Classic Clothing...

Something T shaped this way comes...

Ronde Van Oost Lancashire

The Belgians Semi-classics have tantalised our tastebuds and we're getting pysched for the monuments.

Prior to it all, we're going riding. Brainchild of Alan 'Crossjunkie' Dorrington a pre-RVV loop to get you in the mood. Here's Crossjunkie's take on it all;

"...the feel and cobbles of a Spring Classic, with some beautiful North West countryside thrown in for good measure.

Come and join us on April 3rd - all are welcome. It is fair to point out that both routes are challenging and require a reasonable degree of fitness, though the Achtervolgers group will miss out some miles and a fair amount of extra climbing from the full route without foregoing the Flandrian feel. We are running it as a 'Gentleman's and Ladies' ride and will ride together and look after each other in time honoured fashion, though I suspect there may be some action on the climbs....

Further info here:

Cue sheet

Route desciption

Disclaimer: This is a social ride, not a competitive event. All riders participate entirely at their own risk and liability."

See you there then. Double bartape wrap optional.

As Promised...

Last clearance announcement.

2 Belgian (Euro) style winter hats supplied by Champion System. Techfleece material (double thickness over the ear) with windstopper fronts. Lined and finished pretty nicely.

£15.00 plus postage to wherever you are.

So that's all I have left (still 1 cap/2 T's left), any interest drop me an email. Keep an eye out in the future as we may be developing a different colourway and will be taking orders dependent on team interest.

Service Course Update...

1 cap & 2 t-shirts left.

I also have 2 winter hats (belgian style) available, pictures and price to follow.

when they're gone they're gawn!!

Can't see the wood..

...for the cyclocrossers weaving through the tree's.

I feel like I've had a bit of down time on the blog yet with our busy lives there's been quite a bit happening. Racing and training have taken precedence in my valuable free time, with a good few hours spent either frequenting my local park, trail and secret space. The turbo has wakened far too early and has developed an earsplitting squeal, so much so, I was forced to abandon ship and finish a session early to retain my sanity and eardrums.

I've regained my mojo concerning my drawing and have some to upload, I try not to pressure myself into producing output yet I feel like a slacker when I don't. It feels great when you're inspired, get a vibe and want to do something creative. The only thing holding me back is current thinking in space and time. Come on theoretical physicists the world over, let us into the secret of time travel.

The Belgian pro cross ranks head to Namur this weekend, and I'm sure I could conjure a headline from the the words Citadel, Prince and Albert but I won't. Albert's put everyone to the sword so far (3 for 3) and the focus has been on Nys' poor form. The season's only in it's early stages yet, lets not forget Albert's tree incident that put him in hospital and out of action for a good chunk of the season, so there's plenty of time to see Nys come good. Yet the rabid sportsfan always wants results NOW and we may be seeing a changing of the guard. Time to start looking at the U23's to figure out another young pretender.

Back to Namur. I fumbled through the Sporza report airing Albert's concerns that the course is for Mountainbikers ands today had some clarity from cxmag (my flemish isn't so good). So with this in mind maybe Albert should fit a moto....make that maybe everyone else should fit a moto to keep up. The two video clips show the huge elevation transitions of the area. The first is retro, grainy and is right at home at Here Come the Belgians. The second is short and sweet but shows the height gain eloquently.

So what's next? More training, more racing, some drawing and getting stoked on the Belgian cross season.

The Journey...

Or should that read "it's where ya going..."

So where are The Belgians going? We've some exciting news in the next few weeks so make sure you keep calling around to see what's happening. Ironically in continuation of the secret theme there's a few secrets in our pocket and a secret space out there.

I didn't plan it like that, it kinda just happened.

For the classical explorers (I'm seeing Indiana Jones and the giant ball thing), you may be able to find the hidden place (don't worry no evil curses hanging in the air). If you do, drop me a line, I'd be intrigued.

For the rest of us, the secret will out, with a little patience.

It's truly good stuff, and that's just the start.

No News is Good News...

Lance has had his press conference, whilst Contador is scratching his head over any future press conferences, their content and what team he'll be representing. A plethora of riders will be outlining their future plans from blue to red, red to blue or red to unemployment. Even British teams are getting in on the act, with RaphaCondor making an announcement later this week.

So not to be outdone, Here Come the Belgians have news to broadcast in the near future. Before that time (patience grasshopper) just a few i's to dot and t's to print...

It's a Rest Day.

A rest day for the for the Giro but unfortunately not for me (not that I mind). I've become the proud parent (I mean owner) of a puppy that in 4 short days has turned from innocent babe to teenage tearaway. I'm being hazed by a 10 week old dog! He'll grow out of it eventually....Actually no he won't as his dad hasn't.

Expect to see the little man appear in ink at a later date (no I'm not talking tat's either).

With this in mind I don't think yesterdays post went the way I wanted it to go. Late nights, early mornings, pee & poo put paid to that. Sprezzatura's interesting, so for my next look at it I'll take some time to think and prize the dog from my ankle (it's hurts believe me).

I'm probably preaching to the converted but Competitive Cycling's what's new section is getting better and better. It's unbelievable how the writing has struck a cord with me over the last few editions. The recent post has a word in it that is as interesting as Sprezzatura, starts with s ends with c. You fill in the blanks.

As a result of a link from Said 'what's new', Michael Barry's writing has become a must read. His descriptive and metaphorical ability combined with his coalface perspective are refreshing and inspirational.

As you've seen I illustrate and design and string some words together to fill the gaps. My energy's being strengthened by wrestling a small dog into submission and want to do some more stuff. I'm musing an update to my logotype whilst scratching my chin on thoughts of riding kit (I have cap designs waiting in the wings), with the ultimate aim of competing this years cross season as a team concern (for team read small, humble, soul based concept). At the moment just thoughts, yet thoughts containing energy with a strong DIY ethic.

Enough words where's my pencil....