First Post of 2025 - A Round up of Not Much At All

I am going to start my first post of 2025 by getting my twisting out of the way, then hopefully that way I can end on a more positive note, and not have you all thinking "Jeez this guy is a whiny git, and I have just wasted 'X' amount of time reading this shit".

  

New/2nd hand Guitar

So both my dad and myself took ill with this virus type thing that had been doing the rounds. I know the exact date I started feeling unwell, it was Saturday the 15th of December last year, yes that's right last year. To date we are both still suffering the affects either from the last bug or a new one as I write. I knew when I started feeling unwell because it was the first ride out I had on my new Santa Cruz e-bike, and I blogged about the adventure. Now I can't be certain, so to avoid being sued I'm using the word "Allegedly".The only place I was really at, which was in close contact with other people was when I went into Greggs for a bite to eat and to get a hot cuppa, so "Allegedly" I think I may have caught a bug from someone whilst visiting there. 

Following returning home I felt like I had a scratchy throat on the evening. Over the course of the next few days this got progressively worse and I eneded up feeling dreadfull. Come the Monday my poor dad had also come down with something. He would go on to spend the next 5 weeks sleeping downstairs as he was so unwell and weak, he couldn't get up off the small 2 seater couch that we have in what used to be our dining room, and is now my dad's computer room, or "shit tip" as I like to call it. Me personally I guess I am not much better, preferring to think as where ever I have my stuff, it is more like organised "Chaos", where as if you look at anywhere where my dad leaves a mark it is just "Fucking Chaos", with shit all the shop.

I am the type of bloke who some would say has a perfectonist trait, also known as a "Right pain in the arse". For instance if I get any tools I take great care to clean them and replace them back in there respective places after use. As a kid I can recall going out with my dad on "Jobs". My dad being a mechanic he would ask me to hand him say a 17mm spanner, or maybe some other specific sized socket. I would then have to go rummaging around in his tool box for the next 15 minutes or so, in search of the desired piece of equipment as everything was just piled in, one on top of another. I mean imagine you have a toolbox, okay, and then you just give it a good shake, maybe drop it a few times, and then open it to discover everything all mixed up, and "Hey Presto", you have an idea of how my dad stored his gear. Things haven't improved as both my dad and I have got older. I can tell where ever Ern sets up shop, as he is a lot like how his Father used to be and a hoarder of crap that "Might come in useful". Saying which I have to laugh as I have a terrible habit of keeping "Boxes". Like you know when you get something new? I'll say to my dad, "We had better keep the box". Depending on the size of the box, it will either go into our loft, or in some cases get shoved in the outside shed.

Anyhoo moving on, also after that first ride out on my new bike I discovered I had done something to my ankle. I only have one good leg so trying to keep off it whilst using my elbow crutches was impossible, so basically I was proper "Hobbled". My ankle, specifically my Achilles and into my heel, was proper hurting. I know I have an altered gait, due to my prosthetic limb, but now I was limping all over and could hardly walk. I tried my best to deal with the virus and this new stupid fucking pain in my ankle, but inevtitibly had to take more time off work.

I managed to get a practice nurse to come out and see my dad and whilst she was out she also gave me the once over and we were put on a course of antibiotics. Oh and I also manged to get an appointment to go and see a Physiotherapist pretty quickly. The guy I saw was spot on and gave me great advice along with some esxercises to do at home, to strengthen my painful Achillies. I was advised to keep off my bikes for a while.

So long story short, it is now February 14th a Friday as I write this. My dad and I are still unwell, with cold like symptoms and coughing. I mean I am up writing this, because I can't sleep. I have a cough, sore throat and the most awful feeling in my sinuses. It's like I want to try and clear them by sniffing then spitting the horrible mucus out, but its just stuck there.

Oh and I followed the physio's advice and hadn't been out on my bike for about 3 months. I went out for a short 3.8 mile ride, it would be about 2 weeks ago now, completing a local loop, which was pretty much on the flat, apart from the Black Path over at South Moor, and when I returned home, man my Achillies was killing me again. Infact it felt even worse than when I first did it. When ever I bend my ankle its making a "Ratcheting sound". It feels like the tendon is being dragged through the protective sheath. I have also noticed if I stand for any amount of time, like at work my heel becomes very painful. So I am now awaiting another referral, and I have to say I am feeling rather low in mood and stressed. How long this is going to take to get put right? It just feels ever since getting diagnosed with that ulcertaive colitis my body is dropping to bits. I have never expeienced as much joint pain and fatigue.

Something else that has me feeling stressed and really annoyed is the fact that I want to take part in Arctic ONE's "Tour of the Isle of Wight", which will be a sponsored bike ride. I am trying to take each day as it comes, and not feel like I have the Harbinger of dooms mindset. The ride isn't until later in the year, around September. It's just that I had been off my bike 3 months and one ride out and I am back to square "none". It's soooo! Frustrating. I don't want to be sitting around feeling sorry for myself. Since being able to take up cycling it has always been a great source of inspiration and a release of all the day to day crap. Now I am struggling I have somewhat lost my "Mojo". This means I am having to look at other things to try and keep me motivated for what I hope is the short term.

