Its always bloody wheel fitment I have a nightmare with!

My dad and I have finally got my new wheels sorted on my wee Abarth 124 Spider.

I bought the new OZ wheels around about a year ago believe it or not, and have only just got around to fitting them, this has a great deal to do with the awful weather we had from last year, leading into this year what with all the rain and salt on the roads. Plus at the same time I had a set of Yellow Speed Racing coil overs to go on my car and wanted these fitting first.

As Bodyworx had done such a good job on both my VW Beetle, installing new springs and in doing the tracking I asked would they be able to fit the coil overs and then align the Abarth. The whole job was carried out for what I thought was a very reasonable price £200.

Abarth 124 Spider lowered

When I went to pick up my car Kelvin one of the mechanics explained that the front wheels were very and I mean very close to the front Brembo callipers. When he said close and we inspected it, you couldn't even get a credit card between the rim and the calliper.

Wheelbase Alloys who had supplied the wheels assured me the correct offset would be sent out and looking at the invoice the offset did match the standard wheels as I recall, something like an offset of 42. Thing is I think a more negative offset say 35 would have been a better option. Too late to send the wheels back, we had to look at other options and this was wheel spacers.


So upon reading up what other people were fitting I decided to purchase a set of H&R 18 mm TRAK spacers, I then recalled putting lower profile tyres on my car and larger 18 inch rims, the standard rims being 17's.I also opted for for 215 tyres instead of the standard 205's so started panicking that the 18 mm would be too wide and I would have to mess around with the camber on my car to prevent any rubbing. So I returned the 18 mm spacers and ordered some H&R 9mm hub centric spacers. These came with what they call shank or shaft nuts which allow the nuts to be put on to the standard wheel studs allowing more turns.

As I recall I could get about 7 to 8 turns using the provided Shank/Shaft nuts, however I could only get about 4 1/2 turns when using my tuner nuts.

  

Shaft Shank Nuts

   

H&R 9 mm wheel spacers, with incorrect studs

Well this is where more problems began. I did some online research on the Abarth 124 forums to try and find out info on extended wheel studs and the correct fitment, so length, thread pitch and spline size. Long story short after ordering various wheel studs on 3 separate occasions, ranging from 47mm to 63 mm they all came with the incorrect spline size of 13.1 mm. All the forums I visited definitely said the spline size was 13.1, simply not true. This size won't even fit past the shoulder of the stud into the hub.

My dad used a micrometre and after much searching we discovered Demon Tweeks had some  "Hub Buddies Mazda Wheel Stud 12.82mm Spline Diameter 73mm Long Under Head Rear/Front", so I ordered 16 x of these and when they arrived we cautiously cut one stud down to around 51mm so that it would fit without removing the rear hub and gently pulled it into the hub. We then test fitted a wheel with the disc back on and the H&R spacer fitted and managed to get 10 turns on the tuner nut.

Following this my dad cut all the wheel studs to 51mm and we used a burr tool from Machine Mart to finish off the end of the stud threads.

  

Hub Buddies 12.82 spline 73mm long M12 x 1.5

I am now pleased to say my new wheels are fitted and look great with no catching or rubbing issues and my car is sitting pretty.

Studs pulled in an cut to length plus burred ends

Only one other thing that has really pissed me off whilst my car has been in the back yard with our gates closed, whilst awaiting getting sorted, my bonnet has been dented yet again in exactly the same place as last time, so that will be another £120 to get it sorted.


Once I am back to work I will restart saving as I have other mods planned, just at the moment I am having to try and work around this poxy illness I have been diagnosed with and its been difficult and really debilitating, Anyhoo that's another story.

Hopefully get out soon and get some shots of the wee Abarth to post when I get her cleaned and dent free.

Sold, Protected, Broke, and to Fit.

 This week I have sold my Coast Cycles Buzzraw, retro bike. I loved the wee bike, it was just a little too small for me to get comfy on, partly due to my prosthetic knee. 

I took a major loss on the bike, but hey no good it just sitting in my shed not getting used, especially as I needed the money for other projects. So that is the Sold part of my blog.

 

Bye Bye little Buzzraw

Protected... This is in relation to my purchasing some Lanoguard to apply to the underside of my Abarth 124 Spider and to my beloved Beetle, Grandma. Following getting Grandma M.O.T'd and the mechanic commenting on her showing signs of corrosion, he suggested I get some protective coating applied. So I went out and bought a 5 litre kit of Lanoguard. I was intending on doing the job myself, however with feeling pants I decided to ring around and see if anyone would do the job. I eventually discovered a local body shop called Bodyworx, which is in Consett and the price I was quoted was very reasonable...

