threebikesmcginty
Corn Fed Hick...
- Location
- ...on the slake
That's the bluest sky in the whole world.
Your ride today.... (part 1)
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
- Status
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That's the bluest sky in the whole world.
Rustybucket
Veteran
- Location
- South Coast
Haven't been out on the bike as much as I would of liked - having a baby last month has meant I have had alot less spare time!!! Got out this morning, was very tired thou. Did a new 45 mile loop down to effingham- am liking this route, probably helped i had a tailwind for a large part of it. I saw alot of cyclists going the other direction to me, some big groups together and people on their own. Not sure if there was a organised ride on. Again weather was perfect. Im currently on track still for my 333 miles a month, only need to do 17 more miles before Friday.
http://www.strava.com/activities/211777204
http://www.strava.com/activities/211777204
ScotiaLass
Guru
- Location
- Middle Earth
Well done and congrats on your new addition!
Dark46
Veteran
- Location
- Quedgeley, Gloucester
As @Donger said it was a 2 part ride today. My ride turned out to be my longest ever at 45.4 miles. So really chuffed at that, also that
On Strava I had 35 trophies too.
The first part of the ride to the Black Shed was rather windy to say the very least. We also seemed to stumbled across the Stroud half marathon route, which we were lucky that the runners hadn't got that far yet . But the water station was manned and ready to go, but we weren't offered anything lol. The ride to the Bkack Shed from there was good if not blustery.
After leaving the Black Shed we enjoyed going back up A38 with the wind behind us, until turning off for Frampton. From Frampton it wa our normal route back to Saul and then back to the starting point at the Kingsway.
Starting off again to the awareness ride 2 of our members couldn't go any further due to other commitments.
The ride to Gloucester dicks seemed more hazardous as the cycle lanes can be dangerous at times as @Donger has already said. It didnt really help that it seemed all the drivers about hardcore it in for one of our members, he had 3 cars pull out on him and one cut him up good and proper . Well we all got there in one peice.
At the docks there were other people waiting for us along with a photographer. Well we had our pics taken ( I tried my best to hide) before setting off into the City centre. The ride went well apart from getting to a junction with a left turn only, but the route was planned to turn right there !
It also seemed that all the traffic lights went to RED as we approached. Riding along on dual carriageway we all indicated to turn right be no one wanted to let us out! Most of the route through the City went quite quietly. Somehow the route didn't go the planned route and we went up the hill on Stroud Rd instead of going down it. Not much happened until I fell off, while stationary ! Yes I took my right foot out of the clips and leaned left , what a muppet!
From there the ride went fully to plan, we all ended back at the Docks safe and sound.
It was just a small 2.5 miles ride back home. A really enjoyable ride with the Kingsway Cycling Club which includes
@Donger and @Largie003 .
On Strava I had 35 trophies too.
The first part of the ride to the Black Shed was rather windy to say the very least. We also seemed to stumbled across the Stroud half marathon route, which we were lucky that the runners hadn't got that far yet . But the water station was manned and ready to go, but we weren't offered anything lol. The ride to the Bkack Shed from there was good if not blustery.
After leaving the Black Shed we enjoyed going back up A38 with the wind behind us, until turning off for Frampton. From Frampton it wa our normal route back to Saul and then back to the starting point at the Kingsway.
Starting off again to the awareness ride 2 of our members couldn't go any further due to other commitments.
The ride to Gloucester dicks seemed more hazardous as the cycle lanes can be dangerous at times as @Donger has already said. It didnt really help that it seemed all the drivers about hardcore it in for one of our members, he had 3 cars pull out on him and one cut him up good and proper . Well we all got there in one peice.
At the docks there were other people waiting for us along with a photographer. Well we had our pics taken ( I tried my best to hide) before setting off into the City centre. The ride went well apart from getting to a junction with a left turn only, but the route was planned to turn right there !
It also seemed that all the traffic lights went to RED as we approached. Riding along on dual carriageway we all indicated to turn right be no one wanted to let us out! Most of the route through the City went quite quietly. Somehow the route didn't go the planned route and we went up the hill on Stroud Rd instead of going down it. Not much happened until I fell off, while stationary ! Yes I took my right foot out of the clips and leaned left , what a muppet!
From there the ride went fully to plan, we all ended back at the Docks safe and sound.
It was just a small 2.5 miles ride back home. A really enjoyable ride with the Kingsway Cycling Club which includes
@Donger and @Largie003 .
