Your ride today....

[bluenotebob]

Drove to la Chapelle Caro (south of Ploërmel) with Katie-Mae (my gravel bike) in the back of the van. 3km from here on the V3 Voie Verte to the Pont de Bagotais where I joined the Nantes-to-Brest canal. Headed east on the canal with various objectives in mind.

Through Malestroit with a minimum of fuss – apart from a closure to the chemin d’halage (towpath) which I’ll make a note of in the Eurovélo #1 thread. On to Foveno, Beaumont and St-Congard. Past le Port d’Oust (until today, the furthest east I’d managed to get to on the canal – and that was back in August 2017), the lock at Rieux, Chez les Moines (where the VAB leaves the canal and heads uphill to St-Gravé … I’ll come back another day on one of my mountain bikes and follow that trail) and onto St-Martin-sur-Oust. I’d been hoping I’d get here in 2024 and I finally made it.

Carried on another 5km to le Pont d’Oust and then a further 2.8km to the écluse de Limur … only 15km from here to Redon. That’ll be the next stage – but I’ll start from somewhere around St-Congard – and, with luck, I’ll get beyond Redon and make some progress towards Blain.

3 hours to get to this point – and a lot of that was faffing about taking photos. Headed back at top speed to St-Congard thinking that I’d be able to take a detour into the hills north of the Claie, then up into Pleucadeuc to rejoin the V3 … but hunger, tiredness, lack of available daylight (and the need for a roll-up) all conspired to make me decide that going back on the canal to Bagotais was the best option.

Back to the van at la Chapelle Caro and a completely forgettable drive home. But a cracking day out for early November, despite the mist and generally chilly conditions. 62km cycled in a shade over 4 hours.

The only tourer I saw all day: under the passerelle (footbridge) that takes the GR347 over the canal and into St-Laurent-sur-Oust

St-Martin-sur-Oust (on the opposite bank of the canal)

Le Pont d’Oust

The lock-keeper’s house at the écluse de Limur

North of St Congard, on my return journey

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Once again I'm catching up so three rides to mention:
Friday 1st: After a bright, sunny and mild Halloween, November started off feeling very autumnal. I took the chance to get out in the afternoon and fancied some hills so went for one of my regular routes for ease of planning.

I started off heading to Condover via Little Lyth and Hunger Hill as this avoided too much time spent on the A49. It did however mean lots of stops on the climb of Lyth Hill as it seemed that something was coming down every time I came to a parked car, which was a little frustrating.

Reaching Ryton I had a stream of traffic come through the village in the opposite direction. The lead vehicle, a box van, seemed to be in a bit of a rush for such a narrow lane. I did wonder if there was a problem on the main road sending cars round this way but in the end I only saw walkers on the way to Longnor.

The roads were mostly dry and dusty until reaching the old Roman road to Hollyhurst, which was very wet and muddy in a couple of places. A tractor doing hedge cutting was encountered - the driver did stop to let me past but it was very tight for clearance. I warned a couple of cyclists coming the other way about it. My second crossing of the A49 wasn't too bad then I had a fairly god run through Dudgeley and round to Leebotwood.

It was a steady climb through Smethcott and as I was enjoying myself I thought I'd carry on up to Picklescott as it's always nice to head there. I dinged my bell for a lady walking her dogs and she near jumped out of her skin as she said she was in a another world.
The descent from Picklescott was as good as ever except that the views were very mist this time and towards the bottom of this hill I needed to be careful of mud on the road and a little bit of damage to the tarmac from the recent deluges.

I did have it in mind to extend the ride again at Pulverbatch but decided against this time and took the more direct route to Wrentnall then Oaks. I startled a Land Rover driver who I don't think was expecting anything to turn in to the lane he was coming out of.
The farm dogs barked at me pretty well at Oaks, then I descended to Plealey, remembering to slow down for the bad bump by Oaks Hall Farm. It was then the fairly direct route back via Lyth Hill.

28.4 miles at 11.4 mph average. 1994 feet of climbing showing on Strava. It was great to get out as usual but very dull weather and it felt colder than expected - November coming in as it means to go on it seems.

Crossing Lyth Hill at the start.

Caer Caradoc viewed from Hollyhurst.

A couple of the usual shots at Picklescott.

Wrentnall.

Crossing Lyth Hill again on the way back.

---------------------------------------------------------

Saturday, 2nd: Gav had asked me to join him for a ride and we'd hoped Doug would come along too but unfortunately he was busy. The plan was to head for Church Stretton for an early cafe lunch so that Gav could get back in time to do stuff by mid afternoon.

