It's amazing how the Universe can send you little impromptu messages...

My first post of 2020, it's not that I haven't been doing anything in fact, quite the opposite, today is actually day 81 of riding my bike or should I say bikes. The majority of my riding being indoors upon my road bike, set up on a turbo trainer, and then a little more out on my mountain bike.

Oh and today is day 34 of me being Vegan. Now when I say Vegan I am trying my best and can pretty much maintain it whilst at home, however, there are bound to be some people who point their finger and say "you are not a proper Vegan", generally as they tuck into there BigMac with Cheese or their extra greasy KFC family bucket for one. So let's just say I have most definitely been a Vegetarian and a practising Vegan. It's a personal choice after watching a documentary on Netflix, called The Game Changers.

Netflix actually gets me in some way onto why I am writing this blog. Usually exercise and Netflix you wouldn't associate with working out and trying to get in shape. Well, when I am on the turbo as I don't get to see, smell and hear the beautiful outdoors I have taken to popping something on and watching it as I spin away.

So let us start from a bit earlier this morning. I have been on annual leave, and as such really enjoying my lie inns. At about 11:00am Ern and I headed out into wor back yard and uncovered Myrtle my 65 Bug. She has been under a cover for some time now awaiting heading back to LVH Engine and Resto for some follow-up fettling. Ern got into Myrtle and I have to say I was very impressed when she practically started 1st time. Once she had ticked over for a little bit, Ern reversed her out, drove her a little way down the street and then reversed her back into our yard, now ready to just drive out tomorrow when she goes to LVH. Whilst we were on with Myrtle I had a little fiddle with the settings on her Air Ride, just to get her sitting even. Part of the job required is to fit new extended control arms, as at the moment poor Myrtle is listing to one side. Ok enough about Myrtle.

Whilst I was out in the cold I could see poor Tango my Smart car was feeling a bit left out. She was filthy so I decided to give her a wash. Not exactly the best day to wash a car as it was Baltic. Nevermind I grabbed Tango's keys and proceeded to jump in her. After getting her started as I put her into gear and went to pull away, she just wouldn't move. I then tried her in reverse and exactly the same thing. She was in gear with the engine running and just no drive. Just the other week I had experienced the same problem and had had the car down to Darlington. I was informed it could be a number of things, all of which are very expensive...well of course they are. I turned her off waited for a little while then tried her again. This time she popped into gear and I drove her off the grass and over to the opposite kerb outside our house, where both Ern and I gave her a lovely wash. Anyhoo after her wash, I went to move Tango and again she just would not drive whilst in gear. This is one of those "Fuck, Fuck, Fuck moments. I have waited for ages to get Myrtle sorted and been saving like mad, then the very day before she is due to go in, Tango decides to pack in. The bill is going to be close to £1000 to get her sorted. That is for labour, a new clutch and an actuator, oh plus I now have to rent a trailer to get her moved to the garage Lol, so that is another £50.
 
Something else I have been doing since 26/11/2019 is writing a scripting journal. I have discovered by doing this it has calmed my mind and it allows me to be much more reflective and see things for what they really are. When looking at a car, for instance, it is a piece of mechanical technology, that can have parts replaced and therefore fixed...So no big deal...
 
Now then moving along to this afternoon and going back to Netflix. For some reason as I searched for something to watch I recognised an actor who used to be in Spartacus, his name, Andy Whitfield. The title of the documentary was called "Be Here Now... The Andy Whitfield Story". It was on like an hour and 49 minutes so I began watching it downstairs on the TV, then decided it would be something worthwhile to watch as I worked out.

The first thing that made me go "Omg" was when I discovered that the documentary was actually about Andy fighting against cancer. I mean I had just put this show on and didn't have a clue what it was about. I just liked the guy in his role as Spartacus. I then discovered Andy was fighting Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. This is the same cancer I had or have I mean I am in remission, however as far as I am aware the kind I have is incurable. Obviously, there are different forms High grade and low grade and various stages from 1 to 4.

Man it is a heartfelt documentary, very sad. I could really relate to some of the things Andy and his wife spoke about. In hindsight probably not the best thing to watch when you are trying to lift weights and you are crying.

