A little song I wrote called Nettles and Thorns.

 

Nettles and Thorns

I've been strumming away on my guitar, and wrote this short song based on my experiences of riding my bike locally around Stanley and getting nettled and stuck with thorns... Well when I am riding.

Just awaiting to go for antibody treatment to try and help with this auto immune thing, and Ulcerative Colitis.

Anyhoo the song is called "Nettles and Thorns". I kind of composed it with like a Southern lick. I'm still not really getting anywhere on my guitar, but hey at least I haven't quit.

Hope "ya'all like it"...see what I did there put me Southern US accent on Lol

 Nettles and thorns by Glenn Johnstone

 

Nettles and Thorns, nettles and thorns

 

Feel the sting as the poisons injected in

 

Silica tipped hairs injecting their chemicals 

Nettles and thorn, nettles and thorns

Whiny bush your no friend, you have assaulted me 

Feeling my skin pierced and scratched now Im bleeding

Nettles and thorns, nettles and thorns

Now I'm itching burning bleeding all upon all upon this nightmare trail.

Kind of goes to a beat which is hard to describe

Do, doo, do , do - Do, do,do, do then a bit of Do, doo, doo, do, do 

You had to be there ha, ha LOL 

For geeks and talented music creators - I fit the geek category...

Being off work and on the sick I have had plenty of time to peruse the internet and Facebook. Well when scrolling through the usual ads that hold not one bit of interest to me, I actually came across this video, and upon watching it thought "Wow, that is pretty neat".

Instruo Specialist Synthesisers Pocket Scion

When I am fit and well, as most of you who visit my blog or know me will know, I love the great outdoors. That sense of just being out in all weathers, feeling the heat of the sun, or the fresh wind. The rain as it cleanses your skin, well, until I ride through a geet big muddy puddle, and yes, I have even been known to Fat bike in the snow.  

I love the sound of autumn leaves, as I ride through them, with their crisp, dry sound, and I particularly enjoy the crunch of the frozen ice as it forms over puddles. I love being away from the roads and off on some trail with no one else around, listening to the flow of a stream, and just standing at the side of my bike or when out for a walk listening to the sound of the trees, the birds, bees or any other inhabitants of the woods. It's lovely to just get away in your headspace and not have to think too much about anything else but the now.

Rear of the Pocket Scion

Anyhoo, I was telling you about this video, wasn't I, before I started getting all doe-eyed.

The video in question featured this bit of tech, which is called a Pocket Scion. It is by a company named Instruo Specialist Synthesisers. The Pocket Scion is what is known as a portable biofeedback device. 

Basically, in layman's terms, you can attach the provided electrodes of the small device to a plant, use the small pad on the front of the device like your skin and with your fingers, then the Scion picks up this data, and with an external speaker, you can get to hear the most beautiful sounds being created. The samples I  have heard from various videos I have watched are like amazing natural orchestras. It kind of made me think immediately of being out in a secluded area, and it was as if all the plants were singing and speaking, and I have to say...Yes am a bit of a geek; however, the sounds produced brought me great joy and instantly relaxed me.

Pocket Scion looking at right side

I am now thinking of investing in one of the Portable Scions, which are £129.00. I would love to take it out on a biking adventure, shoot a video of me cycling and then use the Scion to create a fitting musical accompaniment.    

Pocket Scion lookng fron the left side

Upon contacting Instruo Specialist Synthesisers, I believe it should be possible to use my Android phone, a Google Pixel 9 Pro, download an app like n-Track, then connect the Portable Scion via a power and data cable, then record the data to bring home and place on my computer to compose some music.

With thanks to Instruo for permission to use images from their site.

Gaurdian Designs - Just sitting in the house going broom broom

 It must be about 6 weeks ago that I decided to treat my wee Abarth 124 Spider to a new, and I suppose some would call expensive and not needed, steering wheel. You see, I got my eye on a company called Guardian Designs, who are based in Poland and loved the look of the steering wheels they offered.

Guardian Designs Steering Wheel Abarth 124 Spider

 The wheels can be customised, and all you have to do is select the style of steering wheel that you would like, then go through the process of making it your own. There are lots of options from different materials like nappa leather, perforated nappa leather, alcantera, etc. Then there is thickness, grips, colours, and the list goes on.

