Your ride today.... (part 1)

[derrick]

Second century of the year, great ride apart from the last 20 odd miles when the heavens opened up. good company thats all you need.
http://www.strava.com/activities/159675031

 

[Michael Adu]

A nice trip to Brighton with @jayonabike , @toptom , @CharlieB , @Michael Adu and James. The day started off with me getting involved with a young teen triathlon in Croydon. I ended up racing a few kids. Good fun it was too . Some really quick lads and lasses on bikes.

I met the chaps out side Geoffry Butler Cycles in Croydon, bang on 9am. Though for the 10 minutes I had been waiting I nearly lost control of myself looking at the top o' the range Spesh and Colnago's in the shop window.

The ride out of Croydon is not the best, for obvious reasons. But it's fast and get's out out of there faster then fast. for 10 miles we averaged a speed of 20+mph, which ain't half bad seeing as it's urban riding with all that goes with it, traffic, traffic lights etc

The diversions around Gatwick have all been cleared so it was a fast route past, but there were no landing planes to whip off our hats
The slight tailwing and the gentle undulations made for even quicker riding. Some of the long winding downhills were simply glorious, in view and in riding. I couldn't help but shout out a 'YEEEHHHHHHAAAAA!!!" on one descent.

But as most people know, to get to Brighton you have to climb the south downs. I was going to go via the easier Clayton Hill route and then the bike path into Brighton. But as a good buddy pointed out, if you have people doing the Brighton ride for a first time, the the Ditchling beacon must be done, not just for the climb, but for the fantastic run in to Brighton afterwards.

We reconvened to rest our legs and gee ourselves up at @hatler 's FNR coffee stop in the car park at the bottom of Ditchling. We were setting off when a family on bikes came by.. took me a little by surprise and I very nearly had my first clipless moment. But quick reactions saved the day..phew. The father asked why weren't taking a run up at the hill..

So up the Beacon, nice and steady, a few cyclists, and very little vehicular traffic, which for 11.30am surprised me a little. However we did withness a cyclist/car coming together.

From what I could make out/deduce, a car overtook us and another cyclist in front, this action forced a car coming down the hill to slow. A woman cyclist following behind, slammed into the back of the slowing car. Knocking her to the ground, Apart from looking in shock, she seemed ok, was sitting up an talking to both car drivers and another cyclist. There was little I could do so just carried on up the Beacon.

So, everyone got to the top ok, and the views on the way up and at the top were stunning, a beautiful clear day that you you could see for miles. Most times I have done the beacon was on the FNR's, at a very early morning time, the hills and valley covered in mist.

Obligatory top o' beacon pic (sorry @CharlieB , seemed to have cut you out of the pic.. bloody camera phones and sunlight.
View attachment 49012

We had to press on, @toptom mentioned that a 12noon arrival in Brighton would be great going.. and we did it.. just about. Not helped by the as usual crap Brighton traffic.

It was a lovely day, lovely enough to leave the bikes on the beach to sunbath and enjoy the lovely blue sea.
View attachment 49013
and indulge ourselves on fish and chips.(veggie pie for one).
View attachment 49014

Some people had to text home pics of their Fish and Chips...
View attachment 49015

As nice as it was sitting down chatting away and taking in the sun and splendour of Brighton. Time was rolling on. We had to make a move. I promised Ianrauk Jnr that I would be back for the football.

The climb out of Brighton is a toughie.. at first tough in that it's just urban sprawl. Then you have to climb Devils Dyke.. but what goes up.. must come down. A couple of long drag windy climbs are complemented by a couple of nice long descents. It really cant be beat...it's what is being on a bike is all about...the pain in your legs from a climb, the pain in your face from getting smacked on the schnozzer by a fly, and the sheer adrenalin rush of a long winding speedy descent.

So rolling terrain meant we were soon back at Handross and back to the urban sprawl run in to home. Crawley and Gatwick were dispatched with the high speed cycling that they deserve. Back on to the A23, it was more rolling and gentle climbing. But the legs felt good and we were making excellent time.

A quick stop at Merstham to rest weary legs and bums and to take more obligatory bike shots.

View attachment 49016

Merstham, Coulsdon, Reedham and Purley didn't even touch the sides... and back into Croydon. We had a few specks of rain earlier, but now it decided to fall heavily. It's just a good thing it wasn't cold. I said to the chaps as I left them at Croydon. Don't worry it's a 5 minute shower. HAHAHAHA.. right. My last 8 miles run into home was heavy rain. Oh well.

