Seeing how far it is to the Wetlands

Out on my Orbea Gain

A week or so ago one of my friends and work colleagues, Anne mentioned that she was going to be taking part in this years Great North Bike Ride. As I understand it the ride is approximately 60 miles, starting at Seahouses Tourist Information Car Park at 8:55 AM and ending at Tynemouth, outside the Priory. The ride is to raise funds for vital cancer research.

Anne went on to tell me that so far she had not done a great deal of preparation, however she had thought about riding up from where she lived (Sunderland area) to the Wetlands Centre at Washington and from there head on up to Consett. I asked Anne " Have you ridden that route before" ? to which she replied "No".

I have ridden numerous times down from Stanley on the C2C going past the Wetlands Centre and following the route to take me down to Sunderland, the Marina and then looping back around, coming through Seaburn and South Shields and eventually making my way back home riding to Whitemarepool roundabout and turning up Leam Lane to Wrekenton, then down to Lamesly along to Birtley and then get back on the C2C home to complete an approximate 50 mile loop.

I explained to Anne that the ride up from the Wetlands would be a fairly tough one. Stanley is situated approximately 807 Feet above sea level and Consett is the third highest market town in England at 900 feet. 

Back in the day when Consett Steel works was operating some 40 odd years ago, there were sections of track, which the C2C now follows, that had the highest gradients of all the British Rail Network. These were at 1-55 Beamish and further on at 1-35 West Stanley.

During conversation I suggested to Anne I would  have a ride down to the Wetlands, turn around and come back and see how far it was and how my stamina was. Well this morning I had my alarm set for 5:00 am, my internal clock awoke me at 4:59. I had pretty much prepared my gear the evening before so I was up and out the door fairly sharpish.

Only one issue this morning my dam Orbea Gain wouldn't connect to my phone...again. After a bit  of fannying on I got it to connect and sync. I had fastened my Leyzene Lights on  and these added to the Gains installed lights. It was starting to get light anyway. I had put my new Oakley Sunglasses on with Prism Trail varifocal lenses, so to be honest I couldn't really tell you what it looked like outside, everything was "`Ooooh" to me

I cheated a little going up Durham Road, onto Wear Road and popped my bike on Level 2 assist. As soon as I got to the top of the bank I switched the assist off and never put it back on until returning to Stanley and the horrible little steep bank at the back of Iceland.

The ride down from Stanley to approaching the Wetlands was a breeze. Loving the new Oakley Sunglasses, as I rode into the sun, its was blinding as it was low in the sky

I do have to say no matter where I go, or how many times I always get lost, and this mornings excursion was no different.

Excuse the language... " Where the fuck am I"? 

"I can't ever recall being this close to a massive river"..." Oh it must be the River Wear". 

Just some of the things popping into my head, along with " Dear me I can't feel my foot"... Now I know I can't feel that one, however I also couldn't feel the other one. Obviously 2 pair of socks on my good foot were not working. Time to invest in new socks and possibly gloves, as my Seal Skin gloves were not keeping my hands warm.  It was brassic.

I got to the end of this very scenic trail, that was right beside the river, the grass all covered in a morning frost as the sun, glistened through the trees which cast distorted shadows all around. I then looked to my Left " Aww crap a geet big set of steps roughly placed up the Bankside". I had to get off my bike and push, until I found the trail again. My useless sense of direction then cut in and I just guesstimated where I should be going and rode on.

" I'm sure that fence looks familiar".

Suppose I am going to have to push

Just then as if showing me the way 2 geese flew over head, honking their little beaks off and circling a couple of times. It was great... "Keep your eyes on the path Glenn", as I wobbled after starring up in the sky.

 

Wetland Centre

Just then as I turned off the path I saw a large carpark looming ahead, and then I saw the signs for the Wetlands Centre 12.2 miles covered to get there. A few pics and then I turned to head back.

At the Wetlands Centre

"Mmmmm now then which way do I go"?  I found a sign saying C2C west. I knew I had been riding East to get to the Wetlands so West was a good bet. More riding along a section I swear I have never been along, and I discovered the large Asda depot. I could recall seeing this on the other side of the fence, so I rode past Asda and followed the path down until I saw another sign for Consett and knew I was going the correct way. I have to say the signs for the C2C are not particularly good.

