Bank Hol Monday ride on the Fat Bikes

MK1 Salsa mukluk left and latest Salsa carbon beargrease right
what a difference a few years/technology makes

Bank hol weekend and I am bad as a dog with flue. Saturday we went shopping at the Toon, very quiet I thought and got a few things for the house, work shirts etc nothing exciting really. Had a quick look around Start Cycles, they have extended the ground floor to make more floor area for clothing/shoes etc. Then on the way home we called in past Evans at Gateshead to exchange the faulty pump, I have never seen the shop so busy and all the staff were out the back apart from one so had to wait to be severed but the lad never even looked at the pump or receipt, new one had the needle pointing at 0psi so fingers crossed. Then on the way home I was looking over at north bound on A1M and thinking god its quiet. Got to Washington services and found at why, North bound all three lanes closed, tried to get off ta Chester Le Street but gave up so continued very slowly down to Durham turn off.
Yesterday was a complete and utter wash out with heavy rain and wind. Still bad so didn't do much, lazy sod that I am.
Today the sun was out so dragged the mtb's out for a local off road ride. Angus is (or should be) revising for his exams as his arse is starting to drop out now! As for the ride we decided to do the same route as last Saturday to Bishop Auckland and back along the old railway line. Again a massive freezing cold headwind all the way there and a more sunny tailwind back. We stopped of at Auckland Castle for tiffen at the 1/2 way turning point. Also called in past the COOP at Willington for some ket on the way back, not that I will see any of it. The old railways lines were busy with dogs walkers, horse riders, runners, cyclists and walkers. You would think everybody was trapped in the house all day yesterday lol.
Back to work tomorrow but a short week, I am only in Tues & Wed, off Thurs with the election and a Friday in bed to recover!

Fresh Goods Sunday - Part 1, Birzman Crown Race Setting Tool

I have been after a crown race setting tool for many years but the price always puts me off as I don't fit crown races very often. I have used a hammer / large flat blade screw driver or open vice for the last 30 years and has always seemed to work. Whilst on holiday over Easter there was an email from PBK with discount off workshop tools. I clicked on the link and come across this Birzman model. I only have a couple of Birzman tools, quality is ok, value for money is ok if they are in the sale. The Park Tool crown race setting tool is mega bucks so this fitted the bill. It comes with 1" & 1 1/8" adaptors as standard. They also had 1 1/4" & 1 1/5" adaptors for the same tool (see Part 2 next week). The rrp is £39.99, I would say this is over priced looking at the build quality of the tool but I paid £24.70 inc next day delivery. I have not had the chance to use it yet but looks simple enough and the adaptors should sit nicely on crown races.

no instructions in the box but on the back of the box

you would not find defects like this on new Park Tools

1" & 1 1/8" adaptors

Cold, windy & overcast local road ride

Yes it was cold 4.9 degrees, 22 mph wind & overcast for most of the ride. On top of that I am struck down with man flue, thanks Arran!
I had to force myself out today and it was not the most enjoyable rides. I had my woolly base layer, winter long sleeved jersey & gillet and I was still cold, should have dragged my full winter kit back out again. On the plus side the roads were dry and there was no rain during the ride but there was a shower within five minutes of finishing. Even though I have more movement in my arm is was still as sore as hell during the ride and most un comfortable. Back out on the fat bike I think for the next couple of rides to see if it is more comfortable / less pain.
Forecast is not looking too good for the bank hol weekend, no surprise there really.
On a better note I rang Evans today and my replacement Fat pump is in stock ready to collect, they did not ring me as the details were deleted from their system!
Below is a few snaps from todays ride, more soon.

No cycling but plenty of new reading material

CRANKED - a magazine for mountain bikers Issue # 1 landed and a couple of free stickers. It looks good, feels good and smells good. The contents isn't too bad either! plenty of fantastic photos and some cracking good stories mixed in as well. Not had enough time to read it all but the FAT Peru article is nearly completed first.
Also landing on my door mat was Singletrack 97 and Cycling Plus June. So plenty of reading and more time to read as I have been off the bike since Sunday trying to rest up my ribs/shoulder. I have more movement now and will hopefully get a ride in tomorrow.
As for the van will it went in for more surgery on Monday @ Tyre Plus Durham in Langley Moor who have a cracking old school mechanic, I have know for many years and always does a excellent job, defo recommend them. As for the replacement Fat track pump, well I am awaiting a phone call from Evans at Gateshead when the replacement lands, not holding my breath lol.
Only other news this week is after chasing my local councillor / BT  re our internet speed of less than 1mg he has finally got BT to upgrade our box, well they have promised to do it very soon!
Oh and N Power has well and truly messed up my electric account/refund/direct debit and don't know what to do with it!

more soon - just hope the heavy showers and wind has gone, and it warms up

Fresh Goods Sunday - 66 Degress North Fishermans Hat

I just cannot stand wooly hats that are not windproof. I have umpteen hats with various logos etc on and are ok to wear if it is not windy but if there is a breeze you might as not be wearing a hat. I have several black workmen hats with thinsulate liner and they keep out the wind but are all looking well worn, covered in paint, grease etc and was looking for a nice looking windproof hat for normal wear. I first come across 66north on Bike-discount (German) website but not seen any of there gear over here in the uk. When we were on our hols in lakes I was looking for a new goretex jacket in Blacks at Ambleside and noticed they had this hat on the display next to the till. I asked if it was windproof and they said it should be, only one way to find out, buy it and wear it. This has got to be the warmest hats i have ever owned, and the most expensive. I have tried it out in 50mph winds, freezing cold weather and it still keeps my head warm and not to sweaty. The rrp is £30 but was in the sale for £18. Comes with a 2 year warranty as well!
Here is the manufacturers blurb -
Having 100% lamb's wool and 100% Merino wool layers, the 66° North Men's Fisherman Cap offers both warmth and breathability to ensure your head remains fully protected at all times.
It can be worn inside out if you wish, to place the breathable Merino wool against your scalp for added breathability, allowing moisture to wick away from your skin and hair. It has the distinctive 66° North logo woven into the front, so it's sure to catch the eye.

Features

• A breathable, warm hat from 66° North
• Double wool layers - 1 100% lamb wool layer and 1 breathable 100% Merino wool.
• Moisture wicking - the Merino wool draws sweat away from the skin.
• 66° North logo - eyecatching design.

I will defo be buying more clothing from 66north if the quality of the hat has anything to go by.