Recumbent Rides

[404 Not Found Anywhere]

First ride this year on my Trice... and first recumbent ride outside this year. Weather up in my corner has been foul, if it's not been pouring with rain it's been snow and ice... and tons of road salt. I qualify the "outside" bit as I have done more miles this winter than ever before on my VTX on Zwift! My hope was that would make the spring riding a bit easier. Sadly I wasn't able to test out the hypothesis as my left knee has been giving me gyp again and it was apparent that my pedalling was not evenly split between left leg and right.

I was going to grab frames from my new action camera for illustration but it turns out that I didn't upload them the other night and the card has now been formatted... I did get a few images though.

So the purpose of the ride was to see the carnage after the Spey viaduct near the mouth of the river Spey collapsed last month. This used to be a regular ride for me but now no longer... until the council figure out some solution, which they at least appear committed to. It's part of the NCN Route 1 and has been long popular with walkers and cyclists of all abilities.

It was a good day to get out for a ride, beautiful spring day, nice ride on quiet country roads. The lead in to the bridge from the Garmouth side had a flapping laminated A4 sign saying the route was closed and given it was a weekday it wasn't surprising that I pretty much had the railway path to myself.

You do get a good if distant view of the bridge from the approaching road upstream... this and the next photos from my compact camera:

It was very clear that I wasn't going to be riding across the bridge though!

I dismounted and took a photo through the bars...

Some of us are just plain stupid and can't be told, but I went under the first section to get a view from underneath...

That pillar in the middle of the shot is, I think, one of the ones that river eroded away the base of the span and caused the sudden catastrophic failure (apparently satellite photos from before the collapse indicate shifts were happening in the month beforehand... but nobody noticed)

Finally a view from the side...

Same place, only a few years ago and a different trike on a cold and frosty day...

Bit of a sad experience, really, but the sun at least helped ward off the emotional gloom.

Rolling on the road back home reminded me why I ride recumbents - I love the panoramic view! But what was that bright shiny thing in the sky?

Distance: 10 miles. Speed: fast enough!

 

[a.twiddler]

25/2/26
Tiny Recumbent Ride
Fine Day Shopping on Rans

A mild day today, sunny at times so I crowbarred myself off the settee to go and do some shopping on the Rans with its new -old Carradice panniers recently transplanted from the rear to the front.

Out through the back gate, wheeled across the road due to the levels of traffic which don’t seem to have died down even though the recent roadworks on Swanlow Lane have been completed for a couple of weeks now. Perhaps having found this alternative route some of the drivers have come to prefer it, to the detriment of us local residents. Anyway, once rolling it was not a problem, and I settled down to the rhythm. I was soon at the uphill lights in the cyclists’ advance stop box waiting to turn right. There was quite a flow of traffic coming the other way on green. You just have to blag it and not be intimidated, though it was more irritating than anything.

Soon I turned right and then was accelerating downhill after turning left for the town centre. A mini roundabout was disposed of without having to stop as it was clear of traffic, then the next set of lights went green and cleared of traffic too. This must have helped to push my best max speed this year so far to 26.8 mph which is not stupendous but considering the weather and few cycling opportunities will have to do. Hopefully longer trips and bigger downhills beckon.

I turned in to the local surgery to drop off a prescription. The access road is impressively pot holed and cratered. Fortunately the large wheels rolled through them OK.

Then out, across the road on to a pavement cycle path to turn right then left and alongside a supermarket car park to lock up at the usual barrier.

After the usual target driven shopping I was out again to load up and get going again. Into the car park, left at the exit roundabout, left at the next, on to the pavement alongside the dual carriageway, then on to a cycle path after passing the library. Reaching the main road, straight across then right.

Hopping up the pavement to avoid a queue of cars at the lights, then left up the long hill alongside the dual carriageway again.

Left at the top on to Swanlow Lane, not too much traffic here. After a quarter of a mile, right after a traffic island then into a short stretch of bridleway.

I stopped for a couple of photos

before pressing on to the end, through some bollards, right on to Over Hall Lane, left on to Beeston Drive. The distant view of Beeston Castle was indistinct today as I rolled downhill to a left turn. After another quarter mile I cut through some estate paths to reach a road, then out on to the lane that passes my back gate.

