I have been planning a longer route taking in the villages between the A44 and the Stratford Road, but ended up with very little time this morning, so frustratingly I had to limit myself to the usual Kempsey-Croome-Wadborough route. 14.8 miles at 14.8 mph. May total is now 161 miles, which feels good as an achievement, but legs are starting to feel it.
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Glow worm
Legendary Member
- Location
- Near Newmarket
Yesterday's ride this - a 16 miler in the flatlands hereabouts.
Burwell Lode from the bridge.
On to Tubney Fen.
The tracks and byways are lovely here especially at this time of year. Great to hear a cuckoo nearby though sad that in only a week or so the first cuckoos will be heading south on their Autumn migration. Autumn already!
This one from today's ride in similar territory. It's flat, it's not everyone's cup of tea, but the crowds stay away and you can ride for miles without seeing a soul. The cloud was a developing storm over Norfolk. It stayed dry, sunny and warm here just over the border in Cambs.
Burwell Lode from the bridge.
On to Tubney Fen.
The tracks and byways are lovely here especially at this time of year. Great to hear a cuckoo nearby though sad that in only a week or so the first cuckoos will be heading south on their Autumn migration. Autumn already!
This one from today's ride in similar territory. It's flat, it's not everyone's cup of tea, but the crowds stay away and you can ride for miles without seeing a soul. The cloud was a developing storm over Norfolk. It stayed dry, sunny and warm here just over the border in Cambs.
delb0y
Legendary Member
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos
47 miles today. Really pleased with that considering the lack of miles so far this year. Legs were a bit tired towards the end but proved to myself that the bike is suitable for such distances, so now I can start to explore again. Did have an embarrassing clipless moment - but luckily was in the middle of nowhere so it was only cows and sheeps that saw. Even cycled up Wainlodes hill with a couple of cogs spare, which never happened on the other bike.
gavroche
Getting old but not past it
- Location
- North Wales
We were invited to my stepson's house for a tartiflette last night. While we were there, he asked if I was up for a ride in the morning, meeting outside my house at 8am. I got up at 7 and was ready for 8am, waiting for him at the top of my drive. By 8.10 , I was wondering where he was so I called him. He was still in bed!
Anyway, we agreed that I should start on my own and we will meet up in Penmaenmawr. He arrived about 15 minutes after me and we rode back together. 23 miles all together, with very little traffic but quite a few riders enjoying the morning sunshine.
Anyway, we agreed that I should start on my own and we will meet up in Penmaenmawr. He arrived about 15 minutes after me and we rode back together. 23 miles all together, with very little traffic but quite a few riders enjoying the morning sunshine.
Spiderweb
Not So Special One
- Location
- North Yorkshire
Just a Short 20.4 mile ride today out to Cawood and back via Biggin, Church Fenton and Ulleskelf. Beautiful day and a lovely steady ride.
Heltor Chasca
Out-riding the Black Dog
Nice amount of bimbleneuring and coffeeneuring today through the Wellow and Avon Valleys. Lots of flatness for a change. Rescued some chaps who had a derailleur trip into their rear wheel. Wow, what a mess: Spokes, jockey wheels, derailleur and hanger all over the place. I felt quite queasy.
Well worth checking out TT Cycles in Bradford on Avon. Now there’s a bike shop. Leave your wallet at home. Anyway enjoy my pictures.
Well worth checking out TT Cycles in Bradford on Avon. Now there’s a bike shop. Leave your wallet at home. Anyway enjoy my pictures.
Attachments
Last edited:
NorthernDave
Never used Über Member
- Location
- The real Northern Powerhouse
After thinking I'd struggle to get a ride in today, an opportunity slapped me in the face and I was off on my way.
On the Giant again, for no better reason than it was by the door and ready to go - plus it knows the way to Shadwell, then it was on to Slaid Hill lights and for a bit of variety I stayed on Wike Ridge Lane for a bit of mainly downward undulation until just before East Keswick, where I peeled off right into Bardsey and up onto the A58 for the run down to Collingham.
