Pot Hole Dodger

Rocks Watches

2011-09-14T11:49:00.000-07:00

I got one of these earlier in the year and it was great, well up until it got slightly wet from me sweating whilst out training on the bike. It stopped working and never worked again! I took it back to Beales in Bolton (Whittakers) and they replaced it with no quibble. The new one I got I never used it until 2 days ago (6 months after getting the replacement). I put it on over the weekend, went on a gentle ride and again it failed. The booklet that comes with it claims it's waterproof up 30metres, also claims it's swim proof - what a load of twaddle! I have had two of these watches and both failed after getting slightly wet and never worked again. I recommend that you avoid these watches like the plague, if you do want one try visiting Primark they have similar, almost identical watches for around £1.50.

Rocks Watches - don't get 'em wet, they don't like it!

Single Speed fun

2011-03-05T08:28:00.000-08:00

I recently acquired what can only be described as a real shed of a single speed. It's an ugly bloody thing but I have kind of fallen for it's ugly charms. It's like that ugly person you never thought you'd be attracted to, only to find yourself marrying them and having 5 ugly kids with. Anyhoo I'm having a few problems with it at the moment, mostly being the back brake and the bottom bracket.

The rear brake is refusing the touch the rim correctly, and will rub the tyre if it's used. I've adjusted it best I can but it's still being an ass. Will keep plugging with it! It's worth the effort because the bike's so responsive.

Wind!

2011-02-07T06:56:00.000-08:00

Spring's on its way, this is usually noticable by the fact that the winds start to blow quite hard so it won't be long until we can get out properly again. Having not had the roads drying enough to ride I've been using the trainer much to the disgust of the cat. It's a noisey, boring thing but it's meant to keep your legs going until you can hit the road again; I hate it with a passion.

The hunt for a single speed bike continues and as of yet nothing's turned up. I've seen plenty of new ones but I don't want to pay 600+ for a new bike, seems over priced for something with no gears. The old Ribble was a candidate for turning into a single speed but that's become more hassle than it's worth so I've decided to rip it apart and flog the parts off on Bike Radar - any extra cash will go towards what I want.

I need to grab myself some sort of camera in order to get some decent photos, the mobile's not good enough for images that will be used for selling stuff, but funds are low at the moment. I'll have to save up a bit and then see what I can manage. I was hoping to get a little bit of extra cash to help with the bills but it's not been forth coming so things are going to have to wait.

Crazy Fat Chick!

2011-01-22T06:04:00.000-08:00

Yesterday's 40 mile ride went well, the combination of sunny weather and very dry roads made it great fun. The lay off I've had, mostly due to the bad weather, has done some damage to my weight and fitness but not enough to slow me down. Horwich into Adlington, back to Horwich, then Bolton, Bury, Ramsbottom and back into Bolton. Was a really fun ride although it was somewhat spoilt by the fat bint in a Vaxhaull Corsa - not only did she over take me very closely, she also cut me off causing me to slam my front brakes on. The dozy sod didn't even react to my hand being slammed on her roof!

Sadly the lack of camera on my bike resulted in no footage, otherwise she'd be all over Youtube! Oh well, shouldn't let an idiot ruin what was a good day. I picked up a new saddle to match my tyres so the transformation from a dull machine into a harlequin bike is underway.

2011-01-14T01:55:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the overwhelming amount of salt and gravel on the road I now have two punctured tyres! The shards of gravel are like little razor blades, even cutting deep into my so called puncture-proof tyres. Admittedly these tyres aren't the most expensive ones but I tried those and they were crap anyway - yes I tried Gators and they didn't make a scrap of difference apart from making a major dent in my wallet.

On another topic I'd like to have a little grumble at Aviva Home Insurance people. For 4 years I was under their home insurance, every year it went up even after never claiming. Just before the New Year I got my quote for this year's insurance and somehow it had jumped from £270 to £399! I was almost outraged but being high on Citalopram I kinda just growled a little and started stabbing my eyes. I paid a visit to one of those price comparison websites and changed to RAC after cancelling my Aviva account. RAC wanted £187 a year, quite a BIG drop!

Bank holiday Monday came around and I thought I should pop out and grab myself some new tyres; I popped to the cash machine to check my funds and there was a lot less in there than there should have been. I got a receipt and checked it over - it seemed our lovely friends at Aviva had decided to take out £399 from my account - after I had cancelled. luckily I'm a squirreler when it comes to money so it wasn't a problem, but I did start making phone calls. I rang Aviva and spoke to an Indian fella, who was very polite and said they had aken money out but it was automated and he'd sort it out. Instead of sitting on my hands waiting I also fired off a complaint to Aviva's offices and received a mail telling me it would take up to 20 days to get my money back. I muttered something about them getting free interest on my money and decided to leave it a few days.

Monday came and I was on the warpath - I need to pay my water bill! I rang Aviva's complaint line and spoke to a nice guy who was more than happy to help me. He rang me back in the afternoon to tell me they were sorry about the mistake and they'd send me a cheque. I got that cheque yesterday and I am now a happy rabbit. Sometimes it's best not to sit on your hands and do nothing, waiting, sometimes it's good to poke to bear!

Today I am off into town, DC Universe Online is out and I want to give it a whirl. Expect some sort of moany, ranting review here if I find it crap! Ha!

Oh and I can see you Paul :) Will give you a bell on Saturday.

Good Morning World!

2011-01-12T03:37:00.000-08:00

Yes the blog is back and I'm starting to post again. Every few days, so long as I'm riding or moaning about something. YAY!

Weathwe in the North West of England has been damp, very damp. In fact it's been hard to even train. When we had the snow the local council did actually spread salt and sand, but that stuff eats frames so I stayed away from the bike until the roads cleared of the gravel. I've been getting out occasionally but the gravel has done a serious number on my tyres and I need to replace the back tyre yet again. It's frustrating but what can we do?

Recently the Mountain Biking bug has been eating at my mind, so I decided to rebuild my old, Leeways framed shed into a decent little machine again. The frame's sound and I spent quite a bit on it in the past adding LX components and some proper wheels. It's not being used as a 'hack' machine which I use to head into town. Last Monday I popped into the market, locking the bike outside near a fence in plain view of the entire market. I did my shopping, walked out and caught a scrote attempting to steal it! He was sat there wiggling my £40 lock, which he'd need bolt cutters to remove. I walked over to him and asked him if he was having a problem. He explained that he'd left his key at home, so I said 'this key?' He ran like lightening, HA! The bike's worth very little but it's surprising that some will still try and steal it! I'm fitting a flame thrower to it!

Here, have a review...

Slime Scabs Puncture Kits

The puncture repair kit that usually costs around £2.99. I bought a pack of these from my local car shop at £1.99 (pays to shop around folks) and they worked great. Not only do they stick very quickly they are also very easy to apply - however... there is a problem with these Scabs. After repairing the tyre I actually forgot about it, assuming it was safe to ride on for a while, I was wrong. Not long after I found the front tyre was flat again and I removed the tube - the Scab had wrinkled up and was useless. This happened twice from the same pack and I suspect it was due to water getting into the tyre area and making the scab damp.

These are okay for an emergency fix but I would recommend getting a proper, old fashion kit instead of these. Sure it takes you long to fix your puncture but at least you know it'll stay on pretty much forever.

2010-11-12T04:35:00.000-08:00

The wind's been blowing like mad around her for the past few days. I haven't seen such a strong force of wind in a while, it's certainly prevented any training and today looks like no exception. I could of course use the wind trainer but it's so dull, even with music in your ears it's downright boring. Forecast for weekend is more of the same but we know our forecasters are usually wrong, so it may turn out to be bright.

I'm in the need of some proper winter cycling jackets now. The waterproof one is great but it's for rain cycling, in the sun it's bloody warm so I could do with one of the proper lycra style jackets but at around £50 for the cheapest worth its salt it's a big outlay.

Going to pop out now, see how I get on on the roads, it's still windy but the rain's holding off, I need to get back into keeping myself fit!

Ack I hate my box!

2010-11-10T12:43:00.000-08:00

I hate it, hate, hate, hate! You see I've been asked, nay, held down and forced to wear a helmet. I really dislike it, not only does it look ridiculous but it also chokes me. I've messed with the straps to try and get it comfy but nothing makes this horrific device look and feel right! I suppose it could safe my head, although after that accident on Sunday I know for one the helmet would have done squat as my head never touched the ground.

The shape of my head dictates how good or bad a helmet looks and I have yet to find any helmet that actually suits me, some people just suit helmets but no such luck here. I shall persevere and continue to wear this monstrocity!

