Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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A shorter ride planned for today on the Defy, which conveniently coincided with the need to await a delivery. A59-B6161-A61 start to the ride. Cyclists heading in the opposite direction included quadruple leg power for a tandem climbing into Killinghall. Turned off the A61 to Nidd and then onto the B6165 with another sign of spring; lambs frolicking in a field as I headed up grade. Down into Scotton and the assumed Banksie was still on the wall of the Guy Fawkes pub.
Through Lingerfield and up the climb out of Farnham, just as I crested the summit the sound of jet engines could be heard; the Red Arrows were flying north but were out of sight.
Eventually across the A6055 at Ferrensby and onto Arkendale ; over the A1(M), briefly on the A168 and then the lumpy road bypassing Marton cum Grafton to reach the B6265. First southerly turning off brought me to the second word ABC of Branton Green, immediately before Great Ouseburn where I paused for a snack.
Back to the B6265 via Little Ouseburn and then the second word ABC of Green Hammerton.
Beyond the A59 was crossed eventually and a narrow lane came to a very utilitarian level crossing.
The Knaresborough-York railway has been “upgraded” with trains now half hourly instead of hourly. After ones passed in each direction instead of the gates swinging open automatically, a railway worker emerged from a cabin and manually opened them; presumably more upgrading to come.
West through Kirk Hammerton and then south to Cattal where I took another snack break in daffodil heavy surroundings.
Continued westwards through Hunsingore and back across the A1(M), where upon the sun vanished, and then south on the bridleway paralleling the A168. Turning to join the road west from Cowthorpe a cyclist with what looked like a rain jacket on passed in the opposite direction. Moisture was felt in the air momentarily and I decided against continuing west to Spofforth and then home via Pannal and instead followed the tail end of yesterdays ride through Little Ribston and along the Nidd Gorge at Knaresborough. That was unusually quite with the normally chaotic part of Waterside virtually deserted.
Up the A59 hill using the cycletrack by the time I was able to rejoin the vehicular carriagway what had been a clear road was full of standing traffic; turned down Bilton Hall Drive as a variation to yesterdays use of the Starbeck Branch. Again skipped straight through the TTLs once I had rejoined the A59 in north Harrogate only to get caught further on by another set which had sprung up.
37.85 miles 1726ft climbed, 14.2mph avg
Through Lingerfield and up the climb out of Farnham, just as I crested the summit the sound of jet engines could be heard; the Red Arrows were flying north but were out of sight.
Eventually across the A6055 at Ferrensby and onto Arkendale ; over the A1(M), briefly on the A168 and then the lumpy road bypassing Marton cum Grafton to reach the B6265. First southerly turning off brought me to the second word ABC of Branton Green, immediately before Great Ouseburn where I paused for a snack.
Back to the B6265 via Little Ouseburn and then the second word ABC of Green Hammerton.
Beyond the A59 was crossed eventually and a narrow lane came to a very utilitarian level crossing.
The Knaresborough-York railway has been “upgraded” with trains now half hourly instead of hourly. After ones passed in each direction instead of the gates swinging open automatically, a railway worker emerged from a cabin and manually opened them; presumably more upgrading to come.
West through Kirk Hammerton and then south to Cattal where I took another snack break in daffodil heavy surroundings.
Continued westwards through Hunsingore and back across the A1(M), where upon the sun vanished, and then south on the bridleway paralleling the A168. Turning to join the road west from Cowthorpe a cyclist with what looked like a rain jacket on passed in the opposite direction. Moisture was felt in the air momentarily and I decided against continuing west to Spofforth and then home via Pannal and instead followed the tail end of yesterdays ride through Little Ribston and along the Nidd Gorge at Knaresborough. That was unusually quite with the normally chaotic part of Waterside virtually deserted.
Up the A59 hill using the cycletrack by the time I was able to rejoin the vehicular carriagway what had been a clear road was full of standing traffic; turned down Bilton Hall Drive as a variation to yesterdays use of the Starbeck Branch. Again skipped straight through the TTLs once I had rejoined the A59 in north Harrogate only to get caught further on by another set which had sprung up.