Come April I will turn 57 years of age. If it wasn't for all these niggles I reckon I would be in pretty good shape. I mean yeah I am a bit like an old building being held up by bits of scaffolding, but hey! I am still hanging in there.

Epiphone Dot Limited 2019 Aquamarine

Anyhoo I decided to treat myself to an early Birthday present. I am terrible for "Googling" especially when I am bored. This is when I tend to purchase stuff I don't really need, however convince myself I do "It will cheer me up". That and of course like in this case, and my recent purchase of a new guitar, I have this internal image of me becoming a better guitar player. Of course in reality this is most definitely not the case, as it's hard work and practice that will improve my skills, not a new guitar. I could just as easily try and improve by using any of my other 6 guitars. Never mind this particular guitar called out to me from a far, so I bought it. 

Epiphone Dot Limited 2019 Aquamarine

Epiphone Dot Limited 2019 Aquamarine

The first time I saw the guitar in question was when browsing for something completely different. There was an image of this funky looking guitar and I wasn't sure what model it was. I could see it had an Epiphone logo and that was about it. Upon searching I just popped in Epiphone and the colour of the guitar which was "Blue & Green". After sometime I discovered it was a Epiphone Dot, that was produced in a limited run, so I couldn't buy it "Brand new".

After researching the guitar I discovered it was a Epiphone Ltd Edition Dot Deluxe FM Aquamirine Semi Hollow - A stylish guitar built to the exact diemsions of a vintage 335 style semi hollow arch top.

Fortunately I saw there was one advertised as being in "Mint" condition on a music site called Reverb. I went over and had a gander at the ad, and the description of the guitar from the advert sounded like it was brand new, even though it was a 2019 model. I cheekily messaged the seller with an offer. I didn't want to come across as being a complete "Douche", so aked the seller, would they be happy knocking £25 quid off, which they very kindly agreed to do. Apparently my new guitar should be with me today, so something to look forward to. 

I am continuing to get weekly one hour lessons, and although I can see that I have progressed in my playing and knowledge, as with anything it just doesn't feel quick enough. I want to be able to just pick up my guitar and be able to play any song at will, without struggling for chord shapes or having difficulty with strumming patterns. I am still terrible with rhythm and I know I can't sing, but it would be nice to be able to at least try and get some words out as I attempt to play. I just can't concentrate on everything that is going on with the guitar and then sing along at the same time. At the moment it's beyond my concentration levels LoL. 

Oh and in other news, my time has not been completely wasted, as I am up to just under 80,000 words in my book. I just need to go over the final chapters and hopefully when I can get out on my bike get a decent photo taken, so I can use it for a front cover. I am planning on the cover being black & white and I think I have thought of a good title which ties in with the book and it's story. Publishing wise I think I am going to go down the self publishing route, however getting a company to do the leg work in the set up and distribution. All in I reckon it could cost me anywhere from £600 to £1000, which I know is a lot of money and I could potentially do it cheaper. My way of thinking is I know I probably won't recoup that kind of money in any sales, however for me just getting it out there, and done correctly will be a sense of achievement. Even if one person buys it and offers some positive feedback, saying it was funny, helpful, thoughtful or a good read, well I would be well happy.

Goodness knows when I will update my blog again. It just feels like life is on a stand still once again, with not much happening, and the things I would like to be doing are being put on hold...Ah well that is life I guess.

Searching for Inspiration? - Search for Rider Resilience

Whilst having been off work for long periods due to this on going health issue, which has finally been confirmed as Ulcerative Colitis I have been going slightly stir crazy.

My usual outlet as those who know me is my cycling, however I have not been able to participate in this as much as I would like, due to the nature of the Colitis and it's symptoms.

I had my very first ride out on my new bike on Saturday, and although I enjoyed it I discovered I had done something to my Achilles. As such I am now struggling to walk and have arranged a physiotherapy appointment for next Tuesday 24th December. I need to get this sorted asap, as I want to get back to enjoying my riding.

Upon researching possible culprits for this new Achilles problem. I have gained new knowledge and can put the fact I have strained my Achilles, causing possible tendonitis down to a few things.

Incorrect positioning of my shoe cleats - I don't think it was this as my cleats are in the same position for each of my bikes and I use the same pedal manufacturer, TIME and have never encountered an Achilles strain in the past.

Incorrect seat height - This could possibly be what caused the problem. My new bike has a Fox Transfer Dropper and I cannot place it any further down into my bikes frame. At maximum height it may be a tad too high. - Solution remeasure myself and bike and use a calculation to establish optimal saddle height.

