Your ride today....

[Rickshaw Phil]

Been a bit of an odd day today. I thought I'd get out bright and early for a ride but putting the telly on while having my breakfast the forecast looked awful and quite unlike what it was showing last night. There was a short window of opportunity though, but then something came up that took priority. Later in the afternoon I got another chance so got the knockabout bike out and headed for a leisurely trip around the lanes.

After the fairly fast ride on Monday and the fairly long one yesterday the legs were in need of something a bit less strenuous so I slowed the pace right down as I headed over Lyth Hill towards Condover. I didn't go through the village this time but skirted round the edge to Allfield then to Boreton. The lane through Boreton has had a "road closed" sign up for months now as the surface has completely broken up in places. It looks like the local farmer has taken matters into his own hands though as the worst holes have been filled with rubble.

At Berrington I turned to do the reverse of a ride I did a few days ago and headed for Cound, Harnage, Cound Moor, Acton Burnell, Longnor and back to Condover via Ryton. Some of these lanes are horrendously sandy after the recent storms, so a little care was needed in places. The weather hadn't finshed with us either and drizzle started falling at various points, however with it being fairly warm and humid out it was actually not unpleasant.

There were a few other cyclists out and about which surprised me given the damp conditions. Good to see that it hasn't put them off.

I finished off with another climb of Lyth Hill which was enough for me today. 24.6 miles at 12.7 mph average.

Webs in the hedgerow. These are actually made by caterpillars and they can take over long lengths of the hedge as they munch their way through the foliage. I'll have to come back again and see how this develops.

I found this scene pleasing as I came over the crest with all the poppies in the verge. The photo hasn't come out quite as well as hoped.

Very grey and drizzly at Hunger Hill on the way back but the vivid green of the young barley brightens things up.

 

[Reynard]

As this is my favourite thread, just wanted to say that I’m taking a break from the site for a while, through reasons I will keep to myself.

All the very best to the GOOD people on here and enjoy your cycling.

 

[Noodle Legs]

As this is my favourite thread, just wanted to say that I’m taking a break from the site for a while, through reasons I will keep to myself.

All the very best to the GOOD people on here and enjoy your cycling.

Sorry to hear this @gavgav hope you come back soon.

 

[Reynard]

Didn't particularly feel like having a ride today after another night of insomnia, but at quarter past five in the afternoon, I headed out of the door nonetheless, thinking that a bit of a bimble would do me good.

Nothing special, just a ride in and around Littleport via Downham Common, Black Bank, Parson's Lane, through Littleport and out to Sandhill, Then along New River Bank, short squirt on the A10, then back down Camel Road, then a shorter loop via Station Road, A10, Camel Road and, from thence, home.

Stopped at Sandhill for a drink and spent a little while watching a chap sailing a radio control boat on the river. Was cool and murky, but on the way home the came out to play.

And I was right. Those 13-ish miles put a big smile on my face.

 

[IBarrett]

Club ride tonight. 33 miles in murky weather which got steadily very damp and cold.
I worked my arse off at the front for about half the ride so was quite disappointed with our 18 and a bit average when I was hoping for more.
I’ll have to be content with a damned good workout.

 

[Aravis]

A very wet one yesterday. This was supposed to be one of my last prep rides before the Gospel Pass Audax a week Saturday. I think reality has finally bitten; my Indian summer of century-bagging which began at the end of September 2015 doesn't need to end any time soon, but it's not getting any warmer. Not through lack of trying, I might add, but I think I should be making the most of what time I have with cycling that I can enjoy.

For yesterday, naturally I wanted something reasonably challenging and expansive, but didn't want to stray too far from home, so I planned an elegant double loop around Gloucester. For no particularly good reason I wanted to avoid any route-repetition at the crossover, which limits the options quite a bit. A good one is the crossroads at Pamington, east of Tewkesbury. Here's the route and profile:

I set off in heavy rain, with the promise of dryer conditions after a few hours. In fact the rain became lighter quite quickly and it was dry by the time I reached Eckington Bridge. I then turned back towards Upton-upon-Severn, reaching my favourite roadside tap after about 28 miles.

