D’Andy transcendent
You might wonder how it’s possible to improve on riding in the Surrey Hills. One man thinks he’s found the answer.
Regular readers – but more importantly regular riders – will know D’Andy. Since joining the us back in June 2010 he has been a stalwart of the Moles, a man who modestly lists his interests as ‘toad-sexing and the restoration of vintage harmoniums’. He has been, at the very least, entertaining.
D’Andy has introduced us to the limits of Univegas, On-Ones, Paces, Santa Cruzes, Cannondales and all sorts of other bikes. He’s introduced us to the limits of our livers (well, mine at least) as well as broadening our appreciation for Wales if not the Welsh. Last but not least, he’s introduced us to a version of Dandyism that has re-defined the life of a modern fop, not just through bold sartorial choices but in his highly aesthetic approach to gainful employment.
What hopes can inspire a man who already appears to be ‘living the dream’? What challenges can drive a man to strive ever onwards? What opportunities can rouse a man from his metaphorical hearth, cause him to kick off his slippers and ‘knock out his pipe’ one last time?
Well, a relocation to Vancouver for a start. Which is quite a commute.
D’Andy is leaving us, at least until we can blag a trip to Canada. However you know him – as Andy, D’Andy, Dandini, the Dandyman or anything else – we wish him bon voyage.
Here’s a few of his highlights…
About the author
Matt is one of the founding Molefathers of the Muddymoles, and is the designer and main administrator of the website.
Having ridden a 2007 Orange Five for many years then a 2016 YT Industries Jeffsy 29er, he now rocks a Bird Aether 9 and a Pace RC-627.
An early On-One Inbred still lurks in the back of the stable as a reminder of how things have moved on. You can even find him on road bikes - currently a 2019 Cannondale Topstone 105 SE, a much-used 2011 Specialized Secteur and very niche belt drive Trek District 1.
If you've ever wondered how we got into mountain biking and how the MuddyMoles started, well wonder no more.
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Tony says:
Matt let us not forgot the sterling work he has done surveying the A&E departments of numerous hospitals up and down the UK, plus keeping the “Pace Frame warranty department” in regular business over the years. With out even mentioning the cafes of the Surrey hills now looking worriedly at their balance sheets. Slack on D’Andy!
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Posted on January 11, 2017 at 7:37 am
Matt says:
You’re absolutely right Tony, the man is a one-man cycle economy. I also omitted his recent work with the “Santa Cruz warranty department”. Somehow I don’t think it will be his last.
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Posted on January 11, 2017 at 9:29 am
Karl says:
Will miss him immensely. His huge character enhances every ride.
A brave choice from a brave man. An exciting new life in VC beckons.
Good luck, and good fun in the New World D’Andy.
🙂
Nice piece Matt.
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Posted on January 11, 2017 at 9:59 am
Dandy says:
Aww, shucks. I feel quite embarrassed and a little emotional reading this. The good thing is that I’ve been so busy trying (and failing) to extricate myself from the last 30+ years of British life and all the possessions and admin that entangles us all, that only occasionally have I been able to pause and think, “WTF have I done?” I’ve had a few second thoughts, but the move acquired its own momentum a couple of months ago and it’s now like watching a slow motion motorway pile up.
I’ve very much enjoyed the company of you all, though to tolerate some of you I’ve had to finish the ride at a pub and down a few swift ‘uns to regain my equilibrium (or in Jem’s case, to gain then immediately lose it again). Many of you clearly felt the same about your fellow Moles, as I never seemed to be drinking alone.
My initial work permit is for three years, though the role is a permanent one so I may well extend the stay. I will be back in May to help relocate my son once he’s returned from his stint at sea, so I will looking to borrow a bike and make a guest appearance (don’t worry, if I bend it I’ll mend it). Meanwhile, I’ll be scouting out the North Shore and other BC trails, ready for a future Mole invasion. Finally, I hope to see many of on Friday for a final, “Until we drink again” (not goodbye). Cheers
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Posted on January 11, 2017 at 1:17 pm
Tony says:
At least you D’Andy have plenty of experience looking at slow motion (cycling) pile ups …… boooom tish!!!!
On another note I love the picture above where you have gone off piste/ of the bike so far that only your legs are visible – fabulous shot
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Posted on January 11, 2017 at 7:16 pm
Matt says:
I did have a lot of laughs digging out these pics! Good times.
The one with just Andy’s legs had me unsure if it was him for a while. It was only Ellie and the Pace that gave it away!
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Posted on January 11, 2017 at 8:14 pm
StevenD says:
That is at ‘old’ Swinley before the yellow brick road was built.
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Posted on January 14, 2017 at 4:30 pm
Jemster says:
Well D’Andy, sad to see you go but you should never stand in the way of a hard working man! Cough!
I’m sure it will Vancouver’s gain (especially the bars and bottle shops).
Have you thought who may take the hounary title of chief slacker and cake sampler?
Always a good person to be around and have a beer with.
Bon Voyage to you and remember ” you Can’t say C@!T in Canada”!
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Posted on January 11, 2017 at 10:23 pm
Big al says:
When away a Wales Dandy gave Wobbem some advice on becoming 50 years old .
1/ Take a piss whenever possible!!!
2/ Never push a FART !!!
3/ Never Waste an Erection even when you are no your Own !!!
Sound Advice 🙂
I’m 50 next month!!!
Dandy your be missed
Top Bloke !!!!!
Al
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Posted on January 12, 2017 at 12:22 am
Terry says:
Dandy a man who never fails to impress. Work life balance spot on and a liver any rock star would be proud off. Vancouver will need to stock up on quality reds and specialty beers. All the very best for your new adventure Son. ?
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Posted on January 12, 2017 at 12:02 pm
Kev says:
I’m not sure the Canadians are ready for The Slack Ones own particular “style” of dressing but they will just have to man up and prepare to be amazed/confused/shocked with his carefully chosen outfits!
To his credit though he is one of the few people I have witnessed falling off his bike at slow speed in a straight line on a flat wide track! 🙂
All hail the Slack One, he will be missed.
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Posted on January 12, 2017 at 3:40 pm
Chrissy E says:
D’andy I’ve always said you lead a life that I aspire to one day have. Always appearing to be riding a new bike and rarely working! This is a prime example! Just remember to say ‘eh? At the end of ever sentence and embrace the Tim Horton’s. I’ll see you in Whistler soon! Chrissy aka little big mouth
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Posted on January 12, 2017 at 6:20 pm
Dandy says:
Let me know when you’re next in BC, I hope to have found heaps of new trails where I can continue to fall off in style !
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Posted on January 12, 2017 at 7:53 pm
Tony says:
D’Andy – don’t forget to get a place in Vancouver with a spare room or two and a 140-150mm Norco or Kona spare bike, in large please… the Moles are coming… I’m already looking at my trips to North America next year!
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Posted on January 13, 2017 at 10:07 am
Matt says:
I hope to find an excuse at some point too 🙂
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Posted on January 13, 2017 at 10:41 am
Related: Ride report: Saturday 8 June - D'andy ride | Rides | Muddymoles: Mountain biking (MTB) in the Surrey Hills and Mole Valley