A 'like' for the ride, but hope your mate mends well! Nice to be offered some help fro the passers' by as well.
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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Late, as usual, in posting Sunday's ride..
Up early, for me, at about 06:30, prepped up and ready for the off at 07:15.
I had a route planned out in my mind, but was happy to find a few new roads to ride after Blisworth, and 'discovered' Tiffield, Bradden and Abthorpe before passing Bucknell Woods on my way to more familiar lanes to, and through, Silverstone.
I could hear some racing going on in the distance, but just made do with listening to the roar rather than ride to the Racetrack as it was a bit further south than I wanted to go.
Back homeward via Whittlebury, then Stoke Bruerne and some of my usual roads past Salcey Forest and Quinton.
As I didn't fancy a dry run, I called in to one of my favourite stops, Scotch Farm cafe, for a cuppa and a Cream Tea.
My attempt to solve the Cornwall/Devon argument....
Back home on 55 miles in almost warmish weather, ready for a beer and Sunday Dinner
https://www.strava.com/activities/1509717707
Up early, for me, at about 06:30, prepped up and ready for the off at 07:15.
I had a route planned out in my mind, but was happy to find a few new roads to ride after Blisworth, and 'discovered' Tiffield, Bradden and Abthorpe before passing Bucknell Woods on my way to more familiar lanes to, and through, Silverstone.
I could hear some racing going on in the distance, but just made do with listening to the roar rather than ride to the Racetrack as it was a bit further south than I wanted to go.
Back homeward via Whittlebury, then Stoke Bruerne and some of my usual roads past Salcey Forest and Quinton.
As I didn't fancy a dry run, I called in to one of my favourite stops, Scotch Farm cafe, for a cuppa and a Cream Tea.
My attempt to solve the Cornwall/Devon argument....
Back home on 55 miles in almost warmish weather, ready for a beer and Sunday Dinner
https://www.strava.com/activities/1509717707
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Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
^ A like for the fettle.
Thanks
I'm teaching myself how to fettle. I haven't had any leftover bits on reassembly... yet.
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
I've been on a first aid refresher for 2 days so I needed some fresh air this evening. Almost immediately my legs felt spanked from last nights spin and circuit training, they were both harder than usual.
Across the fields at the bottom of the village, amazingly they are drying and cracking already, that's clay for you. The ruts, foot and hoof prints are blooming horrible!
I wasn't going to go along the edge of the wood, but guess what...... I did. By heck, it was sticky. In 2 places I actually stopped moving, but managed to get weight on the back wheel to get some traction.
There were Oxlip, primrose, wood anemone and bluebell showing
The third pic could be an Oxlip/primrose hybrid.
Down through Caldecote and on to the bridleway to the Red House. It wasn't too bad in here mud wise, and it was sheltered from the bloody stiff wind.
Over the A1198 and on the other side it was like a quagmire. They've been doing the ditching either side of the track, so as well as the wheel ruts there were piles of shyte everywhere. Beautiful.
Along the edge of Hayley Wood, stopping for pictures. It was lovely
There was a lovely scent in the air.
The local badgers have been really busy, tonnes of fresh digging.
Around the far edge of the wood and a sight stopped me dead. You can't beat a patch of violets. They smelled good too
Around the back of the maggot farm, just about to join the road and that familiar rear wheel squishy feeling appears. Excellent.
Tyre off in 2 seconds, then the tyre expands to twice the size of the rim and promptly falls off. New tube out, tyre back on rim nearly.... it must have shrunk as the last 6" are a bastardo to get back on. Pump, pump, pump- nowt! Take it off, put it back on.... bingo! Pump x3,4,5 and the tyre is coming off the rim! Let the air out and start again. Once I was ready to roll I decided to get home via the road. The same thing has happened in exactly the same place before. I will own up to a middling Tourette's attack.
The dead tree looked nice in the evening sky
At the A1198 crossroads in Longstowe there had been a bump with 2 cars, the cops were in attendance.
Almost 18 miles once home. I'd wanted to go further but my legs were knackered and I'd wanted to return off road but my humour was depleted!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1514463222
Across the fields at the bottom of the village, amazingly they are drying and cracking already, that's clay for you. The ruts, foot and hoof prints are blooming horrible!
