Brilliant descriptives by @rider13 and @Supersuperleeds but the latter edges it for getting Market Rasen spelt right!
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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but it's 13 rider not rider 13 
gavroche
Getting old but not past it
- Location
- North Wales
I had a pleasant surprise on my 18 miles ride tonight. I was approaching this chap on a touring bike, loaded with paniers and all the equipment for touring. He saw me coming and signalled me to stop. He asked me where the nearest campsite was in his broken English. I asked him where he was from and was pleased to see he was French. Of course we continued the conversation in French. His name was Pascal and he is on a 2 weeks tour of North Wales. I rode with him for a few miles, guiding him towards the campsite. We parted company with a photo of both of us together and wishing him Bon voyage.
Vantage
Carbon fibre... LMAO!!!
- Location
- Behind everyone else, Bolton
@13 rider and @Supersuperleeds well done gentlemen. You're an inspiration to us all 
My ride today wasn't as epic but still left me knackered by the time I got home. I made plans last night to ride along the Bridgewater Canal and meet Pam for a coffee on my way round.
Out the door at 9am and onto NCR55 which has been resurfaced and tidied since my last visit there. Constant never ending braking to slow down for doggies was hammering my progress.
At Broadoak Park I jumped onto the Bridgewater Way for a while and reached Barton Bridge for 10.15am. I'd arranged to meet Pam at Stretford Mall at 11 so had to get my arse in gear. Which wasn't easy because the surface of the towpath on the Bridgewater Canal is s**t frankly. That, a slight headwind and the amount of crap I had stuffed in the Pendle was keeping my speed at just over 10mph.
At one point I figured I was close to my coffee date as there were truckloads of people all walking along the towpath which really slowed me down. Soon as I was past them I got back up to speed and blasted along.
By 11 the sun had burst through the clouds and I had to put the ls jersey in the bag. As I was doing so the bike fell over onto me. WTF? Ack! The kickstand had been working lose. I set the etrex to show 'distance to next' and I had 4.3miles to go. Texted Pam I wouldn't be long and set off again.
A while later I glanced down and noticed the purple line on the screen had disappeared. Brilliant. Missed a turnoff. Back on myself and turned left up a narrow trail to follow my route and a bit of road riding followed. Next thing I know I'm on a cycle trail.
"What the hell am I doing here? I've not even met Pam yet!"
Back on myself yet again and up the canal I'd just been down then another stop to consult the garmin with lots of zooming in and out to find out where the hell I was. A few tasteless words were directed at it.
Phone Pam.
"Erm, I'm a little to the North West of Altrincham".
"Altrincham! You're miles away!"
"So I gathered".
Some more conversation followed and we agreed that by the time I backtrack to Stretford she'd be leaving for her next appointment.
At least I could drop the pace a little on the remainder of my ride.
Back to the Peninne trail and a short pootle later I decided it was tea and roast chicken sammich time
At Rushgreen I turned right towards Warburton Bridge but had to stop at Warburton Old Church first.
The toll booth is gone. Completely. You wouldn't even know there was one if you hadn't seen it before. Wondering if they'll replace it. Also wondering if the bridge will be repainted at some point...it's looking very tired.
On Dam Lane I plonked myself on a bench and scoffed some crisps before carrying on to Holcroft Lane and turning right at Culcheth. Glazeburys road surface as always rattled the bike and I to bits and Leigh was passed through in a blur.
Lovers Lane took me into Westhoughton and as I got closer to Bolton the passes from drivers got closer too. Wa**ers.
Through Lostock and I decided to get off walk up Victoria Road for a break. That turned out to be a stupid idea as my legs were killing me when I started riding again near the top. Boot Lane then the estate and home for just gone 2.45. The bikes covered in fine dust, the gears are acting up, the front mudflap has torn away from one of the bolts and the kickstand is lose. There's only 153 miles on it
45 miles today averaging 10.2mph
My ride today wasn't as epic but still left me knackered by the time I got home. I made plans last night to ride along the Bridgewater Canal and meet Pam for a coffee on my way round.
Out the door at 9am and onto NCR55 which has been resurfaced and tidied since my last visit there. Constant never ending braking to slow down for doggies was hammering my progress.
At Broadoak Park I jumped onto the Bridgewater Way for a while and reached Barton Bridge for 10.15am. I'd arranged to meet Pam at Stretford Mall at 11 so had to get my arse in gear. Which wasn't easy because the surface of the towpath on the Bridgewater Canal is s**t frankly. That, a slight headwind and the amount of crap I had stuffed in the Pendle was keeping my speed at just over 10mph.
At one point I figured I was close to my coffee date as there were truckloads of people all walking along the towpath which really slowed me down. Soon as I was past them I got back up to speed and blasted along.
