The Pugsleys at North Berwick

Just before I had my accident last year, we took the Surly Pugsleys down to North Berwick to cycle them along the coast.  It turned out to be a special day, with fantastic scenery and superb weather.

We cycled along the beach at North Berwick and then a part of the John Muir Trail to Yellowcraigs where we paused to take in the beautiful views.  In the distance, we could see two other cyclist coming along the beach.  As they approached, we could see they were also riding fat bikes.  All 4 of us paused and looked at each other in disbelief.  We introduced ourselves and it turned out that one of the guys was none other than Bruce, the famous Coastkid blogger and fat bike rider.  The guys were just lovely and full of encouragement.

Our wonderful day was rounded off by a visit to The Clubhouse at Gullane.  The nachos, fish and chips and a beer were a mighty feast that was thoroughly enjoyed.

SealSkinz Men's Handle Bar Mittens

I have had a problem with my hands getting cold when I am on my bike, even with cycling gloves on, so I asked Santa to get me a pair of waterproof mittens for my bike.  Thankfully, he did and I unwrapped a present to find a pair of SealSinz Handle Bar Mittens.

SealSkinz Men's Handle Bar Mittens are design for cycling in the coldest and wettest conditions.  The design is like a ‘Lobster claw’ for dexterity and your fingers are grouped together to minimise heat loss. The mittens feature an absolutely waterproof and highly breathable membrane and Primaloft insulation which provides optimum protection against the cold!  In addition, they have gel padded palms and a highly reflective piping for better visibility! 

They will go perfectly under the Quad ATV Handlebar Mitts I have.

Handlebar Mitts for the Surly Pugsley

i had been looking for a pair of handlebar mitts for the Surly Pugsley.  If you have a look on line some of the handlebar  mitts can cost a wee bit of money.  I can across a pair of Quad ATV Mitts on Amazon and thought I would add them to my Xmas list.  The mitts were only £15.95, so worth punt.  Thankfully, Santa got them for me.  I must have been a good boy.

Above, is the stock picture on Amazon.  I have tried them on the Pugsley and they look good.  The mitts are fully insulated with a good lining and easily attach with hook and loop straps to the handlebars.  They are not water proof, but are water resistant.  With a pair of biking mitts they will keep my hands really toasty on a cold winding day.  I think that they are really good for money and I can't wait to try them on a ride.

My "Pre Op" Visit

I had my "pre op" visit to the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh.  I did not expect it to be so long.  They appeared to be really thorough with me and all the staff were really nice and helpful.  Thanks god for the NHS.  I am sure that I am in safe hands.

My operation is scheduled for the 4 March 2014.  It seems daft to say it, but I am not looking forward to it.  It goes without saying, that if I could avoid it, I would.  But, needs must.  I know that it will take an age to get back out on my bike.  The recovery will be the hardest bit.  I will need to be patient and not rush things,  This will be hardest bit for me as I am not a patient person.  I get bored really easy and need to doing this and that.

Even though I have not been out on my bike much during the last while, what with birthdays and Xmas I have been managing to gather some "bike" gear together in the hope that I will use when I have recovered from the op.  I will put up some posts about the gear in the future.

My Bike Collection

I have managed to gather together a few bikes since rekindling my interest in cycling.  I know have a Trek Soho S, Trek 6500, Trek Remedy 8 and a Surly Pugsley. 

I like the Trek Soho S for commuting about the town.  It is a low maintence easy ride.  The brakes can feel a bit spongy, but they do work.  Honest!  They just feel a little different.  I love the hub as it makes gear shifting so easy and the Gates carbon belt is so clean.  The bike has been a joy to ride.

The Trek Soho S

The Trek 6500 was first MTB that I got.  It has been a good bike to me.  The 6500 has a very solid feeling frame.  It is quite light for a bike like this.  It has great components for the price, with an XT rear derail and very solid Shimano brakes.  Trust me, I have needed them at times.  The gear shifting is very smooth, and I have found it very well balanced for everyday riding, however there is no doubt about it this bike is made for off road fun.

The Trek 6500


My favourite bike to date is my Remedy.  The Remedy feels as though it has been personally designed and built for me.  It is like it is my second skin.  This seems like and overstatemet, but I am not kidding.   Ive ridden all over.  On the MTB trails of Glentress, Laggan, Carron Valley and Callander Estates, the Remedy has handled so well.  The 6 inch travel on the front forks is absolutely superb.  I have had no worries about tackling any rough ground at speed.  I spent quite a while "tuning in" the rear suspension.  This was well worth a wee bit of effort as it has proved invalueable.  I cannnot give the Remedy enough praise.  To me, this bike is the best all round MTB that I have riden.  Simply wonderful.

The Trek Remedy 8


I got the Surly Pugsley as I was looking for another cycling advanture experience.  I had researched the Pugsley for a long while before I got one.  Unfortunately, due to my knee accident I have not ridden the Pugsley as much as I would have hoped.  However, in my opinon, the Pugsley offers the cyclist an experience that is unrivalled.  Whether cycling on trails with deep mud, meduim to large rocks, sand or snow the Pugsley offers so much fun.  I loved it when I took it to Tiree.  I provided me with a different perspective on cycling.  I am so looking forward to the latter part of this year when I can get back on the Pugsley and have fun.

The Surly Pugsley Necromancer that I have.  I also have the frame bag, although more on that in a later post.

Trip to Tiree

We went a fantastic trip to Tiree in July 2013.  It was a godsend that the ferry from Oban was fully booked for cars and would only take foot/bike passenger, as this made for a wonderful cycling holiday.  The 3 hour crossing to Tiree was lovely and relaxing.  I took the Surly Pugsley to use of the wonderful beaches of Tiree, whilst my partner took her Saracen.

I have posted some pictures of our trip below:



Tiree's machair-  The living landscape

Setting sun on Tiree

We stayed at Rockvale Guest House  whilst on Tiree and we ate at a variety of restaurants, including the Ceabar Restaurant and the Cobbled Cow.  Rockvale was an excellent base to explore Tiree and Alison made use feel very welcome.  I would recommend Rockvale to anyone visiting Tiree.

Pictures Of My Knee

As promised, here are some pics of my knee after the accident.  They were taken a couple of weeks (May 2013) after I tumbled off my Trek Remedy 8 .

My knee continues to be swollen and "unstable".  If I don't concentrate when walking. my knee can give way and I can fall.  It can be quite embarrassing.  The accident has limited my cycling, however I did manage a trip on my Surly Pugsley to Tiree in July 2013.  I will post some pictures of this trip soon.