Hello, hello. My apologies for being quiet recently; the reason being was my being extremely ... err busy challenged with the 'secret mission' bike I was building for the rally. And, to be honest, there was a point when I thought I would need to give up and take the red flash. Luckily, I got the bike ready, literally last minute, even though it missed the final touches (fine tuning). Feel free to admire the newest addition of my fleet here.
A teaser: picture courtesy of John
Anyway, with the bike ready for take off, I went to sleep one last time before the big event.
I woke filled with excitement: finally, the day of the Death Fork Rally 2 had arrived. I'd only waited a year for that day to come. Okay, I have to say that getting up at 5am didn't really sound enticing, but the anticipation of meeting the guys I've been chatting and e-mailing with over the last twelve months, had me leaping out of bed and into the shower. And it wasn't long until I was heading to Euston station, tired yet wide awake, happiness flooding through me; I had great expectations, but somehow knew that they'd be met.
My cheery mood was only dampened by the mere fact that the bolts which hold the outer chain ring and the crank arm together, took on a life of their own by coming loose every few miles; that meant I had to stop every now and again and re-tighten them--not ideal if you have a train to catch. Good thing I packed a set of spanners and a flat-head screw driver, wasn't it?
I arrived at the camp site at about ten-ish, I think. Could have been there much earlier, but true to my sense of direction--or better lack thereof--I was anxiously riding back and forth the road the camp was on, still missing it. I could, of course, just blame the rain, but nobody would believe me anyway. Yeah, yeah, joke's on me. :-)
Everyone was already busy pouring (pun not intended) over the Viscounts and Lamberts which had been lined up against a fence, ready to go on a group ride. And, boy, what a sight! Some had brought two or even three bikes, and Jem, who kindly organised everything, had brought his Trusty folder in mint condition; it became our I'll-quickly-cycle-over-to-the-other-side-of-the-(small)-camp bike. I think it's fair to say that it was the most popular bike.
Nice legs there!
Even bad weather can't put us off
Mate, those wheels are original!
Tentville
Viscounts and Lamberts everywhere
After greeting hugging everyone, I started to take every bike for a spin. My mission was to ride every single one, but I kept being side-tracked by new arrivals, more greeting and hugging, and chatting, that I'm sure I've missed a few. Be warned: I'll come for your bikes next year!
Just before we left we took a group photo--certainly a must.
That's at least 16 bikes preserved
Stoatie, the unlucky sod, had a puncture just a minute after starting, but he fixed it in no time and caught up with us soon after. I'm still puzzled as to how he did that and secretly believe he's got super powers. Those, however didn't protect him from getting a second puncture about ten miles in; this time, the sealant worked its magic and we all breathed a sigh of relief as we felt for the poor man. The route was rather beautiful and scenic; quiet--albeit a bit rough--paths through the fields and some curvy roads away from heavy traffic; we even had some rather enjoyable descents. Everyone made an effort trying to chat to one another, moving from person to person in order to get to know each other, or just say hi. Every now and again we were overtaken by two of them who took great pleasure in taking pictures and videos of 'the pack'.
The results can be seen hereandhere.
We stopped at a pub for more chatting, some ales, lagers, and food, before hopping back onto the saddles for the second half of the 24-mile-ride.
Now, even the sun had made an appearance, which was greatly appreciated by everyone. Here's a video one of us took for our Viscount and Lambert club friends from the US and Down Under, and those who couldn't make it.
Once back at the camp we said goodbye to the day-trippers, but not before Steve had ridden the Viscountess. I think the smile speaks for itself.
Not sure what he's looking for, but ...
... the bike got his approval
Those of us who stayed went out for a well-earned dinner. There were some good inclines on the ride, but everyone kept up just fine. The evening ended with us sitting in a large tent, discussing ideas for next year's Death Fork Rally, while having a lager or cider, before we scattered to find our night rest.
What can I say? I've thoroughly enjoyed the past two days and am very much looking forward to DFR3 2015
My friend Tom keeps teasing me about my Viscount affection (he purposely pronounces it Vis-count, stressing the s), which is probably due to the fact that I won't stop talking about them, or making him ride my bikes, or unloading tons of fantastic and curious facts onto him, which he duly--albeit often with eyes rolling back into his sockets due to information overload--suffers through.
He's also the one I'm doing the Kona Cinder Cone up with, an apprentice bike mechanic--although far too capable to be an apprentice if you ask me. At heart, however, he's a motorcyclist, has been since he was a wee little lad and therefore understands being crazy about things.
Now, yesterday, something interesting happened: on the way from the bike shop back to my house (I'd invited him for dinner) he suddenly insisted on riding my blue Sport! Huh? You voluntarily want to ride a bike with no motor? What's wrong with you?
And off he went, going through all gears, checking the brakes and, eventually, doing what he does with every bike he sits his arse on: doing a few wheelies. (For those of you who have no clue what that is: it's lifting the front up and riding on the back wheel.) That's my Viscount's wheelie virginity taken care of. And it survived. Unfortunately, I wasn't quick enough to get my camera ready in time. Doh! Will deliver a wheelie picture when I make him ride the Red Flash.
Tom taking my Viscount for a spin
And the result is a big smile.
The blue one is currently my favourite bike, since I feel it's an easy ride. I guess it's got to do with the skip tooth freewheel and the brakes are as sharp as disk brakes. Beautiful!
Anyway, Tom always said he wanted to see my 'workshop', which is essentially my flat and couldn't stop shaking his head about the many parts, frames, and bikes I have--a woman with a true obsession. And I'm proud of it! It's like a bug: you buy one Viscount, learn a few facts about them, then you start to dig deeper and will most certainly end up with a few of those fabulous bikes.