By 11 the sun had burst through the clouds and I had to put the ls jersey in the bag. As I was doing so the bike fell over onto me. WTF? Ack! The kickstand had been working lose. I set the etrex to show 'distance to next' and I had 4.3miles to go. Texted Pam I wouldn't be long and set off again.
A while later I glanced down and noticed the purple line on the screen had disappeared. Brilliant. Missed a turnoff. Back on myself and turned left up a narrow trail to follow my route and a bit of road riding followed. Next thing I know I'm on a cycle trail.
"What the hell am I doing here? I've not even met Pam yet!"
Back on myself yet again and up the canal I'd just been down then another stop to consult the garmin with lots of zooming in and out to find out where the hell I was. A few tasteless words were directed at it.
Phone Pam.
"Erm, I'm a little to the North West of Altrincham".
"Altrincham! You're miles away!"
"So I gathered".
Some more conversation followed and we agreed that by the time I backtrack to Stretford she'd be leaving for her next appointment.
At least I could drop the pace a little on the remainder of my ride.
Back to the Peninne trail and a short pootle later I decided it was tea and roast chicken sammich time
At Rushgreen I turned right towards Warburton Bridge but had to stop at Warburton Old Church first.
The toll booth is gone. Completely. You wouldn't even know there was one if you hadn't seen it before. Wondering if they'll replace it. Also wondering if the bridge will be repainted at some point...it's looking very tired.
On Dam Lane I plonked myself on a bench and scoffed some crisps before carrying on to Holcroft Lane and turning right at Culcheth. Glazeburys road surface as always rattled the bike and I to bits and Leigh was passed through in a blur.
Lovers Lane took me into Westhoughton and as I got closer to Bolton the passes from drivers got closer too. Wa**ers.
Through Lostock and I decided to get off walk up Victoria Road for a break. That turned out to be a stupid idea as my legs were killing me when I started riding again near the top. Boot Lane then the estate and home for just gone 2.45. The bikes covered in fine dust, the gears are acting up, the front mudflap has torn away from one of the bolts and the kickstand is lose. There's only 153 miles on it
45 miles today averaging 10.2mph
Epic is relevative to each rider . Sounds like your was an epic for you so respect to you@13 rider and @Supersuperleeds well done gentlemen. You're an inspiration to us all
My ride today wasn't as epic but still left me knackered by the time I got home. I made plans last night to ride along the Bridgewater Canal and meet Pam for a coffee on my way round.
Out the door at 9am and onto NCR55 which has been resurfaced and tidied since my last visit there. Constant never ending braking to slow down for doggies was hammering my progress.
At Broadoak Park I jumped onto the Bridgewater Way for a while and reached Barton Bridge for 10.15am. I'd arranged to meet Pam at Stretford Mall at 11 so had to get my arse in gear. Which wasn't easy because the surface of the towpath on the Bridgewater Canal is s**t frankly. That, a slight headwind and the amount of crap I had stuffed in the Pendle was keeping my speed at just over 10mph.
At one point I figured I was close to my coffee date as there were truckloads of people all walking along the towpath which really slowed me down. Soon as I was past them I got back up to speed and blasted along.
By 11 the sun had burst through the clouds and I had to put the ls jersey in the bag. As I was doing so the bike fell over onto me. WTF? Ack! The kickstand had been working lose. I set the etrex to show 'distance to next' and I had 4.3miles to go. Texted Pam I wouldn't be long and set off again.
A while later I glanced down and noticed the purple line on the screen had disappeared. Brilliant. Missed a turnoff. Back on myself and turned left up a narrow trail to follow my route and a bit of road riding followed. Next thing I know I'm on a cycle trail.
"What the hell am I doing here? I've not even met Pam yet!"
Back on myself yet again and up the canal I'd just been down then another stop to consult the garmin with lots of zooming in and out to find out where the hell I was. A few tasteless words were directed at it.
Phone Pam.
"Erm, I'm a little to the North West of Altrincham".
"Altrincham! You're miles away!"
"So I gathered".
Some more conversation followed and we agreed that by the time I backtrack to Stretford she'd be leaving for her next appointment.
At least I could drop the pace a little on the remainder of my ride.
Back to the Peninne trail and a short pootle later I decided it was tea and roast chicken sammich time
View attachment 414006
At Rushgreen I turned right towards Warburton Bridge but had to stop at Warburton Old Church first.
The toll booth is gone. Completely. You wouldn't even know there was one if you hadn't seen it before. Wondering if they'll replace it. Also wondering if the bridge will be repainted at some point...it's looking very tired.
On Dam Lane I plonked myself on a bench and scoffed some crisps before carrying on to Holcroft Lane and turning right at Culcheth. Glazeburys road surface as always rattled the bike and I to bits and Leigh was passed through in a blur.
