iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 6m

Motor vehicles of any kind with stupidly loud exhausts are just plain anti social. And that includes motorcycles as well as Corsas or Fiestas that go poppity pop and sound like the timing is bolloxed. Just liked by arseholes.

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Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike

SpokesLothian @spokes.org.uk · 34m

Agreed! - great wee 🚲 holiday (I did years ago) using🚆 to #Newcastle Includes the incredible #TerrisNovalis scupture at #Consett @edi.bike @chdot.bsky.social @emilykerr36.bsky.social @mininglandscapes.bsky.social @mikecookson.bsky.social @sphericalsquare.bsky.social @neheritagelib.bsky.social

There's a loop from Newcastle that heads to Consett via ncn14 then down to Washington along NCN 7 and then back to Newcastle via the Tyne cycling tunnel and then NCN 72. Almost all traffic free. And there is an option to detour via Durham. Beamish museum is on the route from Consett to Washington.

picture of Terris Novalis Sculpture

This sculpture consists of two measuring instruments; a theodolite and an engineer's level, reproduced twenty times life size, standing approximately six metres tall. Made from stainless steel and supported on animal feet, this work is visible for many miles and stands as a monument to the history of the area and a prominent mile marker for the C2C cycle route.

The animal feet that hold these instruments aloft were inspired by symbolic heraldry found on shields, coats of arms, plaques and similar items associated with land and ownership. Included are a bird of prey, a horse lion, crocodile, cow and a primate's hand. Cast in solid stainless steel, from originals carved by Tony Cragg, these large feet are both beautiful and at the same time, daunting.

The work sited at Consett, marks the watershed between the upland / moorland landscape and the extremes of the Industrial Age. Built on the Stanhope and Tyne Railway - the earliest commercial railway in Britain - Terris Novalis marks what was once Europe's largest steel works. Local people see this landmark as a monument to the scale of local industry and its demise - the tragedy that has followed.

Terris Novalis is situated on the Coast to Coast cycle and can be easily accessed for those cycling or walking. Those visiting by car must park nearby and then walk to view the sculptures. Lydgetts Junction car park is approximately a 15 minute walk away from Terris Novalis.

picture of one of the sculpture's feet

Based on a 1992 gallery work of the same title. 'Terris Novalis' (which translates as 'newly cultivated lands') is a giant version of two nineteenth century surveyor's instruments, a theodolite and a level. The base is supported by a legs representing of the limbs of several creatures (human, horse, crocodile, lion and lizard). The pieces are positioned slightly apart. The sculpture was paid for by the National Lottery, Northern Arts, Derwentside Council, Henry Moore Foundation and Genesis Project.

https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/terris-novalis-309051

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 41m

This. I remember at work in the 90s when you could scrape the tar off some consultant's computers. The hospital restaurant being thick with smoke.

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Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike

SPACE for Heaton @spaceforheaton.com · 52m

📢 We have updated our bus tracker to make it quicker to find Metro Replacement buses. Now, when service 900 or 901 is running, you can chose 'Metro Replacement' from the list of operators to see all the bus locations. 🚌 sensors.spaceforheaton.com/bustracker

A screen shot of a website. There is a field named Operator showing the value Metro Replacement above a map showing a number of buses.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 44m

Don't let perfect be the enemy of good though. Things like that can be improved with time.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 1h

Thank you. That's appreciated and pleased it's worked out so well for you.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 1h

Shop about and you can get a pre built wheel for £75-80. Front light from Amazon that's bright enough for unlit roads and paths for £20. A rear light will be similar. You'll also need some low voltage 2 core cable and some crimp connectors for a few quid from an auto parts shop.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 1h

I've popped some replies with links to a wheel and front light to my original posts. £120 should do it. I found a decent hub ready built into a while for £75 and a front light for £20.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 1h

This front light is bright at 70 lux and is super cheap at £20. German standard so beam is still focused on the road. Not automatic though. amzn.eu/d/0eWw9tVl

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 1h

I've still got that same light sat on the side as I've never got around to buying a dynamo wheel for the Brompton.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 1h

And no risk of them being nicked when your bikes locked up. I've had removable battery lights stolen, presumably for kicks as the brackets didn't go.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 1h

Shimano hubs are reliable but a tad heavy. SP hubs are a lot lighter but a little more spendy. For faff free, you can usually get wheels off the peg in decathlon for about £60. B+M lights are the best lights ime. Get the highest lux rating you can. 60 and above are perfect for unlit roads/paths.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 2h

Dyno lights are just always there. Most are light sensing and turn themselves on and off automatically. There isn't any worry about if you've recharged the light or if the batteries are new.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 2h

It's a little late now with the clocks going back this weekend. It's syill a timely reminder that if you're commuting or utility cyclist then dynamo lighting is one of the best cycling upgrades you can make. Modern hub dynos have no noticeable drag and modern led lights are bright and visible.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 2h

Nah. Just a practical retest for drivers every decade to get licence renewed. Only one go though. And an online test every year. Pass to get tax and insurance. And bans instead of fines.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 2h

A reminder that the Tyne bridge is completely closed including walking and cycling until the 2nd of November. Oh and the Metro is off for the same period between newcatle city centre and Monkseaton for added pleasure. Brilliant planing there lads. Brilliant. www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-e...

chroniclelive.co.uk

Tyne Bridge closed for 10 days ahead of repairs to iconic arch

New scaffolding needed to allow repairs on the famous bridge will be placed during the closure to vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 2h

The silverlink crash report whoes that it can be done correctly with agency. It's that the likes of the BBC choose not to.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 2h

Man killed and others when driver crashes car into building. Put some agency to it. This was a human killing another human and injuring several more.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 2h

Yes. Yes. Anti terror bollards surrounding car parks so out of control (for whatever reason) vehicles are contained. Alternatively do you think these incidents are acceptable for car convenience? And which iof your family would you nominate for sacrifice? www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Two seriously injured in Silverlink M&S car crash

The driver, a woman in her 70s, remained at the scene after the Silverlink crash, police say.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 2h

Have they never seen Black Mirror? Especially Metalhead?