Firstly I dropped my Abarth off at Bodyworx, and then I took Grandma up. As I drove Grandma up to the Bodyshop/garage the little noise that has been there for over a year, had now turned into a rather loud clunk. I couldn't understand why she was making so much noise, as I haven't driven Grandma in months.

 

VW Beetle GSR Grandma

Anyhoo I asked Michael at Bodyworx if he wouldn't mind investigating the problem, as he was going to have the car up on the lift to jet wash and clean the underside. 

Upon calling Michael the following day he informed me Grandma had   informed a broken driver side front spring. Great!!!

I had a bit of a chew on trying to find out what springs to replace the broken one with, as Grandma is running KW Variant 2 coilers, and these were supplied and fitted down at BTG Performance who have since gone bust. I discovered no one down at BTG had completed the provided info card that came with the KW kit, like the product code, date of purchase etc. I  had found the receipt from BTG, however there was no part reference code on this. So in the end I had to call KW Suspension and I was advised where to look on the dampers for a part identity number.

You can just see the part number in an old pic

Long story short I have just bought two new front springs £152 including postage. Michael has agreed to fit them and laser align the car again, so there is the Fit bit.

 

Must get Lola my wee Abarth 124 Spider sorted next

Also another Fit is the coilovers and OZ alloy wheels I have waiting to go on the Abarth. I must have had these parts about a year, just sitting under our stairs. I kind of bought them as the weather was bad, so that is my excuse for not having them fitted, well that and money, as it will be around £800 to get the coilovers fitted I suspect, and then have the car aligned.

Shout out to Bodyworx, it's the first time I have used their services and very happy with the work they carried out, and the very reasonable quote.

Generation 3 Infinity Knee

 I have probably mentioned at some point that my old Generation2 Hybrid Crossover Knee that I use for cycling is about knackered.

Worn in the top mount

Proper clunking and the circlip keeps popping due to wear

A new knee, works out at about £7500 to £7800 by the time I got it shipped here and paid import duty/taxes. I am no longer supported by various people/companies/clinics, not because I have stopped riding, its just a sign of the times and what with me getting older I guess I am no longer seen as an inspiration or have anything to offer in order to promote stuff and get away with being supported. 

That said I don't want people to think this is a post whining on about not getting free support and meeting any prosthetic needs, far from it, I am eternally grateful to every single person, company, clinic and indeed charity/foundation that has helped me follow my passion. I can honestly say I probably would have given up long ago if I had not had these people in my corner.

Now it is time to I guess go it alone as it were. After considerable thought and saving like hell I have been able to get the funds together, not to buy a new Generation 3 Infinity Knee, but to purchase a refurbished knee.

This means I will be able to continue riding in all the various forms I enjoy, and once I get these health worries out of the way I have some plans to get out, do more bike packing, more adventures, more photography and videos and more creative content for my blog.

G3 Infinity Knee

I needed to sort this knee out as I really do need something to look to in the future. I have been so stressed this last 6 weeks as something just doesn't feel right with me. Even though I have been real poorly I have continued to cycle using my clunky worn out Bartlett Tendon Knee on my Turbo trainer. I have now been riding consecutive days for 4 years and 5 months. Generally only around 30 minutes per day, this year, however man it has been tough these last few weeks. I absolutely refuse to give in though, so here is to onwards and upwards.

Hopefully my new bike will be here in July and everything health wise sorted.

A Review of a Colonoscopy

 I thought as I review many other things here on my blog I may as well review and share my thoughts on having a colonoscopy. Hopefully anyone having to go through this procedure may find what I have to say informative and also it may, if you are like me a slight stress head, set your mind somewhat at ease.

So yesterday I had a colonoscopy. My G.P had booked me in for an urgent appointment, these are generally within a two week period.

I had been contacted with dietary instructions to prepare me for the procedure, so after reading them I pretty much starved myself for 2 days, only having 2 x small portions of scrambled eggs, oh and some Jelly Babies, however not the blackcurrant ones, as laid out in the instructions.

