First ride on the Eastway ST1.0 Steelie this autumn

Yes its that time of year again to dig out my steel full mud guard cx/winter bike. A quick once over / pump the tyres up and oil the gears - away she went. It must have been dusty the last time i used this bike as the frame and wheels were covered. Not today as there was heavy overnight and early morning rain, foggy, cold and damp riding conditions. I was up at Blackhill, Consett late pm so parked up and joined the Derwent Walk route and headed down towards Swalwell direction. I didnt get that far as i didnt have much time. The problem starting at the Consett end is its all down hill, apart from a couple of clicks on road crossings so that means its all up hill on the way back! Its been a while since i have been on this line and you normal have beautiful views over the valleys but not today. I was driving around Consett / Stanley area all day with my headlights on! Off i set and as i thought is was a fast descent down the left turning for the Country Park, this is where i turned and headed back up to Rowlands Gill then Blackhill. It didnt stay dry and there was a rain shower but it didnt last long. This and wind must have cleared the fog away as the views were from the saddle were much better on the return leg. Once back at the start i was pleased i took my ST1.0 as i would have been sprayed with wet mud on the Krampgrease etc. One thing i did notice is there is not alot of comfort in the 38c tyres compaired to 29x3"+ or 26x4/5"+ mtb ! It was a little shake, rattle & roll.