Thoughts that go through my head when I am out for a ride.

On the farmers trail

All in all, it has been a pretty good day today. Especially as my dad is now home from hospital. You see, about ten days ago, my dad wasn't well at all. He has had a terrible cough which has been going on for months, and over the weekend leading up to the 14th of April, two days before my fifty-seventh birthday, he looked and sounded dreadful. 

On the Sunday evening before I went to bed, I was really firm with my dad, saying, "Tomorrow you must make an appointment to see a Doctor". My dad promised he would. I was working part-time on Monday, and as I drove home, I got an unexpected phone call (Don't worry I have hands-free in my car). It was wor, Kyle, "Grandad has been admitted to  hospital, I am with him now, they are carrying out tests", he went on to say. "Okay, I am coming straight through", I replied.

Upon getting to the University Hospital of North Durham and not being able to find a parking space, let alone a disabled space, I became more and more stressed and irate. Muttering to myself "I fucking hate this hospital, it's so stupid, not fit for purpose" along with a string of other tirades. You know where I ended up having to park? Fucking Greggs over at Framwellgate Moor. In fact, I parked there two days running, asking permission from the friendly staff and buying half the shop as I felt guilty.

Before I move on, I may as well stop on the parking front. One day, whilst I had entered the carpark and drove around to see if there was an available disabled spot, I saw that this lady was pulling out. I pulled just past her with the intention of then reversing in. Guess what? This fat useless fucker nipped in just as the lady pulled out. I was fuming, so I reversed back, beeped my horn as I wound my window down and said to the driver, "Did you not see I had asked the lady if she was coming out? What do you think I was parked there with my indicator on for? To which this rather obese bald bloke angrily got out of his car and said "What do you fucking think I have been waiting around there for?'. There was a quick back and forth of words, some of which I don't think I should write down here, but put it this way, one of them rhymed with "Hunt". I then had to drive back around and, fortunately, found a spot in the paid car park. Isn't it funny how you can think of a hundred more things to say that would be a lot more entertaining once you are away from a situation? For example, I may have said " You fat fuck the walk would do you good", or " Keep your hair on". I couldn't believe it when one of the fat bloke's retorts was "Errrr you old git", I mean, how did he know I was about to turn 57?

Apart from the parking, the staff over at Durham were fantastic with my dad, and by all accounts, they didn't want him to leave as he was a "star patient". So following a diagnosis of pneumonia and being on steroids, antibiotics and a fair amount of oxygen, I am pleased to say I picked my dad up for his release on Wednesday, so that is ten days he had been in. Thank God he is home and on the mend because I hate going food shopping with a passion. I may only have one leg, but I go around like the Tasmanian Devil, just chucking stuff in me basket in a "Get me out of here" fashion.

This morning, around 08:00, I thought I would pamper my dear old dad, so I made him a sausage and bacon sandwich, with a nice hot cup of coffee and brought it up to his bedroom. The pair of us then just chilled, in fact, I had a bit tinker on with the book I was writing, and then it was time for me to go and get my haircut. My dad kindly offered to take me, so I took him up on this. Man, my hair is going grey, yes, I know it is partly due to my age, however, these steroids I have been on and off since last year have played havoc with my follicles. My hair has been dropping out, and even my eyebrows are now almost all white. I feel proper old when I look in the mirror, and yet my mental age well, that is still somewhere in I would say early twenties. I guess I could dye my bits n bobs, it may make me feel better; however, then I ask myself, am I really that vain?

Coming out of the hairdresser's and having left my phone in dad's car, when I checked it, I saw that there was a new post on Facebook, written by my dad. Upon reading it, I had to swallow back the tears, as my dear old Pops had written some very kind words. Call me a big softie, I don't mind. I readily admit I can be a sensitive soul, part of which is due to certain traumatic experiences throughout life that I will always carry with me.

Upon arriving back home, I rushed to get in and have a shower. I hate the feeling when I have just had my hair cut and all the prickly little hairs are on my clothing, like around my neck, irritating me, "Ahhh, that's better".

Straight out of the shower, a quick dry, some gel in my hair, and I got to look my best as I intended, going out on my bike to attempt to get a picture to pop on the front of my aforementioned book. It didn't take me long at all to get ready, quite an achievement for me, as usually I am always searching for some specific article of mountain bike clothing or equipment.

Happy to be out

Off on my Santa Cruz Heckler,  I headed, going so far up the farmer's trail, before stopping for a photo opportunity. I have written about the farmer's trail

extensively in my book, so I thought it might make for an interesting image. I had this idea of a picture which was taken from one I had seen Sean Connery as James Bond, standing next to his Aston Martin DB5. It was shot in black & white, and I thought a similar picture would look jolly good on the front cover of my book. I mean, I am neither Sean Connery nor James Bond, but hey, people could see I rode a bike and had a unique sporting prosthetic.

Think I like this B&W for the front cover of  my book

Setting off again up the farmer's trail, I met a friendly man walking his dog, and we began having a chat about nothing in particular. We spoke for some time as we went from the back end of East Stanley all the way down into No Place, then we said our goodbyes, and I headed off down towards Beamish. Reaching Beamish, I cut down onto the C2C, passing the JCB cows and headed all the way up past Stanley and went along to Annfield Plain. I then cut in at the Morrison through the gates and fences near the power station. Gutted here as I clicked my brand new Endura jersey on some damn thorn bushes as I tried to squeeze between them and the gate post. Man, it was really, really overgrown in this area, more so than I have ever seen it, with all the whiny bushes out in bloom with yellow flowers and those dagger-like thorns.

