mgs315
Senior Member
Not at all. I’ve recently spent about £20 on new bottles to make my club bottles match my frame. I’m such a tart!
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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Not at all. I’ve recently spent about £20 on new bottles to make my club bottles match my frame. I’m such a tart!
This was yesterday's ride. I had planned a route that would take me through new territory, and hopefully another metric half.
It was overcast with ominous clouds and rather windy when I got up, but it was warm and the forecast was for no rain, so didn't take a rain jacket with me. Out at quarter to seven via Diglis and through town, past Foregate St towards Perdiswell, with hardly any traffic to contend with.
After Perdiswell was a left for Claines, and then a right over the A449 towards Fernhill Heath. I followed the lanes towards Droitwich, avoiding the A38, roughly following the Droitwich canal. I hadn't been this way before, and I missed a turn at Ladywood, but I realised my mistake soon, so I quickly got back on track. By now the clouds were clearing up, and I was glad I had decided to stick to light clothing.
I headed towards the A38 and crossed over it at Copcut Elm, skirting Droitwich. I got slightly confused by the new road layout in here. I carried on straight through a new development, only to find out that I should have turned right, as the road finished suddenly. On the way back I checked, and it is not marked as a no through road.
Eventually I reached Tagwell road, where it was right to go under the motorway, and then immediately left for Dunhampstead, where I took the right, over the canal and the level crossing for Trench Lane. From here the road was a bit more exposed, and the wind was against me, making progress rather laborious at times.
At Trench Lane took the right for Crawle, and then in Crawle a left for Braughton Hacket. Quiet and beautiful countryside which I will definitely ride again. Across the A422 at Braughton Hacket for Churchill, then White Ladies and across the A44 at Egdon heading towards Drakes Braughton via Windmill Hill. The wind was getting rather annoying at times, and I was starting to flag a bit.
From Drakes Braughton headed towards Wadborough, where checking the distance covered I noticed I would probably be a bit short of the 50 km, so added a little distance by zigzagging around Littleworth and Hatfield, but when I finally got home I was still 400m short, so went out again around the estate to pad up to the metric half. 31 miles at 14 mph. Third metric half in the bag.
I am enjoying the new routes and longer distances, though I need to improve my pacing, as I seem to start too strong and then flag towards the end.
The map to finish.
It was overcast with ominous clouds and rather windy when I got up, but it was warm and the forecast was for no rain, so didn't take a rain jacket with me. Out at quarter to seven via Diglis and through town, past Foregate St towards Perdiswell, with hardly any traffic to contend with.
After Perdiswell was a left for Claines, and then a right over the A449 towards Fernhill Heath. I followed the lanes towards Droitwich, avoiding the A38, roughly following the Droitwich canal. I hadn't been this way before, and I missed a turn at Ladywood, but I realised my mistake soon, so I quickly got back on track. By now the clouds were clearing up, and I was glad I had decided to stick to light clothing.
I headed towards the A38 and crossed over it at Copcut Elm, skirting Droitwich. I got slightly confused by the new road layout in here. I carried on straight through a new development, only to find out that I should have turned right, as the road finished suddenly. On the way back I checked, and it is not marked as a no through road.
Eventually I reached Tagwell road, where it was right to go under the motorway, and then immediately left for Dunhampstead, where I took the right, over the canal and the level crossing for Trench Lane. From here the road was a bit more exposed, and the wind was against me, making progress rather laborious at times.
At Trench Lane took the right for Crawle, and then in Crawle a left for Braughton Hacket. Quiet and beautiful countryside which I will definitely ride again. Across the A422 at Braughton Hacket for Churchill, then White Ladies and across the A44 at Egdon heading towards Drakes Braughton via Windmill Hill. The wind was getting rather annoying at times, and I was starting to flag a bit.
From Drakes Braughton headed towards Wadborough, where checking the distance covered I noticed I would probably be a bit short of the 50 km, so added a little distance by zigzagging around Littleworth and Hatfield, but when I finally got home I was still 400m short, so went out again around the estate to pad up to the metric half. 31 miles at 14 mph. Third metric half in the bag.
I am enjoying the new routes and longer distances, though I need to improve my pacing, as I seem to start too strong and then flag towards the end.
The map to finish.
