A 3-loop forum ride from Hebden Bridge (28/50/54 miles)

[ColinJ]

Hey chaps - the answers to all of your questions are in my previous posts! But, anyway ...

I do reckon I'd be up for loop one tomorrow and am intrigued as to the clever routes Uncle Colin comes up with!

Colin, the only thing that concerns me is to have to ride on that Halifax-Todmorden road but magnifying your Bikely route, it seems to be on parallel roads? Is this correct? If so, I'm intrigued to investigate that specific route.

That'll be good Paul!

I'm taking us down the Calder Valley Cycleway as an alternative to that part of the busy A646. I hope nobody gets too precious about their bikes! I've done it many times on my road bikes and never had a puncture or any other problem but there are a few gravelly bits, and packed mud, and potholes. Just bear with me and see what you think of it.

You can get all the way from Hebden Bridge to Sowerby Bridge without using the busy A646 so I think it is a useful route to know but it isn't well-publicised. (In fact you can then get into Halifax on the Hebble Trail Cycleway so it would make a quiet commuter route in and out of Halifax from the upper valley.)

Fettling my regular buddy's gears last night and I discovered that he's going down to The Smoke this weekend so.... I might be interested if I can negotiate the time with Mrs Gti. If I can make it I'll see you in the car park at 09.45.

The forecast looks good for it.

Edit: Re-reading this thread I can see that Fiona has a logistics problem though I can't quite figure it out. I live 15 minutes from Preston station so could give you a lift over if that helped. My estate car takes 2 bikes easily.

If you're interested I'll PM my phone number.

The problem is that Fiona needs to get back to Kendal but her return train would be stopping at Preston because the line is closed from noon for 24 hours.

The weather here today is absolutely gorgeous and the forecast is for more of the same tomorrow!

I'll want to wear something on top of my jersey tomorrow to disguise my huge 'aero belly' but I could overheat if I do. It might have to be a partially unzipped gilet.

colin is this the car park we are all meeting at -> CLICK ME

Yes! (As linked to in post #1 and mapped in Bikely for post #32! )

I'm on my own this weekend, so I'll be there tomorrow, Colin - if I can manage the early start after tonight's gig.

You know it makes sense!

 

[phil_hg_uk]

Has potsy got his wheel fixed ?

 

[potsy]

Has potsy got his wheel fixed ?

Yes Phil, new wheel on, just been round the block(5 miles) and I think the indexing is a 1/4 turn out but I'll sort that as we go tomorrow.
Only question now is- am I brave enough to wear shorts? I have only ever worn baggies over my cycling shorts, but am actually thinking about just wearing the bib shorts my bravado will probably disappear by morning
Forecast is for 18 or 19C so should be a decent day

 

[phil_hg_uk]

Good glad the gears are ok often useful on a hill.

I wont be wearing shorts coz I dont have any but I may get some as the weather warms up.

What time is everyone actually arriving as opposed to the start time stated.

 

[colly]

Sorry Colin I am out of this one.

Got home this evening to find my fish struggling for life at the bottom of an almost empty pond..

So for me, tomorrows fun and games are going to be looking for a leak and repairing it.

 

[Fiona N]

...
Edit: Re-reading this thread I can see that Fiona has a logistics problem though I can't quite figure it out. I live 15 minutes from Preston station so could give you a lift over if that helped. My estate car takes 2 bikes easily.
...

Many thanks Globalti but as Colin says, it's the return leg from Preston to Kendal where I'm without trains but it really isn't a problem. Assuming it's reasonably early (<5pm) when I leave Hebden Bridge to get to Preston, then it's about a two hour ride home from there and I'll be home before dark

Not that dark is a major probelm but it would require me to shift decent lights (there's an emergency get-me-home- legal light in the tool bag, of course) off another bike onto the Hewitt for tomorrow which in turn means moving the mapholder etc. I was hoping not to habe to think about lights on the Hewitt until I am about to do a 300km i.e. at Easter.

 

[Pennine-Paul]

Looks like I'll be able to make this afterall,my back is a lot better today,

Another nights kip should see it ok to ride i reckon

See you all tomorrow

 

[potsy]

I'm glad that you are still coming. The number of confirmed participants has otherwise shrunk to, er, me! Lots of possibles who might melt away at the last minute ...

