Yesterdays ride was my third audax of the year, the South Glos 100. Boring name but great route, heading off from just north of Bristol on a trip through the Cotswolds, around the back of Kemble, and back again. Hot and humid, just missing out on the forecast thundershowers. The ride there and back made it the third straight weekend of 130+ km rides, significantly reducing my deficit to last year. A week off now due to work travel, then it's off to the CC Ecosse meetup in the Lake District, which will help me catch up in the elevation totals as well!
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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Firestorm
Veteran
- Location
- Southend on Sea
Lovely morning , short sleeves and shorts for the first time this year.
Thought I would add a bit to the loop I did last week , didnt realise that the back road I have never been down before was a bit lumpy, well lumpy for me and the Essex flatlands !
So, ended up out for a little bit longer than I thought , resulted in my first over 3 hour ride and 41.5 miles.
Must be the sun, the nobber count was well up this morning.
Thought I would add a bit to the loop I did last week , didnt realise that the back road I have never been down before was a bit lumpy, well lumpy for me and the Essex flatlands !
So, ended up out for a little bit longer than I thought , resulted in my first over 3 hour ride and 41.5 miles.
Must be the sun, the nobber count was well up this morning.
Kajjal
Guru
- Location
- Wheely World
After getting a little suburnt on a long ride yesterday went out for a quick ride today. Halfway round got a puncture and noticed my pump was not attached to the bike, called the wife and she drove to me with a pump smiling happily ( you can guess which part is not true). Got back to the house 3 hours after i set off 
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
The next instalment from The Lakes:
Thursday: This ride was a bit of a contradiction. We'd all said that an easier ride would be best for today but we also all wanted to take the opportunity to ride Dunmail Raise while it's still closed to (most) traffic so agreed to take the bikes over to Grasmere by car and cycle to Thirlmere from there.
We parked up at White Moss between Rydal and Grasmere and set off into town with Doug realising on the way that he'd left his drink behind in the kitchen. That meant a stop was needed to pick up a bottle of water in Grasmere where the road closure didn't seem to be putting people off visiting and there were good queues for the shuttle buses over the pass.
Moving on we had a good tailwind assisting our climb which will have helped but even so Dunmail Raise didn't seem as daunting as expected, mainly due to it being a fairly steady gradient so you just get in a comfortable gear and wind your way up.
Surprisingly, despite signs everywhere right the way back to the M6 saying that Dunmail Raise is closed, a few motorists were still passing us up the first bit of the climb and looking all surprised when they reached the actual closure.
Once past those signs it was just us and the shuttle buses to the summit which was really nice. We took to the new tarmac on the bridleway from the summit down to Steel End where it connects with the quiet road round the west of Thirlmere (also closed to motor traffic except residents and the buses) which was fabulous for cycling being practically dead flat with scenic views to our right. Others were making the most of the closure too so we saw a few cyclists.
At the end of the lake we made a loop by continuing left onto the A591 which again we had almost to ourselves (apart from a pickup and a group of three riders) then taking the next left which brings you back to the dam past Smaithwaite before we retraced our steps. The wind was now against us so we weren't whizzing along as effortlessly as before but it wasn't too bad. We overtook the group of three again as we headed back to the pass, then their lead rider caught us back up as we got back to Steel End and we had a chat (he's a local resident but apparently used to live in Shropshire. - Small world
)
Climbing back up to Dunmail Raise it's steeper but nowhere near as high from this side. I stopped to grab a photo of the repair works and when I caught up with Doug and Gav again they had been accosted by an official from Cumbria Council and his two guests, wanting to know what we thought of the new path (for the record we like as it bypasses a bit of road I would not like to ride if I could help it). As already said By @gavgav, one of the two guests also knows our bit of the world and has a cousin living a short way away. - Very small world
)
Once over the summit for the second time we'd hoped to get some good speed up on the descent. Unfortunately though, that wind which had been helping earlier was now acting as a fairly good brake so none of us managed much over 30mph (when the Tour of Britain came this way the riders were up around 55-60mph on this bit
).
We rode through Grasmere town again on the way back then returned to the car to find that I'd forgotten to lock it.
