Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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Marchrider
Well-Known Member
where's blackford glen
Marchrider
Well-Known Member
what are you using as a windsock for these measurements? It would have been interesting to look at my apparent speed tday, esp heading west into the big wind
Marchrider
Well-Known Member
Fridays ride was interesting, 18 mile at -5, it was so cold I probably recorded my best av speed for several years - 15.5 mph, i just road flat out to keep warm - i'm normally about 10 with all my stops (i don't record av speeds, but I knew this was fast so was able to work it from the dashcam)
Last two days have just been grey and damp, very windy today
filthy roads and grey skies spitting rain +8 today (i was cooked)
difficult to show the wind - but here's a go
YTD 282 miles / day 13 x 365 = 7917 / 6500 = +22%
Last two days have just been grey and damp, very windy today
filthy roads and grey skies spitting rain +8 today (i was cooked)
difficult to show the wind - but here's a go
YTD 282 miles / day 13 x 365 = 7917 / 6500 = +22%
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HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
Yip, I tried to seal with a DynaPlug but its only holding at high pressures and even then only for an hour. I've just got a bottle of Orange which is supposed to do low pressure better than Peaty's 🤞
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
https://mywindsock.com/ I upgraded to the paid version for CdA calcs but IIRC everything else was in their free report and you only get CdA estimated with a power meter anyway
HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
More than me, I've not even reached the annual average of 47miles!
Ian H
Ancient randonneur
Patch the tyre inside. I've done that in the past with an ordinary tube patch and it lasted until the life of the tyre. Thoroughly clean and degrease the area (meths is good) apply patch cement and let it dry. Stick the patch on. Refit and inflate.
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Catching up again: Wednesday 8th. I'd really hoped to get my first ride of the year in sooner. I didn't feel like it on New Year's Day then, on the 2nd, decided to do some fettling on the Hawk including fitting new 165mm cranks and a matching bottom bracket (quite surprised that the old one came out really easy given that it's been fitted for about 10 years
). After that I had a frustrating few days where I couldn't get out so took the chance when it finally came.
It was pretty icy so I was glad of having the Marathon Winter tyres already on. Round the village wasn't bad and Lyth Hill Road had been gritted but the descent to Little Lyth then to Condover was quite icy and gave the first taste of what was to come. The road to Ryton was fine but the lane to Longnor had a good thick layer of ice which gave the studded tyres a really good workout - if I'd realised how icy it was going to be I'd have gone for lower tyre pressures for this one. At a couple of points I could feel the back tyre wanting to slide down the road camber.
After Longnor, the road to Acton Burnell was gritted so was fine but turning towards Cound Moor it was nearly as bad as earlier on. The long straight looked fine to start with but the studs soon went silent signifying that it was icy under foot. The flag at Cound was still the Happy New Year one as far as I could tell given that it was frozen to the flag pole.
I decided to risk the A458, which was a little busy so I turned off it as soon as possible and shortly afterwards regretted it when I met a tractor flailing the hedges and a thick layer of hedge cuttings for the next quarter of a mile.
Near Berrington Hall a passing walker warned me there was ice up ahead - not a warning I needed but I thanked him anyway. Lyons Lane wasn't too bad due to the amount of traffic that's been using it. I did meet one driver going quicker than sensible, even if the lane had been dry, but fortunately at a point where I could make way easily enough.
From Condover I retraced my steps to Hunger Hill (I heard the ABS kicking in on the one car that stopped for me) then back through Little Lyth where one of the householders warned me about how icy it was up the hill. In fact it had thawed a bit since I was last here and the short but sharp climb wasn't an issue.
25.7 miles at 11.1 mph average. Good to get the 2025 riding started and a nice test of the new shorted cranks. First impressions were good but given the conditions it was hard to tell if the setup would need tweaking.
From Lyth Hill, the view to the snow-capped mountains of Shropshire.
Similar view, but from just outside Ryton.
A little bit of ice on the road.
It was rather more icy as I went further along. A good workout for the Marathon Winter tyres but I should have gone with low pressures.
