Your ride today....

[rideswithmoobs]

Erm, 50 mile today. Great roads, great weather, bike faultless. Flew past several cars on the climbs with ease. Brew stop was perfect, sat in the sun as the bike cooled off before a short stretch back home. Max speed 70mph officer. Average speed? Dunno but quick and fun. Sorry but the push iron lost out today to the Speed triple but it's got 2 wheels so got to count eh ?

 

[dan_bo]

No pics from a grabbed 50K in the near saddleworth before UTD managed to beat Everton. Somehow.

Couldnt get out of bed first thing.

 

[Donger]

Was a bit daft today. Went on club ride despite feeling crap. Had been on antibiotics for a few days after getting an infected leg from a thorn when gardening. Also clearly coming down with a sore throat, so should probably have stayed at home. But the club ride was going up a hill I'd never done, so there was no holding me back. Another good club ride, with nine of us taking on the climbs up from Kings Stanley to Middleyard and then the one I was looking forward to, from Stroud up to the back of Haresfield Beacon, via Ruscombe and Whiteshill. Got up both climbs OK, but then headed for home early, feeling rough. @Frazzle was having a mechanical, and Rob needed to get back too, so the three of us left @Dark46 and the others and headed off down Horsepools Hill on the main Stroud to Gloucester road together. I tagged on a couple of extra miles at the end to make sure I at least hit 30 for the day (actually did 32.8).

It was widely agreed that the Ruscombe climb was the most scenic we had ever done. I was amazed to find a local valley and a climb that I had previously had no idea even existed ... it was definitely the best local ride I'd never done before. So good that I nipped back in the car this afternoon with Mrs Donger to share it with her. Took a few photos, as I'd not had the time earlier. This is definitely going to be a regular climb for me in future. A few pictures:

I'm off to bed now. Cheers, Donger.

 

[cosmicbike]

I rode home this morning, a slightly extended 9 mile commute.
Ashamed to say I drove the wifes car to work tonight, but only because I'm off to the coast to pick up the van tomorrow

 

[PeteXXX]

I had the offer of riding 'The Quattro' sportive this morning with a mate, but due to a late finish last night I didn't fancy being up that early.to be honest!
Still, once I was up and about, I rode the old pub bike down to Tesco's to buy a few bits and pieces, then once I was home, I popped the shorts on and headed out for a few miles around the area. As another mate was also off today, I called in for a cuppa, some cake and a chat for half an hour or so before aiming homewards via Harleston Firs, (loads of peds, dogs and horses there today!)

In a section I'd not ridden through before, I found a huge area of badger sets, I think. Much too large for rabbits, but no hoof prints to check if it was badgers. There were 10 or so holes and mounds of earth there. Quite impressive!

Anyway. Crossing the golf course, via the bridleway, I decided not to go through Pitsford Reservoir as it would be heaving on a sunny Sunday.. so stuck to the tarmac for a couple of miles to Broughton, then Moulton village.

This is one of my favourite gates in the area, at the top of Spectacle Lane..

And my first bluebell was spotted on the way home!

22 miles, in shorts for the first time this year..

https://www.strava.com/activities/534735561

 

[ianrauk]

First weekend of the month so that means it time to get the Imperial Century a Month Challenge ride in the bag, to Brighton for fish and chips, and back.
I was out the door at 7.10am to cycle the 4 miles to meet Martint235 and Trickedem in Bromley. It was a little chilly so early in the morning but all the weather apps had promised much warmer weather, no rain and a nice tailwind for the return journey.
Hitting the A21 into Bromley I was aware someone shouting at me from a car... I was ready to give them my 'eff orf' face until I realised it was Trickedem, driving to the meeting point.

I got to Bromley and had a minutes wait for Martin to turn up. I did notice he was wearing his new ruby slippers. Obviously trying to be as and look as cool as me...

A couple of minutes later Tim turned up and in the words of the glorious leader of the FNR's... "We're on our way"....
South East London at times, even on a sunday morning can be very busy with car traffic. But everyone must have had a lie-in today as car traffic was very light, meaning for rapid progress through SEL's wastelands...Croydon and it's environs.

The plan was to meet the other Tim (Hall) and his boy in Gatwick. We were ahead of schedule by at least half an hour the going was so good and quick. Skirting round Gatwick Airport (Blimey, Plane gasoline really hangs in the air here, why would anyone want to live near an airport?).

We got to Gatwick south and it wasn't long before the three of us became 5. Once again, quick progress was made, climbing the Col De Crawley to Pease Pottage, into Handcross and then some of the most fantastic rolling roads through Stapelfield, Cuckfield, Ansty and on to and through Burgess Hill, truly glorious cycling.