Good job there were no crooks around today.
21.7 miles at 11.1 mph average and a maximum of 31.2 mph for me.
Early on in the climb, passing The Travellers Rest.
Yes mate, the signs you've been passing for the last 30 miles weren't lying, the road is actually closed. (except for cyclists 
)
Action shot of @gavgav
Doug by the AA phone box at the summit.
Fresh, smooth tarmac.
Looking across the lake at some of the rock slides that devastated the road. It's hard to take in the scale of it from this side.
At the dam.
More dual carriageway all to ourselves.
Heading back now and taking in the views.
The section of road that was swept away is all rebuilt and nearly ready for the grand reopening on the 13th of May.
One more write up from the holiday to come shortly.
Thursday: This ride was a bit of a contradiction. We'd all said that an easier ride would be best for today but we also all wanted to take the opportunity to ride Dunmail Raise while it's still closed to (most) traffic so agreed to take the bikes over to Grasmere by car and cycle to Thirlmere from there.
We parked up at White Moss between Rydal and Grasmere and set off into town with Doug realising on the way that he'd left his drink behind in the kitchen. That meant a stop was needed to pick up a bottle of water in Grasmere where the road closure didn't seem to be putting people off visiting and there were good queues for the shuttle buses over the pass.
Moving on we had a good tailwind assisting our climb which will have helped but even so Dunmail Raise didn't seem as daunting as expected, mainly due to it being a fairly steady gradient so you just get in a comfortable gear and wind your way up.
Surprisingly, despite signs everywhere right the way back to the M6 saying that Dunmail Raise is closed, a few motorists were still passing us up the first bit of the climb and looking all surprised when they reached the actual closure.
Once past those signs it was just us and the shuttle buses to the summit which was really nice. We took to the new tarmac on the bridleway from the summit down to Steel End where it connects with the quiet road round the west of Thirlmere (also closed to motor traffic except residents and the buses) which was fabulous for cycling being practically dead flat with scenic views to our right. Others were making the most of the closure too so we saw a few cyclists.
At the end of the lake we made a loop by continuing left onto the A591 which again we had almost to ourselves (apart from a pickup and a group of three riders) then taking the next left which brings you back to the dam past Smaithwaite before we retraced our steps. The wind was now against us so we weren't whizzing along as effortlessly as before but it wasn't too bad. We overtook the group of three again as we headed back to the pass, then their lead rider caught us back up as we got back to Steel End and we had a chat (he's a local resident but apparently used to live in Shropshire. - Small world
)Climbing back up to Dunmail Raise it's steeper but nowhere near as high from this side. I stopped to grab a photo of the repair works and when I caught up with Doug and Gav again they had been accosted by an official from Cumbria Council and his two guests, wanting to know what we thought of the new path (for the record we like as it bypasses a bit of road I would not like to ride if I could help it). As already said By @gavgav, one of the two guests also knows our bit of the world and has a cousin living a short way away. - Very small world
)Once over the summit for the second time we'd hoped to get some good speed up on the descent. Unfortunately though, that wind which had been helping earlier was now acting as a fairly good brake so none of us managed much over 30mph (when the Tour of Britain came this way the riders were up around 55-60mph on this bit
).We rode through Grasmere town again on the way back then returned to the car to find that I'd forgotten to lock it.
Good job there were no crooks around today.21.7 miles at 11.1 mph average and a maximum of 31.2 mph for me.
Early on in the climb, passing The Travellers Rest.
Yes mate, the signs you've been passing for the last 30 miles weren't lying, the road is actually closed.
(except for cyclists )Action shot of @gavgav
Doug by the AA phone box at the summit.
Fresh, smooth tarmac.
Looking across the lake at some of the rock slides that devastated the road. It's hard to take in the scale of it from this side.
At the dam.
More dual carriageway all to ourselves.
Heading back now and taking in the views.
The section of road that was swept away is all rebuilt and nearly ready for the grand reopening on the 13th of May.
One more write up from the holiday to come shortly.
