Your ride today....

[Roadhump]

Fourth ride of the week today, each one having included a hill or 2 to try to help me develop my "hill skill". Here in the flatlands of South West Lancashire, it would be easy to rarely use your climbing capacity, and to be honest, I am pretty useless on hills having rarely faced them due to most of my cycling being around these parts, so I want to give myself an upward challenge now and again. With that in mind I decided to take my new bike over to Newburgh, and then up to Ashurst Beacon via Higher Lane in Dalton - not the steepest gradient in the world, but a decent climb that goes on for over 2 miles.

The photo shows Ashurst Beacon (the little pointy thing on the hill to the right) from Back Lane, boy, you've got to get up there!!

I had to ride about 14 miles to get to Higher Lane, and turning right, from the main road, into it isn't easy. You approach down a steep hill and the junction is controlled by a mini roundabout. I was being closely tailed by a car that couldn't get past, and who I wanted to let know, via an arm signal, that I was turning right, so with the other hand trying to control my speed via the rear brake, I was just hoping that a car wouldn't turn right, out of Higher Lane requiring me to give way, guess what......When you turn into Higher Lane you are immediately faced with an upward steep stretch and due to having to give way and start from 0 mph, it required extra effort straight away. There is a level stretch soon after and that allowed me to find some rhythm and momentum. The road rises steadily, with a couple of short flat stretches, and I was quite pleased that I didn't have to use my granny gear (until later). Eventually Higher Lane meets Beacon lane at the top, with the choice of turning left, UP towards Up Holland and the beacon, or right, DOWN towards Skelmersdale - I went left, UP towards the beacon and the gradient became quite a bit steeper; it was here that I dropped down to the 32t granny gear and to a speed of about 6mph, but I kept going and a short distance past the Prince William pub, stopped and after taking a photo of the view over towards Liverpool and North Wales, turned round and headed back down. (I think the hump in the middle of the photo is Anglesey).

Due to a combination of a steep downward downhill gradient, some sharp bends that restricted my view, a poor road surface and not being fully accustomed to braking hard with dropped handlebars, my descent was quite dodgy and I found myself really braking hard at times, a couple of scary moments, but I'm still here to tell the tale. I stopped to admire the views from the top of Higher Lane where it looks over towards North Wales and Liverpool, which was quite impressive.

The object in the middle of the picture is the water tower at Ormskirk which can be seen for miles around also the faint outline of some of the wind farm propellers off the coast from Crosby can be seen, 13 miles away.

The square tower thing in the picture below is the Anglican cathedral in Liverpool and further to the right the fainter tower is St John's Beacon

From Beacon Lane, I headed down into Skelmersdale and wound my way round to the Ormskirk road, headed through Westhead and over to Aughton. Having done one challenging hill to the beacon, I decided to do another one and headed over to Clieves Hill, probably not much of a challenge if you ride in East Lancashire or Yorkshire, but round here it is a hill many cyclists use for a bit of practice. I go there very often, and take many photos from the great vantage point overlooking Liverpool Bay and its coastline. Today, the light shone with a nice yellowy haze that played well on the windfarms off the coast.

and zoomed a bit

37 miles that took 2 hours 30 minutes. On my way out to the beacon, before hitting the uphill gradient, my average speed was 15.7 mph, after my slow climb it was down to 13.6 mph, and after a few good speedy stretches on the way home, it was 14.8 mph.....not bad for a nearly 57 year old real ale enthusiast!!

 

[Dave 123]

Out early for us and down to Haslingfield we went. At the A10 we were lucky with the traffic and went straight through, up over the hill to Newton.
Jo couldn't decide if it was warm or cold or what!
We headed to Thriplow. Next weekend they have their big daffodil weekend, where they make a big thing about having an average amount of daffodils. It wasn't Holland, but the church was nice

To Fowlmere, then back toward Newton and on to the Shelfords. We stopped at Days bakery. I had carrot cake, Jo had a Chelsea bun.

We then picked up the cycle path that takes you through the biomedical campus. We spotted 3 construction workers who were employed to help people cross the road! Crazy!

We then came back through town which seemed quiet.

We went past the front of Robinson College, my mate Guy is the Head Gardener there. He does a nice crocus

Saw some nice birds- Goldfinch, fieldfare, Reed bunting and a little egret.

