Show us your.......newbie progress!

[Justinslow]

I know what you mean, the 15 miles I did off road today feels like about 40 road miles - if not more!!

Absolutely, I was blowing like a good un! Lots of short bursts of energy rather than a more prolonged slog on the roadie, also loads of upper body work throwing the bike around and standing up riding the bumps and tricky stuff trying to soak them up.

 

[nobbyp]

Squeezed in 20.4 miles at 15.5 on sat am - v pleased as last 20 mins were into the wind through a particularly heavy snow shower and looked a bit like a ⛄️. Strangely enjoyed it though and managed 13 PB's (mostly set on my old heavy bike but in far more clement weather conditions so pretty chuffed

 

[Leescfc79]

Didn't manage my planned road ride today due to icy conditions, took the dogs for an extended walk instead this morning.

Also popped out for a few miles on the mtb around a local park, mainly bridleways so nothing too exciting but had a crazy 96 feet per mile so still a decent workout! Only did about 6 miles though as was a just trying to get my bearings and understand how it all linked together....still non the wiser, will try to pop back at the weekend when I have more time.

 

[Stonechat]

Not due for another ride until Weds
Took doggy for a walk this evening and he fell in the river
Such is life!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Was the mutt ok or did it drown?

 

[Stonechat]

No it was ok
He can swim but it is hard for him to get up onto the bank

He like to walk along the rivers edge must be interesting smells
Trouble was I had to scramble down to rescue him
He has a harness, so it is easy to grab him
Went home, rinsed him off and dried him

 

[Stonechat]

Bought the kindle version of 100 greatest climbs book, only £2.38 at the moment
I know where they are and have done 4 of these already, also about 3 from the second book I don't have

The ones I have done
Box Hill - he grades as 3/10 Done ,many times
Leith Hill - he grades as 6/10 done a few times
White Down - he grades as 8/10
Ditchling Beacon (I did on the London Brighton ride) - he grades as 6/10

White Downs is a b**ger - done it twice
I find Leith Hill tough longer not so bad, its just about grinding your way up slowly
Thought Ditchling was a bit tougher

Interesting to see the times he gives for the climbs, obviously I am a lot slower
between 50% and 100 % longer!

Incidentally I have done two of the ones from that second book, Coombe Lane and Coldharbour Lane
Some of the hills on other parts of the country seem impossible
I am ok on 10 even up to 12 % but White Down has sections at 20% and I am struggling.

It's a good book and at this price worth having

 

[Berk on a Bike]

First ride in two weeks this morning. Just a bimble on the local cycle route. Southerly (and downward) direction was fine. Northerly (and height gaining direction) was like riding on a toboggan run. Turned around early as I just didn't fancy the conditions at the northern extremity, but it was nice to get out in the cold!

https://www.strava.com/activities/243589931

 

[morrisman]

Sunny and clear this morning so 25 fairly flat miles, temperature varied between -1 and +2 C, feet were frozen by the end.

https://www.strava.com/activities/243589684

 

[Supersuperleeds]

Sunny and clear this morning so 25 fairly flat miles, temperature varied between -1 and +2 C, feet were frozen by the end.

https://www.strava.com/activities/243589684

My water bottle was frozen by the time I got to work this morning, never mind my hands and feet

 

[puffinbilly]

My water bottle was frozen by the time I got to work this morning, never mind my hands and feet

Oh that sounds particularly painful - two pairs of padded shorts may help in this weather........

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Freezing cold all day here - currently gently snowing.

I've given up on January cycling.

 

[Stonechat]

Hoping for a ride tomorrow
Forecast cold but not freezing
Not long but need to climb some more!!!

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Hoping for a ride tomorrow
Forecast cold but not freezing
Not long but need to climb some more!!!

@Stonechat

Do some for me please!

 

[Mo1959]

@Stonechat

Do some for me please!

.........and me. Lol.

Mind you, I can't say I miss cycling in freezing conditions. Memories of previous winters with hands so cold they went numb then intensely painful when they started to thaw out are still with me. I am quite happy to wait it out for warmer days and concentrate on walking/jogging.