Last edited:
D
Deleted member 1258
Guest
What a beautiful day for a bike ride! Mappleborough Green the destination and 61 miles the journey. first thing this morning I wandered out into the garden saw the sunshine and felt the warmth, and went inside to dig out my shorts and short sleeved top that hasn't seen the light of day since last summer, that strong wind is still there but its warmed up nicely.I was wind assisted most of the way down, 30 miles in the first two hours is the fastest I've done 30 miles so far this year, even when I turned and wasn't wind assisted I still wasn't doing to bad either, 3 hours 22 minutes for the first 50 miles of the ride is the fastest I've done this year, I've had a good ride today. My route out took me out through Balsall Common, right by the church, down past the Honiley Boot then left into the lanes, through Hatton and right and through Lowsonford, out the other side and left to cross the Hockley road by the Old Pound Cafe, then left into Pig Trot Lane, and left and right into Gentlemans lane and on through Ullenhall onto the main road down to the island then left and left into the garden centre. On the way back I just followed my route out in reverse. Thats a cracking morning out on the bike, I could do with more like that, I'm knackered this afternoon but its happy tired and I'll have some more of that.
Racing roadkill
Guru
A nice day for a ride today.
https://www.strava.com/activities/569520895
I went out to the New Forest, then for a jolly out towards Mottisfont, then back home.
Out towards Broughton.
Mottisfont way.
Cake and Coffee at the cyclist friendly Annie's at Kimbridge.
Your's truly, minus all the other riders ( they all bailed along the route, at various points ).
Mmmmm beer.
A bit of an odd one, when a man waved a dog out of a passing car ( again ). All in all a nice ride though.
https://www.strava.com/activities/569520895
I went out to the New Forest, then for a jolly out towards Mottisfont, then back home.
Out towards Broughton.
Mottisfont way.
Cake and Coffee at the cyclist friendly Annie's at Kimbridge.
Your's truly, minus all the other riders ( they all bailed along the route, at various points ).
Mmmmm beer.
A bit of an odd one, when a man waved a dog out of a passing car ( again ). All in all a nice ride though.
Today's was my first mini sportive / charity ride .Out at 0745 from Anstey to Rothley for the start 4 miles away .Got my number for the first time . Off in waves of twenty riders I was in third wave .First 20 mile loop had the most hills in .Rothley to Cropston over the reservoir around the back of Bradgate park past Swithland woods and the golf course .Right at the end into Woodhouse Eaves via Maplewell Rd the left up the main Street and left onto the first proper climb Beacon hill a long drag . Nice steady spin to the top picking off riders as I went and noone overtook me .Over the top and left at the crossroads then right at the next junction and onto Priory lane for 2 tough climbs again steady climbing up the first again passing people . Got past on the descent but soon got them back as we hit the second climb .Quick stop at the feed station at the top of Polly Botts to refill the water bottle .Nice quick descent of Polly Botts and right on to Ulverscoft lane the left onto the next climb Sharply hill at this point I got into a nice group of 5 all at the same pace . Left at old John and the right heading back past the golf course a lovely steady descent so batting along at 30 mph passing the riders doing the 20 mile ride struggling uphill going the other way. Left into swithland were the group got split at some temp traffic rides most riders jumped them but me being a 
waited and waited until I realised they were not working so I jumped them the next 3 miles back to Rothley had me chasing the group back down caught at the traffic lights at Rothley .I was amazed to have done the first 20 miles at 17.2 mph and that with all the climbing. Into Cossington and up humble lane were my mate Andy was waiting for me . So let the group go and relaxed as Andy slightly slower than me .Up the Wreake valley through Ratcliffe ,Thrussington and Hoby to the second feed station. Quick rest while cake and jelly babies were consumed and water bottle refilled as now it was 
