Giving it some serious love

For the past few months I've been really busy, with work taking over my life, leaving hardly any time to work on any of my bikes. A clean was just about what I'd managed and I've decided there's no way I can carry on like this, neglecting my planned projects.
Therefore, I'm changing some work arrangements and with it, will be able to free up some time to finally convert my living room into a workshop again (or use a proper one!).
Anyhow, since winter's sneaking up on us, I thought it's possibly easier to commute on a SS/fixie. Yes, yes, throw nuts and bolts at me, but I always said I'd like to convert one of my Viscounts to a fixed gear for my own development as a mechanic.

The Indy has always been my favourite bike to do this and that's what I'm going to start with next week. Unfortunately, I can't make up my mind regarding colour. Originally, I'd envisioned to not do anything to the frame, keep it as rusty as it is so it could be locked outside without attracting thieves, but I can't bring myself to do this. It's a Viscount, after all, and they deserve love and respect. You probably remember that I'd also considered to get the frame sand blasted, primed, and lacquered, showing it naked, welding and all. Could work, don't you think? Or, since I'm going to use the mudguards that came with the Victor (red and silver) I may even play with those colours a bit. Seriously, I have no idea yet. All I know is that it'll be an upright riding position and will have a flip flop hub, in case I struggle to go fixed.
Whatever the outcome, I'm pretty sure it'll look awesome.
And I'll keep you updated, of course.

Viscounts' healing properties

Maybe you saw me today, but more likely not; I was out and about on my red flash. Nothing fancy this time, just a few lapse in Regent's Park's outer circle. Whenever I need to clear my head, or just switch off, I will take out one of my bikes and just go for a ride. Any excuse to show off the bikes, right?

My current work horses.

Nevertheless, I've taken leave this week and did a bit of (long overdue) cleaning jobs on the red flash and the Viscountess. My plan to build up either the Lambert or Indy 500 didn't come to fruition as I desperately needed to relax instead of putting myself under even more strains. Don't get me wrong, I love working on my bikes and it always calms me down, but I wanted to make the most of the wonderful weather, feel the warmth of the sun on my skin, the wind in my hair, and the rhythmic movements of my legs when pedalling.

On Wednesday, I went along the towpath to the Limehouse, a route I always enjoy, without failure, and I hardly met another soul--perfect for just diving into your own little world, mulling things over, while enjoying the landscape. Experiencing it on a trusted Viscount was, of course, the best of all. I know I'm repeating myself, but those bikes are just so comfortable to ride, and I feel like we're basically becoming one. In addition to this, I see people doing a double take whenever I show up with one of my bikes, even the rather battered looking blue Sport gets some admiring looks. I can't wait to get this done up next year to reveal it's real beauty.

So with the now repaired and shiny again red flash, I went to Camden and once I got into the zone, I just let go of anything that bothered me; instead I kept a steady pace and enjoyed the effect it had on me. For the entire two hours I could feel the smile stretching over my face ... wonderful! Whenever I looked down and saw the wheels turning, the smile grew wider: nothing beats a mirror polished hub in the sun, the sound of tyres on the road, the chain running smoothly over the cogs--the whole bike is a dream to ride.

Yep, still going strong! The bike!

I arrived home feeling a lot better and happier. If you asked me, riding one of those bikes should be available on prescription. ;-)