Peteaud
Veteran
- Location
- South Somerset
bike monorail in gullivers kingdom, easy to spin out and the pedals were to close
Strava segments?
Your ride today.... (part 1)
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
- Status
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Strava segments?
Bobby Mhor
Guru
- Location
- Behind You
Up early on a grey skies holiday Monday..
Left home just after seven avoiding pothole after pothole then a sharp rise up to route 75 where I headed past Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir, Brookfield and Linwood to join route 7 heading towards Kilbirnie, passing through Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch before heading along virgin cycle track for me. The early morning joggers and dog walkers were out in force.
Barr Castle nr Lochwinnoch
A quick right turn at Kilbirnie to join the road towards Largs and just outside the local cop shop a quick break for some water then a slow steady climb to Muirhead and Camphill reservoirs, I was glad to see the Hourat Toll road as this meant the worst of the ascent was over. A quick up and down ride then it was a slowish steep descent down the Haylie Brae as I haven't descended this road on a bike before in case I met any lumps or bumps..
I reached the bottom after sweeping around what used to be a tight bad bend obviously more sweeping now and the non slip surface gave it a freaky sensation, I remember gritting this road in the early '70s by hand into a towed spreader, no automated gritting lorries in those days.
Largs seafront..
It was a quick drop along Largs Main St before heading out along the A78 heading to first Skelmorlie then Wemyss Bay, Inverkip towards Greenock. I can now see why forum regular @Brandane commutes over the back road into Greenock.. The road as it enters Greenock bottlenecks (go the A78 via Gourock as it is more scenic), the A78 Largs to Inverkip I had earlier travelled is bad enough!! I had my flou orange jacket on with all lights flashing
My choice of route through Greenock was done using local knowledge as rather than arriving in Port Glasgow and having to face another almost 500 ft ascent, I struck off into local estates but forgot I would first have a sharp climb before dropping slightly downhill to join my original route, legs were aching but onward and took a short cut through a local park where I would soon join the B788 for a short spell before dropping and joining route 75 this time heading east and not far from home EXCEPT I had a 40% short climb from the Devol Glen floor to do, I know a 40% climb on a cycle track but conquered with aching thighs(again). I headed along the level and found if I wanted to realise a 50ml total, I would have to cycle a lap or two around the local factories but soon I was at my back gate with just over 50 miles in the bag with just under 2,300 ascent in the bag...my second over 50ml this year.
Go Chubs
Left home just after seven avoiding pothole after pothole then a sharp rise up to route 75 where I headed past Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir, Brookfield and Linwood to join route 7 heading towards Kilbirnie, passing through Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch before heading along virgin cycle track for me. The early morning joggers and dog walkers were out in force.
Barr Castle nr Lochwinnoch
A quick right turn at Kilbirnie to join the road towards Largs and just outside the local cop shop a quick break for some water then a slow steady climb to Muirhead and Camphill reservoirs, I was glad to see the Hourat Toll road as this meant the worst of the ascent was over. A quick up and down ride then it was a slowish steep descent down the Haylie Brae as I haven't descended this road on a bike before in case I met any lumps or bumps..
I reached the bottom after sweeping around what used to be a tight bad bend obviously more sweeping now and the non slip surface gave it a freaky sensation, I remember gritting this road in the early '70s by hand into a towed spreader, no automated gritting lorries in those days.
Largs seafront..
It was a quick drop along Largs Main St before heading out along the A78 heading to first Skelmorlie then Wemyss Bay, Inverkip towards Greenock. I can now see why forum regular @Brandane commutes over the back road into Greenock.. The road as it enters Greenock bottlenecks (go the A78 via Gourock as it is more scenic), the A78 Largs to Inverkip I had earlier travelled is bad enough!! I had my flou orange jacket on with all lights flashing
My choice of route through Greenock was done using local knowledge as rather than arriving in Port Glasgow and having to face another almost 500 ft ascent, I struck off into local estates but forgot I would first have a sharp climb before dropping slightly downhill to join my original route, legs were aching but onward and took a short cut through a local park where I would soon join the B788 for a short spell before dropping and joining route 75 this time heading east and not far from home EXCEPT I had a 40% short climb from the Devol Glen floor to do, I know a 40% climb on a cycle track but conquered with aching thighs(again). I headed along the level and found if I wanted to realise a 50ml total, I would have to cycle a lap or two around the local factories but soon I was at my back gate with just over 50 miles in the bag with just under 2,300 ascent in the bag...my second over 50ml this year.