Riding to far, over exertion and not building up fitness level. - Another possibility as it has been sometimes since I have ridden, plus the Santa Cruz Heckler is a mid power e-Bike and I attempted to only use the low and middle power modes.

Oh and whilst we are on a downer lol, before I get to the real title of this blog, both my Dad and I have picked up this rather horrid Flu like bug, which has completely floored us. I kid you not I even struggled to open the plastic wrapper on one of those kitchen towels.

Okay onto the inspiring stuff.

Firstly I urge anyone reading my blog to go and checkout this video:

Secondly please go and visit the Rider Resillience web site, join the community if you think it's your thing and if you feel you can, donate. You can do this by purchasing a Rider Resilience branded piece of merchandise.

I purchased a rather cool limited edition Ortlieb Rider Resilience  roll top bag. It arrived today and I love it. Not only that I was happy to support Rider Resilience which is a non profit organisation.

Ortlieb Rider Resilience Roll top  Velocity 23 Backpack

A closer look at the Ortlieb Rider Resilience details on backpack

Ortlieb Rider Resillience Backpack arrivd this Morning

If you visit Rider Resilience you can read about it's founder Nils Amelinckx and his story and why he decided to form a not for profit community for cyclists, his aims and goals.

First ride out on the new Santa Crux Heckler SL

Man, it's stupid O'Clock in the morning—4:53 a.m., to be exact. I've had a restless night. I'm not sure whether it's these prednisone steroids I'm taking, which increase cortisol levels, or maybe I'm excited about going out for a ride on my new bike after not having ridden in a while.

Getting out of bed with a rather frustrated sigh, I decided to just leave my bedtime shorts and t-shirt on. Getting ready into my bike gear was a bit pointless, as I wasn't meeting my friends John and Peter until 8:00 am. I popped my everyday prosthetic leg on and was set for a bit of breakfast.

As I came out of my bedroom and switched the landing light on, I could see my bikes at the bottom of the stairs. My Orbea Gain and my new shiny Santa Cruz. I then had this thought, and memories came flooding back of a time when I was little and those Christmases when I was very fortunate to receive a bike.

Reminded me of Christmas as a kid, with a shiny new bike

My Dad doesn't particularly enjoy Christmas; in fact, we have become accustomed to not celebratingas. She would take great joy in putting up the decorations and wrapping various presents. There is not long to go now, so maybe instead of following Ern's "Baa Humbug" attitude, I should take a page out of my Mam' it. My Mam used to make Christmas book and make more of an effort.

I always ask Ern, "What would you like for Christmas?" to only get the reply,"There's nowt I want or need". Ern's so hard to buy for.

Anyway, heading downstairs, I went into the kitchen and opened the cupboard to retrieve my concoction of various medications. I'm down to five prednisone, an Ad-cal, a sachet of Salofalk granules, an Atenalol for my high blood pressure, and an Iron tablet. I always take the Salofalk granules first, as I find them difficult to swallow.

First, I have to pour the tablets into my mouth, and then I have to try to wash them down with a drink. You are not supposed to chew the tiny bead-like granules. They always get stuck between my teeth, and I'm left wandering around trying to dislodge them with my tongue. The rest of the tablets I pop in my hand and take in one swift swallow along with a drink.

All these different medications I hate taking.

Following the taking of my meds, I decided to make some breakfast. I'm not usually a big eater. However as I have been on the steroids, boy, I just can't stop eating. It's weird as although most days I tend to have an upset tummy, and sometimes feel lethargic and nauseous, I still have this urge to eat. I am now at my heaviest, being over 14 stone, according to our scales. Obviously, I can lose weight pretty quickly. I just take my prosthetic leg off, Lol.

"Mmmmmmm, what to have? Upon checking out the fridge, "Damn it, no bacon", plus the eggs we had in were out of date. "Sausage sandwich it is then". Popping three sausages into the Ninja air fryer. Not long after the sausages were done and I placed them in a bun with tomato sauce, they were gone. A nice cup of tea, and I felt relatively satisfied, well probably until about an hour's time.

Mmmmmm Sausages

Yesterday, I did well in preparing everything for today's adventure. Usually, you can guarantee that whenever I'm going out for a ride, I can't find something I need. The only thing I had to do this morning was go for a quick ride around the block to check the alignment of my cycling socket, knee and foot.

Yesterday, I set up the Santa Cruz Heckler's suspension, following a guide on Santa Cruz's website and a YouTube video. I also made sure everything was charged, including the bike, the SRAM AXS battery, the Beeline GPS, and, of course, my phone. Oh, and I also completed the warranty on the bike and the Reserve carbon wheelset, which I am chuffed to bits with. The model bike I ordered would have normally arrived with Reserve Alloy wheels.

That first part of my blog I wrote whilst waiting to get ready and go to meet John and Peter. The next part I will complete after I get back.

