galaxy
Guru
- Location
- Middleton On The Hill
Realy like that Bike
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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galaxy
Guru
- Location
- Middleton On The Hill
I remember crossing those Briges many times normally heading to Bellingham or up to the coast, often just to Denton Cycles for a chat.
No no no.Not 25 miles but 26 that extra mile is very important.I actually like the sound of 25 x 26 i might just use that as an Avatar.So sunshine was promised between 10-00 and 11-00.Well i woke up early 06-10,and i could not get back to sleep,well get out and have a good start.I was moving by 07-40.I thought i was being clever,trouble was nobody got Mr Sun out of bed.It was a trifle cold on the legs,and despite stopping in Bramhope to apply leg warming cream,they did not warm up.So a stop at Otley for a brew.Trouble was i was too early 08-25 outside CafeCafe,he was mopping his floor.So carry on i thought up and out to Embsay Steam Railway one of my fave rides.Well just short of Weston i thought no,back to the park have a quick bite to eat,then go for a brew.Going out to Weston i got lodged in the middle of some proper fast cyclists i thought it was funny,two passed me but due to traffic the other three could not get past for a few yards,so there was i 68 and puffing in with some elite,well they soon dropped me,but i enjoyed those few mins amongst some pros.Anyway back to Otley two lattes great conversation with James the owner,it was still cool and grey and his customers were still in bed i think.Now i turned off my cycle app,which was a mistake because i flew home i was so
.These short blocks of 25,26 today and 30 are doing me a power of good.Home at 12-10 and the sun has finally come out,too late mate.Lovely morning.
.These short blocks of 25,26 today and 30 are doing me a power of good.Home at 12-10 and the sun has finally come out,too late mate.Lovely morning.
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- Location
- Egham
Nice few hours out with my lad this morning, more training for the planned big ride in the school holidays. 28 miles to Hampton Bridge and back. The towpath was stupidly busy with a running club doing something, and scores of rowing boats out at Molesey. Bikes very dusty now, so may need a clean before the commute Monday.
NorthernDave
Never used Über Member
- Location
- The real Northern Powerhouse
With stuff to do later in the day that ruled out a last minute entry in @ColinJ 's legendary Humber Bridge Extravaganza, I set the alarm to get out 'early', although it was 8am when I finally left, mainly due to an excess of faffing about. 
On the Boardman and I've got to say it was a touch cool compared to other recent rides, so the arm warmers stayed on.
The usual combination of roads to Shadwell, then past the pub and up the rise towards Slaid Hill lights when I spotted this sign:
Now I'm very much a dog person, but even to me this seems a bit cruel and not something to be boasting about at the side of the road...
Anyhow, on to the traffic lights, where a nice car driver triggered them for me, and onto Wike Ridge Lane through the dip and onto Tarn Lane along to Scarcroft and down Ling Lane, which despite being where all the millionaires live is still easily the most poorly surfaced road in the district.
Then left onto the A58 for the long drop down through Bardsey to Collingham. Over the bridge and into Linton for ups and downs to Wetherby, then a last minute decision to climb the hill and head for Spofforth.
Down the hill to Stockeld Park and the climb up the other side and into the village where all the traffic was exceptionally well behaved - there are several pedestrian refuges on the road and despite taking a strong primary some motorists still try to squeeze through. The reason for this good behaviour became clear as I turned off to head towards the castle and found that there was a marked police BMW X5 a couple of cars back...
Up to the castle and had a quick drink, then decided to head back into the village and out over the causeway and on through the rollingness to Little Ribston.
On the edge of the village I stopped at the gates to Ribston Hall for an obligatory "Your bike in front of..." photo and one looking back at the village with poppies showing in the verges:
On the bike and over the bridge, climbing slightly to Ox Close Lane and out into lovely rolling countryside. Unfortunately the local farmer had been out muck spreading so it didn't smell too good
Over the A168 and A1(M) bridges and through Cowthorpe, and past more fields to the crossroads where I headed south alongside Tockwith airfield, past the delightfully names Q4 Bathrooms factory and on to Rudgate Crossroads and south again. Right onto hall park Road for Walton and noticed that although this road is still poorly surfaced, the Pro Carbon smooths it out much better than the Giant does.