). After that I had a frustrating few days where I couldn't get out so took the chance when it finally came.It was pretty icy so I was glad of having the Marathon Winter tyres already on. Round the village wasn't bad and Lyth Hill Road had been gritted but the descent to Little Lyth then to Condover was quite icy and gave the first taste of what was to come. The road to Ryton was fine but the lane to Longnor had a good thick layer of ice which gave the studded tyres a really good workout - if I'd realised how icy it was going to be I'd have gone for lower tyre pressures for this one. At a couple of points I could feel the back tyre wanting to slide down the road camber.
After Longnor, the road to Acton Burnell was gritted so was fine but turning towards Cound Moor it was nearly as bad as earlier on. The long straight looked fine to start with but the studs soon went silent signifying that it was icy under foot. The flag at Cound was still the Happy New Year one as far as I could tell given that it was frozen to the flag pole.
I decided to risk the A458, which was a little busy so I turned off it as soon as possible and shortly afterwards regretted it when I met a tractor flailing the hedges and a thick layer of hedge cuttings for the next quarter of a mile.
Near Berrington Hall a passing walker warned me there was ice up ahead - not a warning I needed but I thanked him anyway. Lyons Lane wasn't too bad due to the amount of traffic that's been using it. I did meet one driver going quicker than sensible, even if the lane had been dry, but fortunately at a point where I could make way easily enough.
From Condover I retraced my steps to Hunger Hill (I heard the ABS kicking in on the one car that stopped for me) then back through Little Lyth where one of the householders warned me about how icy it was up the hill. In fact it had thawed a bit since I was last here and the short but sharp climb wasn't an issue.
25.7 miles at 11.1 mph average. Good to get the 2025 riding started and a nice test of the new shorted cranks. First impressions were good but given the conditions it was hard to tell if the setup would need tweaking.
From Lyth Hill, the view to the snow-capped mountains of Shropshire.
Similar view, but from just outside Ryton.
It was rather more icy as I went further along. A good workout for the Marathon Winter tyres but I should have gone with low pressures.
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Marchrider
Well-Known Member
aye - that last road looks a bit suspect, hate it when I just can't tell, keep nipping the back brake to see if it's slippyCatching up again: Wednesday 8th. I'd really hoped to get my first ride of the year in sooner. I didn't feel like it on New Year's Day then decided to do some fettling on the Hawk including fitting new 165mm cranks and a matching bottom bracket (quite surprised that the old one came out really easy given that it's been fitted for about 10 years
It was pretty icy so I was glad of having the Marathon Winter tyres already on. Round the village wasn't bad and Lyth Hill Road had been gritted but the descent to Little Lyth then to Condover was quite icy and gave the first taste of what was to come. The road to Ryton was fine but the lane to Longnor had a good thick layer of ice which gave the studded tyres a really good workout - if I'd realised how icy it was going to be I'd have gone for lower tyre pressures for this one. At a couple of points I could feel the back tyre wanting to slide down the road camber.
After Longnor, the road to Acton Burnell was gritted so was fine but turning towards Cound Moor it was nearly as bad as earlier on. The long straight looked fine to start with but the studs soon went silent signifying that it was icy under foot. The flag at Cound was still the Happy New Year one as far as I could tell given that it was frozen to the flag pole.
I decided to risk the A458, which was a little busy so I turned off it as soon as possible and shortly afterwards regretted it when I met a tractor flailing the hedges and a thick layer of hedge cuttings for the next quarter of a mile.
Near Berrington Hall a passing walker warned me there was ice up ahead - not a warning I needed but I thanked him anyway. Lyons Lane wasn't too bad due to the amount of traffic that's been using it. I did meet one driver going quicker than sensible, even if the lane had been dry, but fortunately at a point where I could make way easily enough.
From Condover I retraced my steps to Hunger Hill (I heard the ABS kicking in on the one car that stopped for me) then back through Little Lyth where one of the householders warned me about how icy it was up the hill. In fact it had thawed a bit since I was last here and the short but sharp climb wasn't an issue.
Good to get the 2025 riding started and a nice test of the new shorted cranks. First impressions were good but given the con
View attachment 758936
It was rather more icy as I went further along. A good workout for the Marathon Winter tyres but I should have gone with low pressures.