Expecting a warm afternoon I drank as much as I could and left with two full bottles. In the event it never became particularly warm and I arrived home with both bottles still full, but I had to to make seven or eight emergency stops, one in the middle of Quedgeley. When I found the canal bridge at Stonebench closed I'm afraid there was nothing else I could do.

Well before I reached Stroud the rain had returned with a vengeance, and it continued through much of the upland section through the Cotswolds. I can't remember ever traversing the famous Slad Valley, but it fitted well with what I was trying to achieve. I have to say I was disppointed; OK, the weather hardly helped, but I found it busy with fast traffic, and the section at the bottom when still in the town was much narrower than it ought to have been due to long lines of parked cars. I must acknowledge the patience of a number of drivers who helped make my passage less hazardous than it could have been.

After a few of those annoying moments when it makes you think you're at the top, there was a little bit of level road before I began a series of ups and downs along gravel-strewn roads which were sometimes little better than tracks. Several times I had to hope for the best and ride through water which completely covered the road. I was travelling at right-angles to many of my usual driving routes, so from time to time I crossed roads I knew. After a lot of very slow and cautious progress, with the downs little faster than the ups, I reached the road that crosses Sudeley Hill before plunging down a precipice into Winchcombe. This is much loved by organisers of Audaxes and sportives, in both directions, but on a wet, gravelly day I would even think of going that way. The alternative means another stiff climb to Cutsdean Hill, but there's a tangible reward when you pass the roadside trig point at 1001 feet:

Then back through Cutsdean Village, encircling Jonjo O'Neill's training establishment at Jackdaw's Castle, before the big plunge down from the hills to Toddington, after which it's more of less plain sailing all the way home. After the Pamington crossroads, on recent rides I kept to the road which has been pretty unpleasant with the road narrowed by queueing traffic on the other side. There's a good cycle path, but on the wrong side, and it's awkward to get to. However, this time I made the effort - my compliments to the lorry driver who waited patiently for me to make my manoeuvre - and it was a much more comfortable option. Getting back across to the Tredington Road when I needed to was easy enough.

Near Tredington I heard the call of a curlew. Nice to hear in a lowland setting, and the joint wildlife moment of the day along with the wheatear at Guiting Power - almost impossible to miss in the Welsh hills but much less familiar in the Cotswolds.

One heart-stopping moment when I momentarily lost my front wheel on a metal cover before rolling up to my front door - 112.57 miles.

In the mild euphoria after finishing a ride it's easy to forget just how hard it was. That was a reasonably challenging ride, but nothing compared to what I'd face on the Gospel Pass Audax. Although I'm sure I could struggle round, it would be painful and more than a little humiliating. I'm thinking there are better ways of making the most of the time I have left.

 

[Vantage]

I'd had the last two days free from cycling as other little jobs took priority so I figured I'd have a gentle pootle into the moors around Rivington. Only 20 miles but hilly miles.
Through the estate and into Bamber Bridge and the weather was quite cool which was nice. It had rained yesterday so everything looked nice and fresh. I thought I was doing ok.
Longshaw Ford Road set me straight on that thought and I was crawling up it in my wrinkly grey haired granny ring and biggest sprocket. Nothing unusual in that but today I really was struggling to keep the bike moving forward. At the top I almost stopped for a breather as my heart rate felt like it was going through the roof.
Left onto Colliers Row Road for a short section then right onto a dirt track past Brownstones and a pic.

