Early morning surprise, then a trip to find some urban cows

It appears my body clock has decided that five minutes past five in the morning is my new wake-up call. 

Since getting Neville I have had my morning alarm set for six anyway. So this morning was no different. I awoke at the aforementioned five past five, then attempted to snooze for a further twenty minutes or so.

Eventually, I threw off the throw I had slept under and reached over and closed my bedroom window, which had been open all night, as I thought I was getting the sniffles again. Thoughts of previous panic attacks over not being able to breathe came to mind.

Manoeuvring myself to the edge of my bed I popped my sock and shoe on, then using my bed hopped around to retrieve my leg. Now I have discovered as soon as I unplug the charger from my prosthetic limb, and it makes the small beep, then vibrates, as I drop the charger cable to the floor, Neville comes alive. He starts crying in a high pitched and sorrowful manner, as if to let everyone know he is up and doesn't want to be alone.

I then proceeded to get dressed and as I went to go into the bathroom peered downstairs. At this point I didn't have my gigs on, however in the dim light I could make out the bobbing movement of a small dog, yes wor Nev. My dad and I had discussed leaving Neville to run free of his little in-door house, and my dad must have decided the previous night he would do this.

Anyhoo as I looked down the stairs I could see Nev, who by now was all excited and jumping up and down, behind the baby gate we had to put in place, however, I also saw three something or others.

I went into the bathroom, sorted myself out, and then went and got my glasses. When I returned to the stairs and started down them, that's when I thought, and indeed said "Aww shit," I mean quite literally, there were three piles of dog shit. My first thought was "fucking hell, has there been an Irish wolfhound in wor house," I mean a little Border terrier can't have crapped all that out.

Never mind, I picked Nev up, who was bouncing all over the shop as I got to the bottom of the stairs and placed him in his house, locking the door. I didn't want him bouncing in shit, and then being like some modern artist creating his own unique "Shit art". I then set about giving the floor a good clean. I'm so pleased we have that engineered wooden flooring down.

Once all cleaned up it was time for Nev's usual daily walkies. He loves going out and gets so excited. Once out he is hilarious, walking and stopping every now and again, looking around all suspicious, with a touch of paranoia, like "Huh is someone following me? No, really I think there is, what was that noise?" 

As I walked around with my new best mate, I slipped my right hand into my jacket pocket and discovered my wee gratitude stone. I removed it from my pocket and began playing with the pebble. The pebble, which feels smooth to the touch and quite heavy for its size, instantly reminded me to just walk along, think about some of the things I am grateful for, and simply say "Thank you".

  

Neville

Neville

My gratitude pebble

Following our walk around the block and returning home, Neville being a good little lad and sitting to command at the kerbs, and even sitting while I didn't hold his lead, on the opposite side to our gate and house, we crossed the back lane and went indoors back home.

I then gave Nev a bit of a treat and mixed some nice, tender chicken into his dry food. Neville managed to sniff out the chicken and left his dry food. We then played a game of tug and fetch, as I say, on the kitchen floor, with a little roughhousing. Nev loves playing this game, obviously being appropriate not to be too rough, I mean, I have to remember he is not a bull terrier.

John and Lee, my two mates, were coming for me at eight, so I had plenty of time to do some bacon in our air fryer, then make a sandwich and a nice cup of tea, using my new Highland cow cup to drink from. A concoction of tablets taken from our cupboard and removed from their various containers, it was soon time to get ready for our planned ride out.

Neville hates me leaving him, so when I was upstairs swapping out legs and popping my cycling gear on, he was crying downstairs, on the bottom step, the baby gate preventing him from coming up the stairs.

I only have to leave Nev five or ten minutes and you would think he hadn't seen me in like a year, he gets so excited and actually it's lovely to have this type of greeting. Knowing that this new found friend, in such a short space of time thinks the world of me, and loves me.

Time had ticked away and soon John and Lee were outside mine and we were off on a semi-planned route I had been designated to choose. I had let the lads know earlier in the week I fancied getting some shots of the urban cows, as I like to call them. The cows are quite often just up from where I work at the R.V.I., in the field near the houses. I like the idea of the scene in my head, and I think I could get an interesting few images.