Go Chubs
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
Salix hakuro nishikiFirst sunny day for a couple of weeks since we were last on the tandem ( and the garden sort of took over), so a trip to Saint Cyr with picnic lunch and
Lots of these in the 'lake'
View attachment 44309
and a couple of these - this one managed to stay still long enough to have it's photo taken
View attachment 44310
And a very nice bush
View attachment 44311
25km 1:08:00 max speed 57km/h
Donger
Convoi Exceptionnel
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
Back in the groove. 26 miles including a proper mile-long hill today. Gloucester to Stroud via Horsepools Hill, then looped back home via Frampton on Severn. Feels good to be back.
However, must moan about the state of the footpath on Horsepools Hill. I usually use the carriageway of the main A-road up from Gloucester to Edge, but there was a surprising amount of traffic today, and I wasn't sure whether I'd be well enough to get to the top without stopping, so I used the footpath instead. Over the years, I've seen more nasty, intolerant behaviour by drivers towards cyclists on this section of road than anywhere else I can think of, and slow cyclists often choose to avoid any trouble by riding the path instead. I know it is not labelled as a cycle path, but using it as such is now common practice and is in everyone's best interests. Unfortunately, due to a lack of maintenance, a combination of low hanging branches/brambles above, and masses of stinging nettles at the side reduced the path to a narrow obstacle course today. If the kerbs were not so deep and there had not been so much fast traffic, I would have hopped back onto the road. As it was, it felt like riding a tightrope, and I would definitely not recommend anyone else to ride this path. I have a horrible feeling someone is going to have a very nasty accident here, due to not being able to use the path. Come on Gloucestershire County Council. Get your arses into gear.
However, must moan about the state of the footpath on Horsepools Hill. I usually use the carriageway of the main A-road up from Gloucester to Edge, but there was a surprising amount of traffic today, and I wasn't sure whether I'd be well enough to get to the top without stopping, so I used the footpath instead. Over the years, I've seen more nasty, intolerant behaviour by drivers towards cyclists on this section of road than anywhere else I can think of, and slow cyclists often choose to avoid any trouble by riding the path instead. I know it is not labelled as a cycle path, but using it as such is now common practice and is in everyone's best interests. Unfortunately, due to a lack of maintenance, a combination of low hanging branches/brambles above, and masses of stinging nettles at the side reduced the path to a narrow obstacle course today. If the kerbs were not so deep and there had not been so much fast traffic, I would have hopped back onto the road. As it was, it felt like riding a tightrope, and I would definitely not recommend anyone else to ride this path. I have a horrible feeling someone is going to have a very nasty accident here, due to not being able to use the path. Come on Gloucestershire County Council. Get your arses into gear.
Brandane
Legendary Member
- Location
- Costa Clyde
I recognise those photos!Up early on a grey skies holiday Monday..
Left home just after seven avoiding pothole after pothole then a sharp rise up to route 75 where I headed past Kilmacolm, Bridge of Weir, Brookfield and Linwood to join route 7 heading towards Kilbirnie, passing through Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch before heading along virgin cycle track for me. The early morning joggers and dog walkers were out in force.
View attachment 44346
Barr Castle nr Lochwinnoch
A quick right turn at Kilbirnie to join the road towards Largs and just outside the local cop shop a quick break for some water then a slow steady climb to Muirhead and Camphill reservoirs, I was glad to see the Hourat Toll road as this meant the worst of the ascent was over. A quick up and down ride then it was a slowish steep descent down the Haylie Brae as I haven't descended this road on a bike before in case I met any lumps or bumps..
I reached the bottom after sweeping around what used to be a tight bad bend obviously more sweeping now and the non slip surface gave it a freaky sensation, I remember gritting this road in the early '70s by hand into a towed spreader, no automated gritting lorries in those days.
