Donger
Convoi Exceptionnel
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
So sorry to hear that, @galaxy. Glad to hear you got out for a ride to clear your heads. I have always found cycling the very best medicine at the bleakest of times.
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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gavgav
Legendary Member
An evening ride was arranged with @Rickshaw Phil, so after logging off from work I donned 3 layers, walked out of the house and went straight back in for a 4th layer and buff, as it was properly cold out there, but nice late sunshine, even if it was blinding me most of the way up to Phil’s, being so low in the sky.
We then set off up Lyth Hill, where we braved the muddy and flooded section off road, for the first time in a long while, for me. We paused at the top, for beautiful views in the clear evening sky, with the sun beginning to set over the hills.
We then descended towards Exfords Green and along to Stapleton, calling in to see dad for 5 minutes. It was then back out to Gonsal, Condover and King St, where just before getting there we discovered wet roads. Indeed they continued all the way home, so there must have been a fairly big shower that we’d completely missed thankfully.
We had a impatient Mercedes driver, with those x-ray glasses that enable you to see around blind corners, come past us on the Betton Abbots road, pillock.
Thoroughly enjoyable 15.5 ish miles, only approximate as on getting home I found Strava had paused itself after we stopped for the photos earlier and hadn’t bothered to restart. I imagine something to do with upgrading to IOS 15 yesterday
We then set off up Lyth Hill, where we braved the muddy and flooded section off road, for the first time in a long while, for me. We paused at the top, for beautiful views in the clear evening sky, with the sun beginning to set over the hills.
We then descended towards Exfords Green and along to Stapleton, calling in to see dad for 5 minutes. It was then back out to Gonsal, Condover and King St, where just before getting there we discovered wet roads. Indeed they continued all the way home, so there must have been a fairly big shower that we’d completely missed thankfully.
We had a impatient Mercedes driver, with those x-ray glasses that enable you to see around blind corners, come past us on the Betton Abbots road, pillock.
Thoroughly enjoyable 15.5 ish miles, only approximate as on getting home I found Strava had paused itself after we stopped for the photos earlier and hadn’t bothered to restart. I imagine something to do with upgrading to IOS 15 yesterday
cwskas
Über Member
- Location
- Central Texas
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Once again @gavgav has got in before me with his write up so not much I can add. The views with the setting sun were great from Lyth Hill. It did feel pretty chilly but I think I judged layers right as it was comfortable once moving. The wet roads were quite surprising and I suspect that if we had done the route the other way round we would have got quite damp, so we definitely got the best of the weather.
I recorded 15.5 miles at 11.4 mph average.
My snaps from Lyth Hill:
I recorded 15.5 miles at 11.4 mph average.
My snaps from Lyth Hill:
bluenotebob
Veteran
- Location
- France
Bike into the van and I drove to Mauron – I was cycling south on the V3 Voie Verte just after 1pm. I only saw 3 people in the first 18km – getting out on the bike at lunchtime in France is perfect if you like a quiet ride. Storm Aurore had ripped through here on Wednesday evening and plenty of branches were strewn across the Voie Verte, which made for slow going. Three whole trees were down – two of the three had gone when I did the return trip later in the afternoon.
Over the canal at le Pont des-deux-Rivières then off the Voie Verte on a quiet road which skirts the Oust flood plain. I joined the Nantes-to-Brest towpath at le Roc St André and headed south for a few kilometres to the Pont de Bagotais. Back onto the Voie Verte – heading north now – then I branched off at la Chapelle Caro and followed the towpath again round to Montertelot. Time for a quick snack then back onto the Voie Verte at le Pont des-deux-Rivières, and north back to the van via Ploërmel and Loyat.
66km this afternoon and one of my most enjoyable rides in October.