30 nice miles.


https://www.strava.com/activities/895654291

 

[gavgav]

Managed to squeeze in a ride, in between having my haircut and my nephew's birthday party this afternoon.

A very mild and cloudy morning, could almost have done with shorts! Picked a hilly ride, out to Betton Abbots and then the lumpy section to Berrington and Cound, before the steep climb up Kenley Bank.

Stopped at the top, for a breather and a bag of crisps, before a little bit more climbing and then the nice fast descent around to Harnage Grange. Just as I was about to turn off back towards Cound I heard and then saw 2 farm dogs hurtling towards me, so I didn't hang around to see if they were friendly and cycled quickly off down the road towards Cound

Once in Cound I then had a little snarly rat of a dog come hurtling out of a garden and attempt to bite my ankles!! "Hayley come back" I heard being shouted, well how about you keep Hayley under control a bit better because if there had been a car coming she would have been as flat as a pancake by now

I re-traced my steps over the lumpy section and back home having done 21.7 miles and 1100ft of climbing.

Seem to have developed a squeak and very notchy vibration through the crank on the last 2 rides. I'm wondering if it's bearing issues or bottom bracket problems?

 

[Dave 123]

Go easy on the jelly and pop @gavgav , you'll regret it!

 

[gavgav]

Go easy on the jelly and pop @gavgav , you'll regret it!

 

[13 rider]

Having loosely arranged to meet @Supersuperleeds at nice pies cafe at 11.30 this morning the question was to do 50 m or 100 km ride . Decided to see what time I got up .So up early at 0730 and out the door at 0830 so 100 km it will be then .Anstey ,Cropston and round the back of Bradgate Park and the climbing starts up to St Bernards Abbey which was made easier by tagging along with 2 other riders heading for Ashby so abit of company for a few miles I parted company as I went right down Swannymote road . Belton ,Diesworth ,Long Whatton ,Kegworth ,E Leake and Costock . Heading to Wysall I slowly reeled in another rider . Pulled along for a chat and asked him where he was heading and he said Bradgate Park ,Exactly where Id come from !.Soon parted company as I headed to Keyworth . Realised at this point I would be early so plotted a few extra miles .Winderpool over the A46 to Kinoulton ,Hickling and Nether Broughton . Decided to take a different climb out of Old Dalby one Ive not done before . Steady start and steadily getting steeper finally dropped into bottom gear (34/25) which I only ever use on really steep bits . Just as I look up I catch sight of a rider flying down the hill it's @Supersuperleeds quick shout of see you there as we pass . I didn't expect him to turn round and follow me but I really considered following him but don't like being beaten so ground my self to the top . I now know why I've not done the climb before . Made the cafe stop coffee and cake ordered . Cake was consumed before @Supersuperleeds rolled in after his few extra miles . Nice chat comparing milage I done 45 to @Supersuperleeds 90 .So back out on the bike for a few miles together . Just after the cafe we see three riders coming towards us and just as I think there close together I realise it's a single rider followed by a tandem @Supersuperleeds thought the same .Seagrave via berrycott lane ,Sileby ,Cossington and Rothley were we part company I done my bit helping @Supersuperleeds get his March Imperial ton in . Quick check of the milage just need a bit extra .Cropston quick dogleg round the reservoir Anstey and home . 63 miles in the bag and Marches metric ton done and dusted which was a bonus as I hadn't planned it but the cafe meet was just the extra incentive required

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

7 out today including Mrs 26. It must be Spring as Julian H joined in. As is our way we took to the Castlemorton Lanes and on then for Redmarley. The climb had Mrs 26 dropping off the back so 3 of us waited. The others did pause eventually so that we could all drop away to Highleadon and the cafe.

The cafe was quite busy but we were soon tucking in and chattering away. Even Sara P wasn't in a great rush this time. Soon enough tho' we took the Hartpury and Ashleworth run for the Hams. We'd spotted Buzzards and Kestrels earlier but now a Sparrowhawk flew up the dyke attempting to ambush some dinner.

Jules was beginning to show signs of his lack of miles and Mrs 26's climbing wasn't getting any better. Margaret P-R and Jules parted at Tunnel Hill while Steve E, Pete M, Mrs 26 and me headed back over Hook Bank. For some reason I felt the need to put the speed up. Surprising myself I managed to keep it going even over the little horrid climbs onto the common. There's a wee bit of life left in this old dog still even if the bark doesn't happen very often. 50 springtime smiles.