  

John and Lee

Wonky foot adjusted

So off we set up the famous farmers' trail, only famous in our heads, as we use it a lot on many of our biking adventures.  I had to stop at the start of the farmers' trail to adjust my foot as it felt wonky. I attempted to keep off the battery on my Santa Cruz Heckler as I climbed up the trail, however, my fitness wasn't quite there, so I resorted to a little eco assist. To be fair, I was pretty happy with my overall use of the assistance today, riding a great deal of the time with no assistance at all. I think if Fazua decides to offer a larger battery, I would invest. I don't want more power, but it would be good to have more range for those longer adventures.

Rather than write down our complete detailed route to the Toon, I will just tell you, the route was basically a reverse ride to what we would normally do when going to Newcastle. 

Once at No Place we cut through the back streets and found ourselves needing to cross the very busy and fast Chester road. From there we rode down into Shield Row and not long after were at East Tanfield Railway.

Now then, this gets me onto a section of trail, over which both I and my amigos have had a few run-ins. At the start of this trail, a trail I have to say I have ridden for over 15 years, someone has placed "No Cycling" signs. My friends and I are very respectful cyclists, however like using this trail, not only because it is very pretty and quiet, but it also potentially can potentially save our lives. I mean, if it's a choice between upsetting a few dog walkers or taking your life in your hands and cycling along the Causey Arch, this trail will win every time.

So there we are, having a very gentle and leisurely ride, chewing the fat. I was a little further ahead than my buddies and past this lady who was out jogging. I normally offer a polite "hello,"  however, this lady didn't make eye contact, and to be fair, looked in no mood to offer a polite "hello" in return. As I got to a section of the trail where I had to dismount to push my bike up some steps, John caught up with me and began with, "Did you pass that lass running, and did she say owt to you?" I replied, "Aye passed her but she didn't say owt, but she didn't look happy." John went on to say, "Oh, she said something to me, and I just said to Lee, you can handle this." John just couldn't be arsed with the conflict. Anyhoo, John and I must have waited a good ten to fifteen minutes for Lee, who eventually rocked up. John and I were expecting Lee to have gotten into some argument, but actually went on to say once he had politely spoken to the lady about outdated by-laws and how people can resolve shared access to places using respect and being sensible, well this lady was apologetic about being so forthright about "You do know there is no cycling on this path". Lee went on to try and explain, saying " You know what we are actually out just trying to do the same thing as you." "We are just a few mates, trying to keep fit, enjoying the weather and countryside." Lee then told the lady about me, saying " You know the lad you first passed, his name is Glenn, and he only has one leg, he rides because it's good for his mental health." Lee said the lady then apologised, to which he replied, "Oh you don't have to apologise, it's just about mutual respect and taking the time to have a polite conversation with someone".

Not even sure if these no cycling signs are legal, maybe just put there by a "Hater"

Now don't get me wrong I know certain places there is no cycling, however, like Lee says the by-laws are from eighteen hundred and odd. Then you get certain people who are essentially like "haters." They may have had a bad experience with a cyclist or cyclists, then automatically tar everyone with the same brush.

Man, we have some very interesting conversations on our rides out, and there is always something that happens.

So we headed towards Wickham, and went down the Clockburn Lonen, which was epic, as it's a steep decent and we were flying, it really got my old adrenaline going "Weeeeeeeee!"

Once on the Derwent walk, we made our way towards the Scotswood bridge, onto the cycle track and eventually found ourselves on the Quayside.  From there, this gives us the opportunity to use what I have to say are some brilliant cycle lanes. Now I am also a car driver and I know these lanes can piss off some folk, however travelling around Newcastle by bicycle today I found great.

Urban Cows

Urban Cows

I didn't manage to get the urban cow shots I would have liked. Ermentrude and her fellow friends were too busy grazing in the wrong place, ah, well, another day.

After visiting Leaves Park, we again used the cycle network and had a ride over to Exhibition Park. Lee grabbed some water from the Urban Cafe, and we were off on our return home. 

Band Stand in Leazes Park

Band Stand in Leazes Park

Aww, these were so cute

Little geese

As we rode home, the day turned from a dull morning to a beautiful sunny day. By the time I got home, I had only one pip on my battery display. I think moving forward, if or when Fazua brings out a larger battery, I may invest. We rode 33.7 miles. I have a sore socket, but my ankle feels okay. I didn't snap any tendons or fall off. All in all, a very enjoyable morning with some of my favourite people, oh and when I got home, an awesome reception from my wee pup, wor Neville.

