D
Deleted member 1258
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I lost a stone about 2 years ago, I've now put half of that back on, I'm not too bothered though, I'm only half a stone heavier than I was 20 years ago.
Your ride today.... (part 1)
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
- Status
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I lost a stone about 2 years ago, I've now put half of that back on, I'm not too bothered though, I'm only half a stone heavier than I was 20 years ago.
biggs682
Itching to get back on my bike's
- Location
- Northamptonshire
you all make me feel feeble , but never mind i did a nice early 11 mile saunter might try another one 2moro
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
Well done to the Imperial Centurions on today of all days...
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
I never thought about that.
Labradorofperception
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Narnia
Blast around the Dog at Cannock Chase on the cross bike with the other half. Back end of the day so nice and quiet and apart from a couple of tubes blocking the Steg while making a phone call an all round friendly bunch was encountered on the way.
After a week of hardly getting the chance to get out for a ride, I decided on a long ride. I needed to get some hills and miles in as I'm on a couple of long rides in June.
I was going to drive the bike to Great Easton, Nr Eyebrook Res and ride from there but decided, as it was a lovely day, to ride there, do the ride, and ride home again...
Glutton for punishment!
Rushton Triangular Lodge, a strange place!
After this, and the road to Pipewell, the terrain gets a bit more challenging. I bypassed Medbourn initially as I wanted to get a bit further before a tea and cake stop. My hope was that I could get back there before it closed at 1 o'clock.
.
Do they still make wooden signposts?
This road leads to Kings Hill (Stockerston Rd Climb) into Uppingham. It's the first time I've ridden up it. I've barrelled down it a couple of times before
Uppingham was quite busy with cyclists in all the coffee shops, but as I was planning to get back to Medbourn, I wasn't too bothered.
The hill south out of Uppingham. Down, up, down then up again. I don't think I'd like to use this on a weekday as it's narrow and very busy. Today was OK though.
Five miles off route, but back into Medbourn for a slab of sultana cake and a cuppa. Nice! And just what's needed as the road out of there is a Cat 4
Top of the climb, leading to Nevill Holt School.
The run back down to Drayton, sadly, had four ramblers and two horse riders on it..
So I had to slow down and say a cheery hello and thank you
After this, I was aiming vaguely homewards, but needed 30 miles to get a Century done, so couldn't take the direct route. I reckoned that getting to Kimbolton and then turn right would do it.
There were still some hills to conquer, plus a bit of a headwind. Not as bad as some have been recently, but enough to slow the speed down a bit. Up to this point, I was averaging 16mph and was very happy with that, considering the climbing involved, but by the time I got home, it had dropped to 14.8 mph. But with 6,300 feet of climbing, and 111 miles ridden, I mustn't grumble I suppose.
I can honestly say that this was the hardest (and longest) ride I've ever done. Darn good fun though!
I'm having a few ciders now to celebrate
http://www.strava.com/activities/137379399
I was going to drive the bike to Great Easton, Nr Eyebrook Res and ride from there but decided, as it was a lovely day, to ride there, do the ride, and ride home again...
Glutton for punishment!
Rushton Triangular Lodge, a strange place!
After this, and the road to Pipewell, the terrain gets a bit more challenging. I bypassed Medbourn initially as I wanted to get a bit further before a tea and cake stop. My hope was that I could get back there before it closed at 1 o'clock.
.
Do they still make wooden signposts?
This road leads to Kings Hill (Stockerston Rd Climb) into Uppingham. It's the first time I've ridden up it. I've barrelled down it a couple of times before
Uppingham was quite busy with cyclists in all the coffee shops, but as I was planning to get back to Medbourn, I wasn't too bothered.
The hill south out of Uppingham. Down, up, down then up again. I don't think I'd like to use this on a weekday as it's narrow and very busy. Today was OK though.
Five miles off route, but back into Medbourn for a slab of sultana cake and a cuppa. Nice! And just what's needed as the road out of there is a Cat 4
Top of the climb, leading to Nevill Holt School.
The run back down to Drayton, sadly, had four ramblers and two horse riders on it..
So I had to slow down and say a cheery hello and thank you
After this, I was aiming vaguely homewards, but needed 30 miles to get a Century done, so couldn't take the direct route. I reckoned that getting to Kimbolton and then turn right would do it.