Jon George
Mamil and couldn't care less
- Location
- Suffolk an' Good
Mattonsea
Über Member
- Location
- New Forest
With an extra hour of sleep and only 1 1/2 hours of work this morning I felt awake enough to have a good 50 miler in the New Forest . A tad grey and overcast and a strong south westerly nipping in from the channel. Out through Wilverly to Brockenhurst and out to Rhinefield and a cocking puncture. That fixed through Boldre wood and on to the the highest point in the forest . All was good , legs felt lively and fresh , a quick toilet break then a hello to a parent and kids ride at Godshill . Then on to Blissford hill, stupid name ,I think its 22% and I cant do it . Then on the flat of the Valley to Hightown and Burley ,avoid the grockles and home . About 56 miles , 1400 ft climbing and an average of 14 mph , bit tired now , but feel a nice glow inside .
Hugh Manatee
Veteran
Went for the jacket approach today and was rather warm for most of the ride. Another ride where the wind was an influence! Added a short extra bit to see a parked up jet fighter!
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
A slow bimble into town today with protesting legs: slow because despite feeling relatively ok this morning whilst walking the dog (don't worry, the rest of me went too), the second I got on the bike they remembered yesterday's milestone ride and protested nearly every inch of the way.
The milestone?
My first imperial century!
It's something I've been wanting to do for a while but somehow never got round to organising. In fact, yesterday wasn't even organised though that's probably the best way as the negative thought gremlins never got a chance to whisper and mutter until it was too late.
The day started out simply enough. A friend's on a week's tour and asked if I wanted to join her for part of Day 1 as she left Taunton and headed vaguely towards Bath. I looked at the map and decided to join her as far as Wells, have lunch and then make my way home, probably jumping on the train at either Highbridge or Bridgwater.
The ride out to Wells was great though we got some odd looks. I was on my Orbea road bike while she was on her fully laden touring bike and I'm sure some people thought I was making her carry all my luggage! I just hope they assumed I was on the winning deal of a bet and not a mean so-and-so. We stopped for coffee in Langport and then headed up and over the only real hill of the day, the summit of which is home to the village of the appropriately named High Ham.
The village church:
What goes up must also come down and I got up to 36.1mph on the descent, although I did have a major loss of courage on the first bend when I encountered loose gravel and an oncoming van in the middle of the road... No wobbles, just kept my speed in check for the rest of the descent. Shame as it was the only proper downhill for the rest of the ride.
Taken on the outskirts of Wells, looking back over the Levels to Glastonbury Tor:
(Didn't see the smudge on the lens at the time!)
D'oh!
Having avoided Glastonbury, we made it to Wells in good time and settled ourselves down at a cafe for lunch before wending our separate ways. I felt a mixture of sadness and envy as I waved goodbye though was also pleased to be able to ride at my own pace. I dare say she felt the same! My thoughts kept drifting towards her as I headed west towards Highbridge and then south to Bridgwater as the Levels are just that - flat, flat, flat and the Mendips tower above you like sentinels. She was making her way over the eastern flank and my view was dominated by the western side but still, they're blooming hilly and I knew how much her bike weighed so I sent her lots of "just keep pedalling" vibes.
The power of positive thought obviously worked for me too as I got within easy reach of Highbridge with absolutely no desire to stop pedalling so turned south and aimed for Bridgwater. I wasn't surprised that my average speed had risen since we parted company but was taken aback at the consistency of my pace. I was managing 15-18mph on the flat and 12-14mph into the wind and kept this up until the last few miles when my legs began to tire (and it got too dark to see the screen!). I just got into a rhythm and off I went. Nice when it happens.
So, having got to Bridgwater I had a decision to make. I could go home via the Quantocks, along the canal or take the long way avoiding both the hills and the misery that is the canal tow path. I opted for the longer route and headed eastish following the River Parrett which is in the final stages of being dredged. It's all quite impressive - just hope it works. There are only a couple of places where you can cross the Parrett, Bridgwater and Burrowbridge being the only ones up that way - you may remember Burrowbridge from the flooding footage. It sits below Burrow Mump which is topped by a ruined church and for weeks was an island in a large and determined lake. Once I crossed the Parrett I was back on "home turf" and the rest of the ride was simply a matter of turning the pedals and, as home got ever closer, trying to find somewhere comfy to sit on the saddle. Now that I think about it, I've only done a couple of 50/60 milers in the last month, maybe longer so no wonder my bum went into shock! It was in Burrowbridge that I realised that the long ride might become a personal milestone and I had to stop myself from checking my progress every few meters, especially once I got tired.
As it was I just about scraped over the century (100.47 miles!) but even so, arrived home in the dark with sore legs, a celebratory pizza dangling from my handlebars
and a massive grin on my face. Still chuffed to bits today and the legs felt much better at the end of the "recovery ride". Can't wait to go to the gym tomorrow .... 