All this winding about and stopping didn’t do much for my average speed but is useful practice in low speed riding and manoevreing. The loaded front lowriders were noticeable, but didn’t stop me doing what I wanted to do.

Distance 3.4 miles. Max 26.8 mph. Average 7.8 mph. According to Garmin.
Ascent 120 ft. According to Bikehike.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Out to one of the Greenwich meridian markers today. I did pass two but forget to photograph the second. Think I will make this a mini project for one of my rides each week. A few within riding distance.

 

[a.twiddler]

19/3/26
Recumbent Ride
Taking the Shopping for an Unexpected Ride down The Test Hill of Doom.

I recently noticed in passing by motor bike that Cinder Hill, Whitegate, aka the Test Hill of Doom has been resurfaced!

Before it returns to what seems to be its natural state of being a cratered mess I obviously need to find out if the Rans is any faster down it.

Things to consider since its last trip this way: will the recently fitted front panniers act as an air brake? The front tyre is now a 40, instead of 28mm.
Just got to try it. Maybe this afternoon? I needed to do some shopping this morning so perhaps I could get into the right frame of mind by then.

So, right out of the back gate, and away to Swanlow Lane. Somehow not on top form today, probably not enough miles this year.

Sure enough, I left it a bit late changing on to the small chainring as I stopped at the uphill lights and when I started off the chain derailed itself. I pushed to the kerb and rerailed it then set off round the corner on the pavement.

Across the road, back on track, straight on down Gladstone St to drop off a parcel at the parcel shop. The bike just wanted to go downhill, but the sharp speed humps discouraged enthusiastic progress.

Straight on downhill after the drop off, left to hop right across the pavement at the end on to Dingle Lane, left at the next roundabout then right at the next into a supermarket car park. Across the car park to lock up at a convenient barrier.

In and out, carefully loading, wondering of I’d overdone the weight on the front end but it was OK once I got going. A phone message from Mrs T. Expecting a delivery this afternoon. Hmm. So I would have to hang about instead of going out, as she would be out. Perhaps stretch out the return from the shopping trip this morning instead, via the Test Hill of Doom.

OK then. Across the car park, left at the exit roundabout, left at the next. Straight across the dual carriageway at the lights, then left along a pavement cycle track. Rolling steadily, avoiding the sparse pedestrians and the occasional cyclist.

Soon I reached the town centre traffic lights and gingerly rode round the corner of a building into Grange Lane, crossing to the other side then continuing on.

Rolling easily to where Grange Lane turns right through some houses into the countryside I followed the road down a dip and up the other side. Left beyond a bridge abutment through a barrier on a muddy track then a steep gravelly ramp to the rail trail.

I settled down to a steady pace. Definitely not at my best today but I kept rolling on. I came to a sign announcing a bridge closure. A photo opportunity.

I carried on and was soon at Whitegate station car park. I didn’t stop but turned off at Whitegate station bridge.

I crossed over and continued to the crossroads on Dalefords Lane. All clear, straight across.

There was a camera van parked in a layby with the camera pointing down the road towards Whitegate village. Obviously waiting to catch speeders coming up the hill, or even the unobservant going the other way. I stopped briefly at the top of Cinder Hill to take my cap off and sit on it, and to wait for a couple of cars to overtake.

Then I set off, flat at first, then downhill, changing up and pedalling downhill in high gear beyond 30 mph when my eyes were watering so much I couldn’t see the speed reading. There were a couple of cars lurking in my mirror. The surface was pleasantly smooth. Near the bottom of the hill I stopped pedalling , then where the road started to slope upwards I started pedalling again. I turned in to the right opposite the church, then right into a road of rather nice houses.

I stopped to look at the max speed reading which was 34.4 mph, highest this year. I’d reached a higher speed last year while holding on like grim death over the potholes but I didn’t have a load of shopping with me then. Next time, maybe an hour or so earlier in the day, with less traffic. It felt as if with a little more effort, and no cars about to disturb my state of mind, it had more to give. Perhaps remove my cap before getting to the start point, so no need to stop, getting off to a rolling start. I retrieved my cap from beneath my posterior and carried on.