So out through Ragdale dragging Andy up the climb . the onto the descent of paudy lane where Andy helped out with a bit of chain ganging to the crossroads . Andy went left to home exhausted he'd had a good workout . I went right through Walton on the Wolds and back into Barrow on Soar were the group of 4 reformed through Mountsorrel and onto Bond lane a steep climb were the group was blown apart the strongest rider went for it then another guy then me and the forth guy was spat out the back . Right at the top and downhill to Quorn . Caught the second guy by Quorn but the other rider had put the hammer down and was gone. Through Quorn past the station heading back to Woodhouse where I realised the other guy wasnt on my wheel looked back and he's head down struggling up the hill so I am my own again.Back into Swithland ,Cropston an the finish at Rothley . 49.8 miles done in 2hrs 53mins at an average of 17.1 mph well happy with that with 2615 ft of climbing. It surprising being chased or chasing improves your speed . Enjoyed the free cake at the end with coffee . Really loved the experience and £200 raised for charity . Then just the matter of riding home passing loads of riders heading in shouting encouragement as I went .All in all 59 miles done in gloriousI now have some tan lines All in all a great day on the bike
Me getting my start number not finishing number
Trying to look fresh at 48 miles
waited and waited until I realised they were not working so I jumped them the next 3 miles back to Rothley had me chasing the group back down caught at the traffic lights at Rothley .I was amazed to have done the first 20 miles at 17.2 mph and that with all the climbing. Into Cossington and up humble lane were my mate Andy was waiting for me . So let the group go and relaxed as Andy slightly slower than me .Up the Wreake valley through Ratcliffe ,Thrussington and Hoby to the second feed station. Quick rest while cake and jelly babies were consumed and water bottle refilled as now it was So out through Ragdale dragging Andy up the climb . the onto the descent of paudy lane where Andy helped out with a bit of chain ganging to the crossroads . Andy went left to home exhausted he'd had a good workout . I went right through Walton on the Wolds and back into Barrow on Soar were the group of 4 reformed through Mountsorrel and onto Bond lane a steep climb were the group was blown apart the strongest rider went for it then another guy then me and the forth guy was spat out the back . Right at the top and downhill to Quorn . Caught the second guy by Quorn but the other rider had put the hammer down and was gone. Through Quorn past the station heading back to Woodhouse where I realised the other guy wasnt on my wheel looked back and he's head down struggling up the hill so I am my own again.Back into Swithland ,Cropston an the finish at Rothley . 49.8 miles done in 2hrs 53mins at an average of 17.1 mph well happy with that with 2615 ft of climbing. It surprising being chased or chasing improves your speed . Enjoyed the free cake at the end with coffee . Really loved the experience and £200 raised for charity . Then just the matter of riding home passing loads of riders heading in shouting encouragement as I went .All in all 59 miles done in gloriousI now have some tan lines All in all a great day on the bikeMe getting my start number not finishing number
Trying to look fresh at 48 miles
Last edited:
D
Deleted member 1258
Guest
Today's was my first mini sportive / charity ride .Out at 0745 from Anstey to Rothley for the start 4 miles .Got my number for the first time . Off in waves of twenty riders I was in third wave .First 20 mile loop had the most hills in .Rothley to Cropston over the reservoir around the back of Bradgate park past Swithland woods and the golf course .Right at the end into Woodhouse Eaves via Maplewell Rd the left up the main Street and left onto the first proper climb Beacon hill a long drag . Nice steady spin to the top picking off riders as I went and noone overtook me .Over the top and left at the crossroads then right at the next junction and onto Priory lane for 2 tough climbs again steady climbing up the first again passing people . Got past on the descent but soon got them back as we hit the second climb .Quick stop at the feed station at the top of Polly Botts to refill the water bottle .Nice quick descent of Polly Botts and right on to Ulverscoft lane the left onto the next climb Sharply hill at this point I got into a nice group of 5 all at the same pace . Left at old John and the right heading back past the golf course a lovely steady descent so batting along at 30 mph passing the riders doing the 20 mile ride struggling uphill going the other way. Left into swithland were the group got split at some temp traffic rides most riders jumped them but me being a
Well done
Donger
Convoi Exceptionnel
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
"Sunny and warm", said the weather forecast. "Hottest day of the year so far". Etc, etc. So of course it rained.
