Camelbak Hawg NV 30

 I decided Now that I'm getting a little fitter I can maybe carry a bit more,so opted to get my hands on a Camelbak Hawg NV 30.

I have so far only just used the bag once on my trip down to London whilst attending a conference that Pace Rehabilitation arranged. First thoughts on the backpack, well it's big and i don't mean that as in it is way to big on your back, no as it big in how much it can carry. Believe it or not I had my whole riding prosthesis in the pack, that's socket, my BTK,tendons, pylon and foot and I still had room for my pj's and cycling gear, gloves,jersey,socks and shorts, plus a few odds and ends like meds and a multi- tool to pop my limb back together when I needed it.

There must have been well over a stone in weight in the pack and it carried very well on the comfortable straps. The pack has some nice features like a zip that you can open and increase the size of the bag when needed and also a built in rain cover, that fits neatly into the bottom of the pack. It also comes with a 3 litre bladder for those longer days in the saddle.
 
So first impressions are rather good, looking forward to seeing how it performs whilst out for a longer ride.

An expandable mountain bike pack for multi-day transalpine rides.

Specification and Features of the Camelbak H.A.W.G NV 30 Hydration Pack Black.

• TOTAL CAPACITY: OPEN: 30.5L (27.5L + 3L Reservoir)
• ZIPPED UP: 22.5L (19.5 + 3L Reservoir)
• PACK ONLY WEIGHT: 1.26 kg
• DIMENSIONS: 51 x 22 x 31 cm
• BACK PANEL: N.V.I.S.
• HARNESS: Dynamic Suspension with perforated foam, Slider Sternum Strap and cargo pocket
• BELT: Fixed 38mm with cargo pockets
• KEY FEATURES: Expandable gusset, zip-out helmet carry, media pocket, bike tool organiser pocket, wet-dry pocket, four-point compression straps, removable rain cover
• FABRIC SPECS: 70D Diamond Clarus & 420D Nylon with DWR + 1000 mm PU
• DESIGNED TO CARRY: Helmet, rain gear, extra layers, gloves, multi-tool, pump, spare tube, lunch, MP3, GPS, phone, wallet, keys

My trip to the Road to Recovery, Rehabilitation conference.

Road to Recovery, Rehabilitation Conference Flyer

 As most of you know I have been supported from very early on since becoming an amputee by a clinic called Pace Rehabilitation. Why did Pace decide to support me? Well this could have been for any number of reasons. Maybe it was because I put myself out there from very early on following my amputation. I was determined, positive wouldn’t take no for an answer when told “you can’t do that” would question "why not". Or possibly it was because I was a good role model for other amputees, in that I was just an ordinary lad who wanted to live a normal life, do stuff I once enjoyed, plus add a few new things along the way. Who knows it could have been blind luck or fate that brought us together. What I do know is that I can’t thank Pace enough for all their on-going support and helping me on my particular Road to Recovery.
 
Thinking of how that statement ends I would like to tell you all about my recent trip down to London to take part in a conference organised by Pace Rehabilitation, aptly named “Road to Recovery”.

Rain,Fun and a complete Cock!

  Once upon at time there was this geet old miserable twat...But hey we will get to that bit later on...

Just lately I never seem to have a minute to myself, don't get me wrong I'm not complaining, it just takes a lot of getting used to. Going from being ill for all those years and basically doing nothing everyday then getting up and knowing I had the same to look forward to the next day, then the next and so on. I suppose in a way it's the same for the majority of people who are unemployed, no money to do anything,depressed and frustrated. My friend John is out of work and I sometimes see his frustrations and how he doesn't like taking anything from me, for instance if I treat him to a McDonald's or buy a gear cable for his bike. I tell John "that's what friends are for" to help you out when your struggling, give you a bit of morale support and tell you everything will work itself out. You can't buy proper friendship and hey money is made to go around.