There were still some hills to conquer, plus a bit of a headwind. Not as bad as some have been recently, but enough to slow the speed down a bit. Up to this point, I was averaging 16mph and was very happy with that, considering the climbing involved, but by the time I got home, it had dropped to 14.8 mph. But with 6,300 feet of climbing, and 111 miles ridden, I mustn't grumble I suppose.
I can honestly say that this was the hardest (and longest) ride I've ever done. Darn good fun though!
I'm having a few ciders now to celebrate
http://www.strava.com/activities/137379399
Last edited:
Donger
Convoi Exceptionnel
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
Did you mean "around the dogging on Cannock Chase"? (Sorry, cheap gag). Actually, I've been meaning do ride across the Chase for a couple of years now, and haven't got round to it yet. Where would you advise me to start/stop, and what route would you suggest if I wanted to do a 20-25 miler, taking in as much of the Chase as poss, and without too much town or main road stuff? last time I drove through the Chase I remember seeing herds of deer. Was that a fluke, or do you see them regularly?
alans
black belt lounge lizard
- Location
- Staffordshire
A century ride today(1st of the year and only my 2nd ever) and not one of those short continental types either.
I'd studied the map a fair bit and linked together a selection of previous routes to get what I hoped would be a 100 mile route. I may not have been in the best shape for it after a beer or three and a sleepless night but as I was up early anyhow I thought "go for it" and got myself ready.
The trip didn't have the best of starts. At Ryton (just over 4 miles in) I stopped to check on an odd rattle and noticed I had a set of keys in my pocket that shouldn't be there.I did consider just carrying on anyway, but realistically it would have caused a problem if they weren't put back so I reluctantly headed back to return them to their rightful owner.
By the time that was done I calculated I could change the route to take into account the extra mileage I'd done (and conveniently take out a big hill climb) so it was the alternative route to Acton Burnell then Cressage before turning north to Wroxeter where I had my second breakfast.
From Wroxeter I headed through Upton Forge to Upton Magna then via Rodington Heath to Roden. With the wind behind me and flat roads I was making good progress. At Roden I turned towards Shawbury just before a club outing coming the other way turned into the same road. After about half a mile I noticed the sound of a sqeaky drivetrain close behind me and looking back found I had the club right up my arse sitting in the slipstream. Not sure whether to be annoyed that they would slipstream a total stranger or flattered that I was going quick enough for them to want to do it.
To Shawbury and beyond the respectable pace continued until the road started to become more undulating and I had a pause for a drink and a bite of cake then carried on towards Wem. This bit of road had a log steady climb followed by a very nice bit of downhill into the town.
North of Wem I was finding the hills rather slow going and the saddle rather firm - the latter did improve (seems to be the nature of a Brooks) but the hills just got slower from here on. Eventually I ended up At Ellesmere where lunch was quite welcome and a break (but not too long). While waiting to join the road again another club outing came past with a quite smart looking upright racing trike - don't see many of those around!
Ellesmere to Oswestry was slow and ponderous as it's quite undulating and I was glad to get onto the roads heading south to Knockin as they are mostly a gentle downhill where I could get some speed up.
Around Knockin I started to worry a bit about the mileage. My mental calculation suggested that I'd be short of the 100 miles, possibly by as much as 5 miles - not good. I added a loop to Pentre rather than taking the direct route to Melverley but still wasn't sure that I'd get the mileage I wanted. I reasoned that I could add an extra bit towards the end and carried on.
Remember that odd rattle? I sussed it at Melverley (80 miles in), it was the carabiner clips on my water bottles (now removed).
The section from Melverley to Westbury was quite hard work as I really struggled with the slightest of hills now but the long downhill to Nox was fun.
Nearing home I realised that I was going to miss the 100 by just a mile - a detour to Condover was the only realistic option (4th time I've been through there today thanks to the earlier mistake) where I had to stop and take on water and a cereal bar despite only being a couple of miles from home.
I'm up to 98 miles and after all the vehicles that have passed me today I get two close passes on the final stretch, one of which made me fear I was going to actually get hit. Not good. I did get back safe though and after one final slight detour just to be certain of my mileage I was very glad to reach home.
100.5 miles and I managed 13.5 mph average speed. Taking stops into account I was out for almost exactly 9 hours. Quite chuffed with that.
I now ache all over (feel like I've been punched in the ribs) so have a beer waiting patiently to help with that.
