Searching for tractors, ooh arr!

The first of December and it was a cold start to the day with temperatures below freezing, ice on the roads and the frosty ground sparkling in the early morning sun. I had seen an advert in a shop window for a vintage ploughing competition this Saturday. Yes, that's right, men with old tractors seeing who can plough the straightest furrow. Well, 'I love the smell of paraffin in the morning', so several layers of clothing, a flask of coffee and off I went on the LHT.

Hallhill woods were full of little birds flitting around the trees and nosing through the leaf litter. The cycling was easy along the blaze trails. Once I got out on to the old road it was a bit different and a lot colder! I took it easy, keeping the bike upright when turning and watching out for ice in the shadows.

Although it might not be far in miles to Wester Broomhouse farm, it's all uphill. It was good climb with some low gear spinning interspersed with the occasional quick mash on the pedals to keep me warm. I needed to put my jacket on as soon as I stopped though. The sun might have been shining but it was brass monkey weather at the top.

I had a look around and soon realised that the ploughing might have been advertised as Wester Broomhouse, but it wasn't happening at the farm. There were low loaders and Range Rovers with trailers parked in the distance (back down the hill). In a seen reminiscent of the Somme, I could see little figures plodding through the mud towards the occasional puff of smoke as they tried to get their tractors to start in the freezing weather.  Hmm, time for a coffee to think about my next move
.

Blue sky out over Dunbar and the Isle of May on the horizon. A fine place to get the flask out and the rack made a handy wee table.

I didn't have the best shoes on for crossing muddy fields so I gave up on the vintage tractors and settled for trying to spot unusual sheep. Hee hee, look at the ears on that one! 

In the distance there is a road snaking up the hillside. Locally known as 'Starvation Brae', its a killer cycle. (the lower part follows the tree line). I've never done it, but the trucker gearing is feeling good so maybe sometime soon!

Soaking Sunday Cycle

Saturday was crisp and clear with bright blue skies; ideal cycling weather. Unfortunately I didn't manage out until Sunday morning when a bitter wind was howling in from the north and the rain was falling sideways.

The pictures might give an idea of the rain, and how saturated everything is, but they don't really give any concept of the gusting wind, although that sea is starting to build.

It was still good to get out and it was certainly quiet enough. I hardly saw another soul. Given the weather it's not really surprising.

Even the track along to West Barns was empty. This is normally busy with excitable dogs and their owners out for their morning walk. Must have been a few miserable dogs stuck inside this morning.

The road up to Spott disappeared into the low cloud but wasn't too bad. Spinning slowly up hill kept me warm. The downhills were the unpleasant bit. Anything above about 20mph and the cold rain began to sneak in through the waterproofs.

I sat and dripped in the shelter of this barn. It's strange, the next line should be something about 'wondering what I was doing' but it isn't. I was quite happy.  I'd found a little lee in the storm and could look back knowing it was nearly all down hill from here. I thought about keeping going but a hot shower and breakfast beckoned.

The observant might have noticed a new rear mech. I had been looking for a rapid rise (low normal), as I'm no racer, and the smoothness of down changes on a climb is noticeable. Its also Deore XT so it just works. 

Just an hour and a half this morning. I've time off work this week and have a couple of rides planned but the forecast isn't looking very nice. Northerlies gusting 50mph+ and torrential rain. Ho hum!