Through the village this time and past St Peter's Church, where I had thought about stopping for a photo but there were quite a few people milling about so I didn't bother.
Out of the village for a brief squirt up the main road to the Thorp Arch turning and discovered that there is a hidden fully tarmacked cycleway tucked behind the hedge running parallel to the road - well, I never knew that was there!
Down past to the village, stopping at All Saints Church for a couple of photos, a stretch and a Snickers:
Back in the saddle and down to the river, over the bridge and up the other side into Boston Spa, before heading for Clifford.
Through there and the drop down into Bramham and the inevitable climb back out and over the A1(M), getting intermingled with the traffic heading for the annual Bramham Horse Trials.
I don't know what the horses stand accused of, but a lot of people seemed to be going along to watch. Lets hope those horses have a good lawyer.
The long way round to Thorner via Thorner Road (doesn't go to Thorner), Thorner Lane (neither does this) and onto Milner Lane (which does go to Thorner), stopping to remove my arm warmers as the sun tried to burn through the cloud, and take a final photo:
Got passed by a couple of group rides along here, along the ridge between the hedges, before plunging down the hill into Thorner and along Main Street to the Mexborough Arms where I turned onto Carr Lane for the climb out to the A58. I'd been alternating between huffing and puffing and feeling really good in the saddle all morning, but it felt like I flew up here today (it's all relative! 
).
Nearly had my first clipless moment at the A58 junction as I needed to stop and made a complete fist of unclipping. Sorted it just in time though and styled it out
A quick sprint down the A58, then the climb up Coal Road and along getting a nice score on the new "Your Speed Is..." sign
then local roads down to home with once round the block to round the mileage up.
39.3 miles (63.2km) in 2h 48m at an average of 14.0mph and 1,853ft climbed with an average temperature of just 12.0°C
A funny ride this one, I enjoyed it, but at a couple of points I felt almost done in bordering on not well, but at other points felt really good and even set a couple of PB's so goodness only knows what was going on there. Anyway, it's another point in the Half Century Challenge and keeps me nicely in front of last year at this point.
Lots of cyclists out, most of the motorists weren't trying to kill me and at least the cooler temperatures kept the number of flies down, so it's all good
Tomorrow looks promising for a ride too, if I can drag myself out of bed.
And to end, the map:
On the Boardman and I've got to say it was a touch cool compared to other recent rides, so the arm warmers stayed on.
The usual combination of roads to Shadwell, then past the pub and up the rise towards Slaid Hill lights when I spotted this sign:
Now I'm very much a dog person, but even to me this seems a bit cruel and not something to be boasting about at the side of the road...
Anyhow, on to the traffic lights, where a nice car driver triggered them for me, and onto Wike Ridge Lane through the dip and onto Tarn Lane along to Scarcroft and down Ling Lane, which despite being where all the millionaires live is still easily the most poorly surfaced road in the district.
Then left onto the A58 for the long drop down through Bardsey to Collingham. Over the bridge and into Linton for ups and downs to Wetherby, then a last minute decision to climb the hill and head for Spofforth.
Down the hill to Stockeld Park and the climb up the other side and into the village where all the traffic was exceptionally well behaved - there are several pedestrian refuges on the road and despite taking a strong primary some motorists still try to squeeze through. The reason for this good behaviour became clear as I turned off to head towards the castle and found that there was a marked police BMW X5 a couple of cars back...
Up to the castle and had a quick drink, then decided to head back into the village and out over the causeway and on through the rollingness to Little Ribston.
On the edge of the village I stopped at the gates to Ribston Hall for an obligatory "Your bike in front of..." photo and one looking back at the village with poppies showing in the verges:
On the bike and over the bridge, climbing slightly to Ox Close Lane and out into lovely rolling countryside. Unfortunately the local farmer had been out muck spreading so it didn't smell too good
Over the A168 and A1(M) bridges and through Cowthorpe, and past more fields to the crossroads where I headed south alongside Tockwith airfield, past the delightfully names Q4 Bathrooms factory and on to Rudgate Crossroads and south again. Right onto hall park Road for Walton and noticed that although this road is still poorly surfaced, the Pro Carbon smooths it out much better than the Giant does.
