59 to 60 a year long blog part 1

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Well hello and well come to a year of hopefully fun and bit of adventure if we ever get out of lockdown that is. Today is 04/03/2021 and I turn 59 ..... phew how did that happen? So I thought I would start a year long blog in the hope that it helps me remember things I have done on build up to the big 60 oh ya beggar 😀 ah well as I have always said it is just a number and we have to just get on with living it to the full get out there and enjoy as much as possible. So midnight last night I decided to open presents and what a great way to start a birthday lots of nice things mmm bottle of port was nice surprise not had port in a while, lots of sweeties aye am a lover of sweet things mmmm why I should have taken care of my teeth when I was younger those penny dainties sure took there toll 😋 but I am lucky as I do get a lot of presents. From Helen my wife well she spent some time making me a special birthday card, I am a cyclist I love getting out I love watching cycling on tv especially the Tour De France which I have also cycled in mmmm aye a week before the pros but hey still did it. The card is so special as they all are of course but this one bit more see picture

It is the Flamme Rouge and of course sunflowers and the bikes how cool is that I’m well impressed she really has a talent for this I wonder what my 60th will look like 😎 as well as this she has given me HD Monoculars and two bottles of my favourite red wine Baron De Ley and lots of sweeties of course hey but I still had to make her breakfast in bed eah what’s all that about? So onto the day and not much planned mmm well everything is closed nae pubs or restaurants open but I have a feeling that a Bombay Jo’s curry may be had tonight as if things were open think my choice would be to go there for my birthday meal as I love there curry. So currently sitting in my wee room listening to some vinyl Queen live killers looking out to what looks like a cold and very windy day wondering what to do but it may involve a costa coffee and some cake.  Lots of nice friends wishing me happy birthday 

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These two lassies are the maddest funniest and supportive girls I have met and are full of life I love em to bits they are my work colleagues but are my friends they have stayed in touch with me and always ask for Helen and how she is doing, every night out they are just out to have fun mmmm but I must admit there crazy when drunk 😂 really they remind me of a young Ged which is lost a bit now but they are a special bit of my life.

Another cool photo From my niece Teresa who has gone through lots as well but strong and fights on.

Debbie my niece who has been a massive help to me and Helen she has had a lot to go through but every time I see her she has a smile on her face and is another party girl she is as beautiful as her uncle 😂 she has such a special place in my heart I love all my nieces but Debs well she knows. 💖

So off out for cake and coffee this shall continue later. 

Coffee and fudge donut was braw although was not a costa coffee as no waiting in line. Did wee bit of shopping as lets face it not much else to do and ordered my Bombay jo’s byriani for 1830 mmmm can’t wait, this shall be topped of with a bottle of fizz later tonight to see out my 59th birthday.

                                                                    05/03/2021

Good day today started off with a very light breakfast as last nights curry was having fun in my belly 😂 big time fun, so was toast to start, then was off out to try and burn some of that curry and fizz off so 20mile cycle to start which was good but still very cold. Was not most exciting cycle kind of made up as I went along and only short one as hoping for bit longer run tomorrow just building up the miles. Sun did eventually come out and couple of good photos were taken, some horses came across when I stopped to take in some water but unfortunately never had anything to give them.

Was a friendly horse and enjoyed getting its ear rubbed. So was back home early so we (Helen) decided to go up to Monikie for a walk and thought I’d try out my new monocular which is really good and easy to carry about with you so was good present from H, so was walk around the reservoir and then well we took tea and cakes so sat in car and had break, I don’t mind sitting in car and having bite to eat but god wish restaurants would open soon.

So back home as not much else to do no pubs to go and have a sneaky beer or two bugger 12 days off and no where to go. Bit of music on rock playlist from Spotify one I made up, always been a lover of heavy metal probably the reason I have tinnitus seeing the likes of Motörhead, Kiss, Sabbath and purple live and lots more. Ok today was good but bring back the adventures of getting out to mountains further bike rides and the excitement of following my team Dundee United.