I had planned a club ride to take in the full glory of the bluebells in Soudley Woods, with a nice relaxing refreshments break at Mallard's Pike. This all meant climbing ... and lots of it, up Littledean Hill and into the very heart of the Forest of Dean. As the drizzle wasn't amounting to much, off came the rain top, to avoid that familiar boil-in-the-bag experience. Then just as we arrived at Soudley, down came the heavy rain. Still, it didn't last long, and soon we were accompanied on the road by our own shadows, as the sun finally put in an appearance.
The woods were truly magnificent today, with a carpet of bluebells to either side of the road for a couple of miles. I'm of the school of thought that there isn't a photo that can't be improved by putting a bicycle or two in it. Reckon we improved on nature with this one (mine and @Frazzle's bikes):
Got to Mallard's Pike just before the refreshments wagon was opening, so had a few minutes to take in the lovely views of the lake, with geese force-marching their goslings past us to the lakeshore as we sat at the picnic tables.
Then off for home we set. This involved making our way to the Speech House, and then conquering a monster climb up St White's Road to Littledean, featuring several bits of 16% and at least a mile of climbing, maybe more. I must eat a bigger breakfast next time. Almost didn't make it.
On the descent, in order to avoid retracing our route along A roads, I had asked everyone to regroup on the descent at the Greyhound pub in Elton ... a nice easy place to spot because of the huge model dinosaurin the beer garden. Somehow our lead-out man managed to miss the turn anyway, so we had to improvise our way back onto the little side lanes. It was probably my fault, as it may have been a plesiosaur, not a brontosaurus, apparently.
By the time I got back home (accompanied by @ Frazzle and Wayne) that was another 48.6 miles of lumpy cycling done, and it was getting really rather warm. I have since drunk the fridge dry.
Cheers, Enjoy your rides everyone. Donger.
I had planned a club ride to take in the full glory of the bluebells in Soudley Woods, with a nice relaxing refreshments break at Mallard's Pike. This all meant climbing ... and lots of it, up Littledean Hill and into the very heart of the Forest of Dean. As the drizzle wasn't amounting to much, off came the rain top, to avoid that familiar boil-in-the-bag experience. Then just as we arrived at Soudley, down came the heavy rain. Still, it didn't last long, and soon we were accompanied on the road by our own shadows, as the sun finally put in an appearance.
The woods were truly magnificent today, with a carpet of bluebells to either side of the road for a couple of miles. I'm of the school of thought that there isn't a photo that can't be improved by putting a bicycle or two in it. Reckon we improved on nature with this one (mine and @Frazzle's bikes):
Then off for home we set. This involved making our way to the Speech House, and then conquering a monster climb up St White's Road to Littledean, featuring several bits of 16% and at least a mile of climbing, maybe more. I must eat a bigger breakfast next time. Almost didn't make it.
On the descent, in order to avoid retracing our route along A roads, I had asked everyone to regroup on the descent at the Greyhound pub in Elton ... a nice easy place to spot because of the huge model dinosaur
in the beer garden. Somehow our lead-out man managed to miss the turn anyway, so we had to improvise our way back onto the little side lanes. It was probably my fault, as it may have been a plesiosaur, not a brontosaurus, apparently.By the time I got back home (accompanied by @ Frazzle and Wayne) that was another 48.6 miles of lumpy cycling done, and it was getting really rather warm. I have since drunk the fridge dry.
Cheers, Enjoy your rides everyone. Donger.
Attachments
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It.Is. Scorchio up here
24C, but a bit of a stiff wind, going the wrong way. No matter, I am not giving up a chance to ride, so lets get this months 50 in
Set off towards Birdoswald and the Roman Fort, which was 20 miles into the 14mph wind, which meant riding really steady to save the legs for the climb out of Lanercost. Now I had a 14mph tailwind
which assisted me to a new PB down the roman road that was hugely faster than I've been before. Sooo much easier that it usually is 
Ahhh, this was the life, ticking along nicely with the sun beaming down, and the wind might even give a bit of help up the big climb.
Through Lanercost and it was up the big climb out for the first time this year. That went OK, the climbing legs haven't completely deserted me and it was so close to a PB!
Back to Warwick Bridge via How Street for another blast of speed, before taking the low road back to Wetheral and the shorter way back home as the legs were starting to feel it. Still that was going to be nearly 40 windy miles, so I was pleased with it.
