tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28863168346729293592024-03-13T04:36:01.564+00:00Peter KnightMy name is Peter Knight and for the last several years I have used the internet as a means of recording my thoughts, ideas, travels, and anything else besides in one neet little place.
Most of it used to be random scribblings, but these days I actually include some information in amoungst the ramblings too.
I write it for myself, but if you enjoy reading it for whatever reason then that is a bonus.
Sometimes this can be helpful, so I will dispense all of this information ... now.Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-57219793322653965632011-04-14T19:05:00.004+00:002011-04-14T20:04:14.288+00:00Alternative Vote(Please excuse me for being political)<br><br>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7ydAowkesA">What is it?</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqblOq8BmgM">Want it even simpler than that?</a><br><br>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FstA45lxgFs">Why vote for it?</a><br><br>
This could be the most important opportunity to vote of your entire life, but because there is little political canvassing behind it however there is currently little awareness of the issues involved.<br><br>
I genuinely believe AV is a good thing and will increase the fairness of voting in the UK. This referendum is likely to make more difference than any other vote you will ever make!<br><br>
Spread the word on AV at a grass roots level and <b>vote YES to AV</b> on the 5th of May.Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-66321937043553573032010-10-17T22:37:00.003+00:002010-10-17T22:44:14.292+00:00Listening to ...<b>WHAT I'M LISTENING TO:</b><br>
<br>
Ben Folds - Gracie<br>
Kingpins (The) - L'Aventurier<br>
La Roux - Bulletproof<br>
Madcon - Beggin'<br>
Pete and the Pirates - Mr Understanding<br>
White Lies - Farewell to the Fairground<br>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-34072964997719176002010-05-31T20:54:00.004+00:002010-06-21T18:07:32.943+00:00The joy of LinuxEverybody wants something for free. But as we all know, there is no such thing as a free lunch? Is there? Well the open-source software community may well provide you with a feast of resources to feed your digital appetite. And at the core of any electronic device, whether it is a mobile phone or a laptop, is an operating system. Software which organises all the other software. <br><br>
After having dabbled with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puppy_Linux">Puppy</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xandros">Xandros</a> Linux I could see the appeal. But Puppy was too rough round the edges for a single OS and Xandros was fine except for some blue-tooth issues. However, upon adding up some costs for a new build PC, a genuine copy of Windows 7 was a large outlay and once again the draw of Linux came about. I had played with Mac's on many occasions, and whilst I am aware that some people swear by them, I could never get along with them. So I played around with Ubuntu (by far the most popular Linux distribution) version 9.04 and then <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuNprTu5Y5c">9.10</a> and loved them. It was crisp and clean and a radical departure from the rigid Windows world. So I made the radical decision to run Ubuntu as my sole OS on my new Desktop with only open source software to support it. After doing this for over six months now I have come to the following conclusion. Why would anyone pay for software? There is an amazing amount of open-source software out there including a truly usable non-windows/mac OS in Ubuntu. <br><br>
Here is a list of my favourite open source software so far...<br><br>
<a href="http://www.qcad.org/">QCAD</a> - In many ways better than AutoCAD - I just wish it was compatible with ALL of the new file formats rather than just some of them. The community edition is free, but you need to think around the installation a bit if you are a long-time windows user.<br>
<a href="http://www.qgis.org/">Quantum GIS</a> - I haven't found anything I can't do compared with ArcGIS. Georeference, create interpolated rasters, use ESRI vectors, etc. Top bit of free software and a good (legal) way to save yourself something like £3000.00<br>
Open Office - Take a bit of getting used to after years of Microsoft Office, especially with spreadsheets - but again, all of the functionality is there.<br>
KolourPaint - Like Microsoft paint, with a few handy additions.<br>
Klavaro - I'm learing to touch-type (only two degrees later).<br>
Audacity - Fully fledged audio editor for anyone up to very-keen amateur.<br>
Kdenlive and Kino - Video editing. They both have their faults, but i've been able to produce some pretty decent videos.<br><br>
Stuff I was surprised that would work...<br><br>
Skype - A Lunux specfic version is available<br>
Google Earth - Again, a linux version exists.<br>
Spotify - Runs well under WINE.<br><BR><BR>
<b>My computer spec</b><br><br>
Pentium 4 2.8Ghz Dual-core 2MB cache<br>
4GB RAM<br>
500GB Hard disk<br>
DVDRW<br>
<b>Ubuntu 9.10 64-bit</b>
(Purchased from ebuyer.com)<br><br>
<b>What I'm listening to</b><br><br>
Ben Folds (Feat. Regina Spektor) - You don't know me<br>
Gnarles Barkley - Smiley Faces<br>
Johnny Cash - Hurt<br>
Nena - 99 Luftballons. (German Version) <br>
Plastiscines - Barcelona <br>
White Lies - Farewell to the fairground<br>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-73892820121829121902010-05-24T18:38:00.004+00:002010-05-24T23:07:04.925+00:00MusicWHAT I'M LISTENING TO:<br><br>
Belle and Sebastian - There's too much love<br>
Fleetwood Mac - The Chain<br>
Gramophonedzie - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpSz66Cu0Cc">Why Don't You?</a> <br>
Stornoway - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GiLO4qPkA64">Zorbing</a><br>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-8655493976332115132010-02-05T18:04:00.005+00:002010-03-20T15:32:52.449+00:00"Top 5 Records"Well, quite a lot has happened since I last posted something on this blog. I have finished university (again), got a career, and cycled from Lands End to John O'Groats. ... But frankly, I can't be bothered to write anything about those things.<br><br>
So, like John Cusack, i'm onto top 5's. Today top five cars.<br><br>
This basically consist of the 5 cars that would adorn my garage were I able to afford it. Before you start to expect 5 super-mega-hyper-cars, i'm an eco-hippie/petrol-head hybrid so its a bit of an odd lot. <br><br>
<b>1. Citroen Berlingo.</b><br><br>
<div align="center"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Citro%C3%ABn_Berlingo_I_Vorfacelift_front.jpg" width="90%"></div><br><br>
OK, this is cheating as I actually already own one of these. <br><br>
When my family first brought a Berlingo Multispace I was at uni. When I passed my driving test back in 2004 my family had a white Citroen Xsara 1.6i that actually shifted a bit. I know this because my parents mercifully (but foolishly) put me on the car insurance and I spent the long evenings after a hard day dossing in sixth-form knocking the thing for six. I'm amazed it survived. I went to university in September 2004 only to return a few months later to find that the medium-small family hatchback I was so fond of had become a bloated invalid carriage. I hated it. For a start, compared to the previous car it handled like a boat and accelerated like a paraplegic in quick-sand. For an 18-year-old this was catastrophic. <br><br>
