This is the definitive reference book for anybody who wants to tamper with their bike. The book goes in detail through everything from adjusting v-brakes to things like removing and replacing headsets, or re-aligning dropouts (eeek). The diagrams are simple, and very clear – there are no photographs, but I feel that the diagrams make it easier to see what’s important.

Zinn doesn’t only cover each subject in general terms, but also discusses specifics for different types of each of the components, down to individual products where appropriate, giving detailed instruction as well as hints and tips. For this reason, this book is an excellent reference to have around, as well as a superb introduction to bike maintenance in general.

So here’s where we went…
Day 1: Lübeck -> Travemünde, then ferry -> Trelleborg (20.5 km)
Day 2: Trelleborg -> Malmö (55 km)
Day 3: Malmö -> Hofterup (39.81 km)
Day 4: By train to Copenhagen for a day trip, back to Hofterup in the evening
Day 5: Hofterup -> Helsingborg (51.02 km)
Day 6: Helsingborg -> Ängelholm, via Kullen peninsula (74.72 km)
Day 7: Ängelholm -> Skummerslövsstrand, via Bjärre peninsula (66.28 km)
Day 8: Skummerslövsstrand -> Helsingborg (81.29 km)
Day 9: Rested in Helsingborg
Day 10: Helsingborg -> Hofterup (36.37 km)
Day 11: Hofterup -> Lund, then train to Malmö in the afternoon (50 km)
Day 12: Malmö -> Falsterbo (46.32 km)
Day 13: Falsterbo -> Trelleborg, ferry -> Travemünde (36.21 km)
Day 14: Travemünde -> Lübeck (32.07 km)

Total distance was about 573.7 km.

Photos will follow once I’ve finished the last roll of film, had them processed, and gotten around to scanning them. Found myself shooting a lot less than last year – only 5 rolls. More time cycling, less time shooting.

Update: Photos now up on My Gallery – some stuff that I’m proud of, but definitely less than last year

Writing about MTB blog from Chris May’s blog

Well, lycra may sux if u’re a k3wl MTB‘er, but I’ve just got a pair of lycra shorts for my impending cycle tour through scandinavia… And I have to say, I like it! :)
I don’t normally like clingy clothes, but the lycra is skin-tight without exerting any pressure on you. It’s quite odd, but rather pleasant ;-)

Follow-up to A Mild Rubber Obsession from Group IV

And this stuff has now turned up! Including my very own gimp bag :-)

Not that I’m hoping for rain, but I thought that all waterproof stuff was probably a sensible plan. All we need to do now is work out a route…

(Originally written 2004–06-23 19:11)

Well, plastic, but close enough :-)

Since I’ve now booked the boat to Cuxhaven, to go cycling through Denmark with Andrea in the summer, I decided to order the rest of the set of Ortlieb bike gear. Already have the excellent Back-Roller Plus rear panniers, and have now ordered a pair of Front Roller Plus’, a Rack-Pack, and an Ultimate 3 handlebar bag, all from the very friendly Unterwegs outdoor shops in Germany. Expecting my package within the next few days :-)

Saved quite a bit ordering in Germany, but paid by credit card (rather than debit) who charge a 2.25% comission which I’d forgotten about. Booo. Still saved a bit compared to buying in the UK, and free postage too. Yay!