Again the weather was grey and on the cool side but this time with a bit of drizzle in the air by the time Gav came over. He suggested taking the scenic route, crossing over the top of Lyth Hill to Exfords Green then heading through Stapleton and Gonsal to join the roads I'd followed the previous day to Longnor, Hollyhurst and Dudgeley. The riding was good and it was nice to see a decent number of other cyclists out plus a couple of horses. The drizzle was on and off through the trip but never heavy enough to warrant putting on a waterproof.

A group of motorcycliss had already claimed the outside tables when we got to The Hollybush cafe but there was plenty of room inside for us and in honesty it was nice to be out of the cold for a bit. There was a little misunderstanding about what food I'd ordered but I hate making a fuss and enjoyed it anyway.

On the way back we had a completely clear crossing of the A49, which is always nice as the visibility isn't brilliant crossing it in this direction. We had a decently quick run back to Longnor (meeting one of the horse riders for a second time on the way) then headed for Frodesley and Acton Burnell. The wind was from the south east so was mostly helping from Pitchford on through to Weeping Cross and we could feel the benefit even if we have been along these roads quicker.

31.5 miles at 12.4 mph average. 1473 feet of climbing. A nice ride in good company. It would have been better still if Doug could have come too but perhaps we'll have more chance soon as he has a bit more time available.

I didn't take any photos on this one.

 

[All uphill]

I hadn't been for more than utility rides for several days so I decided to get out immediately after the local school run.

Heading north took me across French Weir in Taunton, past the Taunton School rugby pitches and out in the direction of Kingston St Mary.

A left turn took me out to Bishop's Lydeard where I called in at the Daisy Cafe. I asked for a takeaway tea and a cake to eat in the churchyard. The proprietor said she'd bring it out to me.

This is what arrived.

Refreshed I continued past the West Somerset Railway and out to Ash Priors. Through Halse and heading towards home through Oake and Hillfarance where I got a good look at a green woodpecker.

Home after a couple of hours feeling hugely better and ready for some raking of leaves.

Probably around 20 miles.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Monday, 4th:
I had plenty of time available for this one and wanted to get something decent in. I haven't been to Melverley for a while so decided to head out that way and set off, leaving Shrewsbury by using the old bypass and heading for Montford Bridge.

Once again it was a grey, cool and misty day so the views to the hills on the way to Montford and Shrawardine were limited. At the Royal Hill there were a few customers sat outside which I thought was unexpected given the weather and the fact it was a monday. Good to see though as I want nice pubs like this to survive.

Between Melverley and Crew Green there are workers Iooking at the bridge over the Severn - apparently it is pretty much at the end of its life so is being thoroughly assessed, presumably to see whether it can be refurbished or needs replacement. If the latter, I wonder how long I shall be able to ride out this way as I can't see funding a new bridge here being high on the list of priorities and the next nearest crossings are miles away in either direction.

At Crew Green I decided to head up the climb to Bulthy. It was good to have a bus driver be very patient with me at the foot of the climb and I got a wave when I met him again on his way back down. The plod up the hill went well then I enjoyed the descent the other side despite there being a little more traffic than I'm used to and a van was coming up the road a bit quick for this lane. Fortunately I did spot him coming and there was a handy gateway to pull in to.

I confused the light of an oncoming cyclist for a motor vehicle for a moment on my way to Halfway House - I think the dog walker I was passing at the time did too given how he got well off the road.
Reaching Westbury I thought I'd take the lanes to Pontesbury for a change, which weren't too bad - I thought if anywhere was going to be muddy this would be it - I did find some deep mud but only when pulling into a gateway to get a photo.

Reaching Pontesbury I took the quieter way through town which passes the school. My timing was bad and I got held up for a while as about a dozen coaches were let out of the school gates. A couple of them then came past me again as my route to the main road was shorter than theirs.

Having gone through Plealey and Exfords Green I had expected the A49 at Hunger Hill would be busy but it wasn't too bad so I risked crossing it twice to extend the ride on the flatter route through Condover.

36.7 miles at 12.7 mph average. 1740 feet of climbing showing on Strava. Enjoyed that but some sunshine would have been nice. Writing this at the end of the week it really hasn't got any better yet.

En route to Montford.

The remains of Shrawardine Castle. It was surrendered in the Civil War and is in this state because most of the stone was taken to Shrewsbury to repair war damage there.

Also from Shrawardine.

Nice looking outbuilding at Alderton Hall.

Onto the flat roads en route from Pentre to The Royal Hill.

The confluence of the Severn and Vyrnwy at Crew Green.

Inspections of the bridge taking place.

Looking back down the hill as I climb out of Crew Green.

