This week the Doc comes clean about his old friend Bernard
I am going to examine two classic roadie obsessions and their intersection in the mind of my friend Bernard. Bernard is not usually a good model on which to base generalisations about cyclists, because while for the most part cyclists are a happy, carefree bunch, Bernard hasn’t been happy since the introduction of 8-speed gears rendered his favourite back wheel obsolete in 1994. But in the areas under scrutiny here, he is something of an expert.
Obsession number one is cleanliness. Not you, your bike. A brief spell in the national squad acquainted me with a team mechanics’ policy, which was: “The mechanics will not clean or work on your bike unless it is spotless and in perfect working order.” I’m not exaggerating, that’s what it said. It sounds like a bit of legislation devised by a mechanic who liked a quiet life, but the message is clear: no matter how clean you think it is, it can be cleaner.
“That thing is disgusting,” said Bernard when we met for a ride last week.
“What is it now?” I said.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 28 2016-Ausgabe von CYCLING WEEKLY.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der July 28 2016-Ausgabe von CYCLING WEEKLY.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
"We tore around the Sydney suburbs at 60kph in a terrifying, feral pack"
Fast, furious and furry tales from Australia
RIDDEN AND REVIEWED BROMPTON G LINE £2,499
A Brompton for running riot in both town and country
How do different gravel conditions impact your tyre choice?
There are a myriad of tyres on the market but selecting the right one is easier than you think
FEAST OF SWEDEN
Soon after landing in Gothenburg, I began to realise how little I knew about Sweden.
THE WORLD'S GREATEST GRAVEL EVENTS
Globe-trotting gravel racer Joe Laverick chooses his eight favourite events, from coastal Wales to the wilds of Kenya
THE CALL OF THE WILD
Tempted to embark on a long-distance bike adventure? Let former round-the-world record holder and author Julian Sayarer inspire you to strike out and hit the road
Saint Piran accused of using non-UCI legal bikes
Cornish team also alleged to owe former staff tens of thousands of pounds
JOE LAVERICK GETTING INTO THE FEED ZONE
I've ridden through hundreds of feed zones in my time racing a bike.
Lowden not ready to stop after retirement
Former Hour record holder eyes UK time trial scene
Pogačar makes history (again) at Lombardia
Slovenian makes it four in a row at the late-season Italian Monument
