Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
This is true but ... one or two longer rides are more beneficial than no rides at all!!
So if scheduling is a problem don't let the devil use that fact to invent excuses.
Ready to start!
- Thread starter LibraRider
- Start date
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So if scheduling is a problem don't let the devil use that fact to invent excuses.
Racing roadkill
Guru
Quite. The idea is to form a habit, it’s harder to form the habit than it is to break it.
It looks like you have some pretty pleasant roads out towards Frankley reen. Or possibly Egghill Lane / Bartley Reservoir in a loop?
Merrits brook looks like it has a nice path running beside it. You could possibly go up hanging lane, then hoggs lane, left onto holloway and then cycle along the path though ley hill park. There's a weird crossing on shelley lane, then more lovely path through park land up to manor house drive, where you can loop and go back the way you came. Looks like it is part of Merrits Brook Greenway which runs from Ley Hill Park to Stirchley.
The review isn't great, but it might be worth a try to see if the nice parts make a good cycle.
http://www.pushbikes.org.uk/location/merritts-brook-greenway
The advantage of following a watercourse, is that they tend not to be too hilly as water likes to wander slowly down / up hill.
Congrats on the first ride by the way!! That's a horrible route in terms of elevation - if you can find a flatter route, you will find it easier to build distance.
Merrits brook looks like it has a nice path running beside it. You could possibly go up hanging lane, then hoggs lane, left onto holloway and then cycle along the path though ley hill park. There's a weird crossing on shelley lane, then more lovely path through park land up to manor house drive, where you can loop and go back the way you came. Looks like it is part of Merrits Brook Greenway which runs from Ley Hill Park to Stirchley.
The review isn't great, but it might be worth a try to see if the nice parts make a good cycle.
http://www.pushbikes.org.uk/location/merritts-brook-greenway
The advantage of following a watercourse, is that they tend not to be too hilly as water likes to wander slowly down / up hill.
Congrats on the first ride by the way!! That's a horrible route in terms of elevation - if you can find a flatter route, you will find it easier to build distance.
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nickAKA
Über Member
- Location
- Manchester
I DID IT GUYS!!!
I even cycled on a dual carriageway!!!
Im bloody knackered though.
5.2 mile for my first attempt can't be bad right?
Check out my strava and let me know what you think
Well done - the journey (literally) starts here
I've given you a follow for when you start wondering "who are all these weirdos?"
I like Skol
A Minging Manc...
- Location
- Sunny Ashton-under-Lyne
Ah, the Strava thing....Well done - the journey (literally) starts here
I've given you a follow for when you start wondering "who are all these weirdos?"
@LibraRider you do know you can set up an exclusion zone to hide the ride portion around your house and place of work don't you? This is probably worth doing for personal security as it hides your locations from any 'weirdos' and prevents them following you home!
Not trying to scare you but you can't really be too careful. I have restricted my surroundings, not for my security as I am a bald ugly middleaged male so should be safe in that respect, but I don't want anyone trying to nick my bikes!
@LibraRider - one more tip, make sure you revisit this thread in a few months time to marvel that you found 5.2 miles so tough. By then you will be knocking out 30 mile plus rides and grinning the whole way around thinking it weird that 5 miles was a challenge.
I am not knocking your route, but if you get the chance, stay away from the A38. In fact, given where you are, heading out towards Belbroughton and then eventually Clent Hill would be great fun.
I am not knocking your route, but if you get the chance, stay away from the A38. In fact, given where you are, heading out towards Belbroughton and then eventually Clent Hill would be great fun.
OP
OP
LibraRider
Well-Known Member
Oh god - I got so freaked out then 😂
I've updated that now. Thank you!
@icowden
thank you for the route. I may give it a go. It is a bit hilly though - so perhaps when I’m a little fitter. 😂
OP
OP
LibraRider
Well-Known Member
Ah yes. The A38 was a bit frightening. Especially when I had to cross over. I need to get used to looking over my shoulder and sitting back on my saddle a bit more.
Well done on the first ride. I'd definitely mix up the routes as you build up your experience. I'd also caution against chasing times for the first few weeks. Listen to your body. If you're tired, either take a rest or go out and take it very easy. Your fitness will build up quickly initially. It's important to get the habit established and to grow your cycling skills and go through the learning curve of dealing with traffic and learning the vagaries of the driver population.
nickAKA
Über Member
- Location
- Manchester
She's safe from you & I though obviously, I only stalk locals...
I like Skol
A Minging Manc...
- Location
- Sunny Ashton-under-Lyne
And I'm not a weirdo, so we're all good
OP
OP
LibraRider
Well-Known Member
Got my 2nd ride in tonight guys!
Little bit further - little bit steeper - little bit colder.
I survived though! And In the dark too!
Little bit further - little bit steeper - little bit colder.
I survived though! And In the dark too!
DCBassman
Guru
- Location
- The lumpy far South West
You're hardier than I - I don't go out at night, and try really, really hard not to go out in the cold, either!Got my 2nd ride in tonight guys!
Little bit further - little bit steeper - little bit colder.
I survived though! And In the dark too!
Definitely going to think about London to Brighton again this year, about time I did it on a lighter bike....It remains my longest ever ride, not good for the years I've had the bikes!
Racing roadkill
Guru
Good stuff.Got my 2nd ride in tonight guys!
Little bit further - little bit steeper - little bit colder.
I survived though! And In the dark too!