First road accident.

2010-11-08T00:41:00.000-08:00

Yes I have finally broken my accident virginity! Yesterday afternoon's 50 miler was rudely interupted by being hit, glancing, but a white van! I was going at around 20 and I have no idea what speed he was going at, but thankfully he was slowing to park up. 90%C of the entire collision is a blank, all I remember is seeing his passenger side and me hitting it. I bounced off into the middle of the road, luckily with no traffic behind me or incoming or it could have been pretty nasty.

I got up, dusted myself off, had no injuries and got up to chat with the driver hoping he was okay too. He seemed to scowl at me, but as I walked around I think he calmed a little and we had a chat. We both agreed to just leave it where it was since no one and nothing was hurt or damaged. We shook hands and I rode home, somewhat shaking and realising how lucky I was.

I hate wearing helmets, and I consider myself to be a good rider but this just proves on thing to me; no matter how good I am I did not see that coming and from now on I'm wearing a helmet, even if it makes me look like a bloody mushroom.

I'm okay, slightly sore right arm with very basic grazes, I was heavily padded with my gear so that took the brunt. Right leg's a little sore and my left shoulder's a little out of flunter but it's just in need of rest. If you read this, the guy who was my crashing partner, I hope you're not shaken and you're okay. Was nice to shake on it and not bitch and moan at each other like a lot do.

Night riding

2010-10-28T02:07:00.000-07:00

There's always been something alluring about the night, whether it's the feeling of being out of sight or maybe just the idea of what could be lurking in the shadows, it's kind of exciting. Don't worry I'm not going to regale you with escapades of a stalking nature; no, in fact this is about riding in the dark.

When I was younger I used to go out with a few friends on our mountain bikes, we'd have a great time belting about town getting told off by the police and generally being teenagers. With the encompassing veil of winter drawing the nights in ever closer the only way to get any riding done is to go out at night. Night riding has its advantages and its obvious disadvantages. The obvious problems with going out in the dark is making sure you're visible so I have 2 very bright LED lights on the front, 2 bright ones for the back, some frame mounted LEDs and 4 very bright LED strap lights on my back.

Car drivers seem to see you better in the dark, which seems somewhat contradictory but I suppose it's due to the fact that you're somewhat more alert when in the dark. A good 40 mile ride in the dark results in not one single bloody idiot, yet if I do a ride during the day I can almost gaurantee I'm buzzed by a retard in a Corsa, usually egged on by his brain dead, knuckle dragging friends in the back seat.

The last ride took in Bury, Ramsbottom, back into Bury, swinging around towards Farnworth and back into Bolton. Have to avoid the unlit roads, they're deadly at this time of the year, and with frost appearing now the leaves on the side of the roads can make it quite unsettling at speed. If you're out in the dark, whther it's training or just commuting to and from work, please make sure you're visible.

Ride safe.

Topeak Pocket Rocket Masterblaster

2010-10-24T02:51:00.000-07:00

Having a good pump, if you pardon the expression, is vital for any cyclist going further than 'walking distance'. There's a huge plethora of pumps out there, all claiming to be great and all vying for your attention but a very small few actually do what they claim with much efficiancy. This Topeak Pocket Rocket Masterblaster is not one such pump.

The pump comes with the usual frame mounting and the fastening to the clamp is pretty strong if a little fiddly. The pump itself is around 8 and a half inches in length and fits happly into your backpack or cycle jersey. The alloy tubing prevents it from getting hot whilst pumping and lets you continue to keep at it (sexual innuendo is fun!) untl you get the desired hardeness... The problem with this pump is you will be stood by the side of the road for a good 10 minutes getting your tyre/s back up to an acceptable pressure. Yes it does its job, and yes it will get you home but I would suggest finding something a little larger and more suited to road tyres than this.

The old frame mounted cycle pumps are still the choice unless you carry a compressed air device, this is adequate and for the price worth picking up for a backup pump but don't rely fully on its ability to get that pressure right up!

Excel Gym Closes!

2010-10-23T04:19:00.000-07:00

Bolton Council's own run Gym has been closed down! Why? Too build yet more bloody housing! Basic fact is the council want more money and the Excel Centre isn't giving them any. The entire site has been closed and will be demolished to be marketed off to developers. The thing is I used the Excel Centre as a way to keep fit; sure I have my bike but the gym had equipment I didn't have access to at home. What makes me laugh is the way the council want people to be healthy yet they close down the only free public gym in Bolton, putting thousands out of the chance to improve their health. Bolton is now having to wait another 2 years before a similar venture is launched at the new Bolton One.

The council claims they contacted members, and given them help to find another place to go, I, however, never received any warning and found out from a friend 2 weeks after I had last visited! Thanks Bolton! Sooner I move out of this shithole the better! I used to love this town but it's gone to the dogs, or should I say scrotes?

Finally the cold weather has moved in and I'm now having to wear my winter gear! Good God I look terrible, I look like a flourescent dildo! I still don't wear a helmet but at night I really should - problem I have and it's a shit excuse, is that I look terrible in every helmet I try on, only the obsurdly expensive helmets look okay on me and I am not paying £150 for one! I know the way it looks shouldn't matter but I am obsessive about the way I look, and if it doesn't look right I won't wear it - it is that simple. When I'm out I have a very bright jacket, some very powerful lights both front and rear, along with a backpack which has flashing LEDs all over it - I am impossible to miss, literally.

Drivers seem more cautious at night giving me plenty of room but I do see a lot of cyclists using cheap, tiny LEDS as their main lights - they are not very visible at all. I would advise anyone not to buy your lighting from places like the pounds shops - yes they are okay at maybe twilight but in winter darkness they do not show up enough. This is a neat little segway into the lights I'm using so I will do my first ever cycle parts review! YAY!

RSP Night Burst Front, Rear LED Set and Computer - Bought from Great Universal.

I bought this set just on the off chance that it'd be some use and it's going to get a very mixed review. The front light is exceptionally bright offering a really good way to be seen, and it also lights up completely dark road really well. The mounting bracket is firm, should fit most handle bar types and very easy to fit. The rear light, again is bright, however the mounting bracket is crap. It's flimsy, and the light itself wouldn't take much of a knock. The metal screw in the rear mounting works loose over time causing it to rattle and eventually fall off. The computer, well, I can't review it since it didn't, and still doesn't, work. It's set up correctly yet there's no reading.

Overall - for the £30 I spent on this set I could have got a better set elsewhere. The front is fine and very well made but you can find similar products for £15. With both the rear and the computer being a bit crap I essentially paid out £30 on a front light.

Proper Webspace?

2010-10-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

I've been thinking about it for a while and since I have a whole 4 followers I thought it may be worth shelling out some pennies. I have plenty of webspace at my ISP so it's just the domain name. The only problem I may have is I will have to update it more often.

I haven't been riding as much lately mostly due to a relapse of the mind (few weeks into that at the moment), and the fact that I'm worrying relentlessly about money, as usual. It's been hard to even get up but since I have the commitment of the charity shop and I have to feed my own cat I force myself up and take my medication. Personally I'd rather just die but hohum it's never that simple.

I can join Mensa!

2010-09-22T03:10:00.000-07:00

No, really! I got hold of one of their puzzles and it was so easy! Well I say easy, what I mean to say is it was insanely annoying and I nearly broke it in two to get it to work! On the upside I did manage it, so quite chuffed with that.

Last night's ride went off with no real incidents. Decided to get out at around 5pm my favourite time of the day for cycling. People coming home from work, tempers flairing and horns a honking. I suppose my enjoyment of that time is riding in the traffic, I find it a lot of fun to shoot through heavy traffic (in a safe way of course). Interestingly there were very few idiots out, in fact I didn't have any altercations with anyone. Most of the drivers were courteous and friendly, with some even letting me through and waiting!

The news recently suggested that new drivers shouldn't be let out on the roads at night; my stance is that anyone under the age of 21 shouldn't be allowed on the roads in cars at all! Whilst I am fully aware that a lot of new teen drivers aren't blithering idiots it's usually teens in their souped up sheds that ARE the main ones who cause cyclists trouble. Javing been spat at, knocked off, had cans and eggs thrown at me the drivers are always, in my case, teens. This of course doesn't mean the older, more 'mature' generation are any better as I have seen many adult drivers being downright irresponsable; it just means that teenagers aren't as good at controlling their knuckle dragging ideas.