Through the village this time and past St Peter's Church, where I had thought about stopping for a photo but there were quite a few people milling about so I didn't bother.
Out of the village for a brief squirt up the main road to the Thorp Arch turning and discovered that there is a hidden fully tarmacked cycleway tucked behind the hedge running parallel to the road - well, I never knew that was there!
Down past to the village, stopping at All Saints Church for a couple of photos, a stretch and a Snickers:
Back in the saddle and down to the river, over the bridge and up the other side into Boston Spa, before heading for Clifford.
Through there and the drop down into Bramham and the inevitable climb back out and over the A1(M), getting intermingled with the traffic heading for the annual Bramham Horse Trials.
I don't know what the horses stand accused of, but a lot of people seemed to be going along to watch. Lets hope those horses have a good lawyer.
The long way round to Thorner via Thorner Road (doesn't go to Thorner), Thorner Lane (neither does this) and onto Milner Lane (which does go to Thorner), stopping to remove my arm warmers as the sun tried to burn through the cloud, and take a final photo:
).Nearly had my first clipless moment at the A58 junction as I needed to stop and made a complete fist of unclipping. Sorted it just in time though and styled it out
A quick sprint down the A58, then the climb up Coal Road and along getting a nice score on the new "Your Speed Is..." sign
then local roads down to home with once round the block to round the mileage up.39.3 miles (63.2km) in 2h 48m at an average of 14.0mph and 1,853ft climbed with an average temperature of just 12.0°C
A funny ride this one, I enjoyed it, but at a couple of points I felt almost done in bordering on not well, but at other points felt really good and even set a couple of PB's so goodness only knows what was going on there. Anyway, it's another point in the Half Century Challenge and keeps me nicely in front of last year at this point.
Lots of cyclists out, most of the motorists weren't trying to kill me and at least the cooler temperatures kept the number of flies down, so it's all good
Tomorrow looks promising for a ride too, if I can drag myself out of bed.
And to end, the map:
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Today has been a good bike day. Firstly my trusty Roubaix was in for a service. It's over 4 years old and apart from the occasional wash it had had very little done to it. Today it had a complete overhaul including new bar tape. The mechanic found that it had two left hand rubbers in the front brake blocks! An interesting feature. Apart from a bent front derailleur which I didn't bother replacing as it works faultlessly, it looks like new. So my first ride today was from the bike shop to home. About 5kms.
I then spent the rest of the day cleaning. some of my other bikes. First my commuter bike which has not been ridden for 6 years now. I pumped up the tyres and took it for a ride - Everything worked - I was most surprised!
Then it was the turn of my other Roubaix - This was a bike I inherited when a bike buddy passed away. Sadly I'm selling it tomorrow, it's too small for me and I'll never get any use from it. But I washed it and fettled it and took it for a ride before it goes to it's new home.
Finally the highlight of the day. I collected my new bike. I've been wanting something light, with disc brakes and full Ultegra group set. After a test ride while picking up my Roubaix this morning, I decided on a Trek Emonda. It's the first time that I've ever had everything measured and adjusted to me - surprising to find my previous position on the bike was very wrong! So my final ride of the day was to take this home - this time I took a very long way round to get home heading out around some local villages.
So four different rides today of varying lengths totalling about 35 kms and I enjoyed them all for different reasons. Tomorrow I'm out all day and completely undecided on which bike to take!
My 4 year old Roubaix looking shiny and new.
The other Roubaix waiting to go to it's new home.
My new n + 1 before taking it home the long way round.
I then spent the rest of the day cleaning. some of my other bikes. First my commuter bike which has not been ridden for 6 years now. I pumped up the tyres and took it for a ride - Everything worked - I was most surprised!
Then it was the turn of my other Roubaix - This was a bike I inherited when a bike buddy passed away. Sadly I'm selling it tomorrow, it's too small for me and I'll never get any use from it. But I washed it and fettled it and took it for a ride before it goes to it's new home.
