Rouen’s Epiphanie tournament, 2013

Emmet’s 14 Bike Co V2 Polo Bike

Whilst in Seattle, I had the pleasure of catching up with Emmet Ward (in my eyes still and always part of the LPC).

He’s been riding a 14 Bike Co V2 Polo Bike for nearly 2 years. In that time it’s seen a few changes (including a replacement down tube and raked forks). But despite the usual ghetto appearance of Emmet’s bikes, I liked the look of his current set up of; flat pedals, long stem and wide bars.

He tells me the wide bars give him incredible stability when riding at speed and the long stem helps him get over and round the front whee with ease.

As for the flat pedals, this is his way of training / conditioning himself to improve his bike handling and learn to keep moving on the court in a more fluid manner.

His point is that when clipped in, it becomes too easier to play with a stop, start style. This is aided by hopping to stay up rather than using pedalling momentum. The issue with this is that every time a player stops, he makes it harder to support his team. A player who is constantly moving becomes better positioned.

I found this an interesting theory.

Emmet said he’d return to being clipped in before the next tournament and that flats was just for training during pick up.

The Cosmic Bicycle

Cosmic Changes

In a lifetime 6 months doesn’t seem long.

When I left London back in November with my wife Therese to embark on our 6 month trip, I was probably naive to think things back home wouldn’t change upon our return. The reality is change effects us all every day, every moment. Therefore, a lot can happen in just 6 months.

All my Personal Things in One Bag

When you decide to travel for 6 months with just one bag and one polo bike, across various weather climate zones and diverse country landscapes, the task of what to pack can be daunting.

Now that my trip is close to it’s end, I decided to take this picture to show everything I currently have in my bag.

I tried to pack light, bringing just the essential things. Along my travels, of course I temporarily gained a few additional items more suited for certain activities such as; camping, cooking and snorkelling. But in general, everything packed has aided me well.

However, if I was to add any missing items to the packed list, a pair of binoculars, merino wool leggings and a better waterproof jacket would have been useful.

Living with only essential items is a good feeling, it certainly reduces the stress of choice and the heavy weight of baggage.

And for a packing tip: organise everything into associated groups (underwear, tee’s, shirts, electrical, cutlery, paperwork etc) and pack in relevant sized zip bags and files – 1£ netted wash bags are good. This makes packing and finding everything in just one backpack way easier and quicker.

Chris King Rasta Cosmic Cap

Even a Guardian needs a cosmic watchful eye…

Dustin’s Chris King rasta headset with a green Cosmic Rocket Cap.

More Anodised Stuff

If we’re not blogging on about purple bike parts, we’re always looking out for other rad anodised stuff.

Whilst in Vancouver, Todd and I checked out the outdoor store; Mountain Equipment Co-op, where we found these awesome anodised titanium Sporks by Japanese brand Snow Peak.

We just had to buy matching polo bike colours (Todd green, me blue). Besides, in our opinion, a Spork is another essential travel / court side item.

Snow Peak have also recently released these travel cups in matching ano colours….

But I’m still stoked with my anodised blue carabiner handled cup from Yosemite National Park. After all, what we (Cosmic) drink our morning coffee out of is very important to us!