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.

With a little help from Drugs I'm now walking and Riding

With a little help from some drugs, namely steroids and prednisolone it has enabled me to venture into being somewhat more active these last four or so days. In fact, I even attempted a little ride out on my Santa Cruz Heckler eBike, the very bike I did my Achilles in on, last December. I haven't been able to ride not just because of my ankle, but also this ongoing illness. Speaking of which now that I have been contacted by the IBD nurse and informed my symptoms don't exactly fit with the ulcerative colitis I was originally diagnosed with. So in reality I am now in what feels like No Mans Land. All I know, or understand is that when I am not on these steroids I find it very difficult to function and lead an everyday normal life, both at work and home.

I guess I am going to have to just take my own advice that I always bang on about and take one day at a time, concentrating on the small victories and when things are not so good, we'll deal with them as and when.

Yesterday my dad and I had a ride out locally, only going up to Quakies and parking in the turning circle at yon side of Quakies, so that we could go for a walk in the nearby woods, over towards the Morrison and then onto Chapman Wells, returning back to Quakies to jump back in my dads car. It was a lovely day and although we didn't walk far it was lovely just walking along at a snail's pace and chatting with my dad, plus we crossed paths with a lady who helped train our Baxter at the puppy classes, so we must have spent a good 20 to 30 minutes standing just passing the time of day in polite conversation, how both my dad and myself miss wor Baxter. I would love to get another dog, it's just that they are so expensive and I'm not sure I could take the passing of yet another one just yet. I know 2 years is a long time in the grand scheme of things, however it is weird how grief can linger on, for a pet, who was just as part of our family as any human being.

The reactalight in my gigs makes them look like sunglasses

As we walked around the various areas I took random pictures, of nothing in particular, it was just so lovely like I saw to be out and spend some time with my dad, who to be fair hasn't been feeling too great ever since his COVID-19 vaccination the other day. The pair of us just appear to have these endless Cold and Flu symptoms, which have been going on since last December.

My Arctic One bracelet

I am still an ambassador for this amazing foundation, Arctic One            

   

Wow check out all the solar panels at the Morrison

The Ern

Lots of prickly things on Chapman Wells

This is what I think is to release the gasses from the earth after burying thousands of cows during the foot and mouth outbreak some years ago

Morrison Busty Low Carbon Depot

Just me "Alreet like?"

Following our walk, my dad drove over to B&Q in Washington. We are in desperate need of a new kitchen sink and tap, as ours has been leaking and looks scruffy after years of use. We had a good look around and purchased a new sink, a kind of old-fashioned brass mixer tap and a couple of brass-looking water traps. I also suggested having a look at some new kitchen cabinet handles, that would match the brass tap, as our current ones are silver and could do with being replaced. I just thought some nice cabinet handles would also revamp our kitchen a little, so this job is now on the to-do list.

Following coming out of B&Q I was starving, so I suggested something to eat from the nearby burger trailer. Whenever I am on these steroids it is amazing how my appetite comes alive. In the past when I have felt ok with no health concerns I have never been what you would call a lover of food, or a big eater. However like I say when I am on the drugs I relish the thought of food and can't stop eating. An order of a 1/4 pounder with cheese and a carton of chips and gravy for me then, and my dad had a sausage and egg roll, which we washed down with a couple of steaming hot white coffees. That is another thing when I am on the steroids I can pretty much eat and drink what I want, whereas when I am off them and become ill I have to be very careful in what I eat and drink. It's a real pain and rather depressing, but hey let's not go there, this post is about the small things I have achieved in only the past 4 or so days.

This morning I fully intended going for another little walk with my dad, however when he awoke he looked proper poorly, so declined a look-out. I decided I would therfore attempt a short ride out on my bike, so that is where I have been this morning.

I rode over towards South Moor, going past the Pines and thought I would pop around to see if my old school friend Carl was in. I hadn't seen Carl in like ages, and as I turned the corner to his street I could see his little Suzuki Jimny parked up, so rode to his house and knocked on his door. Carl came to the door in his dressing gown "Oh I am sorry I hope I haven't woken you up" I said, Carl replying "No you're alreet man" I then extended my hand which Carl accepted and we shook hands. It was great to see Carl and I must have been there at his standing talking with him for a good 40 or 50 minutes. We discussed how both of our health had taken a hit and decided life was too short and we must make more effort to get together like in the old days and go for some rides out together. As with all my close friends, I am not ashamed to say I love this man. When you start to get older and then suffer ill health it doesn't half make you reflect on where time has gone and all those things that you thought were important, in reality, they weren't. Spending quality time with people you love and respect is what is important and making lasting memories.

