Author Archives: barneybear69

After having competed in the Cyclone every year and taken part in the Great North Bike Ride I wasn’t intending n entering any sportives this year. Until a Facebook group I’m in called ‘Cycling Around the North East (UK)’ started … Continue reading →

In 2016 instead of a UK based challenge I decided to organise a trip abroad. The plan was to tour the mountain range of Mallorca whilst lugging our panniers with us, staying in a different location each night and still … Continue reading →

I post many photos when I’m out cycling around the North East region, many of them are cake related and I often get asked, where is that cafe? So I thought I’d drop in a post just about the cafes … Continue reading →

In late December 2014 I thought I’d treat the chopper to a replacement chain, which I ordered and fitted . Unfortunately I didn’t get chance to test it right away and ditched the old chain. When I did get around … Continue reading →

As the (Chopper) season draws to a close I realise that following the C2C there are many adventures I haven’t documented and details I haven’t previously explained. One thing I didn’t explain was that I added ANOTHER external gear, giving … Continue reading →

Just to let all you kind people know I managed to raise £620 in total for motor neurones research which will hopefully help in the battle against this truly appalling condition. I met up with Mark Taylor, my cousin who … Continue reading →

After a good night’s rest (thanks to Valerie) this would be our final day, a day which I would be VERY familiar with as it’s one of my regular return training rides. Unfortunately as Ian Poppleton and Richard Nutt were … Continue reading →

Day 2 the forecast wasn’t good (heavy rain). I apologise in advance for not writing about all our cyclists – most of them were always away up the road from me so could type ‘could see on horizon’. Today we … Continue reading →

The weekend had finally arrived. The final riders (for all 3 days) would be John Bell, Jed Woodhouse, Carl Rutter, Ian Hall and myself and we will be joined for all of day 2 by Ian Poppleton and Richard Nutt … Continue reading →

Here are some of the photos taken during a recent photoshoot of 2 of the participants. Simon Veit-Wilson aboard his 1950’s Pashley Delivery bike and me on the chopper – top marks to Simon for his attire. Don’t forget the … Continue reading →

This week I had the new 25 tooth rear sprocket welded on so now I have 9 speeds but unfortunately no time for a shakedown ride. Forecast was great for Saturday and Sunday but taking a dip on the Monday. … Continue reading →

Hi, A number of people have been asking if I’m doing this attempt for charity (or just for a laugh)? Well the answer is a charity to help support people like my cousin Mark Taylor who was diagnosed with Motor … Continue reading →

C2C is drawing closer so training is a must – we have 135 miles to cover and some big hills on the way. This week’s ride would be up the Tyne Valley to the historic market town of Hexham passing … Continue reading →

I’m out for breaking my own records these days for mileage!! After last Sunday’s 48 miles on the flat but with short cranks I was pleased to take delivery of my new front chainring and cranks so instead of 145mm … Continue reading →

Well this is the time to see if the strip down of the rear hub was worth it or whether I’d still have issues. Saturday was a fantastic day, sunny, warm and windless, alas I couldn’t ride until the Sunday … Continue reading →

After last week’s ride and all the troubles I’d suffered of the chain being thrown every time I freewheeled I was determined to try and isolate/eradicate  the issue!! The Chopper has never freewheeled very well (lucky if it turned one full … Continue reading →

For Sunday 21/4/13 I was determined to beat my 38.5 miles barrier by basically doing the same route and extending it. During the week I’d fitted a new plastic spoke protector and felt quite confident I wasn’t going to suffer … Continue reading →

The weather for Sunday 14/4 looked like: warm (19 degrees), windy (18mph gusting 42mph) – It still HAD to be done!! I text John Bell, one of my friends who is also doing C2C with me and, surprisingly he agreed … Continue reading →