                                                                      

                                                                           06/03/2021

Well today saw me do a 35 mile cycle as when woke up could not resist the start to a sunny day. I know sit with a cold beer and listening to the fitba on the radio. Good day but straight forward cycle, home, shower and beer. Been strange day starting off really sunny but now as i look out the window it is grey and the mist has come down and still very cold , but cycle today was enjoyable but did begin to feel bit of pain in my hip before end but I as have always said will push on through the pain ( when I can) . It is strange having so much time off but not having much to do as tonight probably would have been one of these nights where I would have met few friends for few drinks but as we know that’s not possible at moment so will be few drinks with Helen tonight which is grand.

                                                              One of Helens photos

So not much else to report today just say that sun was shining and were all getting through this awful Covid and lockdown so we must stick with it and just push on. SOAR ALBA.

                                                                  Sunday 07/03/2021

Well day of rest today hip still bit sore but will push on, one of reasons for this blog is to help me with few things especially my spelling and trying to remember things and help with my concentration. It wont be done every day as of course I will be back at work next week so will do it when time is on my side. So 12 noon is kick off time for my team Dundee United hard game against Celtic hoping to get something from this game today its a big hope as we will either go out and win 1-0 or get beat 4-0 it is hard to tell with this team. As for the rest of this day well not sure we shall take it as it comes.

So ended up a 0-0 Draw today. Nothing else to report home after a coffee and bit shopping mmm it’s the new day out 🍻.

                                                                          08/03/2021

Well hello, 

Today i sit thinking how do you do a blog when your in lockdown? Days like today when my hip is still bit sore so may stay off the bike, also was thinking of walk somewhere but rain is on💧i mean come on i need something to right about. Well i am waiting for my bike back from spokes i suppose that will be the excitement for today. So i shall look back on few things today and also wee bit about what the day brings. Below is a video i hope it plays as i would like to include few videos on here. 

                                                 Loch Katrina cruise on the Sir Walter Scott 

Video from couple years ago beautiful here lovely lodges to stay in, plenty of walks and yes you can have a wee cruise as well it is one of my favourite places and hope to go back and take my bike. You can take the boat to one end of the loch and cycle back or you can cycle both ways it is a great place and well worth a visit.

Back to today and not much else to say really was out searching to see if i can get Mogwai new vinyl from couple of shops but still no luck. But did take a photo whoopie.

Panmuirfield this morning was up there for walk but grey day so not much photo opportunity. So now sit here listening to the dodefox podcast about the most famous Dundee United a team since i have supported since the early 70s and gone through some great times but has to be said some awful times but that what being an Arab is all about. Same with my music taste my favourite era is still the 70s my first album ever bought was Kiss alive 2 which i still have to this day and still play and have to say getting back into vinyl as still have some from when was growing up including my Pink Floyd Dark side of moon man that album has stood the test of time.

The original album this photo was taken just before i went to see the farewell tour this would be the 5th time I’ve seen them, i waited for years to see Kiss and first time i seen them it was unmasked but was still great show and last it was full make up and full show fireworks and all it was pretty awesome and of course some great photos, my mum bought me this for Christmas from shop called Arnnotts poor maw having to ask for this album but she knew how much i wanted it i was so much into them my wall was covered in posters 😄 and probably got me into heavy metal as most of stuff i bought from that day onwards was loud. So not much about today as it was a quiet one as most are these days.

                                                                 09/03/2021

Monday and went to kip with sore arm and have woken with same pain so phone doctors later as today Helen has a consultant appointment and I know it is a nervous kind of day for not just her but myself as well but she was phoned yesterday asked if it would be ok for a phone consultation but she has a few questions she wants to ask, but were of the mind that if the consultant was going to do it over the phone then all should be ok 👌

Again not much to do today last of my days off back to work tomorrow, i have been enjoying my job i am working in Perth at the moment nice crowd to work with but so is Dundee. But i shall not do much today was wanting out on my bike but due to my arm being sore i have decided a couple of Days’s rest may be the best thing and i am half day Thursday and off Friday so plenty of options for couple cycle runs. 

