Justinitus
Warning: May Contain Pie
- Location
- Wiltshire
I tried Conscience Lane once, never again! Never felt so scared on a bike with all the impatient Lewis Hamiltons trying to avoid going through town!
Tiny rides of 2023
- Thread starter Hebe
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
I tried Conscience Lane once, never again! Never felt so scared on a bike with all the impatient Lewis Hamiltons trying to avoid going through town!
a.twiddler
Veteran
Tiny rides of 2023
4/6/23
Since I’ve acquired another recumbent bike, like you do, I’ve been setting it up to suit me in the garage. It’s quite different from the lengthy Linear. It has conventional bars at the end of a long stem, a 20” rear and 16” front wheel. It’s quite compact. It has a hub dynamo and a highly efficient front light. Curiously, it’s designed to be always on, as a daytime running light as well as at night. I’ve been thinking of fitting a switch somewhere, in case the number of passers by shouting, “Oy! Mush! Your lights are on!” gets too distracting.
I set off, multitool in pocket, on a ride to a quiet shady path out of the sun where I could make adjustments and try them out without drawing a crowd. Sure enough, before I’d gone 100 yards some young chap jogging in a beanie hat in the opposite direction got quite excited and shouted something. Something something something bike something, mate was all I could make out. Perhaps he was admiring my hat, as I was wearing a similar one to him.
I came to the path and made some adjustments, rode up and down for a bit, made some more adjustments, rode a bit more, fine tuned the adjustments, then rode home.
About ¾ mile altogether. No Garmin mount fitted so no results. Too short to track on Bikehike
In one line,
Went out, made some adjusments, once satisfied, rode home without falling off. Success!
4/6/23
Since I’ve acquired another recumbent bike, like you do, I’ve been setting it up to suit me in the garage. It’s quite different from the lengthy Linear. It has conventional bars at the end of a long stem, a 20” rear and 16” front wheel. It’s quite compact. It has a hub dynamo and a highly efficient front light. Curiously, it’s designed to be always on, as a daytime running light as well as at night. I’ve been thinking of fitting a switch somewhere, in case the number of passers by shouting, “Oy! Mush! Your lights are on!” gets too distracting.
I set off, multitool in pocket, on a ride to a quiet shady path out of the sun where I could make adjustments and try them out without drawing a crowd. Sure enough, before I’d gone 100 yards some young chap jogging in a beanie hat in the opposite direction got quite excited and shouted something. Something something something bike something, mate was all I could make out. Perhaps he was admiring my hat, as I was wearing a similar one to him.
I came to the path and made some adjustments, rode up and down for a bit, made some more adjustments, rode a bit more, fine tuned the adjustments, then rode home.
About ¾ mile altogether. No Garmin mount fitted so no results. Too short to track on Bikehike
In one line,
Went out, made some adjusments, once satisfied, rode home without falling off. Success!
annedonnelly
Girl from the North Country
- Location
- Blyth, Northumberland
In general do you find that recumbents attract interest? I'd have thought that they would, most people won't see them very often.
It is a bit like that. Hebe Jr rode it once for her D of E. I tend to walk it, going to the Rowdey Cow.
a.twiddler
Veteran
They certainly do. Mostly, the feedback has been very positive. With the LWB Linear I've got a rehearsed speech prepared. Adults usually ask the same sort of questions. Did you build that yourself? No. Is it fast? Not with me on it. Is it comfortable? Definitely. Don't you feel unsafe down there? How do drivers see you? Other road users give me loads of room. They don't have trouble seeing me. How do you steer it? Bars are under the seat. What is it? (long story). Why would you ride something like that? Comfortable. No aches and pains even after many miles. etc etc.
It has a very strange effect on teenagers. Their heads seem to implode. They get very excited. "That's so cool!" "Do a wheelie!""That's a really sick bike!" And so on. It seems that I've never been so cool. All this attention was an unexpected result of riding one of these things. I found it rather intrusive at first, being a rather self contained sort of person, but it's just one of those things, now. I accept it as my due.
The solution seems to be, to keep moving. I'll have to think up some more replies with this other one as it's so different.
