23rd January 2022 - Local ride, same roads different bike - Mercian King of Mercia tourer

 A couple of photos from this afternoon’s ride on the Mercian, this time. Same roads as yesterday.

Put some new guards and my old bigger rack from the other Mercian to ready it for winter commuting duties, especially if the weather stays like this.

Runs so lovely and effortlessly, have finally got the setup just right I think. Though I will wait to wrap the bars properly once I am certain.

Jamie

22nd January 2022 - Late afternoon meander on the Jack Taylor Super Clubman

 A few photos from Saturday afternoon’s late ride out on the Super Clubman.

Cold but clear day, roads were relatively dry so made the most of it. Roads are normally far too icy on the backroads and also covered in grit on the main roads, so nice to still be able to take the nice Clubman out.
Didn’t have long, just a couple of hours so stayed fairly local meandering the backroads, just enjoying riding a lovely bike just for the sake of it.

January seems to have been unusual in being quite nice days, still the normal cold temps and a bit icey but not the bad weather or snow we are used to. This time of year would normally see us on the Fatbikes or 1x1s getting ready for the Puffer 24hour, which has been cancelled once again due to Covid restrictions. 
Hope the weather was decent where you are.

Jamie

8th January 2022 - Frosty Winter ride, Thurso - Jack Taylor Super Clubman

A couple of photos from the 8th Jan. Had a couple of hours to spare and thought, while it is cold it's a glorious day so need to get out and ride.

There was a bit of frosty ice on our small road but not too bad, the main road was clear but had been gritted a day or so earlier but was damp in places.

Plan was to head south on the back roads. This was scuppered when I crossed the main main road and turned up the hill only to find it covered in decent ice. I had another local rider come past heading towards town and he said all the back roads were frozen and pretty dangerous. Not much choice then, left or right on the main road. Right it was and the long uninspiring grind into town. despite it being below zero all day, it was actually a nice Sunday ride into town which was quite busy with people being out making the most of the sunny day. The surfers were out in force at Thurso east as it was a pretty decent swell. So not that exciting a ride but a nice one anyway as always good to be out riding.

Jamie

2nd January 2022 - Jack Taylor Coastal ride

 Today or I should say late this afternoon’s ride I picked up from yesterday and headed the opposite direction to basically just get a couple of hours in round the coast on the Super Clubman. Was busy during the day with family but made some time late on as the forecast up here was for rain this evening and through tomorrow then Tuesday 70mph winds and days of snow, so could be the last chance for a few days as I am back to work Weds. that will give you a reprieve from my holiday posts 

Late start meant lights on from the go, wind was picking up steadily and the clouds were coming in. I explored a few coastal paths and tracks and also discovered a few shortcuts between my usual trails.
The rain caught up to me on the few miles of main road before home, though only light, so was pretty lucky.
Just love riding this JT, does everything on road, off road, bit of cyclocross today as well. Though there were bits where I was thinking of Eric's Jack Taylor off roader, atb that he had for sale. Alas too big for me, but it would have been nice 

Jamie

1st January 2022 - Jack Taylor Super Clubman New Years Day ride. - start the year as it's meant to go on

 Happy New Year to all.

I hope everyone has had a lovely day and started the year on a good footing.

I had a lovely sunny visit to the horses with Heather and Caleb this morning.

I got the year off to a decent riding start, with a late afternoon ride out on the Super Clubman. I really wanted to start it as I mean it to go on. Headed into Thurso taking a a couple of scenic detours before trying to race home before it got too dark.

Very cool and crisp but a bit of sun up there breaking through so off to a good start.

Jamie

31st December 2021 - New Years ride on the Jack Taylor Super Clubman

 While I have been riding the Jack Taylor recently, I must admit despite being my favourite ride it was little used during December. Mainly due to the weather, what with gale force winds most weekends, work and also that I had a few rides planned for the cargo bike but thankfully I had four relaxing days off at Christmas and had a wonderful time with the family and also managed to get out riding on all four days. 

Tuesday I had the bulk of the afternoon to myself and it was a lovely clear, wind free day, though my phone was saying it was minus 1.c 

It was a local ride heading south then west on the back roads and farm tracks leading in a loop for a nice relaxed ride over some familiar roads. Some of the backroads had seen no traffic or sun as they were still very icy in places. There was a few tractors about and I had to very slowly pick my way along about 500metres of road that was about an inch thick in semi frozen mud and slurry. Thank god for mudguards.

Anyway I just thought I would share some photos.

Jamie