Two birds with one stone

I am sure you know what I mean when I use the phrase "Two birds with one stone". I don't want anyone reporting me to the RSPB for bird cruelty, as I haven't been out hoying stones at birds.

No, I called this blog's title that because today's outing yielded more than one positive result. Firstly, I went out on my bike and am sure I covered around 24 miles. However, my Beeline Velo only recorded 5.9 miles, which I know is completely wrong, as I could tell by the map. Plus, I was exhausted and had only 15% battery left when I returned home.

Little cards I designed and had made up 

During the week, I had come up with a cunning and devious plan... "Muhahahahaa!". I had gone over to Instaprint and designed some business cards, well, not quite business cards, but you get the idea, the same shape and size. On one side, I put the front of my book design with a picture of little old me, and on the other, I just put where to find my book, my email and blog address. I figured that when I was out on my adventures, if I got chatting to anyone and if they appeared friendly and interested, I would mention my book and well promote it. So today I gave away a few cards, who knows, I may get a few sales and some much-needed reviews.

GOPro shots are pretty pants to be honest

The second positive was meeting some thoroughly nice people on my journey. Meeting nice folks kind of restores my faith in humanity. There is nothing quite like heading out for a ride and on the way having the opportunity to stop and chat to pleasant and friendly people. Today, I think I spoke to six people on the various trails I was on, I didn't get the names of the first couple who were out walking with their dog, or the second young lady, as I got lost; however, the next gentleman I discovered was named Digby, what an unusual and fantastic name. Digby was delightful and we chatted about the old railway lines in the area, plus ventured into putting the world to rights, touching on politics and political correctness and how the world has gone mad. I told him I pretty much take after my dad and call a spade a spade, not a shovel. We talked about the use of the words "hinne, flower and pet", all of which my dad still uses. I then chatted to two separate other gentlemen on the way up through the bank and going under the roads through these tunnels. I think it's part of the Bowes railway where I was venturing up. These other two men were Mark and then a little further on Brian, again, two lovely chaps. Following getting to Birtley and getting on to the C2C, then riding up to Stanley, I stopped in at  Young's opticians on the way home. The lasses at Young's have always been so supportive and helpful, so in passing, I thought I would drop a few of my book cards in to let them know what I had been up to. Upon my return home, I had a text message: "Lovely to see you today. Book is purchased. Need it signed for when you are a famous millionaire ". Like I say, a great bunch of girls.

On the Bowes Railway Line  overlooking the fields

Bowes Railway Track

Unfortunately, today my GoPro decided it didn't like the lighting conditions, so I didn't get many good pics. I would much rather shoot in photo mode; however, the timer is only 10 seconds, so it doesn't give me time to get on my bike. Time lapse mode is very hitty missy for exposure and quality, I find.

Weapon of choice my new Scott Lumen

Love this bike

Bit of urban art

Upon my route today, I discovered some new trails over at Hedley Hall Woods, so thinking I may use these to shoot a video. I know what I would like in my head, it's something completely different in my mind to what I normally do, but getting it caught and edited is the difficult bit.

Okay, feeling wiped out with a banging head once again, so I think I will have to hide under my duvet for a little bit in the dark. 

Catch you later.