stapfam

Spent a day sorting bikes. First of all there was the new bike for Son-in-law (Ross) All those bits to fit. Pedals- computer- mud-catchers- Saddle wedge. Then the try out up the street and down to the LBS. New shoes for him as he reckoned Purple SPD's don't fit his image. And a new Water/ wind proof as he has put on a bit of weight since he was last riding so I might get the ones he borrowed 3 years ago back now. Then final tweaking and he is ready for tomorrow. The bianchi just needing tyre pressure check and fitting the garmin edge mount so that is ready.

Then I took Ross out on a road ride- just to get his legs in. Put him on the TCR with me on Boreas. He realised within 100 yards why I have a road bike. That TCR flies along but he came up with the same thought as me. TCR is Skittish. Swopped over bikes and he put it that the Boreas is no slower but is like comparing a Rolls To a Ford. Both do the job but the Boreas is an easier ride with more comfort. Just to really make him realise why I got the TCR- I sent him out on the OCR. Slightly different set up- but (His comments) The bike works- but not aswell as the other two. Gears are no where near as crisp- Steering is steady but slow and it takes a lot of effort to get it moving. Once up to speed- it is good but getting it there is hard.

After his last comment- Can't wait to get him up the "Easy" Route to the top of the hills tomorrow. 15% for 1 mile and it will be tricky with plenty of loose flints mixed with clay and sticky chalk. At least when we get to the top- I will have an excuse to take him down to the cafe for a decent Breakfast.

Digital Gee

Well, I learned a new word today: fettling!

[From Middle English fetlen, to make ready, possibly from Old English fetel, girdle.]

Retro Grouch 

Here and I thought it had something to do with St. Valentine's Day. I'm disappointed.

Tom Bombadil

I hadn't heard it before either. I was hoping it was some kind of English tradition that we could all take up. Like killing a duck and preparing it in some hearty stout with a bouquet of apples.

In any case, Happy Fettling Day to All!

stapfam

Fettling is commonly used as a term by Country trademen for when they are checking- repairing and adjusting items to get them to work properly. It is the final stage of setting things up. But A new bike out with a Re-Cycling rider and I dare say a fair bit of fettlindg will be done on the trail tomorrow.

TruF 

One reason I love reading the Economist is that I learn a new word each week. For example, only the Brits would say "defenestration" instead of "throwing someone out a window."

Stepfam - Are you going to use some of that quality riding time with son-in-law to teach him about wives and marriage? i.e. surviving Valentine's Day?

stapfam

As far as I am concerned- he has it right. It's the daughter that has it wrong.

And I would never say "defenestration"- I still don't know what it means. If I am going to throw someone out of the window- Then he had better be a lot smaller than me.

And looking at the origin of the word- It must come from the Link to the french Language with Fenetre meaning window. Sounds a bit like a "Bushism" To me.

rainycamp

It appears that Stapfam has his bikes in fine fettle.

BengeBoy 

And I thought fettling involved fetlocks.

Artkansas 

And not related to the Duchy of Grand Fenwick.

maddmaxx 

Ohhhhhh. I just spelled Fettling backwards and now I get it.

Old School

Is that similar to playing a Beatles' record backwards and hearing "John is dead"?

cccorlew

Cadfael

Tis a fine 'owd English word... to fix, to sort out.

A common form of greeting in Lancashire is 'Now then! 'Owd Fettler!"

Um... 'owd = Old

stapfam

We are a common country divided by completely different dialects. Spent my youth on farms up in the Dales (Yorkshire Dales) so at least I can act as translator sometimes. Or perhaps, as I now live in Sussex, That should be "As translator somewhen".