Long Over Due Update! Do People Still Read Blogs In 2019 ??

It's been a while hasn't it!

I really do not know where the time goes.

I have been incredibly busy, and taken on new challenges and regrettably had to let others pass me by.

So what have I been up to?

I guess there are two bits of major news, firstly my Lands End to John O'Groats is not happening!

It's not even been put on hold, it just is not happening. Time and money I'm afraid have put paid to that little escapade, which I am bitterly disappointed about, but what can you do - you need money to pay the bills!

Swanning off for a month with no income to back me up was just not acceptable, so the decision was made to call it off.

Those of you who have donated, rest assured, your donation went directly to my chosen charity "Pilgrims Bandits" but if you want the money back, after all I did not complete let alone even start then I completely understand and will repay you back myself.

My 2nd bit of news, and I'm sure most of you all ready know this but I have retrained and taken not just my HGV Class 2 licence but also my HGV Class 1.

I now drive articulated lorries long distance all over the UK. I work for a company that does nothing but containers from Ports around the UK.

The main ports I operate from are Southampton, London Gateway and Felixstowe.

I leave home on a Sunday night and usually arrive home, tired, dishevelled and a tad grubby on a Friday night, sometimes even Saturday!

So during the week I live in a truck with about as much living space as two average kitchen tables pushed together!

However, it is cosy and comfy and I nearly always manage to get a good sleep when I'm away.

Above is a picture of my truck with a rather fetching bright pink 40ft container.

I get to travel around the UK, spending my nights either parked up at our depots at the ports mentioned earlier or in service stations/truck stops.

Some places are better than others!

Cycling, well being away from home so much leaves little time to do anything, other than catch your breath, get ready for the next week and sleep.

To be honest I have not had the enthusiasm for it either, which is a real shame as I put loads of effort into getting fitter.

Being a trucker is not the most healthiest of lifestyles!

I'm really not sure what to do with this blog now, I could carry on documenting my travels of being a long distance lorry driver, what I see, where I go, but most of it can be seen either on my Facebook Page or via Instagram.

Do people read blogs anymore? Or is it more Vlogs? - video blogs where the content is recorded, and not written down.

Are blogs like this a thing of the past?

Who knows even how long the platform of blogger will actually operate for?

The other issue is time, when I started my other blog about living in a caravan full time - I had loads of time to dedicate to it.

Now, once I have parked up, I eat and almost immediately I go to bed, spending an hour writing really isn't going to happen.

But, by writing a blog it does create a diary for me, a log of what I have done and what I do over a period of time, and that for me personally is important.

So who knows, it's not like I am short of content, what with the places I travel, clocking an average of 1500 miles weekly.

Plus there is all the kit that I use and could review, one pot meals that I cook etc.

Content is really not the issue, it's time!

Hengisbury Head Return By Fat Bike

I had fixed the puncture on my bike, and the tyre was holding air so decided to go for a ride.

As the wind was light it made sense for a coastal ride, so I headed West.

I did not intend on going far, so a gentle ride out to Hengisbury Head was the destination.

My first stop was Mudeford Quay, I parked up along side the lobster and crab pots.

The tide was high and flowing fast, it was on it's way out. Mudeford is one of the fastest tidal places in the UK, all because it flows through a very narrow channel.

I was heading over to the other side of the spit, I have been over to Hengisbury Head many times but never right to the end and looked back towards Mudeford.

My ride took me through Christchurch and the Quomps, no idea how or why it's called that, but there are a few boats moored up that could do with a bit of attention.

I reckon one more storm and the boat below will sink!

The boat behind it is in a poor state as well! It's a shame to see these boats like this, I wonder what the story is behind them?

From here it is up to the bridge and then follow the river back out to the sea.

Once out at Hengisbury Head Visitor Centre I stopped to use the loo's and noticed that they had installed a bicycle work shop.

This is the first one I have seen on my travels around here and such a brilliant idea.

If only more places would install these.

Finally out at the end of the spit, here there are a good few Beach Huts, and these come with a hefty price tag!

This one is currently on the market for a whopping £300,000 Yes you did read that correct!

To view this shed follow the link -----> Beach Hut For Sale

I rode on to the end of the spit and stopped for a brew.

If you look across the water you can just make out the lobster and crab pots from earlier.

This was my furthest point, so it was time to head East.

I stopped once more in Christchurch at the Norman ruins and then continued my journey home.

My journey was 35.4km in length and was mostly flat.

Ride safe....

Castleman Trail West Of Ringwood And A Puncture On A Fat Bike

For a long time now I have wanted to continue my journey along the Castleman Trail - and old disused railway line.

I have all ready completed various sections starting from as far East as I could (Brockenhurst) and have got up to so far Ringwood.

So today I drove to Ringwood, managed to get parked right next to the start of the trail and headed West.

The trail was in pretty good condition, a few puddles, but nothing that would get your feet wet.

I stopped at Ashley Heath Halt, which still has it's platform as you can see below.

Continuing on, I passed through West Moors and headed out towards Ferndown.

I was a bit pushed for time today, so decided at the 13km mark to turn back.

13km happened to be the point where a foot bridge crosses over the A31.

I stopped here for a brew and set off again, which is when I heard the hiss of air and Stan's muck coming out of my front tyre!

I hoped that the Stans would of sealed it, but the thorn that went into the tyre was just to big!

I limped back to West Moors where in a car park I unloaded the bike and set about repairing the puncture.

I should point out that this was only my second puncture in over 3000km so I have been lucky!

I put it all back together, and air was still escaping. I had about 6km to go, so decided rather then messing about I would ride, then pump up the tyre and continue like that till I got back to the car.

Now there are number of things that could of happened.

1. The patch lifted and air was escaping.

2. Due to the amount of thorns in the tyre and sealed by Stans, when I put the tyre and inner tube back together they made fresh holes and caused another puncture.

3. My tyres were covered in mud, and maybe a piece of grit got inside the tyre as I was putting it all back together.

Any how, I just about made it back to the car. I can confirm that running the front at a really low PSI is bloody hard work!

So tomorrow, my plan is to take the tyre and tube off, clean it all properly, repatch if required and see if that solves the problem.

I do have a spare tube, so worst case scenario I'll use that and buy a new tube.

A ride of 26km, 13 of which were with a slow puncture!

Girt Loada Gravel On A Fat Bike

Another day and more gravel!

Starting again from the same place - Woods Corner (see map below)



I headed North following the same route as the previous time, this time though the sun was out which made every thing look beautiful.

Mind you in the shadows it was still a bit nippy!

In my past post I took a couple of pictures looking across the plain, if I had turned around 180 degrees you would of seen the picture below!

Blue sky, it makes such a difference when the sun is out!

Under the A31, there was still a noticeable difference in wind once I got the other side of the road which was weird.

Over the flooded plain and towards Cadmans Poole, forgetting again to take a picture of the water.

This time I decided to head West and loop all the way around, there were some steep climbs and a couple of fun down hill bits. I'm always dubious about going too fast down hill, especially on a part loaded bike, one wrong move and it's an off and it could be hours before anyone else comes past you to help!

I enjoyed this route as once I had left Cadmans Pool it was all new territory for me.

This is always fun, except when you discover some long climbs, that is not fun!

I managed to bag two Personal Records as well on the trip which is always a good sign that you are doing something right.

I never go out of my way to go faster at any given point it's just a natural increase in speed.

The gravel trails are in great condition, which makes riding relatively easy.

My Brooks saddle, having now had approx 3000km of use is very comfortable, and worth every penny.

If you are considering buying one, do it, you certainly will not regret it.

I stopped for some lunch on the way back, using my Stanley Food Flask, I think these are brilliant for days out, they keep food really hot for long periods. I had steaming hot Heinz Beef Broth which was lovely.

Brewed up and had a cup of tea with honey, and was happy as Larry!

32.95km completed, lovely weather, bit windy and chilly in places, but a great ride out and 98% was all on gravel tracks.

Ride safe.....

All Gravel Cadmans Pool Return On A Fat Bike

Once more I loaded the car with the Fat Bike and headed off into the forest.

Starting at the same place as the other day, I intended to head North, towards the Canadian War Memorial and then across or rather under the A31 and keep going to Cadmans Pool.

On the way by the deer sanctuary is a rather long and in places steep hill, The "Deer Sanctuary Climb" as it is known on Strava is unforgiving.

I have completed it now a number of times, but I was rather pleased this time to discover I had climbed it and broken my Personal Record time!

In fact I managed to break four Personal Records on this ride, so considering I have had time off of the bike, a good result.

My first stop of the day was at a lovely little beauty spot, I often stop here purely for it's quietness and tranquillity.

In the photo below you can see my front rack set up with the bottle and cage mounted.

I carried on from here and up the hill, towards the Canadian War Memorial, not stopping, but carrying up the road a few 100 metres where I turned off again and went off road following a track towards the A31.

Stopped up before the A31, as it was a bit exposed the wind was starting to bite a bit!

Desolate, but beautiful even with it being over cast, if the sun was shining the difference in the colours would be surprising to you.

Under the A31 using an specifically built tunnel, this not only allows people to get across the road safely but also and the real purpose to allow the free movement of animals across the forest.

Once I had crossed the A31 the wind really kicked in, it was considerably stronger!

I carried on climbing up and across some flooded planes towards Cadmans Poole.

I should of taken a photo of the water, but only got one of the entry sign.

As the weather was a bit grim, and the wind chill was making it cold I decided to head home following exactly the same route.

The good thing about doing this was that it was mostly down hill all the way!

I did stop towards the end for a brew and a bite to eat.

This was my view from a strategically well placed bench, perfect for a rest stop!

All in all 20.25km not a bad ride, and very happy with the four Personal Records!

Ride safe.....

Underwood Loop - On A Fat Bike

I've been thinking about why it has taken me so long to get back in the saddle (to coin a very apt phrase)!

To be honest it is blindingly obvious and I should of realised this by now, as it is one of the major obstacles that stop people from riding in the first place.

The roads from where I live are just too busy!

I enjoy off road - gravel tracks, riding on tarmac has no appeal to me what so ever, but to get to the forest it takes me anything from 15 to 30 mins depending on what area I want to ride in.

Some of the areas that I wish to explore would take an hours ride just to get to the start point.

So I have been putting the bike in the car and driving to my start point. I appreciate that this is not environmentally friendly but I'm afraid I'm doing it!

I wanted to start exploring parts of the forest which I have ridden through, but not tried the various paths off.

Just North of the A35 on the Christchurch to Lyndhurst road, I turned left and headed for Anderwood BBQ Site - It has a car park, a BBQ and a loo!




I didn't ride far - just 9.5km but all on gravel or single tracks, it was a bit boggy in places and very windy.

I stopped for a break at the top of a hill, probably not the safest place to stop which was next to a dead tree which had obviously had large bits of it falling off!

It felt good being back on the bike, and although it was a short trip, there were some good sections that got the legs and heart working.

To view my full route check out my Strava below.

Ride safe....

Steady As She Goes - Return To Cycling

It's been a while! 

I sort of lost my way for a bit, not literally, but in my mind. I am hoping that I have now remapped myself and that I can move forward.

So I took myself off out on the bike to an area of the New Forest that I wanted to explore a little more.

I did cheat though, instead of cycling to the area, I loaded the bike into the 4x4 and drove the 5 or so miles to the location.

The car park I was going to use was unfortunately full to the brim with horse boxes, 4x4's and cars.

The day I decide to explore a particular area was the same day as a hunt.

I drove on a couple more miles and decided to to head in the other direction, this did turn out to be the same was as the hunt!

The forest was pretty wet, I did try some paths off of the gravel, but they were just too wet.

I wanted an easy ride, so stayed on the gravel for the most part.

There were a couple excursions off, and found some very secluded and quiet spots.

I had my panniers fitted along with water bottles mounted to the pannier frames at the front. 

The bottles remained within the holders even on some really rough ground, so am happy that having them mounted there works.

Unlike other bikes, there really is a small triangle on the fat bike where the water bottle is frame mounted. I have seen other bikes with 3 bottles mounted within it.

My only other option would be underneath, I will give this a go once I have purchased some heavy duty tie wraps.

At the moment I can carry 4.5 litres of water which I reckon is probably enough anyway.

The red extended mudguard at the rear works a treat, it may not look pretty but if keeps all the shite off of my back and for that I really don't care what it looks like.

All in all a good day on the bike, just over 17 km, not a long ride, but enough to get the lungs working and I just felt better for getting out on the bike.

I was only 5 minutes from the car on my return and it started to rain, so managed to get away without getting soaked which is always a bonus!

Ride safe...

Sand Banks Beach Return On A Fat Bike

The weather was bright and sunny but a tad nippy with a frost to start the day.

A slight breeze coming from the East so I knew I would have a tail wind to start with but the return leg would be a bit harder.

I had my sights set on Sandbanks, and the Pavilion before you get to the posh houses on the spit where the ferry is.

I set off loaded up as I normally do, I like to ride with a heavy load as the ride is then more realistic and I get more out of it.

I was wearing my skull cap under my helmet which really kept my ears and head warm, it's thin material with a layer of fleece type material. Excellent and even when wet with sweat it still kept my head and ears warm.

I will have to take a picture of it!

I left my house and headed for Highcliffe, once at Highcliffe Castle you are right on the coast and up high which gives you spectacular views.

This is looking towards Mudeford, beautiful sandy beaches.

I knew that today would be tough so I made sure I stopped often and took on plenty of fluids.

On the way back this was a necessity rather than I requirement, but more about that later!

From here I dropped down to Mudeford Quay, not many around today. During the summer it can be mobbed!

Low tide at Mudeford, an excellent place to go crabbing.

Onwards towards Christchurch, the ferry not working during the week in the winter, so I had to go the long way round.

Not that it is a chore, a lovely ride in fact and out towards Hengisbury Head.

Turning right towards Southbourne and then down onto the sea front.

You then stay on National Cycle Route 2 all the way, past Boscombe, Bournemouth and eventually out towards Sandbanks.

It was fantastic weather, and out of the wind the sun was really warm.

Plenty of people out and about especially through Boscombe and Bournemouth as you would expect.

I do get frustrated with people though. There are plenty of signs to say that cyclists are allowed, and that pedestrians have priority which I have no problems with.

What I do have a problem is with people who feel it is their right to obstruct me!

One guy at Boscombe decided not to move even though I saw him looking at me, I had to say to him, "If you don't move for me I hope you move for the Land Train which is right behind me"! He soon jumped! 

I just don't get it, even when certain parts of the sea front are road, they amble along right in the path of moving cars!

Anyway, rant over!

I finally got to Sandbanks Pavilion which was built in 1928.

I sat undercover, and out of the breeze, put my hoody on to keep warm and put the hood up.

However this did make me look like a "Tramp"!

I'm sure a woman looked at me and took an extra ride berth around me!

I was not that prepared for the trip, so all I had on me apart from a few cereal bars was a Pot Noodle, so out came the stove and I boiled up some water.

I have to add that at this point I did feel rather knackered, it was December since I last rode properly and having the time away from the saddle has really made a difference to my fitness levels.

The journey back was slow, and I do mean slow with plenty of stops.

I have completed this trip with only two stops before, not today, I must of stopped a dozen times!

Although stopping does have it's advantages, you tend to find people talk to you which I really like.

On my way down I stopped to talk to a guy who was living rough, and talking to him found out that it was a lifestyle choice and not because he had no other options.

He told me that he had walked the length and breadth of the UK and had made a pilgrimage to Israel. However they would not let him in as he had no money and had to walk all the way back to the UK again!

A fascinating bloke who I could of easily stayed talking to all day.

An old guy stopped to talk to me about my bike and we ended up talking about motorbikes for 10 minutes.

I talked to an old lady who was in her 80's she was a keen cyclist in her day and wanted to know all about my Fat Bike!

I think that by giving people the time of day and making conversation, you learn so much.

I finally made it home absolutely shattered, my arse was sore, my legs ached as well as my arms. 

It really did surprise me how much fitness I had lost.

But I managed 55km which isn't bad all things considering and it did feel good to be back out on the bike!

So, today is a rest day, but I'll be back out Saturday morning for a short ride just to get the muscles working again.

