ChrisEyles
Guru
- Location
- Devon
Thanks @Stonechat - it's faster than I normally manage too, hence the heavy feeling in my legs! I think I prefer my rides to have at least one challenging climb in - your climb up box hills sounds like a good one 
Show us your.......newbie progress!
- Thread starter Nigelnaturist
- Start date
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Haven't managed to get out much at all this year so this mornings 56 mile effort has left me a bit sore despite the very steady pace. I absolutely love the scenery here in Wales though.
https://www.strava.com/activities/301938434
https://www.strava.com/activities/301938434
I was out in Wales today too and fairly close to you at furthest point away @spooks.
I get to ride this every time, as I live here, but there are some really great routes as you enter to Brecon Beacons Park area where you were close to.
https://www.strava.com/activities/301698680
I get to ride this every time, as I live here, but there are some really great routes as you enter to Brecon Beacons Park area where you were close to.
https://www.strava.com/activities/301698680
I only moved here 6 weeks ago from the flat New Forest so it'll take a while before I'm ready for the Brecon Beacons!
nobbyp
Well-Known Member
Squeezed 31 in tonight - bit slow but put that down to the wind.
Finally did Black Hill Lane without stopping
Lovely evening in N Yorks despite the gusts
https://www.strava.com/activities/301951402
Finally did Black Hill Lane without stopping
Lovely evening in N Yorks despite the gusts
https://www.strava.com/activities/301951402
Won't be long before you can't help venturing up there.
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
You will probably get ready for it by doing it! Choose something you can just manage and build up
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
Box Hill is the easiest of the hills, though it keeps going up the gradient is never challenging. You never think, I need to stop but have to keep going onThanks @Stonechat - it's faster than I normally manage too, hence the heavy feeling in my legs! I think I prefer my rides to have at least one challenging climb in - your climb up box hills sounds like a good one
White Down and Barhatch Lane are challnging though
Eribiste
Careful with that axle Eugene
- Location
- Eckington, Worcestershire
Had a good ride out on Sunday (100515) doing the Bell Rings Audax from Evesham, just about 150 kms including the ride to and from the start. First 'proper' ride since scrambling my left thumb a couple of months ago, so I'm not in the peak of condition. Fortunately I ended up with the good company of a chap called Robin who kept me going, especially helpful on the last section, with a strong headwind all the way. There's no doubt that having a ride buddy is a real boost on a long(ish) haul. Next planned thrash is the Beacon Road Club's Cotswold Journey on June 14th, a hundred mile job, so I've got to do some training to get ready for that one.
www.strava.com/activities/301979003
www.strava.com/activities/301979003
Nomadski
I Like Bikes
- Location
- LBS, Usually
Some quite epic rides on the last couple of pages. @mintymurray that elevation was insane! Congrats on the sportive, especially with the weather.
I didn't go out on Sunday as planned, as I had to pack up 6 boxes and start clearing the loft for the trip to Manchester.
Today had a slightly mad day, returning from Manchester, then shooting straight out to go to the gym (which I'm going to use to help me strengthen my legs and help with general fitness in the 5 weeks leading up to my trilogy of challenges). Did 40 minutes trying various machines of torture, no doubt designed by a fellow with legs wider than my door.
Despite the ridiculous amount of sweat, felt rather invigorated afterwards, so went home, slung on my riding gear, and went out for a wee lap and a half of Richmond Park. Was absolutely gorgeous as the sun started to set, saw hardly any cars, just joggers, dog walkers, cyclists and a couple of squirrels that I may have saved as they ran in front of my bike, while a chasing fox stopped as I cycled past and looked at me like I had just called his mum "Roadkill".
Chinook!
Although it was only 24.5 miles, really enjoyed the serenity of it, even the roads through Raynes Park and Wimbledon were relatively quiet, which helped keep my speed up. I did hit every traffic light on red of course but we can't have it all.
https://app.strava.com/activities/303321816
I didn't go out on Sunday as planned, as I had to pack up 6 boxes and start clearing the loft for the trip to Manchester.
Today had a slightly mad day, returning from Manchester, then shooting straight out to go to the gym (which I'm going to use to help me strengthen my legs and help with general fitness in the 5 weeks leading up to my trilogy of challenges). Did 40 minutes trying various machines of torture, no doubt designed by a fellow with legs wider than my door.
Despite the ridiculous amount of sweat, felt rather invigorated afterwards, so went home, slung on my riding gear, and went out for a wee lap and a half of Richmond Park. Was absolutely gorgeous as the sun started to set, saw hardly any cars, just joggers, dog walkers, cyclists and a couple of squirrels that I may have saved as they ran in front of my bike, while a chasing fox stopped as I cycled past and looked at me like I had just called his mum "Roadkill".
Chinook!
Although it was only 24.5 miles, really enjoyed the serenity of it, even the roads through Raynes Park and Wimbledon were relatively quiet, which helped keep my speed up. I did hit every traffic light on red of course but we can't have it all.
https://app.strava.com/activities/303321816
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
Good ride @Eribiste , Yes I have not had company on my longer rides, apart from one training or practice in the run up to the Ups and Downs Sportive.
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
Usual Wedneday outing to Chertsey, doing an extra bit beforehand
https://www.strava.com/activities/303619497
21.2 mi @ 16.5 mph
587 feet climbed
pretty much par for me, some light winds but pleasant
https://www.strava.com/activities/303619497
21.2 mi @ 16.5 mph
587 feet climbed
pretty much par for me, some light winds but pleasant
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
Just bought a chain wear measuring tools as shifting was getting bad and hard to adjust
It seems my chain wear is off the scale, I had used @Nigelnaturist 's method with a ruler, and thought it was OK but unequivalently badly worn,
I can't seen any wear on the cassette or the chainwheels, but what do I know?
So I reckon I need to change chain and cassette at least.
I have ridden 5900 miles on the bike
In the old days, I rode for miles and never replaced a chain, casssette
edit - may not be true as I have an old chain tool from those days (and a more modern one)
It seems my chain wear is off the scale, I had used @Nigelnaturist 's method with a ruler, and thought it was OK but unequivalently badly worn,
I can't seen any wear on the cassette or the chainwheels, but what do I know?
So I reckon I need to change chain and cassette at least.
I have ridden 5900 miles on the bike
In the old days, I rode for miles and never replaced a chain, casssette
edit - may not be true as I have an old chain tool from those days (and a more modern one)
ChrisEyles
Guru
- Location
- Devon
5900 miles seems quite a lot for a single chain - probably time for a switch! Mind you, my friend rides a low-ish end Claude Butler that's done around 20,000 miles now and I think he's changed the chain about once, and maybe oiled it twice, and that's been it in six years or so. He just thinks I'm being anal cleaning my bikes all the time and replacing bits on it!