You are probably wondering where my title comes from "It's amazing how the Universe can send you little impromptu messages". Well, I give thanks to the Universe each day. For me coming across this film, whether by chance or design. It just made me think of all the things I have to be grateful for. I have been one of the lucky people to receive treatment and get to spend more time each day with family, friends and in doing my job trying to fix people. So the whole car thing now just pales. No matter the odds, having a positive mindset sure beats a "why does this always happen to me" one

Sometimes we get so caught up in the everyday, mundane, take it for granted shit, looking way off to how things used to be, or imaging how things might be, that we just lose all sense of the here and now.

I suggest if you have taken the time to read this and it has made you think a little, go and find someone you are close to and tell them how much you love them, give them a cuddle. I'm off to tell my dad how much I love him right now, he is 80 years old this year, and there he was on a freezing cold day, whilst it was starting to rain lying under my car trying to sort it out for me.

Thank you Dad xXx

Clarty or what?

Hey it's me I am still around.


So what has been happening? well not a lot really, though that depends on how you look at things I guess. Let's just say I haven't written much on here as there hasn't been anything all that exciting going on.

A canny bit of clarts about today like

I have started a new health kick, after feeling decidedly unfit and a little podgy around the middle. Today is actually Day 47 on me continuously riding. By that, what I mean is I have been going on my De Rosa Road bike each day which is hooked up to my turbo trainer. I have not been following any set plan, or specific challenge, nope just been riding for me, doing between 20 to 70 minutes at a go and ranging my cadence, mileage and time upon the bike.

Today, Day 47 was actually a bit of a change as I decided to head out on my Specialised Turbo Levo. Yeah, go on say it "Oh that's cheating, coz it's an electric bike". And my retort "Go get your leg lopped off then come back and tell me how easy it is to ride every day". Plus I am getting on you know.

As soon as I went to set off on the bike today I noticed the huge difference in the new G3 Tendons I had got from Brian Bartlett. The new tendons are a tad longer, however heavier and you can really tell this at the top of the flexion upon the knee. After a few pedal strokes just down the front lane, I had to stop and release some of the air out of the Rockshox shocker. If I hadn't I would have been beasting myself the whole way around as the more pressure in the shock the more work you have to do in order to bend the knee.

Anyhoo getting back to this health kick. I watched a documentary the other day and it blew me away so much so that I have decided to try and eat healthier and in fact practice eating a plant-based diet. Oh the documentary for anyone interested was on Netflix and it is called The Game Changers, it is well worth a watch, even if you don't want to change your diet ... What do they say "Knowledge is power". I am a big believer in that you cannot criticise something until you have actually experienced it.

Ern has been a complete star too, as he has gone out and done some shopping especially for me, buying lots of vegan ingredients and some ready-made meals, plus he also got me some special treats for afters, including some cookies, trail mix crackers and my particular favourite some Belgian Chocolate.

As I started my indoor riding and exercise regime 47 days ago I have pretty much-eaten salad every day in some form or another, this at the time had chicken or bacon with pasta. I have only been on the veggie stuff properly for 2 days. Yesterday I experimented with vegan fish fingers and 5 beans which were actually really tasty. Oh, and I have swapped over to Soya milk, this kind of takes some getting used to as it tastes weird in a cup of tea, but not so bad in my porridge Lol.

Very clarty

No cameraman to help me

I have to say today's ride was such an enjoyable one I think I only saw 4 people all day whilst on the trail. As I rode around Chapman's Well deciding to complete the Bath Tub Loop 6 times which is roughly 1.9 miles each loop, the sun was starting to go down and as I rode back up the hill towards the farmer's house the sky and surrounding landscape just looked so beautiful. Mind you by the time I had decided to venture home I was absolutely filthy, the trails are just so clarty.