  

Love my ne shades I can actually see.

Back on track and now knowing where I was going the ride from the Wetlands back up to Birtley went quicker than I thought and was easy.

Birtley to home....Grrrrrrr! 7.1 Miles approximately.

Now I don't usually us the word "Hate", it's such a negatively emotive word. And forgive me in my next sentence for using an expletive. Oh and whilst I am on I also don't like the word "But" as it's an excuse of a word, preferring to use the word "However".

"But I Fucking Hate that ride up from Birtley to Stanley".

Upon my research into the railway line, no I am not a train or track spotter, just wanted to give those of you an idea of how this climb doesn't appear steep, but just feels like it goes on forever and ever, well apparently the trains used to do 2 mph up the line, not sure how quick they went down, however bet it was a case of "Holy Shit, we have no brakes". Anyhoo  quite often the trains would get stuck on those notorious leaves that `British Rails always goes on about, and the trains used to overheat. Well I am proud to say I would at least beat a train upon the line as my speed was 5 mph at its slowest point.

As I approached Stanley, remember I had not used any assist I decided my bottom was too sore, my leg was to weak and basically I am another year older so Fuck going to Consett I am going home.

I can now tell Anne, the ride up from the Wetlands is ok until you get to Birtley, and from there up to Stanley and beyond is a slog. I covered 24.21 miles, and it took me just over 2.30 hours with a few stops to get some pics, climb some stairs and have a few drinks of the H20 variety, oh and almost crash as I checked out honking geese.

A little walk

 After having little bit of a lie in, I am off work using up some annual leave, I decided to go for a little walk. I thought it would also give me the opportunity to see if my now ancient Pentax K30 DSLR was indeed broken. I bought the camera way back in 2013 when I went away to visit America, and really the camera hasn't seen all that much use, mainly because I was too lazy to learn how to use it to its full potential.

  

Pentax K30

Pentax K30

Anyhoo some weeks ago I had got the camera out from under my bed and the bag it was living in and thought to have a go at using it. When I went to take some shots they all appeared to be really dark. Possibly because it was late on one afternoon and indoors, who knows.

I did a little research online and discovered that this particular model of camera suffers from something called "aperture block", and well my camera had been lying about doing nothing for yeah, probably years. Like most people I tend to just take snaps with my mobile phone.

So heading out, with no particular place in mind I dropped the hood on my wee Abarth and headed over to Craghead, and headed up Wagtail lane towards the Stream Valley and the little carpark there.

Once parked up I then proceeded to change from my trainers to my walking boots as I knew it would be fairly muddy. I then set off on the trail and tried to discover somethings interesting to take a shot of. Not much success I am afraid, my creative brain not really kicking in, and I found I was walking with my head down trying to keep my footing as the trail was all slippery with mud and chewed up by the numerous horses that had been using the route.

Horses have fairly chewed up the trails

I only managed to get approximately 9 to 10 shots on the whole walk around, covering about 4.70 miles, in a loop, going as far as Maiden Law and then back towards my car.

Heading up towards Maiden Law

Upon arriving home and having a look at my photos I have sort of come to the conclusion that I don't think the camera has aperture block, no its more a case of me just being inept in its settings and how to use it to it's best potential. I have always been hit missy with this camera. Never mind I will give it a go another day. I still enjoyed the walk. It's nice to sometimes just get out with no particular place in mind, listen to the birds and I even enjoyed the light rain upon my face.

Farmers Trail and back to my car

As I got back to my car and attempted to remove my boots and put my trainers back on, now that was a bit of a struggle. My lower back having seized up. all part and parcel of being an amputee I guess, that and old age LoL.

The 3 Amigos Fight the Wind

 What a most excellent morning I had this morning. I mean not only did everything go to plan, I was able to find my bike kit, my bike turned on and connected to my phone immediately, my new Oakley Sunglasses with Trail Prism Lenses are awesome and I can actually see, and to top it off meeting up with my two compadres Lee and John who I have not been out for a ride with as the 3 Amigos in like what seems forever.

The 3 Amigos

From meeting up with the lads we were soon into  fantastic banter and reminiscing about the good ol'e days and some of the funny adventures we had previously been on, on our bikes. I really do hope this year we can make it another year to make some new memories and get out more together, as that is what life is all about.