It took some time, but eventually I found the joy that can be had with a windowed-van. For a start you can carry just about anything in it. This is handy if you're a cycling enthusiast or a university student with your mother intent upon you carrying at least 14 kitchen-sinks at all times. Its a cathedral of a car! Secondly, you can fit loads of your friends into it - i've done 8. Thirdly, because its designed to be both builder and child-proof it is ultra reliable and you can fix it with a hammer. Finally, its big enough to sleep in comfortably should you rock up somewhere late or if its too muddy and cold to pitch a tent. <br><br>
So for these reasons and so many more the Citroen Berlingo makes the list.<br><br>
<b>2. Caterham 7</b><br><br>
<div align="center"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/7b/Caterham_7_Roadsport_SV.jpg" width="90%"></div><br><br>
A slightly more interesting choice. This car was built from the ground up to handle well and even though the desing has been round for about half a century it is still considered one of the best drivers cars ever. It weighs about as much as a bulemic squrril yet is mid engined, and rear-wheel drive. Even though the base models have the same power as a family hatchback, the configuration was prefect. I also like the simplicity. From working in a bike shop I have come to learn from bitter experience that complex things usually create more problems than they are worth. This has all you need. A seat for you and one for a friend, four wheels, a throttle, a piece of fabric in case it rains, and a space for your picnic basket.<br><br>
But the most appealing thing about this car is that it comes as a CKD kit. This isn't like a normal kit where you get a chassis and not much else - it is a flat-pack car with all the bits included and a friendly Caterham rep on the phone should you have any issues. Not only this but you can buy a basic one for about £10,000 - which is nothing for one of the best performing sports cars on the market today. <br><br>
I'm definately having one some day.<br><br>
<b>3. Toyota Aygo / Peugeot 107 / Citroen C1</b><br><br>
<div align="center"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c3/Citroen_C1.jpg" width="90%"></div><br><br>
Don't be fooled - they are all the same car! The point of this one is what do you really need from a car? Lets face it - motoring is an expensive business. Once you've paied for the car (not to mention watched it depreciate daily) you've got to put fuel into it which at >£1 a liter isn't cheap. Then there's tax, insurance, servicing, tyres, MOT's, and washing the thing. And what for? So you can take hours out of your life sitting in traffic jams? Looking for a paring space? Worrying about running people over? Complaining about the state of the roads, other motorists, the government and just about everything else besides? What do you really want from a car? Electric windows? PlayStation 3's? Senually vibrating seats? Since when did cars become brothells? ... No! 99% of the time all you want is to take you and a small amount of luggage, with maybe one passenger, to anywhere else in the UK with minimum fuss and cost.<br><br>
What if there were a car that could help with these things? Well there is, and its this plucky little Czech creation! <br><br>
<b>4. Audi S5 Coupé</b><br><br>
<div align="center"><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Audi_S5_front_20080703.jpg" width="90%"></div><br><br>
OK, its fine to have a cheap-as-chips car every day. But what about the times when you don't want people to know that you're a cheap-skate. Something you can turn up at Downing Street in and not feel out of place*. Basically a car to suit your Armani suit and Rolex watch. A uniform. But hey - if you can choose your uniform then you don't pick one thats made of hessian sacking. I saw one of these in a car park a week or two in white and it instantly became my new favorite car aesthetically (replacing the new VW Scirocco). But its not just the looks. I've always liked Audi's. To me four-wheel-drive makes a lot of sense for cars that weigh more than say 1500kg and with their "quattro" system Audi led the way back on the 1980's rally circuit. That combined with some decent engines makes the the formula for the S5 a good-one!<br><br>
<b>5. Bowler Nemesis</b><br><br>
<div align="center"><Img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a6/Bowler_nemesis.jpg" width="90%"></div><br><br>
Before explaining this choice I would like to make one thing perfectly clear. I do not like Land Rovers. Unlike most of the cars in this I have actually driven a couple of these and didn't like them. The Defender is the worst. For a start the seat isn't adjustable and are designed for midgets with rickets (which explains the unnecessary step). The build quality is an unwanted hangover from the British Leyland ere (a point proven by my uncle's Range Rover) and the hand break is by your feet to make room for an unnecessary middle seat. What is more is that the TD5 engine they put in most of them these days has no power and the transmission just causes you to rev the tits off the thing on the road. The reason I'm going on about this is that Land Rover is a sort of cult symbol for many of my friends. But not me. I like the idea. Bullet-proof simplicity, and ruthless practicality - but I just don't think that it works in the real world.<br><br>
However, I do like the Bowler Nemesis. No, I haven't driven one of these, but the principle is to take a Land Rover and make it better. That isn't hard from the way I see it, but with a good few thousand pounds to spend they will have made something pretty special. Providing it all works then the Nemesis will be a pretty decent bit of kit.<br><br><br>
* - Just for the record. This is not a way of thinking that I subscribe to. Substance will always be more important than style. But as a product of middle-class England, I can't always help myself.<br><br><br>
WHAT I'M LISTENING TO:<br><br>
Love Grenades - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6PUcm-ajcg">Young Lovers (Sam Sparro Remix)</a><br>
Miss Li - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LshLnHpyxII">Bourgeois Shangri-La</a><br>
Owl City - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psuRGfAaju4&feature=related">Fireflies</a> (Reminds me of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Postal_Service">the Postal Service</a>)<br>
Royksopp - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJvVHAh_INM">Happy Up Here</a>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-31847027324236423122009-09-18T08:36:00.003+00:002009-09-18T09:35:03.257+00:00A TriumphLast night, a group of us went to sandies to pretend we were dirt-jumpers. We messed around for too long and only got maybe 45 minutes of riding in before we were forced to abandon the mission due to bad light at about 19:30 (BST). Mind you, in that time Scully forced Matt and I into doing a new and scary (but in no way technical) step-up gap jump. However, for me the highlight of the evening was not the destination, but the journey*. Perhaps I should be more precise and say the vessel in which we conducted that journey, for it was a forty-year-old classic <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triumph_Herald">Triumph Herald</a> saloon.<br><br>
I am not a classic car enthusiast. I am a pretty typical man, and consequently that means I am certain to like at least four things: girls, beer, meat and anything with an engine. I just don't really see the point in classic cars. They are slow, inefficient, unreliable, awkward, and potentially dangerous. All of these points and more were proved last night by Stuart's Triumph. Surely the entire point of engineering is to make things faster, more frugal, reliable, convenient, and safe? If you can have these things then why look back without a hint of anger? <br><br>
I can certainly think of more practical student cars, especially for a chap that spends his weekends throwing himself down Wales' most treacherous waterways. To strap a kayak to the roof involved some friction-mounting roof bars that look about as old as I am, and a long series of progressively more structurally unstable straps. Concerningly, the same method of attachment went for my bike!<br><br>