On Friday I had to go for a pre-op assessment and give a history, get told about the procedure and then I was given instructions about how to take the pre-procedure preparation. Basically these sachets marked A and B you have to mix in a litre of water and then drink approximately 250 ml every 15 to 30 mins. You then have to mix another batch a few hours later and follow the same instructions and drink that too. I managed to drink approximately 1800 ml, however I just couldn't finish the last glass, the stuff is fucking horrible and made me feel so nauseous. 

At first I thought " man this stuff isn't even working", however as my stomach started to cramp, the stuff began to work. I thought I was going to turn inside out. Following taking the stuff at approximately 15:30 PM I was up until past 4 AM and felt decidedly dodgy. I awoke at around 7 AM and as soon as I had a drink, the stuff started working again with a vengeance, no poo just like having a wee out of my bottom.

I had an appointment through at Bishop Auckland for 10:45 AM so I couldn't have anything to eat of drink 2 hours before the procedure. I was feeling pretty worn out at this point and embarrassingly worried I might shit myself on the way to the hospital, well when I say shit myself I mean wet myself as OMG! there couldn't be any more crap up there.

Arriving at Bishop Auckland hospital I have to say that all the staff upon the ward were very friendly and professional. They immediately took care of me, a nurse getting details out the way and taking my blood pressure and weight, and explaining the whole procedure. I kind of tuned out when she had to explain the potential risks, as it was freaking me out. It's bad enough someone sticking something up your butt, without there being the potential for risks. The nurse then inserted a needle into my Right arm as I had opted for sedation.

I was offered sedation and you can bet your life I was going to take it. I am a pussy when it comes to these sort of procedures, so I wanted to be out of it as much as possible. The nurse explained that I would be awake throughout the procedure, however relaxed. My heart sank at this point, I thought I would be knocked out. "Man up I told myself"

I was then led to the changing room to get changed out of my clothes and directed to put on these huge blue shorts with a flap at the back to gain entry to my ass, and 2 gowns, one to be worn forward the other to the back. Once this was done I was then taken to the waiting room.

This bit was awful and I could feel myself getting "panicky", with all the this stuff going around in my head. My internal voice firstly coming up with negative scenarios and then to be countered by positives. The negatives were winning at this point and I even had thoughts of just saying "Nope I don't want to do this", standing up grabbing my gear and just going home.

Finally it was my turn, another friendly nurse came along introduced herself and took me along to the room where the procedure was to be carried out. Upon entering the room there were two endoscopists, both of whom introduced themselves and then went over my personal information. One of the Endoscopists asked was I having sedation ?, and whether I had ever had one of these procedures before. I stated Yes I was and No I hadn't, she then asked me how I was feeling. I was honest and told her "Stressed". The endoscopist was very supportive and showed great empathy and reassured me which helped a lot.

I had been invited to sit on the edge of the bed and take off my shoes, well shoe from my Left foot and I then popped off my prosthetic leg. I was prompted to lay on my Left side in a sort of fetal position and  I was provided with oxygen via a nasal cannula. One of the endoscopists then connected the cannula in my arm and I was given a sedative.

Whilst the sedative didn't knock me out it did really relax me. I was also given the opportunity to use some gas\air and encouraged to use this. The Endoscopist then began the procedure, which whilst uncomfortable particularly when she had to inflate my bowel with some air and then use what felt like a mini jet wash to try and flush the area. It felt no worse than having what I would describe as a slight swelling, or bloated feeling, a bit like having a stitch. It didn't last long and truth be known the procedure was not half as bad as my imagination had conjured up.

In the past I have had a couple of Endoscopy's, the first I opted for no sedation and it was horrendous, like someone shoving a garden hose down my throat, something I would never do again. The second endoscopy I had I opted for sedation and I didn't know anything about it until and nurse woke me up with tea and biscuits.

Following the colonoscopy I was taken on the trolley I had been lying on to the recovery area. I was invited to have a cup of tea and a snack, however I just wanted a drink of water. I was there probably 20 to 30 minutes, then invited to get dressed.

Following getting dressed a nurse came over to discuss the colonoscopy results. Apparently the pre-prep horrible drink stuff had not cleared everything in my bowel so it was difficult to see all the way in. The results with what could be seen were that I have some areas of inflammation and the endoscopists said this could be colitis.

I now have to await a further appointment for another colonoscopy, this time having to complete an extended preparation, something I am dreading more than the camera up my ass. I just hope it doesn't taste or make me feel like that other stuff. I mean I know it's going to make me explode on the toilet, it was just that other stuff was so hard to get down. At least now I know what to expect and fingers crossed the news from the biopsies taken this time around, which take around  5 to 6 weeks to come back will be all good

A huge thank you to my dear old dad for running me around to appointments and being there. I know whenever I am poorly it takes its toll on him too.