All uphill
Still rolling along
- Location
- Somerset
I am cook in our house and prepare meals from scratch for three about 28 days a month.
Today I really couldn't face it so instead I jumped on the bike and cycled to M and S for Indian ready meals.
Great fun whizzing through the late school leavers and the early knockers-off on a perfect sunny day. Back through the park.
2 miles of rebellion!
Today I really couldn't face it so instead I jumped on the bike and cycled to M and S for Indian ready meals.
Great fun whizzing through the late school leavers and the early knockers-off on a perfect sunny day. Back through the park.
2 miles of rebellion!
DCBassman
Guru
- Location
- The lumpy far South West
Today was spent rehashing the 1994 Marin Pine Mountain specifically for me to ride after recovery. Then I did a tiny ride.
About a mile. Nearly killed me!
About a mile. Nearly killed me!
Today was spent rehashing the 1994 Marin Pine Mountain specifically for me to ride after recovery. Then I did a tiny ride.
About a mile. Nearly killed me!
That's brilliant! Congratulations and welcome back!
a.twiddler
Veteran
Tiny rides of 2023
8/6/23
Having made a few more adjustments to the Spirit recumbent it’s more or less up and running now. The seat to pedal length is sorted, barring tiny tweaks. A Garmin bracket is fitted. I’ve swopped some mirrors around so the Spirit has one that works, at least at a standstill. I’ve adjusted the gears as the indexing was a bit out. A twirl round the block to test it out is in order.
It was quite cool earlier on, but has been getting hotter now the sun is out.
Downhill to start with, then uphill. A little bit more leg length needed, I felt, so stopped to move the seat back slightly. Much better after that, rolling gently uphill. The mirror was fine on a smooth surface but even with the suspension a bit of road buzz caused it to self adjust on less smooth stuff. Too annoying, but I’ve got a Mirrycle and some bits and pieces in my spares box which I might clamp in its place. Meanwhile, I enjoyed the ride. A bit strange, having my hands up on the bars whereas they hang down to rest on the underseat ones on the Linear. The underseat ones are wide, encouraging vehicles to pass wider though it might just be my perception, not being thoroughly at home on this bike yet. Its narrowness should be an advantage on cycle trail barriers etc once I start to use it more.
I came to a T junction where I turned left. The road was more level now, though surprisingly busy with cars. I pedalled on and soon began to roll downhill towards my turn off. I got a bit of speed up for the approaching uphill then eased off and freewheeled the rest of the way to my back gate. Some work to do yet, though I'm getting there.
Distance 1.87 miles. Max speed 17.2 mph. Average 6.2 mph. According to Garmin.
According to Bikehike.
8/6/23
Having made a few more adjustments to the Spirit recumbent it’s more or less up and running now. The seat to pedal length is sorted, barring tiny tweaks. A Garmin bracket is fitted. I’ve swopped some mirrors around so the Spirit has one that works, at least at a standstill. I’ve adjusted the gears as the indexing was a bit out. A twirl round the block to test it out is in order.
It was quite cool earlier on, but has been getting hotter now the sun is out.
Downhill to start with, then uphill. A little bit more leg length needed, I felt, so stopped to move the seat back slightly. Much better after that, rolling gently uphill. The mirror was fine on a smooth surface but even with the suspension a bit of road buzz caused it to self adjust on less smooth stuff. Too annoying, but I’ve got a Mirrycle and some bits and pieces in my spares box which I might clamp in its place. Meanwhile, I enjoyed the ride. A bit strange, having my hands up on the bars whereas they hang down to rest on the underseat ones on the Linear. The underseat ones are wide, encouraging vehicles to pass wider though it might just be my perception, not being thoroughly at home on this bike yet. Its narrowness should be an advantage on cycle trail barriers etc once I start to use it more.
I came to a T junction where I turned left. The road was more level now, though surprisingly busy with cars. I pedalled on and soon began to roll downhill towards my turn off. I got a bit of speed up for the approaching uphill then eased off and freewheeled the rest of the way to my back gate. Some work to do yet, though I'm getting there.
Distance 1.87 miles. Max speed 17.2 mph. Average 6.2 mph. According to Garmin.