In fact, there was any number of safety issues with the car. Inertia-reel seatbelts were not available in the front, and in the back there were no seatbelts at all. In fact there was not much of anything in the back, including leg room. Jim had to lie across the bench-seat like some desperate porn star. I became aware that safety features in the rear consisted of two pillows and a quilt. The front quarter lights were zip-tied shut (apparently as a theft-prevention measure), and perhaps most concerningly there was a potent and quite overwhelming smell of petrol when the vehicle was in motion meaning that both windows had to be constantly open. Not that this mattered as the cabin heater had to be run on full all the time to prevent the engine overheating.<br><br>
The engine has as much power as Chad and the roof was as waterproof as the titanic. Yet, I didn't really care. I didn't care that there were places where you could see the prop-shaft spinning like a 10000 rpm death-trap. I wasn't bothered by the break-back seats or the fact that at over 40mph the entire car shook uncontrollably. I didn't even care about these things when I considered if I was lucky to have survived the journey. I loved that car. I loved the way that you could drive through town in the world’s most unsuitable cruiser with the windows wide open to avoid monoxide poisoning and the stereo belting out a pitiful half-decibel from an awkwardly tuned radio. And as you cruised through the countryside with a hand on your bike precariously leaning off the roof and gazed across the mammoth bonnet and formerly ostentatious headlamps you could not help but feel happy. A simple happiness. A happiness at the wonder of novelty.<br><br><br><br>
<font size="1">*If the journey isn't as good as the destination, then you're doing something wrong.</font>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-86773690399288157372009-08-17T12:41:00.003+00:002009-08-17T12:52:54.978+00:00Lunch Time<div align="center"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/3829334803_d5ef4a2bce_b.jpg" width="90%"></div><br><br>
... I like going to university here.<br><br>
<b>What i'm listening to...</b><br><br>
The Libertines - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_g207eTzVw0">Don't Look Back into the Sun</a><br>
Quantic - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4AvP1atLBuo">Time is the Enemy</a><br>
Stereophonics - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGKRxiffhSg">Local Boy in the Photograph</a><br>
The View - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRN-wTJWAYQ">Wasted Little DJ's</a><br>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-44153248015194737772009-08-05T18:52:00.002+00:002009-08-05T20:43:25.525+00:00Ode to my commuter bike.Just a brief note to express feelings over my commuter bike. This is the bike you are least likely to see me ride, yet strangely, the bike I ride the most miles on. It is my work-horse bike, my faithful friend.<br><br>
Now anyone who knows me will tell you that I like to keep things simple. Computers, cooking, cars, and - of course - bikes. The subway is certainly simple. No suspension, cable-vee brakes, and base-end SRAM SX4 7-speed transmission. I think of this bike as what late 20th century soviet bicycles <i>should</i> have been. I can imaging going into a bicycle shop in Moscow during the 60's. <br><br>
<b>Communist:</b> <i>"Hello, I would like a bicycle please."</i> <br>
<b>State appointed transport official:</b> <i>"Certainly sir. In what size would you like your Subway?"</i><br><br>
Everything about this bike is practical. It has v brakes to stay out of the way of your paniers. The suspension is in the seatpost for comfort rather than performance. The stem is hideously ugly, but high to keep you looking ahead. The paint is the most boring shade of grey imagineable to keep the pikeys at bay. And I love all this stuff! It weaves in and out of traffic like a cat and cruises along at about 18mph like a ... well, whatever cruises along at 18mph? The frame is a massive 22" which is perfect of a lankey-sod like me. And when you feel like being a hooligan, it is (believe it or not) massively good fun on a sunny day around the bridleways of rural Northamptonshire*.<br><br>
This is what 95% of people want from a bike and just don't know it yet. Insted they insist on spending half the money on a bike ten times as often. I see it all the time at work. The environmentalist, accountant, and cyclist within me hates this. Why are people so mind-numbingly shallow about shiney paint and useless, cheap suspension?<br><br>
As an aside, I now have just seven more shifts to work at Halfords before I can be free of it forever. In some ways, I will miss it. In most ways, I won't.<br><br>
So here's to you, my commutable colleague, my city cruiser, my 22" sub! Long may you're tyres grace the earth, and may all your transmission faults be small ones!<br><br>
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2454/3644149563_1bff705d27.jpg"></div><br><br>
<font size="1">* - If you havn't tried slick tyres for XC yet, give it a go. Its surprisngly good fun!</font>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-44270491962472707842009-08-04T15:15:00.005+00:002010-03-31T21:32:46.097+00:00CalendarJust a reminder - you can see what i'm up to at the moment using my google calander...<br><br>
<iframe src="http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?showTitle=0&height=500&wkst=2&bgcolor=%23FFFFFF&src=pondering_panda%40hotmail.com&color=%230D7813&src=0onos3jc413etk4ik1qm8k21io%40group.calendar.google.com&color=%2329527A&src=426efjog00opllg949lbnfkpic%40group.calendar.google.com&color=%23A32929&src=ejq0u41h1c8n710pb8c0mtb8o8%40group.calendar.google.com&color=%23BE6D00&ctz=Europe%2FLondon" style=" border-width:0 " width="600" height="500" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-88190120339717412542009-08-03T15:18:00.003+00:002009-08-03T15:36:18.588+00:00DiscI have finally caved in and put a disc brake back on the little bike. I have to say that the benefit is enormous! I didn't realise how hard I had to pull on the lever to get any power from the vee brake before hand. <br><br>
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2459/3785494644_5126b24cbf.jpg"></div><br><br>
In addition, I have been hiding my bikes from the wardens doing room inspections.<br><br>
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2488/3785494606_49c67fa085.jpg"></div><br><br>
In conclusion, no real riding going on at the moment unfortunately. Don't worry though - South Wales this weekend!<br><br>
<b>What i'm listening to:</b><br><br>
Ben Folds (feat. Regina Spektor) - You Don't Know MePeter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-73999303188504929362009-07-23T20:43:00.002+00:002009-07-23T21:10:45.644+00:00Injury to insult.The thing about mountain biking is that no matter how much you ride, there are always difficult things still to accheive. I went to Clarach with Nick and Dave SB today and it was no easier than previously. What had changed however was the frequency of walkers. I left my bag at the top of the hill - which is usually out of the way enough. However upon returning after a couple of runs, I found it was missing. After a few hours searching the hill for pikeys to attack and canceling my debit card the police station phoned me to tell me that it had been handed in. <br><br>
On the one hand, it is nice to know that there are more public-spirited people out there than pikeys. But on the other, if they had just left well alone then it would have saved me considerable hassle. I suppose they did well and that its my own stupid fault, but it is a little vexing. <br><br>