View attachment 44347
Largs seafront..
It was a quick drop along Largs Main St before heading out along the A78 heading to first Skelmorlie then Wemyss Bay, Inverkip towards Greenock. I can now see why forum regular @Brandane commutes over the back road into Greenock.. The road as it enters Greenock bottlenecks (go the A78 via Gourock as it is more scenic), the A78 Largs to Inverkip I had earlier travelled is bad enough!! I had my flou orange jacket on with all lights flashing
My choice of route through Greenock was done using local knowledge as rather than arriving in Port Glasgow and having to face another almost 500 ft ascent, I struck off into local estates but forgot I would first have a sharp climb before dropping slightly downhill to join my original route, legs were aching but onward and took a short cut through a local park where I would soon join the B788 for a short spell before dropping and joining route 75 this time heading east and not far from home EXCEPT I had a 40% short climb from the Devol Glen floor to do, I know a 40% climb on a cycle track but conquered with aching thighs(again). I headed along the level and found if I wanted to realise a 50ml total, I would have to cycle a lap or two around the local factories but soon I was at my back gate with just over 50 miles in the bag with just under 2,300 ascent in the bag...my second over 50ml this year.
Go Chubs
That's quite a ride Bobby; especially for one who claims that he doesn't do climbing
.You're a brave man tackling the A78 between Largs and Skelmorlie too. Even if I can't muster the energy for the Loch Thom route, I would usually go over the Meigle Road which passes up the hill by Routenburn Golf Club at the north end of Largs, and takes you out on the A78 just south of Skelmorlie.
Well done on the 50 miles. I was working today but took the car, thanks to the forecast of heavy rain at home time. It didn't materialise, but of course if I HAD taken the bike........
flatflr
Guru
- Location
- Just over here
Just got over a dose of flu which has totally wiped me out (think it was actually a mix of ebola and typhoid with some gangrene thrown in for good measure) so planned for a nice relaxed ride to get back at it. Ended up with 31 miles of one of my mild hill routes, think I might be cured
Bobby Mhor
Guru
- Location
- Behind You
@Brandane.I recognise those photos!
That's quite a ride Bobby; especially for one who claims that he doesn't do climbing
You're a brave man tackling the A78 between Largs and Skelmorlie too. Even if I can't muster the energy for the Loch Thom route, I would usually go over the Meigle Road which passes up the hill by Routenburn Golf Club at the north end of Largs, and takes you out on the A78 just south of Skelmorlie.
Well done on the 50 miles. I was working today but took the car, thanks to the forecast of heavy rain at home time. It didn't materialise, but of course if I HAD taken the bike........
I was a local in the early 70s, had gone down for a day and stayed 6 years so know the Largs area well due plus I worked in the Roads dept...
I will try the Old Largs Rd someday...
Its Greenock just past IBM that is freaky..
Climbing?
Slowly but surely now.....
They don't do road repairs, at all, ever.
At least, that was our conclusion after cycling through the county on our Lejog 3 years ago. Gloucestershire had the worst tarmac we saw on the entire trip.
Donger
Convoi Exceptionnel
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
I was starting to think I was just a bit of a whinger .... after all, surely everyone thinks their own roads are the worst? Interesting to hear that your opinion backs up my own impressions.
Hacienda71
Mancunian in self imposed exile in leafy Cheshire
- Location
- Wilmslow, Cheshire
After a fastish fifty yesterday, a pleasant relaxed 10 miles for me with the kids along the Middlewood Way was in order. We set off from Bollington and went to Middlewood Station and back absolutely no rushing
. Lots of other cyclists and walkers on the trail. Weather was good
and the kids didn't winge at all. They seemed to like it, which makes me happy as they are not comatosed in front of the TV or some tech device. Stopping for an ice cream at Higher Poynton probably helped and gave them a bit of a rest. Daughter was chuffed to see horses and a family of Canadian Geese and seeing her little legs spinning the pedals still brings a smile to my face. We do have some great family cycling opportunities in the area and I need to do more of them with the kids, they both could have gone much further and only having to go to a barbecue this afternoon stopped us making a full day of it.