My m8 John

Challenged Athletes Approved and supported by Arctic one I'm a happy bunny

Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF)


Arctic One


                     Sometime ago I applied for funding for a running blade from an organisation called The Challenged Athletes Foundation. I decided to approach CAF on the advice of Scott Clark a prosthetist who works at Baker Orthotics and prosthetics in Dallas Fort Worth TX. I had been introduced to Scott via my good friend Shannon who receives treatment at their clinic.
So pretty much as soon as I got home from my trip I approached two people I really respect and admire to see if they would be willing to support me and write me a couple of good references.  Both my boss at work, Dan and Toby who has been my prosthetist at Pace Rehabilitation for some time now didn’t let me down and wrote me two of the most fantastic references, which really blew me away. Thanks guys for your support.
Probably a week or so after I had completed the online application to CAF I received a very nice email from one of CAF’s representatives. It went on to explain that unfortunately CAF couldn’t support my application as they didn’t fund International athletes at the moment. I was gutted, and informed both Dan and Toby thanking them very much for their support in being referee’s for me and their time in writing such glowing references. And so yet another “road block”. This isn’t the first time and certainly won’t be the last, yeah it does knock you back, however you just have to find something else to do or keep on trying, knocking on people’s doors so to speak.

A good month or so past and after I came in from work one day I was checking through my mails when I noticed I had one from Toby, entitled CAF and appt 11/4/14. I opened the mail and was very surprised and excited to read that Toby had gotten an email from CAF saying that I had actually been approved for a running blade. The blade being an Ossur Flex Run. WoW, awesome. I immediately mailed Toby back as I was so excited.

This is fantastic news for me as I have wanted to try and run for some time. Different people have said things like “Oh it’s really hard as an above knee”, or “it takes a lot of commitment” I totally understand this, however think everything I have done so far since having my amputation and of course being ill since 1995 has been a commitment. Some people climb Everest, or head off to really cold uninhabitable areas on expeditions and then there are other people whose biggest goal in life would be to walk 10 steps after suffering illness. I guess what I’m saying is this is a personal challenge for me. I know I’m not going to break any records, other than the ones I set myself, but I do think everyone should at least have the chance to be the best they can be. Unfortunately this isn’t always possible and I realise just how fortunate I have been to have had absolutely amazing support throughout the years, from people all over the world, whether that be words of support, friendly advice or indeed being sponsored on new pieces of technology and great design ideas.

And so this new path in my life is starting to evolve. There is lots of hard work to do as at the moment all I will have is basically is a foot, and well that in itself isn’t much good without the rest of the components to make it into a full running prosthesis.

Toby suggested it would be a good idea to contact a lovely gentleman named Matt Kirby who may be able to help with fund-raising ideas and also help me in gaining the required funds necessary to get me fitted up with a complete running set-up.Matt is the founder of the charity Arctic One. Arctic One was launched in November 2011 to coincide with Matt running the Antarctic Half marathon. And the Arctic one Foundation – Get involved, became a charity in its own right in October 2012.

I corresponded with Matt a few time via email, then we arranged a chat on the phone. To be honest it wasn’t the first time I had spoken to Matt. As I recall he had rang me around Christmas time about getting involved with Arctic One and at that time I was off to a works Christmas party so couldn’t talk. We then both just didn’t get around to getting back in touch. It’s sometimes funny how things turn out as if we are following some pre-destined path. Anyhoo Matt rang as he promised and I knew immediately that we would get along. Matt has this real passion when he talks and he comes across as being very supportive. One of the questions Matt asked was “are you sure you are committed to this”. I’ll be honest and quite often doubt myself. I hope I don’t come across as being big headed, however many people contact me through social media or read my blog and comment on how inspirational I am. Although I accept the lovely comments and I am very grateful I don’t see it as anything other than getting on with life and doing what I want to do. So again being honest yeah I’m a little scared in case I fail, however I’m also pretty damned stubborn or call it determined.

As I chatted with Matt and then on another occasion with both Matt and Bex Stubbings who is another of Arctic One’s trustees I agreed to join forces with them. Letting both Matt and Bex know that my aim was to increase more awareness where I live up in the North East. I have strong feelings that not enough is available here in our region and if by helping support Arctic One and Arctic One in turn supporting me, then may be hand in hand we can help create more opportunities and input for people in the North East.

