A blast from the past

I bought my Ibis Mojo SL on the 26/01/2008 from Stif Mountain Bikes, well that is the actual date that is on my receipt, however as I recall I had started speccing up my potential ride the previous year, before even having my leg off.

Ibis Mojo SL

 

Going back a bit in time to 2006 and a bit of a backstory to me getting my Ibis.

I recall having what was supposed to be a fairly routine surgical procedure. This was to remove my right knee cap, as the internal metal prosthesis I had had put in my leg in an attempt to salvage my leg was catching on my knee cap and preventing my leg from bending. It was also very painful. That year leading up to 2007 I was to discover what pain was really all about.

I can recall the morning after my surgery, waking up with a banging bad head, and I mean pounding, that said I was ravenous and tucking into my breakfast as I was sat up in bed, with a huge bandage around my poorly leg.

There was a knock on my cubicle door and my consultant came in. His first words were "I can't believe you are sitting up in bed". "Huh" I thought. It was then he informed me he had thought he had "lost me". I didn't quite twig, thinking maybe after the anaesthetic I had been placed in some corridor or another and been momentarily lost.

My consultant then went on to inform me that surgery had not gone exactly according to plan. Apparently the old knee cap had come out as expected rather easily, however when the team had gone to bend my leg, some blood vessels or another had got trapped behind the metal joint and I began bleeding out. From the sounds of it this wasn't just a case of putting a sticky plaster over the wound and this would explain the reason for my banging headache. I was now quite anaemic due to loosing so much blood.

I remained in hospital for a little while, being monitored and my dressing changed, then I was allowed home with some pain killers and a course of iron tablets.

Community nurses began coming that very week to check on my wound and within days of getting home I just knew something was not right, my leg was killing me. After a few days of getting dressings changed one of the community nurses came and on this particular day my staples had all burst open and I had this huge, angry hole in my leg that was exuding this horrible fluid.

The community nurses began to come more frequently as my leg got worse and worse, eventually coming 7 days per week and about 3 times per day. Every day was agony and I began to feel my already poor quality of life due to my limitations of my Kotz prosthesis spiral out of control.

I wasn't sleeping, or eating and I had basically kind of shut down with no interest in anything at all I just felt I was in limbo. When I did manage to fall asleep, my underlying wish was that I wouldn't wake up to face the next day.

Things got so bad nurses were coming out to administer midazolam, also known as "twilight sleep" just to give me some rest.

I went about a year in this horrible limbo, being informed by my consultant that he was not prepared to carry out any other surgery other than amputation. I was devastated. I had fought since 1995 to save my leg and now I felt I was all out of options.

It was then a wonderful community nurse came out to see me on one of her regular visits. I have always remembered what she said, maybe not the exact words, however more or less. She started by asking me "do you know why most people get down or depressed?" and  she went on to explain, "It is either because they live in the past, or look too far off into the future, you have to learn to live for today". She then said "your leg is always going to be your enemy and prevent you from living". She went on saying "look you are in so much pain and your leg doesn't work anyway, so why not think of amputation and imagine all the things you could do". I don't know exactly what happened in my mind but I can only describe it as a sort of cartoon "Light Bulb" moment.

That week I  rang my consultants secretary and asked to arrange an appointment. From that moment I never looked back and after waiting for a few weeks was given a date for my amputation, which as I can remember was something like 3 months away. Now this may sound strange, but I was so excited at the prospect of having my leg off and being able to get on with life. And this is where my bike comes in.

I knew I would have to get rid of my beloved Mini Cooper S. So I put her up for sale and sold her practically immediately. I then began checking out YouTube video's, knowing that I wanted to ride a bike again. At that point I didn't even know if it was possible. Once I figured out it was I started looking for the best bike on the market at the time and came across the Ibis.

I contacted Stif Mountain Bikes and began the process of speccing up my ride with the best component's money could buy.

Like  I say I was checking out YouTube and this is also when another part of my journey began, as I discovered Brian Bartlett and his unique Bartlett Tendon knee. Man I fired off loads of emails trying to get in touch with Brian not realising he was in hospital having his own problems.