Last edited:
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
A couple of rides to report.
Yesterday: After a lazy get up (been over at @gavgav's for a barbecue sat night
) I got myself ready to go out early afternoon, only to be asked at the last minute to help out with something. By the time that was done I only had a short window of opportunity so did a quick ride taking in Condover, Atcham, Upton Magna, Uffington, the old canal path and back via Castlefields footbridge and Abbey Foregate.
It was all very pleasant and the knockabout bike really is improved by the new handlebar and drivetrain. Only one incident worth mentioning which was encountering a guy using the canal path for a bit of a razz on an unregistered motorbike with who I presume was his young daughter sat on his lap.
19.7 miles at 13.7 mph average.
Today's ride was planned to be a bit longer and I was aiming for my route to Melverley using the Raleigh. I set out into pretty good conditions for a ride with light wind, warm but rather overcast and misty across the hills. I had a bit of a wait to get onto the A49 but the drivers were well behaved when I did manage it, then on the way to Condover it started to drizzle. I wasn't too bothered about this at first but the drizzle got heavier and before I'd gone another two miles I was wet through.
By the time I got to the crossroads near Annscroft it was looking like the weather was set in for a while so I reluctantly cut it short by taking a right and heading to Meole Brace then home. Naturally the drizzle stopped when I got back
but it has been coming across in showers since so I'd probably not have enjoyed it much if I had carried on.
11.9 miles at 14.7 mph average. If it looks like clearing up I might try another shortish ride later on.
Yesterday: After a lazy get up (been over at @gavgav's for a barbecue sat night
) I got myself ready to go out early afternoon, only to be asked at the last minute to help out with something. By the time that was done I only had a short window of opportunity so did a quick ride taking in Condover, Atcham, Upton Magna, Uffington, the old canal path and back via Castlefields footbridge and Abbey Foregate.It was all very pleasant and the knockabout bike really is improved by the new handlebar and drivetrain. Only one incident worth mentioning which was encountering a guy using the canal path for a bit of a razz on an unregistered motorbike with who I presume was his young daughter sat on his lap.
19.7 miles at 13.7 mph average.
Today's ride was planned to be a bit longer and I was aiming for my route to Melverley using the Raleigh. I set out into pretty good conditions for a ride with light wind, warm but rather overcast and misty across the hills. I had a bit of a wait to get onto the A49 but the drivers were well behaved when I did manage it, then on the way to Condover it started to drizzle. I wasn't too bothered about this at first but the drizzle got heavier and before I'd gone another two miles I was wet through.
By the time I got to the crossroads near Annscroft it was looking like the weather was set in for a while so I reluctantly cut it short by taking a right and heading to Meole Brace then home. Naturally the drizzle stopped when I got back
but it has been coming across in showers since so I'd probably not have enjoyed it much if I had carried on.11.9 miles at 14.7 mph average. If it looks like clearing up I might try another shortish ride later on.
welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
Not nice here today but I was going stir crazy so I went for a 17 mile bimble. Dark misty and sometimes wet, but it blew the cobwebs away.
rugby bloke
Veteran
- Location
- Northamptonshire
Respect for venturing out ... it looks like winter. I guess when the cycling fairy is whispering in your ear you just have to go out.
fted33
Well-Known Member
- Location
- The western plains of Norfolk
I know what you mean. I went for yellow on a matte grey frame.
welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
Thanks. It was indeed. I was going a bit stir crazy. It wasn't cold though. It felt quite clammy.
pawl
Legendary Member
- Location
- Desford Leicestershire
There are ten green bottles standing on my wall and if one should accidentally fall,I will know where it’s gone.
Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
Back on the bike after a two and a half week-ish hiatus. In the mean time, I somehow managed to purchase some shimano road shoes, and spd pedals. Well, it's my second "cycle-versary" and I had to buy myself a present, didn't I? 
First ride back was yesterday, my first attempt at clipless. Well, I managed to capsize even before I got going.
I toppled gracelessly to the tarmac in front of a passing neighbour, skinned my left elbow and knee, gave myself a cyclist's tattoo on my right leg and bruised my ego somewhat. Picked myself up, managed to wobble off rather precariously and went for a seven mile spin that is my Pymoor - Downham loop as there aren't many junctions or much in the way of traffic. And funny, Mill Hill is nowhere near as daunting as it used to be... Managed to get home safely without embarrassing myself any further, although my right cleat came loose and I couldn't get my foot out when I stopped. 
