Your ride today....

[ScotiaLass]

The familiar route out to Culross today. Been running a lot lately but now have a sore knee, unaffected by cycling though :-)

https://www.strava.com/activities/310113260

Done that route a couple of times now - it's lovely

 

[Hill Wimp]

Metric century this morning taking in Kinderdijk. Action shot of my Dutch riding buddy sporting his Dulwich Paragon colors...

View attachment 91866

Nice picture DP but i hope i'm not going to be needing my longs too much next month when riding over there

 

[User169]

Nice picture DP but i hope i'm not going to be needing my longs too much next month when riding over there

Don't know why he was in longs - I was in short legs and arms!

What are your plans in NL?

 

[Hill Wimp]

Don't know why he was in longs - I was in short legs and arms!

What are your plans in NL?

We are coming over to Utrecht for the start of the TDF then tour across towards the German border and dropping down into Belgium .We will call into Arnhem en route but apart from that any suggestions of good places to cycle in that area would be gratefully received.

 

[cosmicbike]

A little late, but my rides from Friday, yesterday and today. Friday is Scouts night, so I pedalled there with my lad then headed off to Chertsey, intending to come back via the towpath. The warm weather seemed to have bought everyone out, so it was very busy with people having a post dinner walk, so much so that I gave up quickly and headed back to the roads. The intention was a 2 hr amble, returning in time to pick up my lad, but a visit from the P fairy put paid to that. Have to admit as I was only a few miles from home I just pumped it up twice to get there, rather than fix at the roadside. Meant taking the MTB to collect my lad, much to the amusement of the other Dads who joked that if I get a flat tyre I just change the bike! Still, 16 pleasant miles.
Yesterdays bread run was normal, though the lack of bread was bizarre, and the first time it's happened.
Today was the Magna Carta flotilla. I had no tickets, just chanced a pedal up to the Runnymede Pleasure Grounds. It was heaving, so I didn't hang about, pausing only to grab a very zoomed in shot of the Royal row barge 'Gloriana'.

 

[I like Skol]

I'll apologise in advance as I am about to partake in some blatant willy waving. If you don't want to witness this then I suggest you look away now.....

Just got back from doing the Evans Cycles Cheshire Ride-It long route. 82.55 miles covered in a moving time of 04:23:54 This gives an average speed of 18.75mph. I am proud to say I was only passed twice on the road.

Really enjoyed it actually and even did the optional Swiss Hill cobbled climb. The ride organisers warned not to attempt it if it was wet but you know me, can't resist a challenge. It did get pretty steep in places but the surface, while damp, wasn't a problem. The hardest part was grinding up with a 34T compact and 25T large sprocket at the rear. I crested the hill puffing like a steam train to find a group of riders having a rest. They turned and laughed when I commented that it could have been worse and then pointed up the rest of hill as it turned left and continued, I made it to the top anyway but not what I would call fun

I met my first, bona-fide Sportive Nobber!
It all started in the queue for the start line. Some guy behind me was talking at max volume, telling his mates about how they were going to monster this ride in X.Xhrs and then bragging about a crazy downhill he did sat on the cross bar like Cancellara, totally out of control, could've died but did 52mph (wow ).
When we passed the water barrel I asked him if he would hold my bike while I topped up one of my bottles and he took my bike from me like I was handing him a steaming dog turd. When I came back he pointed out that I shouldn't be wearing earphones as they were unsafe and a danger to other riders! I just said let's not have that conversation and really wanted to add why would I take advice from someone wearing yellow cycle shoes and bright pink knee length socks
At the start I let him and his mates go as I didn't want to challenge his awesomeness but within a few miles I was being held up by his group so passed and pulled away. A couple of junctions later I stopped to check the road was clear and was suddenly surrounded by him and his mates as they rode past me, into the road shouting 'clear'. How they could know it was clear I don't know because you did need to stop to check!
I then didn't see them again for a while and it was at around the 20 mile mark where 3 of them passed me again and proceeded to chain gang furiously to stay ahead. Nobber in the pink socks had passed me within inches. It had taken 3 of them chainganging for 15 miles to catch me and they had blown up trying, FAIL I passed them easily again and then saw them briefly at a feed stop where they ran up to the food table, filled their pockets then ran back to their bikes
I passed them again before reaching Alderley Edge and was just backing off and changing gears ready to climb Swiss Hill when they passed me again Thankfully this was the last time I saw him/them.