I had my amputation on the 11th September 2007 and about 8 weeks later I was out learning to ride on my NHS provided Total Knee. I loved being out after all those years, however man did I hate that knee. Never mind I kept at it, becoming fitter and fitter. I used to challenge myself and ride every big bank in the locality. I wouldn't give in and can honestly say on each and every bank I never got off and pushed. So we are talking banks like Lanchester and the old bank near Lanchester vets,The Peth. I rode Edmondsley, Iveston and Wolsingham, but to name a few.

I had a whole new lease of life. I rode almost all of 2008, until sometime in October I started feeling unwell when out on a few rides. One of which I remember quite vividly when being out with my mate Carl. We were coming up through Beamish Hills and man I just felt ill. I had stomach cramps and just really felt out of sorts.

It wasn't until a few months later when coming back from Leeds with my dad I again felt really poorly, and he immediately took me to A&E at the Queen Elizabeth where I had had my leg amputated. I was there hours and a doctor did all sorts of tests. Eventually he came into the consulting room and informed me he had found an enlarged node in my neck. Well this was the start of a whole new journey, not one I would have chosen for myself, however I am a huge believer in out of every negative there is a positive if you look hard enough.

I was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Apparently as it is low grade it's considered "the best cancer you can get", wow I feel real special LoL

And so jumping back to present day and my trusty Ibis Mojo SL. The old girl has been in semi-retirement. My dad and I were on tidying up our shed just the other day sorting Bug bits and pieces and I uncovered both my Sandman Fat Bike and my Ibis. The Sandman didn't need much to put her right, a good clean and polish and her tyres blowing up. My Ibis on the other hand just looked old and tired.

Going to change 3x9 Drivetrain

A few scuffs n scrapes

Chris Kind Hubs and currently 9 speed cassette

Original gear was top spec in the day

I fitted some Sram Guide RSC's and  dropper post sometime ago

Pace RC 41 Fighter forks, amazing forlks in there day

Hoping I can sell on some of the old kit as it's still useable

Changing the cockpit, hope the stuff I have ordered feels good on just guesstimated

She is an old bike now, very dated, running 26-inch rims and not your more modern 27.5's or 29's. She has an old 3x9 drive train and her frame is a bit battered and bruised. Well I have decided to revamp her, yeah she will still be an old school bike, but with a little bit of modern bling, a bit like a resto-mod.

Here is a parts list so far: 

1x10 Setup

Sram GX Rear Derailleur/ Medium 

  

 Sram GX trigger shifter 

 Sunrace CSM3S 10 Speed Expander Cassette Black

 

Race Face Turbine 35 Stem 70 mm 

 

Race Face Next Carbon Rise bars

 

Race Face Grippler grips

 

Race Face narrow wide crank set 34T

 

KMC X10 Black Edition 10 speed chain

SDG Bel Air Lux- Alloy Saddle - when they come back in stock.

Oh! And I may get a new Bottom Bracket as I don't like the colour of the one installed on her at present, doesn't exactly go with my black theme LoL

I suppose a lot of people wouldn't be investing money in such and old bike, but for me this bike holds particularly fond memories, it has been part of my journey to recovery, and I am soooo looking forward to taking her for a spin.

I will post some pictures when she is fitted with new gear

Day 261 of riding eachday...

After a rather poor night's sleep, in which I actually woke in the early hours and just could not settle, even though I felt tired I decided to get up and make a cup of tea then watch the UFC which I was on recording. Once I had watched all the fights, I returned back to bed at around 5am and awoke again at exactly 9:14am.

Getting out of bed I did a quick self-assessment of my butt, after yesterday and the day before's riding, it actually didn't feel to tender so I decided to get ready and go out for another ride. 

I think I am due a couple of new pairs of cycling under shorts, and this may help me out in the long run. New decent under shorts are just so expensive. I have been eyeing up some dhb Aeron Shorts, so if anyone has any experience of using these, and how good they are, drop me a line.

Both Chain Reaction and Wiggle have them for £56 a pair.

Today is actually Day 261 of consecutive days that I have ridden. The majority of this has been indoors on my Turbo Trainer, as I have mentioned before, what with having a broken Bartlett Tendon Knee and obviously being in the same situation as a lot of people and locked down due to this virus.

Going downstairs, Ern was up, and I kindly asked him would he mind going and getting my Silverback Synergy Fat Bike out for me. I can't even recall the last time I even rode my Fat Bike. Other than riding my De Rosa Idol on the Turbo indoors, I have been using my Specialised Turbo Levo for any outdoor adventures.