 

[clockworksimon]

.
(I think the hump in the middle of the photo is Anglesey).

I grew up in Parbold so enjoyed your post! I remember having a go at riding to school up Higher Lane to Billinge on my old 5 speed racer many years ago. In school clothes with school books. Didn't repeat after that experience! Besides being boiling hot I got a puncture and learned from my smug friend that it is a good idea to carry a spare tube!

The hump is almost certainly the Great Orme by Llandudno. This hides Anglesey when viewed from Liverpool direction.

Also some decent climbs up Parbold Hill which is across the valley from The Beacon. The main road is very busy but there are other routes which are quieter.

 

[clockworksimon]

Just a short, slow ride today for about 90 minutes on my new Decathlon folding bike!

After commuting across the Runcorn Bridge twice a day for many year I wanted to have a closer look at the new Runcorn Bridge which is nearing completion. There are currently three sections mid Mersey which are each growing out sideways and will join together soon.

Parked at the Catalyst Museum in Widnes by Spike Island. This was a surprisingly pleasant find. Nice scenery and lots of info on the fascinating industrial heritage. Rode along the Trans Pennine Route towards the new Bridge, then doubled back under the old Bridge and rode towards Liverpool getting more spectacular views.

Great to get a new perspective and appreciation for an area I have never given time for, except cursing when stuck in traffic. Also nice to ride for leisure on a bike built for pottering rather than feeling I have to go for it on one of my proper bikes!

 

[Racing roadkill]

https://www.relive.cc/view/895971911

A nice little ride to the coast today. It was foggy, so I couldn't see much sea.

Lovely view across Beaulieu lake.

Slightly misty the other way.

Loads of daffodils out today.

A church.

A nice 100Km's ( plus a bit for luck).

 

[biggs682]

Nice early 40 miles this morning out and clipped in by 5.30 am .

Across country to Oakley then home via Paddenham ,Felmersham ,Odell ,Irchester and back up through town.

Nice morning stayed dry and wind free , can't ask for much more.

 

[NorthernDave]

Up and out for 7.30 this morning, with a plan to get this months half century in - preferably an imperial one if possible.

Nice for it to be a bit warmer and I got the layering about spot on, which makes a change.
Out up Coal Road, then Red Hall lane and the sprint along the A58 and onto Whin Moor Lane for the wending way to Shadwell, before plunging down through the village and the short climb to cross back over the A58 and onto Carr Lane for the general lumpiness al the way to Thorner.
Even this early in the ride it was clear that the forecast "light breeze" of 6-8mph was wrong. It felt like easily double that and while I was largely sheltered from it on this part of the ride I had a feeling it would get me later on...
Through Thorner and onto Milner Lane for the climb onto the ridge - more hedge cutting nobbery up the hill with the road covered in detritus. I think the Gatorskins have done their job, but I'll have another look later on. Then along the ridge with the wind at my back which was much more enjoyable.
Carried on to East Rigton, then turned onto Compton Lane, which was a mudfest again (I did consider turning up Bramham Lane, but that looked even worse).
At least most of the mud had dried today - good luck if you're out that way tomorrow with the rain forecast for overnight
Along to the junction then turned up Jewitt Lane to head towards Bramham, but once I'd topped the hill it was straight into the "light breeze", which slowed progress a bit. Feared the worse when a white van came barrelling up behind me as it's a single track road here, but he stayed a safe distance behind until I had room to wave him through, then responded with a wave and flash of his hazards as he completed a nice wide pass.
Left at the end and straight on to Bramham, glad to be mostly out of the wind again.
Straight up the hill at Bramham, looping around the top of the village and on to Toulston Lane for the always enjoyable run down to Garnett Lane, then across the A659, then over the bridge above the A64 and the downhill stretch towards Stutton, where I added a little extra distance by tackling Fanny Lane through the village rather than taking the direct route. The road from the village out to the A162 is also single track and while there were several vehicles about everyone was showing excellent manners, leaving room and waiting for gaps. I could get used to that!
Inevitably there is then the slog up the hill on the A162, but this was soon forgotten as I turned onto Raw Lane for the gently downhill run to Ulleskelf.
Over the railway bridge and through the village, looping back round to Five Lane Ends, where I stopped for sustenance and photos:

