I never clean my bike after the beginning of November. My theory being that the build up of oily
smeg around the bottom bracket area will actually protect it from the salt and griitings that I will
have to be commuting through from now until the end of February.
The only problem is that, traditionally, I go out every year with a group of mates and acquaintances
(most of whom are only occasional cyclists) for an après Christmas run round the lanes (oh all
right, the pubs) south of B'ham.
The problem is that I want to show off my bike. I mean, most of the other guys only know me as
"Wossis name's mate" "The guy that's a real cyclist" " The guy who's bike is worth well over a
grand". So I always fall for it - I feel behoven to put on some sort of show. I bloody clean the
bike up the night before. (And then stand looking at it a lot - Pass the tissues ;-) )
Well this year I've managed it. Hurrah!!! We go out tomorrow. I've spent all day, and very
twitchily, all night, not cleaning it. I'm safe 'till March!
Well done me.
--
Cheerful Peddling John Mallard