I was concentrating on the ride to be honest so photos were a bit of an afterthought today:
View attachment 44231
Usually Longnor would be about 7 miles into the ride. With today's mix-up it was more like 15. A good time for a drink/cake stop.
View attachment 44232
Concord College at Acton Burnell Hall.
View attachment 44233
A good view for my second breakfast.
View attachment 44234
The centre of Wem.
View attachment 44235
The Mere at Ellesmere.
View attachment 44236
As much of Oswestry Hill Fort as I could get into shot.
View attachment 44237
Novel pub name in the hamlet of Ball south of Oswestry.
View attachment 44238
Looking towards the Breiddens from Melverley.
View attachment 44239
The final tally
A cracking route
I enjoyed reading that.
ETA & congrats on the imperial ton
Last edited:
Labradorofperception
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Narnia
As opposed to spanking the monkey
I'm an import - my other half lives in Aldridge (I'm in Skipton) but I do a road ride from Lichfield through Upper Longdon, Slitting Mill then to the Chase. A good noodle on the fire roads and back out via Chorley (not that one) to Hammerwich and Shenstone.
Offroad then look at linking over to Stile Cop and over to the woods around Longdon. Chase Trails website and forum is pretty good for info and they're friendly. Enjoy
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
A cracking route
I enjoyed reading that.
Glow worm
Legendary Member
- Location
- Near Newmarket
Only 17 or so miles here today. Still recovering from some leg muscle problems but seemed fine today. Phew!
First, White Fen near Swaffham Bulbeck Lode - looking great in the sunshine. Some trees still think its winter!
Then over to Burwell Fen for a spot of bird watching. Not much about apart from a marsh harrier- always an amazing sight. The hedgerows are full of whitethroat and blackcap now, so it really feels like summer is finally here. From the pools and streams I heard the first reed and sedge warblers of the year today.
Near Reach Lode is the Fen 'portrait bench'. From left to right, a fen skater, an eel fisherman and a butterfly catching Victorian naturalist. Not naturist- that would be hideous, though my pannier would be ideally placed in this pic.
At Tubney Fen near Reach a beautiful wheatear was perched on a post.
He's in the middle of the pic- shockingly poor photography, I really must get a proper camera one day. This is what he should look like (not my pic but from BirdForum) - bringing a hint of the tropics to our flatlands hereabouts...
Home just in time for 90 minutes of torture on Radio Norfolk hoping Norwich could pull off the unthinkable against The billionaires of Cheslki.
A cracking ride and lots of folk out on bikes today as well- great to see.
First, White Fen near Swaffham Bulbeck Lode - looking great in the sunshine. Some trees still think its winter!
Then over to Burwell Fen for a spot of bird watching. Not much about apart from a marsh harrier- always an amazing sight. The hedgerows are full of whitethroat and blackcap now, so it really feels like summer is finally here. From the pools and streams I heard the first reed and sedge warblers of the year today.
Near Reach Lode is the Fen 'portrait bench'. From left to right, a fen skater, an eel fisherman and a butterfly catching Victorian naturalist. Not naturist- that would be hideous, though my pannier would be ideally placed in this pic.
At Tubney Fen near Reach a beautiful wheatear was perched on a post.
He's in the middle of the pic- shockingly poor photography, I really must get a proper camera one day. This is what he should look like (not my pic but from BirdForum) - bringing a hint of the tropics to our flatlands hereabouts...
Home just in time for 90 minutes of torture on Radio Norfolk hoping Norwich could pull off the unthinkable against The billionaires of Cheslki.
A cracking ride and lots of folk out on bikes today as well- great to see.
Last edited:
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
A few of us did the Ellis 50 sportive today, really well organized event, ended up with a nice beer and a bit of live music, was a good day out, with some great company.
gavgav
Legendary Member
Well done on both the century and also cycling through Wem and living to tell the tale!!A century ride today
I'd studied the map a fair bit and linked together a selection of previous routes to get what I hoped would be a 100 mile route. I may not have been in the best shape for it after a beer or three and a sleepless night but as I was up early anyhow I thought "go for it" and got myself ready.
The trip didn't have the best of starts. At Ryton (just over 4 miles in) I stopped to check on an odd rattle and noticed I had a set of keys in my pocket that shouldn't be there.
