Fresh Goods Sunday - Gore Bike Wear - Xenon 2.0 Short Sleeved Jersey

Summer clothing sale time again so I decided to lash out and buy myself another Gore Bike Wear short sleeved jersey. I really do like the cut, feel and construction of Gore jerseys and have used them for many years in various models. This time around I bought the Xenon 2.0. The rrp is an eye watering £89.99 but I paid less than £47 inc p&p.
I thought I would not get much use out of the short sleeved top now as I am now normally into long sleeved top and gillet with the weather colder and more wind but the weather has held this year and can still manage most rides with short sleeves and a base layer at the mo. As I have only worn it a couple of times I cannot give a full review yet but up to now the fit and feel is as good as ever with plenty pocket space on the rear. The only real change to all my other Gore tops is the zipper on the rear zipped pocket is at 45 degrees and is taking some getting used to and has decreased space inside due to the angle. I will be able to report back more on the top next year after Spring time.
Here is the manufacturers blurb -

Gore Bike Wear Xenon 2.0 Short Sleeve Jersey

The Gore Bike Wear Xenon 2.0 Short Sleeve Jersey is part of Gore's Xenon range, aimed at riders who like to push themselves and their bikes to the limits. Where five hour plus rides, in challenging weather and difficult terrain are the norm. Extreme performance and amazing fit is key to these riders needs and the Xenon range delivers on both these elements and a lot more with the Xenon 2.0 Jersey.
A form fitting design makes you feel like you are at one with the wind, rather than battling against it, wasting those valuable calories and watts, you can concentrate on directing them through the pedals.
The highly developed mixture of fabrics makes for a form fitting jersey, which is also well ventilated, breathable and has great moisture wicking properties.
The carefully placed mesh panels under the arms, on the back and neck allow the moisture to be wicked away quickly, leaving you dry and most importantly keeps the rather embarrassing odour of perspiration at bay. The full-length zip also adds that extra option for ventilation, when the heat is turned up. This coupled with a semi-locking feature that keeps your zip in place, preventing those awkward moments trying to search for it when the hammer is down.
As with all Gore’s range of clothing, being reflective and seen is high on the priority list. Reflective piping on the back, print on the sides and reflective logos on the front of rear make sure your visible, whatever the time of day or weather.
Practicality is provided with three, good-sized rear pockets, with room for all your energy food, tools and mobile phone and with a zipped pocket also included for keeping those valuable keys and money secure.
Finally an elastic gripper on the hem keeps the jersey in place, leaving your upper body stress free and letting you concentrate on pounding away on the pedals.
FEATURES

• Zip pocket on back
• Highly functional material mix for great breathability and fit
• Reflective print on sides
• Reflective piping on back
• Partially elastic gripper on hem
• Full length zip with semi-lock slider
• Mesh inserts for ventilation under arms, back and neck
• Reflective logo on front
• Three rear pockets, slightly tapered on side for easy access

Insert:

• 100% Polyester

Main:

• 85% Polyamide(Nylon)
• 15% Elastane(Spandex)

Mesh:

• 94% Polyamide(Nylon)
• 6% Elastane(Spandex)

 

Half Marathon walk to Shincliffe and back inc extra loops

Its been a real busy week one way or another and we have not been out for a good long walk for a while so this morning we had a plan. We needed a few things sorting in Durham so that was stage 1 of the walk. The sun was in and out and it was warm compared to yesterday mornings 7 degrees on the way to work with just a gentle breeze. Once we had sorted all the jobs in Durham it was stage 2 of the route over to Brambles coffee shop in Shincliffe Garden Centre. The Park runners were just about finished when we were walking around the river at Maiden Castle. It was a quick'ish pit stop in the coffee shop then stage 3 of the route was back up to Newton Hall and over the red brick bridge, by now the strong winds started blowing but it was mainly a tail wind. . This is where Angus headed home and me and Jane turned left and on to stage 4 of route over to Aykley heads etc. By the time we hit the edge of Newton Hall again it was over 12 miles so did a lap of the Carrs nature reserve etc and ended up doing nearly 13.5 miles in 3hrs 57mins.

Local road ride on the Cannondale Nano Black + Neccl Rd2 this Sat @ Bedlington

Todays ride was a local one after I finished work over at Bourmoor, so I had a ride around West Rainton, Leamside, Houghton, Hetton Le Hole, Mosley, Pittingtons, Little town, Sherburn etc. The weather is still fantastic for this time of year. The sun was in and out and still warm but it was cold on the chest with the strong wind blowing today. The bike was riding like a dream, shame my legs were not on full power in to the headwind sections. It was a flatish route with on a couple of small climbs and one bigger climb over Mosley. Only a few pics as it was mainly an urban ride and not too many countryside views to admire.
Tomorrow sees NECCL RD 2 Saturday Series take on the hills around Gallagher Park @ Bedlington. As for the pure nutters it is the 54th 3 Peaks Cyclo - Cross challenge on Sunday.

Local Sunday morning ride on the Salsa Krampgrease

After the thunder and lighting on Thursday night and the flash flooding its back to normal weather wise here in Co Durham on Friday pm. Yesterday was cool start but then the sun cam out for the rest of the day. This morning it was even cooler with temperatures reading 8 degrees on the Gamin with the sun blazing away. I was late in getting out for a local off road ride on the Salsa Krampgrease and there was plenty of people out and bout already making the most of the fantastic weather. A few roadies passed me around 8.30am heading for Sniperley park n ride for the Durham Beast Sportive. As for me it took a while for my legs to get warmed up again and first couple of big'ish climbs were hard going but they come ok around 20-25 miles into the ride. There was no planned route in my head I just kept making it up as I was riding along adding extra loops in due to the fantastic weather. I did want to get back in time for some dinner and watch the RX World Champs on Quest. As for the bike and ride no probs what so ever. The Krampgrease was rolling well and really enjoyed the miles. Everyone I passed spoke and was pleasant for a change. Below are a few pics from the ride, enjoy and hopefully more soon.

It was Oct edt magazine week this week with Cycling Plus and Cyclist landing. My Norco Search is even listed in the Gravel Bike Guide that came with Cyclist - see below photos. Just need to find some spare time to catch up with my reading pile now.