Progress up this hill was even slower. I had nothing in my legs. Zero. Zilch. Nadda. I was even zig zagging across the track to try lessen the gradient. I paused for a brief moment to rest the legs and immediately felt light headed. Don't fall over!
Reaching Coal Pit Lane I let the Spa coast all the way back down to Colliers Row Road and turned left to head for Belmont.
The bike was dragging a bit and so I pulled over to squeeze a bit more air into the tyres. Back tyre done to 40psi and again felt light headed. Bend down to do the front tyre and almost pass out. I grabbed the Spa to steady myself. Front tyre done to 35psi.
Time to call it a day.
The bike felt a little quicker but the road rumble was definitely increased. I miss my Hyper Voyagers
Back down Longshaw Ford Road and lots of braking as I know how slippy this road gets after a bit of rain then back through Bamber Bridge. Up through the estate and home.
4.7miles and an avg of 18.3 mph? I think my etrex is being slightly optimistic on that one.
There's always tomorrow.

View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/23746342

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Another day with a bad forecast including a weather warning for later on so I headed out early to get some miles in while it's dry. I used the Galaxy and went for a regular route so as not to have to think about navigation: Longnor, Acton Burnell, Cressage, Walcot, Upton Magna, Atcham and home.

The weather is rather grey and misty but warm and humid with it so it felt quite pleasant at the start. Some of the driving today was a bit bizarre and didn't fill me with confidence about their judgement so I was glad to get onto the quieter roads at Ryton, except I then immediately got held up by a vehicle blocking the road while delivering tarmac.

Things were pretty uneventful through Acton Burnell and on my way to Cressage apart from encountering the driver coming the other way who gave me minimal room despite having a large passing space on her side of the road. I just tutted and carried on.

While stopped for one of my few photos at Cressage Bridge, an Aston Martin came past (the lastest model I think). Very nice - you don't see many of those round here.

From here there is a long steady climb through Eaton Constantine but it's balanced by quite a nice shallow descent along Bluebell Lane where some speed can be built up.

After Walcot I came up behind three horses and riders. I dinged my bell and the following exchange took place:
Rider: Good morning! Do you have a bell?
Me (thinking I know where this is going): Yes, I just used it.
Rider: Good. Could you make as much noise as possible as you come past. This one doesn't like being sneaked up on.


I often see cyclists enjoying a coffee sat outside the cafe at the Haughmond Inn. None today but I was quite tempted to stop myself. Maybe next time.

The run to Atcham was pretty good today but I got held up after Cross Houses as two lorries had met on the narrow lane and couldn't get past. The one ended up reversing a good half mile to a place that was wide enough.

Edit: I mentioned the humidity early on but it wasn't until I stopped that I really appreciated the effect of it. Good job I hadn't been pushing on hard.

34.1 miles this trip at 15.3 mph average.

View from Cressage Bridge but someone seems to have stolen the Wrekin.

Oh, there it is. Hiding in the mist.

Being kept under observation by the residents at Cronkhill.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Finally I got myself out for the first time this week. Things, including the weather, are conspiring. T storms were about again today. The radar indicated south would take me towards them so I headed north. I hadn't done this loop for a while anyway so it was a change too. I took the standard run out to Bransford Bridge and on for Tinkers Cross for Wichenford. Then east for Moseley before westward to Ockeridge. I had a superb view of a Tawny Owl as it flew across in front of me to sit and watch me pass from a tree branch. Buzzards were soaring and Whitethroats giving their scratchy song from the hedges. A Jay flitted into a tree.

I rounded by Kings Green for Martley and the lanesy run for Doddenham. Then along a quiet main road for Knightwick. I took the long ramp up for Suckley before looping round to the Leigh Brook and the standard run back from Smith End Green. I got across the busy A449 without putting my foot down this time. Usually it's a long wait. As I rolled up to home I heard the rumble of thunder off in the distance and a few drops of rain spotted me. Made it! 42 smiles

 

[jongooligan]