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Saturday, 11th: The hard frost of the morning was melting a bit by the time I'd had lunch and I ventured out. Ice tyres still on but it didn't look as though they would get quite as much of a workout as last time so I kept the pressures up for less drag. I thought I'd head into town then round my Upton Magna loop this time.
Passing the Sainsbury's island there was a bit of a blockage with two cars stopped on the island itself and the one making a lot of vapour from the exhaust. I turned back expecting to give a hand pushing but they got moving again as I approached and that was when I realised that the steaming car was towing the other one.
I hope they weren't going far.
The old bypass was fine and when I got to The Quarry I found the paths all clear (I had thought this was where there could be ice). Shame I wasn't down here earlier in the day - it must have looked great with all the frost in the trees. Lots of people were out walking and the Shrewsbury School rowers were out practicing - I really didn't envy them today!
The towpath was closed off at Greyfriars Bridge as it hasn't been cleaned up since the last high river level so I detoured past The Abbey and over Castle Walk bridge instead. The old canal path was where there was still ice lingering so the spikes did get some use after all. This section was quite busy with people walking so it did seem to surprise them seeing a cyclist out. I didn't make very quick progress.
On the way to Upton Magna there were quite a few places where there was still slushy ice and that would remain the case on the ungritted roads for the rest of the trip. The flood plain at Atcham looked interesting with large sheets of ice left behind.
I took my usual route to Cross Houses, Berrington and Condover then over Lyth Hill again - still trying to avoid the queues due to the damaged buildings in Bayston Hill.
21.7 miles at 11.5 mph average. Nice to get out again. Not as slippy as last time and there were a handful of other riders out braving the conditions too.
Crossing the Severn via Porthill Bridge. It's a chilly day to be out on the water.
St Chad's Church.
Upton Magna.
A misty view to the Wrekin from Pelham Road.
Frozen remains of the most recent flooding at Atcham.
A couple of views from the old bridge.
A bit too misty to make out the Stretton hills but the sun breaking through makes for a nice effect.
Passing the Sainsbury's island there was a bit of a blockage with two cars stopped on the island itself and the one making a lot of vapour from the exhaust. I turned back expecting to give a hand pushing but they got moving again as I approached and that was when I realised that the steaming car was towing the other one.
I hope they weren't going far.The old bypass was fine and when I got to The Quarry I found the paths all clear (I had thought this was where there could be ice). Shame I wasn't down here earlier in the day - it must have looked great with all the frost in the trees. Lots of people were out walking and the Shrewsbury School rowers were out practicing - I really didn't envy them today!
The towpath was closed off at Greyfriars Bridge as it hasn't been cleaned up since the last high river level so I detoured past The Abbey and over Castle Walk bridge instead. The old canal path was where there was still ice lingering so the spikes did get some use after all. This section was quite busy with people walking so it did seem to surprise them seeing a cyclist out. I didn't make very quick progress.
On the way to Upton Magna there were quite a few places where there was still slushy ice and that would remain the case on the ungritted roads for the rest of the trip. The flood plain at Atcham looked interesting with large sheets of ice left behind.
I took my usual route to Cross Houses, Berrington and Condover then over Lyth Hill again - still trying to avoid the queues due to the damaged buildings in Bayston Hill.
21.7 miles at 11.5 mph average. Nice to get out again. Not as slippy as last time and there were a handful of other riders out braving the conditions too.
Crossing the Severn via Porthill Bridge. It's a chilly day to be out on the water.
St Chad's Church.
Upton Magna.
A misty view to the Wrekin from Pelham Road.
Frozen remains of the most recent flooding at Atcham.
A couple of views from the old bridge.
A bit too misty to make out the Stretton hills but the sun breaking through makes for a nice effect.
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Sunday 12th: A slightly less chilly day but I kept the ice tyres on in case of anything remaining in sheltered spots. I'll admit to feeling a little hung over after a belated New Year party the previous evening so I didn't want anything too challenging and opted for a variation of my Acton Burnell loop.
The mix of cycle paths and road to Weeping Cross went fine but from here I'd be riding into the low sun practically all the way to Acton Burnell so I made sure of having lights on. The bike felt good and the change to the shorter cranks was enough to notice on this stretch of road - in particular the short but sharp climb away from Cantlop Bridge felt easier than expected. I seemed to get along well enough to Pitchford but by Acton Burnell I was feeling a bit of a strain in the back of the right knee that suggested I'd got the saddle a tad too high. I paused for a very small adjustment which felt better straight away on the climb to Frodesley.