I got home in time for the footy. Soaked to the skin.. like a drowned rat said mummy, what's a drowned rat? said ianrauk jnr. 'Me' said daddy. 'Oh ok' said jnr as he toddled off.

So a fantastic days cycling, with some really awesome cyclists. Days like this doesn't get any better. It's what's being on a bike is about.

109 miles on the clock at an average of 17mph.
Century 17 for the year and 120 overall.

Phew.. tyred legs.. am going to feel it on the commute tomorrow..
View attachment 49018

Nice write up was a fun day
me pins were sore at times but it was well worth it ! Felt recharged after the Merstham stop.
Nice to meet the new guys see you and @CharlieB on Friday

 

[Saluki]

I had a nice evening ride. I had planned to ride this morning but it was howling it down with rain and it didn't let up until about 5pm. By that time we were finishing off sorting the flat out ready for photographing.

I went off alone, hubster didn't fancy a ride. I went here as I didn't want to go down through town as the puddle under the railway bridge is about 3' deep - again. It floods regularly when we have proper rain. It soon goes but takes 4 or 5 hours to want to cycle through it. It's really slippery when the puddle is there and I didn't fancy a swim.
I was pleased with the 15.2mph average especially as some of the roads were a bit sandy where the water had lain.
I had a great time. It was wildlife central out there. I was paced by an owl as I was heading towards Wattlefield, I've seen him before. Muntjaks all over the place and 2 enormous hares. Mulitudes of rabbits, both big and small and a pair of buzzards, out late.

10.33 miles in 40.12 mins. Very happy with that. My poor bruised arm felt every single bump tonight. Far worse than yesterday. Very strange.

 

[Gravity Aided]

That toast is seriously impressive!!

Texas Toast.

 

[Gravity Aided]

17 miles today, testing out my new handlebar set-up on my Cannondale, up to Lake Road and back, very humid, but not all that hot, maybe 80f. But the winds sprang up and made for a fine contest with headwinds on the return leg, and a fine visit with corn, soybeans, and some birds resident in the area. On the way, as I was progressing down the short stretch of trail that serves our subdivision, I encountered a truck from Town of Normal, getting ready for some trails maintenance prior to further extensions being opened in the area later this year. Yesterday I was 15 miles in rural setting between Interstate Highways 39 and 55, with good small hills and rollers to climb on the first part of the ride, and fairly flat roads on the second half. A couple of nice rides to test the new enhancements.

 

[CharlieB]

Silightly late from yesterday, but a fab fast day out to Brighton and back with @ianrauk , @jayonabike , @toptom , @Michael Adu and James (not of this parish).

Ian, Jay and Michael have said it all, but but I was more than pleased with 200km for the day at a 16mph average. Mind you, I had to do a little loop past the end of my road and into town a bit to get the 200k at the end of the day. Tea and home made scones waiting for me at home.
Thank you all!

 

[PeteXXX]

Strava tart that I am, I had to top up a few miles today to get a good June total

A mate called round at 08:30, about 20 miles into his ride, so we could have an espresso before the couple of hours I had to spare before work beckons this afternnon.
Cracking weather with no wind to bother us, we took a few back roads past Overstone Manor and on to Earls Barton and Hardwick Road descent..
No time really for any new pics today but we did ride back to his place to eat some of the birthday cake his wife made him for t'other day and drink another coffee.
Back home on about 28 miles that was my intended target for the morning.

That'll do.. Lunch and work now.. Boooooo


http://www.strava.com/activities/159866329

 

[ScotiaLass]

I set out this morning to ride to my local bike shop as they told me to drop by, as my front disc brake is juddering a little.
It was a good excuse (like I really need one!) to get on the bike.
So I kitted up and headed out. I rode through the park and looked longingly at the woods, they are so good to blast through!
But no, I must not get distracted – onward to the bike shop! I arrived but apparently it’s a local holiday and they were shut.
Oh well, a good excuse to go back tomorrow!

I headed back through the park and Priscilla was very naughty and lured me into the woods! We blasted down through the woods and at the bottom I had that feeling, you know – where you want to shout ‘woohooo!’ and do it again! I love those moments!

I decided to head towards Helix Park and the Kelpies, where I stopped for a cereal bar and a drink.
It was so nice, I decided I would continue on up to the Falkirk Wheel.

