After the first dozen rides to go easy on a recovering knee over the last month or so involving mainly flat coastal routes, I finally got out west back into Northumberland for the first time with my trusty riding partner.

A 42 mile sortie around Northumberland, one of our regular routes. Good to be back into the hills, and happy to report the knee was fine, although the hills confirm there is much work to be done (fitness!).

That beard isn't half going to create some drag!

An ambitious day, 52 miles - first 50+ of the year. Lovely day though. Up along the coast and then inland west to Belsay, down to Ponteland and back out to coast.

getting some more rides in to take it slow and steady on the knee. New routes at the coast may well be flat, but the bloody wind is making up for it!

Back on the bike and commencing training for this year's challenges.

Small rides to take it easy on the knee following the dislocation earlier in the year (not bike-related). Good to be back on it.