The glow of the sun as it went down was soooo pretty

Bike was a bit caked like

I am almost sure I was on Eco mode the whole way around

Duck seemed to enjoy his ride out too

I should also mention I have been completing a scripting journal. Now, this is not like an everyday journal or like some sort of a diary. No, it is more like writing a screenplay for your future. You create your journal with intentions. It’s like a magical manifesto that supports your wishes. It is intended to help your ideas and desires to come to fruition. You practice writing, reading and manifesting the life of your dreams. It helps to assert positivity into your life and take responsibility for your life and your actions, your emotionality, your wellbeing and your stories. I think it is helping me to reflect and maintain a much more positive attitude. The most powerful words in the world are "I AM".

New Tendons

Bit mucky

Getting old

Ok I AM off to try some asparagus along with some vegan cottage pie.

Picking up Bits and Pieces

Following on from getting Myrtle back from LVH Engine and Restos and being contacted by Leanne from Limebug as she saw some of the pictures I had posted up on social media. It soon became apparent that something was not quite right with my little bug.

Washed, dried then put under a cover

I sent a few pictures of the underneath of Myrtle to Leanne and she reliably informed me that the "relocators" I had not only had to be bolted in place but also welded to the arms. Apparently, there are some new Limebug versions that just bolt in place. Leanne also went on to say fitting the "relocators" it was an easy mistake to fit them around the wrong way. I'm no mechanic and as far as I am aware there were no instructions so I couldn't say if this was the case when I looked

I immediately contacted Paul over at LVH and he informed me not to worry he would sort it. In fact, now that the new trailing arms have arrived from Cage66 fabrications I know once they are fitted to Myrtle she will be sitting pretty, and I will not require the other damper relocators.

Extended Arms from Cage66fabriactions, all painted gloss black

So after getting Mrytle back all I have done is wash her, dried her off and put her under a cover, awaiting a time Paul can fit her in to get some more work done on her. The short break gives me a little time to save up some more cash, man this is proving to be quite an expensive hobby. I have just spent yet another £800 or so quid on various bits and bobs for her this last week.

This includes a new Powerlite 75 amp alternator. The old dynamo just couldn't cut it when coming to power the dual compressors for the Air Ride system. I kept getting a low voltage warning on my mobile when activating the ride height. I have also had to buy a new fan shroud to take the alternator. Whilst I was on I thought I may as well "Bling" Myrtle up a little in the engine bay so purchased an MST Black billet Serpentine pulley, "Dizzy" stand and fuel pump block off, all from Limebug. Also after getting some good advice from Max Edwards over at Eva Resto, I opted for a Facet electric fuel pump and a Filter King. I got a complete setup, including fittings and line from Machine7. Max had informed me that the pump was best fitted under the tank and upon visiting his website I discovered he had a ready-made bracket, that looks spot on, so I invested in one of those, powder-coated of course.

A few bits and bobs

Facet Fuel Pump and Filter King Ooh and a grab handle and sun visors

Powerlite 75 amp alternator and some MST Billet Kit

Since purchasing Mrytle I have had an idea of how I would like her to be, she will be by no means a "purists" car, however, she will remain classic looking. I think her Mango Green colour adds to this. Slowly I have been buying the odd bits and bobs, quite a bit of it for when she is in the final stages of completion. So things like replica Porsche 456 headlight guards, or the Limebug parcel rail. Stuff for the car is quite expensive for instance £38 just for genuine interior light and as yet I still have to find a hole to put it in without wrecking my headlining, saying which long term I will probably have all of the interior done. I already have ideas and a plan in my mind for this, so have been thinking of colours. Somewhere it will involve red, so I have purchased a full set of seatbelts, 3 points for the front where Paul welded the extra mounts in my lower B-pillars and 2 points in the rear, not very often I have people in the back anyhoo.

Red belts and the Eva Resto Fuel Pump Bracket + a rather expensive interior light

The DWP has been in touch just yesterday asking me to provide quotes and a driving assessment report. I have tried explaining I cannot go for an assessment as there are no vehicles currently in the UK employing this type of semi-auto Syncro clutch. I do have one quote and I am awaiting another, so fingers crossed when it comes and they take a look at it they will be willing to offer help support me with my Access to Work application. I will let you know how I get on with that.

