Two rides to tell. On Friday someone released the gremlins
Not the best ride out today, the usual preamble leading to Cardigan Road, climb away from Headingley and just before the Ring Road the back tyre grew an egg big enough to stop the wheel turning. Hmm, let enough wind out of the tyre so the wheel would roll and then push the bike the 5.74 miles home. No fun at all. Ordered some spare tyres once home.
But the 'orrible things were elsewhere today, so I did this.
Still waiting for the new tyres, as expected, so wheeled out the fixed for a ride today. A bit brave really, both bikes run the same make and model tyres. Still, warmer than of late with a few grey clouds, I am off for a ride.
Twenty nine miles cycled today. Started misty but dry, sort of average Holbeck really, and by the time Office lock was reached it was obvious that the wind was blowing a bit. Ride the towpath all the short way to Viaduct Road. Cross the river and start that long, long ascent to Headingley, short flat road and then up again on the A 660 to the Ring Road. Just before there is where Friday’s ride stopped, the little roundabout at Kepston Road. Might just christen it something appropriate . . .
Some time about there the light drizzle put on some weight. Just enough to obscure much chance of seeing a lot, though the A 660 is not noted for its panoramic views inside the Leeds boundary. Anyway, along to Bramhope, the rugby pitches were being used, and the audiences sounded as if they were enjoying that. The higher the road became the less the visibility was. Through the village and up that little rise starting at the church, felt as if I was inside the cloud just then. The lights at the Dyneley Arms persuaded me to have the fun ride down Pool Bank, just a decimal point shy of 30 mph ( OK, 29.6 ) there, not bad for me on the fixed, not bad at all. Along the bottom of the valley to Otley, this is such a familiar ride, but the breeze was in my face so more effort was needed. As I rode into Otley, not only more effort but also more rain. No problem, a couple of left turns and the wind is on my back as I start the ride up Leeds Road. All the way, comfortably, to Headingley. Turn right, drop to Kirkstall and back to the towpath for the last five miles back. Still loads of fun, rain cannot stop that.
No video today, a bit grim and grey out there . . .
Not the best ride out today, the usual preamble leading to Cardigan Road, climb away from Headingley and just before the Ring Road the back tyre grew an egg big enough to stop the wheel turning. Hmm, let enough wind out of the tyre so the wheel would roll and then push the bike the 5.74 miles home. No fun at all. Ordered some spare tyres once home.
But the 'orrible things were elsewhere today, so I did this.
Still waiting for the new tyres, as expected, so wheeled out the fixed for a ride today. A bit brave really, both bikes run the same make and model tyres. Still, warmer than of late with a few grey clouds, I am off for a ride.
Twenty nine miles cycled today. Started misty but dry, sort of average Holbeck really, and by the time Office lock was reached it was obvious that the wind was blowing a bit. Ride the towpath all the short way to Viaduct Road. Cross the river and start that long, long ascent to Headingley, short flat road and then up again on the A 660 to the Ring Road. Just before there is where Friday’s ride stopped, the little roundabout at Kepston Road. Might just christen it something appropriate . . .
Some time about there the light drizzle put on some weight. Just enough to obscure much chance of seeing a lot, though the A 660 is not noted for its panoramic views inside the Leeds boundary. Anyway, along to Bramhope, the rugby pitches were being used, and the audiences sounded as if they were enjoying that. The higher the road became the less the visibility was. Through the village and up that little rise starting at the church, felt as if I was inside the cloud just then. The lights at the Dyneley Arms persuaded me to have the fun ride down Pool Bank, just a decimal point shy of 30 mph ( OK, 29.6 ) there, not bad for me on the fixed, not bad at all. Along the bottom of the valley to Otley, this is such a familiar ride, but the breeze was in my face so more effort was needed. As I rode into Otley, not only more effort but also more rain. No problem, a couple of left turns and the wind is on my back as I start the ride up Leeds Road. All the way, comfortably, to Headingley. Turn right, drop to Kirkstall and back to the towpath for the last five miles back. Still loads of fun, rain cannot stop that.
No video today, a bit grim and grey out there . . .
until it was spoiled by having to slow for an oncoming car.
It was similar at Cound where in theory I was turning directly into the wind but it seemed to be sheltered. I knew I wouldn't get away with it if I took my usual route back to Pitchford though so went the undulating way through Eaton Mascott and up to Berrington instead to put the moment off for a bit.
not too bad at first but by the time I climbed out of the dip it was coming down, to the point where a bit further on I needed to stop and put my waterproof jacket on.
