Disaster on the new S-Works Creo 2 - Rear tyre blow out

 

Yesterday was a rest day, I was totally wiped off my feet for most of the day. Today I thought I would go out on the bike for another steady ride. I opted for a simple loop with a couple of Co Durham's old railway lines and a couple of short linking road section through Spennymoor and Bishop Auckland. The lines were lovely and quiet with hardly a sole out n about. The road sections were not too busy either. The lines have dried back out again but still very over grown on most sections. I was going well and so was the bike until about just over a mile to go from the end. I must have hit something sharp in the verge coming through the woods before Meadowfield sports centres field and bang. The back tyre blew out with Silca tubeless sealant everywhere. The cut was approx 15mm so no plugging that. I nursed / walked the bike back to the end. When back home it took hours to try and get the sealant off me, the bike and my clothes, absolute nightmare. I have patched the tyre as it has only done around 50 miles! 

Below are a few snaps from the 23 miles in 1hr 44mins with 850ft of climbing, enjoy the snaps below and hopefully more soon- 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Assos TACTICA Socks T5 (Black Series & Foundation Green I)

 

If you have followed my blog over the numerous years you will know that I have mainly moved over to Assos cycle clothing now and have have replaced most of my older items with Assos items. This also includes my socks. I normally do not wear high socks through the summer but this year I have opted for a higher sock for my off road riding. I got a pair of these TACTICA socks for my Christmas from Jane and liked the look of them so when they were in the sale at Westbrook Cycles I bought another pair in plain black. Looking at them I thought they were like a thicker summer sock but after wearing them they are defo a thinner summer weight sock. They come in loads of different colours and three different sizes. They was and dry very quickly. They are comfortable in use and don't slip down my calf's. The only downside is grass etc seems to stick and easily gets trapped in the ribbed material on the upper calf sections. As ever with Assos the RRP is just eye watering and they are never worth £19 in a million years, but as ever shop around and you will find them reduced. 

RRP £19 and I paid £10.92 from Westbrook Cycles inc 24hr p&p and £19 from BikeTreks for the green ones. 

Manufacturers Blurb - 

A breathable, protective off-road cycling sock, engineered for abrasion resistance in exposed areas with increased cooling across the foot.

Combining cooling comfort with abrasion resistance and light impact protection, the TACTICA Socks T5 provide a barrier against trail obstacles with an ultra breathable design equal to XC and gravel racing in hot summer conditions.

The robust Shield Tec 3D textile wraps your shin and ankle while a lighter, more breathable mesh boosts cooling airflow on the foot.

I am back and out on the bike taking in some cool riding

 

Yes I am back after a 20 day break from the bike. I had a few days off before we went away for a four day break over in the Lakes. First time we have been away this year since being referred to Sunderland and South Tyneside District NHS Trust at the beginning of February. After a few days of being back home and getting caught up with a few jobs I was back in A&E at Sunderland Royal for tests. Less than two days later I had to go back to Sunderland for more blood tests. Then I was told I was not going home as I needed emergency surgery involving four procedures. Well I am back home now and the pain etc is being managed by tablets. Hopefully got the all clear for my next surgery in September. 

Anyway enough of that crap I decided to sling my leg over the saddle this morning after taking a few tablets to see how it would go. It was very steady away and much cooler temperatures after our 5 day heat wave. There was heavy overnight thundery rain so the old railway lines were mainly damp. It was a ride of two halves, first half was on the old railway lines then the second half was on tarmac country lanes. 

All in 23.50miles in 1hr 42mins with 1400ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps, enjoy and hopefully more soon-