Your ride today....

[sevenfourate]

Sunday Morning Sun-rise ☀️ ride to Covehithe / Benacre, Suffolk. To see the sea, the Church ruins, the Nature reserve, the Coastal erosion….. And a lot of it on a Coastal route.

Started with riding to Hopton in Norfolk to ‘collect’ one of the lads. So a Bi-County ride too 😁

 

[lazybloke]

Yesterday (Sunday): Monster-hills on the Kent Invicta Grimpeur 100 audax. Was doing it on my own, but at the start bumped into a friend from the 2024 Fridays tour, and we rode together for a while.
Felt okay initially - the ascents not much of an issue until I hit Yorks Hill. It's similar to my more local "White Downs Lane" (which I'd practiced on last weekend), but Yorks felt far worse. But I couldn't stop and walk when there was a 78 year old rider going strong right in front of me, so i followed him; until he had a clip moment and keeled over sideways.
Fortunately he was fine. He started walking, but my calf muscles were cramping and I had to stretch, sit and rest. Didn't seem worth burning myself out, so I walked up (slowly, legs burning), then enjoyed a lovely gentle descent down the other side.

Stopped at the scout hut for lunch, then the afternoon was the reverse of the morning's route.
With a bunch of riders behind me, I got a bit competitive going up to Yorks Hill climb (this time on the easier side); then down to Bough Beech reservoir - really pleased with my speed, but was tiring when I hit the Bailey's Hill climb and had to stop several times to rest take photos.

The Hubbard's Hill decent was steep, wide and straight, with a good surface. Hit very nearly 51mph before slamming on the brakes to stop for audax controls. NEver thought I'd get a gravel bike to that speed, what a rush!

The remaining climbs were increasingly tough of my tiring legs; did't do any more walking, but had to stop for many brief rests.


Flowers! :

#

Looking down Bailey's Hill

Yorks Hill doesn't look bad from this angle:

Ightham Mote ; difficult to spell, looks quite nice. Had to do an emergency stop here because a dog ran out in front of me; the adrenaline spiked, so I bellowed to the unseen owner that they might want to use a lead.

Made it to the finish with well over an hour in hand. Tired but happy. Total distance, 98km. WTAF, where's my metric century?

Got home and had dinner, then went out and did a little bit further!

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Three rides to report on since I last logged in.

Thursday 6th of March: The latest in a run of sunny days so it was good to be able to get out and enjoy it. It was relatively mild as well but a little on the windy side so I thought my route to Oaks, Pulverbatch, Wilderley and Dudgeley would work as I'd have a tailwind on the flat to finish.

I felt quite good about catching another rider on the climb to Lyth Hill.... until I saw that he was on a hub geared bike. There were no issues on the way to Plealey and I notice on the way that some of the bad potholes have been marked for repair. The climb to Oaks went pretty well too - I stopped to take a photo part way up the climb and a lorry overtook while I was doing that, which I thought was quite good timing. On the next climb at Broom Hill I was quite glad of a gateway to duck in to at just the right moment when a large tractor came the other way.

The wind wasn't helping on the undulating section through Wilderley and Smethcott, then after Leebotwood I was riding directly into it . A couple of nasty potholes have opened up since I last came this way - I shall have to keep a lookout for those as I don't suppose they will be fixed very quickly. A tractor cutting the hedges caused a small holdup but the driver kindly backed off the road for me, which was appreciated.

After crossing the A49 I had the tailwind I was hoping for and it felt like a good one for once. Shame there were a few hold ups for traffic on the way back to Longnor but after that I made some pretty good progress to Ryton and Condover. I went for the short way back, which was great with the wind assistance and very little traffic about for the short stretch on the A49.

A fraction under 27 miles showing when I got back, at12.5 mph average. 1894 feet of climbing showing on Strava.

The view from the top of Lyth Hill.

Daffodils coming out on the climb to Oaks. By the time I'm writing this there will probably be a really good display of them.

Thought I'd include this one anyway - looking towards Caer Caradoc after crossing the A49 from Dudgeley. The phone camera has got dust inside the lens and it struggles to focus some of the time now. A little frustrating.

At Ryton. The group hoping to reopen The Fox have had some good news on funding recently and this banner has gone up.

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Saturday 8th of March: Ideally I should have done my challenge ride for the month but for various reasons I wasn't ready for it. After a walk with the dog in the morning I realised that the day was too good not to get a decent ride in and fancied heading to Stiperstones and the Long Mynd.

I set out in short sleeves (first time this year I think), which always feels satisfying this early in the season, and headed over Lyth Hill and towards Plealey again. It wasn't very easy to judge which way the wind was blowing this time but it did feel like it was helping on this stretch.