More days like this please!! (but a bit less wind would be nice)
https://www.strava.com/activities/569546681/
The Roman Road right beside Hadrians Wall near Birdoswald.
24C, but a bit of a stiff wind, going the wrong way. No matter, I am not giving up a chance to ride, so lets get this months 50 in
Set off towards Birdoswald and the Roman Fort, which was 20 miles into the 14mph wind, which meant riding really steady to save the legs for the climb out of Lanercost. Now I had a 14mph tailwind
which assisted me to a new PB down the roman road that was hugely faster than I've been before. Sooo much easier that it usually is Ahhh, this was the life, ticking along nicely with the sun beaming down, and the wind might even give a bit of help up the big climb.Through Lanercost and it was up the big climb out for the first time this year. That went OK, the climbing legs haven't completely deserted me and it was so close to a PB!
Back to Warwick Bridge via How Street for another blast of speed, before taking the low road back to Wetheral and the shorter way back home as the legs were starting to feel it. Still that was going to be nearly 40 windy miles, so I was pleased with it.
More days like this please!! (but a bit less wind would be nice)
https://www.strava.com/activities/569546681/
The Roman Road right beside Hadrians Wall near Birdoswald.
Berk on a Bike
Veteran
- Location
- Yorkshire
Some unfinished business with a certain segment was the deciding factor on today's route. A few weeks ago I attempted to improve my time climbing the strangely named Cote de Holmfirth but punctured part of the way up. Heck and lummy, I cried. So today, with beaming sun but a favourable breeze I went out the same way and knocked a good 25s off.
Strave whoring aside, it was a beautiful day for a ride. There were loads of riders out and about which is always great to see.
42 miles with 2775 feet of ascending, not to mention that dry, salty feeling you get in such conditions.
https://www.strava.com/activities/569543059
Strave whoring aside, it was a beautiful day for a ride. There were loads of riders out and about which is always great to see.
42 miles with 2775 feet of ascending, not to mention that dry, salty feeling you get in such conditions.
https://www.strava.com/activities/569543059
A different wrinkle added to a ride I do often for today, inspired by the fact that the Leeds half marathon was using a lot of north Leeds this morning. Water Lane was still closed this morning, which made a detour under the railway station necessary. There is a thought, I also crossed the river in riding under the station. Hmmmm.
Then I crossed the river again to reach Great Wilson Street and the run through Hunslet and the climb to John O’ Gaunts. As the road got higher, so did the breeze, most welcome! A brisk shortcut through Woodlesford, drop past the station and turn left to go through Swillington and on to Garforth, crossing the river yet again in the process. On to the A 63 at this stage until the Boot and Shoe is reached and the turn off for Sherburn Bends, or the B 1222. All the way into Sherburn and turn left at the lights for Barkston Ash, where I turned left for Saxton.
I stopped for a drink just after the junction and a couple of riders went by and stayed intermittently in view all the way to Lotherton Gates. I turned right and stopped under the A 1 flyover for a munch. All the rest of the ride, Barwick, Scholes, A 64, Thorner, Skeltons and Red Hall lanes followed by the A 58 descent, Oakwood Clock and home is a bit of a fixture for me, but it is different every time and usually gives me a grin. The trip today was 35.8 miles, and my new toy has reported an elevation gain of 1349 feet but an elevation loss of 1355 feet. I do not recall falling over, so how can I lose six feet more elevation than I gain?
Then I crossed the river again to reach Great Wilson Street and the run through Hunslet and the climb to John O’ Gaunts. As the road got higher, so did the breeze, most welcome! A brisk shortcut through Woodlesford, drop past the station and turn left to go through Swillington and on to Garforth, crossing the river yet again in the process. On to the A 63 at this stage until the Boot and Shoe is reached and the turn off for Sherburn Bends, or the B 1222. All the way into Sherburn and turn left at the lights for Barkston Ash, where I turned left for Saxton.
