gavgav
Legendary Member
It's fantastic, mostly dead flat, stunning scenery and just great for a leisurely ride.
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
Out with the skivers today.
three of us had a coffee in Ware this morning. the sun was supposed to come out today, but i did not see much of it. A very pleasant ride though, no problems with cars or anything else. i love being retired.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1191214617
three of us had a coffee in Ware this morning. the sun was supposed to come out today, but i did not see much of it. A very pleasant ride though, no problems with cars or anything else. i love being retired.https://www.strava.com/activities/1191214617
Jon George
Mamil and couldn't care less
- Location
- Suffolk an' Good
Planned for a 50km South-West of Ipswich, but abandoned when I remembered I had to go back to work. 
Still, 22 miles and this pic, somewhere near Raydon. (I did not get wet.)
Still, 22 miles and this pic, somewhere near Raydon. (I did not get wet.)
Glow worm
Legendary Member
- Location
- Near Newmarket
Just a short 4 miler here in Malta. Used the local 'Boris Bike' type scheme again and it worked fine.
Some interesting street art on an abandoned building site. If anyone knows what the hell is going on here I'd love to know.
A couple of shots of a firing range. The red flag was up so I couldn't get any nearer the coast. lots of gunshot. The Maltese really like their guns.
Prickly pear. I picked one and soon discovered why it's called 'prickly' pear.
Near the Maltese Army firing range. Who they are expecting to attack them is anyone's guess.
I never thought they had hedgehogs here. Introduced perhaps.
Anyway as the wind picked up, a nice short ride in 80 degree (27) sunshine.
Some interesting street art on an abandoned building site. If anyone knows what the hell is going on here I'd love to know.
A couple of shots of a firing range. The red flag was up so I couldn't get any nearer the coast. lots of gunshot. The Maltese really like their guns.
Prickly pear. I picked one and soon discovered why it's called 'prickly' pear.
Near the Maltese Army firing range. Who they are expecting to attack them is anyone's guess.
I never thought they had hedgehogs here. Introduced perhaps.
Anyway as the wind picked up, a nice short ride in 80 degree (27) sunshine.
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Just a quick ride out tonight. I travelled from work in lovely sunshine and on the phone to Mrs Buck suggested I'd grab a ride out in the evening sunshine. This was scuppered by Mrs Buck having the evening meal nearly ready (oops!)
My road bike was off the road as I am part way through fitting new cables - delayed by finding a broken in-line adjuster which I've ordered a replacement for and is "in the post". Rather than miss the ride I decided that the Hardrock MTB was going to get a run out on the roads!
By the time dinner was eaten and partly digested it was getting darker and cooler. Suitably dressed in my fluorescent jacket and flashing lights front and aft I set off.
First thing was that the saddle was not the comfiest - it's a bit big and spongy - I'm clearly used to the road bike style. To top it offthe cleats/pedals were creaking/squeaking.
Did I mention the bikes heavy and the tyres like glue? It certainly felt harder getting the bike rolling and the riding position meant that I was subtly using my leg muscles differently - certainly felt it more in my quads tonight.
Enough of the rambling - A short but steady ride out of the village onto the tops then a shorter circuit that doesn't quite take you to the windmills and home. With no moon visible and streetlights being in very short supply it was pitch black in places and I was thankful of putting my Hope light on the front.
Here's a (grainy iPhone) night time shot of Emley Mast - lit up like a beacon
8.8 miles and just 794ft of climb
https://www.strava.com/activities/1191930563
My road bike was off the road as I am part way through fitting new cables - delayed by finding a broken in-line adjuster which I've ordered a replacement for and is "in the post". Rather than miss the ride I decided that the Hardrock MTB was going to get a run out on the roads!
By the time dinner was eaten and partly digested it was getting darker and cooler. Suitably dressed in my fluorescent jacket and flashing lights front and aft I set off.
First thing was that the saddle was not the comfiest - it's a bit big and spongy - I'm clearly used to the road bike style. To top it offthe cleats/pedals were creaking/squeaking.
