twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
Not been for a long long time. It never changes tho'. Really enjoyed it.
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
With a busy day ahead I wanted to get on with it, but my ride partner was on a different mission! I got him out of bed. While he had breakfast I picked up my guitar and played a few Christmas songs.... 'if you play one more you're riding by yourself' mumbled my festive son!
So off we went into a windy Cambridgeshire, the roads were fairly quiet.
We only saw one fieldfare, 8 redwing and toward the end of the ride a buzzard stood in a field, watching the world go by.
It was just a loop around the Gransdens, so we could come home with a tail wind, and the first time I've been on my Cube in ages.
20 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/810073941
So off we went into a windy Cambridgeshire, the roads were fairly quiet.
We only saw one fieldfare, 8 redwing and toward the end of the ride a buzzard stood in a field, watching the world go by.
It was just a loop around the Gransdens, so we could come home with a tail wind, and the first time I've been on my Cube in ages.
20 miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/810073941
gavgav
Legendary Member
My annual Xmas Eve ride, which includes a visit the Crematorium and Church, to remember my Nan's and Grandad's at this time of year.
Original plan was to do a 30 miler, but that went out of the window after waking up to pouring rain for 2 hours. It eventually stopped around 10:30 and so I got the bike out of the shed into the howling wind.
My new bike phone case for my IPhone arrived from China, earlier this week and it's from the same company who made the previous one I had. I was hoping the connection to the mount was the same, but there was a subtle difference and so I spent 10 minutes removing the old one and fitting the new one, which fits nicely.
I began by heading through the estate and over to the Crematorium, and along the mile or so there was plenty of evidence of Christmas spirit, with 3 cars letting me out at junctions
After spending a few minutes at Nan and Grandad's plaque I retraced my steps and then followed the cycle paths to Heathgates. I then turned into the wall of wind and struggled along by the River Severn and into the Quarry Park, where there were plenty of people walking and the usual plethora of people who can't control their dogs, with me almost being fetched off by 2 stupid looking woolly poodles who came from behind me and across my path
I continued through Porthill and then out onto the busy road to Bicton, continuing against the wind, before turning into the village and down to the church, where I spent a few minutes at Nan and Grandad's grave.
I was glad to have the wind behind me back towards Shrewsbury and the traffic was well behaved on the busy road, wish it could be like that all the time along there!!
Followed the cycle paths back home and clocked up 15.9 miles.
Off to enjoy Christmas with my Dad, Brother, Nephew and Niece, now.
Merry Christmas everyone
Original plan was to do a 30 miler, but that went out of the window after waking up to pouring rain for 2 hours. It eventually stopped around 10:30 and so I got the bike out of the shed into the howling wind.
My new bike phone case for my IPhone arrived from China, earlier this week and it's from the same company who made the previous one I had. I was hoping the connection to the mount was the same, but there was a subtle difference and so I spent 10 minutes removing the old one and fitting the new one, which fits nicely.
I began by heading through the estate and over to the Crematorium, and along the mile or so there was plenty of evidence of Christmas spirit, with 3 cars letting me out at junctions
After spending a few minutes at Nan and Grandad's plaque I retraced my steps and then followed the cycle paths to Heathgates. I then turned into the wall of wind and struggled along by the River Severn and into the Quarry Park, where there were plenty of people walking and the usual plethora of people who can't control their dogs, with me almost being fetched off by 2 stupid looking woolly poodles who came from behind me and across my path
I continued through Porthill and then out onto the busy road to Bicton, continuing against the wind, before turning into the village and down to the church, where I spent a few minutes at Nan and Grandad's grave.
I was glad to have the wind behind me back towards Shrewsbury and the traffic was well behaved on the busy road, wish it could be like that all the time along there!!
Followed the cycle paths back home and clocked up 15.9 miles.
Off to enjoy Christmas with my Dad, Brother, Nephew and Niece, now.
