Well the commute this morning was like cycling through a rubbish tip. We had a big storm last night and I had expected the odd bit of gravel to wash onto the road. I had not expected the quantity of detritus of modern life from plastic crates to rubbish bags to rocks. To add amusement to the journey, I then watched two stupid traffic accidents where the driver behind just drove into the back of the car in front. Oh well, the sun is out now - so the run home will be in nice balmy conditions.
Your ride today.... (part 1)
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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Andy and I had a great ride today, as he got a new mountain bike we thought it would be good to do some off roading to test it out. We decided to go to high lodge in Thetford forest, did about 15miles great laugh as there were quite a few sandy potholes where we skidded about. I also had my city jets on which didn't like the sandy parts lol should have put my nobby tyres ROFL.
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
I didn't go very far today (just under 82 miles). A 21 mile to the star and then a fairly fast (19.1mph) but short club run (about 35 miles; my mate needed back early) and then a trip to the Crossford Gala (after a tyre change) and chilled out in the sun for the rest of the day.
Aperitif
Meme bar
- Location
- ...I don't have much idea - really.
Rode clockwise around London's M25 with Flying Dodo and Brian - two other Friday Night regulars...242kms with 2424metres of climbing. Tough ride in places.
Ride to Grassington yesterday .Superb ,all five of us were out 71 miles .By it was hot in places now it's pouring in Leeds .
First stop Was at Burnsall heaving with walkers and cyclists loads out .Dinner in Grassington .Then back through Hebden found yet another cafe (next time ) final stop the Cock Pit Farm tea rooms Weston near Otley .Mentioned that a few weeks ago.
Well she saw the jersey and said thank you for the mention onthe site .
Tea and scone with jam .Superb .A great day out .The Spesh secteur is wonderful on a long run .
First stop Was at Burnsall heaving with walkers and cyclists loads out .Dinner in Grassington .Then back through Hebden found yet another cafe (next time ) final stop the Cock Pit Farm tea rooms Weston near Otley .Mentioned that a few weeks ago.
Well she saw the jersey and said thank you for the mention onthe site .
Tea and scone with jam .Superb .A great day out .The Spesh secteur is wonderful on a long run .
bonk man
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Malvernshire
70 miles, club ride....on my 3 speed Holdsworth, Malvern to Winchcombe and back, heavy rain shower, Henry put his cape on,,, that was the last we saw of him, struggling along wearing something resembling a sail.. 
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
Wimped out
Woke up and pretty much everything hurt, back,knees,lats,foreams.
teach me to do a hard session on the multi gym
Woke up and pretty much everything hurt, back,knees,lats,foreams.
teach me to do a hard session on the multi gym
andytheflyer
Guru
- Location
- South Cheshire
Saturday, took train down to Newport (Powys) and rode back, 70 miles. Parts of Route 81, 31 and 45. I'd love to know who's the sadist who routed '81 over Long Mountain, just E of Welshpool......Stopped for 2 pots of tea and a ham sarny in Wem. Good day out. Not stiff at all today, must be getting fitter.
- Location
- The TerrorVortex
Had a very nice ride out with SteveVW and RedlightUK. We went from St Evenage to Baldock (by a wiggly route) to the cafe for something brunchy, then to Ashwell, Steeple Morden, Ashwell again, and back past the Cromer windmill, then a rather good Cream Tea at Ardeley, and back to home. About 40-ish miles.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Aperitif said:Rode clockwise around London's M25 with Flying Dodo and Brian - two other Friday Night regulars...242kms with 2424metres of climbing. Tough ride in places.
Whoooah....look at those tans.........
Fairweather
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Swansea
Yesterdays ride - The Dragon Ride....130k route...
Myself and the Lardster had decided on the 130 route, but 515 had decided that 190 route was the best training for his attempt at an Etape......silly boy....
The day started well as we took the exit off the M4 and found that there was not the massive queue as we experienced last year. Great organisation getting the cars into the car parks this time with lots of marshalls. We met Aldapies in the car park and were ready to go..
After a short delay waiting to do the necessary we made our way to the start only to be faced with a massive queue...
Needless to say we were not happy at all, remembering last years easy stroll straight to the start line, we thought that this queue would delay us by about half an hour at least. It turned out that the delay was only because of the stupid railing thingy that stops motor bikes using the footpath, once we got past that it was straight to the start and only one group in front of us ready to go....
Once again, great organisation at the start. Chap on the microphone was doing a great job. The phone stayed in my pocket for the rest of the ride so no more pics en route, it was heads down and looking forward to the ride....
After the first little climb we soon remembered what we were in for (well I did!), so backed off the pace a little. One problem soon was apparent, I should not have put my Zipp 404s on, on the first exposed decent I was getting blown about far too much and was not looking forward to the big decents. Last year they were fine but it was seemingly a lot more gusty...
Bwlch 1 soon arrived so I did my usual shout of "see you at the top" to Lard and Aldapies as they are both much stronger climbers than me. Once at the top, a quick comfort break and off down the other side where I was (as feared) getting my front wheel blown all over the place.