Did I mention the bikes heavy and the tyres like glue? It certainly felt harder getting the bike rolling and the riding position meant that I was subtly using my leg muscles differently - certainly felt it more in my quads tonight.
Enough of the rambling - A short but steady ride out of the village onto the tops then a shorter circuit that doesn't quite take you to the windmills and home. With no moon visible and streetlights being in very short supply it was pitch black in places and I was thankful of putting my Hope light on the front.
Here's a (grainy iPhone) night time shot of Emley Mast - lit up like a beacon
8.8 miles and just 794ft of climb
https://www.strava.com/activities/1191930563
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
Went out on one of my regular loops (well they are always slightly variable)
I still had the efforts of Sunday's ride in my legs, but wound up the pace and found I was still going well
Early in the ride put in a diversion via THorpe up to Egham and back, then across Chobham Common to Windlesham , and as the bridge is still close
(good in a way forced me to look for more routes), up to Lightwater then on the main road back to Chobham and via Sandhills Lane and Philpotts lane to Fairoaks and home via Addlestone
There was a bit of a headwind on outward journey
Good Speed again, probably longest solo ride done with Ave speed of over 18 mph (did a club ride of 50 miles at this speed but of course was drafting)
30.4 miles @ 18.1 mph with 719 feet climbed
https://www.strava.com/activities/1192759684
I still had the efforts of Sunday's ride in my legs, but wound up the pace and found I was still going well
Early in the ride put in a diversion via THorpe up to Egham and back, then across Chobham Common to Windlesham , and as the bridge is still close
(good in a way forced me to look for more routes), up to Lightwater then on the main road back to Chobham and via Sandhills Lane and Philpotts lane to Fairoaks and home via Addlestone
There was a bit of a headwind on outward journey
Good Speed again, probably longest solo ride done with Ave speed of over 18 mph (did a club ride of 50 miles at this speed but of course was drafting)
30.4 miles @ 18.1 mph with 719 feet climbed
https://www.strava.com/activities/1192759684
twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
We met in Upton. Pete M, Jules H, Margaret P and me. Rich B showed up for a check in on his way southwards to the Trioscape. We four were bound northwards instead. Off out through Kinnersley we rode chattering as we went. Through the ford at Pinvin we struggled to spot the expected fish. Jules forgot to make the turn for Throckmorton but a yell from me sorted that. Then a decision was required to go by Abberton or Rous Lench. Rous Lench it was. After Inkberrow things looked a bit unfamiliar but we made all the correct turns for Flying Horse Lane and Ditchford Bank. We rolled into the Fishing Lake yard to grab a table at the cafe and order our refreshments.
Cafe legs struggled as we set off. A brief detour to Hanbury Church for the view didn't help but on down to Gallows Green we began to roll a bit better. We paused on the canal bridge to have a look and then looped to Oddingley where paused again on the canal bridge whilst the level crossing closed for a train. Crowle lined us up for White Ladies Aston and a return to the pinch point at Drakes Broughton. We opted for the southerly return route which meant a bit of a struggle into a head wind on the ramp to Strensham. Soon Jules said his byes and then at Upton we three went our separate ways. Me to return by Hanley Swan having had a lovely ride out with the gang. 69 smiles on this one.
Cafe legs struggled as we set off. A brief detour to Hanbury Church for the view didn't help but on down to Gallows Green we began to roll a bit better. We paused on the canal bridge to have a look and then looped to Oddingley where paused again on the canal bridge whilst the level crossing closed for a train. Crowle lined us up for White Ladies Aston and a return to the pinch point at Drakes Broughton. We opted for the southerly return route which meant a bit of a struggle into a head wind on the ramp to Strensham. Soon Jules said his byes and then at Upton we three went our separate ways. Me to return by Hanley Swan having had a lovely ride out with the gang. 69 smiles on this one.
twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
Yesterday's ride. Around town on various errands. 4 Old Farts for lunch, trip to see the quack (all good) and then visit my daughter's new house. All on the MtB. 8 smiles and lots achieved 
Gareth C
Veteran
- Location
- North Pennines.