To add injury to insult for the day I cut my leg open on flying slate going down consti giving me a nice claret-coloured leg. Combined with assorted other scratches, upon arrival at the police station I think the officer expected me to report a mugging rather than collect a lost bag.<br><br>
<b>What i'm listening to:</b><br><br>
Craig Armstrong - Hanging<br>
The Magic Numbers - Forever Lost<br>
The Magic Numbers - This Love<br>
Modest Mouse - The View<br>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-17309892522493975102009-07-17T23:16:00.004+00:002009-07-18T00:08:03.498+00:00Ode to the eee.For those of you who are not in the know about the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASUS_Eee_PC">eee PC</a>, it is a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subnotebook">subnotebook</a> manufactured by ASUS, I own one, and its officially awesome. I'm serious. Its so good, I find it difficult to begin. <br><br>
Well for a start it is small. About the size of a book rather than a laptop and of about the same weight. Secondly, it is cheap. Mine cost me under £200 about a year ago. This is largely due to the free softwear including the very accessible <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Xandros">Xandros</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux">Linux</a> operating system. Thirdly, it has pretty much all the functionality of a full size PC. It is quick to stream youtube videos, and surf the internet. Plus with <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OpenOffice.org">open office</a> (which is a triumph of computer engineering in itself) it is easy to write essays, create presentations and manage spreadhseets. Fourthy, the battery life is excellent. I follow some simple <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium-ion_battery#Guidelines_for_prolonging_Li-ion_battery_life">guidelines</a> on Li-ion batteries and even after a year of moderate use it still lasts for over 3 hours. Fifithly, the features are excellent. It comes with a 1.3 mega-pixel webcam as standard as well as an excellent microphone. In fact, I frquently use it for skype calls. Finally, the unit is very upgradeable. I have changed the OS to an <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NLite_and_vLite">nLite</a>nd version of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP">Windows XP</a> Professional, upgraded toe RAM from 512MB to 2024MB (which is too much - you only need 1000MB) and added a bluetooth dongle.<br><br>
Only a few issues present themselves. Firstly, open office is at times slightly frustrating for the hardend Microsoft Office user and requires internet access to solve a few issues as I did not install any help files to save hard disc space. This brings me to my second point. Hard disc space is limited, but this is actually not a problem as I simplly use an 8GB <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secure_Digital_card#SDHC">SDHC</a> card for file storage and my nLite installation of Windows XP has not only solved the problems of HD space, but removes the tedious and heavy elements of the operating system. Thirdly, the 7" screan can make viewing difficult and F11 becomes your friend for web browsers as well as several other full-screen/zoom application short-cuts. You really need an application such as <a href="http://www.damnsoft.org/cgi-bin/ghostgui.cgi?nographics=1;app=projects;section=moveme">MoveMe</a> to get around some difficult window manouvers sometimes. I do feel that most people fould be happier with the 9" screen rather than the 7" that mine features. (But I like it as it preserves the battery life.) The other disadvantage is with the Linux OS. Whilst it is very useable and can be customised to a 'desktop' format, it dosn't feel intuitive to a hardend Windows user. I also had problems with the Linux bluetooth functionality so it had to go.<br><br>
Dispite these minor issues though, it is an excellent macheine and I find it amazingly handy for commuting, campus, and conversations. I would recomend one to anyone who likes to have their PC with them wherever they go.<br><br>
<b>What i'm listening to:</b><br><br>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aberfeldy_(band)">Aberfeldy</a> - Slow me Down<br>
Air - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?gl=GB&hl=en-GB&v=vQRKpuOgY8c">Alpha Beta Gaga</a><br>
Bach - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPiDafKhEnQ&feature=related">Air</a><br>
Strokes - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPvv8pU68K8">Reptilia</a><br>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-63656944992484452092009-07-14T17:47:00.003+00:002009-07-14T18:41:13.509+00:00... listening to.I have recently downloaded spotify. This has opened me back up to music I had forgotten about.<br><br>
<span style="font-weight:bold;">What i'm listening to:</span><br><br>
* The Strokes - Trying Your Luck<br>
* Interpol - Evil<br>
* Muse - Citizen Erased<br>
* Blondie - Sunday Girl<br>
* Aberfeldy - Friend Like You<br>
* Arcade Fire - Neighbourhood #2 (Laïka)<br>
* Club 8 - Everlasting Love<br>
* Finger Eleven - Paralyzer<br>
* Craig Armstrong - Escape<br>
* Daft Punk - Aerodynamic<br><br>
........... etc ...Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-1387675942964595142009-05-16T21:51:00.004+00:002009-05-16T22:11:53.836+00:00A home from homeThe sea front in Aberystwyth must be one of the best places to live in the world. My study room is on the third floor of Alexandra halls overlooking Aberystwyth's North beach. When the sun comes out I can go and chill out on the sand outside, there are some fun trails all most literally on my doorstep, and there is always something to see from my window which I have taken to sitting in using a spread of pillows on my extended sill and staring for hours upon end. There is usually something to see from it too. The tide goes out and comes back with a reassuring predictability, and barbeque's from the shore give a beautiful smell on warm evenings. I even like looking out at the storms, but occasionally something new seems to spring up and please me too. For instance, on Friday morning I awoke early to finish an assignment and upon leaning out of my window for a breath of fresh air I spied a pair of dolphins in the bay piercing the waters surface with their distinctive profile. This evening as well I was procrastinating upon my sill and a light caught the upper part of my eye. Someone further down the beach had lit some fire-balloons and they were drifting steadily up the coast towards Borth with progressively increasing altitude.<br><br>
I love living here! Despite the fact that my room is cramped for my many bicycles and work paraphernalia, I like the space too. The clutter forms a cosiness. I frequently think of the room it as a hidden storage cupboard that I secretly inhabit.<br><br>
All this is wonderful and I will be sorry when I have to leave in a few weeks for a 1970's plastic block in the town. Were it not for my impending eviction and the lack of my closest friends from home, I am sure that I would never leave.Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-38361283694296323562009-04-18T20:01:00.002+00:002009-04-18T20:06:03.321+00:00Easter Holidays... they are allmost over. But its been a good one. <br><br>
* Sold the caravan.<br>
* Bottle kicking at hallaton.<br>
* Market Harborough to Northampton in under 57 minutes by bicycle.<br>
* Plenty of beer.<br>
* ... and a nice ride round Lyveden New Build way today.<br><br>
Not to make my way back to stupid reality!Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-52076254252000481482009-02-16T11:21:00.002+00:002009-02-16T11:24:29.715+00:00The MeltThe snow has gone and the seasons are on the turn. There is a wiff of summer in the air. Its not quite there. Just hinting that its round the corner.
