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- Bristolian
Used to have friends in Little Melton - is the Village Inn still there ?
Your ride today.... (part 1)
- Thread starter gbb
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Used to have friends in Little Melton - is the Village Inn still there ?
chewa
plus je vois les hommes, plus j'admire les chiens
Very cold here today. Garmin showed -3c, and the roads had patches of ice. Full weather gear, fleece and winter jacket, shorts and Roubaix fleecy longs, buff round neck, one round head and helmet on top. Sealskinz gloves and Sandra also had shoe covers on. Only planned on a short ride as we wanted to get back to get the woodburner on and also burn some garden cuttings.
Took road to Boissy Maugis and picked up some bread then crossed river at Maison Maugis and headed up a killer hill towards Noce. Was VERY warmed up at top of the hill. Then headed to Manoir de Courboyer, When got here took one of the posted VTT (MTB) routes but it was a nightmare. In parts frozen and lethal, and in parts mushy and strength sapping. Also, as we were up at the top of the hill, the wind from the west was perishing.
We originally planned a longer route home but Sandra was finding the biting wind was giving her finger joints a seeing too even well wrapped up(she gets Reynauds when cold) so we headed back down the hill to Boissy and home. First thing we did was start the fire.
Tiring, but reflected now in the warmth of the burner, quite satisfying. Only saw about a dozen cars in 15 miles, and no bikes!
Took road to Boissy Maugis and picked up some bread then crossed river at Maison Maugis and headed up a killer hill towards Noce. Was VERY warmed up at top of the hill. Then headed to Manoir de Courboyer, When got here took one of the posted VTT (MTB) routes but it was a nightmare. In parts frozen and lethal, and in parts mushy and strength sapping. Also, as we were up at the top of the hill, the wind from the west was perishing.
We originally planned a longer route home but Sandra was finding the biting wind was giving her finger joints a seeing too even well wrapped up(she gets Reynauds when cold) so we headed back down the hill to Boissy and home. First thing we did was start the fire.
Tiring, but reflected now in the warmth of the burner, quite satisfying. Only saw about a dozen cars in 15 miles, and no bikes!
Dark46
Veteran
- Location
- Quedgeley, Gloucester
KCC ride this morning, as I was preparing to leave my Garmin didn't want to find any satellites, then I realised that it wasn't registering any distance. So I sat there trying to sort it out.
I arrived at the meeting point last (nothing unusual) and everyone was discussing the cold and the today.
It was decided that we would stay on the main roads and stay clear of the narrow and possibly icey roads.
As we were travelling someone mentioned Berkeley Castle and possibly coming off the A38 at Slimbridge, ( the sun could have made a difference on the narrow roads). In Cambridge is was minding my own business in the cycle lane, when I heard a lock up behind. Some stupid woman driving a Isuzu 4x4 towing a horse box decided she wasn't going to get through the gap with me in the cycle lane and the island in the road! Why don't people think before trying to negotiate things? If can't drive it, don't buy it or get someone else to drive? Anyway after passing me she had a Golf right up behind her, who obviously didn't like what he saw and turned into a nutter himself (He overtook the 4x4 about 75 yards from a roundabout).
It was at the Slimbridge roundabout that the guys were waiting for my and I turned right and road passed. As James closed in on me he shouted left by the church. We all turned left and I was third heading out of the village when James shouted "looks like ice here!" The next thing we knew he was on the floor with his right foot still attached to the pedal. Strange as he was travelling in a straight line.
Everyone except me was on skinny road tyres, because of my Hybrid all terrain tyres I was fine lol. Everyone gingerly turned around and headed back to the A38.
Everyone left me on the A38 eager to get to Berkeley, nothing that worried me. But going along the A38 there is road coming in from the left from Dursley at an angle. We I was pedalling away when I noticed a black BMW 3 series, he just kept coming. Needless to say he just kept going and missed me by inches! If I had been 6 feet further along the road l would would have literally led on the road.
He just put the pedal to the metal and was gone while he looked at me in the rear veiw mirror. He must have seen me swearing at him! Pity for me (good job for the BMW) I haven't got a camera fitted to the bike!
We arrived at the Castle to find the gates closed, so we had a Percentage Pig and a drink out of our bottles and set off for home.
While going back up the A38 I noticed my Garmin wasn't registering any distance? I stopped and tried to reset and lost everything upto then. So I started Strava on the phone, after messaging the club not to wait and headed for home.
I caught everyone up while they were waiting for me. I then stuck in @gordyfinbars wheel trying to stay with him. Later finding that I set a PB on the section. Cheers buddy.
So in total 30 miles and only 450ft climbing. A good fun ride and the last for the KCC on a Sunday in 2014
I arrived at the meeting point last (nothing unusual) and everyone was discussing the cold and the today.
It was decided that we would stay on the main roads and stay clear of the narrow and possibly icey roads.
