27 December 2014

Boxing day ride through to South Shields on the Krampgrease

I usually ride through to the cx race at Temple Park, South Shields on Boxing day and this year i did the same, Richy led the way through to Shields on chilling morning with patches of ice in places and over cast. Once nearer to the coast the frost/ice disappeared but still a nippy wind. Once we hit Roker it was up the coast before heading in land to the Sports Centre. There was one shock when we turned the corner and Seaburn beach was packed full freezing cold people that just had a dip in the North Sea, it was that busy even the coast road was closed to traffic. Some did not even have a change of clothes and anything warm to wrap up in, just plain crazy.  
Roker Beach busy

Maxxis 2.25" via Maxxis 3" , not too bad on the sand either

Heres the crazy people


Mad mile richy taking in the view

Poor Angus's rear wheel blocked solid during the race and would not turn

23 December 2014

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from MBE

2014 has flew over and we are starting to make plans for 2015 - holidays, cycling events etc. The weather on the whole hasent been too bad for cycling but taking over 2 months out to transform my sisters house and then going in for surgery has knocked my mileage down this year. Our easter and some of our summer hols in Peebles were a wash out and our Lakes break in Oct was also a wash out, Lakes in Feb was also not the best with very mixed weather but our break in Berwick was drier but very windy cold! The miles i have done in general have been very enjoyable miles. The purchase / build of the Krampgrease has been a highlight and is probably the most enjoyable/comfortable bike i currently own. Hopefully the 29"+ will be on a few more longer epic rides in 2015. Also planning a few more road rides up in Weardale, North Yorkshire, Lakes and hopefully in the borders on my new Cannondale Nano build. 
The MBE Autumn Series had great turnouts each week and we were very busy over the week running upto the start, the four weeks of events then a week of aftermath clean up / paperwork etc. The six weeks were a killer and burnt me out but we were so pleased that everybody enjoyed the series and all the series finishers went away with some goodies. The only negative thing was the problem with the local youths, the first week they kept snapping the tapes, second week was better and they got bored after that. It was a shame as we put so much work into pre planning the courses and marking them out on the night. Springboard were not interested in moving them on as it was on Sunderland Council land, the police finally had a word with them but that was only after they had caused vandalism to trees. Not to worry its all part of the fun @ Hetton Lyons Country Park.  
Time allowing i will hopefully get a few rides in over the festive period but im at work for most of it. Hope you have all been good boys / girls this year and santa drops off some bike bling on the big day! failling that im sure the on line retailers will be trying to tease you out of your last pound with special offers etc.
Below are a few photos covering the years activities. All the best and enjoy.
First 50+ mile ride on the Krampgrease

One of our favourite spots on our night loop

Ride over The Stang

First ride on the Dale Nano

Was going to ride to Alston but ran out of steam - blowing a gale

Out on one of out evening rides in the summer

first snow a couple of weeks ago

minus -6 degrees a week ago now its 12 degrees all night and all day

A damp ride down to Metro Centre direction on the Eastway

First big ride on my new Nano over Crawleyside 

What you looking at

Tandem ride with Arran - its hard work!

Family to from South Shields to Rocker & back

Time for wheelie practice on the beach

Did not use the Dale Super X much this year, too busy on the fat bikes

Night rides with the Lupine lights

Trip out to Hamsterley Forest

this is what i live for, singletrack over the moors

trying the 5" bud out on the front

A cold & windy ride along the Cinder Track Whitby at the start of the year

Refreshment stop @ Knitsley Farm Shop / Cafe

Ice cream stop in Durham times by loads !

Family ride along the Cinder track but in warmer and less windy conditions this time

cracking clear views over Robin Hoods Bay etc


Weight in time with the new hope/rabbot hole wheels

Ride from Berwick to Holy Island - again overcast, windy & cold


Hamsterley Forest back in Feb

Summer Hols - first time for Arran on the red @ inners

no probs

brotherley love

Damp ride on Glentress red

call in past our fav butchers on the way back to static

Jane completed her 100th PArk Run - well done love

MTB Marathon - complete was out

and we are back & soaked to the bone

collect our t shirts and time for a change into dry clothes

called in past 7 staines Newcastleton on the way home - hottest ride of the hols

One last icecream - only sunny day we had

Trip upto Kielder early in the year to try out the Salsa Carbon Beargrease

and yes it was wet & windy!

Whinlatter - Feb school hol week


just got back from the North Face red route and it stopped raining - typical

Nutcracker XC racing time

Easter Hols - Glentress and still raining

did not stop me from getting big air time


First time Arran has done the full red route


Oct Hols - Kirkstone Pass - complete wash out - no riding

Arran enjoying his offroad fun on his mukluk

Eastway enjoying some offroad terrain

Family ride to Parkhead Cafe & back