Another drink stop at the top basin and I was on my way again via the canal where I spotted a heron fishing for his breakfast, not a great photo as I only had my phone with me today!

I was merrily humming to myself and was approaching the Falkirk Tunnel when I realised (a) I didn’t have lights with me and (b) there was no way I was walking through the tunnel myself! (it's dark and wet)
So, I detoured off at Falkirk High station and along side Callendar Woods.
Hmmm, it was too much, and soon Priscilla and I were flying down through the woods again. Déjà vu!

After that it was back to the cycle paths. There are a few fields where some horses are kept, and one in particular likes to be fussed and is usually hanging about by the fence. Today, I had polo mints in my pocket, so I stopped to give him a couple.

I think he enjoyed them, as well as the grips on my bike!

Then it was time for my nemesis – cemetery hill and the longer incline into the village.
I was pleased that I seem to be less tired each time I do this. I know my fitness is improving and my FM episodes are not as severe as they once were. Result!

You know the saying ‘laughter is good for the soul’?
I agree, but so is cycling!

Edited to add mileage: 21.5

 

[welsh dragon]

I was back to my flat(ter) route today and not too sunny. Its a shame that this area is earmarked for some of the largest, tallest wind turbines that are in the UK.

This is sheep farming country, but occassionally farmers also keep cows.

this new route looks flat, but in fact it is uphill at the beginning, with a noticeable downhill slant, so much so, that its surprising how much faster it is on the homeward journey

there is a walk that is part of glyndwrs way. One day, i may walk some of it. It wouldn't be suitable for anything accept a mountain bike as far as cycling

it is concerned. another very enjoyable ride along some of the quietest road and lanes that you can find in powys. 1 car passed me, nothing else, not even a tractor.

 

[Rob3rt]

On Sunday I did my 1st 100 mile time trial.

I rigged some extra bottle cages on my TT bikes with cable ties, one behind my saddle and one between my aero bars and I used a hair band to attach gels to the one on the bars. I also put 3 on the neutral feed table, each with a gel attached with a hair band (none of which I would eventually need) as I was riding unsupported (as in I didn't have a helper to hand fresh bottles to me at a certain point on the course).

Onto the ride, I rode the 1st 60 miles or so at 300W and it felt nice and easy, quite enjoyable, just a nice fast cruising sort of pace/effort. I saw my coach riding toward me in his team kit with a Team Sky rider on Tremlow early on in my ride so gave him a shout and carried on. Probably around 20 miles in number 70 passed me, he had caught me for 2 minutes (I was number 68), I let him pass expecting him to disappear rapidly, he didn't he was within reach for ages but eventually he did disappear. I was passing riders consistently and kept seeing Neil, a local regular, coming the other way after each RAB. I noticed that on each northward leg I was loosing 0.1 mph then on each Southward leg I was gaining 0.2 mph, so netting 0.1 mph gain, twice per lap, so 0.2 mph per lap, I just tried to maintain this thinking it would get me over 25 mph by the end. Other than that, about the most exciting part of the 1st 60 miles was dropping a water bottle after hitting a pothole on a corner (luckily this happened AFTER I had used all the gels and bars I had attached too it ) I carried on without it as it was 1 of 3 bottles I was carrying and at that point I was still sipping from my 1st bottle so knew the 2nd bottle I had would last me to the end. Plus I had 3 in the neutral feed station which I could collect as I passed, this would be quicker than backtracking for the dropped bottle.

Miles 60-75 carried on as normal, things started to get a bit harder but not to bad, I was starting to get a bit bored though. Again I kept passing riders and seeing Neil going the opposite way. My average speed was still increasing slowly.

Miles 75-80 were pretty tough, I didn't ease off or suffer like a dog or anything, but I didn't feel very enthusiastic and wasn't enjoying it any more, it was becoming a chore, it didn't feel like racing, but it didn't feel like riding either, was just a sort of uncomfortable limbo and my average speed was increasing at a lesser rate than before.

Miles 80-85 I started to come out of my slump and my focus returned, still the average speed was only creeping up. I had re-caught number 70 and passed him, but then some nobber overtook me as I drank, shouting out his car window then pulled in front of me and slammed on before then accelerating away. I wobbled a bit and 70 went back past me.