It was decided that Ditchling Beacon was to be climbed today. So it was a left at Hassocks and a couple of miles to the bottom of the Beacon... no stopping and taking stock today... everyone just went for it. Martin ahead and me shamelessly wheel sucking him to the top... losing count of the all broken car wing mirrors scattered in the verge.

Martin having a breather at the top.

It wasn't long before Tim and Tim reached the top

So the nice run to to Brighton. A devilishly naughty climb over the golf course then a very fast blast down into the town.... Trickedem overtaking me at 30mph plus to see if he could trip the speed camera... no such luck today.

So you're at the seaside, on the beach, so lunch just has to be fish and chips. at 6 squid it's a bargain.. more so as it included mushy peas. For a place that looks like it's the very worst of cheap and tacky seaside culture... the food is remarkably good, well cooked and very tasty.

Brighton Beach and Pier. A bit too chilly for sunbathers...

After a puncture fix for one of the bikes, it was all aboard and another "We're On Our Way".. back home. Brighton was really busy. Having been spoilt with light traffic on the outward journey it was now time to fight our way through the traffic and up and out of Brighton. One we reached the Devils Dyke the traffic had abated, and with the glorious (light) tailwind we were once again making quick progress. really loving the rolling ascents and descents of the Dyke, through the country lanes and back to suburban reality once we had hit Pease Pottage and Crawley. (Saying goodbye to Tim Hall in the process). Back to skirting Gatwick Airport, a very fast dual carriageways. Not for the faint heated in some places. But it's gloriously fast. Easily averaging over 20mph+ for the 3 miles round.

once we hit the A23 it was just a case of rolling main roads and car traffic back to Croydon (Saying goodbye to Martin in the process), Bromley (Tim's turn to say goodbye) and it was just a nice 4 mile pootle to home. (once again.. a toot toot from Tim in his car returning home) Walking through the door at 4.32pm. Not bad considering I said to Mrs Ian I would be back at 4.30pm.

So... stats.
112 miles for the day. It was chilly at first, but the fast and furious cycling kept us warm. The promised higher temperatures didn't materialise.
Imperial Century # 8 for the year, 65th month in a row and 174 over all. And a few bonus Eddington miles to boot.

Sometimes you do a day's cycling and it's very hard work. Today's was the complete opposite. It was a mighty fine pleasure. A great day to be on the bike, and a great days riding. Thanks Tim, Tim, Martin and Tim-Son.

 

[PeteXXX]

First weekend of the month so that means it time to get the Imperial Century a Month Challenge ride in the bag, to Brighton for fish and chips, and back.
I was out the door at 7.10am to cycle the 4 miles to meet Martint235 and Trickedem in Bromley. It was a little chilly so early in the morning but all the weather apps had promised much warmer weather, no rain and a nice tailwind for the return journey.
Hitting the A21 into Bromley I was aware someone shouting at me from a car... I was ready to give them my 'eff orf' face until I realised it was Trickedem, driving to the meeting point.

I got to Bromley and had a minutes wait for Martin to turn up. I did notice he was wearing his new ruby slippers. Obviously trying to be as and look as cool as me...
View attachment 123710

A couple of minutes later Tim turned up and in the words of the glorious leader of the FNR's... "We're on our way"....
South East London at times, even on a sunday morning can be very busy with car traffic. But everyone must have had a lie-in today as car traffic was very light, meaning for rapid progress through SEL's wastelands...Croydon and it's environs.

The plan was to meet the other Tim (Hall) and his boy in Gatwick. We were ahead of schedule by at least half an hour the going was so good and quick. Skirting round Gatwick Airport (Blimey, Plane Gosoline really hangs in the air here, why would anyone want to live near an airport?).

We got to Gatwick south and it wasn't long before the three of us became 5. Once again, quick progress was made, climbing the Col De Crawley to Pease Pottage, onto Handcross and then some of the most fantastic rolling roads through Stapelfield, Cuckfield, Ansty and on to and through Burgess Hill, truly glorious cycling.

It was decided that Ditchling Beacon was to be climbed today. So it was a left at Hassocks and a couple of miles to the bottom of the Beacon... no stopping and tacking stock today... everyone just went for it. Martin ahead and me shamelessly wheel sucking him to the top... losing count of the all broken car wing mirrors scattered in the verge.

Martin having a breather at the top.
View attachment 123712

It wasn't long before Tim and Tim reached the top
View attachment 123713

View attachment 123714

So the nice run to to Brighton. A devilishly naughty climb over the gold course then a very fast blast down into the town.... Trickedem overtaking me at 30mph plus to see if he could trip the speed camera... no such luck today.