I’d planned a one-week ride around NW Scotland, starting near Beaully and heading up the west coast to Durness, before heading back through the interior. In the run-up to the trip north I’d been ill for a couple of weeks, and, as it turned out, the ride was not to be – lack of training meant my knee gave in, and I had to call it off. However, two great days of riding were done in amazing scenery…
First was to get over from Beaully to Ullapool: a long day, and mostly on the A835 with the potential for a busy ride.
Riding up towards Muir of Ord was on old ground covered on my LEJOG ride some years ago, but at the distillery the option to take some quiet backroads presented itself.
The River Orrin
Shortly after Marybank, the A835 is joined, and shortly after Contin I’d been recommended to take a short diversion to the Rogie Falls (the previous week had seen a lot of rain fall).
At Rogie Falls
Scary suspension bridge
A ride by Loch Garve and then through the small village of Garve leads into the woods and then the start of a long gradual climb towards Loch Glascarnoch that would form the bulk of todays miles.
Quick snack stop outside Garve
I just had to stop and get a photo of these spectacular mushrooms
The view back along the route from Black Bridge
Loch Glascarnoch stretching away into the distance
Along Loch Glascarnoch also seemed to take forever, but then things start to head downwards (and not before time).
At sea level
On reaching the sea at Loch Broom, there’s still quite some distance to ride, and now undulating, but eventually Ullapool comes into view.
I find the campsite, put the tent up and find dinner.
https://www.relive.cc/view/1193305092
First was to get over from Beaully to Ullapool: a long day, and mostly on the A835 with the potential for a busy ride.
Riding up towards Muir of Ord was on old ground covered on my LEJOG ride some years ago, but at the distillery the option to take some quiet backroads presented itself.
The River Orrin
Shortly after Marybank, the A835 is joined, and shortly after Contin I’d been recommended to take a short diversion to the Rogie Falls (the previous week had seen a lot of rain fall).
At Rogie Falls
Scary suspension bridge
A ride by Loch Garve and then through the small village of Garve leads into the woods and then the start of a long gradual climb towards Loch Glascarnoch that would form the bulk of todays miles.
Quick snack stop outside Garve
I just had to stop and get a photo of these spectacular mushrooms
The view back along the route from Black Bridge
Loch Glascarnoch stretching away into the distance
Along Loch Glascarnoch also seemed to take forever, but then things start to head downwards (and not before time).
At sea level
On reaching the sea at Loch Broom, there’s still quite some distance to ride, and now undulating, but eventually Ullapool comes into view.
I find the campsite, put the tent up and find dinner.
https://www.relive.cc/view/1193305092
Gareth C
Veteran
- Location
- North Pennines.
Given yesterdays long ride, my aching knee and the route ahead to Durness being “somewhat lumpy” I decided the last thing I wanted to do was get stranded up there with an injury. However, my mate Tim, who was coming over to ride with me today, persuaded me that we could (a) skip the long draggy climbs north of Ullapool in his car, (b) lose the bikepacking weight from my bike, and (c) just ride around Inverpollaidh in beautiful scenery/weather and see how things turn out.
So off to Drumrunie to park up, high cloud, no wind and amazing scenery.
Our first part of the ride was north west along Loch Lurgainn underneath the lovely Stac Pollaidh. The road was just beautiful, with very few cars and we struggled to find any direction in 360 degrees where the views were not amazing!
Amazing views ahead…
… and behind
Our next loch was Loch Bad a’ Ghaill, and then we took a short diversion past Loch Osgaig and up to Achnahaird Bay where all the Assynt peaks were spread out in front of us.
Looking back into Assynt
Achnahaird Bay
Backtracking to Badnagyle, we climed up the hill to be rewarded with an amazing 2km descent to the fish farm via switchbacks. This bit of road is almost like a mountain bike trail centre in that it is designed to extract the maximum fun from the height and distance.
At the fish farm we re-engaged the winching gears and climbed up to a wonderland of small (and larger) lochans looking into Inverpollaidh.
Another highlight was the 3km-or-so along Allt Gleann an t’ Srathain which is just gently downhill, and for the most part must follow an old fault line as it is dead-straight, and just beautiful.