Okay, I am back. Thoroughly kanckered, aching and sore. My good leg, which is my Left, well, the cleat in my shoe must have been positioned slightly wrong, as man, after 37 miles, my achilies is killing me. I also have a blister on my butt from where my socket has been rubbing.

Bike-wise, the Santa Cruz Heckler rides great. I opted for a size Large, I am just a tad over 6 feet tall. My Specialized Turbo Levo, which always felt massive, was an XL. The Santa Cruz's suspension feels stiffer than the Specialized's, too, however not uncomfortable. I did notice a huge difference in power, going from a full-power bike to a mid-power bike. The Santa Cruz Heckler has a "Fauza motor", which only pushes out 60 nm max, whilst my old Specialized would fly along in Turbo mode, pushing out 85 nm from its Brose motor. That said, I rarely used the Turbo mode on my old Specialized, and I kind of knew what to expect with the mid-power bike. You see, my intention is to get fit once again, and I don't want to be relying on battery power alone. 

Santa Cruz Heckler SL Gloss Magenta

I really like the Fauza "ring controller". This is the switch to turn the bike on and off and operate the various modes. I have heard a lot of peple say it is "plasticky", possibly, but I still like the way it works and feels. I know that Santa Cruz, with itts Fauza setup, doesn't have an all singing all, dancing display on the bike, but at no time did I not know waht mode I was in. The only thing I was disappointed with, and this may have been my fault, was that the Fauza app did not record my ride. I have yet to have a good look at the app, it doesn't exactly look like rocket science, and I like that. Sometimes you find on these apps there is far too much information and stuff going on.

The Beeline Velo 2, on the other hand, worked very well. I love this little gadget for its simplicity and ease of use. I intend to write a review, so I will only go into a little detail here.

Beeline Velo 2 mounted with a K-Edge Adjustable Stem Mount

On today's ride I tried to keep the bike in the Breeze and River modes, only using the Rocket mode on some of the hills and a little when I was coming to the end of the ride and approaching home. After 37 miles and being out almost six and a half hours on my return home, the bikes battery only had 3% left. I'm going to try and play around with the app and see if I can get some better range. However if can't, I would love to see a range extender being developed or the bigger 480-watt battery, which  I have heard may be coming out soon.

So, although todays adventure was a bit tougher than expected, I really enjoyed getting back in the saddle. My fitness has really dropped off, and it doesn't help that I am on all this medication. I am looking forward to my next outing on my bike.

Getting back to today's ride with the boys. I rode from my house up the back of Durham Road to John's. I experimented with the River and Rocket modes. Upon reaching John's, I have to admit, man, I was out of breath. John and I didn't have to wait long for Peter to arrive, and then we set off. We had only covered a few hundred meters when I realised my prosthetic foot had turned and was in a horrible position. I am sure I had tightened up the bolt this morning. Anyhoo, after a quick adjustment and a tightening of the bolt, we were off again. Mind you, it was only to the top of Wear Road, where John had to stop to adjust his wonky handlebars. He hadn't aligned them properly after tightening his headset the other day.

Soon, we were heading along by the bypass towards Oxhill, heading towards the Morrison Busty, to then go down Lanchester Bank and get onto the Lanchester Valley cycle track. The sun was low in the sky heading down the track, and even though I was wearing my sunglasses, it was very difficult to see. 

The sun became a lot brighter as we rode down the Lanchester Valley

On the Lanchester Valley Cycle Track

John on his new bike on the Lanchester Valley Track

A good way down the track, we tuned left and cut through the farmer's property to head up the bank towards Bear Park. As Peter pedalled hard to gain some momentum for the upcoming hill, his chain suddenly snapped. I had a chain tool in my tool kit, so attempted to take the damaged link out and repair the chain; however on inspection, the chain was worn in other areas. So we had to resort to a plan B. I asked John to have a quick Google for local bike shops, and it was a choice of either Evans, which was quite some way away near the Arnison Centre or Infinity Cycles down by Meadowfield.    

Peter and his snapped chain

We chose Infinity Cycles and proceeded to try to follow Google Maps. The Google Maps lady wasn't exactly helpful as we rode, or rallied in Peters case, down the wrong road for about a mile before having to turn around and come back. John gave Peter a helping hand, pushing him whilst he rode in Turbo mode on his bike, and I went off searching for Infinity Cycles. I was way off finding the bike shop, then got a call from John saying, "Hey we have found it; come back past the way you went". So I turned around and followed Johns's instructions. How the hell we had missed the bike shop, I don't know, I mean, there is this giant sign at the roadside, plus I have been to the shop on numerous occasions with my dad.