Total Ascent: | 42 | ft | |
| Total Descent: | 42 | ft | |
| Start Elevation: | 192 | ft | |
| End Elevation: | 192 | ft | |
| Min Elevation: | 168 | ft | |
| Max Elevation: | 210 | ft |
a.twiddler
Veteran
Tiny rides of 2023
10/6/23
The car was booked in for a service at our regular garage. I folded the Brompton, chucked a pump and a bag of tools in the Brompton bag then put bike and bag in the boot. At the garage I unfolded the bike, clicked the bag on, adjusted the seat post and prepared to set off. I looped the lanyard for the Garmin round the handle of the Brompton bag so it rested on the bag, in the absence of a bracket. I’d pinched the bracket from the trike to put on this one when it broke, then pinched it again to put on my latest recumbent. Still need to get another bracket.
The Brompton was none the worse from its trip to the Monsal Trail in April which turned out to be a rainy gritfest.
I’m always impressed how well the Brompton rolls on its tiny wheels, as long as the tyres are kept up to pressure.
So, I trundled back towards the river on a cycle path alongside a dual carriageway. The day was getting warm, and it was very pleasant just rolling along knowing the bike was well up to the job of getting me home. On this side of town there is a short steep slope to the river. On the other side it’s a much longer climb to the top. I crossed the river and took it steadily to the summit. I didn’t want to get too hot. Still, I quite enjoy these rides with a purpose. At least it feels as if the folder is earning its keep. Finally I arrived at the lights at Swanlow Lane, dived down the dip on the left to get up speed for the climb after my turn off, and freewheeled lazily through the lanes to my back gate.
Distance 4.31 miles. Max Speed 16.7 mph. Average 9.7 mph. According to Garmin.
According to Bikehike.
The return.
Later, once the car was ready, I set off through the lanes to collect it. Turning left at Swanlow Lane, confronted by a stubborn red light I hopped onto the kerb and went right before crossing the road and joining what little traffic there was downhill via Townfields Road and Gladstone St. Annoyingly, I had to stop several times for oncoming traffic on this car choked rat run. Still, it was easy rolling, and again down Weaver St. Across the river then the seated climb up the other side along a path that was made interesting by low hanging foliage that led to some excursions on to the grass. Alongside a dual carriageway on a cycle path for a bit then by road to the garage. More of a direct route this time so the mileage was smaller. Was a bit disappointed with the lower average speed on this return trip, what with all the downhill in this direction.
Distance 2.4 miles. Max speed 21mph. Average 7.7 mph. According to Garmin.
According to Bikehike.
10/6/23
The car was booked in for a service at our regular garage. I folded the Brompton, chucked a pump and a bag of tools in the Brompton bag then put bike and bag in the boot. At the garage I unfolded the bike, clicked the bag on, adjusted the seat post and prepared to set off. I looped the lanyard for the Garmin round the handle of the Brompton bag so it rested on the bag, in the absence of a bracket. I’d pinched the bracket from the trike to put on this one when it broke, then pinched it again to put on my latest recumbent. Still need to get another bracket.
The Brompton was none the worse from its trip to the Monsal Trail in April which turned out to be a rainy gritfest.
I’m always impressed how well the Brompton rolls on its tiny wheels, as long as the tyres are kept up to pressure.
So, I trundled back towards the river on a cycle path alongside a dual carriageway. The day was getting warm, and it was very pleasant just rolling along knowing the bike was well up to the job of getting me home. On this side of town there is a short steep slope to the river. On the other side it’s a much longer climb to the top. I crossed the river and took it steadily to the summit. I didn’t want to get too hot. Still, I quite enjoy these rides with a purpose. At least it feels as if the folder is earning its keep. Finally I arrived at the lights at Swanlow Lane, dived down the dip on the left to get up speed for the climb after my turn off, and freewheeled lazily through the lanes to my back gate.
Distance 4.31 miles. Max Speed 16.7 mph. Average 9.7 mph. According to Garmin.