It is not laziness on my part, far from it as I have the assistance turned down on the eBike. No, I think it's just that I know I can go out really enjoy a ride, safe in the knowledge that if I get tired or sore I have a little help should I need it to get home. The Specialised has really helped me start enjoying riding once again and in fact, is a great tool to help build-up fitness so that I can then transfer this over to my regular bikes.

Ern sorted my Fat Bike out for me, inflating the tyres as they were down a little from standing so long. He also mentioned an annoying clicking sound coming from the bike when he had got it out. We both think it's coming from the bushes in the Rock Shox shocker, so Ern has said he will take a look and replace them for me.

Following Friday and Saturday's ride, I not only had a sore bottom, but also had managed to get a bit of chaff on the front of my hip from my socket. I think somewhere down the line either my socket or knee had become out of alignment. 

As any amputee will know when you pop your prosthetic on you generally put it on going off your foot position, and it just fits, however, if you have tinkered with your foot or knee then this can knock your socket out and I think this was the case. 

It had taken me a good few miles to rub myself sore, and as my prosthetist down at Pace Rehab Paul will tell you I have a weird set of hips anyhoo. I have had problems in the past with the lip of my socket catching right under the front of my hip bone.

Yesterday, whilst out with John we stopped, and I attempted to adjust my socket and knee to continue on our ride and to relieve the sore area. I stuffed my trusty Arctic ONE Buff down the front edge of my socket and this helped ease the sore area.

Having more time before I went out this morning, my dad helped me adjust my socket and I had a little test ride in the back lane before heading out for a short'ish ride. It now feels much better.

One of my favourite places to go locally is Chapman Wells nature reserve. I have mentioned it quite a lot upon my blog. It's just a really peaceful place, real pretty with not too many folk about. There are various loops which I know like the back of my hand and I can just make it up as I go, doing these various loops to then get some decent mileage in.
   

A couple of Wee bridges cross the stream in South Moor park

Love my Fat Bike

Over We Go

Heading from my house over towards South Moor and going through South Moor Park, I thought I'd take a few shots with my GoPro. Just going over the wee bridges that cross the stream before I had to dismount and push my bike up the steps to get to the drift. There I could get back on and ride up and on to Chapman Wells through the wooded trail.

I had just got a few shots taken, riding on my BTK with only one tendon as my other had snapped on Friday, then just as I was approaching the steps I felt the remaining tendon snap. It has gone in exactly the same place, at the bottom receiver, where the metal pin goes through the laminated tendon.

Awwww Man not another one

Decisions, decisions... I thought to myself, do I just turn around now after only riding about 2 miles and go home totally deflated, or do I just say "F@%K It" and carry on. I guess this is a testament to my current positive mindset as I just dismounted my bike and pushed my bike up the steps then carried on.

Riding without the use of the tendons is easier in one sense, in that you do not have the added resistance, however trying to attempt any trails is not so much fun, especially as I only had 50 psi in the shock, so standing out of the saddle wasn't going to happen this morning. I therefore just chose to ride fire trails and not attempt any rough or technical stuff.

A Positive Mindset helps

Out on my Silverback Synergy Fat Bike

Cracking bike this and I love the colour

At least by not coming straight home, I still got a workout. It's funny the things that go through your mind when you are trying to remain positive and overcome adversity. I can recall thinking "Man I am so lucky to be out in the fresh air, surrounded by all this beautiful scenery".

Many people just do not have these opportunities, whether it be through disability or illness. Thinking in these terms and how fortunate I am in my own little word, I always give thanks to the Universe.

Up for more? oh well go on then...

As lockdown has been easing and I have been venturing out just that little bit more, it was a nice surprise to get a message from my cuz David asking if I fancied a socially distanced ride out on Friday. 

I think David had seen my previous blog about heading out for a ride with John on Monday, when we went up to Smiddy Shore and back and as we haven't seen one another in Oh I would say 6 months it was a lovely opportunity to catch up.


Getting my gear sorted and heading up to my Uncle Dave's where I was to meet David didn't take long at all.  A tap on Uncle Dave's door and our David came to greet me, he then went to retrieve his bike from his car. Just then my Uncle Dave came to the door, it was smashing to see him and have a bit banter, as again I haven't seen my Uncle Dave in months due to this stupid virus.

