18th January 2024 - Surly Pugsley - snow ride attemp to commute

 The last couple of days has been quite snowy here in the north of Scotland. 

Lots of snow lying, which is good fun for the dog and our playing in the fields but can be a pain getting into work in the morning. Usually once out our quiet road and up to the main road into Thurso it is plowed and gritted. Last night we had a lot of snow come down and we also started getting 30 to 40 mph winds drifting it across the roads. Our small road being one that doesn't get gritted or plowed meant that it was soon built up in waves a couple of feet high. 

I had the work van home with me the night before and there was no way it was getting up the road as the 4X4 of the farmers only made it half way. I then decided that I would commute in on the Pugsley, or at least give it a half hearted try, might not get into work but at least I would get a ride in the snow :) 

Our road was pretty deep  and on the main road there was a good three inches of snow blowing around hiding the ruts underneath. I tried a couple of the back roads to stay of the main road and out of the way of what minimal traffic there was, but these were just a couple of tyre tracks in the snow for the most part. 

So I didn't succeed in getting into work, not quite what I would class as a failure, but I did get a good ride and solid workout in, as well as spent quality time with Pugsley. So a pretty good day I think. 

Later on one of the locals came with a teleporter and bucket and scooped the road clear but the wind and snow was coming in so fast within half an hour it looked like he had never been. So may not be able to get in tomorrow unless something else happens overnight.  

Whatever the weather I hope your making the most of it. 

Jamie 

Monday 8th January 2024 - Local Ride - Long Haul Trucker

 Today was the first nice sunny day we have had this year and while I was busy in the morning I now have a few days off work. So wanting to make the best of it I thought i would get a quick ride in this afternoon. 

It was very cold today despite the sun being out, though this time of winter there is not much heat in it and so the ground, ie, the road was quite icy all day. 

I decided that I really should get my Long Haul Trucker out for a ride, check it over and get it ready for a couple of late winter/early spring audax rides that I am hoping to get to. I must admit I haven't really had much time on the Trucker this last year, a bit of commuting but not used for audax or touring  much at all. Despite not being used much for several months all that was needed after a quick check was just some air in the tyres and we were good to go. I on the other hand was well wrapped as it was only just, if at all above freezing, which was also evident by the ice on the roads. 

I was out for a couple of hours just meandering along the quiet back roads trying to stick to the higher roads that had maybe defrosted fully. This seemed to be fine as there was some frosty parts to these roads with puddles still being ice but generally not too bad. It was only as soon as the sun starting dropping away that the temperature quickly followed and sections that were merely wet before were now freezing up. Just had to take it steady deliberately. All fine.

The Long Haul Trucker ran superbly. I realised while I was riding that I built this bike up about 13 years or so ago. It has been used for touring, audax, commuting as well as pulling my toddler at the times trailer, then his Yepp seat and always a pleasure to ride. Besides replacing consumables as well, I think it is pretty much in the same setup as well. I suppose if it works why change and it works, rides and feels brilliant :) 

Happy New Year to all. 

Jamie  

 

Sunday 7th January 2024 - Jack Taylor Super Clubman Local Coastal wintery ride.

I hope everyone has had a happy Christmas and New Year. Here is to a safe and peaceful 2024  

Well back to the start of another year and I must admit I am off to a late start with my Jack Taylor, or any of my road bikes. The weather has been so abysmal since New Years last week that I had one mtb ride so far.

I managed out yesterday, Sunday, on the Super Clubman as it was the first dryish day we have had. The roads were still quite wet in places but the temperature was up slightly so thought to make the most of it and try and kick the retro ride year off. The state of the roads was pretty bad even on this often used backroad route I do regularly.
Still, always a pleasant experience riding this bike, It is nice to ride regardless of the conditions. Just fits so nicely.
I was thinking when riding along about maybe fitting it with the 8 speed triple kit and using it for a couple of audax rides this year. Hmmm....

Jamie