Total Ascent: | 159 | ft | |
| Total Descent: | 105 | ft | |
| Start Elevation: | 138 | ft | |
| End Elevation: | 192 | ft | |
| Min Elevation: | 68 | ft | |
| Max Elevation: | 214 | ft |
The return.
Later, once the car was ready, I set off through the lanes to collect it. Turning left at Swanlow Lane, confronted by a stubborn red light I hopped onto the kerb and went right before crossing the road and joining what little traffic there was downhill via Townfields Road and Gladstone St. Annoyingly, I had to stop several times for oncoming traffic on this car choked rat run. Still, it was easy rolling, and again down Weaver St. Across the river then the seated climb up the other side along a path that was made interesting by low hanging foliage that led to some excursions on to the grass. Alongside a dual carriageway on a cycle path for a bit then by road to the garage. More of a direct route this time so the mileage was smaller. Was a bit disappointed with the lower average speed on this return trip, what with all the downhill in this direction.
Distance 2.4 miles. Max speed 21mph. Average 7.7 mph. According to Garmin.
Total Ascent: | 92 | ft | |
| Total Descent: | 146 | ft | |
| Start Elevation: | 192 | ft | |
| End Elevation: | 138 | ft | |
| Min Elevation: | 67 | ft | |
| Max Elevation: | 214 | ft |
Always Cross
Guru
Conscience lane isn’t too bad if your lucky with the time of day horrendous at other times, you should try it on a trike that can be scary.
I enjoyed reading about your Brompton, thank you.
a.twiddler
Veteran
Tiny rides of 2023
15/6/23
Out for a spot of shopping on the recumbent today. Time to start trying the HP Velotechnik Spirit on real world rides. I put some tools and a pump in the seat back bag and transferred it from the Linear to the Spirit.
On with the Garmin then out through the gate and on to the road. I’m trying two mirrors at the moment, a tiny bar end B and M cyclestar and a Mirrycle clamped to the bar with a home made clamp. I couldn’t decide which one would be better so I stuck them both on to let them fight it out. Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! And the winner is...we’ll see. After a few yards I stopped to adjust the mirrors and to move the seat slightly further back. I find I’m moving the seat slightly backwards each time I go out at present but it seems about right now.
Onward through the lanes until I turned left onto Swanlow lane and was faced with the uphill traffic light. Today it was red so I came to a halt. Starting again with no problem and going up through the gears, I found some road buzz was reaching the handlebars. This seemed strange, as I don’t find that on the unsuspended Linear, and this bike has dual suspension. I considered lightening the front pre load when I got back. However, after going over some minor bumps the buzz disappeared, and the ride remained smooth for the rest of the trip. Onwards again until I came to the A54 roundabout with its traffic light on red but as I reached the light it changed and I accompanied the traffic, turning right to the downhill dual carriageway to the town centre. The traffic dispersed and I was able to take the right side lane to turn right at the town centre traffic lights. The traffic was moving slowly through them as I arrived, so I turned easily then right again to my first supermarket.
I locked the bike up to a convenient rail then quickly in and out with my few items. Loading then unlocking, out I went again. The exit here can be difficult, crossing four lanes, but traffic was light so I got out and turned right again easily. Through some pedestrian lights, then left on to a cycle path which took me round a corner to the left again. Along a pavement, left alongside a supermarket car park then to another handy railing. Locked up, dived in then out and unlocked again and was soon under way across the car park. Out on to a roundabout where I turned left then right at the next one on to Dingle Lane. At the end I nipped across a pavement then followed a route through an estate out on to Gladstone St. Right up the hill where I began to feel the heat. Lucky that I went out this morning as it would have been uncomfortably hot this afternoon. Upwards through Townfields Road then stopped behind traffic at the lights. Left down a dip when they changed and was able to turn off unimpeded by traffic.
Along the way I had some botanical photo opportunities.
Although the council cuts the grass here they've left a strip sown with wild flowers to grow freely.
Against the odds this grass has grown to a good height in front of this concrete fence.
Quite soon afterwards I arrived at my back gate and went in to cool off.
The winner of the mirror contest was...the Mirrycle. The Cyclestar was fine, but I had to squint at it to get a good view. The Mirrycle was in my line of sight, and despite giving me a view of my shoulder, also showed up following traffic without giving me a crick in the neck. Perhaps size counts for something after all.