Merry Christmas everyone
Phone call from big sis last night she going to nice pies tomorrow to pick up turkey and pork pies and do I want to meet for breakfast ? Obviously ! .Nice pies is 15 miles from home so a nice 50km ride. Out at 0930 in windy overcast conditions . Anstey ,Cropston ,Rothley and Cossington and check my speed and it's over 20mph so either I'm flying or I have a tailwind so harder ride home ? . Through Sileby and into Seagrave and did then climb of Berrycott lane as I have done it before . Then and nice straight flat road to Nice Pies and I flying at 26mph love a tailwind . Got to the cafe before big sis so ordered coffee sat down and then big sis mum and auntie turn up so breakfast ordered .Nice relaxed breakfast then sorted out pork pies and turkey and just carrying the turkey to sister car and mum goes look here some more cyclists I look up and it's @tallliman and @Joobert so I'm back in the cafe chatting away and then decide to ride back with them as they were heading my way .Out the cafe and turn into the headwind wow no wonder I was flying there . @Joobert had been of the bike for a while so me and @tallliman took turns on the front into the wind . Turned down Paudy lane which should be a lovely steady descent but with a cross headwind it was hard work to get above 16 mph . Into Barrow and back to Sileby where @Joobert turned for home and me and @tallliman carry on to Cossington ,Rothley where we went are separate ways . Which left me heading through Cropston with a headwind all the way . Made I home with 34 miles in the another so another metric half century . Lovely ride out hard ride back made a lot easier with some nice company
Jon George
Mamil and couldn't care less
- Location
- Suffolk an' Good
Okay, a 7.5 mile ride out to a village, and one to the pub and back, are not rides to concentrate the mind (even if I was wearing a Santa hat), but they do give me the opportunity to post and wish everyone on 'Your Ride Today' a Happy Christmas and a great 2017. Have a great time. 
Spinney
Bimbleur extraordinaire
- Location
- Back up north
23 mile bimble around the local lanes.
What made today memorable was the fact that I finally did the hill up out of Wotton under Edge. I've been down this loads of times, but have always been put off cycling up it because it seems steep (you can really whizz down it!), and driving up it in the car also makes it look steep. And at many times it is quite busy.
But today, being Xmas eve, the roads were pretty quiet and OH encouraged me to have a go. And it wasn't nearly as hard as I'd expected. I've been meaning to do it for a loooonnnng time.
And now I've shown myself I can do it there is no further excuse!
The roads were a bit damp, but the sun came out for some of the time and there were the usual good views across the flood plain to the Severn and the hills beyond.
Happy Christmas everyone - may the fairy never visit and the wind be always at your back.
What made today memorable was the fact that I finally did the hill up out of Wotton under Edge. I've been down this loads of times, but have always been put off cycling up it because it seems steep (you can really whizz down it!), and driving up it in the car also makes it look steep. And at many times it is quite busy.
But today, being Xmas eve, the roads were pretty quiet and OH encouraged me to have a go. And it wasn't nearly as hard as I'd expected. I've been meaning to do it for a loooonnnng time.
And now I've shown myself I can do it there is no further excuse!
The roads were a bit damp, but the sun came out for some of the time and there were the usual good views across the flood plain to the Severn and the hills beyond.
Happy Christmas everyone - may the fairy never visit and the wind be always at your back.
Diggs
Veteran
- Location
- Billericay, Essex
A slightly sore throat was telling me to stay in bed but I knew that I'd be stir crazy by Boxing day. Lovely little run out to Hatfield Peverel and mince pies back at the shop.
Even managed to get ahead of the group for a picture
Even managed to get ahead of the group for a picture
Had a nice ride out with @Joobert today. Aim was to purchase a pork pie for Christmas from Nice Pies before they shut. Aimed to also make it a 100km ride to kick off the Rapha 500.
Same route as last week but some added on at the start just south of EMA and my first taste of that wind. Was worried whether I'd make the meet on time but just about made it to Sileby for 10. As I met @Joobert, he said "was that @13 rider you just passed?" Given my recent form on this matter, not necessarily the best person to ask!
Still, we were blown up the Wreake Valley to the ridge and a left into Nice Pies revealed @13 rider just leaving but he stayed for a drink and a chat.
Horrid ride back toward Barrow in that headwind, just no respite! Might head up it the other way for a pb. Dropped @Joobert off at Sileby and popped on with @13 rider until Rothley when I headed the long way home to bring up the metric ton.