So you're at the seaside, on the beach, so lunch just has to be fish and chips. at 6 squid it's a bargain.. more so as it included mushy peas. For a place that looks like it's the very worst of cheap and tacky seaside culture... the food is remarkably good, well cooked and very tasty.
View attachment 123715

Brighton Beach and Pier. A bit too chilly for sunbathers...
View attachment 123722 View attachment 123722

After a puncture fix for one of the bikes, it was all aboard and another "We're On Our Way".. back home. Brighton was really busy. Having been spoilt with light traffic on the outward journey it was now time to fight our way through the traffic and up and out of Brighton. One we reached the Devils Dyke the traffic had abated, and with the glorious (light) tailwind we were once again making quick progress. really loving the rolling ascents and descents of the Dyke, through the country lanes and back to suburban reality once we had hit Pease Pottage and Crawley. (Saying goodbye to Tim Hall in the process). Back to skirting Gatwick Airport, a very fast dual carriageways. Not for the faint heated in some places. But it's gloriously fast. Easily averaging over 20mph+ for the 3 miles round.

once we hit the A23 it was just a case of rolling main roads and car traffic back to Croydon (Saying goodbye to Martin in the process), Bromley (Tim's turn to say goodbye) and it was just a nice 4 mile pootle to home. (once again.. a toot toot from Tim in his car returning home) Walking through the door at 4.32pm. Not bad considering I said to Mrs Ian I would be back at 4.30pm.

So... stats.
112 miles for the day. It was chilly at first, but the fast and furious cycling kept us warm. The promised higher temperatures didn't materialise.
Imperial Century # 8 for the year, 65th month in a row and 174 over all. And a few bonus Eddington miles to boot.

View attachment 123723

Sometimes you do a day's cycling and it's very hard work. Today's was the complete opposite. It was a mighty fine pleasure. A great day to be on the bike, and a great days riding. Thanks Tim, Tim, Martin and Tim-Son.

Great ride.. After all the recent winds and chilliness, it seems so much easier when the weather gods are warm and smiling, doesn't it!?

 

[Bryony]

So today was my first proper ride since July last year. I hadn't felt well in a long time, always tired, breathlessness, aching muscles. I had just put it down to my heart condition, work life e.t.c. so just kept plodding along. Anyway September last year I got taken to A&E with chest pains. After a series of tests it turned out to be severe anaemia, so was kept in over night for a transfusion of 3 units of blood, well it was like a miracle cure, I had bags of energy, the breathlessness had gone and so had the muscle aches.

Since then I've been itching to get out on the bike but I never seemed to get the chance apart from a couple of 2 ish mile rides. So with a decent weather forecast for today my partner and I dusted off the bikes (literally!!) and set off for the town of Deal.

I can't believe how much my cycling has improved since the transfusion, I got up every single hill on the ride (never been able to do that before) and my average speed was up a little. The doctors said that I could have been anaemic for about 2 1/2 years (which does tally with when the symptoms started) and thats when I started cycling so I've always struggled but just put it down to being very unfit. I am unfit but turns out not as bad as I thought!

Anyway we cycled along the clifftop promenade in Ramsgate, which was very busy so we were dodging loose dogs, children and various other people totally oblivious to their surroundings! We continued on past the Viking ship Hugin on to Pegwell Bay Country Park. Then through the old Pfizer's site into Sandwich, where we sat by the quay for a little breather and to soak up some sun. We set off again through Sandwich Bay and on to the Roman Road, we had a few close calls with passing cars picking the narrowest points to pass us at, but never mind it kept us on our toes!! We were soon in Deal and had reached our destination, Route One Cycle Cafe where I had a much deserved hot chocolate and some beans on toast We sat by the beach for a bit to let lunch go down then set off for home. 25.5 miles in all!

I'm so happy with how the ride went and can't believe how good I felt. I really was beginning to lose heart with my cycling because each ride seemed to get more difficult, not easier, just wish I'd got the diagnosis sooner.

Some pics from the ride.

Top of Chalk Hill looking out at Pegwell Bay

Viking Ship Hugin still with its winter coat on.

Pegwell Bay Country Park looking back towards Ramsgate.

Deal's brand new cycle cafe.

My very tasty hot choc!

David soaking up the sun

Me!!!!!

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

https://www.strava.com/activities/534567472.

I went up to Fort Nelson, and back, via the steep fast hilly bit by where I live.

View attachment 123666

This bit of the ride was lovely.

View attachment 123667

On the flat out 38 odd miles an hour descent, some bloody idiot walked straight out in front of me, despite me shouting very loudly that that might not be a good idea. The resultant crash has left me battered and bruised, and killed my most expensive lid, it's a good job I was wearing it, the dent in it, could have been in my head. Fortunately the bike isn't damaged.
I'm going to hurt a bit tomorrow .
At least I have another thing to add to my 'what have you hit' list. A bloody idiot.