Second attempt was today - after adjusting the cleats and tightening them properly. Change of tack, and decided to get going *before* clipping in this time. Was a little awkward, but managed it, and didn't capsize. So off I set on my 14 mile loop via Downham, Way Head, Coveney, Ely and Downham. Had a fabby ride despite it spitting with rain most of the way round, successfully negotiated a roundabout, a junction with a trunk road and a set of temporary traffic lights. Think I'm getting the hang of this clipless lark. (famous last words, I'm sure...)
Managed to knock 10 mins off my best time for this ride - that really blew my mind as the first part is quite hilly for these parts. But I did notice I was turning a bigger gear for the same effort compared to riding on flats. Even managed the drag up to Orwell Pit on the big chainring!
Loads of cyclists out both yesterday and today. Mainly families yesterday - good to see loads of little 'uns on bikes. Today was a friendly mix of bods on roadies, hybrids and even an e-mtb. Bumped into a lady on a hybrid and a chap on a roadie twice on the way round - seems we were all doing the same loop, but I was doing it the other way round to them. I always go round anti clockwise as it's easier at junctions
Going to give it a break tomorrow and then have another crack at it on Wednesday. I want to get some miles into the legs as I have a little road trip planned for Wiggy and me while the Parental Unit is off on her hols.
First ride back was yesterday, my first attempt at clipless. Well, I managed to capsize even before I got going.
I toppled gracelessly to the tarmac in front of a passing neighbour, skinned my left elbow and knee, gave myself a cyclist's tattoo on my right leg and bruised my ego somewhat. Picked myself up, managed to wobble off rather precariously and went for a seven mile spin that is my Pymoor - Downham loop as there aren't many junctions or much in the way of traffic. And funny, Mill Hill is nowhere near as daunting as it used to be... Managed to get home safely without embarrassing myself any further, although my right cleat came loose and I couldn't get my foot out when I stopped. Second attempt was today - after adjusting the cleats and tightening them properly. Change of tack, and decided to get going *before* clipping in this time. Was a little awkward, but managed it, and didn't capsize. So off I set on my 14 mile loop via Downham, Way Head, Coveney, Ely and Downham. Had a fabby ride despite it spitting with rain most of the way round, successfully negotiated a roundabout, a junction with a trunk road and a set of temporary traffic lights. Think I'm getting the hang of this clipless lark. (famous last words, I'm sure...)
Managed to knock 10 mins off my best time for this ride - that really blew my mind as the first part is quite hilly for these parts. But I did notice I was turning a bigger gear for the same effort compared to riding on flats. Even managed the drag up to Orwell Pit on the big chainring!
Loads of cyclists out both yesterday and today. Mainly families yesterday - good to see loads of little 'uns on bikes. Today was a friendly mix of bods on roadies, hybrids and even an e-mtb. Bumped into a lady on a hybrid and a chap on a roadie twice on the way round - seems we were all doing the same loop, but I was doing it the other way round to them.
I always go round anti clockwise as it's easier at junctions Going to give it a break tomorrow and then have another crack at it on Wednesday. I want to get some miles into the legs as I have a little road trip planned for Wiggy and me while the Parental Unit is off on her hols.
Noodle Legs
Winging it
- Location
- Coalville, Leicestershire
Last night’s ride I shall entitle “Pistern and Puncturessssssssss”
So after a weekend of flat out excess- the holiday family came to town- it was time to atone for my sins and get back to it. What better I thought than a hilly little number to get the fire stoked up?
This was not really a planned route as such and I made it up as I went along, the only brief being it needed a few good hills. So after a lumpy slog through Whitwick and Griffydam I took a left turn off Top Brand and through Worthington village, zooming down Bull Hill and up n out the other side.
More lumpiness followed as I progressed towards Breedon, then a recovery of sorts and then firing up the legs for a bimble up Burney Lane in prep for what was about to come.....
From here it was the prelude to Pistern Hill, a local delight as I’m sure many on here will concur. This consists of a lumpy 2 miles or so to the start which starts with a nice downhill, followed by a little climb into Calke Village and then down again around Staunton Harold.