I can't wait!Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-31829075880924727172009-02-03T14:07:00.003+00:002009-02-03T14:17:30.898+00:00It's February. Time for my hair cut.Well, the snow has finally hit Aber, but because its actually never that cold here in comparison with most of the country, there is now no evidence whatsoever. So tomorrow its time to head for the hills and play.<br><br>
Today however, I went for a hair cut. Now i'm pretty sure that I have not had haircut in at least 12 months, and probabbly more like 18. So my barnett was looking a little ragged. Most of the time, my hair status is controlled by my mum and my girlfriend. However, these two agents differ in their opinions somewhat as mum likes my hair short, where as Liz likes it long. And as Liz is the girlfried, she gets power of veto over my mother. Most of the time, this dosn't bother me. I never see my hair. However, when it gets to a state where I struggle to put my helmet on or my vision becomes furry upon leaving the shower, the I knwo its getting a bit out of hand. So I had a hair cut.<br><br>
The only problem is that the barber I went to has some sort of filter on his ears. No matter what you say to him all he hears is "short back and sides". No, infact it's "<b>very</b> short back and sides". So 20 minutes later and I was £8 and 8lbs lighter. So if you see me in the next day or so, be prepared for a shock.Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-69572972316737889502009-02-02T21:16:00.000+00:002009-02-02T21:18:06.922+00:00The SentenceNever in my life have I felt less fulfilled as I do now. I have so little and yet so much.
The world is full of curious creatures. We go through our lives on this planet without one over-riding objective. Without a single goal. Instead, the 6.5 billion people on earth must content themselves by making the best of things. We all clamour to gain the most for prosperity in order to make ourselves more physically, intellectually and emotionally comfortable. Much like a terminally ill patient being intravenously fed painkillers. Mostly in the west we are pumped full of the opiates of commerce. Some seek solace in family, religion, drugs. But ultimately we are all looking out for number one. Even friends are there simply to make each other more 'at home' with our their own tedious human personalities.
The world is like a sort of prison. The walls are our mental limitations and the guards are social intolerance. But at least the term of incarceration is fixed. At least the sentence is only ... life.Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-87893997451221563822009-01-30T09:10:00.003+00:002009-01-30T09:15:11.538+00:00The source of filth.I have remembered why I don't ever buy new clothes. Yesterday I was cold so I put on my new hoodie. Within 15 minutes I had managed to get cooking oil, curry, bicycle grease and beer down it (in that order). I can have the capacity of a 2-year old at times.<br><br>
In other news...<br><br>
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3499/3238742644_c663dab2b0.jpg"></div><br><br>
... i thought this looked nice. :)Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-73972669977361721692009-01-20T12:14:00.005+00:002009-01-20T12:40:51.075+00:00Wounded.Sometimes I find bruises, cuts and graises that I can't remember getting. Yesterday I came off my bike infront of a car trying to manual behind the prom and got literally blown off from a gust of wind from the sea front. Picked myself up, appologised to the driver, checked my bike and went up the hill to campus. <BR><BR>
Later whilst having a shower and notice stinging from my elbow, and then a pain from my hip and knee. Why don't I notice these things when they happen? This one wasn't too bad, but the most concerning times are when you get massive cuts that have obviously been bleeding quite badly (my shins usually), but I can't remember how they came about? <BR><BR>
I'm sure this never used to happen. Maybe i've crashed too much and now just don't notice that much anymore?<BR><BR>
<DIV ALIGN="CENTER"><IMG SRC="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3212744304_6162457fe6.jpg"><FONT SIZE="1"><BR><BR>
Confused? ... me too. </font></DIV><br><br>
<b>What i'm listening to:</b><br><br>
<i>Belle and Sebastian - Sleep the Clock Around</i> .... (<a href="http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ap1GrISdo88&feature=related">live</a>)Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-10652131266731738062009-01-15T08:57:00.002+00:002009-01-15T09:07:24.933+00:00Peter of the Night.I went on a night ride to Nant Tuesday night and I have to say that it was an awakening in two respects. <br>
<br>
Firstly, it has become apparrent that I have become a complete pie over Christmas! The summit loop was a bit of a slog and normally I can handle it fine even on my jump bike (which I was using). I know that on night riding you have to work twice as hard to go half as fast, but I really was hanging by the end! <br>
<br>
Secondly, I have realised that my lights are naff! They are by a company that I don't think is in business any more (unsurprisingly) called "Knight Light". These cost me £35 on CRC and despite having two bulbs of 5 and 10w with a lithium-ion battery, they are about as powerful as the Swiss navy. Matt had his new Ayup's which produced cartoon levels of light and the others had similar set-ups. <br>
<br>
I'm not sure that I will upgrade though based on the fact that this was my third ever night ride and expenditure would be high to obtain a half decent set. Also, I do find that night riding makes you more intuitive. You end up feeling for the trail more and relying less on your eyesight. A bit masochistic, but I like it like that. :)Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-35926149948030755492009-01-12T12:57:00.002+00:002009-01-12T14:54:34.257+00:00Reflection-Section (My Gap)Until today I was of the distinct impression that the 12 months between 3rd year and my MSc had been wasted. I had been kicking about at Halfords for a year, not really doing the traveling, exploring and arsing-about that I wanted to do. However, in a period of reflection I was looking over some photos and have decided that the opposite is true. With one, very blatent, exception; that was a very good year.<br>
