bikes and things

After using my Timbuk2 messenger bag for commuting to and from work since I guess 2001 my back has finally decided that this type of bag isn’t such a great idea. The combination of laptop, papers and notebook for work, d-lock as well as camera stuff is pretty heavy and the single strap doesn’t really distribute it very well.

So, I spent a while hunting down a nice rucksack. I bought one from Snow and Rock last week but it really was horrid for cycling. Great for walking or looking like a German tourist but not so hot for the daily commute. So I’ve gone with this one, the Hemlock from Timbuk2. I had to order it from the US and of course pay duty and VAT but so glad I did. It’s huge, waterproof and looks pretty bombproof. Just the job I reckon. Shame there’s no reflective tags like the courier bags but never mind. Been using it for the last few days and I love it. Much easier on my back!

Hopefully this one will last just as long as the last one!

Updated: Actually it’s not properly waterproof as I found out last night. Need to keep a plastic bag inside it for those torrential downpours. The lack of reflective bits is actually really annoying!

Updated 2: Long term use isn’t great. The right hand strap has just gone so sending it back.

Matt Pickersgill had a nasty crash a while ago. Not sure I’d want to see the footage if I’d done that much damage to myself!

The daily commute is starting to feel like there are people out to get me.

I had to go over to Brockley this morning to collect some paperwork from my boss. Some woman pulled out of a side street almost taking me clean off my bike and just drove off. Chased after her but she didn’t understand why I was quite so shaken up. “Why are you going mental?” – “errr because you almost killed me!”

Then on the ride over Waterloo Bridge there was an ambulance and police car attending to a guy who had been hit by a bus. His front wheel was pretty screwed but he looks like he had a lucky escape! It sent a chill down my spine for the rest of the ride in as I was almost knocked off there by an idiot bus driver a few weeks ago. This bit below is so dangerous as the buses come up the hill then swing in for the bus stop without looking.

View Larger Map

Not to mention the three people who seemed to want to throw themselves under my wheels stepping out in front. Anyway, for once I’m glad to be at my desk! Bring on the cooler weather.

On the way to work yesterday I saw another horrific scene at Oval. A lorry in the middle of the road and police and ambulances around. Apparently a woman died after being dragged under the wheels. The driver was also over the limit according to early reports. My thoughts are with her family.

This seems to be happening more a more regularly on my way to work. The additional lorries that arrive with the Olympics are not going to help either.

Loving riding the fixed right now and feeling a bit fitter. 20 miles a day can’t be bad can it? Also the subject of today’s picture – Day 179. How time flies eh?

Day 163 of 365, originally uploaded by Andy*Matthews.

Back riding the fixed again round town. Love it although riding a lot slower than the road bike. Had a few stop pedalling moments too. Oops.

Sometimes mine can be a little hectic but not quite this bad. Via Gavin.

Great concise article on the benefits of different lenses and focal lengths. Not too technical, not too long and boring and illustrated with pictures. 

Seb Rogers: mountain bike photography: Choosing the right lens.

I cycled past this scene this morning on my way to work. Horrific to see and my thoughts are with the girl and her family. 

Breaking News: Cyclist Run Over by Lorry in Peckham – Londonist: London News, Food, Arts & Events.