I wasn't going to go along the edge of the wood, but guess what...... I did. By heck, it was sticky. In 2 places I actually stopped moving, but managed to get weight on the back wheel to get some traction.
There were Oxlip, primrose, wood anemone and bluebell showing
The third pic could be an Oxlip/primrose hybrid.
Down through Caldecote and on to the bridleway to the Red House. It wasn't too bad in here mud wise, and it was sheltered from the bloody stiff wind.
Over the A1198 and on the other side it was like a quagmire. They've been doing the ditching either side of the track, so as well as the wheel ruts there were piles of shyte everywhere. Beautiful.
Along the edge of Hayley Wood, stopping for pictures. It was lovely
There was a lovely scent in the air.
The local badgers have been really busy, tonnes of fresh digging.
Around the far edge of the wood and a sight stopped me dead. You can't beat a patch of violets. They smelled good too
Around the back of the maggot farm, just about to join the road and that familiar rear wheel squishy feeling appears. Excellent.
Tyre off in 2 seconds, then the tyre expands to twice the size of the rim and promptly falls off. New tube out, tyre back on rim nearly.... it must have shrunk as the last 6" are a bastardo to get back on. Pump, pump, pump- nowt! Take it off, put it back on.... bingo! Pump x3,4,5 and the tyre is coming off the rim! Let the air out and start again. Once I was ready to roll I decided to get home via the road. The same thing has happened in exactly the same place before. I will own up to a middling Tourette's attack.
The dead tree looked nice in the evening sky
At the A1198 crossroads in Longstowe there had been a bump with 2 cars, the cops were in attendance.
Almost 18 miles once home. I'd wanted to go further but my legs were knackered and I'd wanted to return off road but my humour was depleted!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1514463222
Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
Sometimes I think the countryside round here is a bit dull, but Hayley Wood at this time of year is great.
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
Two rides today, one with Dom, the second one was with my other half and a mate, 25 miles each ride, both pretty windy.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1513928306
https://www.strava.com/activities/1514471908
https://www.strava.com/activities/1513928306
https://www.strava.com/activities/1514471908
BSOh
Über Member
- Location
- Ceredigion
Both in one day? You're a madman. I'm tired just reading that
Edit to add: lovely pics btw
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
Both in one day? You're a madman. I'm tired just reading that
One after the other. Then I rode 5 miles home (not quickly)
Noodle Legs
Winging it
- Location
- Coalville, Leicestershire
Ah.....
Spiderweb
Not So Special One
- Location
- North Yorkshire
When I’m riding solo I often drift off into my own little world and if I glance at the speedo I’m regularly riding at 13-15mph, I must be a natural pootler!
Anyway on this mornings 6.6 mile commute I thought I’d focus and try a bit harder and attempt to crack an average speed of 18 mph.
After a lot of sweat and pain I managed an average of 17.9!
Temporary traffic lights and a large back pack is my excuse but I’ll try harder next time.
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- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
I'd planned on a hilly ride today but the weather didn't look at all promising this morning in spite of what the forecast said. I decided to take a risk though and go for it.
The route this time is a favourite of mine: Lyth Hill, Exfords Green, Pontesbury, Minsterley, Snailbeach, The Bog, The Bridges, Wentnor, Asterton, Pole Bank (The Long Mynd), Church Stretton, Longnor, Ryton, Condover and back.
Having taken the chance on the weather I almost changed my mind on Lyth Hill when I could see low cloud and what looked like rain over the Church Stretton area. It did look lighter towards Pontesbury though so I carried on in the hope that things would improve.
It was an uneventful ride through Pontesbury and Minsterley, which was good, then I started the climbing to Snailbeach where the strong wind I'd been riding against made it quite an effort. Up 'til here I'd had alternative routes I could do if the weather had taken a turn for the worse. Now that I had to commit, things looked more promising with the cloud looking a lot less threatening than earlier so I continued steadily up the valley.
Near Tankerville I passed a group of riders stopped at the side of the road (looked like taking a breather) then shortly after the road levels out on the way to The Bog. Up ahead the clouds were looking threatening again. Not only darker but I could see that I'd be climbing up into fog after the visitor centre.
The fog was as bad as it looked and I'd only got rear lights with me as I'd not expected it. Those went on along with an orange waistcoat that I hoped would stand out enough.