So down to fund raising and idea’s, wow it’s tough as just about everyone appears to be doing something, whether that’s zip lining off a bridge, or parachuting out of a plane. Matt and Bex have suggested I take part in a triathlon.” Mmmm”  I thought, “yeah why not”. It will be a first for me, something that both excites me and scares the pants off me. I’m not entirely sure how I will complete the running section as I can’t manage much more than a steady walk with my current NHS limb, however I’m willing to give it a go.

Last week I headed to my local swimming pool, Derwentside Leisure Centre I think it’s called, my friend John in tow. Boy was I nervous, this was the first proper swim I was about to have since having my leg off. I can honestly say the last time I swam other than a quick paddle in a pool whilst on my holidays last year was around 2 decades ago. I hate being on my crutches as I feel totally disabled, but no good being a wimp I’m on a mission now which I have chosen to accept. I don’t want to turn up at some lake and drown after all. I was very proud of my first swimming session, yeah it was a lot harder than I expected or imagined, however I managed 30 x 25 meter lengths, taking a few short stops and breaths.

On Thursday a pretty big box arrived for me, along with a thick envelope. Upon opening the box I found a couple of Arctic One mugs, water bottles, and two beanies. The envelope contained all the bumf relating to Arctic One, their goals, objectives and mission, also what events where going to be taking place.

Arctic One stuff has arrived

 

My Arctic One Gift Box

 And so I need to get myself in shape for August when I will be taking part in a triathlon and trying to raise as much awareness as I can as well as much needed funds. I’m hoping to do this through the use of my Facebook Group, Facebook Amputee’s and of course my blog, you the reader and my family, friends and work colleagues. 

At some point I would also like to come up with an idea to fund raise myself and will do this on behalf of Arctic One. Why fund raise for Arctic One you may ask when there are so many other worthy charities. Well simple really, for me Arctic One encapsulates a few things that are close to my heart. The fact that the charity isn’t all about raising money, it’s not all about elite athletes, it’s about ordinary folk of all abilities getting involved and active in the community (something I would like to see within the North East as I have mentioned) Introducing people to new sporting opportunities, regardless of ability. 

Arctic One also aim to support projects that contribute to cancer, in terms of research, treatment and cure and so this to hits a cord with me as I have a kind of cloud that can overshadow certain days if I allow it, in my Lymphoma.

Really it’s about making a difference, whether you are able bodied or disabled and I like this ethos.

So I am very proud to announce my involvement with Arctic One and you will be reading lots more blogs of my adventures involving them.

Oh and if anyone would like to leave comments on fund raising ideas, that would be much appreciated and totally awesome.

thanks

Glenn


http://www.arctic1.co.uk/

I have to get myself one of those

If you have been keeping up with my adventures you will know that I was off bike packing with my two friends John and Lee. Well after we arrived at the camp site and had pitched our tents we decided to head to a local pub for a nice cool pint and some grub. We where there until oh I don't know 8:00 pm and as we left the pub it was starting to set in a bit darker. I hadn't brought any lights with me (I usually have my Blackburn Flea's in my pack, though not happy with my front Flea as it's not retaining it's charge) As I didn't have any light's Lee rode at the back of our small convoy, with John up front and me in the middle. As we neared the camp site Lee sped ahead looking forward to his pasta and as he did so I noticed his back light. Dear me it was like a mini sun, all be it red lol. I shouted out "hey what kind of rear light is that" to which he replied "a Moon". Ok I have to get myself one of those I thought.

And so after perusing Google and finding the lowest price I could, £29.00 or so I waited for my new light to arrive. Well it came today and I have to say I'm well impressed. In fact I'm struggling to type up this blog as I have just blinded myself with my new light...I had a flash back of earlier days and the Movie Gremlins "Bright Light! Bright Light!". There is definitely no way I should ever get rear ended with this, well not unless the driver is blinded and runs over me.

I like the different modes, though the intense flashy one makes me feel like I am going to have a fit and the nice easy attachment is great,a sturdy clip and rubber strap. Makes it easy to pop on and off when needed. The light isn't mega big either so doesn't look out of place on your ride.

