Sunday February 28th 2021 - Mercian King Of Mercia Tourer - Local lockdown ride

 Lovely weekend and nice dry roads so itching to get out. I had lots to do yesterday and a few things to finish off but as we are still in lockdown and I can't really vary the rides too much after all this time I would vary what I take out. So as I was working on the changing the tandems handlebars I thought, 'I might just throw all the Arabesque stuff back on the Ventoux Flying Scot and take that out. Shouldn't take too long, I had most of the morning to organise as Caleb wanted us all to go and have a picnic at his horse seen as it was such a nice day. It is also the only time he and Heather can leave the yard as they are still shielding. So a plan was hatched that I would build the Flying Scot and I would meet them up there. 

..... well, it didn't quite work out as the only thing that was holding me back was I couldn't find the safe place where I had put the top tube cable clamps. I even tried the Dia Compe BMX ones I have in the loft, but no, they were a slightly bigger size. Almost out of time, what will I ride now?   I pulled the Mercian King of Mercia tourer out the loft and gave it the once over and thought, it will do.  

I ended up riding up to the farm where Calebs tiny pony is and having a nice lunch next to the watering hole with the horses. Afterwards I said to Heather I would take a longer way back but shouldn't be too long. Well the Mercian was riding so nicely, smooth, slick and setup lovely that I spent the next few hours wandering the counties back roads before taking the scenic coastal route home. This one rides really lovely and seems to fit a bit better and the geometry suites nicely as well. Oh well, maybe I painted the wrong Mercian ;) 

What a great way things ended up as I am so glad I took the Mercian out, such a nice riding machine and it was just one of those satisfying rides. 

As it was I made it home to set up the pizza oven once again for a lovely dinner with the family. Think I am ready to face another week now. 

Hope you all had a nice weekend and hopefully had some nice weather. 

Jamie

Sunday 21st February 2021 - Jack Taylor Lockdown ride to Dunnet Head

 What a difference a day makes!

Yesterdays ride with my little man on the Flying Scot tandem was cold and pretty bleak for the most part, and then todays ride was in lovely sunshine, though still cold, and to balance it, a pretty strong gusting wind, about 30mph. Today though it was the Super Clubman, the nicest, sweetest ride. 

Decided after heading into town yesterday I would head up towards Dunnet Head taking in some nice quiet backroads as well as some of the nice hidden tracks. These are usually no problem for the Jack Taylor when taken with respect but today, while not a real problem were awfully boggy and wet. 

Then I turned to head back into the mother of all head winds. I knew it was bad when at the top of Dunnet Head the bike is almost laid over in one of the photos otherwise the wind just flipped it completely over every time I stood back to take a photo. 

It was a long slog into it all the way home but still worth it. Tonnes of wildlife about, including a Kite, Buzzards and the usual couple of dozen seals. Early days but Kittywakes and others starting to fill the cliffs. Then it was home to pizza with the family! Lovely day

I am lucky to have these rides on my doorstep especially during lockdown. 

Jamie 

Saturday 20th February - Flying Scot Tandem lockdown ride - To Thurso

 Out today for a ride into town with Caleb on the Flying Scot tandem. 

The weather was nice this morning but rain was forecast so knew we had to head into town before lunch. Needed to speak with Sam in the bike shop and so the destination was set. Had planned on just going for a ride solo but glad Caleb was itching for a ride as it meant we could ride in on the tandem. I still haven't stripped it or changed the bars or levers despite them all sitting on the bench. It was just nice to be out riding together. 

Anyway just after we left the wind picked up and the sun was soon lost behind the clouds growing darker and more menacing as time went on. We had wet roads in town so must have just missed a shower but luckily for us we stayed dry.  

We still managed a good ride to town, a loop round the harbour and sea front before racing the rain home. 

Great to be back out with my wingman. Cold still but a really nice ride. 

Jamie

Monday 1st February 2021 - Pugsley fresh Snow ride - Local Lockdown

 Wow! what a difference a day makes. 

It started snowing as we were eating our pizza last night and while only light, it was a nice white scene that greeted me this morning. It is also very fortunate that I have today (Monday) and tomorrow off work, a couple of days before we go into a busy spring once again. 

So with everyone sorted with Heather busy and Caleb doing his schoolwork online I thought it best if I get out on the Pugsley and see how the beach looked ;) 

The snow was great to ride on and while I didn't go too far or for too long it was nice to be out in the snow and sunshine. It wasn't as much as a lot are getting at this time of year but for us on the coast it is just fine.  The tide was incredibly high so couldn't get too far in either direction off the beach so just had to be satisfied with a bit of playing and meandering on the farm roads higher off the shore. What a great way to start the day, then home, lunch, help Caleb with some work then a family walk to the beach with the dog and now just about to do some resto/maintenance work  on the non acoustic bike. And..... I still have another day off!! 

Jamie

Sunday 31st January 2021 - Jack Taylor Coastal Lockdown Ride

 A few photos from todays ride out round the coast up here in the far north Scotland on the Super Clubman with a few detours through the woods and gravel roads.

A good time through the woods with the normally muddy tracks and trails frozen nicely, though some very slick patches about. Some nicely hidden sections in one wood with a walled garden type section whose entrance is concealed by overgrowth for about 11 months of the year, despite only being about 100 metres off the main track. Peaceful place to sit and have a snack and drink, with a couple of deer nearby being the only company.

Lockdown rides mean trying to keep the routes fresh while still covering the same ground. Try to vary it about for my own sanity but am glad I even managed to get out on the road due to the ice and wet conditions lately. The salt or grit they put on the roads combined with the fact they never truly dry out means that any and everything metal quickly gets destroyed. It was definitely a lovely day, though barely above freezing if at all, though that just added to it I suppose.

Home in time to get the pizza oven out and refuel with Heathers fabulous pizza, then while we were in the kitchen eating it started snowing! Strange days indeed.

Stay safe.

Jamie