Photo of myself up Ben Starav few years ago great day this was up with mate Kenny who i met while in Peru trekking and we’ve kept in touch all these years and did lot of hills together and drank a lot of whisky as well and i mean a lot, we have been lucky to meet all his family down in Ayrshire and have shared some great and funny times. Best mate and i wish he and they stayed closer as a lot has happened and with lockdown we could not be there for them which is a pity.

                                             Me in the middle Ken to the right and Dave on left

Through this blog i shall of course look back on things that I have done and achieved especially at the moment but it was part of this year long blog as well and today will end the first part and here is hoping it ends on a good note. Snow well what can i say i am a winter kind of person and have enjoyed many winter walks and one of my favourite parts of Scotland is Glencoe i love it there a weekend away in winter and if lucky enough to have snow and clear mountain day then that’s just magical, love to get out early have a climb or a long walk then at night head to the Clachaig hotel for some drinks and bit of music and food as well oh they do have a great range of whisky and now gin as well. Of course this has not happened since we have been caged in but hoping the end of this year will see me back there.

                                                       From some recent visits to Glencoe.

So just back from hospital and all good news for Helen and she Is bit more relaxed as am i. So not much else to say for today and next couple of days back at work, thing i say about work is it gets me out the house and well I travel to Perth so in some ways nothing has changed on that side for me. 

Some easing today of lockdown and we can meet with some people from other households so at least that is a start may be able to get out for wee group ride and if it is sunny meet with brother and few mates in a garden for few ales which would be good.

                                                         Oh to be. Out with the guys again.

                                                                          

                                                                        11/03/2021

So first couple of days back at work which has gone well and today managed to get finished at 13-00, and today we also had a wee surprise for one off the nurses who turns 40 on Monday she was given early presents and one massive cheese cake which i had a chunk off at 9-30 and i kid you not I haven’t eaten anything else since it was bloody lovely but very sweet, but it was nice to see everyone laughing in what has been a tough year for all my work colleagues and of course nurses, care assistants and all front line workers. But in my job i have watched nurses and technicians leave to go to a COVID ward and deal with things that although it is our job they probably thought like me we would never have to deal with anything like this, but I’ve seen them leave worried and have had to wear full ppe for the time there up there and come back exhausted and still of course worried. The first wave was bad enough but i think it is fair to say the second

wave really hit hard and the amount of patients we lost was scary and sad and hard for us all and all i can say is there the best of the best every one of them they are real hero’s working tirelessly to help everyone get through this and i for one take my hat off to them all.

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                          This rainbow appeared over COVID unit not long after clap for nhs started

But as you can see from some of the photos its a strong unit a good bond and we all worked together as we still do to get through this and maybe when things are back to some normality i may wright more on this.

                                                               

                                                                     12/03/2021

Well woke this morning not feeling to bad and looked outside sun was shining and it did not look to windy so my thought for the morning would be a quick breakfast and then out for a 20-25 mile cycle, so cycle gear on and off i went on Felt today as ribble still in spokes for some repairs, started as usual from house and cycle out was great did feel a bit tail wind but thought nothing of it until i turned back into it and all i can say it was brutal, trees were not blowing about but man it was pushing against me with bit of force and was cross winds as well.

So after12miles decided to call it a shorter cycle as although I don’t mind going out in the wind or rain this was just a struggle against the wind but hey was not a bad day at least i got 12miles and hope for better run on Sunday the next day i am off. So rest of the day will be going to shop and getting something to put at mums grave for Mother’s Day.

