Roving Riders: Swettenham, Cheshire

by James on Jun 11, 2010 in Roving Riders

Photo kindly supplied by GOC member Adam

{ 31 comments… read them below or add one }

The Cycling Photographer June 11, 2010 at 7:11 am

Sir, put your moustache back on! When we met at Te Tweed Run
in town, you were suitably attired with a fine example. Here you
are blatantly…… naked!

Adam June 11, 2010 at 6:23 pm

Alas, Mrs Adam attacked me with a pair of hair clippers mere hours after returning home with ferocity I only normally notice when she sees another woman going for the last pair of “must have shoes”

The Cycling Photographer June 11, 2010 at 7:52 pm

Talking of shoes, what size are you?
Coveting your Dromarti’s……… Ebay?

Adam June 11, 2010 at 8:13 pm

Sir,
I’m shocked that you should suggest such a thing! May I suggest that you acquire a pair via the usual methods?
In my case, pointing them out in magazines, suggesting their suitability for riding the Guvnor and the proximity of Christmas to Mrs Adam…
I’ll PM you her contact details

The Cycling Photographer June 12, 2010 at 9:23 am

Quok Pham!
This isn’t an expletive reply in Madarin sir, merely another make of fine footwear.
I would like to try the covert method of obtaining a pair of either makes from my present memsahib, but I feel I could not wait for Christmas or suffer the looks of disgust from her because she hadn’t bought yet another pair of sheepskin slippers. Tradition is hard to break!

Calif Guv June 21, 2010 at 9:49 pm

Hello Gentlemen,

Suffering a bit of synaptic-malaise, a technical term for not “tracking,” I was wondering indeed which shoes our esteemed Adam is wearing. I have been coveting the Dromarti’s and wondering which model shoe to purchase. Are you wearing the “Storica,” a gorgeous leather-soled shoe with no provision for cleats, or are you wearing the “Race,” an equally beautiful shoe with provision for cleats and a non-leather bottom. If the latter, are you using cleats? And, any thoughts on not using cleats on that particular model? Cleats seem a bit serious for the Guv’nor and my taste. And, the “Race” model is about 40 USD less expensive than the “Storicas”! Thoughts are always appreciated.

Take care,

Gary

Duchy Wheeler June 22, 2010 at 10:05 am

Sir, a stout pair of leather brogues would be more in keeping with the Guv’nor!

But on a more practical note suggest you check out ‘Quoc Pham’ (they also produce the Tweed Run branded cycling shoes), and ‘Timberland’ (style # 70548 Palladian). I have a pair of these Timberland shoes and can recommend, they are less pricey than the other brands, worth a look.

I agree with you about cleats, to my mind they aren’t really what the Guv’nor is about, although some may that issue.

Safe riding one and all, Geoff.

PS: Dromarti also offer a ‘La Grande Mitt’ at £99.00/$138.18. Altura do a similar (synthetic leather) crochet mitt at £9.99!! These Altura mitts are excellent value & quality, recommended.

Adam June 22, 2010 at 1:50 pm

Good Afternoon Gentlemen,
To confirm I have a pair of the Race with cleats, without wishing to go into a shaggy dog story I chose these for a few main reasons:

My Guv is used mainly for country runs, as such most of my time is spent in the saddle with the only walking involved being the mandatory halfway stop for a pint and a bite to eat.
The other point is quite simply, I prefer the look of the uppers.

The soles on the shoes is can be seen in the photographs are hard plastic so I made the decision to use cleats with the shoes, as you can see on Dromarti’s website these are not like modern cleats but more of a slot that fits over the back plate on the pedal with the toe strap, when adjusted properly holds your foot in place and prevents your foot from pulling out.

The beauty for me in this arrangement is I can use normal shoes for the pub.

Another point is they are a fairly narrow fit, I’ve had these since Christmas now and while they could never be described as painful I still don’t feel like we are old friends, with time I’m sure either the shoe will mould to the shape of my foot or more likely, my foot will mould to the shape of the shoe.

Regards,

Adam

PS Mr Wheeler, thank you for the notification regardign the mitts, I see I’m going to have to start leaving magazines open around the house again.

The Cycling Photographer June 22, 2010 at 2:29 pm

Interesting re the size and comfort of the Dromarti’s. It seems most Italian items of clothing are ‘clip’ to say the least! Before using merino jerseys, most of my lycra,….sorry……, was Italian made, with the XXL only just being comfortable. Normally Large to XL would suffice with other nation’s offerings.
Would be interesting to see Quock Pham’s sizing and comfort.
Mitts, well, where does one go?! Rapha do some very natty Criterium mitts. Very nice.
A while ago I was bought a pair of Dunhill driving mitts. Despite not having the same area of padding a proper cycling mitts, they are very comfy and feel like silk…..
Ride on!

Calif Guv June 22, 2010 at 7:54 pm

Ah Gentlemen,

Thanks for the info and insight. I agree, Adam, with your thoughts on the Race uppers. I prefer them myself. Geoff, I too like the QP’s Tweed Run shoes–in fact would prefer them. Although, being stuck here in North America, I am relegated to what I can find on-line with QP. I just might have to contact them and see if they have any pairs lurking in the back storeroom!

