- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Bloody hell! A scary moment. Glad you're alright.
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
gavgav
Legendary Member
Thanks. Yes, it was the first time I’ve thought, I’ve had it here. Just lucky he looked up when he did.
I'm saving up for a green and white bike.And all done on a blue and green bike. A red and yellow bidon would have topped it off nicely.
Knightly85
Well-Known Member
So 4th day of cycling (first on new bike) I think I'm doing pretty well. I'm 34, about 100 kilos and I smoke, want to get fit and lose weight so I've started to cycle. Need to work on a better average speed and I want to hit 20 miles soon, but so far I'm proud of myself.
twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
My plan got altered today as the lane at the Farmers Arms was closed. The workforce weren't keen on me walking through. So instead I headed for Berrow to take the very under used lane from Pendock to Sledge Green. On the way I stopped to explore Old Pendock Church. Then on to Forthampton where the black and white stone cottage has always caught my eye. The Hams were quiet today but I did spot a couple of riders ahead on the climb to Woolridge. Turning at Highleadon I decided to dodge by the ugly oriental lions. They certainly are unmissable. I climbed to Brand Green where the bluebells are past their best and went by Ketford for a change. Even so I ended up in Redmarley. I got through the closed road by the mill where an old river bridge is being repaired. This meant absolutely no traffic along this stretch. I detoured by Eggs Tump but decided to head back by Castlemorton rather than Hollybush. Pleasant enough explore and changes to a standard loop. Variety is the spice. 58 smiles
AndreaJ
Veteran
It was a bit overcast today but better than yesterday’s downpour although it looks like I might get wet again commuting to work for the rest of the week. Just enough time for a short ride set off to Whixall, over the canal to Fenns Bank, back over the canal to Alkington, Hollinswood, Lower Houses, Coton, down a new route to Coton Wood, Steel Heath, onto the Whitchurch road back to Coton Abbeygreen, Waterloo, Edstaston, Highfields, Horton and back home. Bit cooler today which seems to have kept people at home, more horse riders than cyclists or walkers. 21.26 miles @15.6mph.
Rocky
Hello decadence
Blimey......I'm glad you are OK, Gav. My heart rate has doubled just reading this - wishing all the best for an uneventful next ride.
Ebike had another ebay sale trip to the Co-Op at lunchtime, pretty large parcel strapped onto the top of its pannier rack, which was also a shopping trip albeit only with 50% success.
Still sunny but north on the A61 for todays post homework ride on the Defy which was interesting in a headwind and long sleeves with bib knickers were an appropriate choice; the normal rises that are hardly noticed took on a whole new aspect while the decent towards South Stainley was unique in definitely not requiring a touch on the brake lever for the following bend. West from Wormald Green through Markington and up Hob Green and Drovers Hills slightly slower and slightly faster respectively than last time. For a change continued west to Bishop Thornton; a village still with a farm in it.
Then down the decent to Shaw Mills, which unfortunately ends with an eighty degree bend to truncate speed far more than 30mph sign just before it indicates.
South west progress along Law Lane was interrupted by a 4wD diagonally across the road, then down Whipley Bank . On the subsequent climb away from Scarah Bridge over a beck towards Ripley my suspicion that the rear derailleur cable had stretched came to fruition with the chain slipping momentarily over the cassette. There were a few cyclists about although acknowledgments in any form were pretty scarce today.
16.83 miles @ 13.5mph avg 1047ft climbed, bringing up 400 lockdown miles.
Still sunny but north on the A61 for todays post homework ride on the Defy which was interesting in a headwind and long sleeves with bib knickers were an appropriate choice; the normal rises that are hardly noticed took on a whole new aspect while the decent towards South Stainley was unique in definitely not requiring a touch on the brake lever for the following bend. West from Wormald Green through Markington and up Hob Green and Drovers Hills slightly slower and slightly faster respectively than last time. For a change continued west to Bishop Thornton; a village still with a farm in it.
Then down the decent to Shaw Mills, which unfortunately ends with an eighty degree bend to truncate speed far more than 30mph sign just before it indicates.
South west progress along Law Lane was interrupted by a 4wD diagonally across the road, then down Whipley Bank . On the subsequent climb away from Scarah Bridge over a beck towards Ripley my suspicion that the rear derailleur cable had stretched came to fruition with the chain slipping momentarily over the cassette. There were a few cyclists about although acknowledgments in any form were pretty scarce today.
16.83 miles @ 13.5mph avg 1047ft climbed, bringing up 400 lockdown miles.
Last edited:
gavgav
Legendary Member
Thank you. Here’s hoping the next one is event free! Good to see you are back out riding again as well
Jenkins
Legendary Member
- Location
- Felixstowe
One last warm and partly sunny day before the weather looks like it goes back to normal tomorrow, so out with the Bootzipper and another go at how far I can go on a compact route without crossing my own tracks.
