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.

Wow exhausted after todays ride out.

My friend John rocked up as arranged at 9am. John wanted Ern to have a quick butchers at his gears, after I had reattached his front mech cable on Thursday. The gears were just off so it did not take Ern long at all to get them working. John has not used his bike for some time so really the front mech just needed a little lubricant to free it up.

For once I was pretty much all ready and prepared to go, so we headed off towards the Farmers trail, intending on having a ride around about Beamish. It was quite blustery this morning so we figured riding some trails in the woods would be a good idea.

I took a few pics at the start of the Farmers trail of my new bike the Silverback Synergy and handed my camera over to John so he could get a few of me in motion. As we reached about the half way mark up the trail, it began to get quite muddy, with some large standing puddles of water and the trail had been worn quite a lot since our last visit when going this way. The trail was at a real angle as the farm traffic, walkers,horses and bikers along with the wet weather had eroded the surface.

Ooh isn't she pretty

Big Grins

Heaing up the Farmers trail

On the way up I stopped at one point as I felt my cleat had come loose. I got off my bike and took a quick look, there was thick clarts on the bottom of my shoe, so I thought I must just not be clipped in correctly. I had another go and again as I set off and did a few crank revolutions my shoe felt wonky. Again got of my bike and this time took my shoe off to inspect the cleat. Nope it was solid, so shoe back on. As I attempted another push on the pedals there definitely was something not right, so once again I got off. This time I inspected the pedals and noticed it was my pedal that looked wonky. On closer inspection I noticed the pedal had threaded out of my crank arm and was sitting at an angle...Not good. My immediate thought was 'how the hell has this happened', followed by 'Awww crap am I going to need new crank arms' which would have been gutting as I have only been out once on the bike and new arms are quite expensive.

As we had rode up the trail, it was not so bad rallying down and heading home. I gave Ern a call to let him know what was up and he came with the car to meet us at the end of the estate. Once home Ern had a look at the problem. It appeared the pedal had wound it's way out. Luckily it had only just say caught the outer thread on the crank arm. So Ern wound a pedal in from the opposite side, cleaned out the thread then popped the original pedal back in with a spot of thread lock for safe measure. He also made sure the pedals, both sides were torqued up.

 

Playing in the puddles

Now to start our adventure again, heading back up the Farmers Trail, wow it felt harder the second time around lol. Once we got up the trail and headed down the other side and into No Place, we turned Right and went down on to the New Road and continued down into Beamish. Passing the entrance to Beamish Museum and continuing down past the old farm which is part of the Open air museum. Once down by Beamish Hall, we turned right again and this is were we hit more off road riding.

As we rode along this section we again stopped and this is where I fitted the 20 degree wedge into my BTK Crossover. I had also put around 60 psi into the Rock Shox shocker. A little play around getting some pics by the stream and splashing in a puddle and we were off again, heading through the woods. At this point it was lovely the sun streaming through the trees and the wind be kept at bay.
    
   

 


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Wedge in BTK Crossover

Making a Splash

A little further along the trail and we came to the huge pond, again I grabbed my camera and got a shot of my bike on the edge of the pond, just before it toppled in.

Cooling her Tyres

From the pond it is pretty much an upward ascent and boy was I feeling it. By the time we got along to were the trail meets the road the wind had picked up and upon getting on the road and the ride along to the turning off towards Tanfield Railway it was windy as hell. The wind came at an angle that felt like it was pushing us back, but also a strong cross wind. It's times like this you have to be switched on as the road is a narrow country one and cars can come past way too close. It was hard to maintain a straight line I know I was weaving all over the shop.

I was pleased when we came to the turn off for Tanfield Railway. I had to have a bit of a sit down as my stump was aching right in my hams and around my butt. It is times when I push myself I realise just how much fitness I have lost. And I do not mean just riding I mean wearing a limb day in day out. Most people take walking for granted, however as an amputee as soon as you stop using your prosthesis as regularly it has a huge effect.

Anyhoo back on the bike and we come out at Tanfield railway. We just miss the steam train as I was going to get a picture. So head off back towards Stanley. Instead of going along the Causey Arch, which is a boring ride, we cross the road and go via Tanfield railway and across the Causey Arch Bridge. No complaints from anyone today.

By the time we reach Tanfield Industrial estate I am really flagging and we still have some canny climbs to get back home. We cut through the factories and try as i might I run out of steam on one of the hills. Time to get off and push. I hate doing this as it feels like a fail, but I reflect as I am pushing my bike 'Hey I am out and trying my best to get back into the swing of things'. I am still coughing lots and my chest and throat are on fire. John knows I am  struggling, so encouraged me on and congratulated me for doing so well on the hills and banks we have climbed today.

As we get onto the C2C John suggests we head up Barn Hill...Omg not another bloody hill. I managed to get just over half way up and again had to get off and have a bit of a push. John joined me to keep me company. A push up the back of the indoor market, yes another bank lol Then it was just a case of riding up Stanley Front Street and turning for home. Once at John's a quick 'catch you later' and I was off down Durham Road and home. I couldn't wait to get in, have a shower and fell asleep exhausted.

My phone went flat so no Strava result, John had his on and said we did 12.5 miles. Wow I was exhausted. I will no doubt be back out again next week and try and increase my stamina, fancy getting back to doing a spot of swimming too.

Most Enjoyable Weekend

Isn't it lovely when you get a spot of nice weather, have no real plans and can just relax and do nothing in particular?

This weekend I kind of had plans to go biving with Lee, unfortunately after getting all my gear ready and just about preparing to set off to call on Lee he showed up at ours to inform me that his wife Michelle wasn't feeling to well and he wouldn't be able to go. Lee kept apologising saying "I feel really guilty" and asking was I ok about him having to change plans. "Hey don't worry" I said there will always be other adventures, at the end of the day Michelle is far more important than some over nighter sleeping in a plastic sack.  This treatment Michelle is undergoing is really taking it out of her, the sooner it's over the better.