Miles 85-~98.5 I chased number 70 down and re-passed him at speed (and stayed in front, subsequently putting 3 minutes into him over the last 10 mile or so, pegging back the 2 mins he caught me for, plus an extra minute) and I rode as hard as I could, it felt like a 10 mile time trial effort, even though in reality, the power was nowhere near. Somewhere on the last out and back leg there was temp traffic control, a bloke with a lollypop, I luckily went through on green but all I could think was how much I hoped it would be green going the other way, as I approached it was on red so I signalled to the bloke to turn it, to see if he would oblige, he spun it all the way round back to red to tease me then turned to green so I could go without stopping.

At around 98.5 miles I turned into Tremlow and tried to accelerate, my legs were pretty much done, I slowly got up to speed... just in time for the turn toward the finish on Hermatage lane, I got round the corner, but my arms felt weird and I ran pretty wide, quickly corrected myself and tanked it toward the finish as hard as I could eventually stopping the clock on 4:01:21 (24.86 mph) which was initially dissapointing as I really wanted to go under 4 hours (25+ mph).

I turned around and wobbled back to HQ very slowly. Once in the HQ one of the volunteers helped remove my numbers etc before I sat down (last week after the 50TT once I sat down, I couldn't get back up again, lol!) and disappointment with not going under 4 hours was soon somewhat alleviated when I found out my effort was good for 2nd place overall and fastest association rider which seemed to impress a few people.

Sat and chatted to Totallyfixed and Dr Pink, plus Neil and Dave (the organised) for a good hour or so back at HQ before they headed off and my partner came to pick me and my bike up!

Strava activity: http://www.strava.com/activities/159707824

 

[DaveReading]

Nice 40-miler in the Chilterns yesterday, made rather more exciting by a suicidal runner that I nearly collected on my front wheel.

The young(ish) lady was running along a fairly narrow lane in the same direction as I was cycling, she was probably about 4-5 feet out from the LH verge, rather farther out than I'd usually run but still plenty of room to pass on her RHS and nothing coming in the opposite direction.

So I duly pinged my bell (OK, OK, I have a bell) to warn her I was coming up behind. With hindsight I'd have been better to shout. No visible reaction (no, she wasn't wearing headphones), she carried on in a straight line until I was about 6 feet behind her, aiming to pass her with plenty of room and then suddenly with no warning she veered over to the right directly in front of me.

All I could manage at short notice was a very loud "aaargh!", no time to turn to avoid her, but fortunately my yell must have registered as she froze, looked round and then uttered a very sheepish "sorry!". Not as sorry as we'd both have been with her wrapped round my wheel.

So, lesson learned for next time - it's not just drivers and cyclists who behave unpredictably on the road!

 

[Cubist]

Commute extended to get some more hills in. Several PBs and a sixth overall on the mad first descent. Topped out at 50.6 mph, and that was by staying tucked. I have to make up 3 seconds for a KOM......, and today I rode it tucked and stayed tucked for the cruise at the bottom. No doubt with a bit of late pedalling I can do that one!
41sThis Effort
41sMoving Time
Analyze effort

AVGMAX
Speed37.6mi/h50.6mi/h
Cadence00
Heartrate—0 bpm
Est Power191W—
Elev Gain0ft

Today is a fasting day, and so the ride home via Buckstones was an experiment in climbing whilst hungry. 1800 feet in 21.5 miles. Didn't do too badly, with five more PBs and loads of 2nds. What's more I've now lost enough gut to be able to spend more time on the drops comfortably, and I'm learning to suffer for longer. Only regret was that I couldn't have an ice cream at Buckstones.

 

[djb1971]

A quick 90 over the border to wales. A nights camping then just 70 back home tomorrow. Struggling to post anything else, not drunk, rubbish signal!

 

[toptom]

A nice trip to Brighton with @jayonabike , @toptom , @CharlieB , @Michael Adu and James. The day started off with me getting involved with a young teen triathlon in Croydon. I ended up racing a few kids. Good fun it was too . Some really quick lads and lasses on bikes.

I met the chaps out side Geoffrey Butler Cycles in Croydon, bang on 9am. Though for the 10 minutes I had been waiting I nearly lost control of myself looking at the top o' the range Spesh and Colnago's in the shop window.