I'm off out again today, waiting until this afternoon around 1pm to head out. No lighting needed so will be fitting the camera to the bars, might get some interesting footage.

Have a good day and ride safe!

Beales, Frankenbike and Starcraft 2

2010-09-21T02:21:00.000-07:00

Look at this 2 posts in as 3 days, maybe I'm just bored or maybe I pulled my finger out!

Off I trotted to Beales (Bolton) yesterday, the Rock Watch in hand, not intending to 'demand' a replacement or my money back, but just to see what they would say. I got the same woman as last time, pleasant lass, who I explained the problem too. Without any arguing she took the ruined watch and gave me a brand new one! I was expecting the third degree but no arguments at all so that's put those guys up in my estimations! This watch will not be used on the bike, and if it does ever get outside again it'll be wrapped in bloody clingfilm!

The old Mountain Bike is having a slight face transplant, gone are the flat bars and on are some drop handles! Spending the wet Sunday stripping it down and putting other parts on it I found that it actually looks pretty damn nice with the drops on it. I managed to rig up one of the brakes to see how it would perform with the V Brakes and as of yet it seems fine. I have yet to rig the gearing up and the rear brake so there in lies the next challenge. Some have said the Alivio rear mech won't work with Mirage shifters but personally I can't see how there'd be a problem. I'll grab some new cables and covers this week and order some cheap handlebar tape off the internets! Here's a couple of photos from my ancient Nokia...

Front on view. Cables are not yet set up properly.

Side on view of the MTB with drop bars fitted.

Last week I acquired Starcraft 2 and I'm finding myself slowly getting addicted to the game. I was never a huge RTS fan and found the whole Total War franchise to be mind numbingly dull; however with SC2 I'm having a blast! I gave a 7 day pass to a good friend of mine and we both found the co-op play to be really enjoyable so I suspect there's going to be a lot of zerging and marine splattering to come! I have some interesting replays so will do my best to post a few here, with maybe some 'Totalbiscuit' style commentary (which I will be crap at!).

Hope you're still reading these blogs Dad, haven't had a mail from you in a while! *poke poke*

Rock Watches

2010-09-19T13:23:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, I haven't been able to get the posting window to work properly, it just sat there loading forever! I gave it another go this evening and it's working! Soon as I can afford to run my own webspace I may well do, at least I'd have some degree of control!

Having moaned relentlessly about getting a watch I was given one last week. It's a neat little thing, rubber strap with a small digital face. I was really quite fond of it until I found out how naff they actually are.

Off I went on my bike Saturday afternoon, gentle twiddle around the local countryside glancing occasionally at the new red ticker on my wrist. It was a wonderful little ride, roads were surprisingly quiet with only one or two numpties driving about. I got home, checked my watch, no time displayed... I felt the watch and it was a little damp, and I mean a 'little'. I've done everything I can think of to get that watch working again but it's well and truely dead. A simple few droplets of human sweat and it's knackered! Do not buy one of these watches if you expect to use them for running or cycling, in fact any sport you may find they stop working. Do not sweat!

The cycling's been slow recently, had a really bad back and the weather's been somewhat unpredictable. I managed to get out this afternoon, although it was really quite damp and no fun at all. I should pick up a cheap, basic single speed machine just for mooching about on but they're quite hard to come by. I saw a new Giant road bike which is kinda cute but at £400 new it seems a lot for a winter hack, so I'll keep working on the old Ribble to get it shipshape. I keep checking the for sale ads in Loot but you never know what you're buying out of that paper; so many cycles get stolen these days every one you buy could potentially be stolen goods! Yes, I am paranoid.

Been a little lonely of late, the guys I cycle with are either busy or the weather's not good enough. I started work back at the DAS charity shop for a couple days a week, at least that breaks the feelings of loneliness. I am actually dreading Christmas this year, I don't really have any friends up north who'd have me so I may well be on my own eating beans like last year. Never really been a big pub/club fan, plus on low income it's not really fun hugging a single coke all night. Sure there's ex partners but that's not really the ideal as it brings up 'questions'. Might go volunteer at the homeless shelter over Christmas, at least there'll be people to talk too.

Beware bad drivers!

2010-09-07T02:30:00.000-07:00

I recently picked up a small camcorder made by Veho. The Muvi is about the size of a matchbox in height and around half that in width. A bit of messing with an old cycle light bracket and now it's happily mounted on my handlebars. The primary idea is to record my speed, routes and other events on my rides, however I have found that it also will be handy in picking up stupidity by myself and over road users!

Recently over the past few months I have had crap thrown at me, drivers trying to push me off etc so this will be handy in maybe detering or catching such idiots in the future. I can understand why drivers get annoyed at cyclists when I caught one guy riding through red lights, and another just weaving in and out of traffic causing mayhem.

Anyway I will be posting short clips here, directly from here or via Youtube.

Ride safe!

Knobbly Tyres

2010-08-12T11:06:00.000-07:00

Having been a Mountain Biker in the past I do have an old MTB bike under the stairs; it hadn't seen much use up until recently but now both bikes are in the shop for repair it was time to drag the old beast out! It's an old mid 90s affair with V Brakes, very very wide downhill style bars and tyres not much thinner than a motorbike. Comnparing it to the road bike would be like comparing a Ferrari to a Skoda. This thing weighs around 35lbs and handles terribly yet I found myself up in the hills enjoying myself.

Glancing at the clock and feeling okay in my head I decided to drag it out. I put some SPDs on it, gave the thing a once over and set off. Hitting barrow Bridge the specks of rain started and then the heavens opened! I stopped, grumbled but being on the MTB I thought 'bugger it' and just waited under a tree. Eventually the rain dropped off and I slowly made my way along the road and up Longshaw Ford Road - this hill used to give me nightmares when I first started but even on a monster of a MTB it no longer causes me any problems; I just bound up it like a little gazelle.

Getting to the top I make a decision, I will carry on. So along Scout Road I go, sun peeks out, and I turn up onto Ford Road. At the top there's a bridalway so that was my aim. The road is quite slippery and the road bike would have struggled, but this monster of a machine just spat out the water like some overchewed gum. Hitting the bridleway (two spellings, not sure which is right...) I notice that whilst it's wet it's not muddy and I can pick up the pace. The brakes are working okay, albeit a little squidgy but the gears are perfect, shifting without complaint - I can still maintain a bike! The area's not changed much over the years the road to the mast is still the same death drag to the top and the lovely single track from Coalpit Lane is still wonderfully technical. This isn't my route though and I switch quickly off the wide track onto a small, yet nice and firm track which wasn't there last time I was up. It takes you around a nearby farm and I spot two horses, one is pushing the barbed wire out of the way whilst the other is eating some grass on the other side.

Eventually I realise where I am, it's the road that used to be 'access only' back in the 90s, seems the farmer's been nice and let us cyclists through, yay! I climb to the top and hit the road down which is Coalpit Road. This road's always been a bit of a place for couples. You could ride up on any day and find at least 1 car with a couple humping. We used to ride past shouting at them with encouraging remarks, however there were none today, bar a runner who was only shagged from the look of him.

Turned out to be a wonderful little ride, well worth waiting for the rain to stop!

Flats,

2010-08-09T03:21:00.000-07:00

I'm really struggling to think of suitable titles.

Still having mechanical issues with the bike, annoyingly it's determined to clank and clunk forever. I managed to get out on Sunday, stupidly decided I'd not need my puncture kit and like usual soon as you do such things you get a puncture. Pretty quick deflate so it had to be something quite huge and sure enough a shard of glass, around 1 inch in length and shredded the tyre and the tube inside. No doubt some knucker-dragger decided that breaking a bottle in the cycle lane was an awesome idea. I'm now stuck with no tyres and no way of getting out until it's fixed. Incidently many thanks to the cyclists who completely ignored my with an obvious flat - bunch of arrogant roadie buttholes...

On the upside I have planned to head out walking up Rivington and the surrounding countryside, well that was the plan until it started throwing it down again! It's absolutely bucketing down at the moment so any plans to go out have been scuppered yet again since I don't have any suitable waterproof walking gear. Used to have a really great pair of leggings but don't know what happened to them, fully waterproof and perfect for walking in, same with the boots I had - both have vanished into thin air.

Managed to sell off a few of the old records, had a couple of people pop up and give me next to nout for some of them. The videos aren't shifting though, so if anyone fancies 120 VHS videos you know how to contact me! All funds the bike repair/s. I suspect next to go will be the ancient Goodmans record player from 1971; was my Grandfather's who used to play his classical music to our bemusement, for its age it plays well.

