Your ride today....

[Dave 123]

Didn't get out until 10 to 3 this afternoon after doing a spot of bus mans holiday gardening. The good thing was it was as warm as it was going to be, but I still put my arm warmers on as I'm a big Nancy boy! They came off after 20 minutes.
I only did a 22 mile figure of 8 around the Gransdens and although I wasn't hanging about I had half an eye on the beauty of it all with blossom everywhere, sweet scents (even the maggot farm smelled sweet) and blue skies. The wind was chilly, but I was ok in summer shoes, bib shorts and a short sleeved Jersey. All those winter rides round there were a million miles away.

I'm really chuffed as next Saturdayas I'm doing a 100 miler with my 2 brothers, my nieces husbands and now my lad has said he's up for it

This is the lad who wouldn't get a road bike, wear Lycra or go clipless. He's now done all 3. Just hoping for good weather...

 

[howdenbiker]

Got out early this morning, 6:30am and a good frost on the ground. Only did 20ish miles to test out new brakes and rear chainset on my Rossin. Came back along the river Ouse/Humber and spotted a freighter heading out to sea, a rare sight these days. Sorry photos a bit poor as on basic phone.

 

[gavgav]

Set myself a challenge today on what turned out to be my hilliest ever Shropshire ride, in terms of feet per mile!

I was on the bike by 08:05am and it was quite chilly, but a lovely sunny morning, as I began the climbing over Lyth Hill, then up to Oaks, which gave glorious views over Towards the Lawley and Caradoc.

I continued climbing up to Church Pulverbatch and then Wilderley, before I turned onto Pease Lane for some new territory. This is serious climbing land, with a few gradient arrows, heading in the direction of the Longmynd and it was indeed really hard work as I wound my way up and then dropped down into Picklescott.

From there it was more steep climbing up through Batchcott but lovely views at 1034 ft up. I had warmed up quite nicely now, but the easterly wind had picked up and I knew that would cause me problems later in my ride

As I approached High Park (clues in the name!) I came across a car pulling out of a drive and it was Andy from my cricket club. We had a brief chat, once he realised it was me under my helmet and sunglasses, about the new season that begins with our 1st game tomorrow.

I arrived at the junction, which, if I turned right would take me onto The Longmynd proper, but after mulling it over I decided I didn't really have time, as needed to be back home by 12:00 and also I want to do it with @Rickshaw Phil really, as he's threatened to drag me up there a few times but he was on @ColinJ 's forum ride today and so I took the turn towards Woolstaston and some nice downhill finally!!

There was a bit more climbing up to Walkmills and Smethcote before the main downhill to Dorrington, which was nice but into that Easterly wind which had really strengthened.

I crossed the horrid A49 and then intended to head to Ryton. I turned onto that road, to find road closed ahead signs. I paused for some crisps and a chap on a Brompton pulled alongside me and asked if I knew where it was closed. I didn't but he said he would go on and see. He didn't return and so I pootled into the village, to find it was properly closed with a trench across the road .

Therefore I doubled back and followed the diversion which was about a mile and a half long and brought me out at the other end of the village, so that I could continue to Longnor.

The final 8 miles are normally great fun and mainly downhill, but today it was directly into the easterly wind and it took about 8mph off my speed, through Frodesley, Acton Burnell and Pitchford.

It was here that I came across a charity ride with about 40 cyclists of all shapes and sizes, including the bikes, which contained a few Bromptons and a chap on a Penny Farthing style bike!! Their Marshall wanted to turn me into Pitchford Hall, but a cheery hello and realisation that I wasn't one of theirs followed and I headed home via Cantlop and Betton Abbots.

I almost came a croppa here, as I was being passed by a car on a narrowish section, as a pheasant was right in my path . I braked and luckily he stayed right by the ditch, as I couldn't move over due to the car and I missed him by a couple of inches .

36.9 miles with 2125ft of climbing and I was quite happy with managing a double figure avg speed of 10.5mph and my half century ride done for the month.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Set myself a challenge today on what turned out to be my hilliest ever Shropshire ride, in terms of feet per mile!

I was on the bike by 08:05am and it was quite chilly, but a lovely sunny morning, as I began the climbing over Lyth Hill, then up to Oaks, which gave glorious views over Towards the Lawley and Caradoc.
View attachment 86085

I continued climbing up to Church Pulverbatch and then Wilderley, before I turned onto Pease Lane for some new territory. This is serious climbing land, with a few gradient arrows, heading in the direction of the Longmynd and it was indeed really hard work as I wound my way up and then dropped down into Picklescott.

From there it was more steep climbing up through Batchcott but lovely views at 1034 ft up. I had warmed up quite nicely now, but the easterly wind had picked up and I knew that would cause me problems later in my ride
View attachment 86086

As I approached High Park (clues in the name!) I came across a car pulling out of a drive and it was Andy from my cricket club. We had a brief chat, once he realised it was me under my helmet and sunglasses, about the new season that begins with our 1st game tomorrow.

