Cris Bloomfield

Off-road in Durham

Last night was a first. An off-road ride in Durham on the cross bike. For months I’ve been looking at various tracks and trails as I walk around the city, but this was the night to explore them.

60 seconds from the office

Of course it was far from smooth. My heart rate monitor was not working (probably dead battery), I forgot my biking shoes (in a bag in Formby) so I was mincing about on trainers on SPDs, one trail was closed due to landslides, there was some insane steep stuff, I found some bermed descents and Wahoo stopped recording when I took the photo.

It was great.

Peak District Biking

Had a weekend away in Buxton so threw the Singlespeed in the car and planned for a ride. Saturday morning rode up towards Long Hill out of town taking the Midshires Way. I caught up with a local fella near the top of the climb and we rode around together.

The steep climb out of the Goyt valley by Taxal defeated me but I managed most of the ride on a 32:16 without hiking. By the time we reached Derbyshire Bridge I was hanging on and the descent down into Burbage which is rapid on the Remedy was a bit of a disappointment.

Good ride all in all. Need some new shoes as the grips on the soles are pretty shot on mine these days.

Super Singlespeed

The Independent Fabrication Deluxe Singlespeed turns 11 this year, the bike’s evolved over the years but the heart is still strong and it’s aged well. I had to give the Chris King rear hub a mini service this week as the ring drive was all gummed up, but it should be back on the trails again this weekend.

2004
Deluxe Singlespeed rear view

2008
Not that clean

2009
Deluxe Singlespeed

2012
Untitled

2015
Independent Fabrication Deluxe Singlespeed 2015

Independent Fabrication Deluxe Singlespeed 2015

To the Beach

Had the boys out on their own bikes this morning for the first time this year. It was a bright clear day and cooler than in past weeks. I wanted to try and taking the stabilisers off the big bike but that didn’t happen. Given progress on the balance bike we’ll probably need another bike with pedals in the summer. There’s nothing plenty of time to get the eldest independent on the bike, but I was inspired seeing a three year old competing last weekend at the CX race.

To the Beach!

This afternoon took the lads out exploring. Found some boggy bridleways that were not suitable for towing on so I’ll avoid them, but in the end did find a good route with off road options most of the way to the red squirrel sanctuary in the pine woods which was a result for me (plus found loads more to explore) and the boys had a January ice cream.

Racing

Many moons ago I started mountain biking and when I watched the Cyclocross racing in Durham last year, it fired up a desire to get back to my roots. My early mountain biking had a lot in common with Cyclocross so it seemed logical to give it a crack. With my mates Cheri Mills and Neil Mottershed we signed up for the final round of the Lazer NWCCA league at Dalton near Skelmersdale. I was rubbish, but trundled round, nothing broke and I want to do it again and do better. Roll on next season.

Cross Racing

Great atmosphere, good sense of camaraderie and a chance to put an American import to it’s intended purpose.

Cross Racing

Trailer Adventures Part Deux

Trailer Ride

A year ago to the day everything went into storage. That meant no mountain biking in 2014. None. Zip. Nowt. Nothing.

That sucked.

So this year that’s going to change. The bikes are back (and the trailer). I’m going to ride them like I used to.

Medicine Cabinet

I am a believer in the medicinal properties of Whisky. I may not drink it in any recognisable quantity, but the water of life has kept me going and nursed me back to health in the good company of honey and lemon over the years. I scored a couple of extra bottles over the Christmas break and I’m looking forwards to sharing them and savouring each dram.

Single malt collection

County Durham and Cross

Weekend in Durham, so out on the bike today heading up towards Consett and the hills. Felt a bit ropey out of the blocks but after clearing the lungs on the ride up to Sacriston, seemed to find a comfortable pace. Plenty of climbing, and a still, but chilly Sunday afternoon ride.

County Durham

Back in Durham we’ve had a weekend full of Cyclocross. Yesterday was the CXNE Round 9 & University Champs and I was back in time today for the final races of the 3rd round of the British Cycling National Trophy. Inspiring Racing…

IMG_7596_2

Au Revoir Champdor

Local Biking

After several years of pursuing the dream we’ve backed out of our bit of France. I’m going to miss it.

Still Here

Not riding, working lots, balance needs to change. Have some riding stuff to back date and plans to turn pedals again soon. Missing the warm weather and long evenings now autumn is here.