I turned left into Mill Lane at the end of the road and climbed the steep hill. Even with the weight of shopping in the bags it was easier than I’d expected. The slope eased then became a long gradual downhill. I clunked into high gear and relaxed a bit.

At the end of the downhill stretch was a dip and a climb so I got up some speed. As I went down the dip I realised that this was where the road crossed a feeder stream for the Pettypool Brook and could see a shallow wooded valley on the right. I stopped at the top of the dip intending to turn back and take a photo.

A male jogger came past, then a woman. She stopped and commented on how different the weather was today. “A bit of sunshine makes all the difference” she said. I could see she was much older than I’d thought. Probably her husband was the other jogger. A retired couple? She said she hoped to get out on her bike this afternoon. She expressed an interest in the bike. Was it more comfortable than an upright bike? I said it’s very individual, but it was, for me. She noted the bags and wondered if I was going somewhere. I said that I’d just been shopping, and was taking the long way home. She found that amusing. She carried on with her run, and I went to the bottom of the dip and took some photos.

The road was straight back towards Whitegate, and I could still see the two joggers as distant widely separated specks as I got ready to set off in the opposite direction.

After climbing out of the dip the road levelled then dropped steeply to pass Bradford mill. A car filled my mirror but fell back when some oncoming vehicles appeared. A good swoop ensued and I kept speed up until I had to brake for a turn across a narrow bridge over the Pettypool Brook. Uphill then, past the salt mine where the following car went past.

Sooner than expected, I came to the lowered kerb on the right which gave access through a narrow barrier to the Whitegate Way. Despite the front load, I rode through, across some mud and on to the trail with my feet up. Shortly afterwards Catsclough crossing loomed. Feet up through the first narrow exit, across the rough lane taking care over the remnants of rail still embedded, then sharp left through the second exit, dabbing a foot down but straight back on to the pedal without stopping.

Probably better to have a bit less weight in the bags as a rule, but still manageable with a bit of anticipation.

Not much further to the access to Grange Lane. Down a nadgery slope, through a narrow barrier, left then down a dip and up the other side.

Right at a T junction, across the sports complex car park, along a path between the playing fields. I passed a couple of dog walkers then began the climb up to the exit barrier.

It felt steep today with the weight of the shopping, but I plodded on in 3rd gear. A wobble about halfway up the steep lane caused me to stop. Maybe I should have been in a lower gear with this load on. A few breaths, and I got going again without having to change down.

It levelled off, and at the T junction with an estate road at the top someone had parked a builder’s pick up blocking the road. I could see that there was no one in it, and rode through the narrow gap remaining to turn right uphill.

I was soon at another T junction, with Delamere St., and turning left. Building up speed to roll easily along until I had to wait for some traffic on the A54 roundabout. I dived across once there was a gap and rolled along down Swanlow Lane.

Not much traffic about here but it didn’t take much prompting for me to turn right after a traffic island up a bridleway to cut through to Over Hall Road and Beeston Drive. Years ago before I joined CC I used to come this way regularly while pootling about town. This year I’ve been using it a bit more in my wanderings.

Anyhoo, downhill on Beeston Drive, a left turn on to the level, then a turn off on to a path to an estate road. It was in school hours, so I could pass this way with no worries about causing some mental turmoil to the local youthful inhabitants which this bike often seems to do in passing.

Before long I joined the road that passes by my back gate. Soon I was up the kerb and unloading my adventurous groceries inside.

Distance 12.32 miles. Max speed 34.4 mph. Average 8.2 mph. According to Garmin.
Ascent 414 ft. According to Bikehike

 

[a.twiddler]

6/4/24
Tiny Recumbent Ride
Squeaky Brake Ride on Rans

An unremarkable shopping ride on the Rans apart from a regular sound reminiscent of the chuffing of a steam engine from the rear once about 10 mph had been reached. At first I thought it might be from the rear mudguard contacting the tyre as I might have disturbed something moving the front panniers from the front to the rear a couple of days ago. I slackened the rear brake cable at the handlebar with no effect. It might still be the rear brake. What I do know is that when tilting the bike on the stand and turning the rear wheel it felt very draggy at one point in the rotation.. Further inspection needed. Maybe the brake was telling me that I needed to get out more and do some miles! I stopped several times to look but couldn’t see anything obvious. I had visions of having to dismantle the brake caliper, maybe fit new pads.