Luckily, after the hairpin the wind was not so bad. I saw some bikes with some serious big dish wheels, i'm sure one had a pair of 808s on - that couldn't have been fun!.
Caught back up with the gang and made our way to Rhigos, once again I was off the back but knew they would be waiting at the food stop. I was really not happy that all the bananas had gone and there was only plain water available- bad planning there me thinks.
Having eaten all my own food already, I was starting to suffer a bit through Glyneath so slowed down a bit to recover, Lard and Aldapies were waiting for me at the next junction...ah. They asked if I was ok, "yes - i'm saving myself for a sprint finish I told them".. more on that later... Gently up Cimla hill, and to the food stop where it seemed all the bananas were!!! There was also spuds covered in salt on offer... my god they were lovely. And what a brilliant idea having spuds instead of more jam tarts (although there was a moutain of tarts and cake there as well).
Nice trundle up the valley and half way on the Bwlch 2 the boys once again pulled away, had a great time chatting to lots of people on the way up and then something mad came past me...a chap on a fixie of all things ... mad or a hero ... you decide.....
I think everyone was shocked how hot it was on the way up the climb and then how cold it was on top. Apparently I was only a minute or so behind the chaps which I was quite pleased with.The worst part of the day was just about to happen..... On the first part of the decent there were horrible gusts of wind which sent me into a horrible tank slapper, I really thougth I was going to come off. Having only ever read about tank slappers I had no idea what to do so just sat up as straight as possible to slow myself down which seemed to work. I had to pull over to compose myself after that...not fun.
Onto the last little climb where I was dropped again but feeling fine, and then I managed to jump on a small group along the flat after the 10k to go point and we all went passed a group with Lard and Aldapies in it, I shouted "come on boys, what's keepin' you" which did not go down very well at all... I thought it was hilarious!
Getting towards the end and the pace picked up..... 1k to go and it was hammer down... the sprint was on. I went for it and could hear the others right behind me... got to the roundabout at the end a little bit to quick, got round it ok and then heard "go on Nic" from someone.. not being sure who it was I just went as hard as I could for the line... as I got to the line I noticed a wheel to my right - it was the Lard... we flew over the line side by side and then.. aaaaaaaaaaggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!........
barriers and a bloke waving his arms at us to stop.......dew these Swiss Stop break pads are good!!!! I really hope there was a photographer at the end.. it'll be an awesome shot.
We picked up our goodie bags and then spotted heaven.......
Guinness.....................a pint please my good man!!!!
We parked our bums on the grass listening to the band which was fantastic, went and had a look at the new range of bikes on the Wiggle stand and spotted this ...
Madness i say...madness!!!!!
515 was keeping us informed of his progress on the 190 route, so we had some time to get the barb going.... yes the barb!. 515 couldn't have timed it better as the first sausages were just burned to perfection as he finished.....
The extreme chili sausages went down a treat, along with the bottles of whatever was closest to hand to cool the mouth down.....those jaloki chilies have some kick!.
A great end to a great day, but I still don't fancy doing the long route after seeing the state on 515. But chapeau, he did it .. I didn't!.
Myself and the Lardster had decided on the 130 route, but 515 had decided that 190 route was the best training for his attempt at an Etape......silly boy....
The day started well as we took the exit off the M4 and found that there was not the massive queue as we experienced last year. Great organisation getting the cars into the car parks this time with lots of marshalls. We met Aldapies in the car park and were ready to go..
After a short delay waiting to do the necessary we made our way to the start only to be faced with a massive queue...
Needless to say we were not happy at all, remembering last years easy stroll straight to the start line, we thought that this queue would delay us by about half an hour at least. It turned out that the delay was only because of the stupid railing thingy that stops motor bikes using the footpath, once we got past that it was straight to the start and only one group in front of us ready to go....
Once again, great organisation at the start. Chap on the microphone was doing a great job. The phone stayed in my pocket for the rest of the ride so no more pics en route, it was heads down and looking forward to the ride....
After the first little climb we soon remembered what we were in for (well I did!), so backed off the pace a little. One problem soon was apparent, I should not have put my Zipp 404s on, on the first exposed decent I was getting blown about far too much and was not looking forward to the big decents. Last year they were fine but it was seemingly a lot more gusty...
Bwlch 1 soon arrived so I did my usual shout of "see you at the top" to Lard and Aldapies as they are both much stronger climbers than me. Once at the top, a quick comfort break and off down the other side where I was (as feared) getting my front wheel blown all over the place.
Luckily, after the hairpin the wind was not so bad. I saw some bikes with some serious big dish wheels, i'm sure one had a pair of 808s on - that couldn't have been fun!.
Caught back up with the gang and made our way to Rhigos, once again I was off the back but knew they would be waiting at the food stop. I was really not happy that all the bananas had gone and there was only plain water available- bad planning there me thinks.