A quick discussion on what route to take and we were off, leaving from Anfield Plain. I suggested going down on the C2C as far as Tanfield Lea Industrial estate, then cutting through the estate to the East Tanfield Railway path. From there we could ride along to the Causey Arch and eventually to Sunnyside. So this is what we did. No pics of David as he doesn't like his photo taken LoL

Once we reached Sunnyside I led the way across the road and showed David a back road and trail which leads partly across country and eventually comes out at the what I think is called "The Woodsman's Arms", anyhoo it's on the road towards Whickham.

The field behind me looked so pretty with the poppies scattered around

Very Scenic

Heading down the steep bank past Whickham Golf Club, we eventually came to a turning on our right which again led us on an off-road trail, this trail leads down what is known as Clockburn Lonnen, it's great riding down, but if you ever have to climb back up, not so much so.

Once at the bottom of this trail, you are pretty much onto the Derwent Walk and this was part of our planned route.

Riding along the Derwent Walk towards Rowlands Gill and eventually Consett, for anyone that knows the route, well they will tell you the climb is rather deceiving. It is an uphill battle all the way and can be quite exhausting.

Just as we approached the small road section of Rowlands Gill, turning down past Maguires Fish and chip shop and Gibside Country Park I felt a "twang" and when I looked down was gutted to see that my brand new Bartlett Tendon had snapped. Rather than whine on and moan about it I just asked David to take a few snaps, so that I could send them off to show Brian the designer of my knee the problem.

Awwww Man

No, it's not supposed to look like that

Back on the Cycle path, we continued on. The day was simply glorious, not too hot and stifling, but again not too cold. As we rode up towards Consett and Blackhill we noticed quite a few folk out and about, everyone was really pleasant and the majority said "hello". As we stopped briefly to take on some water at one of the viaducts a gentleman was approaching us with his dog. The man was carrying a waste bag and had one of those "grabbers" you know the sort for picking up stuff. I got chatting to him and he explained he didn't live far away "Just down at the station" I think he said. Anyhoo he explained he kept this particular piece of the path, as much as he could clean and tidy.  He was a very friendly chap and I think a worthwhile mention in my blog, not only because he was doing a selfless act, but also because he took an interest and had the time of day to be polite. That reminds me I must be more forward and ask for peoples names for when or if I give them a mention.

Soon we were back cycling away. I think it must be some time since David had been down this way, as he mentioned that he didn't recall what a long drag the path was. I mentioned that if he thought back to the old days when we were kids and where the railways ran from, so for example where we were from New Kyo near the Morrison Busty and at one time David lived just yon side of Consett Steel Works, well the tugs had to come all the way right up from the Tyne. Both Stanley and Consett are pretty high above sea level. I always remember my dad telling me that it took a tug and a shunter to control the fully laden coal and ore containers as the track was so steep.

Eventually at Blackhill, then there was a little climb up towards Tesco, once past here the ride back to Anfield Plain wasn't too bad.  As we got back to Uncle Dave's I said my goodbyes and rode back home, in total I had covered 32 miles. Not a bad little outing, all done on Eco mode on my Specialized Turbo Levo on about 15% assistance.

Moving on to Saturday...

After Fridays ride out and actually feeling decidedly ropey from getting up till going to bed, with a tummy that felt like an inflated football I wasn't exactly sure if I was up for a ride out on Saturday with John.

John had asked me on Monday did I fancy a ride to the coast and back and I warned him "It's not the going there, it's the coming back". Anyhoo late Saturday night John messaged me saying he was up for a ride to the coast. Now in hindsight, I am wondering had John had one too many cans late Friday evening, as man when he rocked up this morning he looked a bit rough, "errrr Sorry John, but you did"

John should have known he would struggle with a ride to the coast from the off, the telling sign was when we had got less than a mile heading up the farmer's trail and he commented "I can't remember this being so hard", at least I think that was what he was referring too I didn't look back just in case.

Farmers Trail

Anyhoo I am not going to write the whole route, other than to say we went down the C2C following Route 7 and eventually got to Sunderland. 