I love my little Myrtle

What an exciting morning, the day had come to be reunited with my little 65 Bug Myrtle. The guys over at LVH Engine and Resto, Paul and Rob have been hard at work fettling a few things for me. The biggest of which was Myrtle's suspension.

Myrtle

As mentioned in a previous blog entry I had purchased a full Limebug Deluxe Swing Axle kit, which included a 4" narrowed beam and 3p Airlift management. Other jobs included putting in extra seat belt mounts at the bottom of the B pillars, popping in a new passenger-side door seal, sorting an engine oil leak Oh and fitting a very nice looking and sounding Vintage Speed Sports Muffler, alongside a few other bits n bobs.

Vintage Speed Sports Muffler

Vintage Speed Exhaust sounds Sweet

The new Air Ride system works a lot better than the old set up, however, does need a bit of fine-tuning. Once I get to grips with the new-fangled Bluetooth set-up and what pressures to run, Myrtle should ride pretty sweet. 

How to get her lower?

Whilst I can tinker on with cars I am by no means a mechanic, so not sure of the exact set-up of Myrtle. I was expecting her to actually sit further on the floor as she has dropped spindles and Atom rear spring plates.

Twin Viair compressors

I am now awaiting a complete set of torsion arms arriving from the US from Cage66 Fabrication. These arms should help the front wheels clear the inner headlight buckets and also help with positioning the front wheels centrally when Myrtle is dropped.

Lengthened Arms

I have chucked a small fortune at Myrtle so far and as yet she is way off even being half done. Now time to save up some more cash and maybe get a few little jobs done before next year. She is definitely a work in progress.

Ern still driving Myrtle as I can't

  Oh almost forgot upon our drive back from LVH, Ern and I called into Bewick Mobility. They have a very friendly team and it was good to eventually meet up with Matthew Burns who I had been chatting to and emailing back and forth about the required clutch conversion to Myrtle. One of Bewicks technicians checked Myrtle over whilst she was up on the ramp and we discussed various options for to have a semi-auto clutch fitted. 

Heading up on-ramp

   Just hope I get some assistance from the DWP and the Access to Work scheme, as the cost of the job will be around £4k. Being disabled sure does come with more penalties than just the disability itself. Never mind when you have a passion, there is always away, and it always feels good to bring something to fruition with your hard-earned.

Oooh! Wonder if I can Polish it Out

After watching a part of the second series of Fastest Car on Netlflix this morning I thought I would take Grandma out for a spin. I aimed to head to Waskerley Reservoir, no big deal I thought, I mean just bang the postcode, or thereabouts in my sat nav and follow the directions.

Sitting up on the Fell

Firstly I had to put some juice in my car, so I headed down to Lanchester filling station, as it was on the way and I had noticed the other week the petrol was a few pence cheaper... well it was the other day, but not today £126.9 a litre. I put £50 odd quid in Grandma filling her up. Whilst I was sat at the garage I attempted to get the postcode for Waskerley Reservoir. I mean I know where it is, when going on my bike, however getting there by road is totally different.


Damit my stupid phone wouldn't connect to the internet, so I tried Google Maps instead. I then set off in the general direction. Google Maps did take me in a roundabout way towards my destination, however, as I got up on the top of the fells, nearer to Smiddy Shaw that Waskerley I soon came to understand that Google Maps was a bit off in its calculations. As I drove onwards up past Smiddy Shaw all the way up the hill and turned left I could see Waskerley Reservoir down below me on my left. I ended up doing a complete loop coming through Stanhope and then through Wolsingham and up Wolsingham bank. Google Maps had directed me in a big loop, however,r, I did not find an access road to lead me to Waskerley Reservoir.

Grandma

Love my Bug

Miltek Cat-Back Pipes

  Anyhoo I decided to continue on the loop and head back up towards Smiddy Shaw, and go to the top of the hill on the fell and possibly get a few snaps. I stopped at the side of the road and it was a lot windier than I thought. This made the sun keep pop in and out of the clouds. I took a 30 second Timelapse with my Go Pro, however upon viewing it at home, saw that the wind had been moving my camera which I had resting on a large stone, so the footage was all shaky, so that has been binned.