I stopped for a drink just after the junction and a couple of riders went by and stayed intermittently in view all the way to Lotherton Gates. I turned right and stopped under the A 1 flyover for a munch. All the rest of the ride, Barwick, Scholes, A 64, Thorner, Skeltons and Red Hall lanes followed by the A 58 descent, Oakwood Clock and home is a bit of a fixture for me, but it is different every time and usually gives me a grin. The trip today was 35.8 miles, and my new toy has reported an elevation gain of 1349 feet but an elevation loss of 1355 feet. I do not recall falling over, so how can I lose six feet more elevation than I gain?
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
The final Lakes ride of this trip:
Friday: We were all doing fairly okay after the mileage and hills so far and Gav had hoped to get his 50km ride for the Half Century Challenge in while we were up here so we gave it a go. Today we had the best weather of the whole week with light winds and enough warmth to justify shorts, even if it was a little overcast and hazy.
For the second time this week we headed into Coniston and round the north end of the lake but this time continued round the eastern side and down to Spark Bridge. There were signs out warning of walkers in the road and feed stations/check points being prepared for an event taking place the next day (The 50th anniversary Keswick to Barrow (or K2B) event).
Unlike Thirlmere, this road alongside the lake isn't flat or anywhere near but we were getting along quite well. Around Spark Bridge however the hills became a bit longer as we climbed over to Bouth where we were aiming for lunch at The White Hart. We were there a few minutes before they opened but the wait was worth it as they had nice beer and produced some tasy sandwiches for us.
After Bouth the riding is quite flat for a short while before a steeper-than-I-remember hill on the way to Newby Bridge. Here the Swan Hotel looks quite sad as it is still being refurbished after being badly flooded for the second time in only 7 years.
Next stop was Lakeside where we dropped in at the steamer pier and were in time to watch MV Tern departing for Bowness.
Having had a brief pit stop we carried on up to Graythwaite where the original plan was to head through Cunsey - a scenic way we've only ever done in the other direction. However, I could see that both Doug and Gav were feeling the hills a bit so suggested that we stayed on the road to Hawkshead as there was hardly any traffic and although lumpy it avoids having to climb 157' in one go from Cunsey to Far Sawrey. Gav and Doug agreed so we had a relatively easy ride up to Hawkshead where the climbing started again, to Outgate, then Barngates where I was very tempted by another pub stop but Gav said he didn't think he would get going again if we did that, which was fair enough with Hawkshead Hill still to do.
Carrying on, the road isn't too bad until you get to Betty Fold where it ramps up. Doug and Gav did it without stopping but were working too hard to notice me taking a photo for posterity.
After this there is one last push to the summit and then it's almost all downhill back to Coniston.
I recorded 33.07 miles (Gav got his metric half century) at 10.2 mph average and a maximum of 27.5.
A flat calm on Coniston in the morning.
A mile or so later we've climbed a bit to look across the lake to Coniston town.
Lots of bluebells in the woods.
Lunch stop.
Enjoying a lunchtime pint.
We are usually headed down the hill past this house so taking it a bit slower uphill noticed the plaque outside saying it was where Arthur Ransome (author of Swallows and Amazons) lived.
Windermere from the Lakeside pier.
Tern heads north. Locals jokingly call her the World's Largest Canoe.
We've resisted another pub stop and now have to tackle the last big climb of the day. Doug and Gav at Betty Fold.
Relieved faces at the top of the climb.
The week went far too quick but we got in a lot more riding than we imagined would be possible at the start. Now to plan for next time.......
Friday: We were all doing fairly okay after the mileage and hills so far and Gav had hoped to get his 50km ride for the Half Century Challenge in while we were up here so we gave it a go. Today we had the best weather of the whole week with light winds and enough warmth to justify shorts, even if it was a little overcast and hazy.
For the second time this week we headed into Coniston and round the north end of the lake but this time continued round the eastern side and down to Spark Bridge. There were signs out warning of walkers in the road and feed stations/check points being prepared for an event taking place the next day (The 50th anniversary Keswick to Barrow (or K2B) event).
Unlike Thirlmere, this road alongside the lake isn't flat or anywhere near but we were getting along quite well. Around Spark Bridge however the hills became a bit longer as we climbed over to Bouth where we were aiming for lunch at The White Hart. We were there a few minutes before they opened but the wait was worth it as they had nice beer and produced some tasy sandwiches for us.