. Lots of other cyclists and walkers on the trail. Weather was good and the kids didn't winge at all. They seemed to like it, which makes me happy as they are not comatosed in front of the TV or some tech device. Stopping for an ice cream at Higher Poynton probably helped and gave them a bit of a rest. Daughter was chuffed to see horses and a family of Canadian Geese and seeing her little legs spinning the pedals still brings a smile to my face. We do have some great family cycling opportunities in the area and I need to do more of them with the kids, they both could have gone much further and only having to go to a barbecue this afternoon stopped us making a full day of it. 
Spartak
Powered by M&M's
- Location
- Bristolian
Early morning ride today heading over the Severn Bridge & thru Chepstow over the River Wye & then the great climb of Tidenham Chase, a left turn took us back down to river level at Brockweir, before a coffee stop at the Old Tintern Railway Stn., a great cafe offering a wide range of fabulous looking cakes 
Then joined the A466 for the climb out of Tintern, one of the best ascends in the area ( well graded & good condition road ).
Total of 81.5 kms with over 1000 metres of climbing, ave spd 25.5 km/h.
http://www.strava.com/activities/137653868
Then joined the A466 for the climb out of Tintern, one of the best ascends in the area ( well graded & good condition road ).
Total of 81.5 kms with over 1000 metres of climbing, ave spd 25.5 km/h.
http://www.strava.com/activities/137653868
IDMark2
Dodgy Aerial
- Location
- On the Roof
Not only did I get out and ride today, I actually did a themed one too. I already had this route planned out on my mapping software and thought today would be an ideal time to do it, given that it was a Bank Holiday so the team support vehicle and it's driver would be available if horrible mechanicals or a human breakdown should occur.
The Clyst river starts off about 6k from home but about 10k on roads. My route idea was to pass through all of the villages that had the river in their name along it's route to the sea and as close as I could to the river itself. So, flapjack packed and me a bit wrapped up too because although sunny and dry there was a southerly breeze with a little bit of bite in it, off I went.
Started off by trying to get to the source, no signs but the nearest thing was a farm called Clyst William near where the map shows the river starting. Close enough. Next up is the first village on the route, Clyst Hydon, pretty and the stream runs through it, then after a long double back on the roads to fit it in, Clyst St Lawrence. No major hills so far but that breeze makes it's presence felt.
Now the river doesn't obviously go uphill but between my next village Broadclyst and me is a possible route climbing to the top of Ashclyst forest. I have to do that now I've started this haven't I? Yep. So an immediate steep bit of 12% followed by a slog up after that, rewarded by the drop down the other side after a picture stop in the forest.
I decided to head to my next village by heading in towards Pinhoe on a main road, it had been lanes up till now. Good job I did because I passed by a sign declaring these anonymous homes as being called in a place called Westclyst. Phew, missed that one on the map... 30k done now.
Only three villages to go, headed from Pinhoe out to Clyst Honiton, that's at the back of the 'International' Exeter Airport and then a back lane to Clyst St Mary. I took a picture here of the only acknowledgement of the existence of this river that I found by way of a sign showing how hard it was to tame it with flood defences.
Right, head towards Topsham first, a port on the River Exe estuary many years ago, now a pretty gentrified town full of expensive shops and restaurants on Sustran's NCN2. My route is a little out of synchronisation here as I get to the end of the Clyst where it empties into the Exe before stopping for a drink and then heading back on the Estuary path a bit to get to my last village, Clyst St George. Done it, all of the Clysts, just not necessarily in the right order...
Small detail of getting back home now, heading through Woodbury Salterton (which happens to have a little brook that is a tributary to guess what) and then crossing the main Sidmouth-Exeter A road and getting to the lanes heading out though Aylesbeare. I'm struggling a little bit with the tops of my thighs, showing signs of salt depletion and feeling a little bit of cramp, but I am buoyed by the knowledge I've done this route previously on a single high gear when my durailleur broke, so I think I can stop the cramping by spinning lower gears now all the way home.
