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1000 Xmas Kms: A Ride with K. House

By Graeme Raeburn • 4th January 2010 11:14am • Posted in Misc

SUNDAY 27th DECEMBER

Distance: 120k (inc. a long route home)
Weather: Cold and blustery but relatively clear, we escape the forecasted showers.
Route: A loop south from Canterbury, over the cliffs around Dover and back (inc. crossing a section of the '94 TdF route).

Another early start to make it across town and get a train to Canterbury, but I'm relieved to see the heavy showers aren't materialising and I feel a lot better than yesterday.

I meet Kristian as he's prepping his bike (with such familiarity he could have done it blindfolded). He outlines the route we're going to be taking before rolling off.

The area is rich with history and as we ride Krisitan points out places of interest, including where he grew up and where family members had worked. He rides steady and fluid, often chatting as we climb (me mostly listening on the hills…) talking about his year, winter training, and the coming season, in an open and genuine way.

I take the opportunity to ask him about our products, what's good, what he likes and, more importantly, if there's anything we could improve or that's missing from the range - It's fantastic to have this level of input into the design and development process.

Also, being from Kent, I know the type of short and lumpy roads we're riding; brisk, steep climbs - including one at 22% - twisting, quiet, organic roads, often covered in unpredictable, washed-out debris. It was an eye-opener seeing the conditions a National Champion was riding in. Far from a sunny, exotic training location, this was often with adverse weather whipping in from the North Sea, and Kristian was out every day, including Christmas Day, without fail to get in the miles.

We turn into the headwind, and make our way back to Canterbury over some sharp climbs, me content to sit on Kristian's wheel and take in some of the great scenery under the low winter sun.

I return to London inspired by my time spent with Kristian and looking forward to the year ahead for Rapha Condor Sharp.

High Points:
Great to see some new scenery, and hear Kristian's stories about the area.

Seeing the curious paradox of Kristian's bike; a beautiful machine with personalised detailing, yet simply a tool of utility, there to be used for the job.

Low Points:
The ride only being 3 hours long!
…Cleaning my bike (again).

Comments

Ill Young Lee

4th January 2010 09:43pm

what kind of frame pump do you guys use?

Chris Tree

5th January 2010 08:47am

22%, that wasn't Railway Hill at Barham was it?

Graeme Raeburn

5th January 2010 09:48am

Hi Young Lee, I didn't look too closely - I was more distracted by the Dura Ace SRM Cranks and custom paint job on Kristian's bike - but I think his was a Blackburn. I should probably follow the good example instead of carrying a lightweight mini-pump at this time of year…

Chris, I took a look at a map, and I've a feeling it wasn't Railway Hill, but I might be wrong. Those intense, short climbs are characteristic of the area, great fun when you're in the right mood!

Ben Brown

5th January 2010 10:24am

Looks like a Zefal HPX to me from here - best frame fit pump you can get (that I have used anyway).

Richard Bravo

5th January 2010 02:00pm

Hey Graeme,

What jacket is Kristian wearing in the photo? Is that the winter jersey?

Bravo

Kevin Bennett

5th January 2010 02:12pm

This my area for cycling. I live between Canterbury and Folkestone and those short sharp climbs are unavoidable - but like you said great fun when in the mood (and in the right weather conditions - was a little icy around Barham this morning!) Great area for cycling if you can avoid the rough roads.

Joe Hall

5th January 2010 02:36pm

Hi Richard, the jacket that Kristian wears is the Classic Softshell: http://www.rapha.cc/classic-softshell-jacket/

Chris Tree

5th January 2010 03:27pm

Kevin,

Not far off my area too. I'm the other side of Maidstone and have easy access to the Downs at this end of the county, I often venture down you way too, the climbs either side of the Elham and Wye Vallies are great, "if you're in the mood". And as for the rough roads… dreams of Flanders!

Elliott Clarke

5th January 2010 09:58pm

Hi guys,

Ilive in Rochester and cycle with the Medway Velos. Kent is fantastic place to get good quality training in. Did the Downlands sportive last year and saw Kristian and Tom dash past me. Ride safe you guys!!

Alex Murray

5th January 2010 10:53pm

From the last pic I'd also wager that the pump is the Zefal HPX - http://www.zefal.com/zefal/produit.php?key=73 - an absolute classic and one that I always have on my bike when going further than work and back. Absolutely swear by it for getting a tyre up to pressure without RSI.

Kristian House

11th January 2010 10:04pm

Hey Guys,

Yea its a Zefal HPX-3, great pump for getting your tires back up to proper pressure! But i do carry one of the CO2 cartridges too, just incase it really bad weather and dont want to hang about, or, ehm… get lazy.

Classic Soft Shell Jacket… the best piece of winter kit ive got… although Rapha keep making new things to try and change that… loving the new winter socks as well as the new rain jacket.

It wasnt railway hill ( although thats one ill take you round next time Grahame! ) it was coming out of Elham , kinda heading toward Folkestone. Quite a few short sharp ones round there.

Thanks guys!

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