Black knight
Active Member
Did what I consider to be my first 'big' ride today Legs don't feel too bad at present but my knees are pretty shot.
I on a Boardman sc, one gear, set to freewheel.
Done a couple of rides previously, a 15 and an 18 miler a month or so back. Last week I ventured out a bit further and did 30 miles.
Wanted to do 35 maybe 40 today, headed North out of York at 08:30, absolutely perishing! Went up towards Brandsby. Took the road to Ampelforth village which is the first hill that beat me, twice I had to get off and walk, bit disappointed but legs just aren't strong enough yet. This was about the 20 mile mark.
Pushed on towards Ampleforth, some really steep drops here, quite disconcerting especially as I lost a friend last year who crashed whilst downhilling. Managed to get up the hill coming out of the village, again a real stinker, freewhelling down the other side I topped 40mph. This was about the 25 mile mark. By this point i'd decided to push on for a 50 miler.
Went up past Byland Abbey, saw my first fellow cyclist at this point, wave and a smile and off he went. I was heading home now, felt tired but still pushing on well. Down to A19 straight over onto the back roads.
I've a little under seat bag I keep various bit in, including my phone. I stopped to unzip it to check the GPS and I hadn't secured it properly. Out it fell, smashed open and sod law...straight down the drain! Luckily the drain was full of leaves and I could see it resting on top. Couldn't reach it though and the drain grip was stuck fast. I had passed a farm not too far back, thankfully they were very helpful and came to my assistance with a 5ft iron bar, even then the cover was a bugger to shift! Can't find the name of the farm on Google but I'll have to find out so I can send the guy a thankyou.
Continued heading South, time was getting on now and legs were tiring. Made a mistake navigating and ended up on the A19 for a couple of miles. A car passed me with the exhaust hanging off, cam to a stop a few hundred yards in front of me and a lady got out. I offered my assistance and got her moving safely. Karma duly fulfilled!
Must have crossed the East Coast Mainline 10 times in that section and I felt every overbridge, was glad to get back to York but I was dehydrated and fatigued. Last few miles home I could barely reach 10mph.
Finally got home about 13:30, quick cold shower then into town for 2 Sunday dinners. Yes TWO! Must say feeling pretty proud of myself!
Miles 66.25
Avg speed 14.9
My route...
http://tinyurl.com/34t48n2
I on a Boardman sc, one gear, set to freewheel.
Done a couple of rides previously, a 15 and an 18 miler a month or so back. Last week I ventured out a bit further and did 30 miles.
Wanted to do 35 maybe 40 today, headed North out of York at 08:30, absolutely perishing! Went up towards Brandsby. Took the road to Ampelforth village which is the first hill that beat me, twice I had to get off and walk, bit disappointed but legs just aren't strong enough yet. This was about the 20 mile mark.
Pushed on towards Ampleforth, some really steep drops here, quite disconcerting especially as I lost a friend last year who crashed whilst downhilling. Managed to get up the hill coming out of the village, again a real stinker, freewhelling down the other side I topped 40mph. This was about the 25 mile mark. By this point i'd decided to push on for a 50 miler.
Went up past Byland Abbey, saw my first fellow cyclist at this point, wave and a smile and off he went. I was heading home now, felt tired but still pushing on well. Down to A19 straight over onto the back roads.
I've a little under seat bag I keep various bit in, including my phone. I stopped to unzip it to check the GPS and I hadn't secured it properly. Out it fell, smashed open and sod law...straight down the drain! Luckily the drain was full of leaves and I could see it resting on top. Couldn't reach it though and the drain grip was stuck fast. I had passed a farm not too far back, thankfully they were very helpful and came to my assistance with a 5ft iron bar, even then the cover was a bugger to shift! Can't find the name of the farm on Google but I'll have to find out so I can send the guy a thankyou.
Continued heading South, time was getting on now and legs were tiring. Made a mistake navigating and ended up on the A19 for a couple of miles. A car passed me with the exhaust hanging off, cam to a stop a few hundred yards in front of me and a lady got out. I offered my assistance and got her moving safely. Karma duly fulfilled!
Must have crossed the East Coast Mainline 10 times in that section and I felt every overbridge, was glad to get back to York but I was dehydrated and fatigued. Last few miles home I could barely reach 10mph.
Finally got home about 13:30, quick cold shower then into town for 2 Sunday dinners. Yes TWO! Must say feeling pretty proud of myself!
Miles 66.25
Avg speed 14.9
My route...
http://tinyurl.com/34t48n2