The GPS has my half day ride at 62k, 3hrs 50 (3 hrs of it riding) and 706m of climbing. Pleased to be out again at last and now hoping the recovery process is normal.
The Clyst river starts off about 6k from home but about 10k on roads. My route idea was to pass through all of the villages that had the river in their name along it's route to the sea and as close as I could to the river itself. So, flapjack packed and me a bit wrapped up too because although sunny and dry there was a southerly breeze with a little bit of bite in it, off I went.
Started off by trying to get to the source, no signs but the nearest thing was a farm called Clyst William near where the map shows the river starting. Close enough. Next up is the first village on the route, Clyst Hydon, pretty and the stream runs through it, then after a long double back on the roads to fit it in, Clyst St Lawrence. No major hills so far but that breeze makes it's presence felt.
Now the river doesn't obviously go uphill but between my next village Broadclyst and me is a possible route climbing to the top of Ashclyst forest. I have to do that now I've started this haven't I? Yep. So an immediate steep bit of 12% followed by a slog up after that, rewarded by the drop down the other side after a picture stop in the forest.
I decided to head to my next village by heading in towards Pinhoe on a main road, it had been lanes up till now. Good job I did because I passed by a sign declaring these anonymous homes as being called in a place called Westclyst. Phew, missed that one on the map... 30k done now.
Only three villages to go, headed from Pinhoe out to Clyst Honiton, that's at the back of the 'International' Exeter Airport and then a back lane to Clyst St Mary. I took a picture here of the only acknowledgement of the existence of this river that I found by way of a sign showing how hard it was to tame it with flood defences.
Right, head towards Topsham first, a port on the River Exe estuary many years ago, now a pretty gentrified town full of expensive shops and restaurants on Sustran's NCN2. My route is a little out of synchronisation here as I get to the end of the Clyst where it empties into the Exe before stopping for a drink and then heading back on the Estuary path a bit to get to my last village, Clyst St George. Done it, all of the Clysts, just not necessarily in the right order...
Small detail of getting back home now, heading through Woodbury Salterton (which happens to have a little brook that is a tributary to guess what) and then crossing the main Sidmouth-Exeter A road and getting to the lanes heading out though Aylesbeare. I'm struggling a little bit with the tops of my thighs, showing signs of salt depletion and feeling a little bit of cramp, but I am buoyed by the knowledge I've done this route previously on a single high gear when my durailleur broke, so I think I can stop the cramping by spinning lower gears now all the way home.
The GPS has my half day ride at 62k, 3hrs 50 (3 hrs of it riding) and 706m of climbing. Pleased to be out again at last and now hoping the recovery process is normal.
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I hadn't heard of the Kelpies until recently, in this thread.
I just found this article about them and the artist on the BBC website.
EltonFrog
Legendary Member
With a hurty back and achy legs I set off on the MTB today, with a short visit to the J Arthur Rank, then I thought I’d see if I could find The Ridgway. I knew roughly wear it was, from Pangbourne over Whitchurch Bridge along the Thames Path Bridleway to Goring over the Thames again then follow the signs, which I did without any trouble at all.
The first mile or so of the Ridgeway from Streatley is a single track road, then it veers orf’t to the right and up a hill on proper dirt track, up and up then lots of fast down bits them some ups and more downs…great fun for about 6 miles or so. Then I came to a cross road and I could carry on along the Ridgway or start heading back. I was hungry and achy so I headed to Compton and found a pub where I had a sarny and a coffee, then headed back home along the narrow country lanes; 24.18 miles today.
Up The Thames Path.
EDIT: Some of the photos are from my Go-Pro mounted on the handle bar. Its set to take a photo every 60 seconds, I rather like the random nature of it.
The first mile or so of the Ridgeway from Streatley is a single track road, then it veers orf’t to the right and up a hill on proper dirt track, up and up then lots of fast down bits them some ups and more downs…great fun for about 6 miles or so. Then I came to a cross road and I could carry on along the Ridgway or start heading back. I was hungry and achy so I headed to Compton and found a pub where I had a sarny and a coffee, then headed back home along the narrow country lanes; 24.18 miles today.
