Went over to Darwen this morning for a run with Simon and Dave The Builder. The David Staff memorial fell race is next weekend so this was a recce for Dave’s benefit. Seemed like a good opportunity to get some quality running in, so off I went. Winter arrived this morning too – the horizontal rain and wind combined with the (close to) freezing temperatures made it a bit uncomfortable on the tops, I lost feeling in my face and my hands. Note to self: take a hat next time.

Still, it was an hour and 20 mins well spent.

I got a pair of Gaerne Eskimo winter boots on Ebay last week for less than half price. They arrived today so I wore them around the house for a bit. They’re so warm, I think my feet have shrunk.

Back to work today. “Only” 657 emails to read, which took me almost all day. Our morning routine consists of me going for a run with the LED headtorch, get home so Deb can go and feed the horse, she gets home so I can get ready for work and out of the door. Life gets more hectic each year…

I’ve had enough bits and bobs in the cellar to build up a “winter hack bike”. The kind of bike that’s not got much to go wrong, that isn’t going to cost me a fortune every time I go for a long ride in hub-deep mud. So here it is. Tank Bike.

Deb gave me the frame in ’97 as a Christmas present. I hammered it for a few years then stripped it down and forgot about it. The finish wasn’t great any more so I got some camo tape from Ebay and tarted up the main triangle. It looks totally crap!

Fork, wheels, seatpost, stem, bars and chainset were all spares from past bikes. I had to buy a BMX chain and the rear sprocket from Charlie the Bikemonger and I used the chain tensioner Simon loaned me yonks ago. Mud tyres and mudguards complete the “ready for any weather-ness” of Tank Bike.
The chainring is a 36 tooth, which I thought might give me a gear that’s a bit on the high side (compared to the 32:16 on the Surly) but it’s spot on for around here. The local hills aren’t that big but this ratio is just right for making them a good challenge, the wide DMR bars also ensuring good “thrutchiness”. I can make the most of a shortish ride, anyway.

I went for a ride on it last night and despite the bommy night smoke it was a hoot. 36:16 is sooooo fast if you give it some beans….

I’ve been off for the last week or so following Eleanor’s arrival. It’s been quite relaxing really – we’ve been out for walks, we’ve been having breakfast in bed (me, Deb and the girls) and watching endless daytime TV. I’m on unpaid leave so Christmas will be quiet this year. It’s a worthwhile sacrifice though as a week off work is just not long enough. Deb’s absolutely fine and Rachael loves her new little sister.
Here’s a pic of my two lovely ladies:

I know a lot of pretty hardcore people. In fact, I’m surrounded by them. My “social network” consists mainly of hard folk who regularly do Hard Things. The London Marathon. The Bob Graham. 24 hour solo bike racing. Three Peaks Cyclocross. The Grand Raid. Triathlons. Big hill running in Canada. Days-long expeditions in freezing weather. Races such as these are regular subjects of conversation on training rides, email and Internet forums. All tough undertakings, all with a capital “T”.

Debbie gave birth this evening to Eleanor. Not only did she manage this feat in less time than it takes to roast a medium sized chicken, she did it with only the relief of an almost-empty-N02 cylinder. We found out after the birth that the gas and air was pretty much just “air” and the pain relief offered was almost nil, due to the lack of nitrous oxide. Even though I almost passed out at one point, I can’t begin to imagine what she’s just been through. Hardship just seems to wash over her.

Nobody, and I mean nobody, is as nails hard as my missus.