Pom pom pom!

2010-08-02T07:46:00.000-07:00

Sunday's ride set off well enough, bit of drizzle but no wind. Hitting Horwich I was reminded that the Ironman UK was in town thus the roads around the circuit were either closed or heavily policed to keep traffic under control. I thought it was a professional tournament but it turns out anyone can enter so long as you can run, swim and ride. I can do 1 out of 3, so I'm out!

Evntually I reached our meet point and we set off. Nice steady pace with some hill climbing but nothing overly exerting. After a while I noticed a 'clanking' coming from the lower part of the bike; thinking it was something bad I stopped and checked. The cassette was making some godless noises so we decided, just in case, to head back.

I took the bike into the local shop and sure enough the grease in the rear hub was clean, no grease at all! So that was sorted and I thought all was well. However we checked it again and there was still a lot of noise; we came to the conclusion that it was the bottom bracket. The bike's now stuck in the shop and I can't play out! So what to do whilst I wait?

The old Ribble looks like it may be on its way back! I left it at Lifecycles in Bolton and gave them an 'indefinite' amount of time to sort it. I pick that up on Friday hoping the bottom bracket has been removed and a new one slapped in in its place! It's an old bike but it's perfectly viable for wet weather and winter training.

Punctures - this is a rant!

2010-07-27T04:16:00.000-07:00

Hold onto your hats ladies and gentlemen, the following rant is sponsored by Continental Tyres, inner tubes and the Bolton Council.

I got the bike a few months ago, with it came a set of Continental Ultra Sport tyres which have had mixed reviews. I've ridden roughly 1k on them and the rear has more cuts on it than your average Emo. Last night I decided to go out and take a risk, I got up onto Bolton Road - BANG...phhhhssssss. I swore and checked it; the rear had gone completely with a 5mm hole down through the material. I repaired it and managed to get home, when I checked this morning the inner tube was poking through. Picture below, reet down to the mesh...

I'm pretty sure these tyres would hold up much better if the roads in Bolton weren't so pathetically maintained. When we have a frost they use cheap grit which shred cycle tyres and do serious damage to car paintwork.

The UK Ironman is coming to Bolton this August; I must admit I find it laughable that anyone would consider this pot hole strune hellhole for a road race! The council's attempt at road repair consists of using tarmac to fill in holes rather than actually doing a proper job! Thank you very much Bolton Council for buggering up yet another inner tube and yet another tyre, fantastic work!

Sore Nuts...

2010-07-08T05:27:00.000-07:00

A few years ago I had a scan on my man baubles that indicated there were two cysts, one in each one. The doctor told me it was nothing to worry about and just to keep an eye on them, if they got bigger they'd need draining (or removing - not my nuts the cysts...). Anyhoo I got out on the bike Tuesday and felt extremely tired, struggling up pretty much every hill I found; even the flat roads caused problems so instead of going to far I made my way home.

Part way back I noticed that my right testicle was hurting, not badly, but enough for me to notice, and it made it difficult to sit down. The lycra shorts I was wearing were pushing it back up, not inside but enough to tel it wasn't in the right place. I got home and had a check, no swelling, the pain had gone with no trace of there being a problem.

Having spoken to my Dad and also having a chat with the doctor, they have both suggested I get some proper baggy, padded shorts and not tight lycra - this is right up my street anyway as I hated my lycra. Now I have to find the funds to buy myself a couple of pairs of baggy, padded cycle shorts. Wouldn't mind so much if cycling gear wasn't so vastly over priced!

Yeah, I've been slacking!

2010-07-06T03:12:00.000-07:00

I do apologise for not posting lately, been a bit of a problem up top and my interest waned somewhat.

Le Tour has started and being an avid cycling nut I haven't watched any of it... I just keep forgetting, that or I'm out on the bike myself and too shagged to really care. Anyhoo just thought I'd throw up an update to make sure the blog stays up there! Yes I'm still pretty bad up top but I'm taking it a bit at a time, as suggested by the CPN. When I feel able I'm out on the bike, when I don't I just don't recall much of anything. I know I'll get better I always do, just a matter of waiting and hoping!

I got out last night and had a really pleasant ride up around Anglezarke Res. It's a lovely place, and at around 8pm it's so quiet. I have myself a nice little 35 mile route which I try and do as much as possible; and whilst it can be draining it's a lot more fun than it used to be. The problem every newbie cyclist has is the first initial pain barrier - that feeling of complete exhaustion going up the hills. That goes, trust me, well it doesn't but you get better at coping with it and after a while you start looking forward to those steep climbs. I used to puff and pant my way all the way up one of my local climbs (Old Kiln Lane), used to take me a good 10 minutes to get up there, now it's around 2-3 minutes, in medium gear, stood up! The weight loss has been immense, I was originally around 20 stone in weight, I'm now down to around 12/13 stone. Cycling by itself won't loose the weight, you do need to have a better diet so cut the sugar out of your drinks (tea/coffee), drop off the sugary cereals, stop having pizzas and burgers; and leave the take aways in the take away!

When I'm emotionally well enough I do a little bit of weight training, mostly bench presses, shoulder presses, upright rows and curls. I find they help my stability on the bike and since I started doing some strength training on my stomach muscles I find myself a lot better at climbing. Get this I used to wear size 38" jeans, now size 34" is too large!

Anyway I will try my best to keep posting, even if it's a negative emotional post about my mental health problems - quite a few friends and family read this so gotta give them something to gossip about! :)

Monday Mooch

2010-06-07T03:32:00.000-07:00

Off out tonight at around 6pm. Meeting point is the Crown in Horwich, hopefully there should be more than just the two of us there - although evening rides seem quite difficult to get others out on. Just have to wait and see.

Thar be women cyclists!

2010-06-06T02:43:00.001-07:00

Feeling somewhat better than late I decided I'd play out last night. I packed my gear, 2 spare inner tubes, levers, the overly weighty multi-tool and a couple bottles of water. The plan was to do a leisurely ride around Bolton, taking in road past the television mast and then a trip around Anglezarke reservoir.

Hitting Longshaw Ford Lane, a nasty climb when you're unfit, I bump into a rather happy looking fellow, who rather than want to have a chat just stood there, arms folded looking like he'd be sh*gged by one of the local sheep. I try to raise a smile from him as I ride past but nothing, just blank, monkey faced stare. Hell I had my Lycra shorts on; surely I looked funny enough to warrant a smirk. Getting to the top of this hill, with barely a struggle I swung right and scooted along Scout Road to experience the view. I got myself some new glasses a few days ago so it was nice to actually see the view and not squint at it. It was lovely; I could see each individual tree and the ugly wind turbines which littered the Ramsbottom skyline.

Taking the corner at the legal 20mph (I’m a good boy), I start to speed up (now I’m a bad boy) and hit 28 into the annoying bloody headwind. Interestingly even at 28mph there are cars screaming past me in this 20mph zone, and this isn’t exactly a wide road. Not only did the council see fit to fit cat eyes in the road but they also added them on each side, exactly where your average cyclist would be pedalling... I grumble to myself but realise Belmont Road is clear from the right and I can hit the 50mph zone with no slow down. This bit is awesome!

Belmont Road can be great but it can also be a complete sod. 9 times out of 10 you’re riding into a headwind, I’d be lucky to get an average of 15mph along it, even though it’s relatively flat. My average along there with no headwind is around 20mph, so when I’m moving slowly it’s somewhat frustrating. Eventually it dips and I head into Belmont village, before taking a left onto Rivington Road. This is where I always struggle and tonight was no exception. Dropping to low gear I climb up, having to stop regularly for some blithering idiots who decide to not have their kids on a leash. Getting past those and I hit the main climb, a pretty short, undulating rise to what I consider to be the best downhill in the local area. The pain’s worth it as always and I zoom down the 30mph zone at a very good boyish 34mph. Part way down there’s a sharp right turn; SHEEP! There’s sheep on the road! Now normally I’d get off and usher the sheep into the field but since I’m banned from being near sheep I dodge through 3 of them whilst the others scatter. Behind me there’s a toot of a horn, not sure if it’s directed at me or the sheep but I take no notice and start to make a dangerous decent.

This decent is fun, you can easily hit 40 with no effort but I try not to. A good few years ago a local painter, who’s an avid cyclist, was going down that road at around 6am. He lost control and hit the wall at the bottom, flying over it and smashing his head on a tree. Luckily for him a gentleman made a change to his route that morning and saw his bike cracked into the wall – he rang the ambulance and had him airlifted out. He’s fine now but after the accident he actually lost his memory completely, and when it returned he’d lost his nerve. When I reach the corner where he crashed I’m very aware of the terrible road surface, which annoyingly doesn’t improve as you work your way around and into Rivington Village.