The view to The Breidden as I climb to Bulthy with Rodney's Pillar visible at the top.

Windmill at Asterley as I head between Westbury and Pontesbury.

 

[Emanresu]

Went for a ride past some National Trust properties (too grey for pics though). Stopped off at Bodium for a bite to eat as I understand all their scones are now vegan even though some members think it is a step too far. Had a nice cream tea - vegan scones with lashings of clotted cream - so neatly avoiding criticism from the pro- and anti- brigades.

https://www.gbnews.com/news/national-trust-woke-vegan-overhaul-cafes-backlash-members

 

[wafter]

This is what arrived.

View attachment 752019

Ketchup and mayo - that is posh!



Today saw the usual egg / rings run on the Brompton. The temperature has tangibly dropped again and I was really feeling it heading out into an unrelenting headwind.

Scored some eggs, no flapjacks though. Did help the farmer recover a packet of lamb that had escaped onto the road from the back of the slaughterhouse's delivery wagon.

Back through the village and the rings were tough; I don't really feel like I'm making any progress; even going backwards to an extent, perhaps.

At least I was nice and warm after a few miles on the bike; this serving really well to bridge the gap between the excessively-warm house and chilly outside, making it feel pretty moderate out.

Got home and despite the past week being pretty shitty I felt especially good for this short period of exercise; perhaps because of some cold-water-swimming-esque effect of the lower temperature.

Only 6-7 pretty sedate miles, but great value in terms of outcome. Just eaten a bland-but-filled-a-hole stirfry, have got some really nice detroit house / techno on and am about to embark on a second stab at flapjacks since the last lot were great and I'm getting withdrawal after smashing the last of them yesterday.. black treacle content tonight methinks!

 

[Dave 123]

No work today as my van was at the doctors for the day.
After dropping the van off I headed for the opticians to get my lenses changed.


The birds I saw were dipper, grey wagtail and wren.

Out of Ivybridge and along towards Bittaford, then the turn up to the moor. It starts at 16% and near the top is a fair stretch of 25% , it’s nasty.

I only did 2 miles along the puffing Billy as it turned into pea soup.

So then I carried on along the roads to Wrangaton, Ugborough and Ermington before heading back to Ivybridge for something to eat.

I rang the garage, my van hadn’t been done.

So, off up to Cornwood and Harford.

Coming back into Ivybridge I heard a tic tic tic from the back wheel, and it felt a bit spongy…

The tube was poking out as a massive egg….

BANG!

I changed the tube, pumped up the tube and it poked out of the side wall….

I had a mile walk to the garage pushing my bike.

On the ride I was also lucky enough to see a kingfisher.

4 new brake pads on the van, one bike tyre ordered. 28 miles cycled (and walked)

https://www.strava.com/activities/12852392773

 

[HLaB]

I came down with the flu or something on Wednesday afternoon. My ave RHR increased from the norm 48-53bpm (low 40s when I’m fit) to 62 bpm and after the fever I developed a really sore throat and cold. So Ive done nothing all week and left the call on my group ride until the last minute. I seemed to lose the throat last night and returned to my usual sleeping pattern and woke up fresh congested but clear. So I went for the group ride. On review my ave RHR is back to its normal upper range (53bpm). I sat in the back of the group though so as not to strain anything but I’m glad I got out and enjoyed the banter in the cafe and pub

 

[sevenfourate]

Short spin to remember all those who’ve given so much.

There’s a few places in Lowestoft with Remembrances happening today and tomorrow. This is the most local to me; and I suspect the quietest. With only around 50 people making the effort this Morning……

 

[HLaB]

Out this morning with one of local cycling groups today on their Remembrance Day Ride to the King Cliff War Memorial. The ended up mixing groups so it was a pretty slow recovery ride so at the memorial I put a second jacket on.

 

[Jameshow]

Usual Howarth, Colne, Hebden bridge ride.

Services at the Haworth cenotaph first before riding into the mist of Lancashire.

By the time I got back to Yorkshire and widdop the mist lifted.
I was pretty damp so I treated myself to coffee and a pastie in Hebden bridge.

 

[Dave 123]

I think I know why my tube went BANG on Friday…

Luckily my new tyre was delivered yesterday. I fitted it and went out this afternoon.

I went to the mud of Preston bridleway to see how it fared. I could only ever get Schwalbe Rapid Rob in a 27.5, but now I’ve got a Nobby Nic on my back end. So much more grip in the mud.

Up to Battisborough and then of course I couldn’t resist a tootle around the coast path.

After the gloomy week we’ve had I actually saw the sun!

It was glorious.