Here's some techy stuff and a video that doesn't really do the light any justice, it's sooooo bright! LoL
The Moon Shield 60 Rear Light gives out 60 Lumens which will be sure to get you seen. The high performance 3.7V Lithium polymer battery will give you a battery life of up to 7 hours and has got 5 different modes. The Shield is also usb (usb included) reachable which makes it quick and easy charge up by plugging in to your computer and has a charge time of 2 hours. it also features a low battery indicator which will come on when there is 1/2 battery left. The shield is easily attached to you Handel bars or seat post with the tool free mount that makes it quick and easy to take on and off your bike it is also vertically adjustable to get the right angle for maximum visibility.
up to 5 hours 40 minuets - 20 lumen - standard
up to 3 hours 50 minuets- 40 lumen - high
up to 2 hours 30 minuets - 60 lumen - over drive
up to 7 hours - 40 lumen - strobe
up to 7 hours - 40 lumen - flashing

There and a bit of the way back - The Good the Bad and the Scummy

Ever since my birthday I've had a bit of an upset tummy. I wasn't sure whether it was something I had ate, or as my usual getting stressed about nothing in particular.

On Thursday, at least I think it was  Thursday (my memory is shocking) yeah it was Thursday as I have just texted John who was with me, we went to visit our new friend Lee and his lovely wife Michelle. Michelle had contacted us on Facebook saying she was going to prepare a nice home cooked meal and I mean who can refuse that. Not only that we were heading over to discuss plans with Lee about going bike packing on Saturday, staying over Saturday night, then returning sometime on Sunday. Lee is quite clued up on the local area and he knew of a decent ride which ended with a good camp site.

As usual I left everything until last minute and found myself with John and Ern at Go Outdoors trying to pick a tent which I could quite easily pop on my bike. WoW it was more difficult than I though, so many tents to choose from and then when I did eventually figure out which one I wanted they didn't have it in stock, so I spent the best part of another half an hour trying to find one I liked. Sods law really I should have just opted for the very first one I saw in the entrance to the shop as that is the one I eventually bought. The one I got was a Vango Tempest 200,it's a 2 man and not a bad little tent for £90...Not that I know much about tents, other than they are held up mostly with stick type thingy's and bits of rope.

Once at Lee's we discussed where we would be going, had a cracking lasagne, thank you Michelle and watched a few of Lee's home bike movies which were very entertaining. Lee appears to have a more professional approach to making his video's where as I just fudge stuff together and hope for the best lol.

Oh I better warn you now, this could be quite an epic tale so if you would like to head off for a cuppa and some biscuits I'll still be here when you get back.

As the Title says "There and a bit of the way back" and  "The Good  the Bad and the Scummy. well lets start with the good huh?

Saturday morning arrives I've been feeling ill all of Friday and only had a few hours sleep. Both John and Lee were proper decent and said "hey if you don't feel up to it no probs, we can always do it another day/weekend". Sod that I thought I've just spent £90 on a tent. Maybe I'll feel better once I'm riding. So I messaged back saying that  "we are still on".

Again Mr Unprepared I set about figuring out what I thought I would need, after all John and I didn't have to be over Lee's until 12 midday. This is when it became apparent that this camping and carrying all your own gear is quite a task in itself. I had a few goes at packing various things then came to the conclusion it's never going to all fit. After sometime I managed to get everything I was going to take squared away...Jeez my bike was like a laden mule and after I added 2 litres of water to my backpack it felt decidedly heavy. I'm just pleased I had my Bike Bag Dude frame bag as without this I would have been stumped. I was able to pop various things in this handy bag, everything from my GoPro to a few banana's and my bobbly hat.

John arrived around 11'ish, carrying his gear and we had a few minor adjustments of each of our bikes and gear before heading over to meet Lee at his house.

On arrival at Lee's we were greeted by both Lee and Michelle and proceeded to make final checks, get a few photo's taken and Michelle took a little video of us all leaving so that Lee could use it in his video that he was going to shoot.

John,Lee and Myself

Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me...