<br>
(I was going to add pics but it would have than too long.)<br>
<br>
<b>The timeline</b><br>
<br>
2nd June 2007. My father picks me up from university for the last time. We discuss my future on the drive home. I have no direction or money.<br>
<br>
7th July 2007. Trip to Foxton Locks with Ben and Bethany.<br>
<br>
8th July 2007. I begin my desk caprentry project.<br>
<br>
10th July 2007. Lunch with the family at Kelmarsh.<br>
<br>
11th July 2007. Ben and I go riding at Twywell Hill and Dales. Later Tom and I go the folly for more riding.<br>
<br>
12th July 2007. Wet ride at Nant with Olly.<br>
<br>
13th July 2008. I graduate.<br>
<br>
14th July 2007. Back home for an arse about on bikes in the woods.<br>
<br>
16th July 2007. Day out with Liz.<br>
<br>
17th July 2007. Day out / bit of a drive with Ben and Tom. Later drinking.<br>
<br>
18th July 2007. I complete the first part of my first dirt jump only to have it ploughed the next day. Pint with Ben and Ant at Mawsley.<br>
<br>
19th July 2007. Ben's friend, Richie from the Royal Navy comes to visit. We have a summery pint. Ben and I are re-united with Swarfega the cat after about 4 years! Later we go for a mint and some pool at Thorpe Malsor.<br>
<br>
20th July 2007. Day round at Liz's. We construct an epic dessert!<br>
<br>
21st July 2007. Day trip to Leicester with Liz.<br>
<br>
23rd July 2007. BM-XC ride to Kettering. Later Market Harborough with Tom and Ben and to Blend for a snack.<br>
<br>
24th July 2007. I go to take pictures of the abandoned facory in the sunshine just before it is demolished.<br>
<br>
25th July 2007. The world's finest fry-up is made. That night Liz, Ben, Bethand and I go for dinner at some Mexican place in Harborough.<br>
<br>
26th July 2008. I'm in Kettering for some reason, lamenting on change. That night is Liz and James' 18th birthday party. Its "posh and punk" themed. I wear a black shirt, black tie and spray my hair green. On the way we see a cloud that is <u>definately</u> shaped like brests. There is much drinking and merry-making. A fine time was had by all.<br>
<br>
27th July 2007. Hungover.<br>
<br>
28th July 2007. I strip my XC bike down to its last bolt and bearing. Clean the lot, put it back together, then go for a dusty ride. <br>
<br>
29th July 2007. Kassie, Justin, Rob and myself go for a ride around Rutland water. I win. [Not that its a race or anything! :) ] Rob and I meet ben for a pint at the Charter. Ben parks Bethanys car in a tree with Rob and I in it. It is a write-off, but we're all fine appart from whiplash. Justin and Bethany's uncle's neighbour's come to drag the car out of the tree and Ben and I get towed back to Desborough. Kassie and I get to go in the back of Justin's pickup like freedom fighters (all that was missing was some AK47's. We go back to the Charter for a follow-up pint. Ben gets out of going back to the Navy. Tom dances with some drunk woman in the pub.<br>
<br>
31st July 2007. I go on a road-ride to Hannington.<br>
<br>
1st August 2007. Tom and I go to Bethanys.<br>
<br>
2nd August 2007. Liz and I go round to Dave Kellers for a Barbeque. The Bishop mafia are all around.<br>
<br>
3rd August 2007. Liz and I go for a walk in the countryside. Its nice. :)<br>
<br>
4th August 2007. I got to Andy Thompson's for a house party. Its good. :)<br>
<br>
5th August 2007. The Harrington Beer festival is on. Its good. Liz, James, Ben, Justin, Kassie, Rob and Paul are in attendance. We play garden jenga until late.<br>
<br>
6th August 2007. A sunny day in the garden.<br>
<br>
10th August 2007. To Cottingham / Middleton to drink and see crazy Amy and Carrie.<br>
<br>
11th August 2007. Sleepless in the saddle. Its awesome. Josie, Olly, Stu and I race XC. (Nearly sleepless!)<br>
<br>
15th August 2007. Night walk with liz.<br>
<br>
17th August 2007. Trip to the skate park with Ben. Katie and Andy's leaving party with the Bishop mafia. <br>
<br>
19th August 2007. I visit the grand-parents with my father.<br>
<br>
23rd August 2007. Ben, Paul and I go to the skate park in Market Harborough.<br>
<br>
24th August 2007. Day in Harb with Liz.<br>
<br>
27th August 2007. Ben, Tom and I go to Wellingborough, for some reason.<br>
<br>
29th August 2007. Mum takes me to Leicester to buy me a new suit. How nice of her. Later Ben and I go to Corby and get some new windscreen wipers for his car. Shiny!<br>
<br>
31st August 2007. Ben, Bethany, Liz and I go to Thorpe pub.<br>
<br>
SUMMER ENDS<br>
<br>
September 2007. I start working at Halfords as a bicycle mechanic. I ride 10 miles each day which keeps me in shape(ish). I meet Rachel, Jonny, Matt, Sam, Alan and countless others. I go for my comissioning board. with the RAF. It is an awakening.<br>
<br>
20th October 2007. Ben and Bethanys engangement party.<br>
<br>
23rd October 2007. BM-XC ride. I find my BMX.<br>
<br>
27th October 2007. Ben, Bethany, Liz and I visit Salcey forest and vow to return for a winter picnic.<br>
<br>
2nd November 2007. I go to chicksands with Ben. Its fun!<br>
<br>
18th November 2007. It snows!!!<br>
<br>
20th Dec 2007. I find the beauty in winter.<br>
<br>
26th Dec 2007. Liz brings me a coconut for Christmas! Its fantastic!<br>
<br>
31st Dec 2007. Liz and I have a nomadic New year. We visit a house party, the crew at a pub in Harb and Carrie for her house party.<br>
<br>
1st Jan 2008. Ben and Bethany start a new year resolution to go swimming once a week. Liz and I are unaware how this will affect us at this point!<br>
<br>
5th Jan 2008. Liz and I go for a lovely walk in winter. I look like a criminal. We meet Oskar the cat. :)<br>
<br>
19th Jan 2008. Andy Parry and I go for a ride around Twywell.<br>
<br>
20th - 21st Jan 2008. I go to visit Tom in Norwich to see British Sea Power. I loose my wallet and phone on the way there in Ely. <br>
<br>
23rd Jan 2008. Father dies of cancer at 64. <br>
<br>
16th Feb 2008. Liz and I have a day out together.<br>
<br>
17th Feb 2008. I go to ride Thetford forest by myself.<br>
<br>
1st March 2008. Liz and I ride Bradgate park.<br>
