Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
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About four years ago Dom Whiting visited Oxford and rode around the city on a bike with a pair of decks on the front, collecting fellow cyclists with the lure of the drum and bass he was smashing out.
I remember watching the video with a mixture of joy (such a great idea) and regret (being reminded that I wasn't there to enjoy such things).
This week a friend broke the news that Dom was returning, so that had to be done. In the time elaspsed Dom's exploits have grown from pretty low key events with small contingents to long, street-filling precessions that bring the city to a standstill.
After a fraught morning of not getting everything done I turned up late on Broad St but things were still getting started, with a many cyclists and those on other modes of transport packed into the east end.
I'd decided on the Brompton as the least-worst tool for this task since it's small, manouverable and upright.. which was handy as I was half-considering bringing it to the city anyway as using the Fuji for the commute is doing my swede somewhat..
Eventually we set off down Parks road towards the natural history museum at a very leisurely pace, although the density of bodies and fairly hectic atmosphere kept one on one's toes.. The weather had deteriorated since the glorious sun ealier in the week, however despite the looming couds the rain mostly held off.
While I was happy to just roll along it seemed that many had an agenda in getting to the front and (as in life generally) I found myself being constantly, slowly overtaken by everyone else. Some folks infront of me decided to cut through past the uni's engineering building to get out ahead of the column as it doubled back on itself and I made a split second decision to join them..
...sure enough we found ourselves out front for all of a few seconds before being consumed having stopped to take some photos.
The route continued back down St. Giles, George St, and Bridge St before looping back through town, past the Westgate, up St, Aldates and up the High St. towards the Cowley Rd..
Unlike Dom's earlier solitary excursions there were now three or four different somewhat-human-powered rigs rolling along at various points in the convoy, all playing different stuff..
Riders were diverse and pretty much every type of bike was represented. It felt very "east Oxford" from joint-smoking kids' seemingly endless manuals on MTBs to mums and kids in posh electric cargo bikes. The atmosphere was nice and the odd inconsiderate scally aside everyone seemed friendly and considerate.
Despite the nice atmopshere the process was hardly relaxing due to constantly having to be on the ball for people encroaching from all directions. It was also odd to have such a soundtrack and yet be travelling so slowly, with little physical outlet. Near the Cowley rd I got delayed and ended up dropping off the back; catching up proving a nice opportunity for a bit of exertion.
The enormous ride ended outside the Siad business school next to the station, where folks hung about for a while and slowly disbanded.
I lingered for a bit before hustling off to begrudgingly buy an after-hours toothbrush (having forgotten to bring my single item to the flat)...
Thanks to Dom and his mates for bringing so many cyclists together in such a positive act of solidarity; it was great to join them. It was also nice to hear how apparently so many people had dragged their mothballed bikes out of the shed just for this event, so hopefully that might get a few more people riding as a result.
I suspect earlier, smaller happenings might have been a bit less hectic / more relaxed but everyone seemed to have a good time and I'll be there again when next time rolls around
I remember watching the video with a mixture of joy (such a great idea) and regret (being reminded that I wasn't there to enjoy such things).
This week a friend broke the news that Dom was returning, so that had to be done. In the time elaspsed Dom's exploits have grown from pretty low key events with small contingents to long, street-filling precessions that bring the city to a standstill.
After a fraught morning of not getting everything done I turned up late on Broad St but things were still getting started, with a many cyclists and those on other modes of transport packed into the east end.
I'd decided on the Brompton as the least-worst tool for this task since it's small, manouverable and upright.. which was handy as I was half-considering bringing it to the city anyway as using the Fuji for the commute is doing my swede somewhat..
Eventually we set off down Parks road towards the natural history museum at a very leisurely pace, although the density of bodies and fairly hectic atmosphere kept one on one's toes.. The weather had deteriorated since the glorious sun ealier in the week, however despite the looming couds the rain mostly held off.
While I was happy to just roll along it seemed that many had an agenda in getting to the front and (as in life generally) I found myself being constantly, slowly overtaken by everyone else. Some folks infront of me decided to cut through past the uni's engineering building to get out ahead of the column as it doubled back on itself and I made a split second decision to join them..
...sure enough we found ourselves out front for all of a few seconds before being consumed having stopped to take some photos.