37.85 miles 1726ft climbed, 14.2mph avg
Last edited:
cwskas
Über Member
- Location
- Central Texas
I really like the daffodils and the other new growth this time year!
Richard A Thackeray
Legendary Member
Fri 26th
Just to work & back
Left there at 17:15 today
Decided to ride home along the (Aire & Calder Navigation) Canal, from Harrisons Bridge, which meant a stretch of the 'Eastern Relief Road' (aka, going to be part of a h-u-g-e housing estate!)
I'd normally turn off onto Nellie Spindler Drive (1)
Once on the A&CNC, it was back to ‘Stanley Ferry’ (& its Grade 1 listed Aquaduct), then upstream along the (River) Calder, on the old railway embankment (2)
I rode northwards; https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6493071
Crossing the Trash Screen Bridge; https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6918430
Then heading south-east along the Calder into NewLands Woods, passing through where NewLands Hall stood, & the (remaining, but ruinous) stable block; https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2416200
As seen here (3)
Looking to my left, in the direction I came from
It was very dry today, all the way along
At the exit from the woods, there can be a puddle/ruts, caused by agricultural traffic turning, that's deep enoiugh to cover the pedals at the bottom of the stroke....................... which also contains the diluted delights that run out of the cow-shed
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellie_Spindler
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-40976974
https://inews.co.uk/news/long-reads...ied-full-military-honours-passchendaele-81359
2. I ride along the site of the line, disappearing into the distance; https://www.outwoodcommunityvideo.co.uk/stanley-remembered-1/tom-puddings-at-stanley.html
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3511340
https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101261690-stanley-ferry-aqueduct-normanton#.Yj4Ftk3P3IU
3. The first B&W photograph, shows the layout; https://stanleyhistoryonline.com/newland-estate
https://britishlistedbuildings.co.u...hall-newland-with-woodhouse-moor#.Yj4Eak3P3IU
EDIT @ 21:43
Not far into this piece, I mention the 'Trash Screen Bridge', this post shows it post 'flood' water, & at the bottom of the page, the Calder as it's rising
The entry into the woods, in wetter weather, and approximately where I stood to take the trio above
That's about my limit for riding the CGR through that picture was taken on a running day
View: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10208519165368919&set=a.10207546371369677
Just to work & back
Left there at 17:15 today
Decided to ride home along the (Aire & Calder Navigation) Canal, from Harrisons Bridge, which meant a stretch of the 'Eastern Relief Road' (aka, going to be part of a h-u-g-e housing estate!)
I'd normally turn off onto Nellie Spindler Drive (1)
Once on the A&CNC, it was back to ‘Stanley Ferry’ (& its Grade 1 listed Aquaduct), then upstream along the (River) Calder, on the old railway embankment (2)
I rode northwards; https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6493071
Crossing the Trash Screen Bridge; https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/6918430
Then heading south-east along the Calder into NewLands Woods, passing through where NewLands Hall stood, & the (remaining, but ruinous) stable block; https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2416200
As seen here (3)
Looking to my left, in the direction I came from
It was very dry today, all the way along
At the exit from the woods, there can be a puddle/ruts, caused by agricultural traffic turning, that's deep enoiugh to cover the pedals at the bottom of the stroke....................... which also contains the diluted delights that run out of the cow-shed
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nellie_Spindler
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-40976974
https://inews.co.uk/news/long-reads...ied-full-military-honours-passchendaele-81359
2. I ride along the site of the line, disappearing into the distance; https://www.outwoodcommunityvideo.co.uk/stanley-remembered-1/tom-puddings-at-stanley.html
https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3511340
https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101261690-stanley-ferry-aqueduct-normanton#.Yj4Ftk3P3IU
3. The first B&W photograph, shows the layout; https://stanleyhistoryonline.com/newland-estate
https://britishlistedbuildings.co.u...hall-newland-with-woodhouse-moor#.Yj4Eak3P3IU
EDIT @ 21:43
Not far into this piece, I mention the 'Trash Screen Bridge', this post shows it post 'flood' water, & at the bottom of the page, the Calder as it's rising
The entry into the woods, in wetter weather, and approximately where I stood to take the trio above
That's about my limit for riding the CGR through that picture was taken on a running day
View: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=10208519165368919&set=a.10207546371369677
Last edited:
Spiderweb
Not So Special One
- Location
- North Yorkshire
An extended ride home from work. Fabulous weather, could have worn bib shorts and a short sleeved top but had to make do with 3/4’s and long sleeves after the cooler morning commute. Just over 28 miles with an average of 16.5 mph.