<br>
7-8th March 2008. I go to South Wales for BUSA. I take the train to Newport and ride up to Cwm Carn. Its fun. I don't have a map but managed to find a national cycle trail and feel my way to the site. When there I ride the XC course for a bit of a giggle. On the 8th I marshall the DH. It was very cold and wet and as I wasn't racing, I decided to go home early.<br>
<br>
15th March 2008. Liz and I go for a bike ride along the Brampton valley way.<br>
<br>
21st March 2008. I build my first good wheel.<br>
<br>
22nd - 23rd March 2008. Liz and I join Ben and Bethany in Bethany's uncle's caravan in Suffolk. We visit Sumerlayton hall on a snowy day and then go for Adnams in Southwold. Followed by tea and cakes, and then home.<br>
<br>
26th March 2008. I meet Joe and Sarah from the MTB club at Cannoch chase to ride some XC. Its muddy. On the train coming back the conductor says simply "Good day at the office?" :)<br>
<br>
5th April 2008. Steve lets Matt and I have a day off together and we head up to Llandegla to ride the loop there. Its fun!<br>
<br>
12th April 2008. Liz and I go for a walk. Its warm enough for me to wear shorts! Summer is coming!<br>
<br>
22nd April 2008. Liz and I go for an XC ride locally. Its nice. :)<br>
<br>
22nd - 23rd April 2008. I go for a job interview at Halfords head office in Redditch. I go down the night before. The interview goes well, but I don't get the job. I do walk and explore redditch however for several hours. (Steve expects me back that day, but I milk it and tell him the train is delayed.) I find dirt-jumps, parks, and fire pits. I change out of my suit in the woods and into shorts and t-shirt then head for the town center and have lunch in Spoons. After a train ride back to Northampton and the bus back to Kettering I get to work just in time to do two hours work. But still get paied for the whole day! Winner. :)<br>
<br>
26th April 2008. Ben, Bethany, Liz and I got for a spring walk in East Carlton country park. <br>
<br>
May 2008. I get my new Carrera Subway 22" commuter bike. I go for a day out with my Uncle to watch the clay shooting contest.<br>
<br>
5th May 2008. I go to ride the Dyfi enduro. Tim, Olly, Josie, Drew and myself take it easy. We sit and eat plety of cake, yet storm the descents. <br>
<br>
8th May 2008. Barbeque at Bethany's Uncle's house whilst house sitting.<br>
<br>
31st May 2008. Ben and I set off for Europe on a ferry from Dover taking the Eurostar from Calis to Paris. We stay in a hostel for the first time.<br>
<br>
EUROPE - This would take too long to describe it. But it was awesome!<br>
<br>
12th June 2008. Ben and I return from Europe.<br>
<br>
June 2008. I get a new job as bike specialist / junior management at Halfords in Market Harborough. This puts my daily cycling milage up to 14.<br>
<br>
July 2008. Josie, Olly, Drew and I race Hit the North. Its muddy, but strangely satisfying. Organised by Olly, the Aber MTB allumini go on holiday to North Wales riding and chilling. Olly, Josie, Drew, Tim, Nick, Rob and myself have an awesome time. We ride Nant, Betws-Y, Llandegla and walk Cnicht. It was an awesome holiday.<br>
<br>
2nd August 2008. Liz, James and I go to the Caribbean carnival in Leicester.<br>
<br>
16th August 2008. Liz, her parents and I go to the seaside. Later I go to one of Stirz' stag nights.<br>
<br>
23rd August 2008. Striz and Liz (his liz, not mine) get married at Cranford. <br>
<br>
29th - 31st August 2008. Liz and I go to Paris. It was wonderful. <br>
<br>
September 2008. Liz takes her family and I to the photographers studio at which she has been working to be shot at. <br><br>
I begin back at Aberystwyth for my MSc.Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-88492579099538377522009-01-10T15:44:00.005+00:002009-01-10T16:00:33.064+00:00Ker-ching!!! (£££)My jump bike's transmission is worn out. To replace it...<br><br>
e. thirteen guide ring. - <b>£26.99</b><br>
On-One groove armarda sprockets x2 (@ 15.56 each plus £2.00 postage) - <b>£33.12</b><br>
KMC Z610HX chain - <b>£9.99</b><br><br>
Total - <b>£70.10</b> (!!!)<br><br>
I never realised how much monew went into quality (disposible) components! When you consider it though, its no different to pretty much any other bike. My XC bike for instance...<br><br>
Inner chain-ring (cheapest found) - £4.99<br>
Middle chain-ring (cheapest found) - £7.99<br>
Outer chian-ring (cheapest found) - £13.99<br>
Cassette (SRAM 8-spd 11-28t) - £15.99 (I alternate sprockets on the SS you can count this twice. ie: I have to replace SS sprockets half as often). - £31.98<br>
Chain (Sram 8-spd - cheapest) - £9.99<br><br>
Total - <b>£68.94</b>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-79733957983325598692008-12-08T20:21:00.003+00:002008-12-08T21:00:10.338+00:00Rule the TrailOK, I know three bloggs in three days is going it a bit. But I need to share my new bike plans. Basically, at the moment I have a problem in the form of two aluminium hardtails. Aluminium is fine for a road bike, but really its not practical for anything bumpy and rocky... <br><br>
...Wales is the epitome of bumpy and rocky.<br><br>
So basically, the frames have to go. That is sad because I love both my mountain bikes and have become dearly attached to them. But you can't live in the past like a history student. The MsIsle (being already pretty much where I want it in terms of kit) is just being replaced with a hardcore 853 steel frame in the form of a 16" <a href="http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/BFe">Cotic BFe</a>. This will enahnce my jump / smooth-trail weapon. But the XC bike is a slightly more complex beast.<br><br>
Basically, in its current encarnation the XC bike dosn't get much use. I ride the jump bike for trail centers because they are short enough and I have taken to using it for epics too because its fun and I can still keep up (just!) So the XC bike gets maybe two outings per year for the odd race here and there. The little bike does practically everything I want. But what it isn't much good for is the bumpy stuff. The really big steep technical sections that require a bit of give in the frame. So that will be replaced with a full-bouncer! My first ever at that.<br><br>