Lovers Lane took me into Westhoughton and as I got closer to Bolton the passes from drivers got closer too. Wa**ers.
Through Lostock and I decided to get off walk up Victoria Road for a break. That turned out to be a stupid idea as my legs were killing me when I started riding again near the top. Boot Lane then the estate and home for just gone 2.45. The bikes covered in fine dust, the gears are acting up, the front mudflap has torn away from one of the bolts and the kickstand is lose. There's only 153 miles on it
45 miles today averaging 10.2mph
Mr Celine
Discordian
- Location
- Waxing my moustache
Having seen the weather forecast for later in the week I decided to make hay while the sun shone. I set out on a 25 mile loop through Lauder and Earlston, but made some detours to add variety and hills.
I came across what appears to be a checkpoint for @Drago 's tall and beautiful person's club. I passed the first part, being nearly 7' tall according to the sign.
![IMG_20180612_183515[1].jpg](https://www.cyclechat.net/attachments/img_20180612_183515-1-jpg.414021/ "IMG_20180612_183515[1].jpg")
There's no chance of any flooding today, the Leader Water looks nearly empty where it is crossed by the adjacent bailey bridge.
![IMG_20180612_183321[1].jpg](https://www.cyclechat.net/attachments/img_20180612_183321-1-jpg.414023/ "IMG_20180612_183321[1].jpg")
From the bridge it's a steep pull for half a mile @7% up the lower part of Boon Hill, followed by a short flat bit then another 2/3 mile @ 8% to the top. My route then turned south with fine views to both sides of the road.
Looking south west towards Gala and home -
![IMG_20180612_185315[1].jpg](https://www.cyclechat.net/attachments/img_20180612_185315-1-jpg.414025/ "IMG_20180612_185315[1].jpg")
And south east towards the border and The Cheviot.
![IMG_20180612_185448[1].jpg](https://www.cyclechat.net/attachments/img_20180612_185448-1-jpg.414026/ "IMG_20180612_185448[1].jpg")
The map -
29.6 miles @ 13.9 mph, elevation 2435 feet.
I came across what appears to be a checkpoint for @Drago 's tall and beautiful person's club. I passed the first part, being nearly 7' tall according to the sign.
There's no chance of any flooding today, the Leader Water looks nearly empty where it is crossed by the adjacent bailey bridge.
From the bridge it's a steep pull for half a mile @7% up the lower part of Boon Hill, followed by a short flat bit then another 2/3 mile @ 8% to the top. My route then turned south with fine views to both sides of the road.
Looking south west towards Gala and home -
And south east towards the border and The Cheviot.
The map -
29.6 miles @ 13.9 mph, elevation 2435 feet.
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
Nice little 25 mile loop back to the pub, three of us set of from Enfield picked up three more at Potters Bar, nice steady ride, ending in the pub for a couple of beers, then a little ride up the hill to home.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1634429583
https://www.strava.com/activities/1634429583
twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
A dull and overcast day here thank goodness. Perfect weather for a bimble. 17 miles for me today. I must admit I like the slightly cooler weather.
My usual haunt today down the back lanes. No traffic at all, just as I like it.
My usual haunt today down the back lanes. No traffic at all, just as I like it.
Spiderweb
Not So Special One
- Location
- North Yorkshire
An extended home commute today, 28.1 Miles with an average of 16.4 mph. Really nice ride and had a bit of a race with a hare (I got the silver medal!).
Last edited:
Donger
Convoi Exceptionnel
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
My car was in at the main dealers in Cheltenham for a major service today, so I did my usual trick of taking the bike with me and heading off out for a few hours while they got on with it. Ended up doing 38.3 miles in a (mostly) very leisurely 4 hours, with loads of stops to take in views and with a very touristy feel to it. Didn't much enjoy getting out of Cheltenham because of the traffic, but I soon hit some quiet lanes after Bishops Cleeve and made it most of the way to Evesham (where I was going to have a riverside pub stop) before suddenly deciding to go right towards Broadway instead. I was on a roadside cycle path at the time and it just wasn't pleasant being next to so much heavy traffic. Made it to Broadway quite quickly and pulled over to grab myself a blackcurrant and clotted cream cornet from this splendid purveyor of ice cream:
Just the job! The wind was getting up a bit by now, and I was going to have to ride into it, so I set off for Cheltenham via Winchcombe and Cleeve Hill. Couldn't resist calling in on Stanton and Stanway again on the way. Last time I rode there at the end of March, I was riding on ice and passing snow drifts. Couldn't have been more different this time, as it was hot and sticky, and even the slightest incline brought me out in a sweat. The roses were in full bloom in Stanton today:
It was nice to feel a bit of shade as I got near Stanway and rode through the avenue of horse chestnut trees:
Then, with one eye on the clock, I picked up the pace as I climbed up through Winchcombe and up the long drag to the top of Cleeve Hill. I was working up quite a thirst by that point, as it really was getting sticky out there:
My car was supposed to be ready by 4.30, and I made my way back to the dealers, arriving at 4.30 exactly. I'm getting good at judging times and distances now. Unfortunately the garage wasn't so good at its estimates, and I ended up sitting around waiting for half an hour. I made sure I got my money's worth out of the free drinks, though. That's another 38 miles on to my total, and a thoroughly recommended way of killing time while your car is being serviced. Oh well, time to put the bins out now. Cheers, Donger.