Birthday McMuff

Another year older...I'm now at the age where I try to keep my birthday a closely guarded secret...awww crap another Fail!  Saying that I have to admit this birthday has been quite enjoyable. Maybe it's because I have lots more supportive friends who I enjoy spending time with and who in turn give me the kick up the arse I sometimes need in order to get me into action. Maybe it's because I'm a lot happier in myself as things are pretty tickety boo at the moment (well apart from this dam blog thingy going from my chosen text Verdana to something completely different as I type Grrrrr...Bloody just stop on Verdana)  Oops sorry side tracked there...Omg why is it doing that... Focus Glenn, Focus.

An old friend I had yet to meet...

Isn't it strange the power of the internet. Almost all of us are connected to a world which has become increasingly smaller thanks to the World Wide Web.

This adventure started many years ago as I recall, when I had the pleasure of becoming Mick's acquaintance on-line, through some amputee group or another. To be honest both Mick and myself can't recall just how long we have known one another or when we first started chatting on the internet in various groups/ forums etc. It's been a while, Mick has followed my progress, joining my Facebook Amputee's group and also becoming a follower of this here blog, oh and not to mention just recently as I started up a new forum called It's Gone Move On and offering great support there.

So anyhoo I noticed Mick had posted on my forum about his passion for getting out doors and going for a jolly good walk throughout various parts of our beautiful countryside. He had asked me to join him on an outing sometime ago. And though I had initially agreed it was at a time when I was having real bad socket issues, so we had to put our meeting and outing on hold. Well like most things it just got forgotten about and though we saw each other posting from time to time, well it just didn't happen.

As I saw Mick posting a little more about how much he enjoys his own adventures I thought I'd contact him and try and arrange to meet him and head out somewhere. Well this finally happened yesterday.

Mick standing under Coe Cragg

OMG! I think I've broke my bot...

    John had asked me earlier in the week did I fancy a look out and did I know of anywhere to ride that maybe interesting. I told him yeah I wouldn't mind having a ride out, however I was really running out of places to go locally that quirked my curiosity. Although I get out and about it's generally only a radius of around between 20 to 30 miles away from home, so in the years I've been cycling I've just about gone everywhere I can think of as interesting.

Anyhoo I had a think about it and suggested we maybe ride to Newcastle and we could always have a look around Leazes Park which is opposite where I work. John was up for this as he's a Newcastle United fan and St Jame's Park is right beside the Park.

Leazes Park, band stand, looking onto back of St Jame's Park

Wheeeere Off to see the Wiz...Ahem OX!!! lol

During the week my friend John had asked me had I seen the photo's and Youtube footage of the Old Baths at Durham, to which I replied "No". So I decided to checkout the video and images and found them really interesting. It's a real shame that such a beautiful building which opened back in 1932 has not been looked after an converted in to something useful. The place has so much character

During my search I found various articles and thought I'd post this link to show you what the building looks like and just how it has fallen in to disrepair and been vandalised

http://www.derelictplaces.co.uk/main/showthread.php?t=23941#.U0F9AVfIvRU

Both John and I would have liked a look inside, well maybe not John as he thinks the building is "spooky" as he describes it lol

Anyhoo whilst searching on the line I discovered there was a sculpture down on the riverside in Durham. It was done by Andrew Burton. So I mentioned this to John and we both decided to have a ride down to Durham to try and find it and get some pics.

Mooooooooo!

I'm expanding...No not that way silly!

Instead of saying I'm expanding and having you all think I'm getting a little tubby, maybe I should have said I'm branching out. Now to many of you this won't really apply,as well you have all your bits...yes, yes I know some of you think you have all of your bits, yet are still lacking something, but hey who am I to judge lol.

Anyhoo instead of being cryptic I will explain. I have decided to start a forum, which hopefully is going to benefit the amputee community.

I have had great success with my Facebook group, Facebook Amputees, so much so that it now has over 1,000 members and counting. You know I say "MY" group, when in fact I feel I have actually handed the group over to it's members. So really now I class it more as "OUR" group, after all it's a joint venture of over 1,000 amazing people who make it what it is.
 