Distance 3.54 miles. Max speed 21.4mph. Average 6.8mph According to Garmin.
According to Bikehike.
15/6/23
Out for a spot of shopping on the recumbent today. Time to start trying the HP Velotechnik Spirit on real world rides. I put some tools and a pump in the seat back bag and transferred it from the Linear to the Spirit.
On with the Garmin then out through the gate and on to the road. I’m trying two mirrors at the moment, a tiny bar end B and M cyclestar and a Mirrycle clamped to the bar with a home made clamp. I couldn’t decide which one would be better so I stuck them both on to let them fight it out. Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight! And the winner is...we’ll see. After a few yards I stopped to adjust the mirrors and to move the seat slightly further back. I find I’m moving the seat slightly backwards each time I go out at present but it seems about right now.
Onward through the lanes until I turned left onto Swanlow lane and was faced with the uphill traffic light. Today it was red so I came to a halt. Starting again with no problem and going up through the gears, I found some road buzz was reaching the handlebars. This seemed strange, as I don’t find that on the unsuspended Linear, and this bike has dual suspension. I considered lightening the front pre load when I got back. However, after going over some minor bumps the buzz disappeared, and the ride remained smooth for the rest of the trip. Onwards again until I came to the A54 roundabout with its traffic light on red but as I reached the light it changed and I accompanied the traffic, turning right to the downhill dual carriageway to the town centre. The traffic dispersed and I was able to take the right side lane to turn right at the town centre traffic lights. The traffic was moving slowly through them as I arrived, so I turned easily then right again to my first supermarket.
I locked the bike up to a convenient rail then quickly in and out with my few items. Loading then unlocking, out I went again. The exit here can be difficult, crossing four lanes, but traffic was light so I got out and turned right again easily. Through some pedestrian lights, then left on to a cycle path which took me round a corner to the left again. Along a pavement, left alongside a supermarket car park then to another handy railing. Locked up, dived in then out and unlocked again and was soon under way across the car park. Out on to a roundabout where I turned left then right at the next one on to Dingle Lane. At the end I nipped across a pavement then followed a route through an estate out on to Gladstone St. Right up the hill where I began to feel the heat. Lucky that I went out this morning as it would have been uncomfortably hot this afternoon. Upwards through Townfields Road then stopped behind traffic at the lights. Left down a dip when they changed and was able to turn off unimpeded by traffic.
Along the way I had some botanical photo opportunities.
Although the council cuts the grass here they've left a strip sown with wild flowers to grow freely.
Against the odds this grass has grown to a good height in front of this concrete fence.
Quite soon afterwards I arrived at my back gate and went in to cool off.
The winner of the mirror contest was...the Mirrycle. The Cyclestar was fine, but I had to squint at it to get a good view. The Mirrycle was in my line of sight, and despite giving me a view of my shoulder, also showed up following traffic without giving me a crick in the neck. Perhaps size counts for something after all.
Distance 3.54 miles. Max speed 21.4mph. Average 6.8mph According to Garmin.
Total Ascent: | 110 | ft | |
| Total Descent: | 110 | ft | |
| Start Elevation: | 192 | ft | |
| End Elevation: | 192 | ft | Elevation |
| Min Elevation: | 125 | ft | Gradient |
| Max Elevation: | 217 | ft |
I've cycled to work twice this week. Only 5 miles, so 10 each day. On an ebike too.
However that's good for me. I'm 2 years into Long Covid so exercise is tricky. I need to do it but it has to be very light. Setting 4 out of 5 and full power for the hill works well. Great route I've found as well. Decent cycle paths or deserted housing estate roads for 80% of it. Uphill 8am in the cool and downhill at 2pm after work.
A nice commute.
However that's good for me. I'm 2 years into Long Covid so exercise is tricky. I need to do it but it has to be very light. Setting 4 out of 5 and full power for the hill works well. Great route I've found as well. Decent cycle paths or deserted housing estate roads for 80% of it. Uphill 8am in the cool and downhill at 2pm after work.