Finally the highlight of the day. I collected my new bike. I've been wanting something light, with disc brakes and full Ultegra group set. After a test ride while picking up my Roubaix this morning, I decided on a Trek Emonda. It's the first time that I've ever had everything measured and adjusted to me - surprising to find my previous position on the bike was very wrong! So my final ride of the day was to take this home - this time I took a very long way round to get home heading out around some local villages.
So four different rides today of varying lengths totalling about 35 kms and I enjoyed them all for different reasons. Tomorrow I'm out all day and completely undecided on which bike to take!
My 4 year old Roubaix looking shiny and new.
The other Roubaix waiting to go to it's new home.
My new n + 1 before taking it home the long way round.
Spiderweb
Not So Special One
- Location
- North Yorkshire
Fantastic ride out in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. Starting in Middleham headed up to Leyburn and to the top of Grinton Moor, very hilly! Down the road to Grinton passing the Youth Hostel where I stayed as a young lad on a school field trip. Through Grinton village then a right turn and followed the road that runs pretty much parallel with the River Swale all the way to Richmond. On to Catterick and then Patrick Brompton. Right at the junction and followed the main road to Leyburn again, left at the mini roundabout and down the hill to Wensley and back to Middleham.
Fantastic ride but I could do with some bigger gears on my cassette!
37.9 miles with an average of 13.3 mph. Great ride.
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twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
Saturday Crew time again. What a lovely day dawned for us. Lil ole me, Steve E and Sara P in the Green with John G, Pete M, Jules H, Rob A and Margaret PR at the Pot in Upton. Sara had asked for Newent so it was down through the Castlemorton lanes for Berrow and Pendock. Steve was having a brain nav failure but Jules and I kept it on the straight and narrow. Hethelpit X pointed us at the dodge around Upleadon while Jules requested the back way in to Newent. Something the others hadn't done. Margaret spotted the alternative and there was almost a rebellion. But around by Okle Clifford and Cleeve Mill dropped us right at the cafe. More than one way to "skin a cat" Margaret!
We sat outside in the pleasant warm weather and chatted to a pair of riders who had come from Tirley. Eventually time required us to move so we took the fairly standard run by Shaw Common and Dymock. Ryton took us by Bromsberrow and at Rye X John headed back up the main road. Our route was back through the Castlemorton lanes where Margaret headed off home as did Rob. Sara then departed as the remaining 4 stopped for a pint at the Swan. That was a refreshing pint for sure. Not far now as Steve and Pete took the ramp for the 3 Counties while Jules and I rode to Clevelode to go our separate ways. Great social outing and easy pedalling in lovely country lanes. What's not to like? 55 smiles
We sat outside in the pleasant warm weather and chatted to a pair of riders who had come from Tirley. Eventually time required us to move so we took the fairly standard run by Shaw Common and Dymock. Ryton took us by Bromsberrow and at Rye X John headed back up the main road. Our route was back through the Castlemorton lanes where Margaret headed off home as did Rob. Sara then departed as the remaining 4 stopped for a pint at the Swan. That was a refreshing pint for sure. Not far now as Steve and Pete took the ramp for the 3 Counties while Jules and I rode to Clevelode to go our separate ways. Great social outing and easy pedalling in lovely country lanes. What's not to like? 55 smiles
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
We set out this morning just gone 9, it was a bit cool.
Before Chapel Hill somebody who shall remain nameless had to go into the field.... I waited
Up over Chapel Hill, Mrs Dave doing well on her own bike, then we rolled through Shepreth and Fowlmere.
Over the A505 and my Garmin refused to believe I'd told it to go to Barley and Barkway. There were a couple of drivers through here who were glad they didn't meet me later on, close, fast bloody reckless passes.
We stopped to take some pics of Greater Broomrape
There were some nice looking buildings in the villages
Mrs Dave was going strong, even though there was little punchy hill one after the other
Eventually we wound up in Puckeridge, pronounced Pucker idge and NOT Puke Ridge, which sounds much better! We stopped at a lovely tea shop, the staff were really nice and chatty
There were plenty more buildings of architectural merit about
There were a million and one chocolate box cottages.
