In Praise of the CycleChat monthly challenges

[ianrauk]

First time I've seen this thread. Well done @Donger for posting it.

I've just started my 15th year of the Imperial Century challenge. It would have been 16th but back in 2010 I missed one month.

I'm not going to lie, as I get older the going is getting tougher, mainly in the darker, colder and wetter months. But like Rob, once I'm out on the bike it's always enjoyable, tough at times, but enjoyable.

I am planning on retiring from the challenge after 15 years, but then again, who knows.

We are always looking for Cycle Chat members, both old and new to join the challenge as it's been a bit lean the past couple of years.

 

[sevenfourate]

First time I've seen this thread. Well done @Donger for posting it.

I've just started my 15th year of the Imperial Century challenge. It would have been 16th but back in 2010 I missed one month.

I'm not going to lie, as I get older the going is getting tougher, mainly in the darker, colder and wetter months. But like Rob, once I'm out on the bike it's always enjoyable, tough at times, but enjoyable.

I am planning on retiring frpm the challenge after 15 years, but then again, who knows.

We are always looking for Cycle Chat members, both old and new to join the challenge as it's been a bit lean the past couple of years.

Some congratulatory terms are thrown around like breakfast cereal freebies.

But that’s Incredible and amazing consistency and dedication. Huge kudos to you Sir….🚴

 

[ianrauk]

Some congratulatory terms are thrown around like breakfast cereal freebies.

But that’s Incredible and amazing consistency and dedication. Huge kudos to you Sir….🚴

Thanks. It's appreciated.

 

[cyberknight]

All set for the metric century challenge again although it will be logistically harder this year as i am pretty much working 6 days a week now days .On lates i did not try to get a ride in on sat but now i will have to take the car to work so i can get up in time to get a ride in .

 

[All uphill]

I've been looking for a new challenge for 2026.
I'm not fast and I don't want to go huge distances and I've done the alphabets of villages, saints and pubs.

Now this may sound strange, but bear with me. I'm highly motivated to improve the cycling environment and think I've found an appropriate challenge.

My plan is to report at least one pothole or abandoned traffic sign per week.

Anyone else interested, or any constructive thoughts?

My question to anyone with a legal mind is whether I can reasonably say to the owner of a sign that has been abandoned for months that I will remove it if it hasn't been collected in 14 days as it is causing a hazard.

Here's my first one.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

My question to anyone with a legal mind is whether I can reasonably say to the owner of a sign that has been abandoned for months that I will remove it if it hasn't been collected in 14 days as it is causing a hazard.

Lol I did it without asking anyone.
A sign like the one in your picture had been abandoned for months by workmen, on the shared pavement I use every day to avoid a dangerous right turn.
I got fed up, moved it to the grass verge.
Many moons later, it's still there

 

[classic33]

I've been looking for a new challenge for 2026.
I'm not fast and I don't want to go huge distances and I've done the alphabets of villages, saints and pubs.

Now this may sound strange, but bear with me. I'm highly motivated to improve the cycling environment and think I've found an appropriate challenge.

My plan is to report at least one pothole or abandoned traffic sign per week.

Anyone else interested, or any constructive thoughts?

My question to anyone with a legal mind is whether I can reasonably say to the owner of a sign that has been abandoned for months that I will remove it if it hasn't been collected in 14 days as it is causing a hazard.

View attachment 796275
Here's my first one.

Give the number a call stating you've cleared one of their signs that has been dumped. Point out that it's currently in your safe storage, at cost to them. They should arrange payment and collection as soon as possible or you will legally dispose of it.
They have a legal requirement to remove all signage they put in place.

 

[All uphill]

Lol I did it without asking anyone.
A sign like the one in your picture had been abandoned for months by workmen, on the shared pavement I use every day to avoid a dangerous right turn.
I got fed up, moved it to the grass verge.
Many moons later, it's still there

Thanks for that, Pat. Your comment made me realise part of my motivation is to get the place tidied up!

 

[All uphill]

Give the number a call stating you've cleared one of their signs that has been dumped. Point out that it's currently in your safe storage, at cost to them. They should arrange payment and collection as soon as possible or you will legally dispose of it.
They have a legal requirement to remove all signage they put in place.

Thanks.

Ms AU is tolerant of our garage being filled with bikes, I don't think she'd appreciate my collecting scrap metal

 

[Gunk]

I've been looking for a new challenge for 2026.
I'm not fast and I don't want to go huge distances and I've done the alphabets of villages, saints and pubs.

Now this may sound strange, but bear with me. I'm highly motivated to improve the cycling environment and think I've found an appropriate challenge.

My plan is to report at least one pothole or abandoned traffic sign per week.

Anyone else interested, or any constructive thoughts?

My question to anyone with a legal mind is whether I can reasonably say to the owner of a sign that has been abandoned for months that I will remove it if it hasn't been collected in 14 days as it is causing a hazard.

View attachment 796275
Here's my first one.

Can’t you just stand it back up?

Far safer than it being on the ground

 

[All uphill]

Can’t you just stand it back up?

Far safer than it being on the ground

Agreed. That's an improvement but not a solution.

We'll see. I want to do this without becoming obsessed; I have a history of getting over-involved in this kind of thing, and I remember monomaniacal retirees from my working days - it's not a good look.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Can’t you just stand it back up?

Far safer than it being on the ground

Agreed. That's an improvement but not a solution.

The one I dealt with kept getting blown in the middle of the path by the wind.
A bit dangerous on a dark early commute, I could see it, but it took almost the whole of the path width.
That is the reason why I folded it, then put it on the adjacent grassy bit.
Also, the sign, aimed at drivers, says "roadworks ahead".
Said roadworks have ended many months ago, we don't want to confuse the poor motorists

 

[All uphill]

I'm delighted to report that the company (a large national one) have collected the five abandoned signs I reported to them.