So in ending, anyone going through this procedure I would say, it isn't as bad as you may think. The drink preparation is the worst part and obviously the waiting to find out results.

Just wondering ?

 Hey Hello there...

This is a just wondering kind of post, to actually try and find out if anyone actually enjoys reading my blog, plus I would like to try and find out why I rarely have comments posted. It's weird as just lately I have been finding that my Blog receives anywhere from a 1000 to 2000 views per week, however I don't receive any feedback good or bad lol.

A few months back I noticed something had changed in the format of my Blog. For some reason the subscription app was not working. Essentially what people used to be able to do was sign up to my blog and whenever I posted anything new they would get an email to notify them.

The app worked really well as it didn't include loads of spammy adverts and the such, just a simple email to your provided address and then you could choose to come visit or not.

I would also like to know your thoughts on the ads displayed on my Blog. I use a thing called AdSense and I often just set it to optimisation and run and experiment. I have noticed some of the ads can be quite annoying when I view my blog. 

Just to give you an idea I have only earned just over £26 quid in 12 years with Adsense running. I don't even think I have been paid out as you have to get to I think £60 a month, or something like that. I mean I would love to be earning from posting stuff, however it's not why I write and upload stuff. Its more of a hobby and a release at times, a place I can get things of my chest and allow me to reflect and hopefully help people along the way.

Anyhoo boring reading loads of text, and having no pics so I will end there, feel free to respond and give me some of your thoughts.

Cheers

Glenn

New Bike Cancelled - New Bike Ordered

After much thought I decided to cancel the new Cannondale Moterra SL which I ordered from Wheelbase down in Darlington. Reasoning, well whilst checking out more bike porn I saw that the new generation 3 Orbea Rise had been released.

The reason I had opted for the Cannondale was because it was classed as a SL or super light, with full power of 85nm, and I originally liked the design of the bike. I wasn't to sure about the new real skinny flex stays on the rear triangle and at the point of ordering the bike there was no range extender battery available, however for bang for the buck the bike appeared to come with some good gear.

Upon reading a few reviews almost all riders had said the bike was great for descending, however it wasn't as capable in twisty technical sections. This is to do with the rather steep head tube angle.

Anyhoo as the Orbea Rise is a tried and tested machine, that has just got better and better over the years and when reading the few reviews that have come out so far for the 2025 model I started researching the model a little more, then made the decision to contact Adam down at Wheelbase to ask his opinion and to see if 

A. I could cancel the Cannondale and B. Order an Orbea Rise and, find out the time frame for delivery.

Orbea Rise M10 LT

Adam informed me that if I didn't go for a MIO build, which is Orbea's personal customisation of the bike, in that you can choose various combinations of colours for the frame and decals, then a bike maybe available as early as July. Where as if I wanted a full custom paint scheme the bike probably wouldn't be available until around December.

Well it was a no brainer really as I had used the Orbea Mio custom app on my computer and actually specced the bike up as an all gloss Black with gold decals, and the bike I could obtain from the factory in July was a Cosmic Carbon with Golden Sand details.

Adam suggested when I had time to pop back through to Wheelbase and we could then go over the details of the bike, so that is what I did earlier this morning. Heading down to Darlington with my dad to Wheelbase.

Orbea Rise M10 LT

At the shop, Adam ran through the various options that could be added to the bike, things such as different brakes, shockers, tyres, the seat post and a whole host of other items, even a range extender battery. I enjoyed the visit and  the chat whilst at the shop, it took my mind off how unwell and stressed I have been feeling over this yet undiagnosed whatever it is going on with me over the last few weeks.

COLOUR
Cosmic Carbon View - Golden Sand (Gloss)
SIZE L

CONFIGURED COMPONENTS

RANGE EXTENDER 

Orbea Custom Range Extender 210Wh
SHOCK

Fox Float X Factory 2-Pos Adjust Evol LV Kashima custom tune 210x55mm

HANDLEBAR
OC Mountain Control MC10 Carbon, Rise 35, Width 800

STEM
OC Mountain Control MC11 Alu SL, 0º

BRAKES
Shimano XTR M9120 Hydraulic Disc

ROTORS
203mm Front /180mm Rear

REAR DERAILLEUR
Shimano XT M8100 SGS Shadow Plus

WHEELS
Oquo Mountain Control MC32TEAM

TYRES
Maxxis Assegai 2.50

SEAT POST
Fox Transfer Factory Kashima Dropper 31.6x541/210mm
SADDLE

Fizik Terra Ridon X5 145mm

DISPLAY
Shimano EN600 Cycle Computer

CRANK LENGTH       165 mm.
HANDLEBAR WIDTH 800 mm.