Rather than take my normal route back into said village I make a right turn down what is quite a fun, windy road. I recall going down there on the MTB back in the 90s, hitting a huge lump of metal and having to walk home since the tyre was shredded. I glance down at my pump...and it’s gone...crap. Did I leave it at home? Had it fallen off? I wasn’t going to ride all the way back just to check for a pump so I decide to take a risk and carry on with the ride. I’m glad I did! Passing by Anglezarke I decide to go a little easier, relax and enjoy what was a lovely evening (can I sound any gayer?). My Bunneh sense tingled and I glance behind, coming up fast on me was another cyclist. I greet her as she comes past and then I double take...’her’. She moves in front and I can’t complain, not a bad view at all! I ponder the idea of speeding up but to be honest I’d probably get my arse kicked and I’d just look like the vast majority of ego-based men in the world. I keep at my original pace and we hit a nice little downhill which swings into a slight uphill. I start gain ground on her and I get to chatting. Anyone who knows me will know that I have this innate ability to talk even when out of breath, climbing the steepest hills in the world!

Seems she rides out at that time in the evening as it’s nicer than being in the hot sun. Can’t argue with that, I love the evenings in summer, it’s a wonderful part of the day. Not only do you get some amazing sunsets but that tinge of warmth alongside that coming of the night breeze is perfect. We stick together for quite some distance but I didn’t want to make her feel uncomfortable so I wish her a safe ride and I swing left towards Rivington village. I kind of hope to see her again, but in all honesty I probably talked to death...

Now I start to plan which way now, I check the watch, 20:12; I have time! I pick up the pace and make my way into Horwich via Leverpark Avenue. My old school is down here, Rivington and Blackrod, school itself was okay but I hated every aspect of education as a kid. The road surface is terrible, there have been some attempts at improving it but quite frankly the council really needs to pull its finger out!

I don’t like the Horwich side of Chorley New Road, it’s infested with pubs and where there are pubs there are idiots. The roads are quiet though so I crank it up a notch and belt down at an average of around 18mph. The road’s been improved a little but the access to the Middlebrooke cycle way is a joke, huge potholes make it very unattractive as an option. I continue along the New Road and decide to go torment family up Breightmet. I’m sure they’ll be enthusiastic to see a sweaty, lycraclad, skinhead knock on their door! Getting into Bolton town centre it’s lovely and quiet, the clubs and pubs are open but there’s few about, they’re all probably still at home, preening themselves and getting drunk before heading out. I head towards Bury Road and make my way along it towards my Uncle’s home – on the left hand side this fat lump of lard waddles out, looks at me and drops an empty can right in the cycle lane... I look at him as I approach and he doesn’t even react; I call him a ‘brain-dead dickhead’ knowing full well if he did understand he’d never catch me with that gut. Sure enough, nothing. Just across the road there’s a bin, did his small brain not put 2+2 together? I’m guessing not. I’m sure he’s still in bed now, trying to see his own penis beneath his bulbous belly...

I get to my uncles; I have a drink(water), get moaned at and then make my way home. I decide to take in the town centre again and it’s changed somewhat. Now it is littered with drunks, women in very, very short skirts and more bouncers than your average David Beckham party! Bolton now has more pubs/club than most little towns; you can in effect walk down one road, have a drink at each pub and be absolutely bladdered before you’re even half way! Oh well so long as no one gets hurt and they’re happy, so be it!

The ride home is uneventful, but pleasant and I get in at around 9pm. 2 hour ride, no idea on distance, but I really enjoyed it. My head’s given me a break this weekend and I hope it improves! I’m still taking the 30mg of Citalopram which help stem the obsessive thought processes, but it can be hard sometimes – it can be next to impossible to go out and I don’t know what I’m afraid of...

Head update and a hill climb

2010-06-05T02:11:00.000-07:00

My head's not so bad at the moment, it seems to have relented somewhat and has given me some room to breath. I don't expect it to last but even a weekend's peace is better than nothing. Planning to head out this evening at around 7pm, will do my little 20 mile circuit around Egerton and Chapeltown.

There's a hill climb event on the 22nd of this month at Lumb Carr Road in Ramsbottom, I am hoping to make it to enter. Would be nice to get to the top and I fully intend to ride in gear that isn't lycra! Not only will I turn up in baggies but I may wear a football shirt as well! I've ridden similar hills before and whilst they hurt like buggery when you know where the end is you can usually make yourself push that lil bit harder!

On a side note I'm contemplating getting some iron on stickers made. I would love to get a couple of plain cycle tops and iron 'Pot Hole Dodgers' and 30+ NW Cycling Club' on them! Will see what I can do. Will have to do it on a shoe string though, so I'm not expecting to do them yet. I did some digging and the prices for custom jerseys is somewhat high and I can't justify the cost.

Pot holes in the mind...

2010-05-27T03:04:00.000-07:00

3 months of feeling great, looking for a job and generally thinking my life was back together and this poop happens again. I was cycling regulary, lost all the weight I'd gained and was on low medication. I was nearing the end of my work with a psychiatric nurse, who had helped me put things in place to maybe counter such re-occurances but when the crap hit the fan again my head doesn't care, it just wants to hurt my thoughts again.

I'm finding it hard to go outside, I don't want to get out of bed just want to sit there and bury my head in eve/wow so I don't think too much. If I think too much I get this horrible feeling in my guts and it makes me want to do things to myself, which obviously I won't permit, but it hurts so much sometimes.

The cat keeps my mind in check, that little bit of grounding in reality is usually enough to drag me through these periods, which can last weeks or sometimes months, jumping from thought to thought with no end in sight. I'm hoping it will go soon, maybe my head will stop being so damn stupid and put itself back to normality, although after last time I suspect I'm in for one hell of a ride...sadly not on a bike.

Not too good...

2010-05-26T07:38:00.000-07:00

Seems my flaunt with well health has come to an end, again. As it stands I'm struggling to get outside, let alone get on my bike. The struggle with my mental health seems to be an eternal battle; feeling the way I do now I really could do with a bus riding over me.

Do want ice cream!

2010-05-20T06:05:00.000-07:00

Last night's scheduled meet was at Fredericks, which is fast becoming our start point. Neil (was it Neil? I forget names too damn fast!) took the lead and we headed into Charnok Richard over many an undulating road. Not only did I get out of breath too quick but I think they knew it was a great way to stop me talking! No matter, I talked to myself instead! It was an interesting and fun ride with some short hard climbs but some fun descents. Weather was perfect with just a slight breeze to take the edge off the humid air.

Dave as usual kicked my arse all over the park but the challenge is to keep going, I do not like stopping. Early in the ride my chest was exceptionally tight and I found it hard to breath so had to stay well back until my legs kicked in along with easier breathing. My asthma hasn't affected me like that for years and it was quite worrying to see it start off like that. I warmed up after about an hour...and found myself enjoying it a lot more.

I'm not sure how the other guys take me, I tend to talk them to death so I'm waiting for someone to turn up with duct tape... Now couldn't that be taken the wrong way?

Drivers

2010-05-19T02:25:00.000-07:00

Quite the simple title, I'm trying to keep it none inflamatory.

There was a time when I thought I was alone, alone in a world of abuse towards me when I was on my bike. I've had kids make neandathal like noises as I've ridden past, I've had teenage drivers try to grab my arm and pull me (succeeding on some occasions), drivers spitting, throwing cans or random objects at me. I thought I looked weird or stupid so it made me somewhat self conscious. Recently there was a post over at Bikeradar in which other cyclists posted similar problems with drivers and it shocked me that some non-cyclists are such idiots. Below are some quotes from forum posts;

Pamuzu said '...riding at a good speed this week (around 20mph), a white van pulled up really close to me. Next thing I had an egg smashed over my helmet! I pulled over, and seriously found this hard to comprehend.'

Flasheart said 'Back in Oz when I was in my late teens I cycled my road bike to work the 5 miles although I did have a car. One afternoon riding home after work, some pr1ck pulled up along side of me and his mate threw a glass fruit juice bottle at me. It hit my right hand and broke a small bone and sliced my hand open. I couldn't put any weight on that hand for a while after that so I had to drive to work until it healed.'

Dukegledhill wrote 'I once had fireworks thrown at me from a moving car. Missed me though so no physical damage.'

