The 2024 Half Century (50km or 50 mile) Challenge Chatzone

[Jon George]

After managing to sneak in several points at the end of August during my tour around the border of Suffolk - three per week - I thought I'd continue in the same vein going forward. Having planned that, I promptly pulled something in my lower back and it's only in the last couple of weeks I feel as though I'm where I was during the summer.
I've devised a rather nice route that I believe will keep me entertained for some time and I'm still having a lot - a LOT - of fun on my Fixed Gear. And it seems to be getting easier. (Famous last words.)
It was a rather dull day out here, but I enjoyed myself, nevertheless. Here's a photo of some asparagus.

 

[13 rider]

Go on then I suppose I should mention @Jenkins who also got his November ride in today

 

[Jenkins]

A mis-communication between the company supplying my new bath and the fitter they use meant that I was able to get the November banker ride in earlier than expected. My personal sub-challenge of a ride outside Suffolk may be more of a difficult one to fit in due to being away for quite a few days this month.

 

[UphillSlowly]

Some photos from half term hols in East Yorkshire. Got three rides in

 

[Jon George]

Go on then I suppose I should mention @Jenkins who also got his November ride in today

Yay! Go Suffolk!

 

[bluenotebob]

I managed to get lost briefly this afternoon. It doesn’t happen very often – I’d like to think that I have a good sense of direction – but on the way home (east), I cycled 3km west in error. Dis-orientated by the mist? Carelessness/arrogance creeping in as I get older? Who knows – but it was a tad disconcerting.

Today’s objective was to get to St Etienne-du-Gué-de-l’Isle for the “E” in the ABC of Saints challenge. Did that then turned for home on a route that would take me through the Forêt de Lanouée and back onto roads that I know. It was between the two where I wandered off-piste.

Quite a long day out – I left home around 10am when the visibility had lifted to a just-about manageable 200m and it was 3.45pm when I finally got home. Tired but content.

I’ve lit a big fire and I’ve just eaten a huge dinner. I’m now heading for the comfy chair by the fire where I shall almost certainly fall asleep….and dream of cycling in the mist.

 

[13 rider]

So he doesn't feel left out a well done to @UphillSlowly also a first day poster

 

[ColinJ]

I'll post my 50(s) at the end of the month but to save you all fretting in the meantime... I did a chilly 60 km ride with a pal today. Pretty lumpy - just over 1,200 m of ascent squeezed in, including some at 15%.

 

[Spartak]

November 50 km ... ✅

Misty and murky day in Bristol today, but I'd committed to seeing my 90 year old Auntie so with a slight route change, and train journey to Weston Super Mare I then headed east to Winscombe along the excellent Strawberry Line path, thru Axbridge and onto Cheddar for a coffee and biscuits with my Aunt.
The great thing of her living in Cheddar means I can cycle up the Gorge whenever I visit.
From there I headed to Chew Magna where I took advantage of a meal deal in the local Co-op as I was starving. Onto Queen Charlton which is now in part closed to motor vehicles and the fast descent into Keynsham before joining the Bristol to Bath cycle track at Bitton for the final 10 kms.

A very nice route and one which I will do again, hopefully when the sun is shining ... 👍

 

[Jon George]

Quite a drab morning, here in Suffolk. I found it pretty heavy going - it took me 2hrs 55 mins to do 34 miles, but I'm eyeing the possibility of maybe achieving 50 points for the year if I continue getting in three points per week.

This out at Bucklesham. It was about as bright as it got.

 

[ColinJ]

10th November: 31.09 miles - Rather miserable ride in constant drizzle, cut the planned route short cause it really was hard going, only to get a slow puncture on my way back into town, but was close enough to walk home - https://www.strava.com/activities/12867589087 - 1 point

It was the same here today so I cut my ride short too - from 50+ km down to no ride at all!

Good on you for making the effort but I couldn't face leaving the house.

The next few days are looking much nicer so I hope to get some decent rides in.

(I really must get my winter bike repaired. It is the only one with proper mudguards.)

 

[steverob]

It was the same here today so I cut my ride short too - from 50+ km down to no ride at all!

Good on you for making the effort but I couldn't face leaving the house.

The next few days are looking much nicer so I hope to get some decent rides in.

(I really must get my winter bike repaired. It is the only one with proper mudguards.)

Having not got out yesterday when it was dry but colder, I forced myself to ride today and had a 100km ride planned but the drizzle started literally as I was at the end of my road and the hopes I had that it was a short lived shower proved to be woefully optimistic. Got 20km in when I decided to re-route and go for 50 instead as it wasn’t pleasant being out.

Then somewhere around the 48-49 mark I noticed the rear tyre was soft. Spent the next ten minutes nursing the bike to get to the target distance and just as I reached the magic number, I heard the first of the familiar “thump” noises of a complete flat and knowing I wasn’t too far from home, that’s where I ended my ride, especially given I hate changing inner tubes in the wet and cold - much easier to do it in the comfort of my home!

 

[Jon George]

So surprised to see blue sky, I extended today's attempt to include a detour down to Waldringfield.

 

[Domus]

During my Bay Cycle Way last month, a ride I have done several times, I experienced a rapid heart rate that would not come down, I struggled up every climb and could not keep up with my fellow riders when usually I am up at the front. I put this down to something hanging over me, perhaps a delayed reaction to the recent shingles, flu and covid jabs.

Went on my Azores cruise and low a behold a week in I woke up at 02.30 on Sunday morning with a racing heart beat and very shallow breathing. I stayed in bed for the whole day and night with a feeling of total exhaustion and a heart rate of 85 + when my normal resting HR is 62-64. Monday morning all was well apart from feeling a little washed out but the HR was back to low to mid 60s.

Been to the docs yesterday for bloods and ECG. Out on the bike today and felt fine, 50 chilly Kms, no big climbs but HR behaved.
Results due in a few days time.

 

[13 rider]

@Domus glad you got your 50km in just take it easy and hope the results show nothing untoward but look after yourself