26 miles and rather proud!

[Rollon]

Well done and welcome to the bruise club!
Dave.

 

[Madmidwife]

One of this year's AUK DIY 100km rides was to Daventry. I think I know the slope you speak of. The one with the Countryman pub at the top??

It rises from 110m to 180m in about 1 km. That's 7% in my book. ( or 1:14 in the old money ).

That is the one!!! Erm..... not too clever on the figures- is 7% not much to shout about or should I be rather pleased with myself for managing it??? (I hope it's the latter )

Kirst

 

[Panter]

Congratulations, that IS an epic ride

You'll realise that when telling non-cycling friends that you ride 26 miles and see the looks of astonishment

Well done

 

[Arch]

That is the one!!! Erm..... not too clever on the figures- is 7% not much to shout about or should I be rather pleased with myself for managing it??? (I hope it's the latter )

Kirst

1:14 is quite steep enough thank you....! Especially if it goes on and on.

Well done! From 26, 30 is a cinch, think how little 4 miles seems now.

I've never had a clipless moment, because I only use them on my trike, but here's a giggle for you. I was on a group ride and decided to take my jacket off, so I pulled over to the verge, which looked nice and high compared to the tarmac, so I stayed in the saddle, put my left foot out and leaned.

Only it wasn't higher than the tarmac, it was lower, with long grass. So I leaned, and leaned and leaned, and then went right over sideways. A full 180 degrees, at the same time slithering into the ditch under the hedge. I ended up, still 'on' or rather under, my bike, wheels spinning slightly, and with the top of my head in a puddle. I had to be pulled out by the people who were behind me.

Sadly, no one actually saw this happen, or got it on video, because once I was out, I could see how hysterical it would have looked.

 

[Fab Foodie]

Well done!

Regarding cleats. Proper adjustment is important. One thing, sit on the edge of a table and relax, look down and see the natural angles that your feet adopt (one may point inwards for example). The 'zero' position on your cleats should reflect the angle your feet naturally want to take. Also, clipless pedal systems tend to be 'higher' than a standard pedal, so you might need to raise your saddle a tad. Finally, make sure you're not pushing hard on the pedals, use the gears to allow your legs to spin round without too much pressure. It takes time for the body to get use to the abuse!

 

[Spizz 23]

Having explored my local area with 7-16 mile rides- I decided to go on an epic ride today (epic for me anyway!!!)

26 miles!!! I can see how addictive this new hobby is. Most of the route was relatively flat with a couple of small climbs- then a very long climb at the end (Staverton- near Daventry for anyone who knows the area)- what a killer!!! Only had 1 clipless moment when I had to stop for oxygen halfway up the hill- and in my panic about stopping on a hill- for which I prepared myself mentally "don't forget to unclip".....took my right foot out- forgot my left and fell into a nice soft mound of nettles!!!!!

Not my first clipless moment might I add (only got them yesterday) and on my way home from the LBS with HWMBO- was turning right to join a cycle path- when I heard "left, left, left"- panicking, thinking there was a car I hadn't seen- I slowed down, forgot I was clipped in....... the bruises are cool!!!!

My knees really hurt now though- am wondering if there is a way to adjust the cleats?

Ah well- just had to share that with you- what a great forum- so friendly and welcoming!!

Kirst

Hi there I know, the Staverton /Daventry hill well, as I occassionally commute to Coventry once a week by bike from Daventry, another option is the A45 into Daventry, but this is a long steady climb..well done on your ride anyway, as for clipless pedals.....you will get used to them..!!

 

[Madmidwife]

Arch- sorry- that is very funny, I don't feel quite so silly now!!!

Fab Foodie- I have very weird legs!! (me knees point inwards and sometimes bang on my crossbar- my spin class instructor laughs at me but I am awaiting a physio referal) am tinkering with my cleats to get the best postion.

Spizz- aha- the A45- only ever done that going out of Daventry- don't fancy it the other way!!!

Thanks for all your kind words- am going to try for a 30 mile tomorrow.....found a cycle route I fancy on a leaflet from Northants.gov website called the "Bluebell Line"- a circular route taking in Everdon, Preston Capes and Hellidon- but can't find a detailed map of it anywhere- even the people at Sustrans don't know of it!!!!!

Ah well- I shall make it up as I go along!!!!

Kirst