Before long, Pistern was upon me and I made it up with relative ease, despite not really going for it and in doing so still managed to shave 2 seconds off my previous best. The road surface is awful here and there’s potholes galore so it’s quite the challenge to juggle a 11% mile long climb with two bends and said surface as well!
Once recovered it was a quick roll into Ticknall and another good climb back out of the village before a nice recovery roll towards Stanton by Bridge.
At this stage I decided to go for Castle Donington and the Airport so I risked life and limb and sped along Swarkestone Bridge (a causeway) before turning off the A514 and along through Weston and Aston on Trent.
A quick leg rest preceded another leg stretch over the A50 and into Shardlow. Turning right at Cavendish Bridge I took a little road back under the A50 and into Castle Donington. And then “psssssssssssssssssss”........
Looking down at the back tyre I saw a big thorn sticking out of the tyre and it was flat quicker than I could say “puncture!”
After 10 minutes and a bit of handiwork with my “scabs” I was on my way again and made my way up yet another long slog that is Castle Donington and then it was around the Airport and Donington Park where I observed in the distance a nice black cloud right where I was heading.......
I started to pick up the pace back home to beat the inevitable shower as I rolled through Diseworth and Belton and it was just after here where the clouds began to leak..... on the plus side there is a segment I managed to smash in my effort to beat the rain!
One more final steady slog back through Thringstone and Whitwick and I was able to get back home- wet, but in one piece and somewhat refreshed- just in time to watch the footie.
39.3 in 2:21.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1785815530
https://www.relive.cc/view/1785815530
So after a weekend of flat out excess- the holiday family came to town- it was time to atone for my sins and get back to it. What better I thought than a hilly little number to get the fire stoked up?
This was not really a planned route as such and I made it up as I went along, the only brief being it needed a few good hills. So after a lumpy slog through Whitwick and Griffydam I took a left turn off Top Brand and through Worthington village, zooming down Bull Hill and up n out the other side.
More lumpiness followed as I progressed towards Breedon, then a recovery of sorts and then firing up the legs for a bimble up Burney Lane in prep for what was about to come.....
From here it was the prelude to Pistern Hill, a local delight as I’m sure many on here will concur. This consists of a lumpy 2 miles or so to the start which starts with a nice downhill, followed by a little climb into Calke Village and then down again around Staunton Harold.
Before long, Pistern was upon me and I made it up with relative ease, despite not really going for it and in doing so still managed to shave 2 seconds off my previous best. The road surface is awful here and there’s potholes galore so it’s quite the challenge to juggle a 11% mile long climb with two bends and said surface as well!
Once recovered it was a quick roll into Ticknall and another good climb back out of the village before a nice recovery roll towards Stanton by Bridge.
At this stage I decided to go for Castle Donington and the Airport so I risked life and limb and sped along Swarkestone Bridge (a causeway) before turning off the A514 and along through Weston and Aston on Trent.
A quick leg rest preceded another leg stretch over the A50 and into Shardlow. Turning right at Cavendish Bridge I took a little road back under the A50 and into Castle Donington. And then “psssssssssssssssssss”........
Looking down at the back tyre I saw a big thorn sticking out of the tyre and it was flat quicker than I could say “puncture!”
After 10 minutes and a bit of handiwork with my “scabs” I was on my way again and made my way up yet another long slog that is Castle Donington and then it was around the Airport and Donington Park where I observed in the distance a nice black cloud right where I was heading.......
I started to pick up the pace back home to beat the inevitable shower as I rolled through Diseworth and Belton and it was just after here where the clouds began to leak..... on the plus side there is a segment I managed to smash in my effort to beat the rain!
One more final steady slog back through Thringstone and Whitwick and I was able to get back home- wet, but in one piece and somewhat refreshed- just in time to watch the footie.
39.3 in 2:21.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1785815530
https://www.relive.cc/view/1785815530
Last edited:
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
After getting wet yesterday I tried again. I had to be up and about early anyhow so got on the road prompt and headed for Melverley as I'd intended yesterday.
Another warm morning with fairly light wind but still a bit overcast. I was surprised by the amount of traffic about at 7.30am but it was all fairly well behaved so no incidents worth noting.
