July 2009
July 31
On Wednesday I was taking a photo of a Trabant ‘Pappe’ 601 when I noticed “some prat” driving along with a large roll poking the best part of a metre out the side window. I just managed to capture it:
And here’s the Trabant:
Yesterday I happened upon this Citroën DS:
July 27
As part of the Colchester Cycle Champions team, I was at the Cancer Research UK Race for Life held in Wivenhoe Park on Sunday. Over two-thousand runners turned out hoping to raise a staggering £140,000. We had the Blendavenda there, and hundreds of smoothies were produced by pedal-power alone!
- Video of Race for Life start
- Video of Blendavenda
July 16
Came across this parking facility for bicycles yesterday, outside the Newsquest offices on North Hill, Colchester.
July 11
I would seriously discourage anyone with a bicycle from going anywhere near Cycle King Colchester after the service I received on mine…
The job was to replace the chain, freewheel, and bearings (in rear wheel), for which I paid £63.24.
Upon collection my wireless computer was malfunctioning, the rear wheel not spinning properly, the chain rubbing on the frame, and had paint and oil covering parts of it.
I went back and told them of the problems to which I got no where: “the computer must be faulty, the oil and paint was already there”, etc. The attitude of the staff — “mechanic” Michael Downes in particular — was appalling; condescending and unwilling to accept responsibility.
The faults were eventually rectified (after three visits in all) but received no apology for the way I was treated or the sub-standard service received. And I am left to deal with the bare framework as a result of their work.
Turns out they aren’t Cytech Accredited, but a bunch of cowboys pretending to be professionals.
If you live in Colchester and need your bike repaired or serviced, visit instead ‘Dr Bike’, Matthew Lawford, who is based in Wivenhoe and crucially Cytech Accredited, meaning you will receive the highest standard of work.
July 9
Derek of Re~Cycle made a wonderful discovery of an old (1979) ‘Cyclist Training Scheme’ booklet (seemingly produced by RoSPA), covering just about everything you could possibly need to know to get cycling.
July 7
Four years on from the London bombings, and still no public inquiry. Meanwhile a permanent memorial to the 52 victims will be opened in Hyde Park later today.
Entries made in June.