So back from being out and first thing i thought i would do is shave my eye brows oooo bloody hell shaved half off as forgot to put guard on 😂 oh well. Bought mum pot of flowers plan to take them round on Sunday. She was a great women worked hard all her life she was a nurse amongst other things, she split with dad so brought 7 of us up on her own and did a damn fine job although I’m sure we put her through hell at times but mainly although times were hard mum always made sure there was food on the table and we had clothes on our backs, and one of the reason i do my nhs job now is down to mum. I often think back to my mum and dad having 7 kids my dad liked the drink and my mum never really drank mmm sherry sometimes but they must have loved one another at sometime and dad used to come back and stay but then pay would come in and off he would be again, he was a nurse as well Ashludie hospital mum was Strathmartine hospital and from what i know they both went through there courses together and when they were married it was Valentine’s Day so they must have been very much in love these days.

Unfortunately and quite sad i suppose but I can’t find any photos of dad but sure i have couple some where so may add them later. The bottom one mmm well that’s John on left and of course me with a feather cut. I will add more as do have couple of mum when she was very young sitting playing the piano.

So here ends part 1 and i know not the most exciting blog but well there is not much going on at the moment but hopefully as this blogs go on things will start to ease with lockdown and bit of normality will come back.

Ged

' 35 miles today

 

Woke up this morning and saw the sun so thought lets do this was hoping for 40miles but was wee bit sore so was taken it bit easy today, I was ok most of the run but not sure if it was yesterdays 20miles then today but just felt bit sore so thought 35 is fine today. Started as always in Ferry and headed to Sainsbury’s then the Drumsturdy rd then straight up to the carlungie rd pretty straight forward but nice way to warm the legs up couple of small climbs but fine and it was very still not much wind. This is a road I hit a lot as at moment I try not go to far due to lockdown.

Sun was shining and blue skies as you can see, todays run was going to take me to the back of carrot hill and good climb up from the Inverarity This takes you around by Monikie park after turning left at the end of Carlungie rd another good climb here not so much a big climb but nice gradual climb, felt bit slow today but at these times you have to push on and get through the pain. Top of this climb you shall see the carved owls at the bend just follow bend right around heading towards the park.

I headed straight along this road and crossed at giveaway to take me around the back of Monikie park its a lovely cycle plenty of views mmm which is bad for me as I cant help stopping to take photos, as you go around the road you will come to a right turn passing the sweet nix cafe lovely wee cafe with home made cakes and always nice to stop here but for obvious reasons that’s a no go at moment. From there it is straight rd quite flat but I did notice the wind picking up blowing against me but push on and go straight to the give way past the White House and turned right here. There is a field with deer here and great opportunities for some nice photos.

As you turn right head uphill then just follow this road until you come to sign for Inverarity. This is probably best bit of cycle plenty of  down hills and wind seemed to be behind me and road was clear it was head down and just roll and views were stunning bit of cloud starting to form but just a great bit of road and just the sense of freedom.

Took the country roads right into Inverarity and had a wee break here at the bridge took in a banana and some peanuts before I did the biggest climb up the back of carrot hill or as strava likes to call it the fun side 😄😎 this is good climb from this side road is slightly better and starts flat but you can see the climb begin when you see the farm house.

Good climb and again love this hill but got to say was about here I felt bit of pain in hip so did slow down a bit and into an easier gear but managed but did feel bit slower, so climb up to the top of hill again some great views from here but as I was up not that long ago I kept going down the hill being extra careful as there are lots of loose stones and pot holes. Turned left before bottom of carrot hill and headed along nice road that takes you to Wellbank and down by Kingennie fisheries and back to Drumsturdy then home.

All in all another good day I was so tempted just to keep going  but thought no nothing stupid as there are plenty of days coming to get more miles in and hopefully sunny unlockdown days ones where I can get out on club runs, ones where I can stop and have a coffee a bacon roll, days where I can put the bike in the car and head to the hills. These days are ahead.

