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.

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?"

A little bit of assistance

What a day to introduce my new bike to some local trails. It's absolutely filthy, hacky and dirty out there, plus due to being over wrapped up last week I decided to cut back on the layers and ended up be rather chilly today

Out on my New Ride Specialized Turbo Levo

John doesn't need a motor LoL

So first impressions of this new fangled Specialized Turbo Levo which I got from the very friendly people over at Rutland Cycles and their Specialized Concept Store in Nottingham. It's canny! In "eco mode" it kind of brings back a recollection of what it used to feel like riding with 2 legs. The bike enables me to bimble along at a nice pace and keep up with my mates. I was not sure I had made the right choice in getting the size XL, however after a proper run out today the bike feels good under me. Using my BTK Crossover I have to say getting up and out of the saddle is effortless. I know not much to all you "Norms", however for us one legged blokes riding out the saddle takes a bit of practice. Especially to maintain your pedal revolutions and even more so if attempting to ride up an incline.

It was proper manky over on Chapman's Well

Not being entirely used to an eBike, it did take me a little amount of time to get used to the bike. I discovered on my first encounter with a steepish climb that I was in fact in a high gear and pretty much motoring up the incline. This was in "Eco Mode" too. Now normally I would be on either my granny ring or on the 11 speed Fatty in the lowest gear possible. I was still a little out of breath after the ride up past South Moor Golf Club and onto Wagtail Lane and that is because I did not want the bike to do all the work.

BTK and Bike preforming well together

In trail mode the bike is awesome, especially in the muddy areas I encountered and believe me there were lots. Due to the motor kicking in, it just gave me that little bit extra drive so that I didn't come to a stand still and then have to put my foot down.

 
Other than experimenting for a short blast in Turbo mode, to see what it was like I did not use this mode much at all today. I noticed in Turbo the motor cutting out, once I had reached the 15.5mph. Oh and I also tried pedalling with the motor off all together. It is weird as once you have been using the motor and pedal assist and you switch it off, it is like riding a bike with a flat tyre and you really feel the weight of the bike. Speaking of weight, you definitely notice it, for instance before getting to the trails I had to pop the front wheel up over a kerb. This sort of caught me off guard as the front end feels proper heavy. I suppose it's like anything else just getting used to it. On the trails the bike feels pretty planted, not sure of the tyres at this point too early to say. They did feel a bit better than my Maxxis Mammoths, which are fitted to my Fat Bike, they just offer no traction at all.
  

Set my camera up then had to push...man it was slippy

I was out with my friends Lee and John today and really enjoyed the adventure,  it's great to not have to beast myself to keep up and now that I am sat at home I don't feel wrecked. I know a lot of people bash the whole electric bike scene, as I have mentioned before, however it's horses for courses.

Moving on may as well leave you with a moan, yeah it's the whole camera thing again. It must be something to do with the bad weather as my shots recently have almost always come out either blurry, dark, grainy or generally just not up to standard. I have messed with setting etc, but once again it's a kind of fail. It is really difficult trying to take photo's when you are out and by yourself. The downside of the Hero 5 is that it does not have a timer on. Oh and I tried voice control today, however my GoPro once in it's protective case must not have been able to hear me. No amount of "GOPRO TAKE A PHOTO" was going to work. In the end it was more a case of "Awww GoPro Feck Off". I see the new Hero 7 has a few more features including a timer and also the photo quality is supposed to be better without messing with lots of settings. May have to invest.