I arrived at the junction, which, if I turned right would take me onto The Longmynd proper, but after mulling it over I decided I didn't really have time, as needed to be back home by 12:00 and also I want to do it with @Rickshaw Phil really, as he's threatened to drag me up there a few times but he was on @ColinJ 's forum ride today and so I took the turn towards Woolstaston and some nice downhill finally!!

There was a bit more climbing up to Walkmills and Smethcote before the main downhill to Dorrington, which was nice but into that Easterly wind which had really strengthened.

I crossed the horrid A49 and then intended to head to Ryton. I turned onto that road, to find road closed ahead signs. I paused for some crisps and a chap on a Brompton pulled alongside me and asked if I knew where it was closed. I didn't but he said he would go on and see. He didn't return and so I pootled into the village, to find it was properly closed with a trench across the road .

Therefore I doubled back and followed the diversion which was about a mile and a half long and brought me out at the other end of the village, so that I could continue to Longnor.

The final 8 miles are normally great fun and mainly downhill, but today it was directly into the easterly wind and it took about 8mph off my speed, through Frodesley, Acton Burnell and Pitchford.

It was here that I came across a charity ride with about 40 cyclists of all shapes and sizes, including the bikes, which contained a few Bromptons and a chap on a Penny Farthing style bike!! Their Marshall wanted to turn me into Pitchford Hall, but a cheery hello and realisation that I wasn't one of theirs followed and I headed home via Cantlop and Betton Abbots.

I almost came a croppa here, as I was being passed by a car on a narrowish section, as a pheasant was right in my path . I braked and luckily he stayed right by the ditch, as I couldn't move over due to the car and I missed him by a couple of inches .

36.9 miles with 2125ft of climbing and I was quite happy with managing a double figure avg speed of 10.5mph and my half century ride done for the month.

So I didn't imagine the penny farthing then? That's good.

 

[MikeW-71]

Commuting today in beaming sunshine, taking it easy to recover from thursday. Easier said than done when the wind is blowing in your face most of the way back

 

[gavgav]

A crap couple of days at work left me scraping at the windows wanting to get out for a ride. No.1 bike was still unavailable due to broken seatpost clamp, so I went out for a relaxed ride in my baggy shorts on my No.2 (flat bar) bike instead. A nice sunny evening, with plenty of cyclists and horseriders out in the lanes between Gloucester and Frampton-on-Severn. Quail, bunnies and suicidal pheasants everywhere. Another 20 miles towards my year's target. Suddenly all is well with the world. Bring on the next Sunday morning club ride.

There's nothing better than a ride to beat the work Blues is there. I'd had a shocker of a week and felt so much happier after today's ride!

 

[gavgav]

A great ride today but not the one planned. I'd intended to join @ColinJ for his forum ride today but just could not sleep properly last night which led to a later start than I'd hoped meaning there was no realistic way of making it to Spring Wood by 10am.

The day was too good to miss out on though so later in the morning I headed out for the Shropshire hills. The route was out over Lyth Hill, then to Pontesbury and Minsterley before climbing over the Stiperstones to Wentnor and on to the Long Mynd via the fiendish Asterton Bank to the summit then heading home down the Burway and home via Longnor and Condover.

It's wonderfully sunny out but quite breezy which helped on the way out to Minsterley but wasn't great thereafter. It's quite cool still too so layers were on and off at various points depending on whether I was climbing, sheltered or exposed to the wind.

I enjoyed the long climb up to the Stiperstones as the scenery looked great today but the wind at the top took my breath away a bit. The layers went back on and I got quite buffetted on the descent the other side. Fortunately it was a bit more sheltered in the valley and I enjoyed the run to Wentnor, then on to Asterton.

Once again I'd like to say I climbed Asterton Bank in one, but as usual I had to stop a couple of times to let traffic by (the tarmac is literally just wide enough for a car most of the way up). The first driver coming down said "You've got further than I would have" as he passed.

Nearing the top I was exposed to the wind again which made the last 100 yards or so even tougher than normal and meant progress across the top was quite slow. There were a few groups of mountain bikers up here which made me wonder where all the other cyclists had been today. At this point I'd only passed four other riders so far on the trip and the last of those had been back before Snailbeach.

Heading off the hill via the Burway, the wind saved me having to brake as hard as usual , I took a detour down into Carding Mill Valley then headed north. There were more riders over this side of the hills including what was clearly a club outing on a very mixed range of bikes including some vintage ones and a penny farthing (should have turned round and gone after them to get a picture ) I don't suppose anyone knows who they might have been?

40.4 hilly miles today at 12.2 mph average.

View attachment 86054
Near Tankerville and looking back down the valley that I've been climbing for the last four miles or so.