This started off with the track that heads down to the back of Felixstowe Dock, then up again and over the A14 and onto the road to the seafront. Taking the road all the way up to Felixstowe Ferry and then off road again alongside the River Deben on the bank before heading back inland on a track to Falkenham past Kings Fleet which used to be part of the river - these are classified as public footpaths so legally shouldn't be ridden, but they are quite wide and not that busy so it's easy to give walkers plenty of space. (The pictures are from yesterday's walk on the same paths, but in sunnier conditions)
Heading out of Falkenham I took a new (to me) bridleway which apparently is called Drunkard's Lane which comes out at the top of Kirton so I headed back down and took the back lanes back towards Trimley where I picked up regularly used tracks & roads back into Felixstowe one side of the A14, then out again to Trimley the other side of the A14, over the rail line and the series of tracks & paths that eventually brought me out less than a mile from home with 29.5 miles on the Garmin. Therefore it was necessary to do a bit of a loop round the estrate behind Trimley school to get in the necessary distance for a 50k ride. With a bit more planning I could probably do the whole 50k without this loop and therefore no crossing of my track.
In the end the whole ride was done within a 3.25 mile radius of home which is some going!
This started off with the track that heads down to the back of Felixstowe Dock, then up again and over the A14 and onto the road to the seafront. Taking the road all the way up to Felixstowe Ferry and then off road again alongside the River Deben on the bank before heading back inland on a track to Falkenham past Kings Fleet which used to be part of the river - these are classified as public footpaths so legally shouldn't be ridden, but they are quite wide and not that busy so it's easy to give walkers plenty of space. (The pictures are from yesterday's walk on the same paths, but in sunnier conditions)
Heading out of Falkenham I took a new (to me) bridleway which apparently is called Drunkard's Lane which comes out at the top of Kirton so I headed back down and took the back lanes back towards Trimley where I picked up regularly used tracks & roads back into Felixstowe one side of the A14, then out again to Trimley the other side of the A14, over the rail line and the series of tracks & paths that eventually brought me out less than a mile from home with 29.5 miles on the Garmin. Therefore it was necessary to do a bit of a loop round the estrate behind Trimley school to get in the necessary distance for a 50k ride. With a bit more planning I could probably do the whole 50k without this loop and therefore no crossing of my track.
In the end the whole ride was done within a 3.25 mile radius of home which is some going!
MonsterEnergy
Well-Known Member
Thought that was pretty good for a 15 year old. I was quite chuffed with myself. It helps and encourages me a bit when i see other road cyclists go past me and smile. That really helps me to keep pushing on and doing my best to get the average speed up.
Knightly85
Well-Known Member
Not a massive ride today but it was wet and windy (My first time in these conditions). I think I need to be some bike cloths for this weather, I'm freezing.
Postie arrived mid afternoon with the credit card bills 
and a new cycling jersey
– a blue long sleeve Altura one for all of £16 inc postage so the kit for this afternoons post homework ride in what initially was sunny blue sky but quickly changed to overcast conditions with an easterly was confirmed, along with a baselayer top and a pair of bib longs that have hardly been used due to having a wide blue panel down the outside leg on them and no obvious matching top other than feeling very patriotic with a red jersey and white helmet. Also forgot they are seriously challenged modesty wise
, but all neighbours were inside as a I wheeled the bike past the car. So despite a discrete departure a rapid return occurred as I had forgot the water bottle
A simple ride, Swinsty clockwise via Oaker Banks and Penny Pot in both directions. The outbound climb of the long middle Oaker Bank was hampered by a mountain bike ahead, in normality a simple overtake but with the necessary social distancing on a 60mph B road an uphill overtake was a risk not worth taking
The easterly aided the fastest ride of the year so far along Penny Pot with the odd bit of moisture in the breeze, then south on the B6451 I was slightly puzzled why the farmer had loaded the entire flock of sheep in one field into a trailer bar two lambs who were bleating at maximum volume
Turning onto Smithsons Lane for its decent down to reservoir I came to a halt as a sign indicated a one day road closure, a retrieval of the phone from the back pocket confirmed the day in question being tomorrow. Suspect this road will now have to be avoided for some time as it is surface dressing season. The reservoir seems strange devoid seemingly of people walking around it although two cars parked on the road implied not entirely devoid. (Photo slightly affected by a spot of rain)
A new PR on the climb away
and then from Spinksburn Lane local landmarks dominate the horizon
The clouds were now thickening and the moisture become more prevalent in the now head wind back along Penny Pot, which did prove the waterproof qualities of the new jersey. 15.96miles @ 13.6mph avg 723ft climbed.