Approaching Pontesbury, I was catching another rider until he hopped onto the pavement when traffic came up behind him. As I went past he rejoined behind me saying "I'll ride with you, it'll be safer". Flattering I thought, and he stayed with me until we got into the centre of the village.

Having passed through Minsterley and got to Plox Green, the climbing began. I plodded away at it but didn't feel like I was doing as well as I'd usually expect. Not sure if it was me or the set up of the bike still isn't quite right. I took a small detour up to the old lead mine in Snailbeach before carrying on with the climb to Stiperstones village and Pennerley. There were lots of people out walking and the Stiperstones Inn seemed to be doing a good trade.

Up at The Bog it didn't look as though the visitor centre was open. Not that I had planned to stop there on this ride but I was a little surprised on such a nice day.
I had expected to need to put on an extra layer having climbed a fair way but it was still mild enough that I thought I'd do without for a bit longer. I passed a group of motorcyclists taking a break on the descent along with various walkers before reaching Bridges, where the Horseshoe was really busy too, which is always good to see.

The legs weren't keen on the next climb - no aches, it just felt like I couldn't find any energy. Turning onto the road to Shooting Box I had to drop into my lowest gear, which I wouldn't normally need as this isn't the steepest approach onto the Long Mynd. A few vehicles coming down the hill gave a chance to stop and recover a little and I let stubbornness carry me up past the cattle grid where the gradient eases and allowed me to just wind my way up onto the top, seemingly finding more energy the higher I climbed.

There were lots of groups walking up on the top of the hill - it looked like they were doing DoE or similar. I got to the summit alright then dropped down to the tarmac on the Pole Cottage side before turning back towards Boiling Well. The Burway was a little busy but I wasn't in a rush, unlike some of the drivers. I could see that Carding Mill Valley was packed as I descended.

Having dropped into Stretton I seemed to have the tailwind I'd hoped for but didn't have the same energy as last time so progress wasn't as good on the way to Hollyhurst. I decided to try a small tweak to the saddle - moving it forward a little. This seemed to be good but with the legs already pretty tired by now it was difficult to judge how it affected performance.

I got along reasonably well the rest of the way back to Longnor, Ryton and Condover, with just a small hold up due to a tractor. I think the wind must have dropped as it felt really still when I paused for a drink at Ryton.

36.2 miles at 11 mph average and Strava says 3007 feet of climbing. A great ride in the kind of weather I've been looking forward to all winter. Hopefully there will be plenty more like this to come.

At the old engine shed at Snailbeach.

Postbox topper at Stiperstones.

The Stiperstones Inn.

Looking back the way I've been en route to Pennerley.

The road to The Bog.

Descending from the Stiperstones and looking towards the Long Mynd.

I know I've shown it before but; one of those rare places where the road looks as steep in the photo as it does in real life.

Up on the Long Mynd - plenty of walking groups out this time.

Descending the Burway. Lots of visitors down in Carding Mill Valley.

Sunshine and early Spring warmth at Ryton as I head home.

 

[sevenfourate]

Saturday 8th of March: Ideally I should have done my challenge ride for the month but for various reasons I wasn't ready for it. After a walk with the dog in the morning I realised that the day was too good not to get a decent ride in and fancied heading to Stiperstones and the Long Mynd.

I set out in short sleeves (first time this year I think), which always feels satisfying this early in the season, and headed over Lyth Hill and towards Plealey again. It wasn't very easy to judge which way the wind was blowing this time but it did feel like it was helping on this stretch.

Approaching Pontesbury, I was catching another rider until he hopped onto the pavement when traffic came up behind him. As I went past he rejoined behind me saying "I'll ride with you, it'll be safer". Flattering I thought, and he stayed with me until we got into the centre of the village.

Having passed through Minsterley and got to Plox Green, the climbing began. I plodded away at it but didn't feel like I was doing as well as I'd usually expect. Not sure if it was me or the set up of the bike still isn't quite right. I took a small detour up to the old lead mine in Snailbeach before carrying on with the climb to Stiperstones village and Pennerley. There were lots of people out walking and the Stiperstones Inn seemed to be doing a good trade.

Up at The Bog it didn't look as though the visitor centre was open. Not that I had planned to stop there on this ride but I was a little surprised on such a nice day.
I had expected to need to put on an extra layer having climbed a fair way but it was still mild enough that I thought I'd do without for a bit longer. I passed a group of motorcyclists taking a break on the descent along with various walkers before reaching Bridges, where the Horseshoe was really busy too, which is always good to see.

