Back out for a local road ride - Burnhope and Pontop Pike Transmitters loop

 

A few weeks ago I dug out my Creo 1 road bike and gave it a spring clean / once over. I gave it a wash to get all the build up of dust etc off, dried and charged the main battery. I also charged up the Di2 battery, front and rear lights at the same time. Mechanical wise it I topped up the tubeless sealant, pumped up the tyres lubricated the chain and rear mech and that was it. Then she was ready for a spin out on the country lanes of County Durham. 

Today the forecast was for wall to wall sunshine from 10am so went out later than normal. Expecting some lovely warm and sunny weather for a local road ride. Well it was cold, overcast, cloudy, sunny intervals and a savage strong wind. I opted for a loop which takes in three transmitters around Pontop, Burnhope and Broomhouse. The roads were were not too busy with traffic and only a couple of close passes. In a way I was pleased to be back out on my road bike and have missed the quiet back country lanes. I certainly have not missed the busier road linking sections. All in just under 30 miles in 2hrs 5 mins with 2100ft of climbing. enjoy the mix of photos from the ride and hopefully more soon- 

Back out on a mixed gravel / tarmac loop enjoying the climbs around Roddymoor / Billy Row and Crook

After a couple of days off my bikes I was free again this morning for a another loop taking in County Durham's old railway lines and quiet roads. I was on the saddle by 7.30am and joined onto the old railway line at Bearpark. From there I nipped along to Broompark Picnic Area junction where I turned left and headed for Willington. At the COOP I picked up the road to Crook market place then around to Roddymoor, Billy Row and up the climb to do a loop around Stanley Crook. I hoped back onto the old railway line again and down the descent to Waterhouses, Esh Winning, Ushaw Moor and back to Broompark. From there it was back to Bearpark. The lines were mainly lovely and quiet first thing with the Garmin hovering around 5 to 7 degrees. There was a strong headwind heading out but flew back down to Broompark. Below are a few snaps from the 23.50 miles in 1hr 50mins with 1350ft of climbing. I have swapped back over onto my HUNT 700c x 47mm wheels again as I received all the tools to swap over the bearings. More on this is upcoming Fresh Goodies Blogs. Enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

A damp and part sunny local gravel loop on my Creo 2

 

Back out again on my Creo 2 bike this morning on another local regular loop I do. The tracks n trails were damp under tyre after the heavy rain last night and early morning. No ground frost today but the head wind was strong on the way out. The sun did not really come out until half way on the return leg of the loop. It was lovely when it come out and warmed me up for the last few miles. There was hardly a sole out n about so not as much slowing down / speeding back up. I feed all the horses at Bishop Auckland as they were all near the fence at the bottom. Below are a few snaps from the 24 mile route in 1hr 52mins with 950ft of climbing. Enjoy and hopefully more soon. 

PS the tools have arrived for removing and fitting the new bearings I have for my HUNT front wheel.