Once I’d got home and done a couple of jobs, after unloading the bike I flipped a pannier off and lifted the back of the bike. I spun the back wheel and immediately saw that the side stand bracket had moved, and was touching the edge of the disc once every revolution. It only needed to be loosened and adjusted forward a few mm. It was surprising how so little contact was causing so much dragginess.

Now you see it

now you don’t.

Later I took a closer look. The stand screws were easy to turn, and the clamp itself was quite loose. The screws have long threads protruding through the other side of the clamp. I moved it forward about a centimetre and tightened it all up. It’s surprising that though loose, it stayed in place and supported the bike. I lifted the rear of the bike and spun the wheel several times. Quite free spinning, and no noises. A quick and simple fix, fortunately. From the photos, there seems to be an empty hole at the top inner part of the clamp, but there is actually no matching hole on the top outer. The bike could do with a good clean and chain lube.

I don’t generally use the stand while out and about if there’s anything to lean the bike on. While in the garage though, the bike lives on the stand.

Before I do any serious trips I’ll take it off, check the paint underneath and if necessary touch it up. Then, put some protective tape on before reassembling it. Some loctite on the threads, and nuts loctited on the other side. That should prevent any loosening in future.

Distance 3.39 miles. Max Speed 23.3 mph. Average 7.4 mph. According to Cateye Velo 7.
Ascent 131 ft. According to Bikehike.

 

[404 Not Found Anywhere]

This seems on the surface a tiny recumbent ride at 6 miles... but there was 650 feet of climb in the first mile and a half!

Having lost a lot of fitness, gained weight as a result and struggling with what the physio says is an arthritic knee, going around my old circuits has lost a bit of appeal as it takes longer and I am consequently reminded how much I have slowed down. But I'm not giving up easily and as an alternative I have been looking at how I can get out in the miles of local forest. The Kettwiesel isn't the fastest of trikes and has the advantage of two wheel drive so it seemed the best one to experiment with. On road tyres the forestry tracks are steep enough and loose enough to give problems with wheel spin even on the less challenging gradients so I decided to up the traction. Off came the 2" Big Apples and on went a pair of Kenda Small Block 8 tyres, 20 x 2.2" on the rear, and a Continental Double Fighter 20 x 1.9" on the front (curiously, wider than the Big Apple that came off!).

So as an experimental ride on Monday I decided to jump in the deep end and rid up to the top of a local hill via the MTB trails.

They are rough, rooty and narrow in places but the Kett just plugged away and not once did I lose traction... except at the very beginning, where a steep off camber trail had my front wheel wandering off down the slope.

I tried mounting my fancy pants new 360 camera to the seat rail but unfortunately that didn't work and I ended up up with a drooping selfie stick... a standard chest mount was more successful. Unfortunately how to work the thing and switch it into standard single lens action cam mode eluded me so I have cropped some photos from the video (you really don't want to hear my heavy breathing!)

Some guy riding a weird machine up an uphill MTB trail...

Some parts were only just wide enough to get all wheels on the track

Near the top and about to see the front wheel part company with the ground... I struggle enough to get up this bit on a normal MTB. That silver patch half way down the boom is where I foolishly removed the helicopter tape that had been protecting the paintwork when I had a battery mounted there when I had it in "e-trike" mode (hated it and removed it with no plans to replace it)

It was a beautiful day to be out riding

The Kenda tyres rolled surprisingly easily on tarmac, even running at about 35 psi. Not noticeably harder work than the Big Apples though a fair bit noisier. The only issue was that the rear mudguards rattled like crazy on the descent and I worried they might break... they aren't easy to replace. There are big reflectors mounted on each, I think removing them will reduce the vibration.

The Kett may not have the speed of my VTX but it was my first trike and it has been a very dependable beast and has handled everything I have asked it to, from towing heavy loads to day rides and adventures in deep snow.

 

[a.twiddler]

16/4/26
Recumbent Ride
First 30 mile ride this year

I’m well behind where I was this time last year what with weather, household tasks, relatives visiting, etc.

Today after some gardening, I managed to get away. Cloudy, with sunny spells.