The legs weren't keen on the next climb - no aches, it just felt like I couldn't find any energy. Turning onto the road to Shooting Box I had to drop into my lowest gear, which I wouldn't normally need as this isn't the steepest approach onto the Long Mynd. A few vehicles coming down the hill gave a chance to stop and recover a little and I let stubbornness carry me up past the cattle grid where the gradient eases and allowed me to just wind my way up onto the top, seemingly finding more energy the higher I climbed.

There were lots of groups walking up on the top of the hill - it looked like they were doing DoE or similar. I got to the summit alright then dropped down to the tarmac on the Pole Cottage side before turning back towards Boiling Well. The Burway was a little busy but I wasn't in a rush, unlike some of the drivers. I could see that Carding Mill Valley was packed as I descended.

Having dropped into Stretton I seemed to have the tailwind I'd hoped for but didn't have the same energy as last time so progress wasn't as good on the way to Hollyhurst. I decided to try a small tweak to the saddle - moving it forward a little. This seemed to be good but with the legs already pretty tired by now it was difficult to judge how it affected performance.

I got along reasonably well the rest of the way back to Longnor, Ryton and Condover, with just a small hold up due to a tractor. I think the wind must have dropped as it felt really still when I paused for a drink at Ryton.

36.2 miles at 11 mph average and Strava says 3007 feet of climbing. A great ride in the kind of weather I've been looking forward to all winter. Hopefully there will be plenty more like this to come.

View attachment 764931
At the old engine shed at Snailbeach.

View attachment 764932
Postbox topper at Stiperstones.

View attachment 764933
The Stiperstones Inn.

View attachment 764934
Looking back the way I've been en route to Pennerley.

View attachment 764935
The road to The Bog.

View attachment 764936
Descending from the Stiperstones and looking towards the Long Mynd.

View attachment 764937
I know I've shown it before but; one of those rare places where the road looks as steep in the photo as it does in real life.

View attachment 764938
Up on the Long Mynd - plenty of walking groups out this time.

View attachment 764939
Descending the Burway. Lots of visitors down in Carding Mill Valley.

View attachment 764940 Sunshine and early Spring warmth at Ryton as I head home.

Great report. And pics !

 

[Rickshaw Phil]

Monday, 10th: With the forecast showing that the warm spell was about to end I thought I'd really better put in the effort to get my Imperial Century Challenge ride done. The day wasn't ideal, being sandwiched between two working days but if I don't try it now it could be a more difficult task. Something else that wasn't ideal was that my commute on the Sunday showed that the tweak I'd made to the saddle had not worked as I'd hoped. It may or may not be connected to having a nasty bout of cramp while trying to prepare for the ride the evening before. The choice was put it back as it was, or try something else - I opted for the latter and raised it a few mm.

I was on the road about quarter past seven and, based on the forecast, thought that going round the county anti-clockwise would be the best option on this occasion as I'd have light headwinds early on and a slightly stronger tailwind to help me later on. I set off initially to Condover but added in an extra loop to Wheathall and Berriewood before going to Cantlop as I wasn't 100% sure that what I had in mind would be over the 100 miles.

With the legs still being tired after the Long Mynd ride and my commute I was taking it very easy through Pitchford, Acton Burnell and on to Comley, where the big climb of the day up Folly Bank starts. Once again I was having to use a lower gear than I'd ideally like to on this climb, although I was trying to save the legs for later on so it isn't the same as if I was doing a shorter trip. I crested the climb alright and found myself thinking that possibly I could have done with one extra layer on the descent.

From Cardington the uphill bits were slow and the downhills were quite fun until I reached Hughley where I took a stop in a gateway for my second breakfast shortly after the village. When I got going again, the legs felt reluctant and by the time I got to the 25 mile mark I was seriously wondering whether I was going to manage the distance this time. Stopping to take a phone call gave another chance to rest at Harnage Grange before I pressed on to Cressage and was very slow up the climbs to Eaton Constantine and Uppington. The descent along Bluebell Lane was surprisingly swift and I got along fairly well on the flat bits to Rodington Heath.

Thankfully the climb on the usually busy road to High Ercall was surprisingly quiet then I was onto lanes again on my way to Heath Lanes. Oddly this was busier than the main road and I got held up a few times as the bus I was following had to wait for other vehicles to come the other way. I waited until I'd crossed the A442 to have my next stop and once the short climb at Little Bolas was out of the way, could enjoy some fairly flat riding to Ollerton, Stoke Heath and into Market Drayton.

