6/1/24
Unexpected Off Roading
A cold but sunny day. Things to do this morning as usual but got myself sorted for a ride this pm. I’d noticed a slight tapping over bumps last time out on the Linear, which was irritating as it’s usually so quiet.
I traced it to the handlebar end of the steering rod which I cleaned up and regreased, which quietened it down a bit.
Anyway, usual general purpose nondescript trousers and shoes, military pullover, gilet and cap. I considered wearing some gloves as it was not that warm but decided to live dangerously and wear my track mitts. Out through the gate.
Needless to say, the familiar Linear fits like a glove, everything in its place. I didn’t even have to adjust the mirror today. Right towards Swanlow Lane and the uphill traffic lights which are not the obstacle nowadays that they were when I first rode this lengthy beast. Right at the traffic lights, down a long hill then left before reaching the end. I took a shortcut along a path behind the leisure centre and came out at the entrance to a supermarket car park. Across the car park then chained up to a pillar while I went into the local Argos to pick up a click and collect item.
Out again fairly quickly, unchained, and set off again across the car park. Left at the exit roundabout, left again to some traffic lights at the A54. Straight across then sharp right into a cycle track and on to the old High St. Downhill again and after some zigging and zagging left on to New Road. Some steady pedalling then, on to Bradford Road, past the Salt Mine then right towards the river and across Meadowbank Bridge. On the bridge I passed a couple pulling a small dog in a cart. There were several vans parked about the parking area and I wondered if there was a fishing contest on.
I pressed on beyond the vans and started to climb towards the railway. I could see that the recent weeks of rain had eroded the untarmacked surface of the track with a meandering channel where the water had run. I met many walkers who wanted to walk on the uneroded parts where I needed to ride. Last year, when the surface was intact, I’d ridden up here easily. Today it was quite a challenge. As I came to the point where the track passes under the railway in two tunnels I could see that the top surface had gone completely, with just a potholed gravelly surface which was hard to ride on. I’d meant to stop here for a photo but the endless groups of walkers made it difficult. According to Bikehike the gradient here is about 12% but with the broken surface it felt a lot steeper.
I pressed on, panting up the slope. I came out into daylight and found that the surface was better on this side but there was still a meandering channel where the water had been, and plenty of potholes. A mountain biker slowly overtook me standing on the pedals and a group of teenagers came the other way, blocking the track then opening a gap to let me through. Would there be no end to all these blasted people?
Another couple with a dog, then a car which pulled over to let me pass. There was nobody for a while, just as well with all the puffing I was doing, the slope eased, my breathing began to catch up with my oxygen demand. Certainly gave my lungs a workout today. It ain’t an off roader. Over the top at last and freewheeling slowly downhill into Moulton where the tarmac begins.
Right into Jack Lane, right again on to the A533 where there is a painted cycle lane each side. This was not particularly pleasant with tyre noise roaring past your ear. Fortunately it wasn’t a long stretch. Straight across the next roundabout, another roundabout.
Stopped for photo. This sign looks like something that fell off a passing aircraft.
Then along the cycle lane through an industrial estate to some lights. Another Photo.
Straight across the lights then into Rilshaw Lane. A nice quiet lane with some undulations but generally a downward trend.
I soon came to the short climb to the bridge over the bypass. Left on Station road, downhill to the bypass. There was a large walking group sitting on the fence at the entrance to the Marina, opposite. Taking a break? Waiting for transport? Who knows. The tiniest bit of fine weather has brought everyone out.
Right along the bypass then left up Weaver St which was a mere trifle after the earlier off road stuff.
Soon across the pavement to Ways Green, Gladstone St, steadily twirling uphill to Townfields Road and the lights on Swanlow Lane. Left downhill ready for my uphill turnoff. Over the summit and a freewheel past my back gate to make up 10 miles by the time I’d turned round and come back to it.
Quite a cool day but once I’d warmed up it was fine.
Distance 10.28 miles. Max speed 22.8 mph. Average 7.6 mph.
Ascent 335 ft.