The forecast northerly wind was making itself felt on exposed sections, but it was never much more than a minor nuisance and I'd specifically headed out into it hoping to get a push in the back on the way home.
A dog leg in Collingham and over the Wharfe into Linton for more ups and downs to Wetherby, past the Film Theatre and north again through the town and up the hill into Kirk Deighton, where I stopped at the church for a photo in the murk:
Back on the bike and through the village, thinking that there is probably a better photo of the church to be had from the main road side, and out to North Deighton, then just before Little Ribston right onto Ox Close Lane for the run across the A168 and A1(M) bridges and on to Cowthorpe.
Though there and out into the countryside again, eventually taking the right onto Roman Road and heading south past the airfield.
Straight on at Rudgate crossroads, past the closed butty van that is optimistically now up for sale, finally getting a little bit of wind assistance on the run down Rudgate to the Walton turning, where I headed into the village on what must be one of the worst road surfaces in the area. By heck it's lumpy
Into the village and made to stop at the T-junction by a 4x4 driver who had right of way but backed right off until I'd stopped at the line, then gave it the beans accelerating away
Across the York Road and down towards Thorp Arch, where I got a free run at the bridge and then up into Boston Spa, where the usual wiggle on Main Street had me heading to Clifford.
Through there and the long drop down into Bramham, followed by the equally long climb back out of the other side and over the A1(M) and the long way round to Thorner via Milner Lane.
Into the village just as the sun finally started to burn through the cloud and out on Carr Lane, up to the A58 where a few hundred yards saw me onto Coal Road and then local roads down to home.
35.3 miles (56.8km) in 2h 33m at an average of 13.8mph with 1,656ft climbed
Enjoyed that. An unexpected extra point in the bag for the Half Century Challenge and it also gives me my best monthly mileage in two years.
Surprisingly quiet on the roads - a fair few cyclists out there though, which is always a good thing. Needless to say, the sun was blazing down ten minutes after I got home...
And to end, the map:
On the Giant again, for no better reason than it was by the door and ready to go - plus it knows the way to Shadwell, then it was on to Slaid Hill lights and for a bit of variety I stayed on Wike Ridge Lane for a bit of mainly downward undulation until just before East Keswick, where I peeled off right into Bardsey and up onto the A58 for the run down to Collingham.
The forecast northerly wind was making itself felt on exposed sections, but it was never much more than a minor nuisance and I'd specifically headed out into it hoping to get a push in the back on the way home.
A dog leg in Collingham and over the Wharfe into Linton for more ups and downs to Wetherby, past the Film Theatre and north again through the town and up the hill into Kirk Deighton, where I stopped at the church for a photo in the murk:
Back on the bike and through the village, thinking that there is probably a better photo of the church to be had from the main road side, and out to North Deighton, then just before Little Ribston right onto Ox Close Lane for the run across the A168 and A1(M) bridges and on to Cowthorpe.
Though there and out into the countryside again, eventually taking the right onto Roman Road and heading south past the airfield.
Straight on at Rudgate crossroads, past the closed butty van that is optimistically now up for sale, finally getting a little bit of wind assistance on the run down Rudgate to the Walton turning, where I headed into the village on what must be one of the worst road surfaces in the area. By heck it's lumpy
Into the village and made to stop at the T-junction by a 4x4 driver who had right of way but backed right off until I'd stopped at the line, then gave it the beans accelerating away
Across the York Road and down towards Thorp Arch, where I got a free run at the bridge and then up into Boston Spa, where the usual wiggle on Main Street had me heading to Clifford.
Through there and the long drop down into Bramham, followed by the equally long climb back out of the other side and over the A1(M) and the long way round to Thorner via Milner Lane.
Into the village just as the sun finally started to burn through the cloud and out on Carr Lane, up to the A58 where a few hundred yards saw me onto Coal Road and then local roads down to home.