I hoped to avoid the experience I had last time I went out when it was similarly cloudy but as I climbed out of the dip at Darnhall bridge the grey road leading to the summit contrasted with a dark purple cloud beyond it. I’d hoped that with the head wind it would drift away to the right and I would miss the worst of any rain but shortly afterwards down it came in big fat drops. I was forced to turn round in a gateway and flee for home.

Anyhow, today after turning left out of the gate I rolled downhill into a head wind. It didn’t feel very strong but it was very persistent. I was soon in the countryside, down the dip to Darnhall bridge where I came to a stop at the lights. I climbed out of the dip from a standing start but at least the sky was clear ahead. I’d thought of going to Nantwich then see how things went. Maybe continue to Audlem and come back through the lanes via Coole Pilate? I’ve just not done any longer rides this year so far.

I pressed on into the wind, down another dip, and was soon on a long straight open stretch before Cholmondeston. The surface on this bit of road is truly awful, less so in the middle, so I kept a wary eye out for cars coming from ahead and behind, ready to pull into the side. The tyre noise gave plenty of warning.

At last the road curved to the right, under the Crewe-Chester railway line. As I came out the other side, an overtaking van beeped at me before immediately having to stop to let an oncoming car pass over the narrow canal bridge which followed. Karma, or what? The road was clear by the time I got to it.

Up and over, but my enjoyment of the freewheel down the other side was short lived as I faced the wind again.

I wound my way between hedges to where a long gradual downhill started. Still into the wind, but a little easier. Finally I came to the long dip that leads to Poole bridge. I got up speed down the smooth surface then rapidly lost it as I climbed up the other side into the wind. I ground up the last of it before turning left on the level out of the wind. Feeling a bit peckish, but I thought I’d hold off until I got into Nantwich, not wanting to stop due to enjoying the smooth rolling on the extremely good tarmac.

I passed behind Reaseheath college then came to a stop at the Chester -Wrexham road. Straight on into Welshman’s Lane, or left on the main road into Nantwich? If I turned left, the wind would be in my favour. I waited for a gap in the traffic, then set off left. Surprisingly, there were no vehicles behind me until I came near the roundabout into Nantwich, and those that did appear took the left lane for the bypass. As I went round the roundabout, a white van man had to dive on to the roundabout in front of me. I didn’t need to brake or alter course or speed but he impinged on the personal space bubble that I like to maintain. A fart upon thee, sirrah!

I took the next turning into Nantwich and was soon held up at a queue of traffic at a set of lights. Once they all got moving, I hopped up a lowered kerb on the other side of the junction. Time for a nibble. Never had a Kit Kat seemed so desirable.

Once I’d disposed of that, I rolled along the pavement to the next lowered kerb and rejoined the traffic. Ahead, there was another traffic queue at a red light. I kept my speed down, and sure enough the queue was moving by the time I got there, so no need to stop or put a foot down.

Beyond the lights there was something of a choke point with parked cars along the left side of the street meaning that vehicles on my side of the road had to give way to oncoming traffic. On a bike, I didn’t have this problem, though even where the parked cars ended the jumbo vehicle following me didn’t overtake. Perhaps there was no advantage from doing so with slow moving traffic though I had a suspicion that I was providing entertainment for the occupants.

I came to a double mini roundabout and didn’t have to stop to go straight on. Then right at the next roundabout by Churche’s Mansion, left at the next then followed the road through several right angle turns. The road was busy but I didn’t have to stop. Finally I stopped at a roundabout then went left on to Audlem road. Past Nantwich station, bumping over a level crossing then coming to a stop behind another queue of traffic. Judging by the number of schoolkids about, it was school run time at the nearby Brine Leas High School. Bad timing when you’re riding something which might make passers by think the circus is in town.

So it was stop start and watching out for impatient drivers at the many junctions for the next mile or so. The car in front of me seemed to be constantly taken by surprise -brake lights, accelerate, brake lights, accelerate. A bit of anticipation, and the occupants would have had a much smoother ride. I hung back in order to minimise the amount of stopping and recumbent track stands I needed to do, and it was a relief when they turned off.

