A cold and cloudy overcast spin upto Consett and back down

 

Back out again today after a very busy weekend. Todays spin was a steady out n back along the old railway line from Langley Park up to Consett for a look around and back down taking in the country back lanes. The weather has fairly changed here now in Co Durham with overnight frost for the last two days and day time temperatures not getting above 6 degrees. Today was overcast and cloudy for the whole ride but the sun did try and burn through a couple of times but failed! On the plus side there was no wind and the tracks and lanes were not too wet and muddy. All in just under 24 miles in 1hr 53mins with 1200ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon - 

S-Works Creo 2 is back and out for its first test ride

 

I received a text yesterday from Infinity Cycles saying my S-Works Creo 2 was ready for collection after 23 days. They said the front brake was sorted / best they can get it ! So I decided to and pick it up today and go for a ride from the shop to Bishop Auckland n back to try it out. Well is squealed like a pig before I even got out of the carprak. I hoped onto the old railway line at Meadowfield sports centre and headed for Bishop. The line was closed from Stoneacre through to the Brawens Den for tarmacing. The rest of the line was open and dry. There was very little wind but not warm or sunny. There was a few others out n about but not many. The squealing had died down slightly by the time I turned at Bishop. I have decided to give it a few more rides and see if the squealing goes before making my mind up what the next move is. All in 18.5miles in 1hr 27mins and 500ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from teh ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

A frosty spin through Hamsterley Forest then Teesdale's country roads

 

After a weekend of walking / hiking it was nice to get back out on the bike today. I was up and out early doors with a frosty start. I parked up at Hamsterley Village then dropped down and through Hamsterley Forest. The grass was pure white in the valley bottom with the Garmin reading minus -2 degrees and it felt like it. On the climb out of the forest over the moor the sun decided to poke its head out from behind the clouds. The roads were damp under tyre but not too bad. As ever over the open moor roads it was windy and fresh going and temperature raised to plus +5 degrees. I have added the route map at the bottom of the blog. All in just under 24 miles in 1hr 48mins with 2000ft of climbing. Below are a few cold and sunny snaps from the loop, enjoy and hopefully more soon. 

Fresh Goodies - Sidi 59 SRS Carbon Ground MTB Inserts 41/44 Black

 

I have a couple of pairs of Sidi mtb shoes that use these sole inserts and a new boxed spare pair also with the same inserts. I used my last spare set a while ago when I also replaced the spd cleats at the same time. Since Saddleback went bust trying to find any stock in the UK has been impossible. I signed up to a few stock alerts and I received an email from Condor Cycles saying they were back in stock. I needed the 41/44 size option and went for the black instead of the red colour this time. I checked a few days ago and both colours are now sold out already in 41/44 size. 

RRP £34.00, I paid £33.37 with £1.95 48hr Royal Mail p&p from Condor Cycles.