35.3 miles (56.8km) in 2h 33m at an average of 13.8mph with 1,656ft climbed
Enjoyed that. An unexpected extra point in the bag for the Half Century Challenge and it also gives me my best monthly mileage in two years.
Surprisingly quiet on the roads - a fair few cyclists out there though, which is always a good thing. Needless to say, the sun was blazing down ten minutes after I got home...
And to end, the map:
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
Two rides today, but there was only meant to be one.
It was a foggy start, Jo wearing her gilet. After a couple of minutes she decided it was coming off. She went to shove it in her jersey pocket and she thought her lip balm fell out. I turned around and we went back to look, twice. No lip balm anywhere. On we went. After a couple of hundred yards Jo said 'Dave, we've got no water bottles!' So we spun round yet again and went home
https://www.strava.com/activities/1601512924
Off we set again. Soon we were past our previous destination, but being a bank holiday the road was busy with traffic attending Bourn bank holiday market.
We turned for Knapwell and then on to Connington. I had to stop to irrigate the hedge. The dog roses were lovely
Past the Highland cattle and through the new A14 workings and into the pretty village of Hilton. On toward Graveley, we spooked a pair of buzzards from a tree. Out decent down Paxton hill into the outskirts of St Neots had us reaching 38mph. We stopped in the market square at the cafe. I'd been hungry since the start of the ride
What a treat, black pudding panini
And a plate of chips, told you I was hungry. We shared.
When we pulled up in the square an Italian bloke asked if he could take a pic of the bike, minutes later it had an admiring, small crowd
Belly full, we set off toward Abbotsley and then around to Gamlingay through quiet lanes. Another pair of buzzards flew from a tree.
From Gamlingay we headed to the edge of Little Gransden and on toward Longstowe. The verges along here were lovely
Another highlight of the ride was the fields of broad beans, the scent is amazing at the moment.
Back through the bottom end of Bourn, Toft and up the hill to home. We were tempted to stop for a beer at the Blue Lion, but we resisted, just!
40 miles that ended up sunny, to add to the previous 3 miles on the first attempt.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1601513122
It was a foggy start, Jo wearing her gilet. After a couple of minutes she decided it was coming off. She went to shove it in her jersey pocket and she thought her lip balm fell out. I turned around and we went back to look, twice. No lip balm anywhere. On we went. After a couple of hundred yards Jo said 'Dave, we've got no water bottles!' So we spun round yet again and went home
https://www.strava.com/activities/1601512924
Off we set again. Soon we were past our previous destination, but being a bank holiday the road was busy with traffic attending Bourn bank holiday market.
We turned for Knapwell and then on to Connington. I had to stop to irrigate the hedge. The dog roses were lovely
Past the Highland cattle and through the new A14 workings and into the pretty village of Hilton. On toward Graveley, we spooked a pair of buzzards from a tree. Out decent down Paxton hill into the outskirts of St Neots had us reaching 38mph. We stopped in the market square at the cafe. I'd been hungry since the start of the ride
What a treat, black pudding panini
And a plate of chips, told you I was hungry. We shared.
When we pulled up in the square an Italian bloke asked if he could take a pic of the bike, minutes later it had an admiring, small crowd
Belly full, we set off toward Abbotsley and then around to Gamlingay through quiet lanes. Another pair of buzzards flew from a tree.
From Gamlingay we headed to the edge of Little Gransden and on toward Longstowe. The verges along here were lovely
Another highlight of the ride was the fields of broad beans, the scent is amazing at the moment.
Back through the bottom end of Bourn, Toft and up the hill to home. We were tempted to stop for a beer at the Blue Lion, but we resisted, just!
40 miles that ended up sunny, to add to the previous 3 miles on the first attempt.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1601513122
Another make it as we go along ride. Initial intention had been to go south west towards Otley but as I headed west along Penny Pot I could not work out the wind direction and the temperature indicated a lengthy ride with lots of climbing was probably not a good thing today. So north on the B6451 and then west on Menwith Hill Road by which time I had worked out the wind was a sort of a north to north easterly. Then looped back to the B6451 along Moorcock Lane with some delightful views to be had.