Rick Chasey said 'Last time I had something like that happen, it was when someone leaned out of the passenger window to push me off.

Ended up in hospital.

*shrugs*

Not much you can do about it to be honest.'

Guilliano wrote 'I've had a couple of incidents like this.... both involving vans.

First one was on a bypass, riding between Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable. Pushing along at a decent pace, a van goes past, obviously slowing as it did and sprayed silly string at me whilst laughing manically. Kuntz!

The second was riding along the A418 from Leighton Buzzard to Aylesbury one morning. Van hurtles past giving me about 6 inches of space with some cokc screaming out of the window. As I came into Bierton they were in traffic so I unclipped and as I pulled alongside I aimed multiple kicks with my cleat at the van and screamed the same thing back through the still open passenger window at the now cowering chav scum bucket who realised I was nearly twice his size.'

***

That's just a small sample of the incidents that happen to cyclists. 9 times out of 10 it happens to be a chav with his/her scallie mates in a crap car or some moron/s in a white van. On the upside one member wrote quite the amusing story after he was abused by a car driver.

Stacks234 wrote 'Just felt the need to add to this; there have been a number of occassions lately where I'll be walking along very late at night or extremely early in the morning where people have driven past and shouted/screamed something at me which is pretty pointless as I usually have head phones in meaning that they are muffled by the music.

I however have had the last laugh a number of times, the reason I'm around that late/early is because I'm a police officer and I've come off duty. It is a real picture to see their faces when I stroll up to the side of the car, flash my badge and ask them to pull over through the lights so that we can have 'a chat'.

I then have a good 5 minutes of bollocking them where I say that I now have their licence plate and a description of the car and driver which I will be flagging up on the Police Network Computer so that if they drive past they will continually get stopped and that their family should expect a visit from two officers the following day to discuss further the penalty for breaking public order involving fines and confiscation of their licence.

Two 'hardnuts' in their car started crying.'

This is an awesome tale. We need more of this happening. What we do need is more laws to prevent cyclists being used for target practice but it would be nigh on impossible to stop it completely. If I had my way both drivers and other road users (cyclists, horse riders too) would have to have a compulsary test every 5 years. Not only would this test for knowledge in dealing with other road users but it would refresh their memories.

Anyway I've moaned enough now; please be careful on the roads and do as I do, treat every driver as a potential idiot until they prove otherwise.

Not Rochdale...

2010-05-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

I didn't go, just lost track of time and ended up doing Pike Circuit. Made a rather fun deviation and instead of turning towards the barns of Rivington I made a right turn and headed towards Anglezark. I have a thing for Chorley so it was only natural I went there; well Adlington actually. The route I followed was the same route I go at night but in the opposite direction; I had forgotten about the short, yet quite steep climb up into Blackrod. Muttering something about crap roads and drivers with no brains I started the climb, finding myself not struggling at all... That was a turn up for the books, I actually got up a steep hill without too much pain.

Flying down out of Blackrod I made a right turn back into Bolton Road, my legs were buzzin' then and I was unstoppable, up until that round-a-bout... Having not used that round about in years I decided it would be best to avoid it and skip around the outside using the pavements (I dismounted). I got back on the road and flew towards Bolton, taking a left onto a dual carriage way, under a bridge and into the Hunger Hill area (scallie central). Shot up the hill threw Hunger Hill, past Barton Grange and amazingly fast (for me) up and over the hill after the crossing.

Felt so good last night that I extended the run to take in Breightmet, just because I could! I managed to do around 50 miles and felt great afterwards. Felt it this morning however. My inner thigh muscles were aching along with my butt muscles. I did ride today but nothing fast ot hard, just took in The Pike and Belmont, then headed home.

Ice Cream, Laptop cases and lycra!

2010-05-13T05:56:00.000-07:00

With help from a few guys over at Bikeradar forums (Fungus, Andy (not typing that nick out!), and Dcab) the over 30s cycle club is on its way! Andy kindly set up a group over at Yahoo so feel free to pay a visit, link will be at the end of this post.

First trip involved a ride to one of the fabled ice cream parlours in the North West. Fredericks has been around for donkey's ages (over 100 years!) and has served many a tired and panting cyclist on their way into or out of Chorley. I recall the first time I went there with my Father back when I started cycling, I couldn't believe he'd dragged me all that way just for a bloody ice cream. I still haven't tried one, last thing I bought was a hot chocolate and that was lovely!

I must admit I feel a little out of my depth. I do not like wearing visible lycra it just doesn't suit me; yet the past rides have shown me maybe I should hide the shyness and scare the living bejesus out of everyone on Saturday. I tried the lycra thing once and I will never forget the smirk on my friend's face when I presented the poor sod with what could only be described as no meat and shrunken veg... Anyhoo maybe these poor fellows need a life scarring incident - I'm sure I have a pink leotard somewhere.

The second ride was with Dcab who turned up 20 minutes early but I like early, tis a good thing. Off we struggled up onto Scout Road using what I lovingly call 'that bloody hill'. We picked up speed somewhat but kept it slow so we could talk. Suddenly he stopped and I assumed he'd dropped something, looking back he'd found a laptop case and looking excitedly into it - was there a laptop inside? Nah! It did get us talking about the stuff we did find in the trash though, it's surprising what people loose. I lost my virginity once, never did find it - if someone does see it can they return it please?

My plan this evening is to head off and mooch around towards Rochdale. I'd like to take a closer peek at the huge wind turbines above Sheepsarse (Ramsbottom), they scare the heck out of me - something to do with War of the Worlds and having nightmares as a sprog. Soon as I can afford a camera that works I shall share the wonderful images I see, and the not so wonderful images of me in lycra...

http://uk.groups.yahoo.com/group/30plusNWC/
http://www.fredericksicecream.co.uk/fredericks.htm

Until next time, ride safe!

Belmont Village, Tockholes, Chorley and bloody roundabouts...

2010-05-06T01:21:00.000-07:00

The weather yesterday didn't seem too promising, it was heavily overcast with 'sprinkles' forecast via the, *cough*, Met Office. After some thought I decided to risk it and I'm glad I did. Setting off I decided to avoid the major routes into the countryside and headed directly to Barrow Bridge. There's a short but quite unpleasant climb there, it starts off very steeply but if you use a large ring on the back it's actually not too bad. For the first time ever I got up there with little or no effort and I was really happy with it. I stopped at the top, looked at the clouds and decided to carry on.

Following Scout Road I hit Belmont Road and headed quickly into the village, it's changed a lot since I was last there with some serious building work ruining what was once a pretty little former mining town. I rode up and through Belmont Village and out the other side remembering well the ugly road that winds along towards Blackburn way. Looking to my right I could see what used to be a full reservior was completely drained, no idea what happened but it looked quite the sad sight.

Eventually I reached the turn which takes you towards Tockholes. At this point I realised I hadn't followed the road before, I used to deviate offroad towards Darwin moor but since I was on a road machine the chance of that happening was null. The road smoothed out and I could get some lovely speed along the undulating thoroughfare towards what I guessed would be Tockholes village. There were a lot of traffic calming measures as I passed through and I tried to strike up a conversation with a rather miserable looking fella. He just gave me a dirty look and continued to suck on his nicotine straw; great first impression! I left Tockholes as quickly as I entered it, scooting up a hill and over a motorway well away from the glaring eyes of doom! The roads were mostly quiet but eventually I found myself at a junction with absolutely no idea where I was.

Trusting my instincts I made a left turn and found myself a lovely downward trip. Over the downhill I heard a rattling, and thought the worst. Looking down I just managed to see my waterbottle cage work loose, detach itself and happily fly across the road. Bugger. Picking everything up I dug around my backpack for the allen keys I always bring with me; but annoyingly the correct size had been left home. So I glanced around and happened to see a guy with his wife going into a house. So I bounded up and told them my problem, the fella vanished and came back with a huge set of allen keys! The cage was soon retightened and I was given directions to Chorley. Many thanks whoever you were!

Getting back on the road I saw a cyclist just ahead of me at the top of a climb, so rather than just try to beat him I caught up and we ended up spending around 15 miles together. He was riding a rather lovely looking Peugeot bike, yellow/black with a lovely wheelset. Apparently it cost him 1100 10 years earlier and he'd spend a lot of time on it. He showed me how to get into Chorley and once we got there we said our farewells and split up. Now it got tricky, I have never seen so many bloody round-a-bouts in one town before - Chorley Council what are you doing?

