Life, in timelapse.

 I've loved this song since I first heard it in the early 1980s. It's amazing to think it's been that long: when I first saw the film, its central message seemed to encapsulate a world fraying at the edges. In retrospect, it was actually a golden time compared to the shitshow we're currently living through. Anyway, "The Grid" is the obvious highlight of the record, and its shifting sense of psychedelia has stayed with me ever since. 

Seeing the notation for the song, though, was the moment in which the real importance of the music hit me. It's an unerringly accurate representation of what it feels like inside my mind. Everything is ostinato, and the patterns constantly shift, repeating, jumping, and underlining the power and intensity of the voices within. More than that, the intervals which pulse through those patterns give the impression that the song is moving from half-time to double-time. In reality, of course, the music merely keeps its steady state, moving relentlessly forward. There's a deep sense of wonder to see the shifting components of the song move and fragment - then coalesce once again. It's a dance, and it's the heartbeat of my life. 

What do I ride?

So, I thought it might be good to take a snapshot of my cycling preferences. 

it's been almost three years of intense riding, or tweaking all of my setups, of learning what works for me. This, is all of it.

Shoes: Le Col, also Shimano S-Phyre RC902. 

Socks - Pongo.

Tights - Le Col Aqua zero

Bibs - Le Col lightweight, Le Col indoors, Le Col Pro. La Passione Pro. Wanyudo club kit (Miltag Pro fit)

Jerseys - as above

Helmet - S-Works Prevail II Vent

Computer - Wahoo Elemnt Bolt V.2

HRM - Wahoo Tickr

Trainer - Wahoo Kickr Axis, 2020

Bar Tape - Deda Elementi. Black.

Bars - Giant Contact SLR.

Stem - Giant Contact SL, Specialized S-works, Deda Zero, 110mm

Groupset - Dura Ace 9100, 9150.

Cranks - 50/34, and 52/36 - 170mm

Chain - KMC gold

Brakes - Dura Ace (rim) Ultegra (disc)

Cassette - 11-32

Tyres - Pirelli P-Zero Race, 28mm, also 26mm. Goodyear Eagle, for tubeless, 28mm.

Saddle - Selle San Marco Mantra - various iterations, comfort, Superleggera, Racing Dynamic. Always narrow fit, normally carbon rails. 

Pedals - Assioma Favero Duo power pedals, Look Keo on the trainer, for compatability.

If there's anything I've missed, I'll try and update this list!

 

Museum piece.

 This was a huge surprise - the little fanzine I made in 1985, will end up in a collection in the Museum at Manchester University. 

I really have no idea how this came about, but it feels so bizarre that I can't quite believe it. DWT was my first real attempt at a fanzine, very much inspired by "Groovy Black Shades" (made by Paul Groovy) and "Adventures in Bereznik" (by Simon Bereznik), 'zines which were handed out at gigs I went to, throughout 1984 and 1985. The whole culture of fanzines was very DIY, and inspiring - go out and make your own, get involved! 

So, in the late summer of 1985, when I returned to Lancaster Uni, I got down to business. First, I made collages and cut-outs, from magazines and other found media. Then,I typed out all of the articles, poems, jokes and content, reducing the type so it would fit. Then - painstakingly - it was all assembled and glued together, on two giant "master" pages. These were then photocopied again, so I could fold one huge sheet into a small fanzine. There was a definite plan for distribution, too. These weren't going to be for sale; it was very much a labour of love. I would get a plastic bag full of 'zines, take them to gigs, and give them to people who I hoped would enjoy them. That's why there's a "free?" on the cover. Looking back on my work, it's naive - sure, but it's absolutely in keeping with the way I feel about life and music. you're sharing a little bit of yourself, when you make something like this, and that's the best feeling. I'm gobsmacked that it ended up in a museum, but I'm also enormously proud. 

Bonus points for noticing that DWT ended up as the title of my MP3 blog, a couple of decades later. 

A little pause, for breath.

I had a few days when all of the pressure was really starting to get on top of me. So I withdrew. It kind of helps, but at the same time, it doesn't, if you know what I mean? All you're really doing is kicking that can down the road, but it's essential for your sanity. 

Anyway - back to it. Specifically, organising an American tour,m which is an enormous undertaking. Here's hoping it'll be a blinder.  

Georgie James have been helping me straighten myself out. This is pure comfort, for me. Always has been. 

Skateboarding unlocked my mind

 All these years later, I'm only now starting to understand how much of my life has been shaped by Skating, not just by Skating itself - but by reactions to it and how I looked for the same creativity everywhere. 

Skating taught me that talent wasn't everything - style was. Skills and tricks are fine, but there's an attitude and a flow, which only the greatest skaters have. They display that attitude, even when rolling along, not doing much at all. The video above, of Antwuan Dixon, is a case in point: it's amazing in terms of tricks - hammers, everywhere. But more than that, he is the epitome of a style and flow which is at once effortless yet completely breathtaking to watch. At around 55 seconds, he lays down a nose slide to 270. Every time I see it, I'm stopped in my tracks. It's like he's not even aware of what he's doing or how good he is. He is just....there, in the moment. 

Ever since I stepped on a board, I've been looking for those moments constantly. Not just in Skaters, either: in musicians, TV presenters, actors, friends, and lovers. Do they have that flow, that sense of being at ease, that creative grace? It's like a door you can open to let your true self shine out.