A like for the report but for the crash. Glad you're mostly okay. I hope the aches & pains won't be too bad.

 

[Roadhump]

Out by 8.30 am this morning, away from Southport and through Shirdley Hill, then taking a winding route through the country lanes of South-West Lancashire and North Merseyside. Very little traffic about which was good and although it was chilly at first, I soon warmed up.

When I went out I had a route to follow, in my head, but as I pedalled along I kept changing my mind and taking an unplanned turn. At one point I was climbing Clieves Hill when I was caught up by another cyclist who was on a nice light road bike, as opposed to my hybrid which I have made heavier after adding Schwalbe M+ tyres, a rack and a bag in which I carry my heavy duty lock. He must have felt sorry for me blowing for tugs and rode alongside me to the top. I was quite encouraged that despite pedalling harder than usual up the hill, I could still talk (albeit quite breathlessly) when I got to the top. He was off to meet some club mates for a few hours of riding and disappeared into the distance when we reached the top, but it was nice to have a chat, and nice of him to slow down and take the time to do so.

From Clieves Hill, I went through Town Green (part of Aughton) from where I had planned to head over to Westhead and over to Burscough, but instead I turned right and headed towards Melling. I was going to go through Melling and then through Aintree to head north back up the Formby Bypass but suddenly veered off right along Butcher's Lane which is a lovely picturesque country lane that takes you round the back of Ashworth High Security Hospital, then I went round the top of Maghull and Lydiate and back home through the country lanes of Downholland, up the Formby Bypass and Southport Coast Road.

There were loads of other cyclists about and I lost count of the number of times I said "Morning" to them (or dog walkers), and they said the same to me.

Loads of roadside daffodils, or other similar bulb type flowers that make country lanes rather pretty in the early springtime, like these below in Shirdley Hill

Also many of the fields were freshly ploughed and I enjoy the contrast this shows between the fields and surrounding vegetation. Over the coming months I will enjoy the changing scenery as various types of crops are planted and grow, then ripen and change appearance in the same fields.

A thoroughly enjoyable ride of 29.5 miles at an average of 14.0 mph and home in time to go for a stroll with Mrs Roadhump before lunch, before watching the football (another shocking performance by Everton, this time losing 1-0 away to Man Utd, but at least I have one more excuse for a beer tonight).

 

[Osprey]

After the torrential rain of yesterday, it was nice to see a little sunshine even if the rain was forecast for mid day. Unfortunately there was a 18 mph south easterly wind too. Todays ride was the first in 6 months for the Van Nic after being brought out after hibernation. I was soon reminded of how riding is without mudguards as most of the lanes were saturated from the yesterdays rain and strewn with farm mud. Headed out with a tailwind to help me out t to Rhossili head. A quick banana stop then retrace my route before taking the road to Llangenith. Keen to make the ride a 50km qualifier, I detoured over to Llanmadoc before retracing the route back down the North Gower. One incident of white van man madness where he was obviously impatient to pass and sat right on my back wheel for a few hundred meters before trying to make a close pass before I could find a pull in to let him past. The Van Nic also spat the chain twice from the front mech so some post hibernation fettling is called for. 31 miles and 1500ft climbing.

Banana Stop at Rhossili Point.

 

[cuberider]

First ride for over 5 weeks today due to the cold/cough virus that's been about, and a swollen knee which hasn't yet sorted itself but I had to get out despite thinking it might not be the best idea. And I wanted to test run my Garmin Edge 200 which I got recently.


A short 13 miles just to get going again.

https://www.strava.com/activities/534714072

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

John B got in touch. It's been a tough winter for him but now he's back to form. He called the route which took us into a part of the Golden Triangle. More daffs. I reckon this must be the best year ever. Certainly the best in my living memory. We did a lot of catching up chats as we rode although my breath was very short on the ups. John is, as ever, very strong on the ups. I had to stop for a breather on the climb over May Hill. So my climbing is getting worse. We dropped to Huntley to find the cafe closed. Now that wasn't in the plan.

I'd spotted a new cafe a while ago at Birdwood so we bashed along the main road to see if it would suit. It did and a wonderful find it was. Great service and snacks. We got back into the lanes for Tibberton with chat still flowing. Along the Hams our pace was good and soon we were heading homeward on well used lanes. It had been a lovely outing at a good pace with lots of catching up chat with my old pal. Lots of smiles (more than the 57 on the 'puter).

 

[EltonFrog]

@Bryony glad to hear your on the mend.

 

[Racing roadkill]

A like for the report but for the crash. Glad you're mostly okay. I hope the aches & pains won't be too bad.

I've been sent over the bonnet of cars, hit wildlife, and ended up in a ditch etc. etc. etc. This actually doesn't feel too bad.