From Much Hadham there is a b4stard of a hill to Sawbridgeworth, but I'd managed to plot a route that gave us a really pleasant hill instead, makes a change! We then rode on the lump above Sawbridgeworth until we got to my nephews house. Paul and Catherine are in fine fettle, and so is 3 year old Sam, but we'd come to say hello to the one week old Constance, or Connie to her friends
As we were sweaty and horrible we elected not to give her a cuddle.
Well, we reluctantly left and set off toward that London. After a few miles my Garmin said 'get off the road '..... there were concrete blocks blocking the road.
We were on the edge of Harlow, out of my knowledge, but every turn said 'off course '
We took the river path in the direction we needed to go.... 'off course'
It remained this way for the rest of the ride.
Some of it was ok, but speed was well down along a narrow river Stort path. It was traffic free and pleasant though
We saw a UFO on the river! We also saw a common tern, and heard a Cettis Warbler and a Cuckoo, didn't expect that!
We popped up at Dobbs weir, we were both hungry, we stopped at this pub for shares on a fish finger butty and chips
With some directions from a geezer we set sail for London, via Stratford. We wanted to get to Liverpool Street.
After a few miles of his directions we'd been shaken to sh1t. It was bloody rough, my Garmin was still 'off course ', so we looked at our phone map.
We were a stones throw from Broxbourne station.... our navigation was going awry, the phone was saying it was an hour to Liverpool Street, but we elected to get the train back to Cambridge from here.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1627456234
Of course, nobody in the tickets booths and the ticket machine not taking cards, so we got on the train ticketless. There were poppies and hares in the fields on the ride back. We looked online to see where this train stopped, and we got off at Great Shelford, a nice free ride, naughty eh?
Home via Grantchester and Coton
Just over 60 miles. Not quite the ride we'd planned, but we met Connie and I played dinosaurs with Sam, so that's as good as it gets!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1627695992
Before Chapel Hill somebody who shall remain nameless had to go into the field.... I waited
Up over Chapel Hill, Mrs Dave doing well on her own bike, then we rolled through Shepreth and Fowlmere.
Over the A505 and my Garmin refused to believe I'd told it to go to Barley and Barkway. There were a couple of drivers through here who were glad they didn't meet me later on, close, fast bloody reckless passes.
We stopped to take some pics of Greater Broomrape
There were some nice looking buildings in the villages
Mrs Dave was going strong, even though there was little punchy hill one after the other
Eventually we wound up in Puckeridge, pronounced Pucker idge and NOT Puke Ridge, which sounds much better! We stopped at a lovely tea shop, the staff were really nice and chatty
There were plenty more buildings of architectural merit about
There were a million and one chocolate box cottages.
From Much Hadham there is a b4stard of a hill to Sawbridgeworth, but I'd managed to plot a route that gave us a really pleasant hill instead, makes a change! We then rode on the lump above Sawbridgeworth until we got to my nephews house. Paul and Catherine are in fine fettle, and so is 3 year old Sam, but we'd come to say hello to the one week old Constance, or Connie to her friends
As we were sweaty and horrible we elected not to give her a cuddle.
Well, we reluctantly left and set off toward that London. After a few miles my Garmin said 'get off the road '..... there were concrete blocks blocking the road.
We were on the edge of Harlow, out of my knowledge, but every turn said 'off course '
We took the river path in the direction we needed to go.... 'off course'
It remained this way for the rest of the ride.
Some of it was ok, but speed was well down along a narrow river Stort path. It was traffic free and pleasant though
We saw a UFO on the river! We also saw a common tern, and heard a Cettis Warbler and a Cuckoo, didn't expect that!
We popped up at Dobbs weir, we were both hungry, we stopped at this pub for shares on a fish finger butty and chips
With some directions from a geezer we set sail for London, via Stratford. We wanted to get to Liverpool Street.
After a few miles of his directions we'd been shaken to sh1t. It was bloody rough, my Garmin was still 'off course ', so we looked at our phone map.
