Second ride, first time on a trail

[abo]

And I didn't really mean to. I just got the bike out for a bit of a ride on the local roads/cycle paths. It was a bit chilly so, seeing as I was staying local I just kept my jeans and fleecy jumper on (nothing underneath the jumper...)

There is a point where the cycle track turns to a trail and I thought I'd have a look along it and decided to ride up to Wynyard Woodland Park and back. Halfway along the track the sun got out and I was really cursing my choice of clothes :/

Then I came to this:

Took it cautiously and of course I started to sh*t it about halfway down. Then kicked myself when I got to the bottom and noticed the track off to the side which was a much easier way...

Got to where I was going, had a little break and a drink in the cafe and headed back. Bumped into a couple of guys who were cycling down from Sunderland. Had a bit chat and got home.

9.1 miles

 

[abo]

Oh and some buffoon has dumped this lot, completely blocking the track...

Tried riding over the top for a laugh but it was just too springy and unstable...

 

[Norm]

9.1 miles is pretty good for a second ride - but I have to admit my juices started flowing just a little at that downhill. Looks like a great area.

That lump of shavings looks like fun and would make excellent compost. I'm guessing there's some industrial-strength mulching about to happen but if it really has been dumped, it would be a shame as there's a gazillion uses for that, as long as it isn't contaminated.

 

[abo]

Thanks!

Its nice Norm, Stockton is a bit meh but I live out on the very edge of town (farmers fields out the back of my house, for miles), so with a couple of minutes cycling you're off into the countryside

 

[LosingFocus]

ow that looks tasty! Very nice ride out, 9.1 miles. Think my first 3 rides were of similar length. Im only just up to 17/18 mile snow after a month!

 

[kenuk1]

I just noticed this, do that run regular it's part of NCN1 and joins onto the Three Rivers route up at Seaham/Sunderland, have a couple of good routes up to about 25 mile that might interested anyone in the area? Just gimme a shout if you want to know them, this was the route I started with, but I live nr Sedgefield so to be honest I'm pretty much good for that route either at Thorpe Thewles or Wynyard Woods - by the way, those chippings are going down nicely lol

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Looks like fun. 9.1 miles is good going . Keep a log if you are not already doing so and look back at it in a few months. You will be amazed how your mileage has increased

And I didn't really mean to. I just got the bike out for a bit of a ride on the local roads/cycle paths. It was a bit chilly so, seeing as I was staying local I just kept my jeans and fleecy jumper on (nothing underneath the jumper...)

There is a point where the cycle track turns to a trail and I thought I'd have a look along it and decided to ride up to Wynyard Woodland Park and back. Halfway along the track the sun got out and I was really cursing my choice of clothes :/

Then I came to this:

Took it cautiously and of course I started to sh*t it about halfway down. Then kicked myself when I got to the bottom and noticed the track off to the side which was a much easier way...

Got to where I was going, had a little break and a drink in the cafe and headed back. Bumped into a couple of guys who were cycling down from Sunderland. Had a bit chat and got home.

9.1 miles

 

[Angelfishsolo]

That looks like it is intended to cover the trail but not quite in that way. More like a 1/4 inch layer over all of the trail

Oh and some buffoon has dumped this lot, completely blocking the track...

Tried riding over the top for a laugh but it was just too springy and unstable...

 

[kenuk1]

In all honesty, I think it's there to be used for the play area thats right next to the start of the route...nice little place it is too with a coffee shop etc.

 

[abo]

Heh yeah, I noticed it had depleted somewhat when I was along there last, which was a while ago now as I haven't been for a proper ride in nearly two weeks due to my back problem. Been a lot better the last couple of days so might risk a ride tomorrow...

AFS: logging is a good idea, I don't have a computer but I use a Forerunner 205 from my running days. It's handy as the strap just fits into a light bracket and every run/ride is logged on Garmin Connect, same as those Edge thingies I guess. Just wish I'd gone for a 305, didn't have the need when I bought it, pre-bike, but I'd quite like a cadence sensor now

 

[kenuk1]

Depending on which phone you have you could use Endomondo?

 

[abo]

SE Xperia X10i with Android 2.2. I've found the battery takes a bit of a pwnage if I use the gps and keep the screen on, then there's the whole thing of mounting it on my bike. I'm definately interested in the app though, I will give it a go some time, it's just the Forerunner is convenient; the battery lasts good and long, it is quite neat on my bars and it's rainproof too.

 

[APK]

I use endomondo on my HTC desire, turn the screen off, wrap in a cloth, and stuff in my seat pack for protection, did 3 hour ride earlier in the week, and used about 50% of the battery, if you leave the screen on it will kill the battery.

 

[kenuk1]

Yeah agree on the battery power, my iphone doesnt last long if the screens on, but if you turn off audio and screen you dont really see a difference, well, not in a couple of hours anyways.

Im off up that route later this afternoon, will see how the pile of chippings are goin lol

 

[adds21]

9.1 miles is pretty good for a second ride

+1. My second ride was about a mile, and that half killed me