 I decided to try and start my first forum as whilst I like Facebook I do not like the new style format where important and helpful information scrolls off the page into oblivion. So my thoughts for a forum were, Mmmmm have a place that has the same kind of friendly atmosphere, the same kind of information,stories,support and advice, BUT have it on a board where if people wanted to add to a topic they readily can. This means anyone who needs certain information on a subject can either ask the question or it may already be laid out there for them to read.

So to the name of this new forum... Well I was thinking and thinking for ages and in the end after Googling and finding most stuff was taken I decided on something that was kind of fitting when thinking back on my situation. And so chose to call the forum "It's Gone Move On". Now yeah this won't suit everyone's Mantra, but hey. I guess I'm the type of guy who whilst I know what it's like to suffer from depression I also know that for me loosing a limb wasn't going to be the end of my world.

And so for those of you who are interested, if  you think you could either do with a little support or offer a whole shed load,why not come pay us a visit.

you can find us at 

http://its-gone-move-on.proboards.com/

New friends and old bones

    I had been looking forward to today all week I was going to heading out on my bike,   regardless of the weather, well unless it was a full on down pour with thunder and lightening (I get scared in case my metal bits get struck lol)

Earlier in the week I had planned a ride to the coast with my new riding bud John. The pair of us aren't exactly fit, so we had come to the decision we would ride down to Sunderland, go along the sea front and then follow the coastal path to South Shields, then cheat a little and ring Ern (my dad for a lift home. The way I see it is it's enjoyable having a nice ride, but when you push things too far well you just sicken yourself off.

Today was also special because I was going to be meeting up with a very nice lad called Lee, who was going to be joining John and I for a look out.

Allreet there John

A random yet enjoyable loop with my friend John

I had arranged to go out for a bit of a ride with my friend John today, around lunch time, after I got home from work.

So after work I drove home, got in and made myself a nice cup of coffee with our new fangled Tassimo machine. The coffee,tea and other assortments of drinks are quite nice and it's a nice treat on a morning to have a strong cup of Costa coffee or a hot chocolate before going to bed.

I finished my coffee and  went and got changed into my biking gear. Picked up my small Canon camera and then headed back down stairs to adjust my cleat on my good legs shoe. Past few bike rides I have had I have been getting a really painful knee. Originally I put this down to riding up our big bank last week with my seat way to low on my Ibis. I then thought maybe  my cleat was in the wrong place. Well to be fair I now don't think it's any of those reasons, maybe I'm just getting old and that's where the pain is coming from.

John arrived at my house around 1:30pm and I provided him with a couple of nice new stickers which he had asked me for, so that he could pop them on his bike. The stickers being the ones I had printed last week and advertising this very blog. Hey you have to take free advertising where you can right lol. Ern very kindly applied them to John's bike (John's hands where to cold and hey I already had my bike gloves on raring to go)

Cool Sticker

A special gift from a special friend

Late last week I received a very special gift from my friend Lee Kinder, also known as Artisan Attributes.

Mr Hink's... Thanks Lee

I had the great pleasure of meeting Lee in Logan Utah when I was out visiting another good friend of mine Mark Peterson.

Mark had very kindly allowed me to crash at his pad whilst I was on my 3 week holiday in the US last September and it was an awesome surprise when he had arranged to drive the hour or so to hook up with Lee over in Logan.

WoW I still find it amazing how just by getting a Fat Bike I then go on to meet so many wonderful people. Fat Biking and the whole Fat Biking community is unlike any other. The sense of camaraderie is unreal. As soon as I started posting my first few pictures of my Fat Bike I found I was getting friends requests and invited to such things as Fat Bike festivals.

It had been a long time dream of mine to travel, however I never seemed to find myself  in the position to do so. Tied down when I was younger, then illness as I got older.

Then I caught a bit of a break and managed to get myself a part time job and  was able to get myself back on my feet (even if one of them is made of carbon and plastic). Really I owe a huge thanks to my fantastic work colleagues who pushed,as well as supported me in following my dream and making the decision to travel.

