Back out on my road bike - first time in over four months

 

After all the current heavy continuous rain I decided to keep away from anything off road for this ride. I dragged out my old Cannondale Neo Synapse, pumped up the tyres and knocked the dust off the saddle and bar tape and it was good enough for a local spin. The sun was shinning and the wind was blowing so decided to keep it local. I head over to West Rainton direction then over to Hetton Le Hole then down to Chester Le Street. The traffic was not too busy which was a bonus but what I did not realise is just how bad the local roads are with pot holes, breaking up etc. The climb up and over Moorsley sharp warmed up my legs and my lungs. As ever some drivers skills are poor to say the least, only two very close passes during the ride so not too bad! Below are a few snaps from the ride inc the route map. All in just under 28.5 miles in 1hr 50mins with just over 1500ft of climbing. Enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

Back out enjoying the wintery scenery in the cold

 

Back out again on the Specialized Creo 2 gravel bike for a local frosty and icy gravel ride. I hopped onto the old railway line at Langley Park and headed to Broompark picnic area junction. There was not many others out in the minus two degrees temperature. On the plus side most of the old railway lines were frozen so it was easier going than in the soft freezing cold slop. At the junction I turned left and heads towards Bishop. I seen on the news they are demolishing all the old buildings to the rear of the town hall so decided to go through and have a look. There was loads of other people out watching the machine nibbling its way along the row of old commercial properties. On the way back the temperature did rise slightly to one degree. Its nice to back out again enjoying the fresh air and scenery. All in just over 27 miles in 2hrs 8 mins with 800ft of climbing. Still taking it steady and building the mileage back up slowly. Below are a few pics from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon- 

Finally back out on my bike for a test ride

 

Apologies for the lack of blogs over the last four weeks. I caught a bad flu / bug thing and it knocked me off my feet. I thought I was better for a couple of days then I was wiped out again for another two weeks. Then I thought I was better again then I was wiped out again for a third time in a row. On top of that my back has finally recovered which took nearly two months to sort out, in between all that the weather has been very up and down from plus 16 degree days with sun to freezing cold and snow, what a mixed bag it has been to say the least. 

Enough of this sickness which was driving me up the wall I decided to go out for a spin this afternoon as most of the snow and ice has melted so I hopped onto the old railway line at Langley Park and headed up hill towards Consett. I had the bike winterised before I fell ill with the Ass Saver Win Wing on the rear, 29" wheelset and lights fitted, all I had to do was pump up the tyres and it was ready to rock n roll, more than what I was. I had a 15mph headwind all the way up which did nothing for my knackered lungs to start with. A quick inhaler stop with a drink and I felt much better. It has been over four weeks since slinging my leg over the saddle, the longest time I have been off a bike for many years so just took it steady as I had no choice really as my body was screaming at me. Once at Consett the little bit a sun I had down at Lanchester had gone and the temperature went from 8 degrees down to 5 degrees. I turned left at the crossroads and over Hownsgill viaduct until the Garmin reached 10 miles. I turned and headed back down with the wind behind me. The lines were still very wet and soft after the melting snow and ice. There was still a couple of snow / ice sections left where it never gets any daylight but just took it steady. Once I hit the valley bottom again the sun came back out and warmed me back up before heading home. It is going to tale a while to build back up my fitness and the next week of forecasted rain is not going to help! 

Below are a couple of snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon-