NECCL - New Year Series 2022 Details

 

Cold but enjoyable local loop in the opposite direction to normal

 

Apologies for the lack of blogs the last week but I have not been out on the bike. The wife has caught a bad cold / flu then decided to pass it onto me. It has gone straight to my lungs and I feel awful. Lack of moral as well has played a part in not getting out but I got my booster vaccine today and the sun was out for an hour or so. I had my bike in the back on van so decided to go out for a very steady local loop but in the opposite direction to normal. It felt like a different ride as some some sections I have never ridden in a clockwise direction. It was only 17.5 miles with 1100ft of climbing with very little wind. The temperature has dropped here in Co Durham was hovering around 2 to 4 degrees for the whole ride and the puddles had a layer of ice on them. The old railway lines are still running good with not too much mud on them. There was plenty others out n about enjoying the dry weather. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Gore Wear C3 Thermo Long Sleeved Jersey

 

I was not really after a new long sleeved winter jersey but this one popped up in the sale and thought I would buy it. I already have a Gore Wear long sleeved winter jersey from many, many years ago and comes out every year for the colder months. It has never let me down and is just as good now as what it was when it come out of the packet. The materials is lovely and soft, fleecy and stretchy. I did read some reviews on this jersey before buying and some said the material has changed and is not as stretchy. Some said the sizing has dramatically changed and is a small fitting. Well both of these reviews were correct comparing against the older C3 jerseys. The fitting is a lot slimmer, sizing is small to say the least and the material does not feel as comfortable and does not stretch nearly as much. But saying that the quality is still there and the zipper is has bigger teeth which I like and there is a better quality feel to the zip but it gets snagged on the black piece of material on the inside. It is still has a fleecy feel on the inside. The rear pockets are nice and large and easy to use. There is also a smaller zipped pocket to the right rear side. I have only worn it under my Goretex jacket or my soft shell jacket so cannot comment on wind protection. It wicks well under another top and I have never been cold on my top half whilst using it. It says the logos are reflective but one on my sleeve is starting to peel off already. The length of sleeve is spot on for me when on the drops / full reach. The collar sits high enough to keep a drfat going down the back of your neck. It comes in loads of different colours and a hugh range of sizes but check and double check your sizing before buying. 

I would be hard pushed to pay the full retail on this jersey but as ever shop around and grab a bargain when you can. 

RRP £79.99 and I paid £44.00 inc 48hr p&p from Sigma Sports - Discount 45% 

Manufacturers blurb - 

Cut to fit your riding position, this cosy jersey can be worn as an outer layer or a mid-layer under a shell jacket for extra warmth. Logos are reflective for night time visibility. A wardrobe essential for anyone riding in cool temperatures.

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• Designed for cool weather
• Engineered for Cycling
• Weight: 322 grams

Product

Details

Thermo-stretch functional fabric

Grip elastic at waist hem for snug fit

Partially elastic hem

3-gusseted back pockets

Secure zip pocket on rear for keys or valuables

Big tonal logo on sleeve

Full length zip with underflap and zipper garage

Reflective details

Slim fit

Material Information

• 91% Polyester, 9% Elastane

Local loop taking in Broom Park - Stanley Crook - Crook - Willington n back

 

Well we haven't seen much sunshine of late and none forecasted either apart from a couple of hours this morning by the Met. So why waste the opportunity to do a local loop taking in a couple of Co Durham's old railway lines - Deerness Valley Way followed by Bishop Auckland to Brandon Way. Here is a link to all of the tracks in CO DURHAM. I set off before sunrise but there was just enough light to ride along the lines without any lights on. The lines were damp and muddy in places after last nights heavy rain fall. Again it was not very warm with the Garmin hovering around 3 to 4 degrees for the whole ride. Some stretches of the lines were busy with other users and the one road section from Crook to Willington was also busy with traffic. On the way back I called in past the garage where my mate works to book in Arrans mot. After all that Met was right and the sun did come out but for only around half an hour then clouded back over again. 

All in 24.5miles with an average speed of only 12.9 mph with 1300ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon-