Glutton for punishment

I picked up Everest from Gerry Shields today. Just shy of a ton for her to have a nice shiny silver (used to be black) stem, headset, rear derailleur and gear cable.

As she's not been ridden for a week, I took her on a spin - it was intending to be shortish, but kinda grew into a longish ride. A ride that was made difficult by my aching legs after yesterdays track exploits!

I set off towards Hollinwood in Oldham taking the right turn just before the M60 to take me towards Ashton Rd which I cut across and towards Glodwick, onto Kings Rd, Summerfield View and Alt Lane, through a little bit of Park Bridge before joining Lees New Rd and my Hartshead Pike route. As I haven't been over to the Pike at all since saying I would make it a New Year resolution (I have done other hilly routes though), I though I better get up there before the month is out.

Up I went along Thornley Lane and Lane Head Rd, past Lily Lanes and onto Broadcarr Lane for a little downhill section before turning left to head through Upper Mossley on Stockport Rd and Mossley Rd to bring me out in Greenfield. A welcome break was needed here as my legs were beginning to hurt and I was carrying my backpack with my normal clothes in - I walked for 40 minutes to get to the bike shop, and certainly wasn't going to do that in full bike gear, not with all the workmen about anyway!

After a welcome bacon butty I went for a little lane ride just off Uppermill's main road and came out on Holmforth Rd not too far from the Chew Valley roundabout. Nice little level road here let my legs ease off a bit before I punished them again with the lovely undulating Huddersfield Rd and it's continuous humps and drops until I nearly fell off in Stalybridge (not quite sure what happened to make me nearly fall off though!).

I snuck along the roads through an industrial estate to get me into Dukinfield, just so I could have another road that felt like it was downhill before my super speedy dual carriageway-esque road home.
For a 'test' ride I think I tested her pretty well - wore myself out in the process - and she's running better than she has since her last service.

I'm glad I have a rest day before the Middleton CC club run on Sunday, as I don't think I'd be able to get very far if I were to ride tomorrow! It's just a case of putting all the attachments back on her and leaving her well alone for a day before ploughing on with the challenge.

There would normally be a button link to mapmyride right about here. For some odd reason mapmyride cannot be found my my Internet connection right now, so I'll have to post the route map tomorrow or asap.

Boring bits - Wintry showers, cold winds and dull/grey. About 2 degrees.
Maximum mph: dunno - I left my PC at home Average mph: I left my PC at home Distance: 24.17 miles 1165ft climbed 1 knackered rider!

I'm bored!!

Until I get Everest back from Gerry Shields I'm getting very bored!

Past few days have been spent filling in job applications, trying to sell stuff on eBay and doing nowt generally. Humph!

Still, I have the track session to look forward to. No doubt I will be the only female on there at stupid o'clock in the morning - usually the only female on the track regardless of what time I go actually. At least it'll get the legs spinning for whenever Everest comes home.

She can be fixed!!

Having heard nothing from Gerry Shields over the weekend (spoke to Chris on Friday and he hadn't had a chance to look at her yet), I was beginning to worry a little that she was badly damaged. I know that Chris is pretty much the only guy in the shop and he's the mechanic and shop guy too, so I also knew that if it gets hammered in there it's difficult for him; even so, there were worries.

But I got a text off him today to say that he's examined her and she can be repaired for about 100.00 - that's to sort out the rear derailleur and the headset problems she has. Now all I have to do is let Dad know how much as I'm pretty sure he said he'd pay for her repairs.

Hurrah!! Hopefully she'll be repaired by the end of the week, then it'll be a few long rides to get the challenge finished. It WILL get finished this time round, even if it kills me!! Til I get her back there's my track session to do - although walking the trackie to the velo in heavy rain (forecast for Thursday) isn't sounding appealing.

Everest is poorly!

I was meant to be riding with Amy today. Plotted a fab route with great country roads and a spot through Tatton Park, but alas, I had to cancel last minute when I found Everest was poorly sick.

After Sunday's ride she badly needed a wash, so I lobbed her into the tub where I could clean her to my hearts content (I'm in a first floor flat, so no outside space to clean her). She got lovingly degreased, cleaned, lubed, tweaked etc and was left to rest for a day before I rode her again on Tuesday to the failed appointment. After that ride she needed a scrub again, so again she was in the tub having a scrub.

All was hunky dory.

This morning, I'd got all my stuff sorted, got into my kit, took her downstairs, put her on the floor so I could lock the door. KER-THUNK!!!! Looked down at her and my heart sank....the rear derailleur had snapped off. Completely off!
When I told Amy she advised it may need tightening up with the allen key, but nope, it needed emergency surgery! Bugger! I was really looking forward to the ride, and I think Amy was too as it's been a while since we last rode together - when I had the crash in November was the last ride together.

So began the 40 minute walk to Gerry Shields to book her in for repairs. Chris Shields took one look at her and was gobsmacked - this thing happens in after a large knock to it. Other than the bouncing she did in the crash (after which she had a very good scrutinous service), she's not had any knocks when I've ridden her or lugged her downstairs, so my only thoughts are when she's been locked up with other bikes - Jean Keith ride or CW ride. Either way, Chris isn't too sure of how he can repair her or how much it's gonna cost me. She'll be having her headset replaced at the same time too as that was a plan for the start of this year anyway.

I can still plough on with the challenge for now as I have the track session booked for next week, so that'll mean another 10-15 miles. I'll just have to do the remaining miles in as few rides possible and make them long...when I get her back of course.

Homecoming 1

The Everest is home! Hurrah!

Got a call on Monday to say she was fixed, but obviously with all the trips to hospital my bike was the last thing on my mind...although I had run out of clothes drying space while she was away - I use her body you see!

I collected her on Saturday morning and she's looking good. She bravely sustained no damage in the crash, so all that she needed doing was a fine tune and have her rear brake and gear cables replaced. Chris had even managed to find some cables to match the colour of my bike!

Once things get back to normal I'll post a picture of her on here for you all to see ;o)

Poorly bike :o(

Well, the Everest has now gone to the bike hospital (Gerry Shields) for some much needed love and attention - he's been very kind and has said he'll do his best to get it done this week for me.

As my ribs are practically screaming at me every time I move recently though, I think it's fair to say the challenge is over for now.

I have planned to start it up again in January - what a way to start the year with a challenge!!

Between now and then, I'll be giving my poor body it's much needed rest and recuperation and trying to get some sleep (not doing well at the moment as I'm lucky if I catch 5hrs each night).

My new helmet has arrived and looks lovely - a Specialized S-works 2D Team Edition Helmet - a bargain at just 69 quid! All I need now is for Everest to make it home again safely and looking brand spanking new. She has made a few more admirers too - a few guys in Gerry Shields's shop were very appreciative of her looks and that she's an authentic Eddie McGrath hand built bike. She's had other admirers, usually on the sportives that I've ridden with Amy, but to know there are locals too, I'm sure she'll be happy about that!