Just the job! The wind was getting up a bit by now, and I was going to have to ride into it, so I set off for Cheltenham via Winchcombe and Cleeve Hill. Couldn't resist calling in on Stanton and Stanway again on the way. Last time I rode there at the end of March, I was riding on ice and passing snow drifts. Couldn't have been more different this time, as it was hot and sticky, and even the slightest incline brought me out in a sweat. The roses were in full bloom in Stanton today:
It was nice to feel a bit of shade as I got near Stanway and rode through the avenue of horse chestnut trees:
Then, with one eye on the clock, I picked up the pace as I climbed up through Winchcombe and up the long drag to the top of Cleeve Hill. I was working up quite a thirst by that point, as it really was getting sticky out there:
My car was supposed to be ready by 4.30, and I made my way back to the dealers, arriving at 4.30 exactly. I'm getting good at judging times and distances now. Unfortunately the garage wasn't so good at its estimates, and I ended up sitting around waiting for half an hour. I made sure I got my money's worth out of the free drinks, though. That's another 38 miles on to my total, and a thoroughly recommended way of killing time while your car is being serviced. Oh well, time to put the bins out now. Cheers, Donger.
Bryony
Veteran
- Location
- Ramsgate, Kent
My first post on here for a while as i’ve not been on the bike much due to health issues (and i’m very late posting this! Sorry!) but I got back on the bike at the weekend and the two rides couldn’t have been any different!
Saturday I rode down to Sandwich and back with my colleague from work, I felt surprisingly good considering i’ve not been on the bike for ages and also getting over a flu type bug. We stopped at the beach hut cafe and had coffee and panini, then had a wander round the French market they had on before making our way back to Ramsgate. I felt so good when I got home that I decided to enter the 50k Tour de Sandwich sportive the following day.
So we move on to Sunday. The Tour de Sandwich 50k Route, this was the 3rd year running i’ve done this so I know what to expect.
I set off and like yesterday I felt surprisingly good and the miles were clocking up nicely, then I got to the village of Stodmarsh about 8 miles in, stopped at junction and BANG!!! My first clipless moment. Still not quite sure how it happened as my left foot was unclipped all I had to do was put it on the floor! Anyway I hit the floor with quite a bang, my right knee took the brunt of the fall and was feeling pretty sore and I was considering pulling out, but in the end I carrried on. In the end I managed another 12 miles before I had to call it a day as my right knee and left leg were swelling considerably and becoming more and more painful. So I called the number on the map we were given at the start and got picked up and taken to the finish. Got myself checked out, looks like there’s no damage just lots of bruising!
At the start
Saturday I rode down to Sandwich and back with my colleague from work, I felt surprisingly good considering i’ve not been on the bike for ages and also getting over a flu type bug. We stopped at the beach hut cafe and had coffee and panini, then had a wander round the French market they had on before making our way back to Ramsgate. I felt so good when I got home that I decided to enter the 50k Tour de Sandwich sportive the following day.
So we move on to Sunday. The Tour de Sandwich 50k Route, this was the 3rd year running i’ve done this so I know what to expect.
I set off and like yesterday I felt surprisingly good and the miles were clocking up nicely, then I got to the village of Stodmarsh about 8 miles in, stopped at junction and BANG!!! My first clipless moment. Still not quite sure how it happened as my left foot was unclipped all I had to do was put it on the floor! Anyway I hit the floor with quite a bang, my right knee took the brunt of the fall and was feeling pretty sore and I was considering pulling out, but in the end I carrried on. In the end I managed another 12 miles before I had to call it a day as my right knee and left leg were swelling considerably and becoming more and more painful. So I called the number on the map we were given at the start and got picked up and taken to the finish. Got myself checked out, looks like there’s no damage just lots of bruising!
At the start
Early up and out for a few local hilly loops:
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/24291081
11.7 miles with just under 1900ft of up.
View: https://ridewithgps.com/trips/24291081
11.7 miles with just under 1900ft of up.
A like for the rides, not the bruises, GWS.
welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
A like for having a go not your off. That looks really painful. I hope the bruising goes and swelling goes down soon. Well done for getting out there.