We had then reached the sea at Loch an Eisg Brachaidh where we took a stop for apples and chocolate.
Loch an Eisg Brachaidh
More winching up steep gradients and then even steeper downhills into Inverkirkaig.
Liz and I spent a lovely week in Inverkirkaig a year-or-so back
Inverkirkaig beach
A final few kilometres to Lochinver via the best-placed school I’ve ever seen, and then straight into the busy Lochinverlarder for pies.
At this point my knee was hurting, so Tim (now pie-fuelled) pushed on around the loop via Loch Assynt and back to the car (and though not a Strava-ite, did manage to take the KOM for a long section by 1s). He then came back to fetch me, and I called it a day and headed back to his place.
Chilling out in Lochinver
So, certainly unfinished business here: whether this is a loop ride, or several day rides, but it certainly is absolutely amazing scenery to be riding in – highly recommended!
https://www.relive.cc/view/1193305153
So off to Drumrunie to park up, high cloud, no wind and amazing scenery.
Our first part of the ride was north west along Loch Lurgainn underneath the lovely Stac Pollaidh. The road was just beautiful, with very few cars and we struggled to find any direction in 360 degrees where the views were not amazing!
Amazing views ahead…
… and behind
Our next loch was Loch Bad a’ Ghaill, and then we took a short diversion past Loch Osgaig and up to Achnahaird Bay where all the Assynt peaks were spread out in front of us.
Looking back into Assynt
Achnahaird Bay
Backtracking to Badnagyle, we climed up the hill to be rewarded with an amazing 2km descent to the fish farm via switchbacks. This bit of road is almost like a mountain bike trail centre in that it is designed to extract the maximum fun from the height and distance.
At the fish farm we re-engaged the winching gears and climbed up to a wonderland of small (and larger) lochans looking into Inverpollaidh.
Another highlight was the 3km-or-so along Allt Gleann an t’ Srathain which is just gently downhill, and for the most part must follow an old fault line as it is dead-straight, and just beautiful.
We had then reached the sea at Loch an Eisg Brachaidh where we took a stop for apples and chocolate.
Loch an Eisg Brachaidh
More winching up steep gradients and then even steeper downhills into Inverkirkaig.
Liz and I spent a lovely week in Inverkirkaig a year-or-so back
Inverkirkaig beach
A final few kilometres to Lochinver via the best-placed school I’ve ever seen, and then straight into the busy Lochinverlarder for pies.
At this point my knee was hurting, so Tim (now pie-fuelled) pushed on around the loop via Loch Assynt and back to the car (and though not a Strava-ite, did manage to take the KOM for a long section by 1s). He then came back to fetch me, and I called it a day and headed back to his place.
Chilling out in Lochinver
So, certainly unfinished business here: whether this is a loop ride, or several day rides, but it certainly is absolutely amazing scenery to be riding in – highly recommended!
https://www.relive.cc/view/1193305153
D
Deleted member 1258
Guest
I'm now at home in dry clothes with a hot drink sat at my computer. I got in, shed my wet shoes and socks as I crossed the threshold, parked my bike, put the heating on and retrieved my shoes and socks, dumped the shoes on a radiator and my clothes in the washing machine and went for a shower. I got up looked at the rain, looked at the forecast and thought "the rains early". So at ten with the rain stopped I headed out to do a fairly direct route out to Hatton locks, it wasn't pleasant, it was dry but with a strong breeze that was making me work harder than I wanted. Sat in the cafe and someone said its raining, I looked at the time and the rain had arrived just as it was forecast to, so that was the end of my plans to extend my ride back. It was raining steadily when I set off for home but the breeze had dropped, I did the direct route home and it rained all the way there. So 33 miles ridden with more than a hint of rule 9
http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/
http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/
gavgav
Legendary Member
The overnight heavy rain cleared through early morning and after a trip to Beddgellert with dad, we arrived back at the caravan to lovely sunshine and so I got out for ride number 3 of the week. This time I made it to Llyn Cwm Bychan!!