13 miles in total.

https://www.strava.com/activities/12869956296

I probably need a new front tyre too…

Batteries fully charged!

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Saturday 9th: Time for another decent length ride and after thinking about it for a bit I thought I'd do an orbit of the town in a clockwise direction as I haven't done that for a while.

The day was cold, grey and misty again but dry so good for getting out. There was lots of Saturday traffic about as I headed along the old bypas, making me glad it has a relatively decent cycle path alongside it. After Shelton I had to join the road but the traffic here wasn't too bad. I took it easy through Bicton but did get enthused to push a little on the climb over to Montford and was pleased to maintain a fairly good speed up the climb. The next climb to Forton was taken a little easier then it was a nice gentle run to Little Ness. Another rider overtook on the approach to Baschurch and there was no chance of me keeping pace with him on this lump of a bike.

Leaving the town on the way to Fenemere, the level crossing was against me but with good timing the lights went out and the barrier lifted before I had to come to a stop, then it was nice riding along mostly quiet lanes to Myddle. I had the road through Myddle to myself until it was time to climb out of town when lots came in both directions - not what I wanted when trying to push up the hill.

The stretch through Harmer Hill was pleasant as always. One of the cottages would have made a good photo but I shied away from that since the owner was stood out in front. I did get a pic of another one a bit further on.

On the way to Plex I knew there was the possibility of meeting a road closure but fortunately they seemed to have stopped for the weekend so I was able to ride through and on towards Hadnall then Astley. There was a clear crossing of the A53 and I decided to stick with the direct route to Upton Magna despite the two climbs over Ebury and Haughmond hills. The first was fairly easy, the other a bit more of a plod. The descent afterwards is always fairly nice though.

With the gloomy conditions the light seemed to be fading early this time so I put my additional tail light on and it was reassuring on the busier roads to Atcham, Berrington and Condover.

36.5 miles at 12.8 mph average. Strava says 1422 feet of climbing. Nice to get out despite it being quite chilly. There were a handful of cyclists out as well and a couple of horse riders.

Photos were a bit of an afterthought this time so aren't the best:

On the way to Myddle.

At Harmer Hill.

The view of the Wrekin from Haughmond Hill..... such as it was.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Sunday 10th: A brighter day and I'd even seen some blue sky for the first time this month. By the time I got out in the afternoon a bit more cloud had rolled in and it was a little breezier than of late bit still great for a ride.

I thought that I'd do my Upton Magna, Walcot, Cressage route as I haven't done that variation for a while and set off using the direct way to Condover. It wasn't madly busy but the traffic did seem to be in rather a hurry for some reason and I seemed to have a bit of a headwind so wasn't particularly quick.

Reaching Condover I found that the day was a bit warmer than anticipated and needed to take off a layer. I also made a small adjustment to the bike which made it feel a bit better to ride, especially as I also picked up a tailwind for Lyons Lane and on towards Berrington. I got along well to Atcham, Upton Magna and Withington too and had a pretty respectable average speed for this bike showing by the time I reached Walcot. I knew that couldn't last though as I'd be turning back towards the wind and the next section is a bit more undulating, but enjoyed heading to Uppington then the descent through Eaton Constantine to Cressage.

The climb of Shore lane was slow but didn't seem as hard work as last time I did it. On the straight to Cound Moor I encountered a horse and rider and was warned the horse was a bit skittish - he didn't seem too bothered by me but I gave plenty of room regardless.

The sun was coming out by Acton Burnell, which was nice but I would be riding directly into it for a couple of miles. Fortunately there was little traffic.
Reaching Longnor I'd hoped to pick up a tailwind but it was a bit more westerly by now so didn't help much, but wasn't hindering either for most of the remaining trip.

34 miles at 13.7 mph average - pretty good for the Hawk. 1384 feet of climbing recorded.

The view to The Wrekin shortly after Upton Magna. Some blue sky to be seen - I've been missing that.

A closer view of The Wrekin from Wood Green, Uppington.

Sun breaking through at Acton Burnell.

On the road to Frodesley.

 

[geocycle]

Beautiful day today and I had an opportunity for a morning ride. I headed out in cold autumn sunshine to Bowland which is my location of choice for shorter routes. The colours were spectacular and the hedgerows full of birds. I went out through Abbeystead and the short 20% climb to the trough road. The trees were lovely and a dipper was spotted in the stream. The climb of the trough was made easier without the weekend traffic and motorcycles who also love the route. I continued through Whitewell and enjoyed a circuitous route to Chipping for refreshments. The return took me over Beacon Fell then back north via the flatlands of Garstang and Cockerham. 82 km with 1100 m of climbing.

Just the one picture today.