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
35 miles in the sunshine with a stop for a quick coffee at 20 , struggling still with my shoulder which is putting a serious downer on the fun of the ride
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
I have been taking arm and leg warmers to work and sometimes wear my windproof if it's really nippy then bung them in the pannier for the ride home
Glow worm
Legendary Member
- Location
- Near Newmarket
Back in north Norfolk for a few days. Day off today, so turned a ride to the barbers in Walsingham to a sunny 20 mile circuit.
First the long deserted village of Egmere. All that remains is the church ruins.
After a quick cut of what’s left of my hair, had a little explore of Wereham Iron Age fort.
Incredible place. There’s 2 defensive walls. Really glad I stopped off to take a look.
Wells was full of people, so I hot footed on past through Holkham.
Stopped for a while under my favourite tree- a 400 year old (give or take!) oak. I’ve ‘known’ this tree all my life and always stop by to say hello. It’s looking a bit threadbare these days - I know the feeling.
Another day here tomorrow before the ride back to Newmarket on Sunday.
First the long deserted village of Egmere. All that remains is the church ruins.
After a quick cut of what’s left of my hair, had a little explore of Wereham Iron Age fort.
Incredible place. There’s 2 defensive walls. Really glad I stopped off to take a look.
Wells was full of people, so I hot footed on past through Holkham.
Stopped for a while under my favourite tree- a 400 year old (give or take!) oak. I’ve ‘known’ this tree all my life and always stop by to say hello. It’s looking a bit threadbare these days - I know the feeling.
Another day here tomorrow before the ride back to Newmarket on Sunday.
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HumpTdumpty
HumpTdumpty
- Location
- Uk
gavgav
Legendary Member
What a beautiful Saturday morning, perfect cycling conditions, with light winds, sunshine and pleasantly warm, once the early chill wore off. Shorts were out again and just a light jacket required for the first half of the ride.
I set off along the cycle paths to Heathgates, then along Whitchurch Rd, through Sundorne and onto the old canal path, to Uffington. I then joined the roads to Upton Magna and climbed up East Haughmond, before enjoying the long straight descent to Somerwood and Rodington Heath.
The road back round towards Upton Magna was as rough as ever and even with the dry couple of weeks, the remnants of the deep flood are still there, but it’s parted enough to use the dry slot in the middle at least.
Approaching the narrow climb, I spotted 2 horses approaching and so paused to let them pass. 2 lovely ladies riding them, who stopped for a chat and explained that the one horse had developed a tendency to be spooked by bikes, particularly during lockdown when there were less cars and more bikes on the road. They’d been trying to get him over it, by stopping and talking to cyclists. He was beautifully behaved today, never took his eye off me, but seemed happy and it was a lovely encounter.
From Upton Magna again, I followed the Pelham Rd to Berwick Wharf and then out onto the rat run to Atcham, which wasn’t bad today, then a pause on the old bridge, where 3 paddle boarders were out on the river. They are in the far distance of this shot, but difficult to see.