Turned west towards Thornthwaite then north east along a rather bleak Dairy Lane
to Dacre.
I had originally thought of turning south here but instead headed north on the B6451 down a 17%, according to the road sign
to Dacre Banks. The bus in the photo, from Pateley Bridge to Harrogate, is according to todays news the 16th most scenic route in the country. Summerbridge was next, seen on the far hillside in the above photo, a short steep climb of up to 15.5% awaited
East along the B6165, far more uphill than I had expected, and the fast decent out of Burnt Yates meant I quickly abandoned thoughts of turning south at the crossroads, so Bedlam-Ripley-Killinghall-home.
22.41 miles 1550ft climbed 13.3mph avg
Turned west towards Thornthwaite then north east along a rather bleak Dairy Lane
to Dacre.
I had originally thought of turning south here but instead headed north on the B6451 down a 17%, according to the road sign
to Dacre Banks. The bus in the photo, from Pateley Bridge to Harrogate, is according to todays news the 16th most scenic route in the country. Summerbridge was next, seen on the far hillside in the above photo, a short steep climb of up to 15.5% awaited
East along the B6165, far more uphill than I had expected, and the fast decent out of Burnt Yates meant I quickly abandoned thoughts of turning south at the crossroads, so Bedlam-Ripley-Killinghall-home.
22.41 miles 1550ft climbed 13.3mph avg
Last edited:
Early off this morning at around 5.30. Cool damp morning but it never felt like rain.
I was undecided last night where I was going to go today. Still didn't know when I rode out the gate. Instinct told me east.................so east it was.
I picked up the A63 at Cross Gates and being early it was pretty much traffic free. Traffic free apart from the occasional motor all the way into Selby in fact.
I made good time but it never felt like I was hurrying.
At the swing bridge in Selby I hooked off the road and picked up the towpath cycle track. Not really a good idea I think. So little used the 'track' bit is around 12" across and is well lumpy. Trees, bushes and stingers hanging over it all the way. I understand some people get off on being stung by nettles.
Not I.
By the time I got to Barlby and the start of a proper track and road, my legs and hands felt like they were on fire. However being made of stern stuff I paid no heed to the agony and carried on regardless.
My plan was to take 'The Solar Way'. A very grand name for the cycle track from Selby up into York. However it does live up to the name.
Even though I was coming from the 'wrong' end it's still an interesting route.
I'm sure it's been posted on here before about how along the length of the route the Sun and planets are laid out along the path, in proportion, with each planet depicted by a metal ball, all to the corresponding scale of the 'Sun' place near York.
Educational at least.
At number 9 we have Pluto and it's moon Charon:
Coming in at number 8 we have Neptune:
At number 7, everyones favourite, and for the childish we have Uranus:
I'll make no mention of Uranus and rings.
Still at number 6 it's the ringmaster himself, Saturn:
Moving on to number 5 we have the big boy of the planets, Jupiter:
At number 4 it's the Gentleman in Red himself, Mars:
Moving on to the top 3.
At number 3 there's no change for Earth accompanied by Moon :
In at number 2, everyones sweetheart, Venus:
And at number 1 still all hot and bothered we have, Mercury:
Of course the big cheese is still The Sun................................but at only 10 pics allowed ................................................
So having traversed the Solar System I'm left in wonder at how something so small (relatively speaking) as Pluto can be seen from Earth and identified as a planet.
Along the Solar Way there are models of the Voyager and Cassini/Huygens space craft too. A cafe as well if ever you feel tempted to try it out.
From Ricall all the way into York at the park and ride its a well covered path completely traffic free. (apart from about 50 yards just out side York) Ideal for small kiddies.
So having arrived in York I made for Acomb and the road to Wetherby and going through Rufforth, Long Marsden. Bilton in Ainsty, past Bickerton and the racecourse and made Wetherby.
A58 towards Leeds but because I don't like noisy roads I cut up Jewett Lane to take the road through East Rigton and into Thorner, up Carr Lane and a short run on the A58 to home.