I got a few snaps with the GoPro of my car. I then thought "Oh I'll take a couple of pics of me" I am not very photogenic, but hey I love memories and pictures serve as a great reminder. My eyes are shocking without my glasses on now, but I didn't fancy pics looking like speccy McSpec Face so took them off to grab a few snaps. I then went to stand up and inadvertently stood on my glasses with my gimpy foot. Oh dear I don't think these scratches will polish out and what is worse is I have buggered my frames too.

Just afore my gimpy foot trod on my gigs

Hate wearing glasses, as I keep losing them or standing on them LoL

So upon arriving home I have just booked an appointment a Speccy Savers. Think I need to go anyhoo. The lady said I am not due for an eye review until May of next year, but I have been getting a lot of migraines in my left eye. This getting old Malarky is not good.

I don't think that will polish out

Never mind quite enjoyed the tootle out, listening to Absolute '80s and setting my car away now and again on the country roads listening to the induction roar and chatter of her Turbo. It really is quite addictive and always brings a smile to my face.


Reet I now need to save up for some new gigs LoL

Buzzing up the Bank

Yesterday morning I went out for a buzz on my Buzzraw. I actually took some video footage using my Hero 5, nothing special and with no real purpose. No, it was more just a leisurely cruise out on my wee retro electric bike on what was a beautiful day.
 
As it turned out when I got back from what I thought was quite an epic ride, could have sworn I rode more than 11 miles, and then checked my footage I was pretty disappointed. It's been some time since I shot a few clips and threw them together and well I just couldn't figure out how to edit all the stuff together to make it look half decent.

I kind of know what the problem was, and this is a top tip for all those budding video' ers... is that even a word. Anyhoo when you shoot your video's make them short and interesting. Yesterday I was lazy and basically just left my camera running whilst I cycled around Stanley.
 
So rather than make a long borrrring! movie I actually just deleted all the footage. Well tonight I was feeling a little bored so thought "Ooh I wonder if the 12.6 Gig of data I deleted is still in my recycle bin". It was so I threw this short movie together. I guess if nothing else it shows what a breeze it is going up wor big bank on an electric bike.

The End Lol

Oh, PS Thanks to Pace Rehabilitation and Leftside.Life and Brian Bartlett, as without you I wouldn't get out on my bike.

If It Makes You Happy

For some time now I have been very interested in what some may consider "Mumbo Jumbo". Things like positive thinking, meditation, lucid dreaming, dream boards and of course the Law of Attraction. I have posted about it before. I know it's not for everyone, but it helps me to stay positive and I think everyone should have a dream. "Hey if it makes you Happy".

A good few years ago I had a bit of a mental to do. I blamed not only all the physical health problems and prescription medications, but also certain aspects of my life. Anyhoo I ended up going for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). This therapy was the big thing the NHS was rolling out. I kind of understoo it's benefits and what it was supposed to do, however like anything else, discovered if I didn't practice it, it kind of became redundant. So for me, it was a short term fix, kind of like putting on a sticky plaster. What I did find interesting at the time was that the therapist I was seeing asked if I would be interested in going on a 6-week Mindfulness course. I thought "Awww what the heck, nothing to lose" and so I went once a week for, 6 weeks over at a place in Durham.

Long story short I have pretty much forgotten all the weeks of CBT apart from the things I was asked to do at the time, as homework, I can recall it annoyed the hell out of me, plus stressed me out even further. So, in essence, it became a somewhat negative experience. Yet as far as the Mindfulness was concerned, I really enjoyed that part. I will readily admit over the years I may not have been mindful at all times, however, I have always tried to practice it to some degree. Of late I have discovered I am beginning to use mindfulness a lot, it helps me to live in the here and now, but also to reflect on things I believe I can improve on.

After visiting Scotland and the beautiful Isle of Mull and some of the surrounding islands, some years ago, well I just fell in love with the place. I began reading a book by Rhonda Bryne called The Secret, after just happening to see a short movie online about it. The Secret details "The Law of Attraction". It also goes on to make you think about how you think. Quite simply if you go about your day thinking you are unlucky and that bad stuff always happens to you, then guess what, you will more than likely attract that stuff. I mean it's what you expect right? Whereas if you focus on what you really want, it makes you a more positive person and hey bonus if you get, what you really desire.