To Pontesbury and Minsterley I was mostly riding against the wind, although that wasn't too onerous today, then had it helping to Westbury as my route meandered on the way to Crew Green and Melverley. I seemed to fly along through Melverley and on my way to Pentre, hitting 21 mph on the flat then finding the hill on the way to Great Ness didn't need too much effort today. It's great when things just feel right.
It was back to a slightly more average speed from Nib Heath on my way through Yeaton to Merrington as there are some undulations then a long gentle drag. I paused for a bite to eat overlooking Bomere Heath with a good clear view to the hills today.
There is some nice fast, easy riding through Hadnall to Astley then a couple more long gentle hills to tackle on the way to Upton Magna where I encountered a few cyclists - the first I'd seen so far this trip.
Having overtaken a rider I pressed on to Atcham and Cross Houses where the efforts made earlier in the ride started to catch up with me and I had to take it a little easier. I overtook another cyclist on the approach to Condover and managed to reach the A49 just as there was a gap in the traffic - very handy.
52.2 miles for the trip at 15.6 mph average. Quite happy with that.
Photos aren't very good today I'm afraid as I was concentrating on the ride.
On the way in to Pontesbury.
A nice clear view to the hills from my snack stop near Bomere Heath.
There was an event at Haughton last weekend. Hope they had a good turnout.
Another warm morning with fairly light wind but still a bit overcast. I was surprised by the amount of traffic about at 7.30am but it was all fairly well behaved so no incidents worth noting.
To Pontesbury and Minsterley I was mostly riding against the wind, although that wasn't too onerous today, then had it helping to Westbury as my route meandered on the way to Crew Green and Melverley. I seemed to fly along through Melverley and on my way to Pentre, hitting 21 mph on the flat then finding the hill on the way to Great Ness didn't need too much effort today. It's great when things just feel right.
It was back to a slightly more average speed from Nib Heath on my way through Yeaton to Merrington as there are some undulations then a long gentle drag. I paused for a bite to eat overlooking Bomere Heath with a good clear view to the hills today.
There is some nice fast, easy riding through Hadnall to Astley then a couple more long gentle hills to tackle on the way to Upton Magna where I encountered a few cyclists - the first I'd seen so far this trip.
Having overtaken a rider I pressed on to Atcham and Cross Houses where the efforts made earlier in the ride started to catch up with me and I had to take it a little easier. I overtook another cyclist on the approach to Condover and managed to reach the A49 just as there was a gap in the traffic - very handy.
52.2 miles for the trip at 15.6 mph average. Quite happy with that.
Photos aren't very good today I'm afraid as I was concentrating on the ride.
On the way in to Pontesbury.
A nice clear view to the hills from my snack stop near Bomere Heath.
There was an event at Haughton last weekend. Hope they had a good turnout.
welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
Back from a 27 mile bimble for me . Weather was better than yesterday although there was a lot of mist in places. Cooler today as well. I did the Mach loop again then added the smaller loop on afterward.
It was nice to see a family of cyclists as well. Mum in the front. Maybe a 6 year old behind her followed up by dad with maybe a 4 year old sitting at the front of his bike chatting away to him.
It was nice to see a family of cyclists as well. Mum in the front. Maybe a 6 year old behind her followed up by dad with maybe a 4 year old sitting at the front of his bike chatting away to him.
numbnuts
Legendary Member
- Location
- Gone over the hill and far away
Here, bananas, milk, eggs and biscuits
- Location
- Manchester
First proper ride for 12 days. A 20 mile loop. Wish I'd gone clockwise so I didn't have to do the the steep hill out of the village when I was tired instead of the relatively flat path on the main road. I saw a few old Triumph cars pass me through Glazebrook and up the Cadishead Way.
The ironwork artist opposite Bents has been busy creating quite a menagerie. For a long time there was just the 2 horses, then the gorilla and now this amazing collection.
The ironwork artist opposite Bents has been busy creating quite a menagerie. For a long time there was just the 2 horses, then the gorilla and now this amazing collection.
Heltor Chasca
Out-riding the Black Dog
Utrecht is a great city to do a day trip. Something for all of us (16, 9 and me) Had a good purve at some MSR tents too. My life is so simple. Miffy museum is a rip off. Had to happen though.
