Meriden Metric Meander (forum ride Sun 4th Sept.)

[ColinJ]

When I found the Route on my Garmin, it came up as "Route" rather than the name I'd stored it as. Also, when you look on the map, the route doesn't follow the roads - it's often in fields alongside.

If I get time, I'll re-input the route from scratch and store as I usually do.

Martin

I created the route in my Memory Map software on my PC. The name defaults to 'Route' and I forgot to change it so that is embedded in the GPX file.

The software has OS Landranger (1:50,000 scale) mapping and I 'draw' the routes over the top of roads displayed on the maps but the roads shown on Landranger maps only approximate to where the actual ones are! That is done to make maps clearer. In practice, I've found my routes accurate enough to select the correct junction out of several which are close together.

Online mapping sites are usually more accurate but I don't like not being able to see contour lines and geographical features when working on my routes. Google Maps in particular is terrible for displaying things like old packhorse trails as roads - no wonder people end up driving down footpaths! I might start using mapping sites but refer back to Memory Map when doing so.

I'm going to nip out soon and ride the SW half of the route and see if my GPS behaves but I don't think it will. It would be great if yours was working on Sunday. No problem if it isn't though, we'll find our way using maps and my route sheet.

 

[ColinJ]

I'm going to nip out soon and ride the SW half of the route and see if my GPS behaves but I don't think it will.

Ha - it worked perfectly! It only lost the satellites once but that was when I was stationary under heavy tree cover, which didn't surprise me. I can't think why it works here but not in Yorkshire! Hopefully it will work on Sunday because the route is quite hard to follow on a map when moving.

I rode to Meriden via the last part of Sunday's route, then did the first part of the route as far as Hurley, after which I cut across through Baxterley to rejoin the return part of the route. I followed that to Brownshill Green, then headed back to my sister's house in Coundon. 73 km (45 miles) in fine sunny conditions and light traffic - fun!

 

[Norry1]

Nice one.

I've set the route up and it seems ok on my 705, so hopefully all good for the weekend.

Martin

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Ha - it worked perfectly! It only lost the satellites once but that was when I was stationary under heavy tree cover, which didn't surprise me. I can't think why it works here but not in Yorkshire! Hopefully it will work on Sunday because the route is quite hard to follow on a map when moving.

I rode to Meriden via the last part of Sunday's route, then did the first part of the route as far as Hurley, after which I cut across through Baxterley to rejoin the return part of the route. I followed that to Brownshill Green, then headed back to my sister's house in Coundon. 73 km (45 miles) in fine sunny conditions and light traffic - fun!

Sounds like fun, you obviously had a better day than I did, I was working.

 

[Mr Phoebus]

All week I've been thinking fixed or racer?

As I'm not used to this sort of distance, this year, I'll have to go with the racer.

It'll bring much needed small coasting sections to the ride.

 

[Norry1]

I've just picked up a fixed from User, which has mudguards. If its wet, I may give it a run out

Martin

 

[Mr Phoebus]

I've just picked up a fixed from User, which has mudguards. If its wet, I may give it a run out

Martin

If you're doin' fixed then I'll do it too.

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Definitely gears, my fixed Pearson is parked in the shed, my Kilmeston is parked in the back of the lounge behind me, just needs some air in the back tyre and its ready to roll.

 

[ColinJ]

I have the choice of my geared Basso or singlespeed (not fixed) Basso. If I was fitter, I'd consider the s/s but the trial run on Thursday convinced me that I'd enjoy the ride more with a choice of gears.

It looks like a damp start with the rain blowing away later (fingers crossed). I think I might have forgotten to bring my lightweight rain jacket with me and my heavy jacket will be too much. I'll use my ALDI gilet instead.

I'll PM the 3 of you shortly with my ride time phone number. (I got yours Martin.) Text me if there is a problem in the morning. If I have a problem, I'll text you.

I'll check this thread before I set off, which will be at about 09:00. If you decide not to come, post below before then so we don't hang about waiting for you.

See you in the morning!

(If anybody else fancies joining us, turn up at the cyclists' memorial in Meriden before we set off.)

 

[Deleted member 1258]

P ing down in Holbrooks this morning

 

[Norry1]

Raining here in Warwick, but the forecast is for it to dry up.

 

[ColinJ]

Yes, damp here in Coundon too but both the BBC and Met Office forecasts say it will be drier and brighter later. Let's be optimistic, eh? I might even put some sun cream on just-in-case!

 

[Norry1]

Stopped raining here. I'm setting off in 10 minutes. I'm on the Secteur, not the fixed.

See you at 9.45.

Martin

 

[Deleted member 1258]

Still p ing down in Holbrooks, I'll make a decision in about 10 minutes, all dressed and ready to go.

 

[ColinJ]

I've made my drinks and am setting off at 09:05. Come on Dave - you know you want to!