I have gone on from The Secret to start watching this guy named Eric Ho upon Youtube. He too started by reading The Secret, however, he goes one step further to say he couldn't understand why nothing was coming his way after reading it. His story and viewpoint in what he was doing wrong are interesting. Obviously, there is more to do than just wish for something and then expect it to appear the following day, week or month. I am quite enjoying experimenting with some of his teachings, plus I feel more relaxed on a night whilst listening to some of the meditation affirmations and music.

Last night I had a weird sort of thing come to mind whilst listening to my mp3. I couldn't quite figure out whether I had fallen asleep, or if it came to me as I woke, "Had I just dreamt it". Anyhoo I keep a little notebook by my bedside and wrote my thoughts down.

"Everything I want I already have, it is in my subconscious.
The ability to dream is one of the greatest gifts.

We live in the here and now, our whole lives based on thoughts and memories. Therefore if we experience something in our subconscious, does that not mean we have experienced that thing, that feeling, as if we were actually there and it had already happened?

And if we then experience something subconsciously what is to then stop us manifesting it into reality".

So I guess I will continue to practice mindfulness, try and stay positive and keep on dreaming and focusing on what my subconscious has to both discover and offer. You will, of course, all know if something happens as I will be off to Bonny Scotland and some of you may even get an invite and get to share in my dream.

Lost Touch

I was going to start with "Isn't it funny, how we lose touch with one another". 

I then thought about my wording (yes I over analyse) and that particular statement just does not come across as quite being right. I mean it's not funny at all. In fact, it's pretty sad. At times life just gets away from us and of course, we grow, move on or go on to do different things.

With me m8 Paul

Well, today was a good day in that I got to meet up with my longtime friend Paul who I haven't seen in years. It was just like old times. We chatted about what had occurred lately, some sad life events in that Paul had just lost his long term partner, plus we also got on about the good old days from when we were in our late teens and that brought a chuckle and smile to both of us.

Looking down towards Hill End

Little bridge crossing the stream

It just goes to show that sometimes even though you lose touch at the end of the day a solid friendship will stand the test of time.

Enjoyed the company, catching up and the ride over to Hill End in Grandma.

Nice venture out in Grandma

Love my Bug

Been for a Buzz on my Buzzraw

Such a nice day and I was bored so decided to go for a buzz locally on my fat tired, retro styled and pretty darn Funky Buzzraw.

Crusing on my Buzzraw

I have a bank in each direction from where I live, so no matter which way I go it's a solid climb. Of course there are no worries when on my trusty Buzzraw. I can cruise up the various hills and banks no worries, with the power assisted bike. Of course I still have to pedal. 

Up at the fishing pond at Greencroft

No tendons on the BTK today and the knee was set-up for easy operation, so not much air in the can. I find it difficult to stand out the saddle and ride the Buzzraw, probably because the bike is a wee bit small for my frame. That said I always have a blast when out on her and tend to either get some weird stares or cool comments.

Sweet little ride

Love this little bike

 I haven't been out on my various bikes in a while so fitness wise I could be compared to a couch potato, in fact in reality I have been a bit of a couch tatty, just lounging about eating crap and surfing all the various box sets on Netflix.

Speaking of which I have just watched Manhunt:Unabomber. I really enjoyed the show and I am contemplating getting a copy of Ted Kacynski's Book, Industrial Society and Its Future (dubbed the Unabomber Manifesto by the FBI). 

I just found his philospy interesting. And although his means of getting his message across were bang out of order, no pun intended, his philosphy could be considered very true. I got a sense of the movie Terminator, like how when the machines that we rely on so much suddenly became self aware. It is scary to think, just how much we all rely on technology and how the very things that have been designed to make our lives less complicated, and give us more freedom are in reality quite sinister, our every move monitored, as we are coerced to fit into society. WoW deep huh?

Even had my shades on today

4" Tire on 20" rims

Short and sweet...