hopefully will fit a pair of Surly ET tyres. This will make it roll better for doing some more tarmac miles with Caleb being on his own bike 99% of the time now. I was tempted to remove his stoker stem from the seatpost and his footpegs but decided to leave on for the time being, just in case.
Looking forward to when we can get back out and tour.
Anyway just thought I would share.
Hope everyone is doing OK, staying healthy and keeping sane.

Jamie

March 2020 - Long Haul Trucker commuting

Certainly the changing landscape of our world these last few weeks has turned life a bit upside down for many of us. For myself in my job I must keep going in each day, though the structure and logistics of it are very changed and on the other front my wife and son are on high lockdown so returning each evening is a long drawn out disinfecting process, but thankful I get to go home and grateful everyone is healthy.
I have been commuting to work on my Long Haul trucker and more than ever I am grateful for it on the ride home. The ride home tends to allow me to lose any of the stresses or worries from work and keep in perspective what matters to me most, my family. It allows me to arrive home in a good mood without any residual worry from work and allows me to be fresh and relaxed to hear what my son and wife have been doing with their days work.
It's also strange to commute with so few cars on the road. While we live in a quiet rural area and have nowhere near the traffic most would have living in more urban areas, it is still noticeable by it's absence.
I have also been fortunate with the weather most days.
Stay safe and take care where ever you may be.

Jamie

Sat 21st March 2020 - Jack Taylor Super Clubman - Local

A couple of hours out this afternoon on the Jack Taylor as had to head into town to pick up a couple of bits from the Bike Shop. Namely a longer BB for the Mercian build. Wasn't sure if it would be open but thought I better try and support my local shop. The way things are it is important to look after the shops that look after us.  Glad I did as got exactly what I needed and a bit more                      ( without hoarding ;)  )
Had to find a longer route home than my commuting one as now we have moved I am only about 1/2 hour ride to town/work and the bike shop a little bit closer. Before I was about an forty five minutes to an hour out of town.
Nice ride as it cannot be anything but on the JT, though not as sunny as a few days this week and still really cold with temp sitting around three degree or so. The strong southerly wind didn't help either. Home to the family and a nice warm fire, so was soon warmed up.
Hope everyone is keeping OK and looking after themselves and their families.
At least riding is still allowed and is a good way to stay healthy, get out and enjoy some fresh air and is still self isolating.
Stay safe everyone and look after each other, plenty of riding to be done once this is over.

Jamie