I looked around and the only cycle lane I saw was on the pavement... Years of telling cyclists NOT to ride on the pavement and now they put cycle lanes on pavements; how silly! Anyway I decided traffic dodging at 3.30pm wasn't the best idea so I got onto the pavement and rode around the traffic until I got to a point which seemed safe. Off I shot, full of pep and vinegar towards Chorley town centre and this is where I started to meet yet more round-a-bouts. I hate them, hate them with a passion but instead of being the nancy I usually am I decided to take them on. Taking the left lane, in the middle of it so cars couldn't over take, I managed to work my way around this terribly designed road network. I thought Bolton was badly designed but this is a joke. Eventually I got clear, and started to make my way out of Chorley and towards Horwich. I passed a school and realised I knew where I was out of pure luck. This gave me some more strength and I climbed into Horwich and only Chorley New Road to make my way home.

I don't think I have ever gone so fast on a bike before, even on the flat. Must have been the most enjoyable ride ever. Not only did I cover 35 miles with no effort but I met 2 lovely people, had a run in with a bottle cage and it didn't rain once! Woo!

The Rake and a near miss.

2010-04-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

My previous post was about my attempt to do the Rake, a nasty little road in Ramsbottom well I'm not gonna lie - bloody hell it is nastier than I thought. It's quite possibly the steepest gradiant I've seen. I managed to get to around 3/4 of the way up and I had to just stop, my legs gave in completely, thankfully a kind fellow nearby offered me a drink at the small cottages nearby so that helped massively! Thanks fella! That is one hill I refuse to give up on but I need more strength training along with more stamina to make it to the top.

Anyway after that run I got home and found my headset was making a grinding noise, eek. This morning I took it into MK Cycles for them to see if they could figure it out. The mechanic, Frank, stripped the headset down had a look and it looked like there was no grease on it at all. He sorted that and the grinding has pretty much stopped. I haven't jetwashed it (don't have a jetwash anyway, or one nearby) so how it was greaseless I don't know. Anyhoo it's sorted now and a lot quieter.

On the way back from MK Cycles I made my way down Blackburn Road, not the quietest road. A large lorry pulled up and I checked behind me to pull out and around it; the traffic slowed and I pulled out a little. A small car came up next to me and he had seen me, then as I turn to the left to get back in lane he decides to side swipe me! I managed to keep control and kept upright as the driver just gave me a blank gormless look. I didn't react it was obvious he was a bit stupid, and I was lucky I'm a good weight. If I'd had been lighter I'd have fallen off and likely been hurt.

Oi drivers, watch your sides and mirrors, there's a reason why there are windows in vehicles - Use Them!

MK Cycles, Bolton - MK Cycles has been around for a good long time. The staff are friendly, knowledgable and don't mind getting their hands dirty. I would recommend them to anyone.

The Rake

2010-04-28T02:07:00.000-07:00

Apparently The Rake in Ramsbottom is a one bugger of a hill so I am gonna give it a go! Plan is to head off today with all my crap (2 tubes, pkit, pump etc) to climb something that gives even pros a run for their money. Wish me luck!

It gets easier with time.

2010-04-27T04:59:00.000-07:00

Like with anything you do a lot of you get better at it. At one time it would take me a good 10 minutes to climb some of the hills outside of my town, but recently I've started to ntice a marked improvement. Old Kiln Lane is a sod for any new cyclist; not only is it quite steep but it's also quite long. I noticed the improvement on a wet Sunday afternoon; initially I turned back when the rain came but thought I'd brave it out. Old Kiln was beaten in under 3 minutes which is a huge improvement to my starter times.

Having carried on in the rain I found myself getting wetter and wetter (common problem with rain it seems), so I decided to head back. Scooting along Scout Road I slipped down a small road that takes you to Barrow Bridge Village, from there I passed Moss Bank Park and flew along Captains Clough smashing full tilt into a huge pothole which punctured my rear tyre. I was not impressed! Luckily the wheel itself was okay, so a flat tyre and slightly annoyed I walked back home.

Monday was lovely, tad cloudy but overall perfect cycling weather. I went up Old Kiln, past a novice cyclist who was huffing and puffing her way up. I tried to give her some encouragement but she didn't seem interested and turn back downhill. Shame really, she was doing really well. I moved onto Scout Road to do the Pike Circuit, a nasty lil run around Rivington, into Horwich then back up Chorley Old Road and into Bolton. Man it was windy! Every direction the wind buffeted the bike like an oddly shaped kite.

The next outing will likely be towards Peel Monument and up around that area. It's quite a nice area and in summer really lovely.

Bury, Long Climbs and Wind Turbines!

2010-04-24T02:26:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at around 1pm I grabbed my water bottle, the old Camelback, and a banana, saddling up the intention was to head to Bury as I haven't been there for a good number of years.

Off I set using Crompton Way as my main access point to Bury/Bolton Road. Crompton Way isn't too bad, although there are road works which narrow the road somewhat, there's very few potholes along the major stretch so well done Bolton Council! I get to Bury Road and felt fantastic; I screamed up past Netto and Mecca Bingo sweeping all before me in a haze of speed. I hadn't felt that good in ages, in fact that's the best I've ever felt whilst riding. Bury Road was riddled with holes some of which had been filled in with some cheap asphalt, dodging them I soon found myself in Bury. Looking at the intersection ahead of me I decided to skip Bury town centre and take a swinging left up a hill; what a hill!

I didn't expect it to be so long so burned my way up it, but it just carried on! Getting half way I found myself hitting the wall and having to stop but oddly I found myself able to carry on very quickly afterwards. I put my exploring hat on and started taking some of the small lanes off the main road. I climb a small hill, well it seemed small but those bloody bushes hit more than I expect! I was absolutely shattered by the time I got to the top, even with my bandana soaking up the sweat I still found some in my eyes. The roads up there were bad, very bad and at one point, due to lack of concentration, I clipped a hole and wangled myself into the pavement edge, bruising my ego and my left leg.

I found myself in Tottington, a place I'd never actually been before, Peel Monument was in the near distance reaching up like a...yes it looks like a penis...sorry had to be said. The roads weren't very well sign posted so I found myself looking at street names, and thankfully in Tottington there were a few street names that kind of give directions. Taking the left I head down past what used to be a great restaurant in which I got food poisoning in the early 90s. Seems road works are being done down there too, with a very narrow lane with no passing room for cars past cyclists, so I dismount and walk around letting the cars zoom past like metal rats in a tube.

I realised where I was and knew my way back from there, so I whacked the bike into high gear and screamed down the hill, realising a little too late that the road was hole riddled, not only making my arms wobble like wobbly things but also twisthing my wrist quite badly. The whole road was festoon with holes, not deep but with enough depth to be a major hazard to anyone on a two wheeled pedalathon (I'm making words up now). Remember when I praised the council? I take it back; sort this sodding road!

Anyhoo I got home in one piece albeit quite sore in many areas mostly due to the holes and my unfortunate meeting between the earth and my left leg. On the upside this weekend is going to be sunny so see you out there!

Relaxing ride?

2010-04-19T01:53:00.000-07:00

The plan was to go on a slow, relaxing ride to a family member's home; never does that happen...

Off I setm slow pace into town, no helmet, no bandana, cheapo gloves and some really terrible looking cycling shorts. I planned to stay in the middle ring and twiddle but that just didn't happen, found myself descending a hill, shifting into high gear and almost sprinting.

Bang went the relaxing ride. Every road was taken at full tilt and I felt great! Not only did I beat my normal times for that circuit but I didn't feel tired when I got home. The only real annoyance was the sweat in my eyes; I should wear a bandana every time...

Run? Are you mad!?

2010-04-18T01:23:00.000-07:00

Apparently so. I've never been one for running, find it painful on the old joints but after buying some proper shoes I'm finding it easier. The cardio work from the cycling is paying off as I can go a lot longer on foot that I could before; but I still find myself massively out of breath compared to the bike. The stomach muscles get a real work out, as do all my leg muscles; you can really feel the effort the body puts in. On my way around the little circuit I do I bumped into 4 students, all drunk out of their minds, discussing whether there was a squirrel in a tree or a blackbird; and one dropped his pants... couldn't help but smile.

After last Thursday's really successful ride up the back of Belmont and into Rivington I put myself on a break for a short while. I tried Friday but my legs just wouldn't move so I decided instead of cycling I'd do a little bit of light weight training to get rid of these love handles. According to my friend sit ups don't actually get rid of the spare tyre they only strengthen the muscles, but doing them anyway is helpful for the biking. Shoulder presses, upright rows, bench presses, along with your usual squats made up most of my little weight training session. Bloody hell did I feel it the morning after!