Kings Head on the C2C, his crown used to twirl in the wind and make a cool noise

John thinking about his bottom I bet

Me looking a bit pasty

Me

Johns pic of me at the mariner

By the time we had got to Souter lighthouse, I had lost count of how many times John had informed me about his annihilated bottom. 

So where exactly does it hurt?

John says my hair just looks windswept

We stopped briefly along the coastal path for a bite to eat and to take on some water and as usual had a bit of a laugh and shared some good craic.

Lovely ride along the coastal path

We then made a plan to ride down into South Shields and stop off at the park where the little steam train runs and take another small break.

Whilst we were in the park I asked John which way he fancied going home as we had a few options. He replied he wasn't too bothered as at that point his ass was broke anyhoo, plus no matter which way we went there was a climb.

I suggested we could try and find the pedestrian tunnel, as I knew it was now re-opened. This would take us under the Tyne so that we were on the Newcastle side and from there we could ride along the Quayside and eventually head up through Watergate Park and Sunnyside to get home. John agreed to this so after having something to eat and drink we set off again in search of the Pedestrian Tunnel.

As we headed towards the Port of Tyne it didn't take us long to discover signposts directing us to the Pedestrian Tunnel, which were heading towards Jarrow.

A little bit of history about the Pedestrian Tunnel which goes between Howdon and Jarrow connecting the North of Tyneside to the South. Information taken from http://www.tynepedestrianandcyclisttunnels.co.uk/ where you can discover more interesting things.

"Construction of the Tunnels began in 1947. Two shafts were sunk, one on each bank, before the connecting Tunnels, were excavated by miners operating in compressed air.

The Tunnels were opened on 24th July 1951 by Transport Minister Alfred Barnes.

They were part of the North East’s contribution to the Festival of Britain, and built at a cost of £833,000. the Tyne Pedestrian and Cyclist Tunnels for years provided a safe and reliable way for thousands of workers to cross the river to work in the shipyards and factories that then lined the Tyne.
At their peak, around 20,000 people used the Tunnels every day. By the time the Tunnels closed for refurbishment in 2013, that had dropped to 20,000 per month.

The number of users declined as Tyneside’s industrial profile changed and the first vehicle Tyne Tunnel opened nearby in 1967, car ownership grew and lifestyles changed.

By the early 2000s, the Pedestrian and Cyclist Tunnels were in a poor state of repair. The harsh underground conditions and general wear and tear led to frequent breakdowns of the escalators and vertical lifts. The costs of repairs spiralled.

In an effort to guarantee the future of the Tunnels, there was a successful application to have them listed as a structure of special historical interest. They were granted Grade II listed status in May 2000.

The then Tunnels’ owner, the Tyne and Wear Integrated Transport Authority decided that to revive the Tunnels as a safe, reliable means of crossing the river, a complete refurbishment was necessary. The Tunnels closed in May 2013 and re-opened on 7th August 2019".

Soon we were at the building where you can gain access to the tunnel. There was no one else there so no one to ask about how to go about getting in. As we stepped further into this building we saw that there was an area closed off. I thought this was some sort of....Errr I don't know what I thought it was, maybe some sort of transportation device to get you to the bottom of the tunnel, but not a lift. Anyhoo upon getting to the top of the escalator...dear me, it was a long way down. I mean like a LONG WAY DOWN and proper steep. Nothing else for it John and I began walking our bikes down this geet long set of stairs.

The tunnel

That is one long set of stairs

Oooh Errr, wish there was a lift... OH there is

Let's Go

See there is a lift

 We eventually made it to the bottom and just as we did these other folk came along on their bikes from the other side of the tunnel. I think they were playing around down there and going around and around in a loop. John and I pedalled down the tunnel on the bike side and as we got to the other side, guess what... A geet big set of escalators going back up. Words that came to mind were For F@%Ks Sake. Just then these lads came back around and we asked was this the only way out, to which one of them replied: "you do know there are lifts at either end". Well I just looked at John and he looked at me, then this guy laughed and said: "you didn't carry your bikes down the escalators did you?" "Of course not mate do I look stupid" LOL

Well, that was quite the adventure. The signage said 7 miles to Newcastle and the Quayside from this side of the tunnel. Man, it was one hell of a 7-mile ride, felt never-ending.