F'in Nobber, how is running across blind junctions and passing other cyclists within inches not a danger to other riders

Anyway, I did spot a cyclechat shirt and spoke to the owner, a lapsed member by the name of @cyclebum and we had a chat at a feed stop and in the carpark at the end. Unfortunately she had struggled and cut short the ride due to a few long days of work and stuff making her feel unwell

Otherwise a good ride

 

[gavgav]

Ride 1 of my week in the Lake District with @Rickshaw Phil, a gentle (for Cumbria!) introduction with a 15.2 mile 1070 ft of climbing ride around Coniston Lake.

It was cold out and a bit of drizzle in the air as we began the climb out of Coniston Hall campsite. It goes up about 400ft and on cold legs always feels a bit of a pull, but Strava tells me it is the fastest I've ever done it.

Had a quick chat to a local at the top

There is a bit more climbing at Torver, but then a nice long descent to the lake shore and an undulating section along the busy A road, traffic was well behaved though.

We turned into quieter lanes to High Nibthwaite, before heading along the Eastern Shore of the lake, with good views over towards the Coniston and Langdale fells. Bit moody looking today.

@Rickshaw Phil and Doug weren't looking moody though

It's undulating along the shore before the climbing begins again, up to Brantwood.
We are staying over there in the white houses to the centre of the shot.

There is a nice descent towards Coniston, before a short section through the village and down Lake Road to the Bluebird Cafe, who wouldn't do me a decaf Cappuccino and so I had to make do with a bland instant decaf coffee instead.

It was cold sat down by the lake and so we decided to head home fairly quickly via the off road path near the lake.

A good ride and if the weather plays ball we will have a few more over the coming week.

 

[Hill Wimp]

I'll apologise in advance as I am about to partake in some blatant willy waving. If you don't want to witness this then I suggest you look away now.....

Just got back from doing the Evans Cycles Cheshire Ride-It long route. 82.55 miles covered in a moving time of 04:23:54 This gives an average speed of 18.75mph. I am proud to say I was only passed twice on the road.

Really enjoyed it actually and even did the optional Swiss Hill cobbled climb. The ride organisers warned not to attempt it if it was wet but you know me, can't resist a challenge. It did get pretty steep in places but the surface, while damp, wasn't a problem. The hardest part was grinding up with a 34T compact and 25T large sprocket at the rear. I crested the hill puffing like a steam train to find a group of riders having a rest. They turned and laughed when I commented that it could have been worse and then pointed up the rest of hill as it turned left and continued, I made it to the top anyway but not what I would call fun

I met my first, bona-fide Sportive Nobber!
It all started in the queue for the start line. Some guy behind me was talking at max volume, telling his mates about how they were going to monster this ride in X.Xhrs and then bragging about a crazy downhill he did sat on the cross bar like Cancellara, totally out of control, could've died but did 52mph (wow ).
When we passed the water barrel I asked him if he would hold my bike while I topped up one of my bottles and he took my bike from me like I was handing him a steaming dog turd. When I came back he pointed out that I shouldn't be wearing earphones as they were unsafe and a danger to other riders! I just said let's not have that conversation and really wanted to add why would I take advice from someone wearing yellow cycle shoes and bright pink knee length socks
At the start I let him and his mates go as I didn't want to challenge his awesomeness but within a few miles I was being held up by his group so passed and pulled away. A couple of junctions later I stopped to check the road was clear and was suddenly surrounded by him and his mates as they rode past me, into the road shouting 'clear'. How they could know it was clear I don't know because you did need to stop to check!
I then didn't see them again for a while and it was at around the 20 mile mark where 3 of them passed me again and proceeded to chain gang furiously to stay ahead. Nobber in the pink socks had passed me within inches. It had taken 3 of them chainganging for 15 miles to catch me and they had blown up trying, FAIL I passed them easily again and then saw them briefly at a feed stop where they ran up to the food table, filled their pockets then ran back to their bikes
I passed them again before reaching Alderley Edge and was just backing off and changing gears ready to climb Swiss Hill when they passed me again Thankfully this was the last time I saw him/them.