All in all, a good ride and 20% of the challenge done!
Same route as last week but some added on at the start just south of EMA and my first taste of that wind. Was worried whether I'd make the meet on time but just about made it to Sileby for 10. As I met @Joobert, he said "was that @13 rider you just passed?" Given my recent form on this matter, not necessarily the best person to ask!
Still, we were blown up the Wreake Valley to the ridge and a left into Nice Pies revealed @13 rider just leaving but he stayed for a drink and a chat.
Horrid ride back toward Barrow in that headwind, just no respite! Might head up it the other way for a pb. Dropped @Joobert off at Sileby and popped on with @13 rider until Rothley when I headed the long way home to bring up the metric ton.
All in all, a good ride and 20% of the challenge done!
dim
Guest
- Location
- Cambridge UK
I managed 100km today in brutal wind (31km/hr)
Madness ... but it's day 1 on the Strava Rapha Festive 500km Christmas challenge
I think that most of the cyclists who I saw, were cycling for miles towards the Rapha challenge
Kudos to all those who rode today .... it was rough
tomorrow will be the same
Madness ... but it's day 1 on the Strava Rapha Festive 500km Christmas challenge
I think that most of the cyclists who I saw, were cycling for miles towards the Rapha challenge
Kudos to all those who rode today .... it was rough
tomorrow will be the same
Elybazza61
Guru
Out on a windy club run today; nice ride with a stop at the River Tea Rooms in St Ives.
Nicer coming back although it was a bit blowy along the busway but better once off it and then back along the twenty pence road.
Only problem was my Garmin shutting down and me forgetting to re-start it when we left St Ives
,so only part of the ride recorded for the Rapha 500
.
https://www.strava.com/activities/810246690
And the manual entry for the missed bit.
https://www.strava.com/activities/810264141
Oh and a pic of someone's festive bike
;
Nicer coming back although it was a bit blowy along the busway but better once off it and then back along the twenty pence road.
Only problem was my Garmin shutting down and me forgetting to re-start it when we left St Ives
,so only part of the ride recorded for the Rapha 500.https://www.strava.com/activities/810246690
And the manual entry for the missed bit.
https://www.strava.com/activities/810264141
Oh and a pic of someone's festive bike
;
dim
Guest
- Location
- Cambridge UK
Out on a windy club run today; nice ride with a stop at the River Tea Rooms in St Ives.
Nicer coming back although it was a bit blowy along the busway but better once off it and then back along the twenty pence road.
Only problem was my Garmin shutting down and me forgetting to re-start it when we left St Ives
https://www.strava.com/activities/810246690
And the manual entry for the missed bit.
https://www.strava.com/activities/810264141
Oh and a pic of someone's festive bike
View attachment 155190
yikes .... good ride, but your manual entry won't count towards the challenge ....
Racing roadkill
Guru
https://www.relive.cc/view/810417988
70 something miles done today up to Salisbury and back, as part of the Rapha Festive 500.
I met a lovely bird
This is Biscuit ( a barn owl ). He was a sweetheart, and didn't want to go back to his handler, after Id had my photo taken with him. Apparently he's very bright, and worked out I was a cyclist. At night, they use cyclists to flush out rodents from the hedges and things. Hence the reason I've often found Owls flying alongside me on night rides.
The weather was fabulous today.
I stopped in for an 18.2 % ABV ( not the 16.5 % they claim on the board ) Brewdog Tokyo.
.
Then home.
70 something miles done today up to Salisbury and back, as part of the Rapha Festive 500.
I met a lovely bird
This is Biscuit ( a barn owl ). He was a sweetheart, and didn't want to go back to his handler, after Id had my photo taken with him. Apparently he's very bright, and worked out I was a cyclist. At night, they use cyclists to flush out rodents from the hedges and things. Hence the reason I've often found Owls flying alongside me on night rides.
The weather was fabulous today.
I stopped in for an 18.2 % ABV ( not the 16.5 % they claim on the board ) Brewdog Tokyo.
.Then home.