The route continued back down St. Giles, George St, and Bridge St before looping back through town, past the Westgate, up St, Aldates and up the High St. towards the Cowley Rd..
Unlike Dom's earlier solitary excursions there were now three or four different somewhat-human-powered rigs rolling along at various points in the convoy, all playing different stuff..
Riders were diverse and pretty much every type of bike was represented. It felt very "east Oxford" from joint-smoking kids' seemingly endless manuals on MTBs to mums and kids in posh electric cargo bikes. The atmosphere was nice and the odd inconsiderate scally aside everyone seemed friendly and considerate.
Despite the nice atmopshere the process was hardly relaxing due to constantly having to be on the ball for people encroaching from all directions. It was also odd to have such a soundtrack and yet be travelling so slowly, with little physical outlet. Near the Cowley rd I got delayed and ended up dropping off the back; catching up proving a nice opportunity for a bit of exertion.
The enormous ride ended outside the Siad business school next to the station, where folks hung about for a while and slowly disbanded.
I lingered for a bit before hustling off to begrudgingly buy an after-hours toothbrush (having forgotten to bring my single item to the flat)...
Thanks to Dom and his mates for bringing so many cyclists together in such a positive act of solidarity; it was great to join them. It was also nice to hear how apparently so many people had dragged their mothballed bikes out of the shed just for this event, so hopefully that might get a few more people riding as a result.
I suspect earlier, smaller happenings might have been a bit less hectic / more relaxed but everyone seemed to have a good time and I'll be there again when next time rolls around
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CarbonClem
Active Member
With a stinking head cold and post dentist aching I decided to head out alone today and probably do a shorter ride, to get back to watch PR. After 25 miles I bumped into the local club ride so joined them after all. Ended up in the fractured ‘quick’ group that skipped the coffee stop and cracked on. Got home in time for PR after 70 miles and 3353ft. First long ride on my new wheels . They seem good.
Attachments
PedallingNowhereSlowly
Über Member
Got out for a steady 50km local loop on the boat anchor, taking in Blithfield Reservoir.
Nice and easy on the outward leg. The wind was a bear in the return leg. Especially after the preceding 10km run and the 30+km thrash on the new bike the day before.
Still, good to get out and get some more miles into the legs. Hopefully I'll be able to contemplate a metric century soon.
Nice and easy on the outward leg. The wind was a bear in the return leg. Especially after the preceding 10km run and the 30+km thrash on the new bike the day before.
Still, good to get out and get some more miles into the legs. Hopefully I'll be able to contemplate a metric century soon.
About four years ago Dom Whiting visited Oxford and rode around the city on a bike with a pair of decks on the front, collecting fellow cyclists with the lure of the drum and bass he was smashing out.
I remember watching the video with a mixture of joy (such a great idea) and regret (being reminded that I wasn't there to enjoy such things).
This week a friend broke the news that Dom was returning, so that had to be done. In the time elaspsed Dom's exploits have grown from pretty low key events with small contingents to long, street-filling precessions that bring the city to a standstill.
After a fraught morning of not getting everything done I turned up late on Broad St but things were still getting started, with a many cyclists and those on other modes of transport packed into the east end.
I'd decided on the Brompton as the least-worst tool for this task since it's small, manouverable and upright.. which was handy as I was half-considering bringing it to the city anyway as using the Fuji for the commute is doing my swede somewhat..
View attachment 769089
View attachment 769090
Eventually we set off down Parks road towards the natural history museum at a very leisurely pace, although the density of bodies and fairly hectic atmosphere kept one on one's toes.. The weather had deteriorated since the glorious sun ealier in the week, however despite the looming couds the rain mostly held off.
View attachment 769091
While I was happy to just roll along it seemed that many had an agenda in getting to the front and (as in life generally) I found myself being constantly, slowly overtaken by everyone else. Some folks infront of me decided to cut through past the uni's engineering building to get out ahead of the column as it doubled back on itself and I made a split second decision to join them..
...sure enough we found ourselves out front for all of a few seconds before being consumed having stopped to take some photos.
View attachment 769095
The route continued back down St. Giles, George St, and Bridge St before looping back through town, past the Westgate, up St, Aldates and up the High St. towards the Cowley Rd..
View attachment 769097
Unlike Dom's earlier solitary excursions there were now three or four different somewhat-human-powered rigs rolling along at various points in the convoy, all playing different stuff..
