Local gravel / tarmac ride on the Norco Search

Yesterday I was planning on going out on my bike but it hammered down and was pitch black so did not bother but later in the day it dried up and sun came out so me and Jane went for a 5 mile walk over to the café at Pity Me Nurseries for a cuppa n cake and a steady walk back. The trails are up the naffs now and have started using the Alt Berg winter boots again, my feet were lovely and warm/dry yesterday.
As for today well the sun was out and so was I. The Norco Search with full winter mudguards fitted was my ride today. I started off on the old railway line to Bishop then on the way back I turned off at Willington and hit the back road to Stanley Crook then back on the line back to Broompark. The lines had some big puddles and were soft going through the wooded sections with the wet fallen leaves. The rain woke me this morning around 4-5am as it was hammering down so did not expect the lines to be anything but.
The bike performed well with only a couple of rubs on the front mud guard when I hit some rough sections on the gravel lines. There was loads of other cyclists out and dog walkers. It was not that hot and I had a canny headwind all the way up to the top of Stanley Crook from Willington. When the sun went the temperature dropped to less than 6 degrees on the Garmin., she was real chilly.
Below are a few pics from ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon -

Trip through to South Shields

After coming in from my ride on Sunday morning I did a few jobs then we had a drive through to South Shields whilst it was still dry. We had planned on having a walk all the sea front but when we got to the crazy golf we could not resist a game. Once we got to hole 10 it went very dark with a few spots of rain, time to finish off and a quick walk up to Colemans for some dinner. The fish was cracking as every with a window seat watching the rain bouncing a foot high off the footpath. We then drove back along the coast towards Roker calling in past Morrisons for some shopping and fuel. Sunderland lights are to say the least very poor and its defo not worth a trip back through. Nearly back home and passing through West Rainton the sun came out and was a lovely end to the afternoon after a quick sleep!

Fresh Goods Sunday - Berghaus Mens Short Sleeved Crew Neck Technical Tee

I have a few base layers for cycling in short sleeve and long sleeve version but I was after a more relaxed fit technical short sleeved top for walking etc. As ever I love Berghaus gear and this one looked to fit the bill and was in the sale. The material is lovely and comfortable against the skin, fit is not too tight and too loose, just spot on. The materials wicks well and cool in the hotter weather. I also use it under long sleeved jackets etc and have had no problems. Reading the spec below the material also has a UV factor of 30 so will be ideal again next year with we get any sun!
RRP £22 sale £17 link to website here

Manufcaturers blurb -
Berghaus Men's Short Sleeve Crew Neck Technical T-Shirt is designed to perform at the highest level whilst keeping you cool and comfortable. Ideal for use as a baselayer when an effective layering system is required, or perfect for stand alone use in warmer weather, the optimal wicking performance of ARGENTIUM combined with the odour resistance technology of Polygiene results in a technical t-shirt to take on any challenge.
Weight (approx.): 160g

Constructed with ARGENTIUM powered by Polygiene - allowing the fabric to wick away any moisture from the skin and keep you cool in the toughest conditions

Polygiene technology offers permanent odour protection through the use of silver ions; keeping you feeling fresher for longer

Stay safe in the sun - this top has a UPF of 30 degrees (excluding mesh) for added sun protection

 

Early morning Sunday local road ride on the winterised Bowman Pilgrims

What a week of rain it has been. Nothing all summer or Autumn but it has rained every single day here in County Durham this week. Not too worry, no miles but yesterday I spent the morning in the man cave converting bikes ready for the winter fitting mud guards and winter knobbly tyres. Once it dried up it was time to clean out and wash the van and car, turned out to be a lovely afternoon. The sun even popped out for a while, first time in 7 days.
As for todays local road ride I was out before 6 am and it was not that cold to start with but there was a steady breeze. Once up at Kelloe the mist was rolling in the temperature dropped from 7 degrees down to 2 degrees. It was also pitch black on the  un light back country lanes. Once I dropped through Cassop and down to Ludworth on the back road the daylight come in from no where and was an amazing sky. I had my Northwave artic winter road boots on and Endura leggings, just as well as it was nippy half way around the loop. All in just under 29 miles and the Bowman was riding well, just needs a couple of tweeks - garmin speed senor arm needs adjusting, cable tension on the front mech and small rattle from rear mud guard. Below are a few pics (again the camera did not like the dark) enjoy and more soon -

FOR SALE - Ridley X-Bow CX bike

Ridley X-Bow CX bike, Size XXS, Standard apart from upgraded rear mech XT, wider ratio rear cassette, Shimano hollow tech chainset with TA cx rings. Good condition, very little use, washed and dried after every ride. I will chuck in some new bar tape.
£380 ono

Part 2 - Kielder Apres photos

A few pics from after the ride out around Kielder - the sun had gone and clouded over and a little chilly to say the least.