I chose a Corsa D design, which has a flat bottom, and specced the wheel up with a chunkier size, opting for the GT at 120mm, alongside thumb rests. I also went for Sports Ferrari red stitching with a red Ferrari Noon marker, and the wheel is done in black Nappa leather in a seamless Pagani style.

Oh, and I also requested that the steering wheel spokes be painted a silk black, which came at an extra cost, but in my opinion was well worth it.

  

Beautiful stitching and finish

I know the design will not be to everyone's taste. I wanted something that looked pretty minimalist, so that is why I didn't go full on bling, with various materials and colours.

The black fins of the spokes makes a huge difference

Checking the steering wheel out, the finish is amazing. The one piece of leather wrapping the wheel is perfect, and the stitching looks fantastic. The wheel does feel a lot fatter than my original, so it is going to take some getting used to. Hard to tell at the moment how it will feel on the car, as I am waiting to get someone to fit it. So at the moment I have just sat on the sofa and pretended to drive my car, holding the wheel, obviously making the necessary "Broom Broom" noises of my Abarth.

Just a little more info. As mentioned, the steering wheel took about 6 weeks to arrive. I didn't have to send in my own wheel. The time frame is so that all the custom work can be carried out. Communication with Tomaz over at Guardian Designs was excellent; he answered all my queries, and I paid by PayPal with no problems for the extra work and the painting of the spokes.  I was kept updated on the expected delivery of the package coming via FedEx, and when it arrived, it was very well boxed up, with protective foam and a cover over the wheel.  Basically, all that is required is the old wheel to be removed and the new one plugged in and positioned and tightened into place. I have been advised as the splines are so fine on the steering wheel that I will need my car aligned.    

Boxed up well

Wheel is protected with a cover

Foam on the wheel rim to prevent it getting damaged

  Once I get the steering wheel in place, I shall post some more pictures and be able to offer my thoughts if I have made the correct choice in getting the thicker rim.

Oh, and I thought I would also mention something else to do with my Abarth. After having her serviced, the mechanic mentioned some of the suspension bushes were wearing and could do with being replaced. I wasn't expecting the shock I got when I started researching just how many of these bushes there were, and just how much the job would cost.

So after having my car down to Mazda Dudes at Darlington (The Abarth is on the same design as a Mazda ND, and these guys know their stuff) and discussing the options, I came home and started looking into replacing all of the bushes, both front and rear. Initially, trying to find a complete kit was a bit of a ballache. Fiat/Abarth, from what I hear, tries to tell you that the bushes in the rear hubs cannot be replaced, and reading on forums, some people have been quoted absolutely astronomical prices to replace the hubs with new ones, something in the region of £2500, then the labour to fit them.

Example of Poly Bushes

Anyhoo, I have discovered a company called Polybush.co.uk, and they appear to have front and rear Poly Bush kits. The price is just a shade of £850 for both kits, and then of course I will have to sort the fitting out, hopefully with Mazda Dudes. As I intend to keep my wee Abarth, I figure it's money well spent. Now, just need to save up a bit more, wonga.

It's nothing but bad news!

Fuck it... It's nothing but bad news, so I decided to write.

Probably doesn't make much sense, and there are no pictures, so I'm guessing not many people will read it anyhoo lol

No Cure

A cure for cancer, scientists and drug manufacturers are working hard, but what of a cure for humanity, as humans are the real cancer of this world?

Humans are the only species that kill just for fun. Using numerous pure evil ways to get things done

The only species to kill every single living thing, and when they are done, they kill their own.

It doesn't matter if you're black, white or some other colour, this species you can trust.

It doesn't matter your political, religious or spiritual views, or what you choose, as you have no defence.

You see, humans can't make their minds up; they have so many skewed and distorted views.

No peaceful resolutions, it's all greed, power and ego as they hate to lose.

You can't please everyone, and so you become public enemy number one.

Thinking you're safe, but you're not prepared for evil opportunist souls to sneak up and take your life

Humans, in many cases, just aren't satisfied with killing one or two.

They design bigger weapons using physics, chemistry, and engineer their bombs.

Imagine a world with no war, hunger, or murder

As a species, we just all need to be laid to rest to allow the earth to flourish and return to its best.

More stuff I've bought over the last few months and not been able to use... As Yet, maybe next year!

