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

Cyclops says:

Nov 17 2011 at 7:13 am

He probably used to BMX race.
Ron says:

Nov 17 2011 at 7:15 am

Damn, no matter how often that now happens to me during cx riding, it still sends a momentary surge of fear through me when my rear wheel kicks out. I guess it's because I'm more of a roadie than an off-roader, but maybe this never goes away?

That photo is stellar! That mustache chasing is boss!
Rookie_Roubaix says:

Nov 17 2011 at 7:19 am

His interviews in "Road to Roubaix" are awesome.
huffalotpuffalot says:

Nov 17 2011 at 7:24 am

What a fantastic photo, and well earned place in its own article for sure. I have not yet ventured into the world of cx however I have done my fair share of cycling through all kinds of sh*t from animals (cows/sheep/deer) to manure from farmers tracks right through the oil slicked roads in the cities. Getting a slide on is something that I have always enjoye, ney looked for in such circumstances. Its like when I am driving in the rain I cant help but try and drive through the puddles. Yes I have more cleaning to do but i have the satisfaction of washing the muddy water from my face knowing nothing got in my way. Has to be said though, wheelspining your way up a 10% + is not quite as enjoyable.
ihcnaib says:

Nov 17 2011 at 7:48 am

damn crosswind....
razmaspaz says:

Nov 17 2011 at 7:49 am

In the absence of evidence to the contrary, I have no choice but to assume I have this skill.

I think you may have summed up my entire attitude towards life in that one sentence.
MrBigCog says:

Nov 17 2011 at 8:33 am

It is said that some people ride the cobbles with greater ease than the rest.

Truth! Although it didn't happen on the cobbles, last week I took a pretty nasty spill during and fractured my femoral neck. I was only dishing out The V while adhering to rule #9. See pic for greater understanding.
Souleur says:

Nov 17 2011 at 9:03 am

What a photo and what a hardman

Not having Cx in this area much, I still am in route to buying a cross bike for off road and the rare cx race that pops up.

Having raced some mtn bikes though, and having ridden enough in the snow/ice/sleet/rain, the occassional rear end drift does occur, and it is quite the feeling, I personally like it while I have control, but a little overdrift and confidence and you can find your self spinning in circles like the squirrel that gets hit by a passer-byer car...and thats not pretty

Kelly obviously couldn't care less, isn't scared and riding like he always does, and thats why I think he's half belgian in heart
Xyverz says:

Nov 17 2011 at 9:12 am

@MrBigCog

Ouch!
Steampunk says:

Nov 17 2011 at 9:19 am

If only I had more weight to put on that back wheel to keep it in place. I knew I should have had that extra pint and that extra burger.

Done this on gravel, on wet leaves, and on snow. It does make the heart rate jump more than a little. I guess it takes a real hardman to take advantage of that adrenaline burst to push even harder; mere mortals are chastened and exhibit more caution for a few moments while they let their courage recover.