Spinney
Bimbleur extraordinaire
- Location
- Back up north
[QUOTE 4610773, member: 9609"]That is a tough ascent, 290' per mile for two miles. I do one occasionally that averages the same per mile but it is only 1.5 miles, I wouldn't be wishing another half mile of the same.[/QUOTE]
This is my other local 'testing' climb:
385 ft over a nearly a mile - so steeper, but does not go on for as long. It feels harder than the Wotton one above! Around here the only climbs are when you go up the Cotswold Scarp - it's very easy to make up rides with hardly any hills at all!
This is my other local 'testing' climb:
385 ft over a nearly a mile - so steeper, but does not go on for as long. It feels harder than the Wotton one above! Around here the only climbs are when you go up the Cotswold Scarp - it's very easy to make up rides with hardly any hills at all!
After an 03:00 finish at w*rk this morning and into bed just before 04:00, I was dragged out of bed kicking and screaming at 05:00 to go shopping before it got busy. <yawn>.. Once back home at, probably, 08:00 and many £££ lighter, I downed a strong black coffee and went back to bed until 10:00. As MrsPete was cleaning the house, I thought I'd help by getting out fro under her feet and headed out on the CX for a few hours.
First stop was to drop a card into a mate's house, then into the town centre market for one final pressie for No1 daughter. The traffic was snarled up all the way in and out, but didn't present a problem as I cut through a few back roads to the off road trail I use regularly.
The old railway was running today, with the Santa Express doing great business. I'd tried for tickets but I was a bit late and they'd sold out, sadly.
From there, I headed up past Merry Tom farm towards Brixworth and Pitsford Res where I stopped for an ice cream.
Grumpy looking burger selling them though!!
I chose the less exposed side of the reservoir to ride as the wind was blowing quite hard, and, luckily, the more open parts of the trail were with a tailwind. Happy days.
Once away from the res, I rode through Holcot and back towards home via Sywell & Overstone with a cut though past Church Farm to save me riding a road I'm not too keen on a sit's a bit of a rat-run.
Nice clean bike now after a mucky ride. And a bottle of cider
Back on 28 miles in quite gusty winds, but with the last card delivered and final pressie purchased.
https://www.strava.com/activities/810420322
First stop was to drop a card into a mate's house, then into the town centre market for one final pressie for No1 daughter. The traffic was snarled up all the way in and out, but didn't present a problem as I cut through a few back roads to the off road trail I use regularly.
The old railway was running today, with the Santa Express doing great business. I'd tried for tickets but I was a bit late and they'd sold out, sadly.
From there, I headed up past Merry Tom farm towards Brixworth and Pitsford Res where I stopped for an ice cream.
Grumpy looking burger selling them though!!
I chose the less exposed side of the reservoir to ride as the wind was blowing quite hard, and, luckily, the more open parts of the trail were with a tailwind. Happy days.
Once away from the res, I rode through Holcot and back towards home via Sywell & Overstone with a cut though past Church Farm to save me riding a road I'm not too keen on a sit's a bit of a rat-run.
Nice clean bike now after a mucky ride. And a bottle of cider
Back on 28 miles in quite gusty winds, but with the last card delivered and final pressie purchased.
https://www.strava.com/activities/810420322
biggs682
Itching to get back on my bike's
- Location
- Northamptonshire
Up and out early this morning and a great ride the roads were quieter than normal for some strange reason?
Todays route was a nice circular one around the local lanes , damp underfoot and quite blustery but dry .
Mount for the day was my newly commissioned Lee Cooper resplendent in it's bright red and blue colour scheme , i still think the choice of down tube levers over sti units was a good one.
Set up was spot on so no minor adjustment stops on route which was good.
Oh then i woke up with the cat licking my face....
.
Happy Christmas one and all .
Todays route was a nice circular one around the local lanes , damp underfoot and quite blustery but dry .
Mount for the day was my newly commissioned Lee Cooper resplendent in it's bright red and blue colour scheme , i still think the choice of down tube levers over sti units was a good one.
Set up was spot on so no minor adjustment stops on route which was good.
Oh then i woke up with the cat licking my face....
.
Happy Christmas one and all .