Infinity Cycles

Getting a new chain fitted at Infinity Cycles

It didn't take long for one of the mechanics to fix Peter's bike, and we were soon on our way with the goal of getting to Finchale Priory. Heading back up towards Nevilles Cross, then down into Durham City Centre, we rode to Greggs. I had been hankering for a nice cup of tea and something to eat, as my sausage sandwich had been ages ago. One of us stopped outside with the bikes at all times whilst the others went into Greggs. I got a lovely large steaming cup of tea, a large chicken sandwich and some Large Chocolate chip Cookies. The sandwich, tea, and cookie went down as a treat.

Peter and John outside Greggs

Peter and me I was so looking forward to that cup of tea.

I then attempted to use Google Maps to find the way to Finchale Abbey. Again, we rode through Durham City Centre and headed towards Milburngate and then up the street as if going to the old Durham Ice Rink. Once back over the river using the footbridge the route was straightforward all the way to the Abbey. Peter was a little in infront of the road and had stopped to have a tab, and I got my eye on some beautiful ravens in the field, so I began talking to them, hoping they may come closer. I even offered them some of my chocolate cookies, but they didn't appear interested. I love ravens and crows and have been considering getting a tattoo. I can relate to the symbolism of a Raven.

Ravens in a field

A short ride down another road and onto a trail soon brought us to the Abbey. John and Peter had arrived just before me, so they were already looking around the ruins. I whipped my phone out and took a few shots.

Finchale Abbey as you approach it from the car park.

Finchale Abbey

Finchale Abbey

Finchale Abbey

Naughty Boys at Fichaler Abbey

We then headed across the river on the narrow footbridge. As I was going over, there was a man with, I take it, his young son. I moved over to let them pass, and the man thanked me. I jested that in days gone by, we probably would have had a duel on the bridge and he laughed and then gave me a fist bump, lol.

Looking across toward Fichale Abbey from the bridge

More pics are at the end of the bridge, and then Joh said that he really must put a spurt on, as his lass was playing hell about him being  out for so long, as they were supposed to be going out to see some Christmas lights. I told John to just crack on with Peter, as there was no way I could keep up, especially if he was riding his new bike in Turbo mode. So John and Peter left me down by the river as I took more photos'

Looking across toward Fichale Abbey from the bridge

My bike waiting patiently at the end of the bridge.

The ride along the river through Cocken Woods with all the leaves was beautiful. Soon, though I had to cut up through the wood on this somewhat steep and muddy incline. Rocket mode required for this section. I was impressed with how well the Santa Cruz rode up the bank, mind you, by the time I got to the very top, I thought I was going to cough up a lung.As I came out onto the road, I had to rely on Google Maps once again, and it took me going in the wrong direction some 400 to 500 meters to figure out I was going in the wrong direction.The Google lady kept sayijg "Make a U turn". U-turn completed and now going the correct way, I headed down Cocken Lane.

As I rode down the road, I saw John and Peter standing at the side of the road. John was on his phone, probably getting bollocked off his lass. I shouted, "Are you lost?" and just continued on, heading as directed towards Great Lumley. Not long after, John and Peter caught up, and we headed through the parkat Chester Le Street near the riverside, and this took us eventually to the bottom of Chester Le Street itself. Going from Chester Le Street, we rode up past the Police station and headed to the junction where all the traffic lights and the roundabout is. John suggested just going up by the dual carriageway on the path; however, I told him I was just going to ride down towards Birtley and then come up the C2C, so this is the way we went. Once on the C2C, John must have popped his bike into turbo mode, as Peter and I didn't see him again. Peter, who is fit as a lop, rode with me for a little while however his pace was a lot quicker than mine. I couldn't pop my bike into Rocket mode as I was down to one light, indicating my battery was just about out of juice.

When I eventually got to Beamish, I cut up by No Place and the Beamish Mary Inn, taking the off-road trail that would lead me to the farmer's trail just. At the bottom of there is the Famous Ladies' estate, and then I would be almost home. My battery was just about dead by now, and the trail was challenging to ride heading up the hill. All the rain lately had caused the trail to wash out, and there were huge gouges in the ground, with big stepped areas. I was thoroughly exhausted, so I pushed my bike up the hill until I got on the flat bit, then rallied down the other side. 

I was so tired that I struggled to hold and bend my Bartlett Tendon Knee with all of its resistance, so I couldn't manage to get clipped in straight away. I had a few choice words, then had another attempt and heard my cleat pop into the pedal, so I mounted my bike and then enjoyed the ride down the hill.

Reaching the Famous Ladies estate, I made my way through the houses, and I was home. I went to open the back gate and realised my dad hadn't been out all day, and his car was parked next to the fence, so there was no room to get my bike past. So I fumbled again with my prosthetic foot and rode around to the front of our house. I am ashamed to say I was so tired I couldn't be arsed to wash my new bike, so I pushed her into the house even though she was all clarty.