The tranquil River Oust, south of le Roc St André, with some autumn colours just starting
The riverside at Montertelot. One of my favourite places to stop when I’m on the canal towpath – it can be heaving in July and August but it was much more pleasant today
Over the canal at le Pont des-deux-Rivières then off the Voie Verte on a quiet road which skirts the Oust flood plain. I joined the Nantes-to-Brest towpath at le Roc St André and headed south for a few kilometres to the Pont de Bagotais. Back onto the Voie Verte – heading north now – then I branched off at la Chapelle Caro and followed the towpath again round to Montertelot. Time for a quick snack then back onto the Voie Verte at le Pont des-deux-Rivières, and north back to the van via Ploërmel and Loyat.
66km this afternoon and one of my most enjoyable rides in October.
The tranquil River Oust, south of le Roc St André, with some autumn colours just starting
The riverside at Montertelot. One of my favourite places to stop when I’m on the canal towpath – it can be heaving in July and August but it was much more pleasant today
galaxy
Guru
- Location
- Middleton On The Hill
Finnished work early yesterday. Managed to squeeze in a hour, just local lanes but so enjoyable. Albeit mad Tractor driver came at me very quickly. Lucky there was a gate way I could pop into. He did stop and say sorry Fella. I didn’t see you till you were in the gateway. No damage done.
Andy in Germany
Guru
- Location
- Rottenburg am Neckar
I didn't have a headwind yesterday, which made a change.
Of course this morning when I don't have to ride anywhere there's no wind whatsoever.
Of course this morning when I don't have to ride anywhere there's no wind whatsoever.
This month has been a struggle. Not been on the bike for over a month - was a bit unwell earlier in the month, and felt very weak afterwards. And a serious lack of motivation. I'd done a fair bit of fettling to the bike - new tyres, mudguards back on for the winter - but hadn't even taken it on a test run round the block.
Planned to get out for a ride this morning, planned to be out for 8.30. Got the bike out of the garage, checked the tyres. All OK. It's a bit breezy. Thought maybe I should postpone. I couldn't find my water bottle. Another reason to postpone. The gasman is coming to service the boiler in the afternoon. Another reason to.... realised that I was procrastinating. I really just didn't feel like riding, but knew it'd be better when I got out. I'll do a short ride - 8k to the country park, then back.... get me back into the way of it.
After 10 by the time I got started. Slow start - it really was quite windy, and I turned into the wind when I left the house - makes the return trip easier. Didn't really enjoy the first mile or two, but once off the main road, and onto quieter roads with hedges to give shelter, it was better.
8k, I'm at the gates of the country park, but kept going. Might even have had the glimmer of a smile!
Through Irvine town centre, out the other side, passing an industrial estate, stopped for a quick coffee. Normally I'd save that for the half way mark, and 11k seemed too early.
It's a coffee shop I use regularly - a converted container on an industrial unit. They serve good coffee, cakes, sandwiches, soup, burgers etc. But the Saturday staff maybe didn't have the same experience as the weekday team. "Espresso? Is that just an ordinary coffee with milk?" "No, that's an Americano with milk. Espresso is the small strong one, black". "Ah, the wee toty one". A great west-of-scotland word. After the lesson, the coffee was fine.
Back on the road, passing through an industrial estate, spied a brand new path. Nicely tarmacced and kerbed, no signs. And obviously complete - no sign of any building works. I wonder where that goes? Followed it for maybe 500m, towards the dual carriageway, where it went into a bridge under the road, then ended!
Looks like it'll eventually link up with the new housing on the other side of the dual carriageway, so will be a useful link.
Back to the main road, and eventually I linked up with NCN7. At one time, the national cycle route took a diversion off the main road, through a woodland area and wildlife reserve. A pleasant ride, but not really recommended in bad weather. The main NCN route now stays on the main road, but I decided to take the old route - hadn't been there for ages. Saw plenty of wildlife - some birds of prey, and a squirrel!
On to troon, took the path beside the golf courses, and to Prestwick airport.