* Sings *What a difference a day makes...

Looks like a decent turn out for tomorrow now, the weather has probably helped, as has the format with the multiple options.
GPS hasn't turned up yet so no new toy to play with
Off to de-weight my bike from commuter mode now that Fiona is coming, I don't like the way she makes cycling look so effortless

@Phil- I usually get there early, so about 9.15-9.30am, gives me time to get changed/sort bike out etc.

 

[phil_hg_uk]

@Phil- I usually get there early, so about 9.15-9.30am, gives me time to get changed/sort bike out etc.

Right ok I will try to set off in plenty of time as I have no idea how long it will take me to get there due to the fact I have never been there before.

 

[trio25]

Have a good ride folks, sorry I can't make it as have to work!

 

[Bokonon]

My boiler's working again and I think my bike is up together so I'm good to go tomorrow.

 

[Steve H]

Only question now is- am I brave enough to wear shorts? I have only ever worn baggies over my cycling shorts, but am actually thinking about just wearing the bib shorts my bravado will probably disappear by morning
Forecast is for 18 or 19C so should be a decent day

I had a quick ride out today in lycra shorts and tight fitting short sleeved top. Managed to sneak past the neighbors windows without getting seen. Once the initial 'oh my I must look like Davide out of Little Britain' moment has past it was really nice to cycle in the sunshine with arms and legs worshiping the sun.

If the sun is going to be out again tomorrow, I'm definitely wearing shorts again. No laughing anyone!

Currently having a bit of a fall out with the wife. If it continues I'll be out for all three loops as a serious sign of sulking. If I make up with her before then (or realize I'm being an arse), I'll just be there for one loop as previously stated!

Here's to the sunshine everyone!

 

[Svendo]

I'm in Walsden tonight, and I'll be out tomorrow for the ride. I should even be on time for the start! I need to be back in Rochdale for 6pmish to childmind but apart from that I've got a pass out.

 

[ColinJ]

I've decided to ride my Cannondale. I should be okay until that 3rd loop which I will probably have a real problem with but I'll give it a go. I mustn't hurt my dodgy legs too much though because I am going for a 9+ mile walk on the Pennine Way with a pal and her dog on Sunday.

I think it might be baggy shorts for me. My 3/4 DHBs would probably be too warm and my bibshorts are a bit tight for some strange reason ...

I've replaced the rear tyre because the old one had a flat worn on it through which it got punctured on the previous forum ride. Would anybody like my old tyre for turbo-trainer duties? It should be fine for that but I think it is too worn for road use now. If anybody wants it, I'll bring it out in the morning. If not, I'll bin it.

I should do the sensible thing and have a relatively early night, but I'm me, so I won't! So, it's ......... Donnie Darko Night! I really like that film and it is on BBC1 at midnight so I'm stopping up for that. With a few cans of beer of course!

I'm totally confused as to who is coming and who isn't! I'll have to go through the whole thread again to check and then there are still some maybes ... (did that) ... Blimey, this now looks like one of the best turnouts yet and the weather should be great too!

Definites:

• ColinJ
• potsy
• Pennine-Paul (as far as Littleborough on loop 2)
• Fiona N
• phil_hg_uk
• Bokonon
• tubbycyclist (for at least some of the ride)
• Globalti
• Svendo
• Steve H (for 1-3 loops depending on degree of contrition!)

'Maybes'

• PaulB (for one loop?)
• Uncle Phil (if he can get up in time after a late night)

See you all at about 09:50 in the car park.

If you are on the list but can't make it, could you post here before 09:15 or txt me if you have my number (better than phoning because I'll probably be dashing about at the last minute getting ready!)

If you are not on the list and decide to just turn up, make sure you get to the car park by 09:45! We'll be doing our best to set off by 10:00.

 

[ColinJ]

Sorry about the pond colly!

Hard luck about work trio. I see that you are still racking up the miles though!

See if you both can make it for next week's SITD instead?




Calum - if you read this after some late night student debauchery, set your alarm for early, drag yourself down to the station and come over with Bokonon!