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.

Making Time

"I would say we are all guilty, at times of just letting life get in the way". What do I mean by that statement?
Well, it's just when you get so wrapped up in what is going on in your life. A life that at times you feel you have no control over. You have commitments here, there and everywhere. Everyone wants their pound of flesh from you, and you have constant adverts pushed down your throat at every turn. Then you are told what you can and can't say, and from a young age you are taught to conform and just fit in.

And breathe...

Lee &John

Yesterday for a few hours I had the best time with a couple of my favourite people, my mates John & Lee. We haven't been out cycling together for yonks, and it's because of the after-mentioned "Life" I guess. What with one thing and another, work, health, time and probably at least on my behalf laziness.

A shot by John

John's Cube eBike

So following a brief too and fro of messaging one another, I was well happy that the 3 Amigos would ride once more, even if it wasn't going to be one of our longest adventures.
The morning started with John arriving down at my house, a little introduction to wee Neville, and then we rode over to Lee's. As soon as we all got together the fun began. Heckling one another, laughing, talking about bikes and adventures, sharing memories and basically putting the world to rights.

Lee is becoming quite the oracle of bike set-up and following assisting me with my shoe cleat and riding position, went on to help adjust John's saddle and offer some advice on seat height and foot position upon his bike.

Soon we all headed off, on what was a glorious morning, with the sun shining, the birds singing and 3 blokes pulling the piss out of one another, and of course, anything we felt worthy of having the piss ripped out of upon our ride out.

Today I guess I was an unelected route planner and decided to head over towards Craghead and down towards Fox & Parrot Wood. I wasn't sure if Lee had ever been that way before, and as Lee the proverbial mountain goat was going to be heading off  "Somewhere West", as he put it, on an overnighter in full-on "Stealth mode-avoiding detection", and bivvy out. A local loop, where we could end up in just the right place for Lee to continue. So this route I had planned in my head seemed appropriate.

Lee decided to bring along his camera equipment and shoot some footage. Like myself, he enjoys documenting his adventures and sharing his memories on YouTube. Lee is also quite the accomplished self-taught musician and composer, having produced some amazing stuff. Every now and again, we would stop for a natter and take a drink on board, as wow it was a scorcher—the hottest May on record, I think accordingh to the news. Lee would go on to direct both John and me for his video.

Me of course being the professional actor having now been in a film all about me, well I didn't need any encouragement, and hit all my cues...Lol. I hope you do know I'm jesting... I'm fucking useless and just spout loads of crap, however, sometimes it's really funny crap and I love it when John & Lee chuckle along.

Ickle bridge over stream

It was proper funny when after taking one clip, Lee played it back and I heard him chuckling on camera, he sounded just like Muttley from the Whacky Races cartoon.Riding through and down Fox & Parrot Wood, more photo opportunities and good craic. 

I was on ages trying to figure out where Macro is on my Goole Pixel 9 pro

I say you boys

Love the colour of me bike

Then climbing a short steep hill and then traversing a field where there was a kind of single track. We came out at a farm at Grange Villa, which had a public access route that would lead us into West Pelton, coming out near to where the Jingling Gate restaurant used to be. I see they are building some rather nice houses there now.

What I like about the houses is the view that whoever lives there would have, well as long as they don't build more out the back in the nearby field.
 

We were spoilt today when I think back, however, each of us took on board just how fortunate and grateful we were in some of the countryside we viewed, commenting on the beautiful meadow field, with its flowers and the woods we were approaching, which was yon side of Beamish.

Lee directing himself "Hello, Hello"

As we rode into the woods, it was pretty, with the bright sunshine breaking through the canopy of the trees and dappling the ground beneath us. It suddenly dawned on you, well at least in my mind, " Life doesn't get much better than this". Pain and discomfort out of the window, as I am caught up in the moment, the natural beauty surrounding me, doing one of my favourite things, riding my bike, with the sound of the leaves and twigs crunching and snapping, and of course sharing this with two people that I think the world of. 

Omg! That got a bit mushy there... Lol.

Me on my Santa Cruz Heckler Sl CC

More footage for Lee's video and also some brief local knowledge of what I knew about the area. When I say brief I mean miniscule as I actually don't know much at all, other than that there is an unusual, cone-shaped structure made from what looks like slate. I guess it's a sculpture-type thing. I didn't know how long it's been there or who built it, it's just there. Oh and whilst in the woods the all to familar sound of John "Aww man I don't beluieve it I have dog shit all over me tyre".

John at the sculpture type thing

Glenn at the sculpture

John with a newly discovered Poo stick

Riding through and down the wood we eventually came down to the footpath, which is near the Chester bypass, near Beamish, and I had the next bit of our route in my head.
A cross over the road, and heading down past Beamish Open Air Museum, which I believe is the biggest museum in Europe, I may be wrong and just made that up.

