Categories: Anatomy of a Photo

Anatomy of a Photo: Drifting Stones

I would have put this under the new “Belgian Affirmations” category, but was overcome with fear that King Kelly would hunt me down and strangle me with his death stare for the crime of suggesting he wants to be anything other than Irish.

It is said that some people ride the cobbles with greater ease than the rest. It isn’t necessarily a skill that is learned; on the contrary, some simply ride with a lighter touch than others resulting in them going over the stones a few kilometers per hour faster. These are the riders who excel in the rain-addled editions of the Cobbled Classics. In the absence of evidence to the contrary, I have no choice but to assume I have this skill.

King Kelly, on the other hand, got so bored riding shit-slicked pavé that he decided to start doing tricks and stunts on his way to his second victory in Paris-Roubaix. A moment after this shot was taken, he popped a one-handed Lone Ranger, causing Urs Freuler’s mustache to grow three sizes in amazement before temporarily falling off, ultimately leading to the loss of his ch’i and the race.

Unapologetic Cobblebone continues as I find myself thinking about little else other than Keepers Tour 2012: Cobbled Classics.

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

View Comments

  • Great photo frank.
    Kelly just looks like he is pissed off that there ain't cobblestones.
    Urs is wearing a a sensational piece of kit with the stripes. Forgive my ignorance but... which team? Reminds me of a 1920's one-piece swimsuit, i.e. I want one

  • @Oli

    I love how subtle WC bands in that picture are it just says yeah I was a WC but theres no need to brag about it. All the impecably groomed tash, in comparision to the one in the background just says class.

  • @Oli
    Urs is looking puzzled because there is another 'stache in the peloton and someone might think it is he - and that is upsetting as the other guy is a schlub. Urs was never a schlub. No sir.

    Damn, that Atala jersey is so fine.

  • @jimmy

    Luckily I avoided the surgery and hardware because I didn't displace. First time in 25 years my Ortho said he's seen a fracture like mine not require surgery. How long was your recovery with that hardware?

  • @MrBigCog
    Don't have to be a radiologist to read that film! I did almost exactly the same thing at roughly the same age (except mine was on the left). Low speed fall when I hit one of those rubberized fog lines in the rain. I tell you this, 'cause I know how bad it sucks. For my PT they had me riding a stationary bike at their clinic @$75 co-pay a visit. Needless to say, there was only one trip there. Heal well sir!

  • Oh my god! That mustache! That jersey! That cap! That Casually Deliberate pose! What a photo. I now must get back to work so I can cycle this afternoon!

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