Gentle spin up Weardale n back - Autumn has arrived early

 

I was up in Stanhope for work so popped my Cannondale Synapse Neo in the back for a gentle spin out. I set away up the back road from Stanhope to Daddry Shield then crossed over the bridge and took the very lumpy back road up to the other side of Cowshill. I then took the main road back to St Johns Chapel. I was going to keep on the main road back to Stanhope but turned right and took the back country lane instead. There was not one car passed me the whole ride, its unreal up there and the views are amazing. Its been a while since I have ventured around upper Weardale on the road bike and need to get up there more often. The weather was a right old mixed back for overcast and cloudy to the sun poking through for a few minutes. I had a canny stiff headwind all the way back and the temperature was dropping. I just back in time before the heavens opened and rain was bouncing off the tarmac. I tried out my Assos Spring Fall long sleeved jersey, in fact I had my sleeveless base layer, LS winter jersey and gilet on and I was not that warm or sweaty! Below are a few snaps from the 21 mile ride with 1700ft of climbing. Enjoy and hopefully more soon. 

Wolsingham show this weekend

 

Spin from Consett to Langley Park on the old Railway Lines

 

Well that's the last of the Bank holiday weekends over with for another year As normal the weather was not great, overcast and cloudy with a couple of rain showers. We had a walk down to the Classic motor show in Durham. It was quite busy but they could have had loads more cars / vehicles there. We also had a walk up and down Silver street, what a complete and utter shit hole, worse than North road and that takes some beating. Durham County Council should be ashamed on themselves for letting it go like this. We had a cuppa and cake in the coffee shop at Cathedral, there prices have shot up! 

Anyway todays ride was back in the sunshine but still cool, around 12 degrees. I think Durham has had its summer now and looking at the forecast from this Friday its 10 days of solid wall to wall rain. Anyway back to todays ride I was up in Consett so thought I would have a ride up to Parkhead n back but my legs were not feeling it so turned left at the junction and head down to Langley Park instead. It easy going downhill but once I turned at 10 miles it all up for the return leg. I kept my head down never stopped once , apart for traffic at road crossing. I was only 29 seconds slower coming back! All in 20 miles on the nose with 800ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon - 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Assos Rally SS Jersey (Open Orange)

 

I have owned and used loads of different manufacturers short sleeved jerseys over the 40 years of cycling. Some have been good, some have been not so good. The quality / deign etc has definitely improved over the years. The last 10 years or so I have always worn Gorewear tops. They have been fantastic quality and good construction which last for years. I always buy them at the end of the season when companies are selling them off ready for there winter stock coming in. This seasons 'colour' does not mean anything to me so always try and get a good bargain. This is the first time I have tried Assos for jerseys and found this on their own website sale. It was 1/2 price so thought I would give it a go. They have free returns so nothing to lose. 

The first thing I noticed was the very posh packaging, yes that goes in the bin unless you want to keep it for some reason. Secondly when I pulled the jersey from the box the material on main back panel was a thick'ish mesh type material that you can see through. I have never seen this before and to be honest put me right off at first. After trying it on it felt very comfortable so thought I would give it a go out on the tracks n trails. I have worn it nearly none stop since receiving it, even when it has been cooler with a gilet over the top. The pockets are easy to reach and big / deep enough for storing spares etc. I have not used the zipper pocket as I have a bar canister bag. After 5 mins or so you cannot even feel you have the jersey on its that's comfortable. The mesh material just feels like normal lycra material, the only thing I would say is when I haven't had a gilet on I have always worn a sleeveless base layer underneath as I am not sure if the mesh protects your back from the sun. Reading Assos's guff the mesh is designed to keep you back cooler with a Camelbak on. I have never over heated with the jersey yet and wicks very well. The zips are smooth and run smoothly. It also washes well and dries very quickly. 

It comes in two colour options blue / black and orange / black. Sizing is from XS to XXXL. At £75 its good value but at full rrp it would be a no no for me.  

RRP £150.00 and I paid £75.00 from Assos direct inc p&p - Discount 50% 

Manufactures blurb - Designed to perform on the toughest terrain and excel in the hottest conditions.

When your rides are punctuated with the crunch of rocks and roots, this is the jersey to be wearing. Every consideration went into the second iteration of our Rally jersey. Fashioned with an innovative 3D mesh for rapid drying and increased airflow, this high-output piece of equipment excels on everything from the rugged to the rolling. We elevated the technical functionality with a reworked underarm construction for improved breathability and a marked reduction in seams. The rear panel still relies on our innovative mesh panelling, ensuring you stay cool and are able to perform at your peak while pedalling. The unique shoulder design also provides increased durability and comfort when used with a backpack, although the inclusion of three triple ramp pockets will put your mind at ease on the steepest ramps and quickest flow trails.

• Materials: 87% Polyamide, 13% Elastane
• Mount Pine Tex - An intelligent knit fabric with an open structure noted for its breathability, elasticity, and remarkable temperature regulation
• 3D Mesh - Ventilation enhancing, open mesh deployed on the rear. Proven,
  functional breathability when worn with a backpack
• 3-Mesh - Positioned on the underarms and side panels, 3-Mesh is a brand new,
  breathable, bi-stretch circular knit for enhanced comfort when the situation heats up
• A simplified construction when compared to the SS. rally trekking jersey evo7 for a frictionless fit
• XC racing Fit - this jersey is tailored for the more upright position of mountain biking and fits best on the bike
• Three triple ramp pockets