There was still a little bit of ice around on the way to Ryton - I probably would have been okay on ordinary tyres but the spikes do lend an extra bit of confidence. I opted for the shorter way back after Condover and had to do a double take on reaching the A49 as I'm not used to it being completely empty. Shame it didn't last, but was nice while it did.
A tad over 19 miles at 13.1 mph average. I'm glad I made myself get out and was pleasantly surprised by the average speed - pretty good on draggy ice tyres.
Just the one pic this time, from my adjustment stop at Acton Burnell.
The mix of cycle paths and road to Weeping Cross went fine but from here I'd be riding into the low sun practically all the way to Acton Burnell so I made sure of having lights on. The bike felt good and the change to the shorter cranks was enough to notice on this stretch of road - in particular the short but sharp climb away from Cantlop Bridge felt easier than expected. I seemed to get along well enough to Pitchford but by Acton Burnell I was feeling a bit of a strain in the back of the right knee that suggested I'd got the saddle a tad too high. I paused for a very small adjustment which felt better straight away on the climb to Frodesley.
There was still a little bit of ice around on the way to Ryton - I probably would have been okay on ordinary tyres but the spikes do lend an extra bit of confidence. I opted for the shorter way back after Condover and had to do a double take on reaching the A49 as I'm not used to it being completely empty. Shame it didn't last, but was nice while it did.
A tad over 19 miles at 13.1 mph average. I'm glad I made myself get out and was pleasantly surprised by the average speed - pretty good on draggy ice tyres.
Just the one pic this time, from my adjustment stop at Acton Burnell.
Ian H
Ancient randonneur
I did a ferry/train/bike journey to Paris and back at the weekend for Audax Club Parisien's quadrennial meeting. When I got off the ferry at Ouistreham it was still dark and well below freezing. I thought I'd use the road rather than the cycle-route, but got a bit lost and doubled back to the track. In fact it was fine, very little ice until I got the Caen (where I got a little lost again before reaching the train station).
Dawn along the Caen canal
It took less than 3hrs by train to Paris St Lazare. I had a gpx track to guide me through the city to the southern fringes where the meeting was. The removal of motor traffic from most of the streets made a huge difference. The ride was a very different experience to previous times I've ridden in Paris - many of the streets are now traffic-free, wide boulevards with cyclists in both directions and a lane for taxis and buses down one side.
I arrived at the restaurant just in time for the meal with the other national reps (the German fellow was late). After that we traipsed across to the hall where the actual meeting took place.
The ACP meeting
I stayed the night in a slightly grotty hotel, then set off in the morning to catch the return train from St Lazare.
A paddle boat on the Seine
Back at Caen I rode gently back to the ferry terminus and waited for the evening boat
Along the Caen canal on the afternoon return trip
It was dawn in Portsmouth when we landed. I pootled round to the train station. The train was on time. By Sunday lunchtime I was home.
Total journey around 70km. Hardly epic, but perhaps the furthest I've ridden the Brompton.
Dawn along the Caen canal
It took less than 3hrs by train to Paris St Lazare. I had a gpx track to guide me through the city to the southern fringes where the meeting was. The removal of motor traffic from most of the streets made a huge difference. The ride was a very different experience to previous times I've ridden in Paris - many of the streets are now traffic-free, wide boulevards with cyclists in both directions and a lane for taxis and buses down one side.
I arrived at the restaurant just in time for the meal with the other national reps (the German fellow was late). After that we traipsed across to the hall where the actual meeting took place.
The ACP meeting
I stayed the night in a slightly grotty hotel, then set off in the morning to catch the return train from St Lazare.
A paddle boat on the Seine
Back at Caen I rode gently back to the ferry terminus and waited for the evening boat
Along the Caen canal on the afternoon return trip
It was dawn in Portsmouth when we landed. I pootled round to the train station. The train was on time. By Sunday lunchtime I was home.
Total journey around 70km. Hardly epic, but perhaps the furthest I've ridden the Brompton.