STEM LENGTH            40 mm. 

Having something to work towards and look forward to is something I really need at the moment. Imagining getting back out on my bike, taking photo's, maybe a few riding videos and doing a spot of bike packing and creating some new adventures and memories. All I ned to do now is sort out getting a new Bartlett Tendon Knee, as my old one is on its last legs...not sure if there is a pun in there somewhere.

A few people have suggested I try and crowdfund to help with the cost of a new prosthetic knee, something to think about I guess. I just think who is going to want to help me to essentially go out and play on a bike ?...

Man I feel so unwell !

You may ask yourself why I have written such a personal post, or why I feel the need to describe how I am feeling. I guess for me it is quite cathartic, and who knows the information may help someone else. I have included links to the NHS web pages giving info on Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Celiacs Disease, as they are quite useful. My advice for anyone suffering from something is visit your G.P and don't go Googling stuff that will scare the Bejeebas out of you, only use trusted pages. Self diagnosis is never good.

Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

Celiacs Disease Information.

So I have been feeling really unwell for I would say just over a month. It started with feelings of just being tired, with low mood, highly irritable and with lots of brain fog. I had a little bit of weight loss, which was no big deal as I had been trying to exercise and lose my love handles anyways.

Truth be told I never really gave these symptoms a second thought, just putting it down to old age and day to day life, you know how sometimes we can all be off our game.

I developed a really sore mouth ulcer, on the inside of my cheek and it was taking a long time to heal, again I didn't really think anything of it.

Then about 2 maybe 3 weeks ago I started with severe stomach cramps, leading to diarrhoea, which I have now had for approaching 3 weeks. I also had difficulty passing water and felt like I had a kidney infection as I had this god damn awful ache in my lower back on the Right, which eventually radiated across my lower back.

Following some unrestful nights and things getting no better I made an appointment with my G.P and got to speak to a nurse practitioner. After relaying my symptoms to the nurse she advised I take a 7 day course of antibiotics (Cefalexin). My dad picked  up the medication and I began taking them immediately.

At this point I had not had much to eat all that week as each time I did I was cramped up and felt really nauseous plus having to visit the toilet as quickly as possible, if you get my drift.

I took a week off work and stupidly convinced myself I was feeling a bit better at the end of the week, so returned for my regular shift starting on a Sunday. I worked all of Sunday and thinking I was on the mend had a chicken sandwich when I came in from work. I was feeling real lethargic, however pushed myself to go on my road bike, set up on my turbo trainer and try to complete 30 minutes.

I had been on my bike around 10 minutes when my Bartlett Tendon started clunking, so jumped off to inspect the knee. I shouted for Ern to come and have a look at the knee and on inspection we discovered that the top mount on the frame of the knee was very worn, so much so it was causing the retaining pin for the shocker to rotate and the small circlips to ping off, then the pin  would slide out and lock up the knee onto the main frame. Basically my knee is goosed. Great more stress and it just felt at that moment the world was in cahoots to get me. I said to my dad "Fucking hell as if I haven't been through enough". I don't often feel that sense of 'Why Me', however in that moment I was like 'I don't know how much more of this I can take'.

We managed to temporarily repair the knee I don't think it will last long, and I continued my short ride.

I got up and went to work on the Monday. I was only at work for 30 to 40 minutes and came over feeling all nauseous, with stomach cramps a terrible headache and cold sweats. I knew I couldn't remain at work so informed my colleagues I had to go home. I am now approaching my second week off.

In that time I have been back and forth to my G.P's 3 times. I have completed 6 poo tests, having to do some of the tests again as my poo test went missing? Oh and I have had numerous bloods taken. I then got the dreaded phone call that some of the results were back and that one of the doctors would have to stick a finger where no ones finger should ever be stuck.

Anyhoo no irregularities felt apparently and my bloods looked okay. What was worrying was that I had traces of blood in my poo, so now it's a case of ongoing tests. I figure an ultra sound and then something else going up my bottom to probe for a solution to what's wrong.