We were a stones throw from Broxbourne station.... our navigation was going awry, the phone was saying it was an hour to Liverpool Street, but we elected to get the train back to Cambridge from here.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1627456234
Of course, nobody in the tickets booths and the ticket machine not taking cards, so we got on the train ticketless. There were poppies and hares in the fields on the ride back. We looked online to see where this train stopped, and we got off at Great Shelford, a nice free ride, naughty eh?
Home via Grantchester and Coton
Just over 60 miles. Not quite the ride we'd planned, but we met Connie and I played dinosaurs with Sam, so that's as good as it gets!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1627695992
BianchiVirgin
Über Member
- Location
- Norn Iron
18.75km and 600+m climbing. Short and sweet today on MTB.
Heltor Chasca
Out-riding the Black Dog
What a day to do the Plains, Trains and no more Automobiles 200 today. Tidy little group I rode in consisting CTC Bristol, Bath CC and a bagful of Audax Club Bristol riders. I had some obscure gastro-bug last week, possibly from handling my chickens. Thought I should ride today as the ‘inconvenient emergency dash’ aspect had stopped. I didn’t stop to think that for nearly a week I haven’t kept my nutrition in order and as my gut culture was not playing the game and food wasn’t doing what it was meant to do. Hence I had the most monumentally awful bonk at about the 140km mark. I just wanted to be left in a ditch to die, but our little group insisted we stuck together. @Arjimlad donated his last gel and I ate some sweet, dried guava and I was good to go. What a cracking bunch.
The route map
Champion Audax rider of the day
Salisbury Plain
The Champ
Salisbury Plain with that Stonehenge place. Gravel was part of our route today
The ever present loveliness of Audax riders is very evident
Even the controllers are good eggs. Just don’t get the info control answer wrong!
The route map
Champion Audax rider of the day
Salisbury Plain
The Champ
Salisbury Plain with that Stonehenge place. Gravel was part of our route today
The ever present loveliness of Audax riders is very evident
Even the controllers are good eggs. Just don’t get the info control answer wrong!
Attachments
- Location
- Glasgow
50 (very flat ) miles in glorious weather with some Glasgow Belles on Bikes, to Balloch, on the shores of Loch Lomond.
I never thought I would say this, but when is it going to rain?
We have been having sunshine for the last 5 weeks, too much to handle
Following route 7, along the river Clyde we rode, till Clydebank where we joined the Forth and Clyde canal till Bowling.
Then the path to Dumbarton, the farmland stretch parallel to the river Leven - the cows were fast asleep in the field, they normally roam free, looking for cyclists to stampede
Forth and Clyde canal, at Bowling:
Along the river Leven:
Balloch marina:
The Erskine bridge, taken on the way back:
Got to Glasgow centre, a cyclist stops me, asking if I had a pump by any chance. My pal starts laughing because ... well, of course, we are the Belles, we do have a pump: here's my bike when I set out this morning
and here's Mark putting my Blow Joe to good use, hi Mark if you joined CC to check out where your picture ended up
) miles in glorious weather with some Glasgow Belles on Bikes, to Balloch, on the shores of Loch Lomond.I never thought I would say this, but when is it going to rain?
We have been having sunshine for the last 5 weeks, too much to handle
Following route 7, along the river Clyde we rode, till Clydebank where we joined the Forth and Clyde canal till Bowling.
Then the path to Dumbarton, the farmland stretch parallel to the river Leven - the cows were fast asleep in the field, they normally roam free, looking for cyclists to stampede
Forth and Clyde canal, at Bowling:
Along the river Leven:
Balloch marina:
The Erskine bridge, taken on the way back:
Got to Glasgow centre, a cyclist stops me, asking if I had a pump by any chance. My pal starts laughing because ... well, of course, we are the Belles, we do have a pump: here's my bike when I set out this morning
and here's Mark putting my Blow Joe to good use, hi Mark if you joined CC to check out where your picture ended up
Vantage
Carbon fibre... LMAO!!!
- Location
- Behind everyone else, Bolton
Richard A Thackeray
Legendary Member
Middleham 'suspension bridge', that allegedly collapsed after a herd of Cows crossed it.... in step with each other
Rebuilt without the suspension system