As we were travelling someone mentioned Berkeley Castle and possibly coming off the A38 at Slimbridge, ( the sun could have made a difference on the narrow roads). In Cambridge is was minding my own business in the cycle lane, when I heard a lock up behind. Some stupid woman driving a Isuzu 4x4 towing a horse box decided she wasn't going to get through the gap with me in the cycle lane and the island in the road! Why don't people think before trying to negotiate things? If can't drive it, don't buy it or get someone else to drive? Anyway after passing me she had a Golf right up behind her, who obviously didn't like what he saw and turned into a nutter himself (He overtook the 4x4 about 75 yards from a roundabout).
It was at the Slimbridge roundabout that the guys were waiting for my and I turned right and road passed. As James closed in on me he shouted left by the church. We all turned left and I was third heading out of the village when James shouted "looks like ice here!" The next thing we knew he was on the floor with his right foot still attached to the pedal. Strange as he was travelling in a straight line.
Everyone except me was on skinny road tyres, because of my Hybrid all terrain tyres I was fine lol. Everyone gingerly turned around and headed back to the A38.
Everyone left me on the A38 eager to get to Berkeley, nothing that worried me. But going along the A38 there is road coming in from the left from Dursley at an angle. We I was pedalling away when I noticed a black BMW 3 series, he just kept coming. Needless to say he just kept going and missed me by inches! If I had been 6 feet further along the road l would would have literally led on the road.
He just put the pedal to the metal and was gone while he looked at me in the rear veiw mirror. He must have seen me swearing at him! Pity for me (good job for the BMW) I haven't got a camera fitted to the bike!
We arrived at the Castle to find the gates closed, so we had a Percentage Pig and a drink out of our bottles and set off for home.
While going back up the A38 I noticed my Garmin wasn't registering any distance? I stopped and tried to reset and lost everything upto then. So I started Strava on the phone, after messaging the club not to wait and headed for home.
I caught everyone up while they were waiting for me. I then stuck in @gordyfinbars wheel trying to stay with him. Later finding that I set a PB on the section. Cheers buddy.
So in total 30 miles and only 450ft climbing. A good fun ride and the last for the KCC on a Sunday in 2014
Flick of the Elbow
Guru
- Location
- Pentlands & West Lothian
A bracing walk today instead of a ride, just shy of 9 miles over some very icy and wind chilled Pentland summits, over the col between Caerketton and Allermuir, down to Boghall Farm, back via Woodhouselee and Castlelaw. Blue skies and sunshine all the way 
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
It is. It's a Crown Carvery nowadays. 3.95 for a midweek carvery. We might go there tomorrow. Hubster says he fancies going again.
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
The horse statue is Best Mate. It's a nice statue that.
EltonFrog
Legendary Member
Ah yes, that's correct, I had forgotten the name by the time I got home. The strange thing was that it felt warm in the sun on this cold day and the contours made it feel almost real, as I ran my hand across it.
shouldbeinbed
Rollin' along
- Location
- Manchester way
Nice chilly ride home, I like it like that as I'm a hot bod.
The only grit in the gear cable was tipping out of work Just as Man City finished next door and all the fans driving home my way too.
The only grit in the gear cable was tipping out of work Just as Man City finished next door and all the fans driving home my way too.
Ron-da-Valli
It's a bleedin' miracle!
- Location
- Rorke's Drift
25 chilly miles down the coast to Talacre. A few icy patches on the cycle path so came back on the road. Snowdon lived up to it's name, covered in the white stuff!!
roadrash
cycle chatterer
- Location
- sitting on the edge of wigan pier
Ok be gentle with me , its my first time posting in your ride today.
ive no idea of distance covered or speed all i know is i was out 2 hours and it was bloody freezing at first untill the blood started flowing,
im lucky to have a vast network of trails and paths around the local flashes and lakes , so though it was cold it would be rude not to take advantage on a day like today , i set off at 3pm headed for scotsmans flash in poolstock
20 mins riding round here , plenty of people out walking, only saw one other cyclist, then headed off over towards ince following a local bridleway, didnt see a soul along here for about 30 mins
spent half an hour riding round several of the lakes then made my way through hindley and up to aspull to take the canal bank back home
all down hill from here , and pretty cold too , still the gloves i got from aldi were more than up to the job of keeping my fingers toasty.
home to a nice sausage butty and a brew
ive no idea of distance covered or speed all i know is i was out 2 hours and it was bloody freezing at first untill the blood started flowing,
im lucky to have a vast network of trails and paths around the local flashes and lakes , so though it was cold it would be rude not to take advantage on a day like today , i set off at 3pm headed for scotsmans flash in poolstock
20 mins riding round here , plenty of people out walking, only saw one other cyclist, then headed off over towards ince following a local bridleway, didnt see a soul along here for about 30 mins
spent half an hour riding round several of the lakes then made my way through hindley and up to aspull to take the canal bank back home
all down hill from here , and pretty cold too , still the gloves i got from aldi were more than up to the job of keeping my fingers toasty.
home to a nice sausage butty and a brew
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
I got held up a bit this morning so didn't set out for a ride until after 2pm. After yesterday's walk with Doug and @gavgav I thought I'd like to cycle up the Long Mynd and try my new snow stud tyres in some proper winter conditions. I took the short route out through Condover, Longnor and Leebotwood and climbed up the High Park side.