F'in Nobber, how is running across blind junctions and passing other cyclists within inches not a danger to other riders

Anyway, I did spot a cyclechat shirt and spoke to the owner, a lapsed member by the name of @cyclebum and we had a chat at a feed stop and in the carpark at the end. Unfortunately she had struggled and cut short the ride due to a few long days of work and stuff making her feel unwell

Otherwise a good ride

Well done that sounds like a great ride and sounds like the entertainment was good too

 

[Saluki]

After a week of fantastic weather and no energy after work (this new job is very tiring), it poured with rain yesterday and this morning. We got to about half past 2 and we noticed that, not only had it stopped raining, but the pavements were drying off too. We quickly changed into cycling stuff and decided to get out and ride right then.
After the first half a mile and discovering that maybe a single layer was not quite enough, we thought that we'd do a quick 5 miler to turn our legs and go home. By the time we'd done about 4 miles, we were feeling good and any thoughts of a 5 miler were abandoned. We headed off up the Melton Road and forgot to turn right to Hethersett and carried on to Wymondham and then rode home down the Norwich Road, past Ketts Oak and then under the horrible junction at the A47/A11 and home via Cringleford and the UEA. We had to squeeze through the roadworks at the UEA.

18.43 miles in an hour and 20 someting. 3 I think. We averaged in the mid 13 mph's and had a good time. I had my new cleats on my shoes today. 1st ride in my new ones and nearly had a clipless moment as they are a whole lot stiffer than the old ones. I managed to get my foot out though, so didn't make a show of myself outside the co-op.

 

[Rasmus]

Near perfect day for a ride - not much wind, pleasantly warm and dry but not hot.

Took off north on the "university run" to Berkeley and Cambridge, before cutting across and up the (steep!) Cotswold escarpment at Frocester. From there it was a speedrun on mostly pleasantly quiet roads all the way down to Bath, where I could pick up and enjoy the full length of the path to home. 85 miles of pure bliss.

 

[potsy]

Well done that sounds like a great ride and sounds like the entertainment was good too

I'm just hoping Mr Pink socks is a CC'er

Sounds a bit like @Hacienda71

 

[Hill Wimp]

I'm just hoping Mr Pink socks is a CC'er

Sounds a bit like @Hacienda71

I wondered if it may have been you @potsy

 

[Goonerobes]

Today was the day I've been looking forward to & dreading in equal measures since I booked the Velothon Wales closed road event which included a hill three times bigger than anything I've done before due to living & riding in the flatlands of southern England.

Travelling down on Saturday there were plenty of cars loaded with bikes on the M4 & the hotel I am staying at has literally been taken over by cyclists for the weekend which got the nerves jangling even before I went to the expo & registration site in the center of Cardiff.

Breakfast at 6:30am was again awash with riders fueling up for the day & after watching the early starters ride past my window I was on my way to the start, a mile or so away in the city center.

Being away in the second from last group I was aware of the sweep up wagon starting 20 minutes behind at 12mph & although confident of going faster than this a puncture or mechanical could mean an early end but I needn't of worried as the early pace was rather fast on the closed roads & flat terrain & after negotiating Newport it was onto the open country roads up to Celtic Manor where I paired up with a smashing Welsh lad & spent the remaining 60 or so miles chatting side by side & gaining some of his local knowledge.

There was a bit of drama 35 miles in when rumors of tacks on the road meant everyone dismounting & carrying their bikes for a few hundred yards although I wasnt aware of anyone actually seeing a tack. This brought the average speed down from 18.5mph to a more sensible 17.5mph which was still quicker than I had planned on going before reaching The Tumble but it was very flat with some decent road surfaces so not really a problem.