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 3h

Space precinct is so cool and so bonkers. It's massively under rated but it's definitely one of my top five Anderson shows

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 3h

It collapsed after storm waters scoured and weakened some of the supporting piers at the end of 2025.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 4h

Other reports state that the driver was female and had a "medical episode". 1 dead and 3 taken to hospital. So more clarity than the BBC report.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 5h

My assumption is a bit of both, but the car park suggests that most would be Darlington based and heading to London for whatever. It is going to be 1500+ ppl based in Darlington which is good for the town. The car centric nature if the whole station build is less good.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 5h

There is a big new treasury campus near the station. My guess is it's for those workers to go down to London and back. It's certainly not about keeping jobs local. A huge waste of money and opportunity for the town.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 5h

Oh Christ! A man is dead after a car is driven into a supermarket. Maybe the driver or an innocent victim just doing their shopping. The article doesn't say. www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...

bbc.co.uk

Man dies after car crashes into Wolverhampton Lidl

West Midlands Police said the man was pronounced dead at the scene with others requiring treatment.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 15h

There is another decent ride from the Tyne tunnel that heads up to St Mary's lighthouse and then follows the coast south to Sunderland before heading back to the tunnel. That's about 34 miles and also mostly traffic free. A bit of gravel and farm tracks in there. I could sort GPX files for both.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 16h

It's about 55 miles. It's a long steady climb along an old railway from the Tyne to Consett and then another old line down to Washington. Shared used paths to the Tyne and then ncn72 is partly old lines again. It's one of my fave longer routes

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 16h

There's a loop from Newcastle that heads to Consett via ncn14 then down to Washington along NCN 7 and then back to Newcastle via the Tyne cycling tunnel and then NCN 72. Almost all traffic free. And there is an option to detour via Durham. Beamish museum is on the route from Consett to Washington.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 16h

Have a watch/listen to Simon from Always Another Adventure on possible changes that would restrict right to roam access in Scotland. youtube.com/shorts/3ZdlT...

youtube.com

'Right to Roam' - under review #bikepackingscotland

The 'Right to Roam' - actually a 'Right of Responsible Access' is b...

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 20h

With bluesky and similar such as eurosky, your identity and content are independent so are portable. To extend and torture Rob's analogy even more, it's like I've moved house but the postal service still knows where I am.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 21h

Hopefully it will be replaced as I understand it's a key link in the NCN. It's going to cost millions though.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 21h

Yes. Quick and easy. It should work fine with a custom domain.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 22h

I've now migrated my bluesky account across to eurosky and away from USA controlled servers. Quick and painless.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 22h

The companies employing these delivery riders and who encourage and incentivise them to illegally modify their bikes to try and scrape a living need to have the screw turned on them. cyclingindustry.news/an-entirely-...

cyclingindustry.news

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 22h

The BBC does like to put the boot in when it comes to new active travel schemes, and report the slightest thing.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 23/10/2026

This is a good move, but it's a shame Darlington is so shite for cycling around. It's flat, compact and should be perfect, but there's little infra that goes where people want and need to go. www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/2666201...

thenorthernecho.co.uk

Free inclusive cycling programme launched in Darlington to build confidence

Darlington launches a six-week inclusive cycling programme at Eastbourne Sports Complex, helping people with disabilities build confidence and independence.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 23/10/2026

Yup. It's every sodding time isn't it. Some one needs to tell these idiots that roads are for movement, not storage. And if it's not about parking it's about roadworks allegedly causing disruption. Nothing can happen in this country because there's always someone to moan and object about anything.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 23/10/2026

Oh I always use a cycle path when I can. I like to be relaxed and not be on edge whenever I hear an engine behind me. I think anyone who says they prefer a road over a good quality cycle path is either misguided or lying.

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Reposted by Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike

Digital Brain @yourdigitalbrain.bsky.social · 23/10/2026

The Kelpies are a pair of 30-meter (100-foot) tall, 300-ton stainless-steel horse-head sculptures located in Falkirk, Scotland

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 23/10/2026

Yet they are always to stupid to realise that they are fighting for more road danger and not safety at all.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 23/10/2026

And the thing is that cycle infrastructure isn't for the few that cycle now. It's for those who don't yet cycle because they're understandably scared of the road danger. It enables choice. Hopefully the council will ignore the nimbys and only consider constructive criticisms

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 23/10/2026

What was it doing in the middle of the roads anyway? Asking for it.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 23/10/2026

Absolutely! And this is all fear and maybes. Just older idiots mouthing off. Safety trumps convenience.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 23/10/2026

Nothing is safe from a driver. Especially one in a 2.5t wankpanzer.

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Real Gaz on a proper bike: gazza_d@toot.bike @gazza-d.eurosky.social · 23/10/2026

A least she is honest enough to wear her sponsor's logo.

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