I had spoken to my other friend Carl during the week and he was all up for a ride out on Friday afternoon, so that's what we did. Having a steady away up towards Consett and Waskerley Way, before turning around and coming back, popping into KFC to grab some sustenance in the shape of a Flaming wrap,popcorn chicken and some fries, oh and of course a Skittles Krushem milkshake. It was smashing seeing Carl, as it's been sometime and having a nice ride out with him. We covered just over 23 miles me, riding my NS Soda Air and Carl taking his Yeti ARC for a spin.

    

Me and Carl up towards Waskerley Way

Weapon of choice for today

A quick break before heading to KFC

Looking back the way we came

A random gate I just liked the sunshine

At the moment I'm pretty happy with the way my fitness is going, the  and local trails I'm riding not proving overly difficult and as I'm riding locally it allows meto get an idea of where I previously would struggle. Inthe past and I'm not making excuses for my fitness, however I have struggled to maintain some semblance of a routine. I have found something has always happened so my riding and general fitness has always been stop,start, stop,start. It actually gets depressing when you reach a certain level, have to stop for one reason or another then start right back where you originally were unfit and with no endurance or stamina. In the past I have suffered illness,broken bikes,ill fitting limbs,soreness,depression,laziness and a whole multitude of other sins and problems that have stopped me just getting out there and enjoying my riding. I'm still having a few probs at the minute socket wise, however feel this is one

of the most enjoyable periods I have had upon my various bikes.

On Saturday my friend Ade came down for both my son Kyle and me and we had a canny walk out. Firstly having a look down at the marina under Scotswood Bridge and then driving over to Swallwell visitor Centre, parking there and walking up the Derwent Walk. The Derwent walk was quite busy, various young couples,some with children in buggies other's taking their pooches for walks. There were cyclists and runners and all manner of people enjoying the beautiful weather. About roughly 2 miles into our walk we looked back as we heard the sound of a motorbike. "Weird" I thought where can that be coming from, as No motorcycles are allowed on the Walk, it's pedestrains,cyclists and horses only. But no approaching us and not slowing down for anyone is 3 scumbags all riding on the same clapped out motorbike. They are flying up the Walk with total disregard for anyone, whether that be adults their children or any dogs they have for a walk. I just stood in the middle of the path I wasn't going to shift for these cocks. As soon as they got past I asked Ade if he knew the non emergency number for the Police and after he did a quick Google search he told me it was 101. I discovered it wasn't 111 after I rang the NHS Oops. I reported what I had witnessed and the very polite operator asked would I like to be kept in the loop if anything came of the incident "Yes" I replied. Anyhoo I have had 2 courtesy calls so far from Northumbria Police and although they haven't caught these scumbags I am happy with the Police's response and how they have gone on to say they will monitor the area. It's absolutely ridiculous riding a motorcycle down that path as someone could get seriously injured or even killed.

And so today after not getting to bed until after 4:35am this morning, couldn't sleep so looking at bike porn. I'm in the market for a road bike just can't decide which one. I got up at around 10'ish. Lee had messaged me asking if I was up for an outing. I then got in touch with Carl and he was up for a look out so he came over for me and then I took him over to Lee's to introduce the two of them.


Once Carl and Lee had made each other's acquaintance we headed off, yep the old favourite route and up the farmers trail. We kind of just made the route up as we rode and found ourselves on the Tanfield Railway path and from there headed to Sunnyside. It was quite funny watching Carl clamber over a gate enroute. Lee and I looked on curiously "Errr why did  you climb over the gate Carl ?" Obviously Carl hadn't noticed the piece of rope keeping the gate shut lol.

Rather technical way of keeping the gate shut, Carl decided to climb over said gate

     After the gate was a big puddle wow you should have seen all the midges, they are right nasty little buggers and need to be avoided at all cost.

Midges were all over near this puddle

Look at all the vicious little buggers I hate scumbag midges

 This is where Lee showed me a completely different route and we ended up almost at the entry for the Clockburn Lonnen. As I caught up to both Lee and Carl, Lee informed me Michelle had been on the phone and that she wasn't feeling well. So unfortunately he had to head back home. Carl and I decided to crack on and went down the Clockburn Lonnen which was a real thrill as the bank is very steep. Once at the bottom we were on to the Derwent Walk and set a canny pace up the track. There was a young couple on bikes in front of us and we used them to set a pace. at one point they tried to lose us, however they ran out of steam and the 2 old farts passed them, no stamina these young'un's lol. After a few miles a quick pit stop for a banana and a couple of cereal bars and of course a bit chat, then we were off again all the way up to Consett and well may as well pop into KFC as we are passing, Carl treating us to a Zinger Burger each and a couple of shakes. The ride home was fun and I mentioned to Carl "you know what I think I could do that full loop again I feel good".

I've lost a good bit weight. On trying out my check socket

Carl sporting his beard

You can tell Carl hasn't been out for a bit as he was complaining of a sore butt

Admiring the view

  So overall this weekend has been very enjoyable. I only got nettled once and it's burning like a bugger at the moment. I got to spend some quality time with my friends, reported some scumbags so did my  whole looking after the enviroment and protecting our local area...expecting my good citizen award soon and maybe the keys to the city. Oh and the weather has been beautiful.

In ending although I have had a good time I would like to spare a thought for Michelle and Lee. So many people get wrapped up in their own little worlds that they forget about what other people are going through or facing. Here's wishing you a speedy recovery Michelle xXx

Walkies with Ern and Mr Hink's

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

Hinky Doo