The group of cyclists from earlier overtook while I was having a snack at the summit of the Stiperstones climb. I caught them on the way down the other side as they were taking it a lot slower than me in the conditions. I chatted to them a little and they were just out having a local bimble.
Dropping down into the valley (and out of the fog) I was uncertain which way to try next. I decided to go for the longer and harder option - heading to Wentnor then tackling the climb up Asterton Bank onto the Long Mynd.
Heading along the valley, the air warmed up quite noticably and by the time I reached Asterton I was ready to shed a layer before I'd even reached the climb. A bit of a pause to adjust my state of dress and take a drink and I was ready to head onwards and upwards. I'd like to tell you that I completed the climb in one go but an electric car (BMW i3) sneaked up behind me before I'd gone very far and I needed to pull over to let them through (this road ain't big enough for the both of us). The rest was hard going but steady and it always feels amazing to have got to the top under your own power.
I could see that Pole Bank was still hiding in cloud but as I rode across the plateau it cleared away and the sun started breaking through. I hadn't put the fleece back on at the top of the climb and only did so for the descent, knowing that it usually feels colder on the way down.
I headed down the Burway into Church Stretton where it was pleasantly warm and the fleece came off again and stayed off for the rest of the trip home. I had the wind behind me all the way back which helped a lot, and enjoyed a swift return in the sunshine. Had a bit of fun on the last section to home when on a slight downhill stretch with the wind still behind me I was able to keep up with the traffic through the 30 mph limit.
41.5 miles at 11.5 mph average. Thoroughly enjoyed that.
I've only just started and the weather looks really threatening. I almost changed my mind about the whole ride.
At the Stiperstones Inn as I plod my way up today's first big climb.
This bit of road always makes me think of the Scottish Highlands for some reason. Threatening again up ahead and looks like I'm going to be climbing into the cloud.
Up in the fog. There's a good view from here usually. You can just make out that the rear mudflap is at a funny angle as it blows around in the strong wind.
At Wentnor and about to drop down the hill to the Prolley Moor.
Just taking a breather before tackling the infamous Asterton Bank.
Just had to stop to let a car by so thought a view back to Asterton might be worthwhile. I've not got very far.
Made it to the top of the steep bit. There's about another 315 feet of climbing still to go to the summit but it's a doddle by comparison.
Crossing the plateau. Still cloudy round Pole Bank at the moment.
Down in Church Stretton and it's brightening up nicely now. Such a contrast to earlier.
The route this time is a favourite of mine: Lyth Hill, Exfords Green, Pontesbury, Minsterley, Snailbeach, The Bog, The Bridges, Wentnor, Asterton, Pole Bank (The Long Mynd), Church Stretton, Longnor, Ryton, Condover and back.
Having taken the chance on the weather I almost changed my mind on Lyth Hill when I could see low cloud and what looked like rain over the Church Stretton area. It did look lighter towards Pontesbury though so I carried on in the hope that things would improve.
It was an uneventful ride through Pontesbury and Minsterley, which was good, then I started the climbing to Snailbeach where the strong wind I'd been riding against made it quite an effort. Up 'til here I'd had alternative routes I could do if the weather had taken a turn for the worse. Now that I had to commit, things looked more promising with the cloud looking a lot less threatening than earlier so I continued steadily up the valley.
Near Tankerville I passed a group of riders stopped at the side of the road (looked like taking a breather) then shortly after the road levels out on the way to The Bog. Up ahead the clouds were looking threatening again. Not only darker but I could see that I'd be climbing up into fog after the visitor centre.
The fog was as bad as it looked and I'd only got rear lights with me as I'd not expected it. Those went on along with an orange waistcoat that I hoped would stand out enough.
The group of cyclists from earlier overtook while I was having a snack at the summit of the Stiperstones climb. I caught them on the way down the other side as they were taking it a lot slower than me in the conditions. I chatted to them a little and they were just out having a local bimble.
Dropping down into the valley (and out of the fog) I was uncertain which way to try next. I decided to go for the longer and harder option - heading to Wentnor then tackling the climb up Asterton Bank onto the Long Mynd.