After saying toodle pip to Carl and setting off again on my little test ride, where things were going much better than I imagined. No pain in my Achilles, I mean I was knackered riding my bike, but hey my fitness is shot. I haven't been exercising in about 6 months. Just as I approached the Black Path, one of my other friends Lee called me. I had tried ringing Lee earlier in the morning to see if he was about, so that I could have a ride over and get him to have a look at my bike set up, for fit, and hopefully any ideas why I may have had issues with my Achilles when riding. Anyhoo Lee just said, "Glenn did you try calling me earlier?". "Yeah mate" I said, " It was just to see if you were about to have a look at me on my bike and see if you could give me any tips or advice". Lee said he was going out for a ride, however, if `I was only going to be about an hour I could call in at his and he would have a gander, so that was the plan.

I had a ride around Chapman Wells along by the pond, and then came up the steepish bank on what I affectionately call "The Bath Tub Loop". It's a shame as I will have to think of another name now as the farmer has removed the old bathtub, that the cows used to drink out of. Once up the bank I was out near the top of Wilka's bank and cut along by Wagtail Lane, past the windmills as I call them, the big wind turbines and headed down into Craghead, then turned Left and along to the Font and eventually to Lee's.

Only pic from my ride, as I was just out to see how my ankle was

Once at Lee's another warm welcome as it had been a while since I last saw him, and Lee asked me to just ride around near his house so he could check out my movement on my bike. Lee then suggested that we move the cleat back slightly on my shoe, and once I removed my shoe Lee very kindly used his Allen wrenches to reposition the cleat. I then gave the bike another go and it did feel a little more comfortable, so we left the cleat in its position with the plan I will just keep trying to get out for short rides and see how I get on.

Lee then offered me a nice cup of tea and we sat outside having a lovely catch up, with Lee showing me his revamped bike that he had been fettling and also his shiny new one, that he invited me to have a go at picking up, man the bike is so light and looks like a very nice ride. As Lee was going out he suggested he would have a ride so far along with me, as I was returning home. Just as we said our goodbyes I was gutted when I felt a twang and a sort of a "twang" noise, that's another tendon gone and snapped. Bloody hell man.

The new, well-refurbished Bartlett Tendon I have had to buy is a great piece of kit, however, I always end up snapping tendons for some reason. Plus I have noticed this new knee whilst being super supportive, man I am fighting to actually flex the knee in order to get on my bike. I keep thinking is it so long since I used my BTK that I have forgotten how it should feel, there just appears to be so much resistance in the new tendons. I thought it may have been because the Rock Show shocker had too much air in, or I had inadvertently locked out the shock, but no, the resistance is purely from the tendons.

Obviously now being so unfit and with additional resistance I am finding riding challenging. Oh, and I am also second-guessing my choice of bike. I opted for a mid-power Santa Cruz Heckler SL which I do love, however, would `I have been better off cheating a little more and going back to a full-power eBike? "Meh!" too late now, my only other option is to get fitter. The reason I went for a mid-power bike was because I rarely used the Turbo on my old Specialized Turbo Levo it was like overkill and cheating. It's funny to now think after today's short ride, "Dear me, this full power mode isn't giving me all that much, I am knackered" as I try to cycle up a hill.

Back home my Bartlett Tendon mended with new tendons and ready for its next adventure I just wish I could figure out how to stop the tendons snapping and also step down the resistance just a wee bit.

Oh, and the other day I decided to make my foot a bit more colourful so painted my toenails and nice shade of blue.

 

Do you think the colour suits me?

Tomorrow I return to work I'm feeling relatively good, however in the back of my mind, I know in about 2 months I am going to be back searching for answers as this illness rears its ugly head. I have been advised to also contact my cancer specialist nurse, so I will do that on Monday. It is worrying times, things feel out of control, but hey what can I do? Other than trying to take one day at a time and do the little things that bring me joy.

Okay getting that sense of "Feed Me" so I am off to make something to eat "Mmmmm what to have?"