As for gloves, I have some Geier Gloves–elk skin. I will post pictures once the sun comes out–a bit overcast by the bay here. I would suggest checking them out on-line, but their pictures are horrible. Excellent gloves, fit beautifully, and match the Guv’nor aesthetic.

Thanks!

Gary

The Cycling Photographer June 23, 2010 at 9:25 am

For those on a budget, (who isn’t these days?!), Exustar Stelvio shoes are brilliant…..
I have a pair. Plain black. Retro design. SPD if required. Good support, very comfortable and a good stiff sole to boot. £70ish.
Ride on!

schloopfeng June 23, 2010 at 10:13 am

Hello Chaps,
I must say I really do like the look of the Dromati’s & I really do need some decent shoes, I am concerned though as I have quite broard feet so my question is do they give well?

At the moment I am riding in Keen sandals most of the time which is not ideal & my mountainbiking boots are most certainly a no no.

I am not too worried about the financial outlay (not running an infernal combustion machine has it’s perks) as long as they will be comfortable & last years …. but with the need to buy online I really need as much advice as I can muster, the Storica is what I would probably go for as I do like quality leather soles, I would also consider Brogues as they would be a throwback to my early “Ska” days.

On the Altura mitts … they were my first Guv inspired purchase & are great for style on a budget, but I will invest in some real leather eventually ;o).

TTFN

The Cycling Photographer June 24, 2010 at 12:36 pm

“One step beyond!”

Joe Tondu July 23, 2010 at 2:36 pm

Adam,

What is the shoulder bag you are sporting? I thought it might be a Carradice but cannot seem to locate it on their site. The bag you have seems flat which of course would be an advantage when riding.

Adam July 24, 2010 at 7:38 pm

Good Evening Joe and Fellow Riders,
The bag is a Brooks Barbican, and it is indeed a very fine looking bag, however it’s days are numbered before it’s made available on that popular on-line auction site.

While I don’t wish to bore fellow riders with the details, I’ve found the design of the bag a little restricting for day to day use on the bike. I am however talking a small business in Manchester with the intention of having a bag made to my specifications in a similar price bracket to the Barbican. If the project comes to fruition I am intending to share the details with my fellow riders, I’m particularly excited as they use UK sourced fabrics, fittings and leather and of course one of the owners had to go for a quick spin on the Guv.
Regards,
Adam

Adam July 24, 2010 at 7:42 pm

Gentlemen,
Please excuse my grammar and spelling, I fear a glass of wine too many and no edit button are at fault.
Regards,
Adam

The Cycling Photographer July 25, 2010 at 12:55 pm

Great idea, Adam. It is with much remorse to see that a fine “English” company follows the crowd and resorts to having it’s products made at the end of the Silk Road.
In fact, if one looks on Brook’s website, to their credit, they have published many utterings of displeasure from customers. Even their leather bar tape in made in China!
Lets hope the saddles don’t end up the same way……. I don’t fancy riding on “Fido”!
Look forward to seeing the bag when completed.
Ride on!

Fenrir July 26, 2010 at 8:37 am

If anyone is looking for a new messenger bag, try “Walker Slater” as they have a nice line in tweed ones.

Oakman August 5, 2010 at 4:00 pm

Thanks for the tip on Walker Slater. I have just purchased a tweed rucksack. V. keen prices for the quality & great service. ( Got a tweed cap as well. Modesty will not allow me to comment on how I think it looks. )
If anyone is interested I recently had mudguards made for the Guv’nor in maple & cherry which fit very easily & look the part, significantly cheaper than Velorution & don’t require an expert to fit them.

Fenrir August 5, 2010 at 4:23 pm

Where did you get them made? Any piccies?

Oakman August 5, 2010 at 4:28 pm

Just sent piccies to James.
If you like them let me know & I will provide the details.

Oakman August 5, 2010 at 4:32 pm

An update. Does anyone have James’ correct address?

Fenrir August 5, 2010 at 4:50 pm

james AT guvnorownersclub DOT com

As far as I am aware.

Oakman August 5, 2010 at 5:02 pm

Thanks, tried that ( both options) & had a return notice
Just tried again

Oakman August 7, 2010 at 8:20 pm

I have sent the piccies to James via the members address , hopefully they will be available soon

Oakman August 7, 2010 at 8:25 pm

P.S If not I can send them privately .
I ordered them from a chap in Oregon, hand made in his shed . Real craftsmanship , good communications & faster delivery than some of our bike shops .

James August 9, 2010 at 10:14 pm

Dear Oakman,

Sorry for my absence, have checked the records and see no sign of your pictures. Have sent you a private mail to see if that opens the pipes. Thanks in advance for your contributions,

James

Oakman August 9, 2010 at 10:36 pm

Thanks James
Re sent to the address provided
Regards

Fenrir August 10, 2010 at 8:41 am

Does the maker have a website? After this mornings downpour (London), I’m really going to have to look at getting some guards.

Oakman August 10, 2010 at 8:45 am

James has promised to upload the piccies today
Let me know what you think

James August 11, 2010 at 10:56 am

Here we go, thanks Oakman!
Pashley Guvnor Cherry and Maple mudguards
Pashley Guvnor Cherry and Maple mudguards
Pashley Guvnor Cherry and Maple mudguards

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