Heading along the valley, the air warmed up quite noticably and by the time I reached Asterton I was ready to shed a layer before I'd even reached the climb. A bit of a pause to adjust my state of dress and take a drink and I was ready to head onwards and upwards. I'd like to tell you that I completed the climb in one go but an electric car (BMW i3) sneaked up behind me before I'd gone very far and I needed to pull over to let them through (this road ain't big enough for the both of us). The rest was hard going but steady and it always feels amazing to have got to the top under your own power.
I could see that Pole Bank was still hiding in cloud but as I rode across the plateau it cleared away and the sun started breaking through. I hadn't put the fleece back on at the top of the climb and only did so for the descent, knowing that it usually feels colder on the way down.
I headed down the Burway into Church Stretton where it was pleasantly warm and the fleece came off again and stayed off for the rest of the trip home. I had the wind behind me all the way back which helped a lot, and enjoyed a swift return in the sunshine. Had a bit of fun on the last section to home when on a slight downhill stretch with the wind still behind me I was able to keep up with the traffic through the 30 mph limit.
41.5 miles at 11.5 mph average. Thoroughly enjoyed that.
I've only just started and the weather looks really threatening. I almost changed my mind about the whole ride.
At the Stiperstones Inn as I plod my way up today's first big climb.
This bit of road always makes me think of the Scottish Highlands for some reason. Threatening again up ahead and looks like I'm going to be climbing into the cloud.
Up in the fog. There's a good view from here usually. You can just make out that the rear mudflap is at a funny angle as it blows around in the strong wind.
At Wentnor and about to drop down the hill to the Prolley Moor.
Just taking a breather before tackling the infamous Asterton Bank.
Just had to stop to let a car by so thought a view back to Asterton might be worthwhile. I've not got very far.
Made it to the top of the steep bit. There's about another 315 feet of climbing still to go to the summit but it's a doddle by comparison.
Crossing the plateau. Still cloudy round Pole Bank at the moment.
Down in Church Stretton and it's brightening up nicely now. Such a contrast to earlier.
- Location
- Egham
Still needed to get my metric century challenge ride in, so given the rather nice weather and the day off work it seemed like a good day to do it. I'm always trying to go to new places now, and since I was short on time I copied one of the Hounslow & District Wheelers rides from @Stonechat Strava feed A nice looking route out to the West, with a coffee stop at Lockeys Farm in Aborfield, adding an extra loop of Windsor Great Park to start with to get the miles up. Whoever planned the route out needs a pat on the back, what a wonderful ride. Hardly touched a main road, great scenery and cracking rolling lanes. So good that I didn't stop for any photo's.
The route back was nice, but Drift Road was tough into the headwind, it just goes on and on and on.....Kept my head down and pushed along at a nice pace though.
Passed a chap on a recumbent trike just outside Winnersh, remnded me that I should get out on the Trice a bit more now the suns out.
65 miles at a very fast for me 16.8mph average with just over 2000ft of climbing. Much as it was nice to get the RT-58 out again, it is a noticeably harsher ride than the Van Nic Yukon. Maybe I need another Ti instead.....
Looks like shorts on the commute tomorrow too
A nice looking route out to the West, with a coffee stop at Lockeys Farm in Aborfield, adding an extra loop of Windsor Great Park to start with to get the miles up. Whoever planned the route out needs a pat on the back, what a wonderful ride. Hardly touched a main road, great scenery and cracking rolling lanes. So good that I didn't stop for any photo's.The route back was nice, but Drift Road was tough into the headwind, it just goes on and on and on.....Kept my head down and pushed along at a nice pace though.
Passed a chap on a recumbent trike just outside Winnersh, remnded me that I should get out on the Trice a bit more now the suns out.
65 miles at a very fast for me 16.8mph average with just over 2000ft of climbing. Much as it was nice to get the RT-58 out again, it is a noticeably harsher ride than the Van Nic Yukon. Maybe I need another Ti instead.....
Looks like shorts on the commute tomorrow too
OP
OP
gbb
Squire
- Location
- Peterborough
An hours ride in possibly 24 degrees .
Map My Ride has thrown a wobbler the last two rides and recorded only 0.3 and 0.9 miles each ride.
Didn't take long for the Skylarks to get up there singing.
.Map My Ride has thrown a wobbler the last two rides and recorded only 0.3 and 0.9 miles each ride
.Didn't take long for the Skylarks to get up there singing.