I took the road to Cross Houses, which was quiet and then a short section on the busy A458, before joining lanes to Berrington. I stopped to see if a runner was ok, as she was having a coughing fit, but she said she was and had swallowed a fly
I continued on to King Street crossroads and then Betton Abbots, before arriving home with exactly 22 miles on the clock, at exactly 12mph avg! Really enjoyed that
I set off along the cycle paths to Heathgates, then along Whitchurch Rd, through Sundorne and onto the old canal path, to Uffington. I then joined the roads to Upton Magna and climbed up East Haughmond, before enjoying the long straight descent to Somerwood and Rodington Heath.
The road back round towards Upton Magna was as rough as ever and even with the dry couple of weeks, the remnants of the deep flood are still there, but it’s parted enough to use the dry slot in the middle at least.
Approaching the narrow climb, I spotted 2 horses approaching and so paused to let them pass. 2 lovely ladies riding them, who stopped for a chat and explained that the one horse had developed a tendency to be spooked by bikes, particularly during lockdown when there were less cars and more bikes on the road. They’d been trying to get him over it, by stopping and talking to cyclists. He was beautifully behaved today, never took his eye off me, but seemed happy and it was a lovely encounter.
From Upton Magna again, I followed the Pelham Rd to Berwick Wharf and then out onto the rat run to Atcham, which wasn’t bad today, then a pause on the old bridge, where 3 paddle boarders were out on the river. They are in the far distance of this shot, but difficult to see.
I took the road to Cross Houses, which was quiet and then a short section on the busy A458, before joining lanes to Berrington. I stopped to see if a runner was ok, as she was having a coughing fit, but she said she was and had swallowed a fly
I continued on to King Street crossroads and then Betton Abbots, before arriving home with exactly 22 miles on the clock, at exactly 12mph avg! Really enjoyed that
T.M.H.N.E.T
Rainbows aren't just for world champions
- Location
- Northern Ireland
Completed it mate
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
10 miles in total including a cake stop with mini ck 1 , considering its only the 2nd ride this year together were definitely improving !
roubaixtuesday
self serving virtue signaller
The stars of diary and weather aligned, so out for a Spring Cobbled Classic. The aim being Trooper Lane in Halifax, which I'd never done and sounded like a lot of fun.
https://cyclinguphill.com/trooper-lane/
The plan, given my winter timber, was to get there with the least effort possible, main roads and gentle gradients. Unfortunately, the spring sunshine got the better of me so a detour up Werneth Low started the climbing. Werneth Low is a great little hill with the most stupendous views over Manchester and brutally steep on all approaches. There's a pub at the summit too. Highly recommended. They even changed a signpost to encourage my post ride diet:
Onwards through the D's: Diggle, Delph, Dobcross, Denshaw, then up to the summit of Rishworth Moor for a snack by a boundary post. Slightly spoiled by the vast quantities of litter discarded by twats in cars festooning the surrounding countryside.
Down to Sowerby Bridge and the start of the main event.
The next part may go on a bit... feel free to ignore.
The climb starts gently then goes back to tarmac for a stupidly steep hairpin, but subsequently calms down again. "What's all the fuss about?" thinks I. Eventually we reach the cobbled section: the road narrows to about two metres and kicks up like a donkey on crack. My legs remark casually, apropos of nothing, "there's really no shame in walking, you know". The best tactics for cobbles, I think, are to sit down, get your weight back and tough it out. This most excellent strategy lasts precisely one pedal turn. I stand up. My legs, no longer casual, shout "get off and push you fat, sad, middle aged Froome wannabee!!". I'm not taking this lying down. Indeed, I'm standing up. "Shut the fark up and farking push, you lardy farkers!" We slowly continue in a sullen silence broken only by loud gasping sounds like a steam engine with a lung condition. Frankly, we're going very, very slowly. Strava later reveals we're doing all of 4kmh. I'm sure it can't possibly continue at this gradient the whole way. I'm right. It steepens. Pain suffuses the horizon. A passing car gives a moments respite as I grab a telegraph pole and let it past. We go again. It looks as though the end may be near as we round a corner. Insanely, incredibly, without any compassion or feeling, the road steepens once more. "GET OFF AND PUSH" scream the legs. "Never" whimper I. Seconds, or maybe minutes, and seeming like hours pass, and finally the summit is topped. I am utterly spent.