The bike will cease to be an XC bike and become more of a technical-trail / alpine-light machine for conquoring all the stuff that the little rig can't and have bit more speed and range too for when I want to do the occasional race. <br><br>
So to decrease the reading and make this more fun i've outlined what I want to do in pictures.<br><br>
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/2009bikes/bike.php?model_id=122"><img src="http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/images/2009_bikes/large/st4_frame-000182.jpg" width="90%"></a><br><br>
<font size="2">To start off, one of these in an 18" (which is a size <br>down from my 'textbook' size to help the handling but keep it usable <br>as a distance machine). Only maybe in a different colour.<br><br>
<a href="http://www.sram.com/en/rockshox/allmountain/pike/#"><img src="http://www.sram.com/_media/images/rockshox/allmountain/pike/pike426_large.jpg" width="90%"></a><br><br>
Some of these plugged into the front. No, not from the little <br>bike. I like them so much I want another set.<br><br>
<a href="http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11034"><img src="http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Original/11034.jpg" width="90%"></a><br><br>
Spinning on these. Zero dish for strong wheels, allmost instant pickup and just 5 sprockets to keep things simple.<br><br>
<a href="http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17130"><img src="http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Original/17130.jpg" width="90%"></a><br><br>
36 spokes for uber strong wheels and the wide rims stop the <br>tyres from squirming under cornering.<br><br>
<a href="http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=3404"><img src="http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Original/3404.jpg" width="90%"></a><br><br>
a 32-26t setup with an e.13 bash-ring.<br><br>
<a href="http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=6285"><img src="http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Original/6285-3.Jpg" width="90%"></a><br><br>
Short stem for snappy handling. As much rise as possible on the bars!<br><br>
<a href="http://www.sram.com/en/srammountain/components/x9/rearderailleur.php"><img src="http://www.sram.com/_media/images/srammountain/components/x9/x9_rearderailleur_large.jpg" width="90%"></a><br><br>
Finally, a short cage mech for a tight chain!.
</font></div>Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2886316834672929359.post-54131201510692477102008-12-06T22:02:00.002+00:002008-12-06T22:44:26.677+00:00Riding and RallyingA week ago last Wednesday, Jake was holding his real-ale social and the majority of the mountain bike club were getting steadily intoxicated. Including, it has to be said, your's truely. For some time now I have wanted to visit Afan forest in south wales to ride "the Wall" which is a well known trail that I have never had the opportunity to ride. So, in my merryment, I took the opportunity to gauge interest for a venture. My proposal was met with agreement from many members and at about 2am I posted a thread on the forum to see who was serious and not just drunk.
To my surprise many agreed when sober and that is why at 6.45am this morning, I was waiting in Lidl carpark for the epic drive down to South Wales.
Unsurprisingly, we didn't actually set off until 7.30am and arrived at Afan at around 10am with a lovely stop on a mountain pass through the Beacons. As Jake pointed out, the sat-nav had excelled itself. We had found what must be one of the finest driving roads in the country with beautiful scenery draped in early-morning misty temperature-inversions.
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/3088066146_0886255bfa.jpg"></div>
Upon arrival the seven of us had the usual WI meeting combined with a 'longest ice-skid' compotitioan and then set off for the Wall. Initial impressions were excellent with a quick warm-up section before a long track leading to the initial climb.
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/3088066152_159bc4d949_b.jpg"></div>
On the initial climb Stu powered ahead with myself in hot pursute unil we decided to waste some time waiting for the others playing 'longest gravel-skid'.
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/3088066158_1bd23f8dc4.jpg"></div>
Before long the inevitable happened and Chuck snapped a chain ... twice. Jake was suffering from mechanicals too mashing his middle-ring.
After a time we came upon a taped off area of the course with martials on patrol. It turned out that I had picked a day to go when the Welsh section of the World Rally Championships were being held in the forest. This presented a dilemma - stay and watch world-class rallying. Or do what we came to and pedal on to a second trail. Eventually, Stu and Sarah decided to go on and ride the second loop with the rest of us opting to stay and watch fast cars!
Chuck, Jake and Ben were pretty shagged-out after the climbing and were happy of the rest. But Paul and I were impatient and went ahead to ride further in the hour preceding the sport. We came across an earth tip which we both agreed had immense dirt jump / freeride potential and then the most stunning view point.
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/3088066166_dac6d3b75a.jpg"></div>
Rides like this on clear days are awesome. After sending it down "the graveyard" for a bit we headded back to watch the rally - just comfortably in time to catch the first car.
<div align="center"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3262/3088066174_43ed9a5708_o.jpg"></div>
After about 10 cars and some heckling, we pressed. Chucks chain snapped again and eventually we came to the final descent which eveyone liked, and Jake even praised as the best descent he had ever ridden! (But he was on a full-sus!)
The ride was ended with a sossage sandwich at the cafe and a long wait for Stu and Sarah to finish. Back to Aber for a shower, bottle of wine, tea and sleep! (With this blog somwhere in between.)Peter Knighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17954748525710145395noreply@blogger.com7