A subtle shift in the wind has blown away the haar that's made it a bit cold and gloomy around here lately so I was determined to squeeze a ride into a busy schedule today. Out at 4 o'clock and across the valley to the Leamside (ex)TT circuit for a flat loop after the initial climb. Oh bugger, it's the 'chip & seal' season with drifts of chippings making the circuit totally unrideable. They don't seem to even pretend to sweep away the excess chippings these days; relying, instead, on the traffic and weather to drive them down the drains. Need to stay away from there for a few weeks.
Where to go then? Noodled around the Rainton/Fencehouses area but the commuter traffic was building up so headed back across the valley, aided up Waldridge Road by a following E wind. Cut down across Waldridge Fell but when I got to Chester Moor I could see that the rush hour was really getting going so turned for home.
It wasn't a great ride, it wasn't even a good ride by recent standards but I was out, the weather was good and I was buzzing. Legs are still aching from the weekend ride and there's a twinge in my back so I'll have to be careful to get the balance right as any kind of injury takes ages to heal these days.
22 miles at 15mph.

 

[Spiderweb]

A lovely evening to extend my home commute but far too warm and humid for my backpack!
I may have to get panniers.
28 miles in total with an average of 15.5 mph. Photo over the Ouse at Naburn and by the cricket field at Bolton Percy.

 

[pjd57]

Had hoped to get out of Glasgow for a few hours today, but had to settle for getting on with bits and pieces .
4 runs
2 bikes
1 puncture
39 miles

 

[pjd57]

A lovely evening to extend my home commute but far too warm and humid for my backpack!
I may have to get panniers.
28 miles in total with an average of 15.5 mph. Photo over the Ouse at Naburn and by the cricket field at Bolton Percy.

I don't know how anyone managed to cycle with a bag on their back.
It's so uncomfortable.

 

[Jenkins]

Today is my only day off work this week so domestics had to take priority until mid afternoon when I found myself with a couple of hours free while the third load of washing was being done.

Decided on a fast ride with the hope of getting in a 50k/32 miles to finish the month, but ended up with 42 miles on the clock having extended the 2 hour limit a bit. Just a combination of regularly used roads, plus an extra loop into Felixstowe and back which is part of my regular commute. Managed to avoid the area around Trinity Park/Suffolk Showground as it's the 2nd day of the county show and expected the area to be quite busy with visitors leaving late afternoon.
This from Rushmere St. Andrew...

 

[Noodle Legs]

I'd had the last two days free from cycling as other little jobs took priority so I figured I'd have a gentle pootle into the moors around Rivington. Only 20 miles but hilly miles.
Through the estate and into Bamber Bridge and the weather was quite cool which was nice. It had rained yesterday so everything looked nice and fresh. I thought I was doing ok.
Longshaw Ford Road set me straight on that thought and I was crawling up it in my wrinkly grey haired granny ring and biggest sprocket. Nothing unusual in that but today I really was struggling to keep the bike moving forward. At the top I almost stopped for a breather as my heart rate felt like it was going through the roof.
Left onto Colliers Row Road for a short section then right onto a dirt track past Brownstones and a pic.

View attachment 411925

Progress up this hill was even slower. I had nothing in my legs. Zero. Zilch. Nadda. I was even zig zagging across the track to try lessen the gradient. I paused for a brief moment to rest the legs and immediately felt light headed. Don't fall over!
Reaching Coal Pit Lane I let the Spa coast all the way back down to Colliers Row Road and turned left to head for Belmont.
The bike was dragging a bit and so I pulled over to squeeze a bit more air into the tyres. Back tyre done to 40psi and again felt light headed. Bend down to do the front tyre and almost pass out. I grabbed the Spa to steady myself. Front tyre done to 35psi.
Time to call it a day.
The bike felt a little quicker but the road rumble was definitely increased. I miss my Hyper Voyagers
Back down Longshaw Ford Road and lots of braking as I know how slippy this road gets after a bit of rain then back through Bamber Bridge. Up through the estate and home.
4.7miles and an avg of 18.3 mph? I think my etrex is being slightly optimistic on that one.
There's always tomorrow.

View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/23746342

I can sympathise with you here @Vantage, there’s just them riding days where, despite your best intentions, you don’t have the strength to pull the skin off a rice pudding. Well done for getting out, but maybe take a day or so off and chill? Difficult I know, but your body will thank you for it!!