58 and a bit flattish miles with just 1800ft of up.
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/23635569
I was undecided last night where I was going to go today. Still didn't know when I rode out the gate. Instinct told me east.................so east it was.
I picked up the A63 at Cross Gates and being early it was pretty much traffic free. Traffic free apart from the occasional motor all the way into Selby in fact.
I made good time but it never felt like I was hurrying.
At the swing bridge in Selby I hooked off the road and picked up the towpath cycle track. Not really a good idea I think. So little used the 'track' bit is around 12" across and is well lumpy. Trees, bushes and stingers hanging over it all the way. I understand some people get off on being stung by nettles.
Not I.By the time I got to Barlby and the start of a proper track and road, my legs and hands felt like they were on fire. However being made of stern stuff I paid no heed to the agony and carried on regardless.
My plan was to take 'The Solar Way'. A very grand name for the cycle track from Selby up into York. However it does live up to the name.
Even though I was coming from the 'wrong' end it's still an interesting route.
I'm sure it's been posted on here before about how along the length of the route the Sun and planets are laid out along the path, in proportion, with each planet depicted by a metal ball, all to the corresponding scale of the 'Sun' place near York.
Educational at least.
At number 9 we have Pluto and it's moon Charon:
Coming in at number 8 we have Neptune:
At number 7, everyones favourite, and for the childish we have Uranus:
I'll make no mention of Uranus and rings.Still at number 6 it's the ringmaster himself, Saturn:
Moving on to number 5 we have the big boy of the planets, Jupiter:
At number 4 it's the Gentleman in Red himself, Mars:
Moving on to the top 3.
At number 3 there's no change for Earth accompanied by Moon :
In at number 2, everyones sweetheart, Venus:
And at number 1 still all hot and bothered we have, Mercury:
Of course the big cheese is still The Sun................................but at only 10 pics allowed ................................................
So having traversed the Solar System I'm left in wonder at how something so small (relatively speaking) as Pluto can be seen from Earth and identified as a planet.
Along the Solar Way there are models of the Voyager and Cassini/Huygens space craft too. A cafe as well if ever you feel tempted to try it out.
From Ricall all the way into York at the park and ride its a well covered path completely traffic free. (apart from about 50 yards just out side York) Ideal for small kiddies.
So having arrived in York I made for Acomb and the road to Wetherby and going through Rufforth, Long Marsden. Bilton in Ainsty, past Bickerton and the racecourse and made Wetherby.
A58 towards Leeds but because I don't like noisy roads I cut up Jewett Lane to take the road through East Rigton and into Thorner, up Carr Lane and a short run on the A58 to home.
58 and a bit flattish miles with just 1800ft of up.
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/23635569
Last edited:
Hugh Manatee
Veteran
I haven't been posting in this thread as I very rarely stop to take photographs. Today was no exception I'm afraid but it was a little different.
I have taken to riding an extra 4 mile loop as this cuts out having to ride across the M54 junction 3 roundabout. I have felt nervous about it ever since a BMW driver failed to see me and the first she knew of my presence was me banging her side window.
The alternative is lovely once a very short section of the A41 has been negotiated. I ride these roads a lot and I know where to expect floods. As I'm sure you're aware, the weather in the Midlands was somewhat inclement last night. A full size bucket went from empty to one third in under an hour! It was in a place where water could not run into it from anywhere other than the sky!
I did over 100 miles last week so decided today would be a small ring only ride. No bad thing as conditions were tricky. Every gateway had its own little sandbank outside it. Most of the roads were dry but where they weren't it was proper muddy. I am on Spare Bike#1 again now having got fit enough to turn the gearing again! No mudguards and 23 section tyres means a fast but twitchy ride. Before long I looked like a cyclo cross rider. At Cosford, the road was totally flooded. One car driver decided the best way to deal with this was to drive along the pavement/cycle path. The very astonishing thing was that it was a Range Rover. A vehicle that presumably has its air intake way up at the top of the engine!