Even though I work for the NHS I am just like most people and when stressed rely on Google being my friend. Actually in this case Google has been kind of helpful. Now I do have to say I was looking at the symptoms and using verified sites, not checking out worse case scenarios, even though when at one particular point when I was feeling real sick I said to my dad " I think this is the end of me". 

You see I have this underlying memory of my mam being poorly with what was to be diagnosed as pancreatic cancer. I nursed my mam at home, their alongside my dad for her final breath and this has had a huge impact on me. When ever I get an upset tummy or an ache in my back it reminds me of my poor mam. Questions go through my head "Is this genetic". The whole side of my mams family has been hit by the Big C, and what with me being diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, well it looks like that is what I have taken from the Dodd side the family.

Getting back to my research and self diagnosis, I need answers!

So upon researching my symptoms they appeared very much like Celiac disease, and upon further research, Celiacs disease is closely related to Non Hodgkins Lymphoma. Upon reading this information I asked my dad, bless him, to go out shopping and buy me some gluten free stuff to eat.

  

I started a diary, I have only been eating small amounts of things, for two days now, and not really had a proper meal, however everything has been gluten free and so far I have not been running, well that's a lie, as I can't run, however walking on my elbow crutches as fast as possible to the toilet. My tummy does feel a little better, so for now I am going to continue  with the gluten free diet and await the results of my blood test to see if it shows up I have Celiacs Disease.

Oh by the way I am not to enamoured by the gluten free bread, it is fucking awful when used as a plain sandwich and also as toast, plus it is twice the price of a regular loaf. As with everything where anyone has a "condition" you have to pay a premium to live day to day.

New Bike - However Not New Bike Day

It has been quite a few months since I sold my Specialised Turbo Levo. In that time I have ventured out a few times on my Silverback Synergy Fat Bike, which was very enjoyable, however also made me realise just how unfit I actually am, Oh and of course I have also been out on my Orbea Gain Gravel bike. Now the Orbea is electric so can offer assist, however I always try to go out and use as much of my own power as I can, rather than rely on the bike. When using the Orbea Gain even on full power up hills I still have to do a considerable amount myself, so it gives a good workout.

Recently as you will have seen on my blog I have been checking out various new E- mountain bikes. Models from Santa Cruz and their Heckler SL, Pivots, Shuttle SL and Transitions, Relay, all of which are powered by the Fauza 60 motor.

Then just by chance I saw a video on Youtube of a new model by Cannondale, it's  called the Moterra SL. Now this bike is a totally different animal, in that it is classed as a Super Light, however it has the Shimano EP801 motor, kicking out 85 nm.

  

Cannondale Moterra SL1 Raw

The Cannondale in its SL1 form comes with some good kit, such as Fox Float Factory Suspension & SRAM XO AXS shifting. I really liked the look of the bike, I mean I would prefer more colour choice as the 'Jade Green" doesn't really do it for me, but hey the Raw colour looks pretty cool.

SRAM XO  AXS Shifting

Simon EP801 85 nm

Electronic SRAM XO AXS shifting

Another thing I wasn't sure of was the 'Flex Stays', I mean they look thin and weedy. I did a little research and apparently they are up to the job and you get a fairly good warranty on the frames so it's all good.

 

Super Thin Flex Stays

There are now loads of reviews online so I am not going to bore you with the details, plus as yet I haven't actually had a go on the bike. That said it hasn't stopped me from finding my local Cannondale dealer which happens to be Wheelbase down in Darlington, and heading down there today with Ern to pop a deposit down on a new bike. Yeah it is a lot more than I wanted to spend, but for me it is worth it as my passion for cycling has kept me fit, focused and given me drive.

I had been speaking to Adam from Wheelbase via email and he sounded dead on. Keeping me informed when he said he would, about the current delivery schedule of the bikes and when I got down to the Wheelbase, Adam was again great. What I liked was he didn't just try to sell me a bike. He went onto Geometry Geeks, sorted out the sizes and then managed to get a bike as near to the Moterra as possible for me to have a sit on, the gave me his recommendations size wise and the potential things we could change, like a stem and bars to get the new bike just right.

I have always been right in-between sizes Large and XL so getting the right fit is very important.

 

Cannondale Moterra SL1 Raw

Anyhoo hopefully if all goes to plan my new ride should be in sometime around June. Looking forward to getting out in the better weather this year, just hope my old Bartlett Tendon holds up. If not well I guess I will be saving like mad for a new knee too.

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.