View attachment 769098
Riders were diverse and pretty much every type of bike was represented. It felt very "east Oxford" from joint-smoking kids' seemingly endless manuals on MTBs to mums and kids in posh electric cargo bikes. The atmosphere was nice and the odd inconsiderate scally aside everyone seemed friendly and considerate.
View attachment 769101
Despite the nice atmopshere the process was hardly relaxing due to constantly having to be on the ball for people encroaching from all directions. It was also odd to have such a soundtrack and yet be travelling so slowly, with little physical outlet. Near the Cowley rd I got delayed and ended up dropping off the back; catching up proving a nice opportunity for a bit of exertion.
View attachment 769102
The enormous ride ended outside the Siad business school next to the station, where folks hung about for a while and slowly disbanded.
View attachment 769103
View attachment 769104
I lingered for a bit before hustling off to begrudgingly buy an after-hours toothbrush (having forgotten to bring my single item to the flat)...
Thanks to Dom and his mates for bringing so many cyclists together in such a positive act of solidarity; it was great to join them. It was also nice to hear how apparently so many people had dragged their mothballed bikes out of the shed just for this event, so hopefully that might get a few more people riding as a result.
I suspect earlier, smaller happenings might have been a bit less hectic / more relaxed but everyone seemed to have a good time and I'll be there again when next time rolls around
Reminded me of Techno Viking. Worth a look on youtube for those who haven't seen. An internet sensation for a while a few decades back.
bluenotebob
Veteran
- Location
- central Brittany, France
Started from Mauron just after 10am yesterday morning. I had a leisurely start by heading N towards the barriered ‘end’ of the V3 and bumped into someone I know from cycling on the Voie Verte – he was walking “for a change”. We chatted and he wished me “bon trajet” which was nice.
The plan for today’s ride was open but the target was at least 105km. I thought that Mauron/Questembert and return was the least I could do – but having made an early start (and carrying lots of food) there were options to go further.
Straight south against the wind and through Ploërmel around lunchtime so it was quiet. Decided to leave the V3 at la Tayée and explore the north side of the Claie valley. The climb up to Penhouët is steeper than it looks on the map. On to Trégoux where one of the branches of the VAB arrives from the north. Followed the VAB for about 1km to the point where it leaves the road to cross the Claie on a very stony/muddy track (one for another day and probably on the MASSI). Through Fendrement and up to chapelle de Lorette where I joined the other branch of the VAB. Followed that down into St-Congard. Thought briefly about crossing the Oust and heading down to St-Martin-sur-Oust but decided it wasn’t a good idea without a map. Headed south then took a R towards la Tronçonnais. Took the L towards Bignac – OMG: this is a brutal climb up (about 75m of ascent – but very steeply) and I had to stop and push the bike twice on the steepest parts. The road levelled out at Bignac and it was then a gentle ride south. The plan had been to pick up the D112 and go W, connect with the D774 south to la Pierre Longue … but I couldn’t see any sign of the various menhirs supposedly at the junction (Menhir de Bonnet Rouge being one of them). It was raining quite hard and I was confused … so I decided to push on south in case I hadn’t already hit the D112 coming in from St-Gravé (I had – even though it wasn’t apparent at the time).
I followed this road south all the way to le Pont d’Arz. Not the plan and unsure as to where to go to next … I was probably less than 2km from Rochefort-en-Terre but, without a map, I wasn’t willing to go that far. Decided to head back up the D774 and connect with the C9 at la Pierre Longue. Not a ride I ever want to repeat – fast, narrow and lots of bends. Thankfully I wasn’t overtaken by any lorries.
Reached la Pierre Longue and then followed the road into Bodevrel – not the plan but I was feeling OK (and relieved to have left the D774). Decided to explore the VAB south of Bodevrel .. ended up going down to la chapelle de Bon Réconfort. Took the R fork (left the VAB) and headed even further down the hill towards the l’Arz river … almost to Quénelet. Decided that was enough – back up the hill, noted the L turn towards la Ville au Val (and ultimately, Carlevaux) and back into Bodevrel. Up to the C9 and headed west – stopped near Talhouët and finally had something to eat.