                                                                        CHEERS

Ferry to Arbroath to Arbirlot back to the ferry

 

Today’s cycle would take me from Broughty Ferrry up to Arbroath and come back by Arbirlot, nice run this well the second part of it anyway as the first part today would take me up the cycle path that runs with the Arbroath road. There are a couple of ways to do this you can head to east haven but since lockdown there are lots of people walking these paths where as today the cycle path was quiet well did meet few other cyclists which is always good. My first photo was looking over bridge at Muirdrum just view of the Arbroath rd

As you can see not the most exciting but the cycle path is good and pretty straightforward and it gets you to Arbroath a bit quicker. It was a cold start today and as you can see grey and was like this for the day but never spoiled the cycle, I often find it hard what to wear but was a ok today  apart from my toes they were cold as I never wore overshoes today. Good cycle up to Arbroath and as you get to McDonalds you turn right and head straight up to the cricket ground taking another right then just before the road to Brechin and Forfar there is as right turn which takes you onto the Arbirlot rd,  It’s a lovely wee place well worth stopping and taken a few photos which of course I did.

I like this place and always stop just for a quick snack usually quiet but today there was work being done so never hung about long. So from Arbirlot head across the bridge and turn right heading towards the school there are some great views from here looking to the north sea and just some fields lots of old buildings as well. Just following the path which can be a bit bumpy but there is not much traffic on the road so I tend to take it all in no noise and not many people walking.

This road brings you back to the cycle path I started on heading back to the ferry again, by time I got back to where I started was 27miles in so extended a bit to make it to 30miles. Some nice climbs again taking you up to 1,296ft not record breaking but it’s a good build up to bigger one’s to come once lockdown is eased.

All in all another good day even though was cold, was the Ribble today again which has been dropped off at spokes to have tyres resealed and was having issue with gears they were feeling bit sluggish so will be either Felt or Bianchi on the next run.

Ged 

Up the carrot

 Today’s cycle took me towards Carrot Hill a wee favourite of mine even though the road on the carrot is in some state some really bad pot holes and lot of loose stones so extra care especially when going down the hill. This gives a wee decent elevation takes you to around 1,531ft and is a good climb. As always start from house and head to Sainsbury’s and from there up to wellbank there is a place to turn up to start the carrot but I always head right into wellbank and turn right at the war memorial and just follow the road around until you get to junction then from there turn right onto carrot hill. 

The first part of this is quite flat but ahead you can see the climb its not that it is steep but the thing with the carrot is it is a steady climb and I always enjoy this and the effort is rewarded with some spectacular views away across to the clova mountains, I often stand there and think even though I’ve done all these mountains I must get back to do them again as they are very good all year round.

I’m sorry for the quality of the photos if you read this and look at photos please let me know how they look.

So from the carrot I headed down to Inverarity now just let me say that there is a great wee shop here you’ll see a box with Tams eggs but there is now a wee shop that they have opened and it is great, mostly all there own stuff nice and fresh and reasonably priced there beef olives are bloody lovely well worth a visit. From there cycle to junction Forfar to left but I was going to Whigstreet another climb but good and head to Kirkbuddo, some nice roads and your out in the country so take it in.

Plenty of birds of pray and just nice country views. So on I go onto Douglaswood bare and sprint to Monikie and on to Drumsturdy rd from here just head straight down to west Pitkerro and back past Sainsbury’s and home.

The carrot hill cycle for me is good as it does throw up a few challenges and also gives you a good climb and gets the legs working and as I have already said your rewarded (if weather is ok) with some great views. It can get bit busy at time but generally its fine. My bike of choice today was once again the ribble .

Ribble sportive have done a bit to this bike but best thing I have done was put Mavic wheels and use tubeless tyres these have been great, I can’t remember the last time I had any issues with punctures and bike looks better with new wheels. Ribble bikes are well worth a look if your thinking of getting into road bikes or if you just fancy a change.