Even though the weather man, or woman had said it was going to be windier than yesterday, and I think they were right, it didn't take away from how much we all enjoyed meeting up and spending time in one another's company.

  

Love my Orbea Gain

Bike isn't great in the slippy bits Whoooaaa!

Riding in the sheltered areas wasn't so bad, like going through South Moor Park, and parts of Chapman Wells. However going across from Maiden Law to towards Burnhope and then going down the old Peth bank was canny windy, so much so that I was only doing 9mph and having to pedal down the Peth. Normally I can do 30 to 40 mph down there no worries, and boy riding up the Lanchester Valley into a head wind was tough.

Not often Lee is behind me

Lee

As usual John and I were trailing behind Lee. Lee is like the Energiser Bunny and just keeps going and going and going LoL.

From the get go John had been informing us of his desire for a Cornish Pastie, not just any old pastie mind you, Oh No, according to John these are the best Cornish pasties in the world. As we got nearer to Knitsley and the farm shop, his hankering had not diminished and I actually think he sped up somewhat.

  

John and Me

Love been out with the lads

John came out of the Farm shop and didn't appear to dismayed that he had not been able to obtain the best Cornish pastie in the world (allegedly I don't want anyone suing me) instead he had gotten a corn beef pastie, it must have been good as he almost took his fingers off with the first bite Lol

 

Could this be the best pastie in the World ?

Off we set once more facing the wind towards Consett, John now packing "Pastie Power", we eventually come up past the old red Wagon on the cycle track near Hownsgill and we headed back towards Stanley. The ride home became easy as we now had the wind at our backs and it really did push us along.

A liittle bit of single track after crossing the main road at Greencroft and we came out at Dodd Terrace and then it was easy to get back on the C2C at Anfield Plain.

As we got to John's house he popped in to go and get his wee dog to show Lee. John's dog is a cute little fella, proper friendly. John, says he is called Bruno, but I call him Frank, I think he looks more like a Frank. I like to wind John up, however he knows what I am like and always takes it in good fun.

19.1 miles done. It was a fairly hard ride, due to the wind, but well worth it for the craic and hanging with good m8's.

  

Frankie... Err I mean Bruno

Frank n John

Ooh and the day hasn't ended just yet., more excitement with a little added nervousness, as the short film I was featured in is being privately screened at Newcastle tonight. 

 

I didn't choose the title `LoL

I have invited friend and family and hope it goes down well and they all think the film is something special. The film is still doing well having received 6 awards at various film festivals.

Well I had better head off and try and make myself look pretty Bye for now.

More Bike Porn

 As I am currently off work, yet again due to my leg not fitting I am trying to find stuff to do. Yes Like Bike porn...

Even though my old regular everyday socket is not fitting, which is the exact same design/size as my cycling socket, thank God I can still get out and go for a bike ride.  I have to wear two seals, plus a stump sock in order to try and maintain the air and prevent my leg from dropping off mid ride. This means I have to keep stopping and putting weight through my prosthetic leg, hear that all to familiar "hiss" as I expel the air and then I can more or less continue my ride in a stop start fashion.

I am sure I have also mentioned my BTK knee is also appearing as if it is worn, as it is rattling, but hey so far it is hanging in there. I completed a 40 miler ride yesterday with my friend Lee, riding my Orbea Gain Gravel bike. I am sore as hell today, however enjoyed the ride.

The way things are going with my everyday socket I am so grateful I can still get out and ride, as at the moment "everyday" things where I have too wear my limb are proving very painful, tiring and I am loosing confidence each time I wear my leg and it is really impacting on my mental health. No good making out that life is all hunky dory when actually at the moment to a certain degree it sucks.

I am currently on trying to decide what my next ride maybe. I have been using a pretty neat site called Geometry Geeks, the website really helps with sizing of bikes as you can compare bikes, without having to open numerous windows on manufacturers sites.

Looking at another two potential candidates for new rides. The only thing I am not really happy about is my budget has increased dramatically, well in my head. It all depends how much I can save up I guess. 

Okay one of the bikes is a Pivot Shuttle SL. 

I think I would possibly go for the Sram X01 setup and possibly in a size Large.  The Pivot runs 150mm travel up front and 132mm in the rear. Both bikes I am looking at run the Fazua 60 motors.