Ride safe 

Brain - Body And Fat Bike Shake Down!

I had to wait around this morning for the guys from "Currys" to turn up with our new washing machine.

As soon as they had I was planning on heading out on my Fat Bike for a trail ride.

I have previously mentioned that due to injury, illness and a broken frame I had not been able to ride and that led into becoming apprehensive about actually riding again.

So when everything was sorted and the new machine was plumbed in and working it was time to get back out there.

I only planned a little 5km ride, wanting to keep it local.

This was for two reasons, firstly there have been a lot of new components and upgrades added to the bike and I wanted to ensure I was not too far from home if anything went wrong.

The second was that I was not sure how my wrist would cope.

The end result you will hopefully be pleased to hear was that everything was ok.

The bike was fine, all though a little sticky going through the gears, (just need a little more lubricant on the chain).

I had no problems with my wrist at all, I purposely rode along a rough track to see how it would handle it, but all good.

All in all a good result and feel better and more confident to get back out there.

With the weather looking good tomorrow I think I'll head out for a longer ride!

Ride safe...

Moving Forwards

I'll be the first to admit that 2019 did not get off to a flying start!

We spent New Year's Eve in Holland and on our return I immediately went down with Man Flu - Proper Job as well!

That knocked me about for 3 weeks, I then discovered that my Calibre Dune Fat Bike had a crack in the frame - and that took a bit of sorting out.

Then whilst at work I managed to knacker my wrist which took me out of the picture completely.

As the day is the 13th Feb - that's nearly a month and a half off the bike!

I still haven't got back on it yet.

I must admit I could of gone out on it yesterday for the first time but to be totally honest I just did not feel like it.

These past few weeks have really played on my mind and I had started to doubt my ability, my drive and passion for cycling and the reliability of my bike!

This of course is bad news for me, I need to pick myself up and get on with it.

I know I enjoy cycling, I know I enjoy my Fat Bike - My wrist is not 100% but not far off so I really have no excuses, I just need to get on with it and stop being such a fanny!

So later today I am off out for a quick spin, just to see how my wrist holds up, plus a shake down of the bike after all the new components have been fitted.

I'll let you know how I get on!

Ride safe!

Fat Bikes For Sale On Amazon

In a previous post I highlighted a number of Used Fat Bikes that were for sale on Ebay.

So today I thought I would take a look to see what was available on Amazon.

These are all new, and to be honest they are really aimed at the Budget Market.

None of these bikes would be any good for the serious rider, but they do have a place and that is for the rider who is maybe just starting out, and wants a cheap, new bike that will get them back out there.

And, if it ends up sitting in a shed after just a few rides then they have not spent a ton of money!

So these cheap bikes do have an important place, if the rider does get the bug it will not take them long to realise that they want a better bike and will end up selling the cheapy and spending a bit more on a better bike.

I have picked five bikes - no order, just the first five that pop up when you search for them.

The first is a Moma FatBike 26" wheels that have solid rims so the weight of this bike will be considerable. Shimano gears and levers and disc brakes fitted.

It also has two different frame sizes to choose from.

At £339.90 it's not a great deal of money.



The 2nd bike is a Pedalease Big Cat Fat Bike.

Steel frame and a Shimano 21 gear set up. Cut out rims to help with the weight and comes in at £359.00. It also has front suspension to soak up the bumps. 



The 3rd bike really is a budget bike!

The Ridgeyard 26" Fat Bike has a steel frame, 7 gears, disc brakes, solid rims and a sprung saddle.

Don't expect too much out of it, but if you are just riding around the park then this maybe the one for you!

At only £225.99 this has to be the most inexpensive brand new Fat Bike around!



The fourth bike is a bit more expensive but still sub £500.00

The Montana Vektor has an aluminium frame, 16 gears, disc brakes and Shimano components hence the price of £481.80



The fifth and final bike is a JHI Insanity Black Extreme

Only 7 gears (Shimano) but does have front suspension and hydraulic brakes. Solid rims won't help with the weight and it does not say what the frame is made of.

But at £299.95 a cheap entry level bike.



So there you have it - Five sub £500.00 fat bikes for sale on Amazon.

Ride safe..