as we dined al fresco at debbie's yesterday afternoon, i happened to mention that several years ago, a gentleman who represented a well-known non-governmental organisation approached me, as a nominated representative of the island's velocipedinists, to discuss some available funding. this well-meaning fellow was keen to provide financial wherewithal whereby we might benefit from improved cycling facilities on the island. though such potential largesse was to be soundly applauded, in point of fact, with no definable or necessary cycling facilities anywhere on islay, i was at a loss to comprehend how these were to be improved.
the gentleman stated that perhaps we might wish to consider specific cyclepaths or perhaps some much-needed signposting, but i offered a 'no' to both offers. for starters, i couldn't figure out where we'd actually put any cycle paths; half the island is populated with singletrack roads featuring little in the way of traffic congestion. i thought we'd manage just fine on the roads available to us at the time. nor could i figure out what sort of signposting i might confidently request.
so despite an undisclosed sum of money being on the table, so to speak, i thought it would be more pertinent if it were spent elsewhere on the island.
having brought the subject up over coffee, thankfully there was nothing but agreement from my fellow velocipedinists, none of whom could think where such proffered facilities would be fittingly installed.
however, one suggestion that came to light, spurious though it may seem in the cold light of day, was that we ought to have requested a yellow skoda estate with driver that could drive behind us on the sunday ride in case of ancillary needs. this car would be copiously filled with case upon case of sticky bottles along with an appropriate supply of additional clothing, should the weather become more inclement during the course of our perambulations. items such as rainjackets or duvets would be almost compulsory during the winter months (september to june) and perhaps a gilet and suncream for the remaining two months of the year.
the ability to drop back to the team car for a gilet and a sticky bottle is one of those ambitions that few, if any, of us will ever enjoy. but, as i mentioned above, it is/was a spurious and arguably wasteful use of government funding, but on the basis of several questionable current and past government investments, perhaps less so than it would at first seem.
meanwhile that hypothetical red pro team lightweight gilet will have to reside in a jersey pocket, either after removal following an early, chilly morning opening gambit, or ready and waiting to be worn when the temperature takes a turn for the worst. and as it happens, this would be the very bright red lightweight gilet to have safely stowed in one of those three available pockets. in fact, so light is this particular garment, that wearing it will actually make you weigh less (i may have made that bit up).
the review sample in my possession weighs a scant 76 grams which, in old money, is less than three ounces. i'm sure you will readily agree that a weight such as that scarcely warrants employment of a yellow skoda estate with concomitant driver. that may well be the reason i did not bring the subject up during the discussion alluded to above.
those 76 grams, however, make a darned good job of keeping a chilly breeze at bay. yes, there is a smidgeon of flapping at the shoulder hems, but that is merely verification of an impressive forward motion. during the photography session for this review, the existence of the gilet's two-way zip made it simplicity itself to gain access to the camera in a rear pocket, without need of completely unzipping or even removing the gilet entirely. additionally, a mesh rear panel prevents overheating in the face of adversity when time comes to bring a selection of sticky bottles from the team car up to the rest of the sunday morning peloton.
doubtless, when brexit negotiations are over and done with, every club in the country will be granted government funding for a following team car. until that transpires, a rapha pro team lightweight gilet (preferably red) is a more than equitable substitute.
rapha's pro team lightweight gilet retails at a cost of £85 in sizes ranging from xs to xxl and coloured red, black and dark blue.
rapha pro team lightweight gilet
monday 8 may 2017
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