I was desperate for another cuppa, and made a chicken sandwich, and once I had finished, that had the last cookie I had bought, plus a bar of Turkish Delight. I got my bike gear off, popped it in the wash basket, and went upstairs to have a well-earned soak in the bath. Jeez, that sore bit on my arse didn't half smart. Once out of the bath, I decided to connect my Google Pixel 9 to my Mac so that I could upload the files and edit them for my blog. Dear me, I must have been on an hour trying to figure out why my phone wouldn't speak to the Mac. I hate technology. It rarely makes life simpler. Anyhoo, I figured it out, and that's about all folks.

Ooh just a little side note from today, Sunday. When I got up this morning I could hardly walk on my good leg. I'm not sure what I have done to my Achilles but it's proper painful. I have had to hobble around all day. It's not good when what is supposed to be my good leg is acting up and my other leg is a prosthgetic one. Hopefully it will improve over the next few days. I am going to investigate my shoes and the positioning of the cleats. The only thing I have changed is that I have placed new TIME pedals on my bike. They are TIME Speciale 10's. However I have used the same TIME designs for years and never experienced any sort of issues like I am having at the moment with my achilles. I can't figure it out. The centre axis has to be exactly the same and the cleat mech is the same, its just the pedal bodies that are slightly bigger, with small studs in place for extra grip. Hopefully I will be ok by Thursday as I would like to head out for another ride when I am off.

What a month - A camera up the rear and a New Bike Day.

The last few months, well I should rephrase that to most of this year, since May in fact I have not been feeling well at all. My diagnosis was confirmed last Saturday when I had to have another camera up me hoop.

This time I attended my appointment for a sigmoidoscopy. It was no less uncomfortable than my two previous colonoscopies, but hey the procedure needed to be done to try and get to the bottom of what is going on with me.

I have currently been placed on another 2 months of predisanone, steroids and at least when I am on these they help with my ongoing symptoms. Though I must hasten to add I still do not feel my usual self. I have been able to return to work on a phased return and this is a massive help for my mental health. There is nothing worse than being at home with loads of time on your hands, but feeling to ill to do stuff. It just gives you too much time to think of all the negative stuff and end up feeling sorry for yourself.

Anyhoo onto something more exciting and positive. As I have wrote in a previous blog post I had been waiting for a new Orbea bike to arrive in at Wheelbase, in Darlington. As I recall I placed an order for a Cannondale Mottera, then changed my mind and opted for an Orbea Rise M10.

Adam kept me informed about the delay in the delivery of the Orbea, however as the months passed by, no sign of the bike. This was down to Orbea and nothing to do with Wheelbase, something to do with the components I had asked to have on the bike I believe.

Eventually I decided to cancel the Orbea and was indeed going to put a new bike on hold, due to my ongoing health concerns. I then thought "No, you know what a new bike will inspire me to get out there". Did I need a new ride? Well Yes of course I did I am addicted to shiny new bikes. I have already got my eye on another one for if I am invited to take part in next years Artic ONE charity bike ride, around the Isle of Wight. I can't be seen cheating on an e-Bike now can I?

 

New Bike Day

Getting back in touch with Adam at Wheelbase I mentioned I had seen a good deal on a Santa Cruz Heckler SL and could he possibly do a price match. Adam said to give him a day or so, and he contacted the distributors, getting back to me with the good news, a bike easy available and he could price match. Great I placed an order and following my bike coming into the shop one of the workshop team fitted a Ridewrap protection kit, as I had requested.

Wheelbase Darlington

Wheelbase Darlington

I'm over the moon as my bike also came with a Fox Transfer Kashima Dropper seat post, and I am sure it has a lot carbon Reserve wheel set. Adam finished off the bike with some little trick Bugtec trick bits. A Bugtec top cap and, stack spacers.

A great choice of bikes from various manufacturers 

Santa Cruz Heckler SL

Santa Cruz Heckler SL

I am just on my way home now, with Ern. As my dad is driving us back I am typing up the very thing you are reading. A nice cup of tea when we get back and then I will fit a few parts to my new bike which includes  Rockgaurdz front and rear mudguards, plus a K-Edge adjustable stem mount bracket to hold the new Beeline Velo 2 I purchased.

K-Edge adjustable stem mount

I am looking forward to reviewing the Beeline Velo 2 as in communication with the guys who make the small device, they have been ever so friendly and helpful. Each of the back and forth messages made me feel like I wasn't just another customer. I like the fact that they listened to my feedback and where actually interested in my continued journey and cycling. So once I  get the chance to test out the new bike and give it a bit of an informal review from a non professional riders point of view I will also get around to reviewing the Beeline Velo 2. I am lexcited to seeing if the small Beeline will help with my atrocious sense of direction.

 

Looking forward to reviewing this little GPS and offering Beeline some feedback.

Ooh decided to pop down to Team Cycles to treat my bike to a Peaty's Fidlock bottle and mount. Got a chance to see a DJI Amflow in the shop. First one I have seen, looked canny. The rear triangle looked thinner than I thought, but overall a nice looking bike.