The milestone?
My first imperial century!
It's something I've been wanting to do for a while but somehow never got round to organising. In fact, yesterday wasn't even organised though that's probably the best way as the negative thought gremlins never got a chance to whisper and mutter until it was too late.
The day started out simply enough. A friend's on a week's tour and asked if I wanted to join her for part of Day 1 as she left Taunton and headed vaguely towards Bath. I looked at the map and decided to join her as far as Wells, have lunch and then make my way home, probably jumping on the train at either Highbridge or Bridgwater.
The ride out to Wells was great though we got some odd looks. I was on my Orbea road bike while she was on her fully laden touring bike and I'm sure some people thought I was making her carry all my luggage! I just hope they assumed I was on the winning deal of a bet and not a mean so-and-so. We stopped for coffee in Langport and then headed up and over the only real hill of the day, the summit of which is home to the village of the appropriately named High Ham.
The village church:
What goes up must also come down and I got up to 36.1mph on the descent, although I did have a major loss of courage on the first bend when I encountered loose gravel and an oncoming van in the middle of the road... No wobbles, just kept my speed in check for the rest of the descent. Shame as it was the only proper downhill for the rest of the ride.
Taken on the outskirts of Wells, looking back over the Levels to Glastonbury Tor:
(Didn't see the smudge on the lens at the time!)
D'oh!
Having avoided Glastonbury, we made it to Wells in good time and settled ourselves down at a cafe for lunch before wending our separate ways. I felt a mixture of sadness and envy as I waved goodbye though was also pleased to be able to ride at my own pace. I dare say she felt the same! My thoughts kept drifting towards her as I headed west towards Highbridge and then south to Bridgwater as the Levels are just that - flat, flat, flat and the Mendips tower above you like sentinels. She was making her way over the eastern flank and my view was dominated by the western side but still, they're blooming hilly and I knew how much her bike weighed so I sent her lots of "just keep pedalling" vibes.
The power of positive thought obviously worked for me too as I got within easy reach of Highbridge with absolutely no desire to stop pedalling so turned south and aimed for Bridgwater. I wasn't surprised that my average speed had risen since we parted company but was taken aback at the consistency of my pace. I was managing 15-18mph on the flat and 12-14mph into the wind and kept this up until the last few miles when my legs began to tire (and it got too dark to see the screen!). I just got into a rhythm and off I went. Nice when it happens.
So, having got to Bridgwater I had a decision to make. I could go home via the Quantocks, along the canal or take the long way avoiding both the hills and the misery that is the canal tow path. I opted for the longer route and headed eastish following the River Parrett which is in the final stages of being dredged. It's all quite impressive - just hope it works. There are only a couple of places where you can cross the Parrett, Bridgwater and Burrowbridge being the only ones up that way - you may remember Burrowbridge from the flooding footage. It sits below Burrow Mump which is topped by a ruined church and for weeks was an island in a large and determined lake. Once I crossed the Parrett I was back on "home turf" and the rest of the ride was simply a matter of turning the pedals and, as home got ever closer, trying to find somewhere comfy to sit on the saddle. Now that I think about it, I've only done a couple of 50/60 milers in the last month, maybe longer so no wonder my bum went into shock! It was in Burrowbridge that I realised that the long ride might become a personal milestone and I had to stop myself from checking my progress every few meters, especially once I got tired.
As it was I just about scraped over the century (100.47 miles!) but even so, arrived home in the dark with sore legs, a celebratory pizza dangling from my handlebars
and a massive grin on my face. Still chuffed to bits today and the legs felt much better at the end of the "recovery ride". Can't wait to go to the gym tomorrow ....
Last edited:
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
Tweaking color curves in photoshop, maybe a slightly romanticized version of the actual chromatics, really trying to get the proper color on the church and sign.
djb1971
Legendary Member
- Location
- Far Far Away
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
Read the banner. Slowly and carefully...
djb1971
Legendary Member
- Location
- Far Far Away
Yes, but still, next to a funeral directors banner! Maybe he won't see his 41st birtday
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
Perhaps Duncan Birt is now 40?
Well done on finally tackling your imperial century!
At some point perhaps you will fancy having a go at a 200 km audax? Maybe a bunch of us could get together next summer and do one of the ones in relatively flat Cheshire as a 'permanent' (choose our own time/date) ... There are quite a few CCers in these parts who would fancy it. And also @potsy, who would probably have to be bullied into it but he is only small, so that shouldn't be difficult!
I quite fancy getting an imperial century in again but daylight hours are running out and it is a bit windy at the moment so I might leave it until 2015 if the wind doesn't drop soon.
coffeejo
Ælfrēd
- Location
- West Somerset
Sounds like a great idea, definitely something to aim for.Perhaps Duncan Birt is now 40?