The ride out of Croydon is not the best, for obvious reasons. But it's fast and get's you out of there faster then fast. For 10 miles we averaged a speed of 20+mph, which ain't half bad seeing as it's urban riding with all that goes with it, traffic, traffic lights etc

The diversions around Gatwick have all been cleared so it was a fast route past, but there were no landing planes to whip off our hats
The slight tailwind and the gentle undulations made for even quicker riding. Some of the long winding downhills were simply glorious, in view and in riding. I couldn't help but shout out a 'YEEEHHHHHHAAAAA!!!" on one descent.

But as most people know, to get to Brighton you have to climb the south downs. I was going to go via the easier Clayton Hill route and then the bike path into Brighton. But as a good buddy pointed out, if you have people doing the Brighton ride for a first time, then the Ditchling beacon must be done, not just for the climb, but for the fantastic run in to Brighton afterwards.

We reconvened to rest our legs and gee ourselves up at @hatler 's FNR coffee stop in the car park at the bottom of Ditchling. We were setting off when a family on bikes came by.. took me a little by surprise and I very nearly had my first clipless moment. But quick reactions saved the day..phew. The father asked why weren't taking a run up at the hill..

So up the Beacon, nice and steady, a few cyclists, and very little vehicular traffic, which for 11.30am surprised me a little. However we did withness a cyclist/car coming together.

From what I could make out/deduce, a car overtook us and another cyclist in front, this action forced a car coming down the hill to slow. A woman cyclist following behind, slammed into the back of the slowing car. Knocking her to the ground, Apart from looking in shock, she seemed ok, was sitting up an talking to both car drivers and another cyclist. There was little I could do so just carried on up the Beacon.

So, everyone got to the top ok, and the views on the way up and at the top were stunning, a beautiful clear day that you you could see for miles. Most times I have done the beacon was on the FNR's, at a very early morning time, the hills and valley covered in mist.

Obligatory top o' beacon pic (sorry @CharlieB , seemed to have cut you out of the pic.. bloody camera phones and sunlight.
View attachment 49012

We had to press on, @toptom mentioned that a 12noon arrival in Brighton would be great going.. and we did it.. just about. Not helped by the as usual crap Brighton traffic.

It was a lovely day, lovely enough to leave the bikes on the beach to sunbath and enjoy the lovely blue sea.
View attachment 49013
and indulge ourselves on fish and chips.(veggie pie for one).
View attachment 49014

Some people had to text home pics of their Fish and Chips...
View attachment 49015

As nice as it was sitting down chatting away and taking in the sun and splendour of Brighton. Time was rolling on. We had to make a move. I promised Ianrauk Jnr that I would be back for the football.

The climb out of Brighton is a toughie.. at first tough in that it's just urban sprawl. Then you have to climb Devils Dyke.. but what goes up.. must come down. A couple of long drag windy climbs are complemented by a couple of nice long descents. It really cant be beat...it's what is being on a bike is all about...the pain in your legs from a climb, the pain in your face from getting smacked on the schnozzer by a fly, and the sheer adrenalin rush of a long winding speedy descent.

So rolling terrain meant we were soon back at Handross and back to the urban sprawl run in to home. Crawley and Gatwick were dispatched with the high speed cycling that they deserve. Back on to the A23, it was more rolling and gentle climbing. But the legs felt good and we were making excellent time.

A quick stop at Merstham to rest weary legs and bums and to take more obligatory bike shots.

View attachment 49016

Merstham, Coulsdon, Reedham and Purley didn't even touch the sides... and back into Croydon. We had a few specks of rain earlier, but now it decided to fall heavily. It's just a good thing it wasn't cold. I said to the chaps as I left them at Croydon. Don't worry it's a 5 minute shower. HAHAHAHA.. right. My last 8 miles run into home was heavy rain. Oh well.

I got home in time for the footy. Soaked to the skin.. like a drowned rat said mummy, what's a drowned rat? said ianrauk jnr. 'Me' said daddy. 'Oh ok' said jnr as he toddled off.

So a fantastic days cycling, with some really awesome cyclists. Days like this doesn't get any better. It's what's being on a bike is about.

109 miles on the clock at an average of 17mph.
Century 17 for the year and 120 overall.

Phew.. tired legs.. am going to feel it on the commute tomorrow..
View attachment 49018

Thanks @ianrauk for a great day really good route. Longest ride for me 128 miles in the end. Here's a pic of @jayonabike and @CharlieB getting to the top of ditching beacon

 

[ScotiaLass]

Haha!