A nice commute.
annedonnelly
Girl from the North Country
- Location
- Blyth, Northumberland
My tiny rides are getting longer 
There's a fruit shop in Whitley Bay which is better than the ones we have here in Blyth. Weather permitting I used to ride along for my weekly shop. Recently I've only been able to go in the car which I'd rather not do.
So I set out this morning not long after 8. The route is mainly on NCN 1 though there are some parts that I tend to avoid and use alternatives. I'm not as fit as I used to be so I did have a bit of a rest halfway but at least I'd made it to the top of the hill before I stopped.
I don't much like the path along towards the lighthouse. It's a rather stoney surface. My Dawes has a loose mudguard so we rather rattled along that stretch. Normally I join the road on the approach to Whitley Bay but today I stuck to the signed route which takes you all the prom. They have mad a nice job of it and it's very popular for walkers, riders, beach users, etc. It wasn't too busy that early in the morning. Most of the people out seemed to be walking dogs.
Because it was after 9 when I arrived - I must be slower than I used to be - the charity shops had opened. I can't resist a charity shop
Almost the first thing I saw was some sort of metal contraption still in it's original packaging. When I looked closer it was some sort of bike stand to lift the rear wheel off the ground. I thought it was worth a punt for £9. I was rather relieved that it fit in my pannier. The charity shops yielded a couple of books as well and then I got the fruit and veg that I'd gone for.
The sea was flat calm and as I headed back the were more people using the beach and paddle boarders out on the water. It certainly hasn't been good surfing weather lately! I thought I might struggle to get up the steep stretch to Old Hartley but I made it in the bottom gear.
I treated myself to tea and a scone in the café opposite Charlie's garden* Sadly not the best scone I've ever had. On the way home I checked out the fairground rides that were being set up at the beach for tomorrow's live music event. With the weather as it is that's likely to be a busy event. I'll probably stay away but might be able to hear the music from home.
* Charlie's garden is a sea stack in Coldwell Bay. Once upon a time a chap named Charlie had an allotment on top of the stack. When I was young it was a lot taller and I remember there being grass on the top. It's gradually getting smaller and smaller.
There's a fruit shop in Whitley Bay which is better than the ones we have here in Blyth. Weather permitting I used to ride along for my weekly shop. Recently I've only been able to go in the car which I'd rather not do.
So I set out this morning not long after 8. The route is mainly on NCN 1 though there are some parts that I tend to avoid and use alternatives. I'm not as fit as I used to be so I did have a bit of a rest halfway but at least I'd made it to the top of the hill before I stopped.
I don't much like the path along towards the lighthouse. It's a rather stoney surface. My Dawes has a loose mudguard so we rather rattled along that stretch. Normally I join the road on the approach to Whitley Bay but today I stuck to the signed route which takes you all the prom. They have mad a nice job of it and it's very popular for walkers, riders, beach users, etc. It wasn't too busy that early in the morning. Most of the people out seemed to be walking dogs.
Because it was after 9 when I arrived - I must be slower than I used to be - the charity shops had opened. I can't resist a charity shop
Almost the first thing I saw was some sort of metal contraption still in it's original packaging. When I looked closer it was some sort of bike stand to lift the rear wheel off the ground. I thought it was worth a punt for £9. I was rather relieved that it fit in my pannier. The charity shops yielded a couple of books as well and then I got the fruit and veg that I'd gone for.The sea was flat calm and as I headed back the were more people using the beach and paddle boarders out on the water. It certainly hasn't been good surfing weather lately! I thought I might struggle to get up the steep stretch to Old Hartley but I made it in the bottom gear.
I treated myself to tea and a scone in the café opposite Charlie's garden* Sadly not the best scone I've ever had. On the way home I checked out the fairground rides that were being set up at the beach for tomorrow's live music event. With the weather as it is that's likely to be a busy event. I'll probably stay away but might be able to hear the music from home.
* Charlie's garden is a sea stack in Coldwell Bay. Once upon a time a chap named Charlie had an allotment on top of the stack. When I was young it was a lot taller and I remember there being grass on the top. It's gradually getting smaller and smaller.