Yay eventually in the Toon and heading along the Quayside on the Gateshead side. Another slightly longer break at the Dunston Staithes as at this point I thought John may start crying about his broken bottom. I cheered him up somewhat by reminiscing about the story of his "Bastard Fish", apparently this is a recognised fish, well in John's world. It is a fish that goes around eating other prized fish and is so greedy it ends up choking on its prey. Personally, I would just call it a greedy fish, but John is adamant it's a Bastard.

It was great to see John proper belly laughing, memories of days out with your pals are some of the best, even when things don't go according to plan. Oooh, I almost forgot John was also quite chuffed in that I rode through some dog shit, which flicked up off my tyre and went up my back apparently. John saying I'm pleased it's your turn, as normally he has to retrieve a poos stick to solve his crap problems. Well, you know what they say "shit for luck", maybe I will win the lottery tonight.

I am so glad I was on my Ebike, massive respect to John I don't think I could have made it home without a little electrical assist. The final push coming home from the bottom of Lobley Hill, up into Watergate Park and Sunnyside is pure torture. Poor John was wrecked, his new bike having only 11 gears and not the usual "granny ring". So coming up the steep banks there was some walking involved.

Once back to the Tanfield Railway track it wasn't too bad, we just came along over the Causey SArch and the back trail towards Tanfield Industrial estate, then from there up to the C2C and taking the route up Barn Hill and Station Bank at the back of the Indoor Market. I used Turbo mode and flew up the bank. Have to admit my old ass was starting to ache a few miles back too.

Into Stanley, down to John's and said "Bye Bye" then straight home. Total ride 50.16 miles. A quick Whatsapp to a mate in Australia, put my gear away and then into my bedroom to carry out my exercises as its a core and arms day today, yeah I am a glutton for punishment. Got to tone this tummy and get rid of these love handles I mean I don't need them I am not in love.

The end off to nurse my butt.

A Socially Distanced Ride Out

        I have now been off work almost 6 months, initially feeling unwell at the start of February with yet another cold, leading to a chest infection and then Covid hit around March and I found myself being socially isolated in line with the government's guidelines for people assessed as being at a clinically higher risk.
 
During my time off I have not been sitting idle, far from it. In fact, my health and fitness regime, including my changed diet back in December of 2019 has continued and I now find myself on day 255 of cycling every day. The majority of this has been indoors upon my Turbo Trainer and road bike. 

Social distancing

A good few weeks back when the lockdown had eased somewhat I decided to head out on my bike and unfortunately over the course of 2 days, managed to snap 3 tendons which fit onto my Bartlett Tendon Knee. Rather than not use my knee I removed the cams and just decided to keep active cycling indoors. As well as cycling I have been also doing some core work and as much as I can with the pair of 15kg dumbbells I have. I am kind of limited for space in my bedroom for any more gear. Anyhoo it has kept me ticking over and I quite look forward to building up a sweat.

I bought a Fitbit a good few weeks ago and I think this has also helped maintain my enthusiasm as I can view various things upon the app and it gives me something to work towards.

Ooh and with being off I have also found more time to read. I have finished a number of books including the Unabombers Manifesto, and interesting read, but for a super-intelligent guy I just did not get his point or methodology.

I also have just finished a fantastic collective book of works by Neville Goddard. After reading Neville's work I am now trying to use his teachings to manifest amazing stuff into my life.

At the moment I am a couple of chapters into Alexandre Dumas and the Count of Monte Cristo. Wow this book so far is enthralling. I was even recounting the story to John as we went out for a ride, so a bit like Jackanory but on bikes. Not entirely sure how much attention John was taking as at one point he asked was I talking about Romans LoL

Anyhoo to today's adventure. Out the blue last night, my mate John messaged me asking how I was doing. John went on to say he had this week off and was I ok and up for a ride out. "Yeah sure" I replied as it has been ages since I have seen John and now as far as I am aware it is safe to venture out as long as you social distance. I mean I think this is correct, but who knows as the government just doesn't seem to be able to make it's mind up and is already preparing for the next wave.

Sorry, this is all over the place...Going back to the BTK Crossover I feel very fortunate to have received brand new cams and tendons from Brian Bartlett to try and remedy my snapped tendons. I am currently using what is classed as a G2 knee and there is a newer G3 knee now out. As I am no longer sponsored or supported, and prosthetic provision is very, very expensive I just feel really lucky to be able to use my current knee and get out and about. So at the moment, I have a sort of "Hybrid" Knee a mixture of old and new components.

