My new found love and I fighting for the open society and freedom in the face of coporo-religio-facists who would have us destroy the Earth in the name of profiteering/second coming/insert your favourite ideological end here.

Climate change is a very real issue in England and Europe. Its effects are noticeable everywhere, from early blossoms and hedgehogs not hibernating (and no it is not because they are getting thrown around) to unheard of snow falls in mid-spring. Oil is at an all time high, China and India keep making their poor people not poor, and encouraging ethanol as a bio-fuel unsurprisingly turned out to be another disastrous environmental policy.

With the whole world going to hell in a handbasket over energy I have decided to do my bit and buy a ridiculously expensive bike from the hallowed Condor Cycles. Upon entering England a veritable wide-eyed cycling virgin, the vultures circled and descended, harrassing and hounding me. First it was talk of bikes. Then it was “here ride my racing cycle”. Then it was an induction and subsequent sweep up into my inaugural Tour de France. Then it was “hey I’ve got this really good cycle from this great store, you should go have a look” to oops I’m in the store and putting down my 200 squids deposit.

But what a cycle! Big ups to Maruska for lending me her mountain bike for the past three months, but unfortunately if you build it (or ride it) the mountains do not come. Instead I had three intensive months of resistance training in preparation for my custom sized and hand built in Italy rocket ship. The acceleration is so fast, the cornering non-existent, every shock is not absorbed. It is pure titanium and Camagnolo componentry wrapped up in a bold red, white and black. My motto has been ‘I am going to kill myself on this’ – I am in love with an inanimate being and waxing lyrical like I was a high schooler trying to lose his virginity.

Right before I get much further carried away…

Fratello

Woof!

Comments

  1. Sibran

    Hi Francis,

    Are you going to ride is to New-Zealand when you are going back :)

    Grtz,
    Sibran

    130:295 20:43, Apr 30 2008

  2. mummybot

    Certainly am! And I have to do some touring through Europe too :)

    How is Belgium? Are you still loving your work?

    Chao chao,
    Francis

    130:296 22:15, Apr 30 2008

  3. Margret

    I suppose you will be riding my bike when you are here instead of driving my car! Looking forward to seeing you. Love M & S.

    130:297 23:01, Apr 30 2008

  4. Marieke

    It’s beautiful. I can see why you’re in love. I dare not show it to my old rusty, gritty and in need-of-cleaning, rattly-geared Dawes. Which does, in fairness to crusty old cranks, haul my sorry old bones to the CBD each day, and complains rather less about the frosts and crappy Makara drivers than I do. It’s not bad for a 19-year old, but I LOVE yours. Let’s go cycling together. I know a few mountains…

    130:306 0:16, May 09 2008

  5. Grant

    Nice bike – terribly uncool to have a carrier and bike lock on it, which probably doubles the weight! Was thinking about getting a titanium ring – now maybe I can just whip a bit off a bar end.

    130:309 18:18, May 10 2008

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