View attachment 86057
The visitor centre at The Bog (yes, that really is a place name) is open for the season.

View attachment 86059
As close as I get to the actual Stiperstones today.

View attachment 86060
Wentnor. Quiet and peaceful. With the sound of hens clucking nearby it had the feel of stepping back a few decades.

View attachment 86062
Leaving the village, a warning of what's to come.

View attachment 86064
Climbing Asterton Bank. I've just had to stop to let a car by so might as well get a photo of the view.

View attachment 86065
Fabulous at Pole Bank.

View attachment 86067
Plenty of visitors in Carding Mill Valley.

A like for getting out but sad you missed out on the forum ride. I hope it wasn't too much excitement from Pointless last night!!

 

[gavgav]

So I didn't imagine the penny farthing then? That's good.

Nope it was there alright!! Seemed like a charity ride of some sort, and I passed a few walking up the bank towards Pitchford Hall!

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

A like for getting out but sad you missed out on the forum ride.

It was disappointing. There may be possibilities to make up for it later in the year though: link

I hope it wasn't too much excitement from Pointless last night!!

I may just leave everyone else guessing about that.

 

[cosmicbike]

Spent last night planning a route and uploading to the Garmin, not tried it before so went for lots of roads I've not been on to see how it went. Headed out through Staines, Wraysbury, Dachet and into Eton.

Crossed the pedestrian bridge at the end of Eton which drops you nicely into Windsor, so far Garmin performing nicely. Then it starts buzzing away, apparently I'm off course (I'm not), then beeps again to say it's found me again...
Out past LEGOLAND and back into some more familiar territory, through WGP, then out through Blacknest Gate into what I thought was unfamiliar roads, until I came to the Sunningdale church

Back through Chobham to home, and a very nice 31 miles.

 

[Glow worm]

Here's a tip- if there's a strong north easterly blowing, best plan a route that doesn't head north east. Sadly today I had no choice- a 65 miler to my parents house near Wells on the north Norfolk coast. All I can say is - brutal!

At least the fenland roads were quiet- this, above, near Prickwillow.

Another Lonely fenland road. At this stage, 8 mph was good going into the wind. My fully laden bike weighed about 90lbs. I was beginning to wish I'd travelled a little lighter.

On crossing into Norfolk, I left the Fens behind and some undulating country rolled by. This church at West Dereham caught my eye.

At Barton Bendish ( what a great name for a village) I finally had a bit of downhill and less fierce headwind. Managed an amazing 16 mph here.

Although a lovely bit of country, I made a route planning error. My eternal quest to find the quietest routes normally does me proud, but this bridleway between Beachamwell and West Acre was hard work. Lots of sand and flint. Was down to 6 mph here. I ditched the last bit of track and risked a mile section of the A47 . The gamble paid off.

Narborough Hall. In my early years we lived in the next village of Pentney. It was utter bliss. Then my Dad got a job in
London and I've never really forgiven him as he dragged us down there. It wasn't the best of times but at least I can get back here now easily enough.

The deer at Houghton Hall spied me nervously as I collapsed stopped for another break . Very noticeably colder here now than further inland. My hands were beginning to freeze.

The home straight down Bloodgate hill into South Creake. Downhill!!

A tough old day in the saddle- I left home at 9-20 and got here at 4-50. Not the fastest 65 miles but enjoyable and after pulling some big bits of flint out of my tyres, especially so now by the fire with some grog!

 

[Cush]

Rode to Carlisle, still frosty when I set out. Train to Oxenholm. Rode down to Beetham (for years I lived in Beetham Crescent but had no idea that it was a town and had never been there until today) found it harder riding than it should have been. On to Carnforth via Yealand Conyers (used to do challenge walks in this area) picked up the Lancaster canal to Hest Bank and on to Morecambe and Heysham. Then up to Lancaster following the Green way. Beautiful days riding was surprised and pleased at how many cyclists were out especially those with baby trailers on tow (even though at least one had dogs in it) Train back from Lancaster and caught the football traffic as far as Rosehill. Just 37 and a smidgen miles but it left me extraordinary tired.

 

[Renmurew]

Just as I was congratulating myself for riding just under 26 miles in 2 hrs 10 mins, I remembered the elite athletes run the marathon in that time . Still, I had a lovely ride between Brechin and Forfar and back again.



Roll on tomorrow

 

[Katherine]

A shorter ride of 15 miles today with lots of stops for photos and people watching , I went for a pootle to Salford Quays and Media City, then home on the canal again.

 

[Gravity Aided]

9.3 miles my ride this day, rolling country and a couple of Strava pbs, a dog encounter, agriculture, and both Routes 51 and 66 involved and visited. It got up to almost 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and with 15 miles per hour wind blowing in rain for tomorrow. Cooler temps for the rest of the week, but one day without the heavier kit was a tonic.