BTK G2 Chassis and G3 Cams and Tendons appear to work

Today was the first time fitting the new components and initially, I didn't think they were going to work. I soon discovered they would, it was just that I was still half asleep this morning when fitting them and had forgotten to place the retaining "grenade" like pins in place into each of the cams. It's been so long since I used the knee for mountain biking it just completely slipped my mind. Anyhoo early morning panic over the knee once set up was spot on. I don't usually use the flexion wedge, however, Brian recommended popping it in as the G3 tendons are slightly longer when used with the G2 chassis and the wedge prevents a sharp tug on the tendons when going through flexion to extension.

Gear all packed just about John arrived down at my house at around 10:30 AM and we set off. Our plan was to venture up to Waskerley and have a little spot of bait at Smiddy Shore reservoir, before riding back.

As we rode from my house heading over to South Moor and heading up the "Black Path" John was in front. Now I am pretty much blind as a bat these days. I had popped my Oakley shades on as I knew there would be lots of flys about, and they knack when you get them hitting you in the eyes.  Anyhoo I don't know how I spotted it, but there on the very side of the narrow overgrown pavement was what I thought was a very small hedgehog. I immediately stopped as I had almost ran the poor little thing over and got off my bike shouting for John to wait as I did so. John came back just as I was taking my backpack off and going in my pack I recovered my gloves which I had packed just in case. I popped my gloves on and picked up this wee little, what looked like a baby hedgehog.

Aww poor wee Hog

Wee Hog started to come to life

Now I don't know much about hedgehogs, what time of year they should be out, how big they should be etc etc, but this little guy looked very small. I knew my friends Michelle and Lee quite often got them in their secluded garden so I rang Michelle to ask her advice. After speaking to Michelle, all the while holding this little hog, who was all balled up I waited for Michelle to text me the number for the Hedgehog Hotel over at Dipton. Apparently, it's a place that looks after hedgehogs and gets them ready to go back into the wild.


And so I rang the Hedgehog place, unfortunately, there was no reply, both John and I were unsure what to do at this point. I then rang my son Kyle to see if he could come over with a shoebox and pick up the little fella, thinking  I could maybe contact the hedgehog people later when I got back from my ride. Just then the little hedgehog started moving a lot more in my hand, opening his/her eyes and seeming a lot more energetic, compared to when I originally picked him/her off the pavement. Maybe it was the warmth of my hands as I held it. 

How cute is this little Hedgehog?

After a quick discussion with John, we decided maybe the little fella would be ok in the thicker undergrowth at the side of the pavement, which led into a safer wooded area. So I stepped over what used to be a fence and placed the little guy way back from the path. As I stepped back onto the pavement and as we listened carefully we could juts say here the little hog making its way through the brush.
 
Now I don't know about you, but for me no matter how old I get coming across a wild animal is so exciting, especially having the opportunity to actually hold it and look at the details of how beautiful and in this case how so very cute it was.
 
After that small encounter, we carried on our ride with me every now and again saying to John "Eeee I hope that little Hedgehog is ok". By the time we got to Smiddy Shore John said "are you still thinking of that hedgehog, you are aren't you"

 

Smiddy Shore

Maintaining Social Distancing

Maintaining Social Distancing

It was canny windy up at Smiddy Shore so we took shelter around the side of an old building while we ate the bits and bobs of stuff we had brought. A few pic later and it was time to head back, the return journey being a much easier ride.

John with his new Marin mtb

Man even though I have been riding some 255 days I can tell there is a huge difference between being "cammed" up and using tendons, compared to just riding without them on the turbo. Proper enjoyed the ride out even if I was knackered and it was great to catch up with John.

Me

I took my Specialized Turbo Levo today. I have been messing around with the Mission Control App and tuning the engine. I was quite surprised when I got back and checked my stats. Covering just under 30 miles I only used 12% battery, which I think is rather good. I rode the whole way there and back with only 10% assist on Eco mode. I reckon this just about covers the energy loss from being an above knee amputee, as whilst the bike does offer some assistance, it is by no means doing all of the work.