A mainly gravel loop along the old Railway Lines of Co Durham

 

Another local ride mainly using Co Durham's old railway lines. I did not have much time so it was a short loop taking the line from Bearpark to Broompark then up to Stanley Crook and down to Crook. It was then the road from Crook up and down to the Coop at Willington then back along the line to Broompark then Bearpark. The weather was playing ball with the sun out for most of the ride and it was dry. The only downside was the wind, but I was sheltered in the wooded sections along the lines. For some reason there seemed to be a few large groups of people out and about, then I had longer quiet sections where I never seen a sole. All in 23.5 miles with 1300ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the spin, enjoy and hopefully more soon. 

A very warm but overcast and cloudy local e mtb ride around Durham City area

After a beautiful weekend of weather and going out and about but it has gone back to normal since Monday morning, proper depressing cloud, overcast, windy and cold. 

Well saying that when I went out on the bike this morning and it was 13 degrees overnight, I was not prepared for that, I was totally overdressed and sweating like a fat potbellied pig! The tracks n trails are still mainly dry and wooded sections which you cannot complain about. They were lovely and quiet as well first thing. It was one of my usual loops with the extra loops added on as I did not get out yesterday and looking at the forecast won't get out tomorrow either! All in just under 18 miles with nearly 1000ft of climbing. Below are a few snaps from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon - 

Fresh Goods Sunday - Assos Mille GT Airblock Vest / Gilet (Black Series)

 

I have had many gilets / vests over my many years of cycling and I can say that this probably the most comfortable one I have ever worn. The construction of the gilet is not from all the same materials, the front is a thicker wind stopper type and the rear is more thinner, see through breathable material, It has two cut outs to the rear to gain easy access into your jersey pockets underneath and when I have my assos long sleeved jerseys on they align exactly with the top of the pocket. It has some small reflective tabs to rear and sides. The zip is smooth and easy pulls up and down the full length inc around your neck area. It washes and dries well. The only downside is its too hot when the temperature is high but I have my Attacus gilet for the warmer weather. This is more designed for coming out of spring into summer and end of summer going into autumn but saying that a normal British summer can sometimes be cool to say the least! The wind is defected from your chest and there is no material flapping around on descents. Yes its expensive but you can see why with the design, technology, feel and performance of the materials used. As ever shop around, the yellow / black version is even cheaper £59, than the all black one, the blue/ black version is also discounted more. 

RRP £130 and I paid £91 from Assos direct 

Manufacturers blurb - A seriously protective, highly breathable windproof and water-resistant vest providing core coverage for the variable conditions encountered during spring and fall.

We developed the Spring/Fall Airblock Vest specifically for the cool, wet, and constantly changing conditions that challenge us in the spring and fall riding seasons. To ensure that your chest stays fully protected from rain, road spray, biting winds, and low temps, we constructed the upper front panel from a softshell material with a bonded membrane. To protect exterior areas exposed to the cold, we added a touch of insulation along the abdominal and upper back panels. What you might appreciate most however, is our rear Pocket Slot system, which enables you to reach your jersey or jacket pockets underneath. 

• Materials: 45% Polyamide, 19% Elastane, 36% Polyester
• NEOS MILD: Patented 3L windproof and highly breathable softshell constructed with a PU bonded membrane for added water-repellency
• Weight: 260g/m2; Breathability: MVP 20,000g/m2/24h; Water Column: 10,000mm; Elasticity: 4-way stretch
• RX: Brushed bi-stretch warp-knit fabric - quick-wicking, light insulation.
• Type.157 Stripe Tex: Proprietary breathable and stretchy circular knit textile with built-in UV protection and odour Control
• 2W waistWave: Stitch construction on the waist preserves the natural stretch of the front panel's textile, absent of elastic material
• Rear Pocket Slots: Two openings on the lower rear panel give you access to your jersey or jacket pockets underneath
• Full-Length Zipper: Temperature regulation courtesy of a lightweight full-length zipper with camlock
• Reflective Accents: Placed on the sides of the outer pocket slots for added visibility
• regular Fit: provides a clean silhouette when paired with additional layers