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.

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View Comments

Anjin-san says:

Nov 18 2011 at 7:32 am

I think I need to go on that trip... sounds to good to be true.
Tartan1749 says:

Nov 18 2011 at 7:33 am

@Oli
Yes, FUCKING awesome photo! Reminds me of the Tombstone (movie) line spoken by Billy Zane when describing Wyatt Earp (Kurt Russel):

'My dear, you've set your gaze upon the quintessential frontier type. Note the lean silhouette... eyes closed by the sun, though sharp as a hawk. He's got the look of both predator and prey.'

Happy Hunting, indeed.
frank says:

Nov 18 2011 at 9:47 am

@Oli

No worries! Here's a colour shot of The Stache.

Although a little high on the brow, check out that masterful three-point system application of the cap. It's guys like that who inspired the system. Perfection.
frank says:

Nov 18 2011 at 9:49 am

@wiscot

@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.

He's staring at this guy, who's name escapes me at the moment.
frank says:

Nov 18 2011 at 9:54 am

@Ron

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!

Yes, also perhaps the most elegant saddle ever made, the Selle San Marco Rolls.
chubster says:

Nov 18 2011 at 10:14 am

@frank
funny. lech piasecki, i think. i have rolls too. also, turbo special and regal. weird. non of the gels versions work for me.
jimmy says:

Nov 18 2011 at 10:47 am

@MrBigCog

@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?

I was weelchair bound for 3 mo as there was an elbow break and shoulder damage not allowing crutches. Other factors and issues put the recovery to all activities with only minor pain at 3 1/2 years. this was on the return from rehabing a massive pelvic break(s) including much tendon and muscle tearing that took 18 mo. Between the two rehab aproaches 5 yrs. 4 weeks off bike is just a vacation. But I feel for anyone with breaks that affect joints.
Xyverz says:

Nov 18 2011 at 11:04 am

@Ron

Ron, your evil siren song is getting to me. Must have that n+1... =)
Minion says:

Nov 18 2011 at 12:48 pm

@Oli

No worries! Here's a colour shot of The Stache.

Yusss! Mwahahahahaaaa! That rules.
Romeo says:

Nov 18 2011 at 1:15 pm

@frank
This movie inspired me to ride. Still Love it!