A Peaty's Fidlock  bottle

Thanks for reading. Best wishes to everyone for the coming holiday season, and a Happy New Year 2025.

Abarth 124 Spider - Hardrace Strut Brace + other mods I forgot about.

It's probably a good few months now when I did a little research into what strut brace I could purchase to fit my wee Abarth 124 Spider. There were a few on the market, however I really wanted a blue coloured one to tie in with my car, call it OCD.

Another reason for a replacement strut brace was for more practical reasons. You see as I am running Yellow Speed Racing coil overs, with the original brace I could not adjust the suspension, through the top mounts. without removing the factory strut brace. The original brace completely covers the top of the struts, so has to be removed for any adjustments to be made, which means it is a right faff.

Hardrace strut brace,

Now as many of you will know the Abarth 124 shares the same platform as the Mazda MX5 ND, so when I couldn't find a suitable Abarth version I started looking at braces that were made for the Mazda.

I happened to come across a blue Hardrace Strut brace, so decided to go ahead and purchase one. 

When the strut brace arrived, it was well packaged and the box contained all the required mounting plates and fasteners.

Can now get access to top of coil over struts

Both Ern and myself got cracking with the job in hand and soon the old brace was removed, and replaced with the new Hardrace version. It was a very easy job, and not only does the new brace look a lot better astheticaly, but I think I have noticed improved stiffness when driving. So I am very happy with my new mod.

Oh and I also forgot to mention whilst we were on, around about the same time I had a Sports CAT fitted to my car, Well the garage that fitted it were unable to pop the heat shield back on, as there were no mountings on the new CAT. After driving my car I noticed it smelled and felt very hot. My da and I ended up remobing the CAT in our back yard. It was easy yo get off, however after wrapping the CAT with Funk some Lava Wrap, what a nightmare getting the bloody thing back on. It was one single bolt in a suport bracket that we had the issue with.

   

The Ern working on my wee Abarth 124 Spider

Follwing putting the CAT back on we fitted another of my new mods a PTP Lava Turbo blanket. Now with both the wrap on the CAT and the turbo blanket my wee Abarth is sorted. 

  

PTP Turbo Blaket for Abarth 124 Spider.

Oh and finally I ordered an eMotion2+ Personal OBD Tuner from Celtic Tuning. I attached the tuner to my car, downloaded the file to the box, and then uploaded to my PC and sent the file off to the eMotion2+ people. Within a short space of time I had a new modified file and was able to pop that on the tuner box and reupload to my car.

   

eMotion2+ OBD tuning Box

The whole process was pretty easy anI didn't encounter any issues. The eMotion2+ guys were very friendly and helpful. Now that the remapped file is on my car I can definitely tell a difference. I am not sure how much extra horses it has given me. My car now along with the Sports CAT and the new remap, where I get some small pops and bangs with the valves open on my Ragazzon exhaust sounds absolutely epic.

As a 56 year old old fart I now love driving my car in "Hooligan Mode" and it makes me feel relatively young again, especially in the fine weather with the top down.

Waiting is the worst part

       As we approach the end of another year and I reflect back, I have to say this year has been, without sounding to depressing almost a complete fail. 

      Of course there have been some exciting and positive moments, like my involvement in all of the success of the film "Meet the Local Hero", and the very kind invitation to travel over to Spain from my friend Dragos, the director to spend time with him and his partner Ana, then being able to attend the film screening in Barcelona, at the Love & Hope International Film Festival. 

Dragos and myself during filming

      There has been the help and support of various generous people alongside the Arctic ONE Foundation, on my Go Fund me page in trying to help me raise enough funds to buy a new G3 Infinity Knee, so that I could continue riding. 

  

Arctic ONE - what an amazing foundation

G3 Infinity Knee

      And there is the fact I have found trying to write a book quite intriguing, and have enjoyed the journey of reflection and putting my thoughts and memories down. There is still a lot of work to do to get it all finished, mostly to do with grammar and getting a front and back cover done, however the story is just about at a point where I am happy.

      And so to this year and why I consider it a fail. Well I decided to treat myself to a new ebike, way back in May of this year 2024. After doing some research I opted for a Cannondale Moterra SL. I contacted Wheelbase in Darlington and went down to put a deposit down and place my order. I knew with the bike being a new model it would take some time to arrive, however whilst waiting I got my eye on a different model bike, so I decided to change my mind, and opted for an Orbea Rise M10 LT. I custom specc'd the bike down at Wheelbase and then I waited, and waited, and waited some more. Finally after waiting over 6 months the bike had not arrived, and I was informed it wouldn't be here until possibly December or even later. Apparently there was a problem with getting components.

      Now at this point I must make it clear, Wheelbase had done everything they possibly could to get the bike to me, it has had nothing to do with their customer service. I spoke to another local bike shop lately and they stated they have had the exact same problems when it comes to delivery times from Orbea. The same thing actually happened when I was looking to buy my Orbea Gain, I just couldn't get a bike for love nor money at the time.