and a new cycling jersey – a blue long sleeve Altura one for all of £16 inc postage so the kit for this afternoons post homework ride in what initially was sunny blue sky but quickly changed to overcast conditions with an easterly was confirmed, along with a baselayer top and a pair of bib longs that have hardly been used due to having a wide blue panel down the outside leg on them and no obvious matching top other than feeling very patriotic with a red jersey and white helmet. Also forgot they are seriously challenged modesty wise, but all neighbours were inside as a I wheeled the bike past the car. So despite a discrete departure a rapid return occurred as I had forgot the water bottleA simple ride, Swinsty clockwise via Oaker Banks and Penny Pot in both directions. The outbound climb of the long middle Oaker Bank was hampered by a mountain bike ahead, in normality a simple overtake but with the necessary social distancing on a 60mph B road an uphill overtake was a risk not worth taking
The easterly aided the fastest ride of the year so far along Penny Pot with the odd bit of moisture in the breeze, then south on the B6451 I was slightly puzzled why the farmer had loaded the entire flock of sheep in one field into a trailer bar two lambs who were bleating at maximum volume
Turning onto Smithsons Lane for its decent down to reservoir I came to a halt as a sign indicated a one day road closure, a retrieval of the phone from the back pocket confirmed the day in question being tomorrow. Suspect this road will now have to be avoided for some time as it is surface dressing season. The reservoir seems strange devoid seemingly of people walking around it although two cars parked on the road implied not entirely devoid. (Photo slightly affected by a spot of rain)
A new PR on the climb away
and then from Spinksburn Lane local landmarks dominate the horizon
The clouds were now thickening and the moisture become more prevalent in the now head wind back along Penny Pot, which did prove the waterproof qualities of the new jersey. 15.96miles @ 13.6mph avg 723ft climbed.
Last edited:
Yup, it was grey this morning, for some reason I still wanted to go for a ride. Even after me and the geared bike entered the great outdoors to find it wet as well as grey, no problem, I just wanted to pedal.
After the diversion to miss a difficult right turn, the bike and I crossed the river at Crown Point and began the ride up to Oakwood. This seemed to go easily this morning, the next climb was a lot more effort but again it felt less steep somehow. Half expected to discover a howling tailwind when I had to pause to turn onto Red Hall Lane, but all was calm.
The drop down Sandhills was fun, through Thorner and just at the end of Carr Lane a white van caught up. That’s OK thought I, Milner Lane is my next turn. Hmmpff! The van followed me, and waited till the road had widened enough before passing me, there is good. Up that sharp little hill to the second Thorner Lane of the morning, turn right to stay on Milner Lane. And turn right again onto Holme Farm Lane. Which changes its name soon, Thorner Lane again, and goes all the way to Bramham. Navigate through there, to ride through Clifford.
Boston Spa next, ride along High Street as far as Bridge Road and cross the River Wharfe. Turn right in Thorpe Arch and ride along to Walton, just the western end of the village on the way to the B1224. Turn left to go to Wetherby. The other way is York, a little further than I want to ride today.
Wetherby was quiet, as indeed was everywhere else. I decided on the straightforward route back to Leeds, the A58. There are alternatives along the way, Collingham has Wattle Syke, one end of Jewitt Lane and the other stretch of the A659 to Harewood. Bardsey has a crossroads and so does Scarcroft. Abundant choices, and I rode the easy way. Back south of the river, the Aire this time, home and a hot shower waiting after thirty seven really enjoyable miles. A lot to be happy about.
Where the wheels took me,
After the diversion to miss a difficult right turn, the bike and I crossed the river at Crown Point and began the ride up to Oakwood. This seemed to go easily this morning, the next climb was a lot more effort but again it felt less steep somehow. Half expected to discover a howling tailwind when I had to pause to turn onto Red Hall Lane, but all was calm.
The drop down Sandhills was fun, through Thorner and just at the end of Carr Lane a white van caught up. That’s OK thought I, Milner Lane is my next turn. Hmmpff! The van followed me, and waited till the road had widened enough before passing me, there is good. Up that sharp little hill to the second Thorner Lane of the morning, turn right to stay on Milner Lane. And turn right again onto Holme Farm Lane. Which changes its name soon, Thorner Lane again, and goes all the way to Bramham. Navigate through there, to ride through Clifford.
Boston Spa next, ride along High Street as far as Bridge Road and cross the River Wharfe. Turn right in Thorpe Arch and ride along to Walton, just the western end of the village on the way to the B1224. Turn left to go to Wetherby. The other way is York, a little further than I want to ride today.
Wetherby was quiet, as indeed was everywhere else. I decided on the straightforward route back to Leeds, the A58. There are alternatives along the way, Collingham has Wattle Syke, one end of Jewitt Lane and the other stretch of the A659 to Harewood. Bardsey has a crossroads and so does Scarcroft. Abundant choices, and I rode the easy way. Back south of the river, the Aire this time, home and a hot shower waiting after thirty seven really enjoyable miles. A lot to be happy about.
Where the wheels took me,