Well done on finally tackling your imperial century!
At some point perhaps you will fancy having a go at a 200 km audax? Maybe a bunch of us could get together next summer and do one of the ones in relatively flat Cheshire as a 'permanent' (choose our own time/date) ... There are quite a few CCers in these parts who would fancy it. And also @potsy, who would probably have to be bullied into it but he is only small, so that shouldn't be difficult!
I quite fancy getting an imperial century in again but daylight hours are running out and it is a bit windy at the moment so I might leave it until 2015 if the wind doesn't drop soon.
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Brilliant! Well done!A slow bimble into town today: slow because despite feeling relatively ok this morning whilst walking the dog (don't worry, the rest of me went too), the second I got on the bike they remembered yesterday's milestone ride and protested nearly every inch of the way.
The milestone?
My first imperial century!
It's something I've been wanting to do for a while but somehow never got round to organising. In fact, yesterday wasn't even organised though that's probably the best way as the negative thought gremlins never got a chance to whisper and mutter until it was too late.
The day started out simply enough. A friend's on a week's tour and asked if I wanted to join her for part of Day 1 as she left Taunton and headed vaguely towards Bath. I looked at the map and decided to join her as far as Wells, have lunch and then make my way home, probably jumping on the train at either Highbridge or Bridgwater.
The ride out to Wells was great though we got some odd looks. I was on my Orbea road bike while she was on her fully laden touring bike and I'm sure some people thought I was making her carry all my luggage! I just hope they assumed I was on the winning deal of a bet and not a mean so-and-so. We stopped for coffee in Langport and then headed up and over the only real hill of the day, the summit of which is home to the village of the appropriately named High Ham.
The village church:
View attachment 60014
What goes up must also come down and I got up to 36.1mph on the descent, although I did have a major loss of courage on the first bend when I encountered loose gravel and an oncoming van in the middle of the road... No wobbles, just kept my speed in check for the rest of the descent. Shame as it was the only proper downhill for the rest of the ride.
Taken on the outskirts of Wells, looking back over the Levels to Glastonbury Tor:
View attachment 60013
(Didn't see the smudge on the lens at the time!)
D'oh!
View attachment 60012
Having avoided Glastonbury, we made it to Wells in good time and settled ourselves down at a cafe for lunch before wending our separate ways. I felt a mixture of sadness and envy as I waved goodbye though was also pleased to be able to ride at my own pace. I dare say she felt the same! My thoughts kept drifting towards her as I headed west towards Highbridge and then south to Bridgwater as the Levels are just that - flat, flat, flat and the Mendips tower above you like sentinels. She was making her way over the eastern flank and my view was dominated by the western side but still, they're blooming hilly and I knew how much her bike weighed so I sent her lots of "just keep pedalling" vibes.
The power of positive thought obviously worked for me too as I got within easy reach of Highbridge with absolutely no desire to stop pedalling so turned south and aimed for Bridgwater. I wasn't surprised that my average speed had risen since we parted company but was taken aback at the consistency of my pace. I was managing 15-18mph on the flat and 12-14mph into the wind and kept this up until the last few miles when my legs began to tire (and it got too dark to see the screen!). I just got into a rhythm and off I went. Nice when it happens.
So, having got to Bridgwater I had a decision to make. I could go home via the Quantocks, along the canal or take the long way avoiding both the hills and the misery that is the canal tow path. I opted for the longer route and headed eastish following the River Parrett which is in the final stages of being dredged. It's all quite impressive - just hope it works. There are only a couple of places where you can cross the Parrett, Bridgwater and Burrowbridge being the only ones up that way - you may remember Burrowbridge from the flooding footage. It sits below Burrow Mump which is topped by a ruined church and for weeks was an island in a large and determined lake. Once I crossed the Parrett I was back on "home turf" and the rest of the ride was simply a matter of turning the pedals and, as home got ever closer, trying to find somewhere comfy to sit on the saddle. Now that I think about it, I've only done a couple of 50/60 milers in the last month, maybe longer so no wonder my bum went into shock! It was in Burrowbridge that I realised that the long ride might become a personal milestone and I had to stop myself from checking my progress every few meters, especially once I got tired.
As it was I just about scraped over the century (100.47 miles!) but even so, arrived home in the dark with sore legs, a celebratory pizza dangling from my handlebars
I like the "Happy Birtday" sign
One of my cousins ended up with that on his cake for a significant birthday. It just happened to be the most alcohol-laced cake I have tried to date so we suspected the chef may have been sampling the ingredients.
- Status