By the time that was done I calculated I could change the route to take into account the extra mileage I'd done (and conveniently take out a big hill climb
From Wroxeter I headed through Upton Forge to Upton Magna then via Rodington Heath to Roden. With the wind behind me and flat roads I was making good progress. At Roden I turned towards Shawbury just before a club outing coming the other way turned into the same road. After about half a mile I noticed the sound of a squeaky drivetrain close behind me and looking back found I had the club right up my arse sitting in the slipstream. Not sure whether to be annoyed that they would slipstream a total stranger or flattered that I was going quick enough for them to want to do it.
To Shawbury and beyond the respectable pace continued until the road started to become more undulating and I had a pause for a drink and a bite of cake then carried on towards Wem. This bit of road had a log steady climb followed by a very nice bit of downhill into the town.
North of Wem I was finding the hills rather slow going and the saddle rather firm - the latter did improve (seems to be the nature of a Brooks) but the hills just got slower from here on. Eventually I ended up At Ellesmere where lunch was quite welcome and a break (but not too long). While waiting to join the road again another club outing came past with a quite smart looking upright racing trike - don't see many of those around!
Ellesmere to Oswestry was slow and ponderous as it's quite undulating and I was glad to get onto the roads heading south to Knockin as they are mostly a gentle downhill where I could get some speed up.
Around Knockin I started to worry a bit about the mileage. My mental calculation suggested that I'd be short of the 100 miles, possibly by as much as 5 miles - not good. I added a loop to Pentre rather than taking the direct route to Melverley but still wasn't sure that I'd get the mileage I wanted. I reasoned that I could add an extra bit towards the end and carried on.
Remember that odd rattle? I sussed it at Melverley (80 miles in), it was the carabiner clips on my water bottles (now removed).
The section from Melverley to Westbury was quite hard work as I really struggled with the slightest of hills now but the long downhill to Nox was fun.
Nearing home I realised that I was going to miss the 100 by just a mile - a detour to Condover was the only realistic option (4th time I've been through there today thanks to the earlier mistake) where I had to stop and take on water and a cereal bar despite only being a couple of miles from home.
I'm up to 98 miles and after all the vehicles that have passed me today I get two close passes on the final stretch
100.5 miles and I managed 13.5 mph average speed
I now ache all over (feel like I've been punched in the ribs
I was concentrating on the ride to be honest so photos were a bit of an afterthought today:
View attachment 44231
Usually Longnor would be about 7 miles into the ride. With today's mix-up it was more like 15. A good time for a drink/cake stop.
View attachment 44232
Concord College at Acton Burnell Hall.
View attachment 44233
A good view for my second breakfast.
View attachment 44234
The centre of Wem.
View attachment 44235
The Mere at Ellesmere.
View attachment 44236
As much of Oswestry Hill Fort as I could get into shot.
View attachment 44237
Novel pub name in the hamlet of Ball south of Oswestry.
View attachment 44238
Looking towards the Breiddens from Melverley.
View attachment 44239
The final tally
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I did Buckstones yesterday!
I went out and did my usual Cragg Vale climb, turned left at Blackstone Edge and descended the A58 towards my normal turn-off to the left on Blue Ball Rd. I decided at the last minute to do something a bit different for a break from routine so I turned right past Baitings reservoir instead. The bridge across the reservoir has been closed to traffic for some time, but it is still possible to get by on a bike. From there I took a nice route on some steep lanes via Pike End to Booth Wood reservoir on the A672. That road is busier than I like but I don't mind it once in a while, and I haven't ridden up there for about 4 years ...
The long drag up to Windy Hill felt much easier than I remember so I am definitely getting fitter.
A quick descent to Denshaw, and then I turned left on the A640 and climbed to Buckstones. Once again - much easier than the last time I did it!
I turned left down the B6114 at the top of the climb and bombed down past Scammonden Water and over the M62. From there I managed to just about keep enough momentum to stay in the big ring up and over to Ringstone Edge reservoir. I followed the West Yorkshire Cycle Route back via Pike Law and retracing my wheeltracks from earlier in the afternoon to the A58. There, I crossed over to Blue Ball Rd and did my favourite lanes back to Mytholmroyd, and the Calder Valley Cycleway to Hebden Bridge.
That was a very lumpy 65 km (40 miles) - I reckon about 1,200 m (4,000 ft) of climbing of gradients from merely a slight drag to 'hard' (several little climbs were granted chevrons on the OS map - I reckon 15-18%).
Yes - good fun. Damn tiring though!
Dark46
Veteran
- Location
- Quedgeley, Gloucester
Nice one ,a hospice a great cause
- Status
