The Value of History

This is kinda 'The Folding Stuff' pt. 2, but really it covers something that has a wider relevance than me poking fun at an old folding bike. As I said in the earlier post, there is a story to go with the bike which started me thinking about how these stories imbue an item with more value than the mere cost of the item itself. Intrinsic v. historical value. In the video below, you get a sense of what I mean- the shop guy is looking at what the bits that make up the bike may bring in dollars, while Chad, the bike's owner reacts in a way that shows it's true value.
It happens frequently in cycling, you've probably experienced it yourself. You have an old mountain bike or road bike that took you faithfully through some tough rides or happened to be a companion in hard times. The collection of metal tubes, bearings, tyres etc, take on more value because of what both you and the bike have experienced together. If you come to sell that bike, it comes as a surprise how little someone else is willing to pay for your memories, but that's not what they're buying- they're buying the tubes and wheels and the bike has yet to take on the stories from that rider; the slate's wiped clean, ready to start again. Enjoy the video, poke fun at the odd bike but know that we all have similar stories and that someone else will return the favour.

The Folding Stuff

It takes an open mind to work as a product manager for a bicycle company. New ideas can come from anywhere, so everywhere is a good place to look. This doesn't preclude the product managers from having a favourite piece of inspiration though, and on this trip to Madison to talk web sites with the US team, I came cheek to saddle with the Hybrid bike product manager's.

The bike has a pretty cool story to go with it as it belonged to Chad's uncle, bought for him by his wife so he could put in his Porsche to use when he got to where he was going. On one occasion, the bike took it's owner to see Mr. Gorbachev speak when he was over here. Chad inherited the bike after his uncle died, and has remained an inspiration to him since.

I was a little disappointed as Chad took first a Soho 4 then a 7.9FX out of the car for himself and Brian, (Euro Marketing guy), then the Bridgestone folder for me. But as the ride around the town of Madison unfolded (sorry, couldn't resist), I began to appreciate the 12" wheeled wonder. Sure it was heavy, had the frame stiffness of a wet noodle and comfort a long way down the list of priorities, but it was fun. It could take kerb hops, keep up with the other bikes on the downhills, (although potholes were interesting), and was obviously a talking point for almost everyone we passed. 

Quirkiness has it's moments and if all that it achieves is to raise a smile then that's enough, but when it gives inspiration too, it's gold and worth every penny.

Capital Gains

It's always a fuzzy feeling I get when I see someone receive a new bike. The look of joy, the sheer excitement of the moment; the realisation that in their hands is means of escape from whatever is weighing heavy on their shoulders, be that stress of work, relationships, puberty or indeed the immense weight of having nothing pressing left to do in the day.
Check out what the Capital Radio guys got up to when a Trek Madone turned up at their offices. Paddy Bunce, (Sports Monkey and World Record Holder from the Johnny Vaughn Breakfast Show), was due to race in the London Triathlon earlier this month and through our involvement with Tim Don, Paddy was loaned a Madone. I'm not sure I got the fuzzy feeling, but at least they enjoyed the bike.
Paddy, I'm watching.

Farewell to the Dales

In taking up the Managerial duties in Marketing here at Trek UK, I had to move, lock, shocks and bikes, 200 miles south to the sunny, but rather flat, environs of Milton Keynes. Actually, I moved to Towcester, (pronounced toaster, and yes, it's just down the road from Kettle/Sink/Hob and any other kitchen appliance you care to think of), just north of MK and home of the A5 Rangers Cycling Club, which I fully intend to join.

Saying goodbye to the Yorkshire Dales wasn't easy, it's a beautiful part of the country and Pateley Bridge itself is possibly the most desirable village. It's a personal opinion of course, but the combination of quiet roads and hills aplenty, along with a great leisure centre and swimming pool, (not to mention 2 curry houses and Fish and Chip shops, a pizza restaurant and the best damn delicatessen in the country, Elliotts), all adds up to a cool place to live, especially if you're a cyclist.

The most leisurely gradient out of the valley is 10%, the worst is 25%. My bete noir was always the climb out of Lofthouse, which, if you've ever been out that way, you'll know as the narrow, twisting, torturous route over to Masham. Your other choices are Greenhow Hill, 16% more or less for about 2 miles; Old Church Lane, 25% but only about half a mile long; Two Stoops, again about 25% but over a mile long; Silver Hill, average of only 10% but with the start being 30%.

If you ever ride that way, try out your own 3 peaks route, it makes for a short but crippling ride!