Setting out at this time of day there was little ice on the low level roads (except in a few sheltered places) so it wasn't until I'd climbed up past the snow line that the tyres came into their own. I'd got them pumped up for road use so there was a bit of slippage under power when I did find some ice until I dropped the pressures a bit. This road was busier than usual and I got a few odd looks from the occupants of the cars that passed.
Up on the top there had been a bit more snow since yesterday which had already been through a thaw and refreeze cycle making it quite tricky to ride on even with the studs. Worse still were the frozen ruts left by motor vehicles which almost had me off a couple of times. Dropping the front tyre pressure a bit more helped a lot with this but they still needed care (Checking when I got back, the pressures I ended up with were 30 psi front and 40 rear which I think is what I shall use as my standard for ice riding).
The views on the top were stunning today. The sky was clear, the sun low and casting a magical orange glow and there was low lying mist in the valley to the west and the south. I was able to see the sun set before having to head back passing Boiling Well this time where a Suzuki Vitara was headed towards the Burway (really hope they didn't attempt it as that road would have been nasty by this point) and a convoy of Land Rovers were headed the more sensible way down towards Ratlinghope. My route took me back across Wild Moor and down through High Park again. The studs worked great on the way down but for some reason my back brake didn't want to play nicely today which made for an interesting ride down the hill.
New brake blocks needed I think.
Back down in the valley it was getting dark now and also getting colder really quickly.
What were wet roads on the way out were now icy ones but I only noticed when: 1) I had a small bit of wheelspin while standing to accelerate at one point 2) the road sparkled in my lights and 3) any puddles I rode through crackled rather than splashed.
I'm happy I've made a useful purchase.
I got home with a covering of frost on the panniers and various bits of the bike, having covered 28.7 miles at a very slow 9.6 mph average. Hot chocolate was much needed afterwards.
The snow-capped mountains of Shropshire.
A pause where the Carding Mill Valley path meets the one across Wild Moor.
On the way to Pole Bank and looking into the valley on the Wentnor side of the hills.
I'm not the only cyclist up here this afternoon.
Up at Pole Bank as the sun sets.
On the way home and about to take on the icy descent through High Park.
Setting out at this time of day there was little ice on the low level roads (except in a few sheltered places) so it wasn't until I'd climbed up past the snow line that the tyres came into their own. I'd got them pumped up for road use so there was a bit of slippage under power when I did find some ice until I dropped the pressures a bit. This road was busier than usual and I got a few odd looks from the occupants of the cars that passed.
Up on the top there had been a bit more snow since yesterday which had already been through a thaw and refreeze cycle making it quite tricky to ride on even with the studs. Worse still were the frozen ruts left by motor vehicles which almost had me off a couple of times. Dropping the front tyre pressure a bit more helped a lot with this but they still needed care (Checking when I got back, the pressures I ended up with were 30 psi front and 40 rear which I think is what I shall use as my standard for ice riding).
The views on the top were stunning today. The sky was clear, the sun low and casting a magical orange glow and there was low lying mist in the valley to the west and the south. I was able to see the sun set before having to head back passing Boiling Well this time where a Suzuki Vitara was headed towards the Burway (really hope they didn't attempt it as that road would have been nasty by this point) and a convoy of Land Rovers were headed the more sensible way down towards Ratlinghope. My route took me back across Wild Moor and down through High Park again. The studs worked great on the way down but for some reason my back brake didn't want to play nicely today which made for an interesting ride down the hill.
New brake blocks needed I think.Back down in the valley it was getting dark now and also getting colder really quickly.
What were wet roads on the way out were now icy ones but I only noticed when: 1) I had a small bit of wheelspin while standing to accelerate at one point 2) the road sparkled in my lights and 3) any puddles I rode through crackled rather than splashed. I'm happy I've made a useful purchase.I got home with a covering of frost on the panniers and various bits of the bike, having covered 28.7 miles at a very slow 9.6 mph average. Hot chocolate was much needed afterwards.
The snow-capped mountains of Shropshire.
On the way to Pole Bank and looking into the valley on the Wentnor side of the hills.
I'm not the only cyclist up here this afternoon.
Up at Pole Bank as the sun sets.
On the way home and about to take on the icy descent through High Park.
Last edited:
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
8 Miles today, grocery store for fajita ingredients and return. Very good fajitas, indeed. 0c, winds light, sunny.
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I knew I should not posted that ... I picked up a nasty bug on my family Christmas visit. I didn't eat or sleep much for nearly 3 days and even now have lungs full of gunk and feel weak and wobbly. No point in messing about riding in icy conditions when I feel like this, so that is my riding done until early in the NY, whenever I feel ready.
Target for 2014: 3,650 hilly miles, 10 miles a day. Achieved: 3,619 miles, 9.92 miles a day.
Not a bad effort considering my recent health history!
Target for 2015: 4,000 hilly miles, an average of about 11 miles a day.
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
- Status