Stayed on the C9 to la Muterne. Picked up the D149 – at last, I had the wind on my back and I was moving well, so I carried on into the centre of Pleucadeuc. Then west on the D112 to Pleucadeuc (gare) – about 76km cycled at this point so, knowing there was a further 42km to go back to the van, I realised that I would be cycling ‘more than my age’ (minimum of 72 miles = 116km, and I was on for at least 118km).
Back on the V3 and munching bits of a brownie every few kms just to keep up my energy levels. Extraordinarily quiet on le chemin des hortensias in Ploërmel ... I’ve seen it busier on a wet evening in December. Through Loyat and up the three slopes to la Roche. I’d just passed the old station at Bois-de-la- Roche when I bumped into two more friends out walking. I stopped and we talked for a few minutes – but I could feel myself starting to stiffen up so made my excuses and carried on. Past the van with 118.7km on the clock .. up to the ‘end’ of the V3 again and back took the total for the day to just over 122km.
Back at the van just after 6pm with 7 hours 27mins cycling time on the bike –that’s the longest ride in terms of time that I’ve ever recorded and my third longest in terms of distance (less than 4km from being my longest ever distance).
No room for either a camera (so no photos from the ride) yesterday and no space for a map which was a mild hindrance. I have a larger saddle-bag on order and should collect it this Friday. With any luck that should give me the chance to stay out for even longer on the bike this summer.
The plan for today’s ride was open but the target was at least 105km. I thought that Mauron/Questembert and return was the least I could do – but having made an early start (and carrying lots of food) there were options to go further.
Straight south against the wind and through Ploërmel around lunchtime so it was quiet. Decided to leave the V3 at la Tayée and explore the north side of the Claie valley. The climb up to Penhouët is steeper than it looks on the map. On to Trégoux where one of the branches of the VAB arrives from the north. Followed the VAB for about 1km to the point where it leaves the road to cross the Claie on a very stony/muddy track (one for another day and probably on the MASSI). Through Fendrement and up to chapelle de Lorette where I joined the other branch of the VAB. Followed that down into St-Congard. Thought briefly about crossing the Oust and heading down to St-Martin-sur-Oust but decided it wasn’t a good idea without a map. Headed south then took a R towards la Tronçonnais. Took the L towards Bignac – OMG: this is a brutal climb up (about 75m of ascent – but very steeply) and I had to stop and push the bike twice on the steepest parts. The road levelled out at Bignac and it was then a gentle ride south. The plan had been to pick up the D112 and go W, connect with the D774 south to la Pierre Longue … but I couldn’t see any sign of the various menhirs supposedly at the junction (Menhir de Bonnet Rouge being one of them). It was raining quite hard and I was confused … so I decided to push on south in case I hadn’t already hit the D112 coming in from St-Gravé (I had – even though it wasn’t apparent at the time).
I followed this road south all the way to le Pont d’Arz. Not the plan and unsure as to where to go to next … I was probably less than 2km from Rochefort-en-Terre but, without a map, I wasn’t willing to go that far. Decided to head back up the D774 and connect with the C9 at la Pierre Longue. Not a ride I ever want to repeat – fast, narrow and lots of bends. Thankfully I wasn’t overtaken by any lorries.
Reached la Pierre Longue and then followed the road into Bodevrel – not the plan but I was feeling OK (and relieved to have left the D774). Decided to explore the VAB south of Bodevrel .. ended up going down to la chapelle de Bon Réconfort. Took the R fork (left the VAB) and headed even further down the hill towards the l’Arz river … almost to Quénelet. Decided that was enough – back up the hill, noted the L turn towards la Ville au Val (and ultimately, Carlevaux) and back into Bodevrel. Up to the C9 and headed west – stopped near Talhouët and finally had something to eat.
Stayed on the C9 to la Muterne. Picked up the D149 – at last, I had the wind on my back and I was moving well, so I carried on into the centre of Pleucadeuc. Then west on the D112 to Pleucadeuc (gare) – about 76km cycled at this point so, knowing there was a further 42km to go back to the van, I realised that I would be cycling ‘more than my age’ (minimum of 72 miles = 116km, and I was on for at least 118km).