After Bouth the riding is quite flat for a short while before a steeper-than-I-remember hill on the way to Newby Bridge. Here the Swan Hotel looks quite sad as it is still being refurbished after being badly flooded for the second time in only 7 years.
Next stop was Lakeside where we dropped in at the steamer pier and were in time to watch MV Tern departing for Bowness.
Having had a brief pit stop we carried on up to Graythwaite where the original plan was to head through Cunsey - a scenic way we've only ever done in the other direction. However, I could see that both Doug and Gav were feeling the hills a bit so suggested that we stayed on the road to Hawkshead as there was hardly any traffic and although lumpy it avoids having to climb 157' in one go from Cunsey to Far Sawrey. Gav and Doug agreed so we had a relatively easy ride up to Hawkshead where the climbing started again, to Outgate, then Barngates where I was very tempted by another pub stop but Gav said he didn't think he would get going again if we did that, which was fair enough with Hawkshead Hill still to do.
Carrying on, the road isn't too bad until you get to Betty Fold where it ramps up. Doug and Gav did it without stopping but were working too hard to notice me taking a photo for posterity.
After this there is one last push to the summit and then it's almost all downhill back to Coniston.
I recorded 33.07 miles (Gav got his metric half century) at 10.2 mph average and a maximum of 27.5.
A flat calm on Coniston in the morning.
A mile or so later we've climbed a bit to look across the lake to Coniston town.
Lots of bluebells in the woods.
Lunch stop.
Enjoying a lunchtime pint.
We are usually headed down the hill past this house so taking it a bit slower uphill noticed the plaque outside saying it was where Arthur Ransome (author of Swallows and Amazons) lived.
Windermere from the Lakeside pier.
Tern heads north. Locals jokingly call her the World's Largest Canoe.
We've resisted another pub stop and now have to tackle the last big climb of the day. Doug and Gav at Betty Fold.
Relieved faces at the top of the climb.
The week went far too quick but we got in a lot more riding than we imagined would be possible at the start. Now to plan for next time.......
Last edited:
Stevec047
Über Member
- Location
- Saffron Walden
My second social ride out with 6 guys from the Lobbs. Headed off out of halstead and towards Gosfield. Bike felt good and the body was working well.
Headed towards Finchingfield weaving in and out of the country roads before before we lost one of the guys due to prior arrangements to Marshall the local marathon. So 6 down to 5 as we enter Finchingfield for a quick coffee and cake stop. Not much coffee with the heat bit it was a nice rest before we got ready to set off again. Another one down and after a discussion about routes back we drop another 2 leaving 3 of us to take the initial route up so pretty difficult hills - from discusscusions had after the hills I believe two of them were actually graded climbs. I know who would of thought we had graded climbs in essex.
After a bit of a struggle with these climbs and spinning my legs at around 3mph up the last big climb I was pretty whacked but after a short stop the legs were ready again and off we went for the final few miles of the ride back towards Gosfield and splitting from the others to head back home.
Total 35 miles making a massive 88 miles for the whole week. Loads of pb's beaten and my biggest ride ever along with my biggest milage for 1 week ever.
Headed towards Finchingfield weaving in and out of the country roads before before we lost one of the guys due to prior arrangements to Marshall the local marathon. So 6 down to 5 as we enter Finchingfield for a quick coffee and cake stop. Not much coffee with the heat bit it was a nice rest before we got ready to set off again. Another one down and after a discussion about routes back we drop another 2 leaving 3 of us to take the initial route up so pretty difficult hills - from discusscusions had after the hills I believe two of them were actually graded climbs. I know who would of thought we had graded climbs in essex.
After a bit of a struggle with these climbs and spinning my legs at around 3mph up the last big climb I was pretty whacked but after a short stop the legs were ready again and off we went for the final few miles of the ride back towards Gosfield and splitting from the others to head back home.
Total 35 miles making a massive 88 miles for the whole week. Loads of pb's beaten and my biggest ride ever along with my biggest milage for 1 week ever.