Colour wise not sure which colour I prefer, the Pivot comes in a Desert Sage Green or Denim Blue.

Pivot Shuttle SL Desert Sage Green

Pivot Shuttle SL denim Blue

The other bike is by Transition and it is the Transition Relay Carbon. I would opt for the GX setup. The Relay runs 160mm travel front and rear, and checking out colours the only one I can see online price wise is the Blue model. The bike does come in a grey colour, however appears more expensive ???

Transition Relay Carbon GX

Both bikes look awesome and both have got great reviews. I may possibly  be swayed towards the Pivot Shuttle, as it is slightly more trail orientated due to having less travel in the rear at 132mm. I do the odd jump and drop off, however not huge stuff so the 160 mm travel on the Transition Relay maybe over kill for an amateur like me.

A few more additions for the Abarth 124 Spider

 A couple of weeks ago I had managed to save up a few more quid, so took my wee Abarth 124 Spider down to see the Exhaust Doctor based at Shiremoor. 

Abarth 124 Spider

After doing some research on the Spider I had learned that the standard Crosspipe was quite restrictive, plus as my car is an automatic, no one offered a larger bore centre pipe.

Exhaust Doctor Abarth 124 Spider

I have already fitted a Ragazzon valved rear backbox, and although I like the look of the exhaust, the sound to me is just not as good as the standard Record Monza. My Record Monza's valve was stuck in the fully open position, and sounded a bit more "raspy". Anyhoo  I was hoping putting on a larger Crosspipe and centre pipe may help my car sound a bit better.

I don't really want to change the Cat to a race one, as this involves remapping the car, something I intended to do a bit later on, but not just yet.

So the new sound of the car, well it's better than it was, a little louder and a deeper tone. I suppose the good thing is the car can be driven and doesn't have a constant "Boom", unlike Grandma my VW Beetle GSR, which constantly drones and becomes creative on long journeys. Well I imagine it would in a long journey, what did I know, having just had "Grandma" for her MOT, she had only done 206 mikes last year.

Next on the mods list was a new set of EBC dimpled rotors and Green Stuff pads. I had been waiting what seemed like ages for EBC to get these in stock. I was chuffed to bits that I checked my Blue light card, as I got £75 off, which was a canny saving.

EBC discs & pads

My dad did most of the work removing and installing the new components. I'm currently off work on the sick yet again, due to my prosthetic limb not fitting. I've been trying to wear my new socket to do everyday things, but man the socket is really uncomfortable, causing me a fatigue like pain, and also causing phantom pain. It's like having a turnaquet in my stump each time I wear my leg.

Following fitting the new brakes, my dad and I tested my new OZ alloys, using the 5 mm spacers I bought, in order to clear the Brembo calipers in the front.

Once I get a bit more money saved and the weather improves I'll get the wee car back along to Performance 28 to get the coilover suspension fitted that has been sitting in a box at the bottom of our stairs.

Super Clarty Super Fun

 

Playing on my Silverback Synergy Fat Bike

Everything pre-sorted the night before for this mornings mini adventure. To be honest when I checked the weather yesterday I wasn't sure I would be heading out for a ride with John & Peter, I'm getting soft in my old age.

I messaged John telling him I would have a look out my window early on and make a decision based on A. The weather and B. If I could be arsed. Anyhoo I was up relatively early, peered out of the window and thought it didn't look bad and I felt up for it.

I had already chosen my weapon of choice, and as such had fitted the tendons to my Bartlett Tendon. I had decided to take my Silverback Synergy Fat Bike. My other bikes are in need of some TLC, my old Ibis is a bit of a dog and needs pulling out of the shed and servicing. My Sandman Hoggar, which I love hasn't been used in a while either. Not sure I would have got all the way around on that bike, as man the Surly Tires fitted drag like hell.  My Orbea Gain gravel bike wasn't suitable for where we planned, so it came down to the trusty Silverback Fat. You see now that I am down to 6 bikes it's very clear I need to restock my stable so that I have a choice dependent on conditions and what I intend to do LoL.

And to that I am still on the fence about a Santa Cruz Heckler SL and recently I have been looking at an Orbea Laufey H-LTD 2024 which is an analogue 29'er.