My Felt F7 my first carbon road bike, I love this bike I have had it for years now and hardly gives me any issues I use it now as a winter bike (Although I still use it in summer) and it has been great I remember when I first got this I had it out the box and was away for a cycle and it was great even though I hit a car when I got home not paying  attention there was no damage to bike just me and the car. I would highly recommend Felt.

Raleigh Reynolds retro mtb bike got this for £50 and friend and member of club did a lot of work on it to help get me through real bad winter man its been fun just loved it, steel frame so is heavy but its been a joy to get out on it and just take my time. Needs work done again but will get that done soon.

My prised possession is my Bianchi ever since I started cycling and first saw this bike in the TDF I just thought oh wow I want one and I want Celeste ( colour ) This bike is just to me the biz and it is a completely different feel than my others mmmm well should be as it was a lot more dosh, it is a joy to get out on this it is it just feels smooth and just comfortable to ride. This is the sprint I have put Schawablle 1 tyres on and hopefully this year will add new wheels.

Cycle Blog Broughty Ferry to Sidlaws

 

Hi 

My name is Ged (Jed) and this is my cycling and walking blog stories, I am 58 yrs old and have been cycling for a while now I started when my wife Helen cancer returned which I will not say to much about but cycling keeps me close to home is the way I looked on it and keeps me fit as well. You see I’m a lover of Scotland and it mountains and have been a climber/walker for years now but recently I stopped mountains as it took me away from home mmm to understand when I go to the mountains I like to camp or stay in a pod get up early climb a mountain then have beer 😄 to me it is part of the day, but one day I hope to return and maybe have a bike with me as well.

So wee report for Saturday 27/02/2021 and route today will take me from my house in the ferry to the Sidlaw hills then back to my house, I like this run as it involves bit of climbing and few good down hills as well, I use strava and I also have a Garming edge that fits easily onto my bike 👍. I usually try to start early hoping roads will be quiet but the first part I’m on roads with lots of traffic so I pay bit more attention and get through this bit as quickly as possible I can’t tell you how good it is when you get on back road and there is not much traffic about sometimes even having the road to yourself . I ride and am a member of  Dundee thistle cycling club although I have not been out with group since this COVID 19 I work for nhs so I try to be extra careful but hoping soon to get out again as although I will never be fast it definitely has improved my cycling and it is a great club to be part of. I also ride with a group called the pedalling pensioners which is great as well. 

Anyway yesterday saw me head out around 10-45 the whole run was 31.44 miles and took me 2hrs 24min I do tend to stop and take photos and sometimes a coffee and cake if you want to know of any good cafeterias ask a cyclist as its a big part of the day 🥮 coffee and sweet cake braw, but obviously not at the moment. I head towards sidlaws along Emmock road heading towards the pink cottages ( which is white now) stopping on the way for first photograph of the day.

Great views from here looking into Dundee and the ferry seeing the rigs in the Tay quite impressive and of course better if it is sunny which it was but still bit on the cold side. After turning at the pink cottage it is bit of climb past Balkello woods down to Auchterhouse junction this is good bit where you can pick up a bit of speed but just watch the roads as after recent weather there are a lot of big pot holes which if you hit well lets put it this way it is going to hurt and damage the bike as well, from here it is into Birkhill and then left turn to Templeton rd which has another great down hill bit where you get your head down and just go like poop of a hot shovel 😃😂 . As you get to the bottom and right turn there is a power station there where I like to stop and have a wee break and bite to eat mmm a banana and some peanuts no the most exciting but does the job, and some more photos.

I have 4 bikes and the choice today was Ribble Sportive great bike and it rolls really well. So after a wee stop its back on bike and run home past Fallows Burn climb up hideaway hill then back to pink cottage and along part of the same route then head for Tealing then along by the Murroes passing the primary school nice wee run all the way Kellas rd junction and from here straight down to sainsbury and along balgillo rd and home. All in all a good run plenty of climbs and as I have said earlier plenty off opportunities to get your head down and your butt up and hit the high gears.

Cheers

Ged