A short spin down to Durham & Gilesgate n back between the showers

 

Today started off wet and wind but the sun did come out for an hour so I could not refuse to spend it out on the bike. It was short local ride down to Durham, Up to Gilesgate then down The Trod, around Maiden Castle before heading home via Frankland. It felt reasonably warm with the sun but in the shaded sections it was cool. The wind did not help either. It was nice to get some fresh air and turn the pedals. Below are a few sunny snaps from the ride. All in just over 15 miles with 800ft of climbing. Enjoy and hopefully more soon - 

Spin down and back up the Derwent Walk from Consett

 

Todays ride was from Delves Lane just outside Consett, up the old railway line to the junction where I turned right and headed over the old works and onto the Derwent Walk. This takes you right the way down to the Metro Centre but I stopped and turned at the end of the gravel track and headed back up. The ride down was lovely and easy as its down hill and I had a tail wind. On the way back it is all up hill and with a headwind but it was not that too bad as most sections are sheltered with tress and high bushes. There was quite a few others out and about making it very stop / start 'ty. The lines are still mainly dry and dusty. Once I got back up to the junction I headed right and nipped over Hownsgill viaduct then back to Delves Lane. All in 28 miles on the nose with 1300ft of climbing. Below are a few photos from the ride inc a short video clip right at the bottom. Enjoy and hopefully more soon - 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Gore Wear Spirit Men's Vest (Gilet)

 

Gilets / vests is one item of cycling clothing I wear from the end of winter right the way through to the start of the following winter. I have several different gilets from different manufacturers. Some are totally wind/shower proof whilst others are just another layer when it warmish but not hot enough just for wearing a jersey. I bought a Gorewear C3 gilet back in 2019 and is lovely and comfortable to wear and is wind and shower proof but it getting a little too tight a fit. This model is now discontinued so went for this Spirit model. I thought it would be the same fabric/material but it wasn't. This one has the same material as my newest jacket from Gore. It is not as comfortable and the material is more stiff / noisy if you know what I mean. It functions well and keeps the wind off you upper main body on days where you have a wind or a cool descent. On a hotter day the heat does build up. There is no openings at the bottom of the back panel to access your rear pockets in your jersey but does have a zipped pocket on your left chest which comes in handy. It packs down small but not as small as some of the other lighter weight gilets. The logos etc are reflective in headlights. The collar is high and comfortable as well. As ever with Gore the quality is good and so it should be with todays rrp’s. I comes in day glow yellow and black from sizes small through to xxxl. 

RRP £99.00 and I paid £76.88 from Bikediscount de 

Manufacturers blurb - 

Indispensable kit for every roadie, a protective outer layer that can be tucked in a back pocket on every ride or ridden in all day.

Long rides and changeable conditions makes an extra layer to carry with you essential. By making this vest lightweight and small in size, but still with reliable weather protection, you can go out in any weather with confidence. PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS Water resistant Totally windproof Extremely breathable Designed for cool weather Engineered for Cycling Weight: 154 gram Product Details GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ fabrics with GORE® WINDSTOPPER® product technology: totally windproof, extremely breathable and durably water resistant, lightweight protection Light and packable Close fit high collar Full length zip with underflap Zip tags for easy opening Napoleon pocket with zip Contemporary look Reflective details Regular fit