Orbea Laufey H-LTD 2024

As I mentioned the tyres on My Sandman I may as well tell you about the Shwalbe's fitted to the Silverback. These are absolutely terrible in the mud, how I never fell off today is just pure luck as I was sliding and loosing traction all over.

On to todays mini mud fest. Well 9:00 am arrived and no John or Peter. There I was waiting outside and trying to see up the bank, the fog becoming thicker in the 10 minutes I stood waiting. John then called saying Peter had a puncture in his back wheel and was on trying to fix it. I took the time I was waiting as an opportunity to go across over on to the green opposite our house to clear up a black bin bag which had been left by some scuffy git, the contents strewn all over the grass, empty beer cans and pizza boxes and other various bits and bobs of rubbish. Ern came out to help and  gave me a pair of gloves and one of those picky uppy thingies. After completing my community service John rang again saying Peter had now tried fixing the puncture 3 times, but it just kept going down.

Time to call on the services of Super Ern. Ern and I had a quick rummage in our shed and found two 29'er inner tubes, jumped in Ern's car and headed up to Peters. After inspecting his tyre and wheel and handing Peter one of the new inner tubes he went about installing it. "What do you mean Peter you don't have any tyre levers"? Peter then tried using two spoons. Upon going to inflate the tyre "Psssssssssss"! "Ok lets go down to ours and try the other tube down there as we have more gear"  

Yay it stayed up

Down home Ern removed the tube Peter had just put in, Peter must have nipped the tube a there were two small nicks... Damn spoons. Ern and I then had a go at putting in another new tube and although it was a faff and really hard to get the tube in without being nipped, the tyre appearing to wide for the skinny little rims, we eventually managed and the tyre stayed up. Moral of the story "get some tyre levers, oh and a track pump".

Ok we were off, heading down the street and going up to the farmers trail. 

Heading to No Place and then Beamish.

Farmers Trail 

Me and Peter coming up the muddy farmers trail

Going into Beamish Woods and having a little play. I took John & Peter to where the jumps and berms had been put in. Quite a bit of pushing up the hills as they were slippy as hell with mud and  roots.

Pleased I put my long Endura pants on today

The Stream was pretty high today 

John

All the fallen leaves looked pretty

I had a quick bash at coming over one of the drop offs and John who was acting camera man with his fancy Apple phone got some decent shots today. 

Beamish Woods

Love not acting my age

Useless Fat Tyres with no grip at all

Following on from Beamish and having traversed the trail at the top of the woods, we then got on to a off road section that would bring us to the main road, and we headed as if going towards Sunnyside. I was pretty tired, however just kept plodding away, until we got back on ayet another off road trail that would take us towards Tanfield Railway.

A little plays in the puddles at this point.

Nowt like playing in puddles

Don't think the old dears where impressed with me playing

Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!

Peter having fun

Once opposite Tanfield Railway's car park, we headed along the Causey Arch Road and to the picnic area and took the trail towards Tanfield, riding along past the Industrial estate and  up on to the C2C and from there home.

This burn was hand dug out and is really steep at yon side

I said my goodbyes to the lads and when I got home was he my bike. Ern and I had a Quick Look at my Race Face dropper seat post as it had been sticking throughout my ride, then. went indoors. My dad had got me an allay breakfast. I had a  lovely hot shower got me clothes back on and the wolfed down the breakfast which I was really ready for.

A very enjoyable ride, even if my old bones are slightly aching a bit.

TMFF - The Monthly Film Festival -January Winner for the Documentary of the Month.

 Wow! Super excited for everyone involved in the making of "Meet The Local Hero" which has won another award over at the TMFF - The Monthly Film Festival. The award was for the Documentary of the month. Things are going super well and we are hopefully just getting started as the film has been entered into a lot more Film Festivals.

Me in the woods during shooting

 

Meet The Local Hero - Glenn Johnstone_Teaser from This Is Insomnia on Vimeo.

The short documentary which is based around my passion for riding and how I went from a fit and healthy 27 year old, working a regular job as a postman to being diagnosed with a giant cell tumour and eventually amputation of my Right leg, after over a decade of battling to not only save my limb, but also my sanity.

The short story tries to encompass the feelings of rising up from the darkest depths to then climb up step by step and face new and exciting challenges and reclaim a life. With the support of my amazing dad and people who saw something in me.