Santa Cruz Heckler SL CC

Had to come past all the whiny bushes

Riding onto Chapman Wells where the foot and mouth cows were buried, I took a detour through another one of those large swivel-like gates, reaching my bike over the barbed wire fence. I then set up my GoPro, which seemed to take ages, to try and capture some "On the bike Shots", as I passed my camera. Total fail, I realised upon looking at the footage when I got home. All I had was about 12 images of a large tree, no Glenn or his bike insight - delete.

Over by the pond at Chapman Wells

Picturesque

I did manage to get some more shots over by the pond at Champpman Wells. On the approach to the pond at Quakies, my nose was running as it had been from the start, and me coughing, with a sense of my chest and lungs burning from this chest infection, plus with being so unfit. I suddenly became aware of an awful smell of dog shit. I stopped inspected my bike, and did that cursory thing where you try to look around at your back, just in case some of the mucky stuff had splashed up, but I couldn't see any. I rode a little further, but the smell was still there. Now I know I have been bad with my guts, but I was sure I hadn't shat myself. Never mind, by the time I reached the pond and then set off again, the smell had gone, maybe it was on one of my tyres, and the dusty trail had removed it.

Riding around, and it had been some time since my overactive imagination began whirring and words started popping into my head, somewhat like a poem of today's adventure. I have tried to recall what I was thinking and then wrote this.

  Just a little adventure

An Endless supply of drugs for an unknown disease. A string of antibiotics for a chesty wheeze.

A trip to the barbers to get my head sharpened in the same old style. It's now all old and grey, just like a vintage car its seen a fair few miles.

A ride out on my bike to clear my mind.Venturing around the same old loops searching for something new to find.

A dripping, snotty nose, wiped upon my sleeve. There goes that sodding cough again, that sounds more like a bark.

I then notice this smell that has been hanging around for at least the last half mile. I stop and check for dog shit to see if it's on my arse tyre or possiblyeven my shoe.

No horrible brown mucky fudge, but I curse nonetheless. Why do people just leave dog crap dotted around, it's even hanging in those little bags in trees.

I jump back aboard my steed and continue upon my ride. Until I come to a large pond and go to investigate and take a good few interesting snaps.

I love to be out in nature, to just relax and empty my mind. My reverie is broken, though, by the sound of some honking geese who land with an almighty splash.

Time to start off once again, I'm so pleased my ankle is holding up. It's now time for a climb up the farmer's trail, where once there was a bath.

Now at the top and heading along to Wagtail Lane, where the windmills are turning so slow. I love to hear their swooshing sound, and see the shadows of their blades.

It's now not too far from home, and a choice I have to make. Cut down by South Moor Golf Course or go the long way around.

Oh, and before I move on, I must say a huge thank you to my good, in fact, no, great mate Lee for his help in sorting out my cleats on my shoes and helping me to get in a much more comfortable position when riding my bike. Today, I didn't suffer from Achilles pain when out on the trails. I can feel a slight twinge now that I am sitting down typing this, however, it's nothing like the pain I experienced way back in December of last year when I did something to my ankle and heel.  So Lee, if you are reading this, thanks, and I will be out for a few rides with you hopefully soon.

Once at home, a quick change, and it was almost time for my weekly guitar lesson with my tutor, Tom. Tonight's session, man, I just couldn't get my head around. Sometimes I really, really do think I am as thick as two short planks. The simplest of things, and don't get me wrong, music and music theory are anything but simple, especially when you are trying to learn later in life, but at times things just go "Pheww" straight over my head, no matter how hard I concentrate or try. I am still enjoying trying, so, not about to quit. In fact, I am pretty proud that I can play along to some of my favourite songs using this app I have on my phone, called Chord AI.    

 

Once Tom had left, I began sorting out the photographs  I had taken, editing them and even placing text on the picture I had chosen to be my front cover. As for my book, I entrusted it to some friends & colleagues from work, so that they could have a read-through and help with any grammar, and punctuation and also offer feedback as to whether it is naff, interesting, or if it gets you hooked so that you want to delve deeper into my journey. So far, I have received some pretty positive feedback, and my cousin David has been an absolute superstar in practically editing, proofreading and offering advice. So a huge thank you to wor David, Sam, Jennifer, Krista,  Laura, wor Kyles's girlfriend, who both my dad and I have yet to meet, and who I haven't heard any feedback from as yet...Maybe she has read the book and now knows what a complete madman I am. Oh, and of course, The Ern, who helped me recall stories and also had the odd chuckle, so I knew I was going in the right direction.

Thank you, one and all.

Anyhoo, here is the final front cover image I have decided to go with. I also hopefully can include an inside cover that has some meaning that people will understand once the book is published. The book is 81,848 words long with 23 chapters, and I will let everyone know its pricing in the three formats I intend to have it come out in, so ebook, paperback and hardback. I wanted the hardback version as well, it will be like a sort of keepsake. Once published, I suppose I could add an author to my limited list of talents.

Lost2bFound - Glenn Johnstone

Okay, bye-bye for now.

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.