While I was stopped there must have ben half a dozen cyclists ride past, all but one said hello and two even asked if I was OK.
Back on and heading for the Church of Fenton now and into the 'breeze' again, past the airfield entrance. With half an eye on still trying for an imperial half, I decided to add a loop around the airfield, so turned onto Brackenhill Lane which I followed all the way to Ryther, turning left through Ozendyke to eventually reaching Ulleskelf again before heading for Church Fenton for a second time.
It's quite open here and the headwind was playing havoc with my intentions, and while I got a brief respite through the village, I struggled again once I was back out in the countryside heading for Barkston Ash on Common Road.
Through Barkston and a quick wiggle on the A162 before taking the turning for Saxton, which again is open on both sides meaning I struggled most of the way there. Through the village and the slight climb up to Linda's Bench, where it was time for stretches and Haribo...

Briefly rested, it was back in the saddle and along Coldhill Lane and onto Copley lane for the ride to Lotherton Gates. I was joined on here by a cyclist in a black Fat Lad at the Back jersey (sorry, I never did ask your name!) and we had a bit of a natter about bikes, upcoming rides and how good it was to finally get out without 15 layers on. Just what I needed to distract me from my tired legs, so thanks if that was you.

As we reached Lotherton Gates he headed towards Garforth, while I peeled off for the eventual descent into Aberford then the lumpiness along Cattle Lan before the descent down to Cock Beck and the long climb up to and through Barwick.
I was about half way to the village when I had my only bad pass of the day, from someone in a baby pink Range Rover with a personalised plate who started off a bit close, but then cut in so they could straddle a speed bump rather than go over it in their hideous off roader
Still, they must have been in a rush as a few minutes later as I cycled along Main street in Barwick it was parked outside the shops.
Anyway, on through the village, continuing the climb before eventually reaching the downhill section into Scholes and then along Leeds Road, descending to cross Cock Beck for the final time, before taking local roads up to home.

42.24 miles (67.97km) in 3h 8m at an average of 13.5mph, with 1,771ft climbed. I'll take that, as any plans for an imperial half had been thwarted by that unexpected wind combined with a lack of time on the bike recently. Better to enjoy the ride and do the miles another day.

And finally, a map...

 

[EltonFrog]

This morning the fragrant MrsP suggested we ride up to the garden centre for a full English breakfast, it's only a couple of miles up the hill, so that's what we did. Very nice breakfast in not a very nice garden centre then back via Rowstock to get a cows egg then home. Just 7.42 miles, I had to go work afterwards.

 

[Osprey]

A dry day, overcast and light wind. After a few miles, layers were stripped... its mild too. An enjoyable ride out along the undulating Bettws mountain road along to Ammanford and back. After a long slog up to a blind crest I came face to face with a bus which was the filled the lane. After coming to a hasty stop and looking at the bus driver in disbelief, I had to turn and retreat down the hill until I found a gateway to field which gave me enough space to squeeze in. I still cant believe a bus uses that route. All in all, an enjoyable 32 miles for another March metric half century.

Base of valley on Betws Road

 

[Elybazza61]

Nice combined club ride and metric challenge/Strava Fondo on a very springlike day.

Bit hazy at first but a nice sized mods group set off with a few shiny bikes out due to a mudguard amnesty's of course I was on the Helium

Opted for a short sleeve jersey/arm warmer combo with the club gilet and was about right temperature wise.

Unremarkable run out to St Ives but had to slum it in another cafe as Tom's Cakes was a bit full(and the River Tea Rooms still shut for re-furbishment).

Different story on the way back with a couple of spills,one at a junction and the other involving a men-at-work sign.Still on we went and the usual Twenty Pence road 'tempo'(36kph average with a 45.4 max and a nice kick at the end)with the group splitting up on the 'hill'.

Out through Grunty Fen and I turned off to head back via Haddenham for a Witcham/Coveney/Pymoor loop; then I headed up Black Bank to Littleport to then go through and head home along the river via Branch Bank.

However after a photo opportunity and a gel on the bridge it appeared that the road was closed so it was back through Littleport and home this time on the old main road via Chettisham.

A good 108kms on a really nice day(just a bit of wind to keep me honest) and the furthest ride of the year and none-too shabby 29kph average;really need to get some more long rides in though.

Oh and a few pics;

Tea stop;(actually three Ridleys there as the Merlin is made by them)

Typical local scene with a Tractor and gulls;

Matching warmers and bar-tape(nearly!);

Ridley on the bridge at Littleport(shame about the EPS,must find a better solution);