My original plans were just to go visit Brian, my friend and sponsor on his fantastic Bartlett Tendon, however when I mentioned to Mark I was thinking of going on holiday ,he was like "dude you have to come stay with me and ride my trails". From there I had another friend Shannon, who I have known as a fellow amputee for years, again via Facebook and she wanted me to visit her. And so things started to gather momentum. I just wished I had had more time and more guts (my first real trip away I was scared I would get lost) as I dearly wanted to visit my friend William Rosche in Atlantic City. It just came down to logistics in the end and time, too many flights and trains not enough time.

Anyhoo back to Mark and Lee... Just like when I met Mark at Salt Lake Cities airport, as soon as Lee and I met I knew we would get along famously. That day riding in Logan's mountains will be permanently etched in my memory. The scenery, the smell, the atmosphere and of course riding with these two amazing new friends.

As our time was just about done as we ended back up at the car park I asked Lee would he mind doing a carving for me. To which he replied "sure, just send me what you would like done", needless to say it had to be Mr Hink's, my beloved English Bull Terrier.

And so my pendant arrived late last week and I thought I'd take a little pic, which actually doesn't  do the workmanship any justice.

Oh and on a side note . I also tried to take a few pics of another very precious gift I received from Mark, however it's late here and a bit dark to capture it properly. Mark gave me a very special necklace. It's hand carved from bone, like little skulls, with what look like blue sapphires. I'm sure if Mark reads this he won't mind me telling you he has struggled financially since taking a pay cut. I know he wanted to give me something on my leaving and when he gave me this gift, saying he didn't have much, but wanted me to have this necklace which was very personal to him, as he had had it for a long time. Well it blew me away. To be honest there is no better gift than that of friendship and I feel incredibly lucky.

Decided to treat my Sandman

My Sandman Hoggar Fat Bike will soon be approaching 2 years old. I have enjoyed every moment of owning and riding her and since purchasing my Fat Bike she has seen more use than any of my other bikes.

Some new bits n Bobs

Ooh and here's some more Bamburgh photo's

Caught up with my friend Ade, and he passed on the photo's he had taken whilst up at Bamburgh with myself Ern and Mr Hinks.

So without further ado I'll keep it short, shut me gob and just blog em lol...

Me trying to look cool, without a bike or a pair of shorts on lol

A few additions photo wise from my mini adventure down local woods.

My friend Ade called in today and brought some images we had forgotten about from last week when he was with me as I played in our local woods.

Even though I've shared them on Facebook I thought I may as well do a little follow up blog. This gives me the chance to say a huge thank you to Ade, oh and his son Simon for tagging along  and just hanging out and making the day so enjoyable.

I would really like to be able to go out for rides with Ade accompanying me on a bike of his own, however due to Ade's health situation and the fact he has had numerous surgeries on his spine, well this just isn't possible. I know my buddy gets frustrated I can totally understand this as  I myself spent around 11 years not being able to do the things I wanted to do, watching my friends have fun and getting on with their lives,yet for me it felt like Ground hog day, stuck in some kind of limbo. 

That's why I really appreciate the times Ade can and does join me and even though he can't ride I would hope he agrees we still have a great time with a few laughs n giggles along the way and making those lasting memories we can look back on.

Cheers bud...

Oooh almost forgot if you would like to see more shots which we will continue to try and keep updating checkout Ade's Flickr page at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/ade-the-tog/

It's Me

Walkies with Ern and Mr Hink's

Had a little walk out with md dad and Mr Hink's this morning. Thought I may as well take along Pentax  and GoPro camera's see if I could capture anything.

Hinky Doo

A few pictures from yesterdays trip to Bamburgh

I thought I'd pop a few pictures that where taken with my Pentax on my blog today. I have had a bit play around editing them and I suppose they aren't too bad. Saying that these are just the ones I managed to save I had a lot more on my camera but they were mostly terrible.

Really I just need to get out and practice more and have a little more patience I guess.

I'm sure Ern took this one

A trip to Bamburgh Beach

As I've been off on a week's hols this week and the weather was so nice, I decided to have a look-up to Bamburgh beach and just have a bit of a mess around on my Fat bike.