Back on the V3 and munching bits of a brownie every few kms just to keep up my energy levels. Extraordinarily quiet on le chemin des hortensias in Ploërmel ... I’ve seen it busier on a wet evening in December. Through Loyat and up the three slopes to la Roche. I’d just passed the old station at Bois-de-la- Roche when I bumped into two more friends out walking. I stopped and we talked for a few minutes – but I could feel myself starting to stiffen up so made my excuses and carried on. Past the van with 118.7km on the clock .. up to the ‘end’ of the V3 again and back took the total for the day to just over 122km.
Back at the van just after 6pm with 7 hours 27mins cycling time on the bike –that’s the longest ride in terms of time that I’ve ever recorded and my third longest in terms of distance (less than 4km from being my longest ever distance).
No room for either a camera (so no photos from the ride) yesterday and no space for a map which was a mild hindrance. I have a larger saddle-bag on order and should collect it this Friday. With any luck that should give me the chance to stay out for even longer on the bike this summer.
I went to school at Fair Oak in Rugeley between 1975 & 1980, not far from the reservoir. I had friends who raced Laser dinghies there.
Jameshow
Veteran
First camping trip out post divorce.....
Bike was at me parents so didn't have much time to settle it (I didn't because I was distracted by the boot screen fiasco)
Nice trip down to Poole over the chain ferry, lunch at old harry rocks.
Rode through Swanage as seeing lots of families wasn't going to help me😢
Just outside Swanage I noticed a scraping noise. The brake pad was so low it was down to steel. Put front pads on back and brakes with rear only to Weymouth.
Past the firing ranges flags flying but signs saying open!🤔
Tall wind all the way to Weymouth but followed the signs to town centre, big mistake it was a large busy truck road and the cycle path was the other sized. Managed to get in it just before the town centre.
Speaking of which it's a dive! Really is the worst sea side resort I've been too recently Blackpool of the south!
Weatherspoons for pint and tea, a burger couldn't be bothered to move onto better or dish and chips!
Double cheese burger wasn't bad tbh.
Panic ensued as all the campsites were closed but one kind chap opened up early for me.
£20 but he did it for £15.
Pint of cider in the black dog nearby as a welcome reward. Cleat fell off on the walk to the pub! Will try and fix otherwise will ride home without cleats.
Note to self replace with dual spd flat pedals.
All in all a good day with a few teething issues!!
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VinSumRox
Senior Member
- Location
- Scottish Borders
Only 53 miles as I started late and wanted to avoid the school traffic going back home so finished early. Gave most of my food to a homeless person sitting on a bench. I asked if he was hungry, but just got a look of misunderstanding - I think he was probably Hispanic - I made a finger to the mouth motion and he seems to understand that, so I unloaded my go-to-bag of supplies and passed them over.
Jameshow
Veteran
Only 40 miles today.
Swapped over the new brake blocks.
Found I had a puncture overnight!🤔
Cleats would fix back onto shoe new bolts needed.
Hailed several times so too refuge in a cafe who charged £3.25 for instant coffee!
Ride dogged by poor cycle paths from Wareham to poole, then the castleman trail and then the ferndown cycle path before turning north to home!
Bike needs a little fettling. Cones tightening etc.
Swapped over the new brake blocks.
Found I had a puncture overnight!🤔
Cleats would fix back onto shoe new bolts needed.
Hailed several times so too refuge in a cafe who charged £3.25 for instant coffee!
Ride dogged by poor cycle paths from Wareham to poole, then the castleman trail and then the ferndown cycle path before turning north to home!
Bike needs a little fettling. Cones tightening etc.
Donger
Convoi Exceptionnel
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
A slight weather window was just too good a chance to miss, so I nipped out on my Ridgeback road bike for what was pretty much my bread and butter ride down to Frampton on Severn and back. Added a couple of roughly 1 mile detours in various places and took a roughly 2 mile short cut in another place. Ended up doing 20.2 miles instead of the regular 20. Into a stiff headwind all the way out and then with the benefit of a glorious tailwind all the way back along my usual route ... doing it at least 5 minutes faster than usual. Rain forecast for the rest of the week, so glad I got out.
Very blustery on my 15 miles across Hamtun Town & back!
I didn't bother with the Washlands cycle path across the south of the town as it's very exposed and would have been straight into the teeth of the wind!
Nice to get out, though 👍
I didn't bother with the Washlands cycle path across the south of the town as it's very exposed and would have been straight into the teeth of the wind!
Nice to get out, though 👍