Up The Thames Path.
EDIT: Some of the photos are from my Go-Pro mounted on the handle bar. Its set to take a photo every 60 seconds, I rather like the random nature of it.
Last edited:
Supersuperleeds
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
I planned today's route over the weekend, got the road bike all ready and even managed to secure the bike locks around the saddle bag. The plan was to get up at 5am and set off before 6am. I had a cafe stop planned at sixty miles, even though I don't normally do them.
Alarm goes off at 5am, look out the window and see it is raining, get back into bed and fall back asleep. Wake up at 7am, see it has stopped raining, though everywhere is very wet. Have some breakfast and watch the usually rubbish BBC weather forecast. They reckoned by 8am the rain clouds would have cleared and it would be warm and sunny with the occasional shower. So I decide to use the commuter bike as it is racked and has mudguards fitted. Decide to set off in short sleeves and shorts, but put a rain jacket, bikesters and spare gloves into the rack bag and leave the house just before 8am.
Due to me leaving 2 hours later than normal meant I would hit Great Bowden around 10am - a beautiful village with a great village shop that I can pop into without locking the bike up as the till is right next to the door. Anyway the shop is closed when I get there, so that idea is scrapped.
45 miles in I hit Fleckney and decide to stop at the Co-op for a can of coke and a marathon (Snickers to anyone under the age of 40)
60 miles I decide to skip the cafe stop and just kept going, and going and going
I didn't need the extra clothing I carried as it stayed dry all the way round. Though everytime the sun disappeared behind cloud the temperature plummeted, again the wind was deceptive and hard work in places
I rode a load of new roads, including one that looks like it hadn't been used since it was laid, two tiny strips of tarmac and the rest of the road was grass - glad I took the commuter now! Hit loads of gated roads, must have gone through half a dozen or so in a couple of miles
I broke 40mph for the first time - gps said 40.3mpyh (Strava said 38.5mph
)
Bumped into who I presume are @Pat "5mph" Southern cousins as a group of 5 or 6 Belles on Bikes cheerfully said hello to me.
Went through some wonderfully named villages included one called Barton in the Beans, just North of Market Bosworth
I really should start taking a camera with me as there were some fantastic views
105 miles later back at home, very tired but May imperial century done.
http://www.strava.com/activities/138100878
Alarm goes off at 5am, look out the window and see it is raining, get back into bed and fall back asleep. Wake up at 7am, see it has stopped raining, though everywhere is very wet. Have some breakfast and watch the usually rubbish BBC weather forecast. They reckoned by 8am the rain clouds would have cleared and it would be warm and sunny with the occasional shower. So I decide to use the commuter bike as it is racked and has mudguards fitted. Decide to set off in short sleeves and shorts, but put a rain jacket, bikesters and spare gloves into the rack bag and leave the house just before 8am.
Due to me leaving 2 hours later than normal meant I would hit Great Bowden around 10am - a beautiful village with a great village shop that I can pop into without locking the bike up as the till is right next to the door. Anyway the shop is closed when I get there, so that idea is scrapped.
45 miles in I hit Fleckney and decide to stop at the Co-op for a can of coke and a marathon (Snickers to anyone under the age of 40)
60 miles I decide to skip the cafe stop and just kept going, and going and going
I didn't need the extra clothing I carried as it stayed dry all the way round. Though everytime the sun disappeared behind cloud the temperature plummeted, again the wind was deceptive and hard work in places
I rode a load of new roads, including one that looks like it hadn't been used since it was laid, two tiny strips of tarmac and the rest of the road was grass - glad I took the commuter now! Hit loads of gated roads, must have gone through half a dozen or so in a couple of miles
I broke 40mph for the first time - gps said 40.3mpyh (Strava said 38.5mph
)Bumped into who I presume are @Pat "5mph" Southern cousins as a group of 5 or 6 Belles on Bikes cheerfully said hello to me.
Went through some wonderfully named villages included one called Barton in the Beans, just North of Market Bosworth
I really should start taking a camera with me as there were some fantastic views
105 miles later back at home, very tired but May imperial century done.
http://www.strava.com/activities/138100878
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