Then I saw a Green Godess fire engine. I haven't seen one in ages although I'm old enough to remember when they were used during various strikes.
Another couple serious floods and some pot holes so large that I'm thinking of going back to survey them. I should imagine that the OS will be wanting to show them on their maps they are that big!
25 hot miles at an average of 16.5 mph. Small ring-tastic!
I have taken to riding an extra 4 mile loop as this cuts out having to ride across the M54 junction 3 roundabout. I have felt nervous about it ever since a BMW driver failed to see me and the first she knew of my presence was me banging her side window.
The alternative is lovely once a very short section of the A41 has been negotiated. I ride these roads a lot and I know where to expect floods. As I'm sure you're aware, the weather in the Midlands was somewhat inclement last night. A full size bucket went from empty to one third in under an hour! It was in a place where water could not run into it from anywhere other than the sky!
I did over 100 miles last week so decided today would be a small ring only ride. No bad thing as conditions were tricky. Every gateway had its own little sandbank outside it. Most of the roads were dry but where they weren't it was proper muddy. I am on Spare Bike#1 again now having got fit enough to turn the gearing again! No mudguards and 23 section tyres means a fast but twitchy ride. Before long I looked like a cyclo cross rider. At Cosford, the road was totally flooded. One car driver decided the best way to deal with this was to drive along the pavement/cycle path. The very astonishing thing was that it was a Range Rover. A vehicle that presumably has its air intake way up at the top of the engine!
Then I saw a Green Godess fire engine. I haven't seen one in ages although I'm old enough to remember when they were used during various strikes.
Another couple serious floods and some pot holes so large that I'm thinking of going back to survey them. I should imagine that the OS will be wanting to show them on their maps they are that big!
25 hot miles at an average of 16.5 mph. Small ring-tastic!
Richard A Thackeray
Legendary Member
Bike selected; CGR (had thought of a return via Canal towpath, from Leeds)
Weather; 'slight' cloud, upon departure, quite warm, slight wind
Just through Oulton/Woodlesford
Up Bullerthorpe Lane, to Colton
Around the Ring-Road, past Seacroft/Cross-Gates/'Coal-Road'
Around it to Lawnswood
A visit to 'St John The Baptist' as I missed looking at it, on the day of Stage 4 of the Tour de Yorkshire, even though I was only 1/2mile away
Home via Headingley/Woodhouse Moor
Past the University, into the City-Centre
Down Vicar Lane, Call Lane, Leeds Bridge
Along Hunslet Road, to Thwaite Gate
Up past First Direct bank (site of Waddingtons Printers)
Up 'Bell Hill'....... not a nice road, at 'rush-hour'!!!
Along Wakefield Road (A61), through Robin Hood, & Lofthouse
Turning off onto Canal Lane, after being followed by another roadie, from Robin Hood, with no 'coming through', or chit-chat (newbie??)
I misread the weather & went out inappropriately dressed
bib-tights, long-sleeves
And on the winter bike
'Lathered' by the time I got home, with a t-shirt still sodden in the wash-basket, as I type (got home @ 13:30)
Weather; 'slight' cloud, upon departure, quite warm, slight wind
Just through Oulton/Woodlesford
Up Bullerthorpe Lane, to Colton
Around the Ring-Road, past Seacroft/Cross-Gates/'Coal-Road'
Around it to Lawnswood
A visit to 'St John The Baptist' as I missed looking at it, on the day of Stage 4 of the Tour de Yorkshire, even though I was only 1/2mile away
Home via Headingley/Woodhouse Moor
Past the University, into the City-Centre
Down Vicar Lane, Call Lane, Leeds Bridge
Along Hunslet Road, to Thwaite Gate
Up past First Direct bank (site of Waddingtons Printers)
Up 'Bell Hill'....... not a nice road, at 'rush-hour'!!!
Along Wakefield Road (A61), through Robin Hood, & Lofthouse
Turning off onto Canal Lane, after being followed by another roadie, from Robin Hood, with no 'coming through', or chit-chat (newbie??)
