Back on a local loop on the E Mtb - early frosty morning

 

Well after two days in Angus's bathroom it was nice to get out on the bike again first thing this morning. The forecast was down to 1 degree but when I set off for work it was 3 degrees at 5.45am! Once out on the bike there was a good few patches of frost / ice in sheltered places and the Garmin was down to 1.5 degrees. Again still a freezing cold wind in places. There was a beautiful sun rise but it did not last long and it soon clouded over but the sun came out again when I was nearly back home / reached Frankland farm. It was shorter route today as I only had a hour to spare. The tracks have not dried up much and there was quite a few other souls out and about around the riverside early morning. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Endura MTR Winter Socks

After years of using my Mavic winter socks I bought two pairs of new Endura winter socks. This was a couple of years ago but hide them away that good I only just found them a few months ago! Anyway the Mavic socks have been retired from winter use and I have started wearing these lovely and warm new Endura MTR winter socks. Straight from the packet they even feel warm / comfortable in your hands. After my first couple of cold rides in them I wish I had found them last year! what a difference a new pair of socks makes. I always suffer from cold feet and these have performed very well so far with my old Northwave winter mtb boots. They have a fitted shape, not too heavy and are not too stretchy. I am a size 8ish and the small to medium size is spot on. To be honest I would have paid the rrp they are that good but some discount always helps! 

RRP £20 and I paid £14 from Tiso/Apline Bike. Discount 30%. 

Manufacturers blurb -

Ultimate Winter Mountain Performance

• High density merino blend provides high warmth to weight ratio even when wet
• Reinforced toe zone provides durability and additional warmth
• Variable engineered zones for optimal breathability and comfort
• Terry sole and heel for cushioning
• Lycra® support zone at arch
• Seamless toe construction
• 90 Day Satisfaction Guarantee
• Construction: Wool 55%, Elastane 25%, Polyester 10%, Nylon 10%

Very cold / windy spin up the Waskerley in the sun n back.

Yesterdays ride was beautiful and sunny but it was windy and cold. I was up in Consett so parked up at Delves Lanes and headed off up the C2C to Waskerley. Straight from the start I had a freezing cold strong headwind which made it very hard going to say the least. Up and over the second ramp as I call in and there was hissing coming from my back tyre with Stans spraying every where. I kept on going and it sealed but lost some air. Further up near the short wooded section it started to leak again for a short time. Once I got to the last gate before heading over the last open moor section I decided to turn and head back down. The line was wet and muddy in places and the traffic was unreal. I counted over 50 cyclists heading up the line when I was descending back down to Delves Lane. It was slow going with all the other cyclists mainly going up in two and threes side by side and not moving over. There was also loads of walkers and dog walkers out as well. I was pleased to get back and changed into to some dry warm clothing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon after the weekend as I am back around Angus's house all weekend putting a new bathroom suite in! 

ps I have updated the last couple of blogs with a few video clips. I have been having problems uploading my blogs recently but working much better using Edge. 

Short spin on the Cube E Mtb in the dark'ish windy but warm conditions

It was a lot warmer ride than my last few with the temperature between 10 and 12 degrees but by good it was windy again. Just a short spin down to Durham, around Maiden Castle, Houghall Woods, The Trod then back home via the Frankland. I took the Cube E Mtb for a change as I fitted my winter lights to the bike last night and charged them up ready. I have my old Lupine on the front and a Smart Lunar LED on the rear. It was not that dark by the time I got down into Durham so I did not require full power for most of the ride. Enjoy the few pics below and hopefully more soon-