All the way down the bank past the Museums Farm and once down by Beamish Hall we turned Right and got on another trail that would lead us up into Beamish woods, and the rather large pond at the top. 
As we rode up Lee gathering more footage we stopped to admire some bluebells.

Pretty

Pretty Bluebells 

Whilst John was taking snaps of these Lee and I began discussing how as you get older your priorities can change. I am very much on the same level mindset-wise as Lee, in that we both just want to escape,

" The so-called rat race". We feel over the years forced into a corner of what is expected of us, when in reality it makes us miserable. I think that is why cycling, and getting out in nature, either alone or with trusted friends makes such a huge difference. It allows us time to clear our minds, reflect, reset and recharge. Always in the hope that one day we will realise a dream that we can escape and live the life we truly want.

For me my idea is simple, as few commitments as possible, get up each day with no real plans, go where I want, when I want and legally of course do what I want. Everyone by now knows my dream of a house in Scotland, however recently my overactive imagination has been thinking a campervan is the way to go. Get off grid, and have my bike along. I even suggested a hair-brained plan to my dad. Sell our house, buy some land, ideally in a wood, this would be home base if you like. Then get a static caravan, and a campervan, and from there just bugger off and lead a life of complete freedom, meeting folk from all over and each day having a new adventure. I think if my dad had been a bit younger he would have maybe gone along with the flow. I hope in the future I can gather the courage to follow through on my dreams. I hope opportunity comes knocking at my door as it has in the past. Who knows, that is what is exciting about life I guess.

Pond

Another brief stop at the pond, where we watched fish quickly come to the surface and make rippling effects on the glass-like water. The sun shining on the pond and reflected a myriad of flared colours. We could see ducks paddling way off near the reed beds, and then all of a sudden "Harry the Heron" flew in although he looked majestic in flight, his landing in a tree branch looked clumsy, as he bounced up and down, then became static and fixed in place. Not moving like some sort of a statue. Oh, and I'm not sure if his name is even Harry. I mean it could be Bob or Kevin, for all I know, it's just what I called him upon seeing him. No pics, unfortunately, as my phone couldn't focus that far away.

Next, a ride up the hill and onto another dusty trail, eventualluy coming out at a back road, which we followed as if heading towards Sunnyside, however, we turned off onto another trail way before then. This trail led us to Birkenhead, where the secret gardens and coffee shop is situated. A quick scan of the narrow country lane, which as I recall I tipped a small Morris Marina pickup over into a field when I first passed my car test. It had been raining heavily and I just lost the light back end, then went up and over a grass verge and through a barbed wire fence. Fortunately, the fence stopped my little pickup from going onto its roof. The most expensive part of that mishap was hiring a wagon with a Hi-Ab to lift my car back onto its wheels.  As I recall it only cost me £8 quid at the scrap yard for parts to repair the car.

Anyhoo as we continued on the opposite side of the lane on yet another dusty trail, as I was chatting to Lee, a huge fly went in my gob, and I proceeded to get it stuck right in the back of my throat. I had to stop and then started trying to hack it up. Ewww! I fucking hate it when that happens. So the remainder of my ride home from that point was of me making these awful sounds, which I guess if you are reading this and have ever swallowed a fly will understand what it's like and sounds like, "hack fuckety hack".

Reaching Tanfield Railway and the car park opposite, this is where John & I said our farewell to Lee. Lee not knowing exactly where he was going other than West and John and I heading back home, via the back road at Beamish, cutting down another piece of dusty and fly-strewn trail, where I kept my gob firmly closed. Then we rode back up by Beamish Museum and up Beamish Hills.

I said my goodbyes to John, with a passing comment, man I can remember a ride up this bank into No Place way back with another friend, Carl. It must have been in 2008. Shortly after that ride, I was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. A good few years later I required chemotherapy, and just lately I have been for a checkup as I've had this sore area under my Right arm, with a small lump.

I'm not worried though, and certainly wasn't going to let past ill health, or what may lie in the future get me down, well not at that point, as I had had the most wonderful morning just being with my mates, doing the simplest of things. Nee worries or stress and that is what each and every one of us needs in our lives.

The ride home was easy. I headed up another trail at No Place that would lead me down the Famous Farmers Trail. I had this huge sense of excitement, you see I knew I would get to return to my new wee little mate Neville.

Wor Neville

As I got home my Dad and Nev were in the front garden, my Dad having propped an old gate sideways to keep Nev in. Our front door was open and as I opened the back door little Nev came bouling through the house and ran out to greet me. What a mint little pup he is. I could see the glee in his eyes, his little smiley face as if he was laughing, and at that moment in time I felt so very fortunate. My dad is on the mend and I had shared some time with friends old and now both new.

Okay been writing that real early, it's now 6:15 am time to get up and go and say hello to my ickle buddy, Neville

Big thankyou to John & Lee, with special thanks to John for sharing his pictures.

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.