I'd heard there was increased traffic at Prestwick recently, and it's going to be busy over the next few weeks during COP26. Two large military planes at the end of the runway - one was Kuwait Air Forces and the other didn't show up on Flightradar - so must be top secret!
Watched them take off, then turned back for home. Wind behind me now, so a good pace. Along the Troon golf course path, followed the main road to Irvine, Kilwinning and home. Got to the house, looked at Strava, 49.8k on the clock. Couldn't leave it there, so a quick spin "round the block" to round it up.
Despite the reluctant start, a very pleasant morning.
Planned to get out for a ride this morning, planned to be out for 8.30. Got the bike out of the garage, checked the tyres. All OK. It's a bit breezy. Thought maybe I should postpone. I couldn't find my water bottle. Another reason to postpone. The gasman is coming to service the boiler in the afternoon. Another reason to.... realised that I was procrastinating. I really just didn't feel like riding, but knew it'd be better when I got out. I'll do a short ride - 8k to the country park, then back.... get me back into the way of it.
After 10 by the time I got started. Slow start - it really was quite windy, and I turned into the wind when I left the house - makes the return trip easier. Didn't really enjoy the first mile or two, but once off the main road, and onto quieter roads with hedges to give shelter, it was better.
8k, I'm at the gates of the country park, but kept going. Might even have had the glimmer of a smile!
Through Irvine town centre, out the other side, passing an industrial estate, stopped for a quick coffee. Normally I'd save that for the half way mark, and 11k seemed too early.
It's a coffee shop I use regularly - a converted container on an industrial unit. They serve good coffee, cakes, sandwiches, soup, burgers etc. But the Saturday staff maybe didn't have the same experience as the weekday team. "Espresso? Is that just an ordinary coffee with milk?" "No, that's an Americano with milk. Espresso is the small strong one, black". "Ah, the wee toty one". A great west-of-scotland word. After the lesson, the coffee was fine.
Back on the road, passing through an industrial estate, spied a brand new path. Nicely tarmacced and kerbed, no signs. And obviously complete - no sign of any building works. I wonder where that goes? Followed it for maybe 500m, towards the dual carriageway, where it went into a bridge under the road, then ended!
Looks like it'll eventually link up with the new housing on the other side of the dual carriageway, so will be a useful link.
Back to the main road, and eventually I linked up with NCN7. At one time, the national cycle route took a diversion off the main road, through a woodland area and wildlife reserve. A pleasant ride, but not really recommended in bad weather. The main NCN route now stays on the main road, but I decided to take the old route - hadn't been there for ages. Saw plenty of wildlife - some birds of prey, and a squirrel!
On to troon, took the path beside the golf courses, and to Prestwick airport.
I'd heard there was increased traffic at Prestwick recently, and it's going to be busy over the next few weeks during COP26. Two large military planes at the end of the runway - one was Kuwait Air Forces and the other didn't show up on Flightradar - so must be top secret!
Watched them take off, then turned back for home. Wind behind me now, so a good pace. Along the Troon golf course path, followed the main road to Irvine, Kilwinning and home. Got to the house, looked at Strava, 49.8k on the clock. Couldn't leave it there, so a quick spin "round the block" to round it up.
Despite the reluctant start, a very pleasant morning.
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A standard autumnal day, breezy, cool and occasionally drizzly but good to get out for 42 miles with nearly 1000m of climbing. Headed up the Lune Valley to Arkholme, a so called Thankful Village as all the men who went to fight in WW1 came back. Climbed up the limestone and through Dalton woods before a series of descents to Milnthorpe and sea level. blustery ride along the Kent estuary to Arnside. Patronised the bakery and enjoyed sausage roll and flapjack by the shore. Was thwartedby a road closure after Silverdale so had to climb Warton Crag. Received a text from GP half round inviting me to a walk in flu jab clinic so fitted that in on the way home. When the nurse asked if I’d come far I provoked anincredulous conversation which didn’t go down well with the queue behind me.