I doubt there's any cycling to be done today, as much as I want to head out I know I shouldn't as my legs are sore and I need to repair the muscles; so I'm just going to get some shopping done, pick up some cat food for el moggy. Oh and I'd better get some new undies for tomorrow, off to get my bits checked - had some cysts down there for a while and I suspect it's time for a draining. Fun!

Evening Rush Hour!

2010-04-14T02:09:00.000-07:00

I must be slightly mad, no really... Having spent the vast majority of the day in Bolton town centre I decided it'd be an awesome idea to go on a ride to my father's at 5:00PM, smack bang in the middle of the rush hour! I didn't see one cyclist so I believe that proves how mad I was. Most of the time I hit Chorley New Road, drop onto Park Road and swing down past the local park and along Spa Road past the gas works, so taking the same route I then realised something; the traffic was quite heavy...

I wasn't going to turn back, I had family to torment, so I passed Lads and Girls club at around 20mph, just making it through the junction. Normally I pass the magistrate courts and bus station but decided to try Le Mans Cresent instead. As I swung around the corner passing Whittakers (if you know Bolton you should be getting a mental picture now) I saw a lovely group of scallies on the steps of the other courts we have - why do I get the abuse? Sure I look like mash potato poured into a tube sock with a lycra top on but hey I can lose that weight, they'll always be scallies.

No matter, swinging around the Cresent and coming out at the market I take a left turn and head towards the old Canon cinema (which is now overly expensive rabbit hutches); I love this corner and pray that I can hit it at a decent speed. Lights stay green...! WOOOO Around I go, right, with oddly no traffic around at all... That all changed as I hit Bury Road and started the long, up and downy ride to my father's house.

Something about road layouts confuse me; why is it when a car wants to turn right there's always a pot hole to their left? Most of the the time it's a grid which has sunk a little, and this was no exception. It's not as bad as it used to be, someone has tried to fill it in a little and left a small flat bit to the left side. In the past I've had to swing out to the honking of horns - what do they expect me to do? Bunny hop onto the pavement? Maybe jam my anchors on and have them crash into me? Ride over the pothole, hope to god I don't buckle my wheels and end up under theirs? The glare of death usually warns most drivers that I am an irate son of a bitch and they slow for me.

Some of the greatest things about Bolton are the roads, whilst they're usually pot hole stroon (odd word that), we do have some nice swingy roads. A gentle, arching right brings you up a hill and into an area that I always associate with my little brother, Dunstan Street - well Dunstan Street's quite a way from the main road but it still gets called Dunstan, or as he called it as a baby 'Dundun street'. I like this climb, it used to hurt but now I can almost get up it without weesing. The traffic is insanely heavy now, with drivers deliberately pulling left so I can't get past - I'm on a bike you silly person, I can walk around you *hugs traffic jams*. I dismount past 3 cars, whistling some terrible tune by Cascada, remount and wobble my way along Bury road.

The way back from my Father's was an uneventful trip, town was quiet (around 6.30pm) so I could pretty much bomb around. I went back the route I normally go, passing by a large group of scallies playing 'who can hit the other one harder with a tree branch'. Maybe that's the mating ritual of the scallie. Getting home the cat greets me with a 'Oi, where the hell is my food?!' before proceeding to ignore it and want what I'm eating instead.

YAY for cats!

The Rise of the Cycle Club

2010-04-12T01:22:00.000-07:00

I've been pondering the idea for a while now, mostly out of frustration at the lack of suitable cycling clubs in my area. Back in the 90s I ran a small, yet quite successful mountain biking club; at its peak we'd have a good 20 people joining us on Sunday rides. We'd have evening runs where we'd head into Bolton town centre, around Bury Road and into Leverhulm Park and Moses Gate Country Park - great times were had!

Back then there was no age limit on the club, anyone could join but I found that we got quite a few kids joining us. Whilst this was great for them their parents, understandably, were somewhat nervous. So I'd like to skip that completely and also skip the rowdy mid 20s too and propose a 30+ cycliing club. Not only will this club cater for the 'approaching middle age group' but also those of us who aren't megafit. Website set up is simple, as would be a forum; and I'm sure I can wangle some sort of club venue where we can meet, drink and torment the barmaid/man.

I need to test the water on this idea, see how it appeals to other road cyclists. I have friends in various cycle shops so heck I may be able to sort out some sponsored gear at some point, who knows! Anyway should be out on the bike today, would like to avoid the work/school runs so will do some brick pointing for a bit...

On another point, I bought some gloves from the local Pound shop. They're a little tight but have quite the grippy palm area so should work okay with my tape. For a quid I can't complain if they do fall apart but if they remain intacted for longer than a week I say it's money well spent!

Oh it's such a perfect day...

2010-04-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

It's rare you get such a perfect day in Lancashire, normally it's too cold, or too windy, or it's chucking down rain drops the size of mice; today was perfect!

I donned my usual regalia; a tatty pair of baggy shorts, which discreetly hide a pair of lycra padded shorts; got to protect those man bits! First time riding without I couldn't pee for a week! I'm a bit of a bandana freak, I love them! I have quite a few now, mostly gathered from various places around the UK but some also given to me by friends and family. On goes the bright red bandana, the one you don't enter gangland areas in due to fear of being shot... I also throw on my Scott cycle jersey with an Altura windproof top, because on the tops it gets a little nippy!

I set off and start off in a low gear to get my legs warmed up; along Chorley New Road and into the small town of Horwich. Just a few moments into the ride and a driver of a small car decides it's an awesome idea to pull out and block the road so he can get out; I wouldn't mind but he brings a massive train of traffic to a halt and I have to slam my anchors on. We exchange glances, mine being more of a scowl and his being a 'don't care' look About half way along Chorley New you encounter what I call the Round-a-bout of death, it's horrific so I now find myself avoiding it and heading left past Bolton Wanderers' ground. The old Aerospace building is now demolished, making way for yet more rabbit hutch style housing to help our ever growing populace - shame really, they employed a lot of people in this town.

Up a short hill, which until recently used to hurt me, I enter the countryside, at least for a short while. The road is covered with potholes, and it's narrow, with just enough room for 2 cars side by side, so if you're a cyclist you're holding cars up! The best way to deal with it is to actually check around corners and if it's clear you can wave the cars behind through, I tend to just pull in and let them pass. I reach the top easily and make a right turn intent on heading into Blackrod. I catch up with another cyclist who looks like he's on his way home from work, we swap pleasantaries and I head off.

The road from Horwich into Blackrod is pretty bad, there's more potholes than there are plotholes in a Hollyoaks' episode, thankfully you can turn off and head up a slow gradiant into Blackrod itself which is quite the pleasant little town. Once at the top I remembered there's quite a swift downhill but oddly there's never anyone behind me when I start the descent. You have to be somewhat wary of the bottom as it swings out back onto Bolton Road which takes you into Adlington. Traffic is hard to see coming due to having to bend your head in quite the odd fashion to have a look. If you can hit it at full tilt it's awesome but it's rare due to traffic.

Adlington's quite a nice little town but they also seem to have been infected by white spots which the councils claim are round-a-bouts. I believe they're traffic calming measures but seem to be more of a bump for teenage drivers to jump over. Heading past two pointless 'round-a-bouts' I start the climb up a short hill and across a junction. There's a brief climb until you reach a lovely winding road which eventually gives you the option to turn towards Anglezarke Reservior and towards the Upper and Lower Barns. It was packed today, so many cars parked on the narrow roads it was quite difficult to get any speed up.

Swinging past the barns I did contemplate doing the run along Belmont Road but that is one hell of a climb, and someone as new as me would probably keel over and die! Instead I head back into Horwich and back along Chorley New Road. The roads were exceptionally busy, and being as nice as it was that was totally understandable.

I wasn't far from home so I started to put a little more effort into my hill climbs, getting home a lot quicker than I normally do and not actually completely shagged like normal.

I think I'm getting better at this cycling lark!

Spring is here!

2010-04-11T05:09:00.000-07:00

The sighting of the first bumblebee of the year has heralded Spring; not only have my testicles started itching again but I also have the uncontrollable urge to go out cycling. I've done quite a bit over the Winter, even during the heavy snows I managed to get out so I'm quite prepared for the Summer ahead.

The idea of this little blog is to share with others where I go, who I meet, what potholes I find plus maybe some hints and tips to other cyclists out there. This is just the first post of many here, so I hope you'll stick around!

Spring is here! HURRAH!