Took the correct route out of the site and then the steep climb up to Caerffynnon, before the descent down gated roads and then the even steeper descent past Artro Hall towards Llanbedr.
The Afon Artro which I would follow for 5 miles
I then began the 5 mile climb up to Cwm
Bychan, long but not overly steep, apart from a couple of places, but after 2 weeks of hilly cycling it was taxing enough! The scenery was simply stunning though, passing waterfalls, using tree canopy lanes and passing rugged mountains, before arriving at what seemed like proper wilderness. Didn't see a car or a human for 10 miles, only sheep, who were rather scared of me on a bike.
Waterfall on the climb
Llyn Cwm Bychan
After a chocolate bar, for energy, I retraced my steps down towards Llanbedr, much quicker than climbing up it! I had 2 choices next, use the main road back to Dyffryn, less hilly but busy traffic, or continue to re-trace my steps back, including the gradient arrow climb past Artro Hall. I went for the same route back and the climb was blooming hard, necessitating 2 stops for breath, but made it!
At the top there was a fabulous view over the sea, with the sun glistening off it.
The descent back to Dyffryn is fast and exhilarating and I arrived back at the van having thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
18.9 miles with 1788 ft of climbing at 10.1mph avg
Took the correct route out of the site and then the steep climb up to Caerffynnon, before the descent down gated roads and then the even steeper descent past Artro Hall towards Llanbedr.
The Afon Artro which I would follow for 5 miles
I then began the 5 mile climb up to Cwm
Bychan, long but not overly steep, apart from a couple of places, but after 2 weeks of hilly cycling it was taxing enough! The scenery was simply stunning though, passing waterfalls, using tree canopy lanes and passing rugged mountains, before arriving at what seemed like proper wilderness. Didn't see a car or a human for 10 miles, only sheep, who were rather scared of me on a bike.
Waterfall on the climb
Llyn Cwm Bychan
After a chocolate bar, for energy, I retraced my steps down towards Llanbedr, much quicker than climbing up it! I had 2 choices next, use the main road back to Dyffryn, less hilly but busy traffic, or continue to re-trace my steps back, including the gradient arrow climb past Artro Hall. I went for the same route back and the climb was blooming hard, necessitating 2 stops for breath, but made it!
At the top there was a fabulous view over the sea, with the sun glistening off it.
The descent back to Dyffryn is fast and exhilarating and I arrived back at the van having thoroughly enjoyed the ride.
18.9 miles with 1788 ft of climbing at 10.1mph avg
Just getting over my ride from a few days ago...
I was at w*rk in the afternoon, but had the opportunity to meet up with a couple of mates for a few miles around Pitsford Res.
Heading over to meet up, I had p*ncture No.1. I pumped the rear tyre up, hoping to get the half mile to the friends house where we were meeting up.. Nope, 100 yards on, it was flat again. I walked the rest of the way as it's easier to change a tube with coffee and a stand pump!
Proper p*ncture repair kit!
And the home of the p*ncture fairy was finally discovered..
Mate #2 watching the scenery whilst yet another p*ncture was being sorted.....
Getting bored now.....
A few miles later, and p*ncture #3! I decided to cut my ride shortand head homewards as I had to get ready for w*rk. They carried on to the cafe for coffee,,,,
Well. at least I got a few miles in
And the weather was nice!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1191121757
I was at w*rk in the afternoon, but had the opportunity to meet up with a couple of mates for a few miles around Pitsford Res.
Heading over to meet up, I had p*ncture No.1. I pumped the rear tyre up, hoping to get the half mile to the friends house where we were meeting up.. Nope, 100 yards on, it was flat again. I walked the rest of the way as it's easier to change a tube with coffee and a stand pump!
Proper p*ncture repair kit!
And the home of the p*ncture fairy was finally discovered..
Mate #2 watching the scenery whilst yet another p*ncture was being sorted.....
Getting bored now.....
A few miles later, and p*ncture #3! I decided to cut my ride shortand head homewards as I had to get ready for w*rk. They carried on to the cafe for coffee,,,,
Well. at least I got a few miles in
And the weather was nice!
https://www.strava.com/activities/1191121757
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