A local mainly gravel loop on two of Co Durham's old railway lines

 

Back out again today for a shorter more local ride. Set off from Meadowfield along the old railway line towards the Bransden where I turned left and down the hill to Sunderland Bridge, Croxdale, Tudhoe Village, Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland, Willinton, Branscepth and back to Meadowfield. It was all quiet on the tracks n trails with very few others out n about. Overcast and cloudy for the whole ride with no sunshine but it was feeling warmer than yesterdays ride up in Weardale. All in 21.5miles in 1hr 31mins with 780ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

An early morning autumn frosty and sunny ride in Weardale inc Rookhope & Cowshill

 

It is defo autumn here in Co Durham. There was a ground frost this morning with the grass white in places. I parked up at Frosterley for a spin around Weardale's country back lanes and take in quite a few climbs. The Garmin was reading 1.5 degrees on the outward leg but the sun soon warmed up the air and was around 12 degrees on the way back in. As ever there was very little traffic and any passing vehicles gave me plenty of room. The leaves are starting fall from the trees and the roads were a little damp and greasy in places. I took my S-Works Creo 2 with the 40c tyres and had no problems apart from the front brake is starting to squeal again! I had my front and rear LED Lezyne lights on flashing mode. I also fitted the range extender to make sure it works on the new bike as I have never used it on the S-Works, no problems there. Started off on 148% and ended up at 73% left. All in just under 32 miles in 2hrs 12mins with 2300ft of climbing, enjoy some snaps below from the ride and hopefully more soon-  

Fresh Goods Sunday - Assos Summer NS Skin Layer (Holy White II)

 

My two BBB white sleeveless base layers have seen better days that I bought in a sale from Sigma Sports many moons ago. As I have started buying / using Assos clothing I fancied trying a base layer from them. When we were in Stokesley we called in past Westbrook Cycles and they had this one which was old stock and was reduced down in price. There is not a lot too the base layer and the feel of material is lovely next to your skin. I have worn it for the last two summers and performs well but only one thing which bugs me is any staining from the heart rate monitor strap when sweating is very hard to was out. The top does wash and dry well but the material is very easily stained. To be honest unless they have improved over the years I would not buy another one especially at the full rrp which is now £65, but they no longer come in white. They are grey coloured now probably to try help hide any staining / marks! They come in three sizes and are quite stretchy.  

RRP £55.00 and I paid £39.00 from Westbrook Cycles. Discount 29%. 

PS More Assos Fresh Goods Sunday next week - Bib Knickers for the Autumn / Spring.

Manufacturers Blurb - 

The Summer NS Skin Layer serves as your first line of defence during the hottest days of the year, managing moisture, regulating temperature, and keeping your body cool with its ultralight yarns and seamless design.

Unassuming, hidden from view, and working overtime to keep your core temperature regulated at all times. The humble summer first layer is often an afterthought, but we take it seriously, constantly refining its composition and silhouette to ensure it keeps you comfortable during the balmiest days of the year.