Finally I came to a queue at some lights. It looked as if the majority of the traffic was in the left hand lane, and I was able to get to the front on the outside lane in time for the green. Then steady progress on the Audlem road. Unfortunately the wind was still in my face in this direction, and it continued to be hard work.


Just before I reached Hatherton a low slung object with yellow bags appeared from the opposite direction. I realised that it was a tadpole trike, looked like a dark colour, and the rider was a man with an impressive white beard. I raised a hand, he raised a hand, and we were gone like two ships in the night.


Soon I was pedalling furiously down a long dip before the village of Hatherton, hoping to get as far as I could up the other side before the wind reduced my speed to a crawl. Once I’d levelled out, I reconsidered my destination. I was falling behind my anticipated time due to the wind, so as Dagfields craft and antiques centre was nearby I thought I’d call in for a nosey and maybe have an ice cream before deciding whether to continue to Audlem or not.

On arriving, I came across an unexpected bike shop, which I hadn't seen last time I came here.

Due to the time, most of the units were closing, so I had a break on a bench, inspected the facilities and decided to head for home. The head wind had drained my energy. I hoped to get a bit of a boost on the way back.

It was less effort going back. Rushing the dip out of Hatherton resulted in me getting up most of the other side before having to gear down, and progress was much better to Nantwich.

As I came into Nantwich the bearded trike rider passed me in the opposite direction again and shouted a greeting. I replied, and slowed down wondering if he might turn round and catch me up. Spotting a fellow recumbentist is a rarity, twice is remarkable. He carried on, and the magnetic pull of home drew me on. The school traffic had cleared by this time, but there was a long queue for the roundabout after the level crossing.

As the left lane was fairly clear I decided to go left and take another route home. There was a lot of slow moving traffic on Water Lode but I spotted a path alongside the road and got myself on that.

There were many bluebells and what I thought were forget me nots alongside the path. I stopped for a photo.

Further along there was a turn off leading to a pedestrian bridge over the river Weaver and then to Welsh Row. I turned left here and soon came to traffic lights near Nantwich aqueduct. Here I turned right then left into Welshman’s Lane.

It was not long before I reached the Chester-Wrexham road and crossed over to Wettenhall Lane during a gap in the traffic.

The road surface has survived well here after its resurfacing last year and I was able to enjoy it, and the following wind, for several miles including the rush down to Poole bridge and the climb up the other side. My legs developed twinges of cramp near the top of the slope. Obviously need to ride more. I’d found in previous years that lowering my cadence helped, and enabled me to ride through it.

Once the smooth road ended and I was back on the bumpy stuff again I just had to grin and bear it..

I came to Wettenhall marina and turned in for a sit down on a bench and some water. No boats, only a passing train on the embankment. The sound of the running water from the locks, the birds. It was very soothing.

I got going again. As I started climbing the canal bridge I startled a grey squirrel which went bounding across the canal on the bridge rail.

As I started down the other side what looked like a family group of cyclists came under the railway bridge. “I want that!” said a young boy as I flew past. I had to pull over to the side as a blue BMW came under the bridge in the middle of the road. Then it was just a matter of carrying on, tolerating the bumpiness of the long straight stretch once round the next bend. The following wind at least was some consolation.

Finally I was in Wettenhall, then down a dip where I got cramp in my legs again at the final part of the climb. I didn’t have to stop.

Over the top, then pedalling gently in high gear to ease my legs before I could get going a bit again.

It was annoying. I could have gone a bit faster but then my legs would get cramped again. It wasn’t very pleasant to have the sound of rush hour traffic coming up behind on this high hedged winding section, pressuring me to get off this stretch of road as fast as I could. They all gave me plenty of room, but they were there.

Finally I got to the more open stretch of road approaching Darnhall. At least I could see the blighters in my mirror for a good way back on the straighter stretches here.

Once in Darnhall village I stopped for a sit down on the bench on the little green by the village hall.
This was very pleasant, but I was nagged by the few remaining miles to get moving. I was pretty sure that I’d get cramp again going up the other side. The climb out of Darnhall bridge is the steepest bit of most rides home from rides in this direction and there’s no getting round it.