Obviously, in such a state, the best thing to do next is climb Holme Moss. So that's what we do, via the climb of Ainley top, and lunch in Holmfirth. An Eccles cake is consumed amongst the paragliders after the suffererfest.
And that's it, all that remains is to report 147km, 2350m climbing, and a beer with a beautiful magnolia.
https://cyclinguphill.com/trooper-lane/
The plan, given my winter timber, was to get there with the least effort possible, main roads and gentle gradients. Unfortunately, the spring sunshine got the better of me so a detour up Werneth Low started the climbing. Werneth Low is a great little hill with the most stupendous views over Manchester and brutally steep on all approaches. There's a pub at the summit too. Highly recommended. They even changed a signpost to encourage my post ride diet:
Onwards through the D's: Diggle, Delph, Dobcross, Denshaw, then up to the summit of Rishworth Moor for a snack by a boundary post. Slightly spoiled by the vast quantities of litter discarded by twats in cars festooning the surrounding countryside.
Down to Sowerby Bridge and the start of the main event.
The next part may go on a bit... feel free to ignore.
The climb starts gently then goes back to tarmac for a stupidly steep hairpin, but subsequently calms down again. "What's all the fuss about?" thinks I. Eventually we reach the cobbled section: the road narrows to about two metres and kicks up like a donkey on crack. My legs remark casually, apropos of nothing, "there's really no shame in walking, you know". The best tactics for cobbles, I think, are to sit down, get your weight back and tough it out. This most excellent strategy lasts precisely one pedal turn. I stand up. My legs, no longer casual, shout "get off and push you fat, sad, middle aged Froome wannabee!!". I'm not taking this lying down. Indeed, I'm standing up. "Shut the fark up and farking push, you lardy farkers!" We slowly continue in a sullen silence broken only by loud gasping sounds like a steam engine with a lung condition. Frankly, we're going very, very slowly. Strava later reveals we're doing all of 4kmh. I'm sure it can't possibly continue at this gradient the whole way. I'm right. It steepens. Pain suffuses the horizon. A passing car gives a moments respite as I grab a telegraph pole and let it past. We go again. It looks as though the end may be near as we round a corner. Insanely, incredibly, without any compassion or feeling, the road steepens once more. "GET OFF AND PUSH" scream the legs. "Never" whimper I. Seconds, or maybe minutes, and seeming like hours pass, and finally the summit is topped. I am utterly spent.
Obviously, in such a state, the best thing to do next is climb Holme Moss. So that's what we do, via the climb of Ainley top, and lunch in Holmfirth. An Eccles cake is consumed amongst the paragliders after the suffererfest.
And that's it, all that remains is to report 147km, 2350m climbing, and a beer with a beautiful magnolia.
Attachments
Supersuperleeds
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
Took advantage of the excellent weather and got a decent ride in today. Left the house before 6am, it was a tad chilly and quite frosted out in the sticks.
Went out Oundle way, fantastic riding out that way, By the time I stopped at 80 miles, I was short sleeved and sunglasses on. Wind finally wasn't too bad.
Went down a bridleway to grab some squares and came across this: (not my photo, nicked it off t'internet.) It is Lyvesden new bield from late 1500's early 1600's, an unfinished house, the stonework looked immaculate, I guess the National Trust which owns it have been doing work on it.
Just shy of 107 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/6885028846
Went out Oundle way, fantastic riding out that way, By the time I stopped at 80 miles, I was short sleeved and sunglasses on. Wind finally wasn't too bad.
Went down a bridleway to grab some squares and came across this: (not my photo, nicked it off t'internet.) It is Lyvesden new bield from late 1500's early 1600's, an unfinished house, the stonework looked immaculate, I guess the National Trust which owns it have been doing work on it.
Just shy of 107 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/6885028846
