The things we do for a new bike!
Following a post a few weeks back in ‘The Mole Hole’, some of you will be aware that I have succumbed to ‘I’m eligible for another bike under the Bike-2-Work scheme and I just can’t say no’ syndrome. This increases my bike fleet to 7.
So, how to break the good news to La Dandina, who is of the opinion that I can’t possibly need another bike? And why am I looking so pleased with myself in this picture? All will be revealed…
Out in the French Alps on a late skiing holiday with both La Dandina and the Dandinetta, I found what I thought was the perfect opportunity to take advantage of some recently accrued goodwill to mention bike number 7.
Without supplying too much detail, I found myself crawling out of bed at 00.30 and dragging a very cold and reluctant Saab out of its (relatively) warm underground car park onto the slippery roads coated with two inches of snow. For ‘reluctant Saab’ read ‘reluctant Dandy’. I dutifully rescued a ‘tired and emotional’ Dandinetta and returned her to the safety of our apartment.
Having braved the wild and dangerous terrain lurking outside, I felt able to accept the adulation and gratitude of La Dandina for rescuing our precious daughter. Would now be a good time to mention that I’ve signed up for another bike, I ventured?
Thinking I’d got away with it, not much more was said about this new addition, and on occasion I began to think through the routes that a combination of weak legs and a single speed would allow.
Somehow, on Wednesday afternoon we found ourselves in the ‘Snow Park’ with a variety of drops and jumps to sample. I’m not sure I can recall how exactly, but the conversation became, “If you don’t want to ski the waterslide then you don’t want another bike!” Our skiing party all agreed that if I didn’t ‘man up’ for the slide, then I shouldn’t have the new bike 🙁
Prudently I handed my Blackberry, wallet and spare rubbish to a startled La Dandinetta. Without too much thinking, it was “On the piste again!” for my battlecry, before heading off down the slope. After a couple of small checks (see video ) it was time to let the skis run and take my chances. As you can see in the link, I successfully won the right to Bike No. 7.
Les Arcs water splash April 2013 from Dandy Mole on Vimeo.
Now, how to explain to La Dandina the appearance of a Troy Lee top in the same shade of light blue and orange as the new Cannondale 29er SS ?
About the author
Having been mountain biking since 1996, you might have expected Dandy to have learnt to ride a bike by now. Several broken bones in the last few years prove the maxim that you can't teach an old dog new tricks.
In between hospital visits, Dandy rides a brace of much-blinged Pace RCs, the 'green themed' 405 and the silver & gold 506. His winter hack is the Moles' favourite, an On-One 456 hardtail, now converted to an Alfine hub He also dabbles in 'the dark arts', keeping 2 road bikes in one of his seven sheds.
There are 19 comments on ‘The things we do for a new bike!’
We love to get comments from our readers - if you've spent a few moments to comment, thank-you.
If you haven't had a chance yet, jump to our comments form if you have something to say.
Leave a comment…
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
tony says:
That is possibly the most disappointing video I’ve seen all year! ………………………………………………………………………….I was probably with La’Dandina, the Danettes and all the Moles, hoping for the face first plough through. 🙂
I won’t be able to think about No.7 without thinking of this video. It’s a good job I don’t require forefits for my bikes!
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 8:00 am
Dandy says:
You were hoping for this, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xow33tuNMsk , I guess? Sorry to disappoint, or am I ?
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 8:05 am
Dandy says:
This one is even better for the post-failure hysterical laughter and question http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuTiJedDrs4
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 8:09 am
tony says:
Yes this is exactly what we wanted to see. Highly disappointing. The other videos were great though.
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 8:13 am
Matt says:
For a moment this morning Dandy, having seen your grinning mug on the homepage, I thought we’d been hacked by the Great WordPress botnet of Doom that’s been in the news recently 😉
Great video Dandy, nicely done. You must want that bike bad…
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 8:55 am
Bazza says:
Dandy
so the trick is put your weight back to keep the skis up
so wanted to see you on you’ve been framed….
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 11:23 am
Big al says:
Very impressed Dandy , did the Jedi teach you how to do that ? Heels down !!!!
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 12:02 pm
KevS says:
Sometimes it is better not to comment on these videos!
However … I am sure there must be a new Euro tax for those with 6 bikes and over? 😉
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 12:19 pm
paul901 says:
Sadly Kev only one of those is a tarmac eater. Now if D’Andy had to be a green tax for greenlaning and greenclothing.
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Dandy says:
Actually Paul, 2 are ‘tarmac eaters’; though one of these is my hybrid pub/commute bike 🙁
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 6:12 pm
paul901 says:
Doh.
Be = pay
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 5:50 pm
Daniel Pullen says:
Skills! 🙂
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 9:09 pm
Markymark says:
Quality! SKI’ing, Skiing, waterskiing and a new bike secured all at the same time. You really are ‘SpendingKidsInheritance’ing with that lot Dandy 🙂
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 16, 2013 at 10:37 pm
Andrew AKAK says:
In the top pic it looks like you are preparing for a “birdman” contest with rather optimistic blue netting wings 🙂
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 17, 2013 at 12:07 pm
Dandy says:
Not spotted that, made me chuckle 🙂
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 17, 2013 at 12:10 pm
paul901 says:
The Moles very own Eddie the Eagle?…
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 17, 2013 at 5:46 pm
Karl says:
Fab!!
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 17, 2013 at 9:53 pm
DaveW says:
Awesome Dandy.
Add a new comment, or
Posted on April 20, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Related: Cannondale Trail SL 29er 3 SS - Review - Bikes, Reviews - Muddymoles - Mountain biking in the Surrey Hills and Mole Valley