Having eaten all my own food already, I was starting to suffer a bit through Glyneath so slowed down a bit to recover, Lard and Aldapies were waiting for me at the next junction...ah. They asked if I was ok, "yes - i'm saving myself for a sprint finish I told them".. more on that later... Gently up Cimla hill, and to the food stop where it seemed all the bananas were!!! There was also spuds covered in salt on offer... my god they were lovely. And what a brilliant idea having spuds instead of more jam tarts (although there was a moutain of tarts and cake there as well).
Nice trundle up the valley and half way on the Bwlch 2 the boys once again pulled away, had a great time chatting to lots of people on the way up and then something mad came past me...a chap on a fixie of all things ... mad or a hero ... you decide.....
I think everyone was shocked how hot it was on the way up the climb and then how cold it was on top. Apparently I was only a minute or so behind the chaps which I was quite pleased with.The worst part of the day was just about to happen..... On the first part of the decent there were horrible gusts of wind which sent me into a horrible tank slapper, I really thougth I was going to come off. Having only ever read about tank slappers I had no idea what to do so just sat up as straight as possible to slow myself down which seemed to work. I had to pull over to compose myself after that...not fun.
Onto the last little climb where I was dropped again but feeling fine, and then I managed to jump on a small group along the flat after the 10k to go point and we all went passed a group with Lard and Aldapies in it, I shouted "come on boys, what's keepin' you" which did not go down very well at all... I thought it was hilarious!
Getting towards the end and the pace picked up..... 1k to go and it was hammer down... the sprint was on. I went for it and could hear the others right behind me... got to the roundabout at the end a little bit to quick, got round it ok and then heard "go on Nic" from someone.. not being sure who it was I just went as hard as I could for the line... as I got to the line I noticed a wheel to my right - it was the Lard... we flew over the line side by side and then.. aaaaaaaaaaggggggggghhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!........
barriers and a bloke waving his arms at us to stop.......dew these Swiss Stop break pads are good!!!! I really hope there was a photographer at the end.. it'll be an awesome shot.
We picked up our goodie bags and then spotted heaven.......
Guinness.....................a pint please my good man!!!!
We parked our bums on the grass listening to the band which was fantastic, went and had a look at the new range of bikes on the Wiggle stand and spotted this ...
Madness i say...madness!!!!!
515 was keeping us informed of his progress on the 190 route, so we had some time to get the barb going.... yes the barb!. 515 couldn't have timed it better as the first sausages were just burned to perfection as he finished.....
The extreme chili sausages went down a treat, along with the bottles of whatever was closest to hand to cool the mouth down.....those jaloki chilies have some kick!.
A great end to a great day, but I still don't fancy doing the long route after seeing the state on 515. But chapeau, he did it .. I didn't!.
OP
OP
gbb
Squire
- Location
- Peterborough
Just normal commuting for a mere mortal like me 
having read some of the excellent posts above.
But, commuting with a couple of not so interesting points...young blackbird sat right in the middle of a busy road, looking a bit lost. Spun round and scooped him up in a break of the traffic. Amazing how full of life he suddely became
My good deed for the day.
Then homeward, it'd just been raining heavily, just swooping gently round a bend and whhoa
quite a bit slip of the rear tyre (blessed Conti Gators..i like em, but you know when to go steady on them)
Got a wetars rear end, just going for a bath now, having sat in damp bottoms for an hour
having read some of the excellent posts above.But, commuting with a couple of not so interesting points...young blackbird sat right in the middle of a busy road, looking a bit lost. Spun round and scooped him up in a break of the traffic. Amazing how full of life he suddely became
My good deed for the day.Then homeward, it'd just been raining heavily, just swooping gently round a bend and whhoa
quite a bit slip of the rear tyre (blessed Conti Gators..i like em, but you know when to go steady on them)Got a wet
515mm
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Carmarthenshire
For a full match report see my long post in Audaxes, Sportives and Road Rides - "My 1st sportive, Dragon Ride." Not my 1st, someone elses, but it seemed the appropriate place to post at the time......
I was in a bit of a state when I climbed off the bike. Like an old man, I was as stiff as a board, bent over and had a rolling, shuffling gait. A burned sausage in a bun and I felt much better, thanks Fairs! What a fine idea, a BBQ in the car park. Little Miss has some photos somewhere......
I was in a bit of a state when I climbed off the bike. Like an old man, I was as stiff as a board, bent over and had a rolling, shuffling gait. A burned sausage in a bun and I felt much better, thanks Fairs! What a fine idea, a BBQ in the car park. Little Miss has some photos somewhere......
twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
Was up early this morning and had 45 miles done before 10 am 
Then up the main climb (Gospel Pass) to drop off at 61 miles at Hay on Wye where I had an early lunch. Further ups and downs got me home about 3 pm after 116 miles. I missed the rain tho' (hence the early start).
Then up the main climb (Gospel Pass) to drop off at 61 miles at Hay on Wye where I had an early lunch. Further ups and downs got me home about 3 pm after 116 miles. I missed the rain tho' (hence the early start).
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