As I remain off work, I do have to admit that, in a sense, I am not actually bored. I would say I am more numb. I guess in a way, I am having flashbacks to a previous time where I felt like I was in limbo. Man, I just feel like I am going nowhere and time is tick, tick ticking away.

A few months back, after buying yet another bike, I got it in my head, " Right, let's plan for some bivvying and biking adventures". So there I was buying various bits and bobs of new camping kit and whatnot.

Visiting Alpkit, I got myself a Kraku collapsible stove, which only weighs 45g and is tiny. Whilst I was on, I also bought two 100mg gas canisters.

Alpkit Kraku Stove

Tiny little stove

Got a couple of gas cylinders while I was on.

Next on my shopping list was a new tent, and after much research, and having learned my lessons from the past, I wanted something really light and pretty minimalist, so I opted for a one-man Lanshan 3FUL, plus. Bought some 3FUL carbon tent pegs. I just attempted to seal the tent a few weeks ago, and it ended up not going to plan. I later discovered that the tent doesn't like the sealant I bought, so I had to attempt to peel it all off. My new tent now doesn't look new at all, ahh well, live and learn, still will get some use if I ever get over this damn illness.

Lanshan 3FUL one-person Pro tent

Lanshan 3FUL one-person Pro tent

3Ful Carbon tent pegs, proper light these

3Ful Carbon tent pegs, proper light these

Oh, whilst I am on, I just thought of another purchase from Alpkit, I got a Vertex Tarp pole. You see, the Lanshan tent only requires one pole of about as I recall 125 cms to pitch it, so that again saves loads of weight.

Alpkit Vertes tarp pole

Alpkit Vertes carbon tarp pole - Very light

Next on the agenda, a couple of items I had been checking out for some time from a company named Aeroe, this was a Spider rear cradle which attaches to the rear triangle of a bike to carry gear, like in a dry bag, so a tent or sleeping bag, plus mat, etc, oh and a front handlebar Spider cradle.

Aeroe Spider rear cradle

Aeroe Spider rear cradle

Aeroe Spider Handlebar Cradle

Now, if I ever get myself pulled around and manage to get out... I mean, it's going to be next year now, I have got my eye on an Outdoor Research Helium Bivvy Bag. By all accounts, the majority of the reviews I have read say it's a pretty good bag for overnighters. 

Outdoor Research Helium Bivvy Bag

I will put it on the back burner for now as I await getting word when I will start this new treatment, which I am hoping will sort me right out, and then I can get back in shape and enjoy hitting the trails once again.

I'm obviously bored as I'm blogging about housework

I don't know if the majority of blokes are like me, in that I don't mind washing and cleaning my cars and pretty much take great pride in them; however, when it comes to doing housework, well, it's just not my thing.

It's possibly because I don't own my my own house and unconsciously think, "why should I clean up after other folk", or it may be just that I don't give a fuck, there are more important things to worry about. I mean, don't get me wrong, our house isn't exactly a shit tip, I would say it's more what you might call "Lived in".

Of course, if you were to check out each of the rooms my dad inhabits, you would see bits and pieces of all sorts, all arranged with a method of I'd like to say organised chaos, but basically it's just an untidy mess.

Anyhoo, on with my story. Years and years ago now, we replaced all of our carpets with engineered flooring. It was really expensive, however has proved well worth it, especially as we have had dogs, the latest of which is wor Neville. Neville has taken absolutely ages to house train. I don't think it's because he is stupid or even lazy. No, I think he just doesn't like going out and constantly wants to be at someone's side. 

If we leave the front door open all day, yes, even when it's freezing, Nev will toddle outside, have a wee or a dump, maybe dig a few holes or bark at anyone passing our fence. But if the door is closed, he doesn't give any indication he wants to go out, and will quite often, as not just piss on the floor, generally in the kitchen near our back door. That said, he does appear to be getting the idea, and all in all, he is a good little dog with a cracking personality.

And so this housework Malarkey. Getting down on my hands and shall we say knees to scrub the floor is both very tiring and uncomfortable. I have tried a mop and some floor cleaner, but again it's bloody hard work.

 

Aircraft PowerGlide cordless hard floor cleaner. 