I misread the weather & went out inappropriately dressed
bib-tights, long-sleeves
And on the winter bike
'Lathered' by the time I got home, with a t-shirt still sodden in the wash-basket, as I type (got home @ 13:30)
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
I meant to get out for a ride this morning but made the mistake of logging in here for a quick look before going out.
Five hours later, having had lunch, I got the Galaxy out to find the back tyre flat again so I lost another half an hour trying and failing to find the leak. I don't like tyres going flat on me and not knowing the reason why but stuck it all back together anyway and headed out for my ride: a variation of my clockwise Melverley loop, going through Pontesbury and Minsterley this time which adds a bit of mileage.
After all the thunder yesterday it was quite pleasant and warm out, although a bit on the humid side, but that didn't matter once I was moving.
I mentioned a saddle adjustment on my last ride and it really has made a difference. The Dawes feels easier to push along at speed and climbs easier too which made for an exhilarating ride.
There were a couple of minor floods to splash through and plenty of sand and gravel that has been washed onto the roads but really, this part of Shropshire got away very lightly from the storms.
A few other cyclists out and about but not as many as I thought I'd see on a bank holiday monday.
With light traffic on the roads when I got back to Shrewsbury I decided to eschew the cycle paths as far as Meole Brace in order to keep my speed up.
36.2 miles today at a very pleasing 16.2 mph average.
No photos again as too busy pedalling.
Five hours later, having had lunch, I got the Galaxy out to find the back tyre flat again so I lost another half an hour trying and failing to find the leak. I don't like tyres going flat on me and not knowing the reason why but stuck it all back together anyway and headed out for my ride: a variation of my clockwise Melverley loop, going through Pontesbury and Minsterley this time which adds a bit of mileage.
After all the thunder yesterday it was quite pleasant and warm out, although a bit on the humid side, but that didn't matter once I was moving.
I mentioned a saddle adjustment on my last ride and it really has made a difference. The Dawes feels easier to push along at speed and climbs easier too which made for an exhilarating ride.
There were a couple of minor floods to splash through and plenty of sand and gravel that has been washed onto the roads but really, this part of Shropshire got away very lightly from the storms.
A few other cyclists out and about but not as many as I thought I'd see on a bank holiday monday.
With light traffic on the roads when I got back to Shrewsbury I decided to eschew the cycle paths as far as Meole Brace in order to keep my speed up.
36.2 miles today at a very pleasing 16.2 mph average.
No photos again as too busy pedalling.
Donger
Convoi Exceptionnel
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
A bit humid and sticky today in Gloucestershire. After a morning visit to the "Nature in Art" exhibition at Longford with the missus, we stayed in watching the second part of "The Sinking of the Laconia" in the afternoon. Then I finally got out for a late afternoon spin. Thought I'd investigate the state of the roadworks on the Stroud Road. Great news! They seem to have finished now. Smooth new tarmac all the way up Horsepools Hill to Edge. When I got to the top, I hung a sharp left and took the quiet little road called Sevenleaze Lane all the way back along the Cotswold escarpment to the top of Upton Hill. There I took a right and carried on up to the golf course at the top of Painswick Beacon to satisfy my urge for a bit more climbing. Then came a lovely easy sprint across to Cranham, where I hung a sharp left down Nut Hill to Upton St Leonards, then ambled home easily via Matson, Brookthorpe, Whaddon and Kingsway. A great little 21.3 mile ride with enough climbing to work up a bit of a lather, and some great descending.
Couldn't let a bank holiday go by without a ride.
Cheers, Donger.
Couldn't let a bank holiday go by without a ride.
Cheers, Donger.
marshmella
Guru
- Location
- Telford, Shropshire
Thats great going considering the weather we had over this way yesterday. Slightly off topic whilst driving from work along the M54 one day last week i was astonished to see a couple cycling along the hard shoulder heading west bound they must have got on at junction 3.