Spiderweb
Not So Special One
- Location
- North Yorkshire
Out at 11am with David & Suzanne from our village. Pretty windy today so with wind from the south we headed south so a head wind for the first half and blown home the second.
First puncture for ages, maybe a pinch flat?
36.5 miles with an average of 15.1 mph.
First puncture for ages, maybe a pinch flat?
36.5 miles with an average of 15.1 mph.
Really did not like the look of waving trees opposite from the occasional gusts in the wind so ebike to Morrisons instead of hillier territory as planned for the Defy. Maybe caused by a Wahoo update but speed readings were crazy and I quickly stopped to delete the senors and reacquire them which resolved the situation.
I also quickly realised what sounded like a rubbing brake disc was actually my helmet catching the top of the Hump backpack.
Had to do a U turn, or rather a 4 point turn given the lack of width, as I found the cycle track being dug up without any warning sign in advance. The alternate being a way I often use bouncing off a path across some grass to another path but as that has been heavily used as a consequence the grass was now churned up mud. Some matting had been laid as an alternative off the end of a turning head which cushioned the kerb but surely they could have found a plank or similar.
Down the Starbeck branch of NCN67 and up the steep ramp to Kingsley Road in order do a left turn on right turn off the A59 rather than the right turn that would be necessary if I had continued to the end.
Two cartons of fruit juice and two bananas acquired and back on a route that was in part a battle against the wind even with the motor working fully. 8.98 miles
I also quickly realised what sounded like a rubbing brake disc was actually my helmet catching the top of the Hump backpack.
Had to do a U turn, or rather a 4 point turn given the lack of width, as I found the cycle track being dug up without any warning sign in advance. The alternate being a way I often use bouncing off a path across some grass to another path but as that has been heavily used as a consequence the grass was now churned up mud. Some matting had been laid as an alternative off the end of a turning head which cushioned the kerb but surely they could have found a plank or similar.
Down the Starbeck branch of NCN67 and up the steep ramp to Kingsley Road in order do a left turn on right turn off the A59 rather than the right turn that would be necessary if I had continued to the end.
Two cartons of fruit juice and two bananas acquired and back on a route that was in part a battle against the wind even with the motor working fully. 8.98 miles
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Ian H
Ancient randonneur
Having said I was off the treadmill and wasn't going to bother, I set off on Thursday to complete my SR series. Having already done the 200, 300, & 400, there only remained the 600. In October. Ho hum. The lashing rain a short while after I set off was not unbearably pleasant, but it faded to sunshine during the morning and the rest of the ride was dry if sometimes cold. I'd booked a hotel near Aylesbury at around 340km and got there just at midnight. Six hours of sleep left me on the time limit and, for some reason, my legs weren't playing as well as the previous day. Also the second part was somewhat hillier. Still, I ground on, legs and shoulders aching, and finished the route about midnight, wearing all my clothes. Job done and I can relax for the rest of October.
Ian H
Ancient randonneur
And I stamped your card at Churchinford, ably assisted by Jono who was in charge of the pen.
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
Just a little 16 miles this afternoon. ‘Twas blustery and dull.
Very nice to be out all the same.
https://www.strava.com/activities/6155151401
Very nice to be out all the same.
https://www.strava.com/activities/6155151401
CanucksTraveller
Macho Business Donkey Wrestler
- Location
- Hertfordshire
Apologies for a long hiatus from "your ride today", it's so lovely to come back to it and see so many wonderful new pics and evocative accounts of rides. We'll done everyone, this thread is amazing.
Just a local leisure ride for me today, nothing serious. Just a dozen or so miles around some of the local leafy lanes, and then into town for some shopping. In town I went to the pub and had a couple of ales, then rode home. It was utterly lovely.
Just a local leisure ride for me today, nothing serious. Just a dozen or so miles around some of the local leafy lanes, and then into town for some shopping. In town I went to the pub and had a couple of ales, then rode home. It was utterly lovely.
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