      Anyhoo just this week I cancelled the order for the Orbea Rise with Wheelbase. There are other reasons, other than the long wait. I currently have stuff going on that have me kind of all over the place. If you are a follower of my blog you may have read that I have been going through some health issues, which funnily enough started just after I ordered a new bike, oh and when my old Bartlett Tendon Knee started acting up and became pretty much un-useable. 

   

Orbea Rise Cancelled - Took way too long to arrive

      Going back to this health thing, I originally thought I had just picked up a really bad bug from work, however after a prolongued period of illness I was to discover this was not the case. 

      It has hit me really hard as my intention was to save up for a new bike, then my knee fucked up so I started the GoFund Me, and then this whatever it is health problem started getting worse. Obviously best laid plans and all that have not gone as I thought. I think I must have been off work going on 6 or so months this year, with what had been described as Ulcerative Colitis by the Inflamatory Bowel Disease clinic.

    Things got a little better following the taking of some predisanone which are steroids, these allowed me to take the trip over to Spain and even do some riding, however upon my return home and gradually coming off the steroids I found I was feeling unwell again, which has meant more time off work and I cannot ride my bike. I just feel so unwell. Whatever is going on has me wiped out, and in so much pain, alongside lots of stress.

      Having been back to the IBD clinic and now been put back on steroids alongside another medication, Salofalk Granules I am now waiting more investigations, this is to be another camera up my hoop, something called a Flexible Sigmoidoscopy and a MRE, which is similar to a MRI, however is apparently better for observing soft tissue.

      My IBD nurse has been wonderful in her support, she says there is a Big question mark over my diagnosis, and I am a trickey customer, due to my past history with the Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and having treatment for that. Now that I am needing more tests  I am obviously concerned, however trying to stay positive.      

      I just feel my whole life is back in limbo again, waiting for a definitive diagnosis, and then to see what will happen. My health has to come first as without it I can't do jack. I am stressed about work, and I know I will have the Department of Work and Pensions on my case and the awful people over at Universal Credit. I was sanctioned £800 the first week I was forced onto this new benefit system, and went from disabled tax credits which I used to receive from HMRC without problems.

       Now recently I have been sanctioned by Universal Credit, 2 months in a row since being on the sick, and I have been informed I owe £900 quid back. The people at Universal Credit took great delight in telling me there is no such things as "disabled tax credits", basically you are treat like a benefit scrounger. I hate it on the rare occassion when I do have to attend the Job Centre, as you have to face the demeaning glare of the so called advisors, who look at you like you are pure scum. I don't get a great deal a month from the government, it's just supposed to be a little help to bump up my wage, to meet the national standard. I have had to reduce my hours at work, as I have been struggling for sometime, so I am now down to 24 hours per week, well when I feel well enough to even go.

      Man this all sounds like doom and gloom and I apologise if you are reading this and thinking " Wow I could do without reading all this negativity", however my blog has always been about telling it how it is. Life for a lot of people isn't like in the movies, or like on social media, where everyone is trying to portray this amazing, yet fake lifestyle. Yes I have had a bit of a whine in my relaying of events, or is it more of just getting my thoughts out there ?

      You see I find writing stuff down helps with my thought process. I know I have faced serious health concerns in the past, so although I am stressed to fuck at times, due to the unknown, I also feel pretty well equipped to deal with what is to come. The best bit of advice I can give anyone, I guess is to talk to someone and try not to keep things bottled up. Although it may feel like moaning and it can get tedious as your whole life appears to revolve around whatever problem you have, talking to someone you trust can help relieve a great deal of pressure.

Of course I also have that internal dark side to me, and if you know anything about me you will know I love quotes. This one is by Lou Holtz who used to be an American football player, coach and analyst, and it goes like this...

" Never tell your problems to anyone... Eighty Percent don't care and the other twenty percent are gald you have them"

      I just keep telling myself take one day at a time and live in the moment, the past is the past and the future is not here yet so it is no good getting all wound up, of course its difficult, however I am a lot better at stopping my over active imagination and telling my inner voice to do one, when it starts with all its negative questions and scenarios. At the end of the day this is just life, and part of my journey.

     I am going to focus on keep going with my goal of getting a new G3 Infinity Knee, and looking ahead to getting a new bike so that I can follow my passion of being out in nature on some beautiful trail or another. It kind of reminds me of way back in 2007 when I knew I was going to have my leg amputated. I bought a new bike, way before my surgery and that was the inspiration to overcome and move forward. 

     Future inspiration a picture for now...

Santa Cruz Heckler SL

For now I will probably wait a little while for a more positive diagnosis, then I will know exactly what I am dealing with, and I can figure out a way forward. Hey its just another challenge Right?