I got going downhill towards the lights which were red. I stopped uphill from them hoping they’d change. No obliging traffic about to trigger them. They changed and I got up speed as best I could. There’s a sharp left hand bend before the bridge in this direction that restricts your speed but I swung out to get up the best I could.

Up the other side, down, down through the gears. Plugging away up the other side and twinges of cramp started. I slowed right down and just carried on, gritting my teeth until the slope eased and I could change up. Once over the top I pedalled slowly in high gear. Fortunately downhill for a while. The twinges went, and I pedalled slowly onwards. Feeling a bit better, I pedalled the few miles to my back gate. I got in and unwound.

The observant out there will notice that the small front panniers have migrated to the back again. After looking at various photos of this bike and the old Linear I’ve come to the conclusion that the distinguishing feature of this bike is that big front wheel, so why not make the most of it? Those panniers practically disappear behind the seat anyway. The front rack is still there, so the option still exists.

Recently I’ve been following up my suspicion that the readings from the Garmin etrex (when used as a bike computer) are not as accurate, or perhaps as consistent, as a carefully set up wired wheel magnet bike computer might be. Running a Cateye Velo 7 alongside my Garmin etrex 20 has given me some answers, and maybe more questions The distances match, certainly over a few miles. The etrex max speed tends to be a little lower. The average speed is the one that stands out as being lower by about 0.3 mph over a 30 mile trip, and more over a shorter distance. Why?

As far as mph is concerned, it’s noticeable that the indicated speed of the Garmin lags behind the Cateye when starting off, before matching it after a few seconds. Not noticed it so much when slowing down. This could be because the Cateye gives a pulse each wheel revolution, while the Garmin searches for satellite signals which might be at longer intervals, or partially obscured at times. This would explain why there’s less difference over a longer distance, as the electronics have a better chance to average out the readings. Perhaps more modern, sophisticated systems target more satellites, so are more accurate and faster to show data.

Perhaps the solution isn’t as as simple as I think, but it seems probable that the cumulative lag is responsible for the difference in average speed, particularly over shorter distances, and in max speed, where the Cateye might be better at capturing instantaneous speeds downhill than the Garmin. Of course there are other variables that might affect a wheel driven computer, such as tyre pressures, air pressure, poor set up, but I would like to kid myself that I’m not as slow as I thought I was since I’d been using the Garmin. If there's anything that might make me a teeny weeny bit less slow, it's this Rans, and I'd like to capture that difference, and give it the credit. The Garmin has other features too of course, but the things that the basic computer can do that are what are exercising my mind at the moment.


Distance 30.35 miles, Max speed 30.3 mph, Average speed 8.4 mph (Garmin 8.1). According to Cateye Velo 7.
Ascent 517 ft. according to Bikehike.

 

[a.twiddler]

19/4/26
Tiny Recumbent Ride
Trip to see local bridgeworks

Sunny but with a cold wind. I had planned to go out to try for some more miles earlier but it was just so unpleasant in the wind. I’d planned for several days to go to the Whitegate road bridge on the Whitegate Way as the planned road works had been extended due to more work needing doing than expected, so I could least get a ride out to there today. I was going stir crazy with no respectable bicycle miles yet this year.

Not much traffic about as I turned right out of the gate. Soon I was on Swanlow Lane, turning right at the uphill traffic lights. Left then down to the town centre lights, into a chilly head wind, not much traffic here either, nothing to do but twiddle my thumbs at the town centre lights until they changed. Across into the wind to Grange Lane, then uncomfortably onwards until the right turn into the countryside.

Still chilly into the wind, down a dip, up the other side, smoothly up the ramp on the rail trail and almost immediately benefiting from shelter from the wind. I went on a little further until the trail levelled and sat in the sheltered sunshine of the trees. It was actually warm! I sat there in my comfortable seat for a few minutes warming up. There was nobody else about. It looks as if with the bridge closed further up line, there is no through traffic.

I took the opportunity to dawdle in the warmth as it was only a another couple of miles before I would have to turn round again.
Finally I got going. It was still warm and pleasant on the embankment.
I eventually came across a “Footbridge Closed” advance warning sign.

The trail was muddy in places but there were no issues in keeping going.
All too soon more warning signs appeared and I rolled to a stop by the barrier. There was no route across, though the girders were still in place with a 30 ft drop to the lane below.

