I've just joined the CR list, I'm Mark Lawrence a thirty year old studying Biological Anthropology at Durham University, in Stockton on Tees UK, soon to begin a Medical program to become a Doctor I hope. There is quite a healthy cycling scene here, built around clubs like the CTC as opposed to shops (since the bike shops here are tiny and very few have websites).
I ride mainly alone at my own pace in the hilly North York Moors. The landscape is good and the climbs pretty varied (we have a one or two 25%ers). I like to go fast - I suppose even the old timers go fast around here. My bicycle is a Jack Taylor Superlight Tourist with Sachs/Maillard f&r hubs, Alesa rims, Sachs crankset and an eightspeed block (Shimano).
Norman Taylor and Ken Taylor, of the Jack Taylor brothers, cycling men in case you haven't heard of them, are a bit like uncles, although we are not blood related. I know a few people on the CR list because I've been selling Taylor bikes to them. So far all has gone well, with only one (hopefully delayed) missing post - just wait Troy.
I've been to the states once, I spent five days in New York and did as much as I could - a great city, you can walk everywhere - I'm no greenhorn I sense what's dangerous there - the supermarkets! How can there be so much variety? You can eat yourself to death! I stayed on the upper west side, near the Natural History Museum and the profound Cathedral of St John the Divine.
I've just completed my academic year so I am busier with bicycle things than ever before. Are you familiar with Alessandro Jerseys at http://www.vintagevelos.com He (Alex Clark Clarke@datazug.ch ) could be interested in producing a "Jack Taylor Cycles" merino wool jersey. They would make nice gifts to someone very special, or who has been a really good friend. They cost about $100 each, so I'm not commisioning these; Alex would make and sell them for his own profit. He wants to know the level of interest in these items. Contact me and him with any ideas.
If any one is in this part of the world and wishes for a tour or a bed then drop me a line.
Nice to belong,
Mark Lawrence
Stockton on Tees