50 miles in & it was the very hill I'd been nervous about, The Tumble, 2.8 miles & 1200+ feet of going up. I must say it was superb, hundreds, maybe even thousands were on there as we made our way up at a leisurely 6mph & with my new found buddy offering his knowledge of the steep bits we reached the top in what seemed like no time & with stunning views along the way.

From there it was downhill most of the way to Caerphilly with crowds of people roadside cheering & clapping & the last climb of the day, Caerphilly mountain was lined with people offering encouragement on this tough little 436ft climb but again a leisurely pace saw this off & it was down into Cardiff with more crowds roadside.

All in all it was a superb event & if this is your sort of thing I would thoroughly recommend it despite seeing a couple of nasty looking accidents which hopefully weren't too serious but with 15,000 riders I guess these things will happen.

https://www.strava.com/activities/325303618/

Apologies for the lack of scenic pictures but stopping & starting with so many people flying past was looking a little dangerous!

The early starters outside my hotel.

Queuing up to start alongside Cardiff Castle.

Yours truly at the top of the Tumble.

The prize for our endeavors.

 

[surfdude]

44.5 miles today of muscle ripping pain . got lost and found some long and steep big arse hills . spent 90% of the time going up hill 9% of the time going down hill and 1 % on the flat . looks like a 100 mile Cornish ride in a day will be followed up by a few days off work afterwards . in a perverse sort of way looking forward to it .

 

[dan_bo]

I'll apologise in advance as I am about to partake in some blatant willy waving. If you don't want to witness this then I suggest you look away now.....

Just got back from doing the Evans Cycles Cheshire Ride-It long route. 82.55 miles covered in a moving time of 04:23:54 This gives an average speed of 18.75mph. I am proud to say I was only passed twice on the road.

Really enjoyed it actually and even did the optional Swiss Hill cobbled climb. The ride organisers warned not to attempt it if it was wet but you know me, can't resist a challenge. It did get pretty steep in places but the surface, while damp, wasn't a problem. The hardest part was grinding up with a 34T compact and 25T large sprocket at the rear. I crested the hill puffing like a steam train to find a group of riders having a rest. They turned and laughed when I commented that it could have been worse and then pointed up the rest of hill as it turned left and continued, I made it to the top anyway but not what I would call fun

I met my first, bona-fide Sportive Nobber!
It all started in the queue for the start line. Some guy behind me was talking at max volume, telling his mates about how they were going to monster this ride in X.Xhrs and then bragging about a crazy downhill he did sat on the cross bar like Cancellara, totally out of control, could've died but did 52mph (wow ).
When we passed the water barrel I asked him if he would hold my bike while I topped up one of my bottles and he took my bike from me like I was handing him a steaming dog turd. When I came back he pointed out that I shouldn't be wearing earphones as they were unsafe and a danger to other riders! I just said let's not have that conversation and really wanted to add why would I take advice from someone wearing yellow cycle shoes and bright pink knee length socks
At the start I let him and his mates go as I didn't want to challenge his awesomeness but within a few miles I was being held up by his group so passed and pulled away. A couple of junctions later I stopped to check the road was clear and was suddenly surrounded by him and his mates as they rode past me, into the road shouting 'clear'. How they could know it was clear I don't know because you did need to stop to check!
I then didn't see them again for a while and it was at around the 20 mile mark where 3 of them passed me again and proceeded to chain gang furiously to stay ahead. Nobber in the pink socks had passed me within inches. It had taken 3 of them chainganging for 15 miles to catch me and they had blown up trying, FAIL I passed them easily again and then saw them briefly at a feed stop where they ran up to the food table, filled their pockets then ran back to their bikes
I passed them again before reaching Alderley Edge and was just backing off and changing gears ready to climb Swiss Hill when they passed me again Thankfully this was the last time I saw him/them.

F'in Nobber, how is running across blind junctions and passing other cyclists within inches not a danger to other riders

Anyway, I did spot a cyclechat shirt and spoke to the owner, a lapsed member by the name of @cyclebum and we had a chat at a feed stop and in the carpark at the end. Unfortunately she had struggled and cut short the ride due to a few long days of work and stuff making her feel unwell

Otherwise a good ride

Lets face it Skolly, you're one of the best non-pros I've ever seen. Well done.