 

I then got my eye on an electric floor cleaner, though I wasn't convinced it would work that well. Nevertheless, I read a few reviews and decided to take a punt and purchased one. Choosing an Aircraft PowerGlide cordless hard floor cleaner. 

Aircraft Powerglide Cordless

The cleaner came with a selection of pads, and once charged, I gave it a whirl. I attached the cleaning mops, which simply Velcroed in place, then popped some floor cleaner into the mop's fluid container and topped this up with water. A little push on the button on top of the mop base, and the mop heads fired up and began spinning. A press of the spray button and the mop didn't need much pushing back and forth to start cleaning the floor.

Aircraft Powerglide Cordless

I have to say the mop is pretty light, and it doesn't take a great deal of effort to get the job done. I think in hindsight, if I had put a few tubes on whilst I was carrying out the job, it would have made it an even more pleasurable task. I'm not saying I'm going to be cleaning every day, but I did find letting the mop do its stuff quite relaxing.

Our floor looked a lot cleaner. I asked the Ern to order some floor oil, it's like an oil as well as a protector, as our flooring is real wood and not just a laminate mix. So once it arrives, I will have a go at applying this with the polishing mops of the cleaner.

Dear me, now wasn't that an interesting and informative read?

Just got myself a few bikey tools

I had been looking to lighten my cycling tool kit, especially as now I tend to ride wearing either my CamelBak or Osprey bum bags, or what some may call a fanny pack "Ooh err missus!"

CamelBak Mule bum bag

Osprey bum bag 

I prefer wearing the bag around my waist as it can elevate getting a sore back and shoulders which can occur when wearing a backpack. Plus it can actually prevent saddle sores, due to better weight distribution.

And so to what I enjoy doing, a spot of research and trying to discover the best quality gear, that was both light and at a good price.

After checking out reviews on the likes of YouTube and online bike websites I decided to opt for a few bits of kit.

The first being a Blackburn Switch, which comes with all the essentials I would require should I have a minor mechanical on the trails. The Blackburn tool kit includes a chain breaker, which is pretty handy as some tool kits don't have one, so you then have to keep a separate tool in your tool roll.

Blackburn Switch ratchet tool roll

The next couple of handy items come from Peaty's, and these are a cool. I bought a puncture repair plugger, for tubeless tyres, that comes with a plugger and things I think they call "worms". These are inserted to plug where a potential thorn or other things has caused a puncture. 

Peaty's plugger

Then I purchased something called a "Hole shot" which is a CO2 cylinder, well two actually with a neat adaptor. 

Peaty's Co2 Inflator

These two items should save a lot of time should I encounter any punctures on the trails, and they are pretty light in my bag and I also have more room. 

Eighteen Years Later - Word of Warning Contains Graphic Images

It has been eighteen years to the day since I had my right leg amputated.

Kotz Prosthesis

Kotz Prosthesis

September 11th will no doubt bring back memories for lots of other people for a very different reason,  that being the Terrorist attacks in New York on the World Trade Centre and the Twin Towers 11/09/2021

For me, 2007 was to be the beginning of a whole new chapter in my life. Having been diagnosed with a giant cell tumour in my right tibia, this was around the May of 1995. The tumour emerged about a month after I witnessed a horrific murder just down from my parents' house.

WORD OF WARNING CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES

Oooh I have got my eye on a new action camera that looks absolutely amazing

Being off bored and nothing much on TV I did my usual and checked out Youtube, where upon I got my eye on this absolutely amazing action camera. The camera in question being an Insta 360 X5.

  

Insta 360 X5

The camera has dual lenses and can shoot in 8k and comes with AI software that can be either used on a computer like a Mac or Pc. You can even choose to use the mobile app. From the shots taken and then edited in the softaware some of the films I have watched look amazing, with very stable footage and the shots taken from some unbelievable vantage points and angles.

The camera can be used with a selfie stick and I am not sure how... it must be something to do with the AI software, but in the final editing the selfie stick and camera cannot be seen. This makes the filming of your films look like someone else has shot the final takes, and you can also take a shot which appears as if a drone has captured the images.

The Insta 360 X5 which is the latest addition to the Insta range has lots of accesories which can be purchased to add to your collection and enable you to take even more inspirational footage from various vanatge points.

I am now hoping to get myself one of these cameras as I believe it will help with my own home grown cycling films and create more interesting and scenic shots.