Both my dad and myself cannot thank everyone involved in the making of this film, it was such a privilege to be asked to take part.

I have been described as "Irrepressible" I would like to think I took control of my life back. My wish is that this short documentary will go on to inspire other people not to give up, to follow their dreams and goals and continue on their own journey doing the things that bring them happiness.

Checkout TMFF 

Decisions Decisions - The Chicken and the Egg

 I have a few dilemmas going on, let me explain. After parting ways with my Specialized Turbo Levo eBike, which I had had for about 4 years, a bike which was a fairly trusty companion and I really enjoyed riding, well I have not replaced her. 

Do I need another bike? specifically an eBike. My answer would be, "If I am going to get another bike, it most certainly would be of the electric variety".

My reasoning... Well as an above knee amputee, whilst I can ride an ordinary analogue bike, if I go out a few days in a row I find I am thoroughly knackered. Where as on an eBike I can use as little or as much assist and I am able to get out more regularly. It's not cheating as the majority of the time I rode my Specialized in Eco mode, it just kind of gave me my leg back.

Anyhoo whether to get a new bike is not the end of my dilemmas. There are a whole host of things to consider. I mean it's not just do I get an eBike, it's which one, do I go for a full power or opt for one of these new Mid Power bikes? And a big part of also getting a new ride is Wow they cost quite a few dabllons. The price of eBikes has shot up. The equivalent to my Specialized is now £1000 more expensive that when I purchased my bike. Also technology has moved on, as I see you can get bikes with wireless shifting, this being available on the AXS version of the Heckler.

I think I have it down to two candidates, either a Santa Cruz Heckler SL in Magenta and a size XL, more on the sizing in a moment or do I go for the Orbea Rise and get a model at the same price point. With the Orbea Rise you appear to get a lot more bang for your buck, and I see Orbea is offering a free range extender on some models. They come with top end kit and can be customised with colour and various parts.

 

Santa Cruz Heckler SL

Santa Cruz Heckler SL

Orbea Rise

Orbea Rise

With the Santa Cruz bikes I think you are paying top dollar for a boutique name. That said the Santa Cruz SL has had some really good reviews and apparently is top in its class for power and range.

Back to the sizing for the Santa Cruz. I am a tad over 6 feet, so I am between sizes Large and X - Large. I popped into Start Cycles a couple of weeks ago and got the chance to see a Santa Cruz Heckler SL in all its glory. A beautiful looking bike, the model on display was a XXL. One of Starts customer advisers Rhys was on hand to have a chat about the Santa Cruz and using a neat website called Geometry Geeks, he was able to see how a Santa Cruz Nomad which they had on display in a size XL compared to the Heckler. I was then invited to have a sit on the Nomad. Whilst the Nomad felt totally different to my Specilaized, it was a fairly comfortable fit, so this helped me decide if I went for a Santa Cruz Heckler an XL would be the best fit.

Okay so why the title Chicken and the Egg. Well more dilemmas. I mean for you "Norms" out there who don't have a limb missing it's a bit more simple, just save up and go and buy a bike. However for me I need a prosthetic limb to be able to ride my bike, and I am not talking just any knee. Nope my knee of choice as anyone who reads my waffle will know is the Bartlett Tendon. My current BTK is getting on a bit and starting to snap bolts, tendons and its rattling like hell in the frame where it is wearing. I mean fair play to this knee I have been riding 1531 consecutive days, and that is just when I started keeping track, so the knee gets a lot of use.

Bartlett Tendon Infinity Knee G3

A new knee is almost the same price as a new bike, and that is not including a new socket, something else I could do with as mine at the moment is way to big and my leg keeps slipping off. 

So as you can see, or rather read lol. I may be able to finance a new bike, no way I can stump up all the cash in one go, however then if my knee gives up the ghost not be able to ride it. Or I could attempt to finance a new knee, possibly socket, however then not have a nice shiny new bike.

Or I could just not buy either, sit on my ass all day and watch day time TV, feel sorry for myself and become a couch tattie. Fuck that it's just not in my Dna. Im way too proactive for that. I will continue moving forward and guess figure things out, whilst looking at bike porn online and rattling away riding on my current knee.