I was starting to worry that I'd misjudged the distance here so went the longer way through Market Drayton. In hindsight though, the climb into the town centre wasn't as bad as I remember it being and is probably the better choice of the two climbs anyway. The descent out of town was fun as I had the first taste of a tailwind this trip, then after winding through the lanes to Longford and Longslow I had another stop for a bite to eat with exactly 60 miles showing on the clock. I was a little more hopeful about the distance by now but I wouldn't know for sure that I'd done enough until I got nearer to Ellesmere.

The legs seemed to be finding a second wind from somewhere and the couple of climbs on the way to Calverhall went better than I expected them to. I headed to Ightfield next (adding more distance), only to find that the lane I intended to use was closed. This wasn't on the list of roadworks I'd checked the night before so I didn't know what the reason for the closure was or whether I'd be allowed through on the bike. I decided not to take the risk and retraced my steps to Calverhall then took the other, more direct route towards Prees. This was a better bit of road to be fair and I met a handful of other cyclists on the way - one looked familiar. Anyone from here?

Approaching Prees from this side is a much easier climb than going the other way and of course allowed me to enjoy the steepish descent into town. After a nice run to the railway station I found the level crossing against me for the third time in succession. This little rest helped and I made fairly good progress to Whixall then, with the wind helping, very good progress to Dobson's Bridge, Northwood and Lyneal. Another stop was taken at Colemere where I had 80 miles showing on my speedometer, which was a relief as I knew it was about 22 miles to home from here on the route I was planning to take.

A few slow climbs followed to Spunhill and Lee but the legs were just tired, not hurting, which suggested to me that the setup must be somewhere near right after my adjustment before the start. It was slow progress from Lee to Bagley Marsh - not the legs this time but traffic, as it was the shift changeover at the ABP Meats plant. I was slow but steady up the hills and relatively quick on the flat to Weston Lullingfields, Baschurch, Little Ness and Montford Bridge. The climb at Bicton was the one I really wasn't looking forward to as I've suffered cramp so many times before just here when near the end of a long ride, but it was alright taken slowly and I went better than expected on the gentle climb to Shelton. I'd lost the tailwind so it wasn't that helping but I really was going surprisingly well in the last few miles. I decided to risk the shorter but hillier way back and the one climb did take it out of me but I kept it moving and wasn't the slowest cyclist out there.

102.51 miles at 12.2 mph moving average. Strava says 4199 feet of climbing. 10 hours and two minutes including all the stops. Happy with that.

A misty morning on my way to Wheathall.

The view to Caer Caradoc from Comley.

The classic view of the Royal Oak at Cardington.

Looking towards The Wrekin from Cressage Bridge.

Climbing into Market Drayton.

Passing through Calverhall for the second time.

The vineyard at Colemere.

The corrugated chapel at Lee Bridges.

 

[bluenotebob]

I drove to Cadoret at lunchtime today, positioning my van at the mid-point of the day’s ride. Did a loop on the west side of the Oust on quiet roads up to le Moulin de Coët Moru, crossed the canal at Timadeuc, cycled back to Penhouët on another quiet road then connected with the canal and cycled back to Cadoret.

Ate some lunch, topped up my bidon, left the map in the van and then cycled east for about 16km along the canal, via Josselin – to the Moulin de Carmenais. Returned to the van along a mixture of roads and the canal.

57km in just under 4 hours, slow even by my standards. The surface of the canal towpath is even worse than last year – and I was constantly concentrating on not running over small unleashed dogs, which might partly explain why it took so long.

The un-canalised river Oust at le Moulin de Coët Moru. I’ve passed this point many times but about 500m north – on the canal cut – today was the first time that I’d actually seen the weir and the old mill

Plane trees between Griffet and Cadoret

The chateau at Josselin

The Moulin de Carmenais

 

[Marchrider]

Hope your knee stays well 🙏

I had to take a full year off pretty much; obstaining from about every reasonably physical activity (Apart from anything work related; as that paid the bills) 🙄

Tough gig mentally when you’re an outdoor person. And apart from that very physically fit and raring to go.

Look after yourself…….😉

cheers - this is a known issue for me, Bipartite knee cap, my knee doesn't like crawling, did a job in the loft, tight crawl space! , sets up inflammation but with ice and early action I can sort it quite quickly - so its nothing serious like a cycling injury.

Anyways, back on the road and knocked out a lot of miles this week. Today was so cold with that big northerly wind and some heavy showers, but the sun popped out spectacularly just before sunset - wish I had had my camera, but the dash cam stills give a hint

YTD 1360 miles / Day 71 x 365 = 6992 - 6500 Target / 365 x 71 = 96 mile lead

 

[Marchrider]

The chateau at Josselin

View attachment 764983

Just loved the chateau in that pic - those pointy towers

made some for my own driveway - very similar - could even get confused!