Up in a crisp, snowy Wales today on Twitpic

Up in a crisp, snowy Wales today on Twitpic

Cedric Gracia All Condition tyres mini review

Had my first proper (daylight) ride on my new tyres that I'm trying out, Cedric Gracia All Condition 2.35" tyres, and from the off running them at about 28-30psi they were a bit draggy up the Burrington road climb but that could have just been me feeling a bit sluggish, as I rode them home work the other night and they rolled really well at around 35psi!

Coming off at the top then climbing up the steep rocky bit to the right they were hooking up a treat, meaning I could practically stand up on the pedals without them slipping, quite an achievement considering the ground was still dewy!

The tread pattern really sheds mud as well, it was far from muddy up there today, but I did make a few questionable line choices (as usual) and ended up in some slop, but they soon got rid of that. Furthermore the treads feature Siping, small slits cut into the tread which gives the knobs greater flexibility, part of the reason they hook up so well, as they can really mould themselves on to the trail without being soft and squidgy. A dual compound in the tyre and 66TPI all help to keep increase durability, but it also has wicked puncture resistance. Slamming on to some sharp rocks coming off the Trig point I was certain I would have a flat and told my mate to just keep going down to the car so we didn't have to change the tube, but they're still up fine 8 hours later!

Later on, on the final decent was when they started to really shine, getting loose and dropping a foot where I usually slide wildly towards a tree, these things just cut into the mud and rocks and I felt like I was on rails, so confidence inspiring! The beauty of these tyres is that Panaracer have really dialled in the 'All Condition' feature, as I rode pretty much every condition today and aside from the road climb (bearing in mind they were fairly low in pressure) they have gripped yet rolled quickly on everything, dust, mud, hardpack, rocks and roots, the lot! The only slight downside is that they are a tad heavy at 750g each, but this really is a small price to pay for such untapped grip, especially on a bike with Pikes and Saints etc like mine, where lightness isn't a big factor! These are definitely going to be staying on my bike for the winter, and probably late into next year to be honest!

Wedding number one

Currently starting the huge task of editing a few hundred photos from my aunty's wedding at the weekend This shot sums up just how happy she is with my new uncle. Shot at 1/50Sec with VR switched on! (iso 400, f5 Diffused Flash)

Mechanics Portrait

This is my most recent competition submission for a comp called 'What is Dirt?' I jumped at the opportunity to shoot this as I've wanted to get something like it for a while but didn't want to seem too cliché The idea is to represent the notion of 'gettin your hands dirty' (35mm, f.4 1/200s iso100 diffused flashgun)

Another Stormy Seafront

This year has kicked up plenty of rough stormy weather for me and my poor kit, grabbed a few snaps on the way home from work.

The first is a long shot of an iconic tree from my home town. I tried to frame the shot to keep the water in the foreground and put the bandstand and tree central/left as it gave a sort of flow to the direction of the wind. (135mm f.16 1/125s iso 400)

I was watching these two get closer and closer and closer to the water until the inevitable happened, pretty much just a case of waiting. I would have liked the sea to have been a bit rougher at the time of the shot however. I used a tighter aperture to keep the image crisp throughout the frame. (100mm f.25 1/125 iso 400)

Cheers for looking, and hope you like the general explanations

Just returned from a stay in Biarritz, FRA with my girlfriend and camera (notice the order). Had a wicked time even if I did accidently test the water-tightness of my SLR in a thunderstorm, luckily everything is OK! here's my favourite 5 photos:

This little moped was excellent, I don't usually like editing photos like this but in certain circumstances it can work to express an idea, this thing radiated colour and happiness!

I love how these guys where just chilling with Serano and Sangria with that water just feet from them!

Nothing much to say about this, I love how the Bay of Biscay produces some amazing clouds and weather.

One of the bigger days of surf, probably could do with a more sealed camera but I'll definitely be trying my hand at more surf photography.

Some truly awesome surfers! Thanks for looking

Recent Walks and Such

Edited a few photos that I forgot I had whilst I rest a poorly shoulder, enjoy.

Bikestyle // Clevedon

Took some photos for my local Bike Shop today, Great Place, friendly atmosphere, good service and smashing tea, definitely worth a visit if you're in the Clevedon area.

Thanks for Looking

Clevedon Beach in a Storm

Last night was savagely windy and the clouds were awesome, had a great night getting wet and windy by the sea, here's some photos

Click on them to enlarge

Cheers for Looking

Riding with a mate on a big infested trail

Here's a few photos from Clevedon woods:

Cheers for looking

My easter snaps

The great thing about this time of year is that the evenings get longer, warmer and generally nicer so I made the most of it!

Cheers for looking

Central Park Dirt Jumps

Went down to the local (ghetto) dirt jumps with a mate last night to get some shots whilst the weather and light was still good, saw it as an opportunity not to be missed and I'm glad i did because the weather has taken a turn for the worse... sunny ol' Plymouth

Any who, here's a couple of the shots I got, pretty happy with them, especially as the tower that's visible is part of my third year uni work, any chance I can slip it in as 'research'...?

Cheers for Looking

Urban Downhill Event 2011

Hey everyone

Here's a link to my photos from today's Urban Downhill race in Plymouth and a couple of samples:

Click Here for full samples

Feel free to email me with your race number, kit, bike etc and i'll send you some samples

£3 for each full res photo without a watermark, email me for more details forasphotography@gmail.com

Cheers
Mike

Woodland Riders Winter Series Round One

Bit late I know but here are a few samples from yesterdays race at Tavi

Full samples (pretty much) here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/forasphotography/sets/72157626033150275/ (copy link into address bar)

And Photos of the Freestyle for Fun here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/forasphotography/sets/72157626158894456

Photos are £3 each for Full Res copies, email me at forasphotography@gmail.com for more info

Thanks for looking

A house down the road

I have walked past this place for 2 years and finally got my act together and went down with my camera.

Pretty happy with the outcome:

As always, click on it to enlarge

Thanks for looking

My Work Station

Tidy for once!

A slight alteration.. Making use of some old Wallpapers

Playing with fonts

Trying to find a good font for my portfolio:

Dartmoor Shoot

Two posts in one Day?!

Went up to the moor with the house mates today and got some shots I'm quite happy with:

Happy with this one considering I didn't have my ND filters or a tripod!

And My Favourite of the day

Thanks for Looking