As many people I've told about those bikes, Tom has started to show some interest and was quite smitten by my NOS TitlistGS derailleur; not surprisingly, though, as it's a bit of rather sexy kit. By the way, I'll be picking up a Titlist front mech from my mate and Viscount family member John (he has even more bikes than I have), which will, after mirror polishing, go on the rally bike.
Before
Currently. You can see my reflection in the chain ring, but it's not there yet.
Speaking of mirror polishing: it's a bit of a pain in the backside and a task I don't have much patience for. Nevertheless, it needs to be done. I have the kit for the drill, with buffing wheels and compounds, but without a workshop with a vice, it's a disaster waiting to happen. I've 'borrowed' a bit of workshop space which has a grinder with buffering wheels and did a big of polishing there, but it's difficult to get into the corners and reach all the angles, which means it's probably better to do it by hand. And here's where Tom's experience will come in handy. All I want for the rally bike is to stand out with it beauty, the shiny parts, and I'm quite sure it'll ride as perfectly as it'll look.
Only two weeks to go!
And I'm getting more and more excited with every day passing. I've even thought about chiseling marks into my bed post for the count down, but that would possibly be a tad over the top. Still, it's going to be end of this month and I still have a bike to build for this special event. Got the frame powder coated, the transfers sorted, the bottom bracket tool repaired, parts and accessories waiting to be put on the bike--did I mention I'm excited?
And I'd love to share pictures of the bike, to woo you, to make your jaw hit the floor, your eyes pop out, and heart beat faster, but I'll have to contain myself as the master piece won't be revealed until the day itself. One thing I can promise you is that this is a very special Viscount; one the world has never seen before. Oh, yeah, I'm on a secret mission. Appetite whetted?
Well, tough, you'll have to wait! I can reveal one part that'll go on the bike:
Sexy Titlist GS rear derailleur for a Viscount
Yes, that's right, a NOS Shimano Titlist GS rear derailleur, which has finally landed safely in my loving hands, after over four weeks of waiting for it. Trust me, I feel as if I haven't left my spot on the window for the past two weeks, looking out for the postman. The floor shows signs of wear ...
So happy it made it in one piece, as did the BB tool, by the way. Which I'll test drive tomorrow before fitting Joe's BB. I'm still working enticing him to come to the rally. What better place would there be to show off a newly restored Lambert?
And to any of you who are reading and would like to come, please check out this forum thread.
On the 6th of July last year was the first ever Death Fork Rally (DFR), a get together of Viscount and Lambert owners, initiated by Busaste, the God of all things relatedViscount or Lambert; a walking knowledge base, if you will. From what I've heard and seen, if was a huge success; everyone enjoyed a wonderful--albeit rather hot--day out, and pouring over each others' bikes. Unfortunately, I couldn't make it, but promised, myself and the guys--and girl, to be there this year. And boy am I excited to go! I've 'known' the guys from the forum since June last year, and have conversed with quite a few via e-mail, even met some of them, and I can vouch for their loveliness. All of them are welcoming and helpful if you have problems or questions. Nothing's too much for the lot.
So if you have a Lambert or Viscount, and fancy to meet some other enthusiasts, then please note down this day: 28th of June 2014.
Here's the wonderful poster the lovely wife of Triitout made:
We haven't agreed on an event yet, but it's going to be somewhere in the midlands, with easy access by either train or car, and with a possibility to stay overnight. For further information and updates, please visit: Viscount and Lambert boards.
This, or something along the lines, is what I'd shout at anyone I spot riding a Viscount. Of course, even though risking to look like a complete twat. Do I care? Not so much; I'm on a mission.
Today was the first really warm--almost hot--day after the winter, and surely, I was out on my red flash, in shorts and the Viscount jersey. How could I not?
I awoke rather early; and was all excited to get out and ride in bright sunshine, under blue sky. Bliss. After first a fruit salad and then a healthy fry up (does that even exist?), all accompanied with about two litres of fluid, I set off towards Richmond Park. I know last time I said I'm tired of the route leading to Battersea Park but, as you know, I'm a direction-challenged person, and I figured from Battersea to Richmond should be easy.
Break in Battersea Park
Well, I never arrived in Richmond Park. Any more questions? No, I thought so. Upset with my lack of orientation I decided to do one or two lapse in Hyde Park, then cycle home over Camden's outer circle. While trying to find Hyde Park, I saw a guy riding on a very familiar brand of bike: yes, a Viscount. I went head to head with him and asked--no, almost demanded for him to stop. You know when I see another Viscount in the wild, I get so giddy, I lose control over my actions. Luckily, he and his girlfriend understood that it's genuine passion pouring out of me, and forgave my 'attack'. I think if my eyes lit up a little bit more, you could start a fire with them.
Lovely blue Viscount Tony Doyle edition
The (un)lucky Viscount owner
It's was a lovely Tony Doyle and seemed to be all original. He had a few problems with his hubs and bottom bracket, but after a quick check I assured him that he needs to get them serviced and it'll be fine.
I've also invited him to the Death Fork Rally 2 which will take place on the 28th of June 2014 somewhere in the midlands. I think the event is still open yet, but we're working on it. By we I mean a few make suggestions and we agree or not. ;-)
Anyhow, I cycled for about 3.5 hours, I think, but had quite a few involuntary breaks (when I got lost again or met someone and had a quick chat).
Oh, and I'll be ordering a blue jersey, soon, as the wonderful Sean has sent the parcel with the rather wonderful shiny--as opposed to my Indy's--parts, which means I'll hopefully cycle around on the blue Indy conversion with a flip flop hub using said donation. It'll be a blast.