I was surprised that the odd walker or horse rider wasn’t about as there is a network of paths and bridleways around here, though the main part of the trail is a few miles across the other side of the bridge together with a car park, cafe and amenities.

After taking my fill of the sights I set off downhill, not looking forward to getting back out into the wind. I hoped it might be mostly behind me on the way back.

It was still pleasantly warm as I rolled down the ramp to Grange Lane and with the wind behind me rushed the dip to get up the slope by the golf course.

With the following wind giving me a boost I sailed across the sports complex car park, along the path between the playing fields and up through the exit barrier, along a steep lane to an estate road then left on Delamere St.

Here I felt the full benefit of the wind as it was behind me and I easily got going at a gratifying speed for little effort.

Soon I was flying across the A54 roundabout to Swanlow Lane, still rolling well to about three quarters of the way along. Here I took a sharp right turn into a bridleway, enjoying the break from the wind.

I had some shelter for the next half mile before coming out on Beeston Drive with the wind behind me again. Downhill with the wind behind me before turning left, wind assisted for the next winding miles before I rolled up at my back gate.



Distance 7.17 miles. Max 20.4. Average speed 7.9 mph. According to Garmin.

Ascent 243 ft According to Bikehike.

 

[a.twiddler]

22/4/26
Recumbent Ride
Windy Trip to Chester on the Rans

I’d hoped to go to Burton Marsh to get a 60 miler in today. We would see. Due to the wind I decided to go to Chester via Cotebrook in the hope that the bulk of the hill there would reduce the effect of the wind. Also, I wanted to see how the Rans climbed Cotebrook hill.

The wind wasn’t pleasant but it was warmer than last time I went out.

Home to the Roman Bridges
Left out of the back gate, the wind was at my back which was not promising for the return trip. It is always psychologically better to have wind assistance on the way home rather than be struggling against it.

Nice while it lasted, I passed through Darnhall lights with no problem, turned on to Hickhurst Lane then King’s Lane, passing the walls of Oulton Park along Rushton Lane before turning uphill on to Brownhills Road. Pausing cautiously at the high hedgebanks on Mill Lane before going across to Oulton Mill Lane, gaining speed downhill to rush the climb before the A49. Once across, over a minor road to climb up Cotebrook Hill. As my speed dropped and I settled down to the climb I could feel the cooling effect of the wind. Some benefit then. I’m usually too hot.

Cotebrook Hill consists of several ups and downs, and by the time I neared Utkinton Hall I’d acquired a following builder’s pick up. I passed a junction by Utkinton Hall and realised that it would have been better to turn right uphill here. As it was I continued straight on downhill and the following vehicle turned off uphill.

I came out on to a T junction. I could see the spot I wanted further uphill to the right so just went for it. Before long I turned left at the crossroads heading for Duddon. I was satisfied by the climbing ability of the Rans. It doesn’t feel like it needs a lot of effort, may be just that what little output I have is being transmitted quite efficiently by that well triangulated rear end.

Downhill, winding, with a broken surface then more level. Across a minor junction then into Duddon. As I came to a junction with the A51 I came across a group of tweedy cyclists discussing something. Some sort of re enactment group on traditional tourers? I said “Hi” and crossed over.

I wound about on Duddon Hook Lane. I was hoping to go via what are locally known as the “Roman Bridges” but I hadn’t been this way for a couple of years. After a few miles I came across Broomhall Lane on the right. After following this I came to a lane on the left to a farm with a No HGV/ No through Road sign. After a few yards I came to Platt Lane on the left. I followed this lane for a mile or so until it doubled back on itself. A bridleway continued straight on closely surrounded by shrubbery. There was a ditch to the left but the surface was quite hard packed mud which was good to ride on.

The path continued for a mile or so before suddenly bursting out on to the site of three old pack horse bridges, two linked by a causeway and one standing on its own. They stood in a clearing of golden light, and a couple of years ago had seemed recently restored.

They are on an ancient pack horse trail between London and Chester where it crosses a marshy area of the river Gowy. They are stone now, which replaced the original wooden ones centuries ago.

I’d hoped to stop and have a sandwich here but there were dog walkers about so I took some photos and carried on.

Roman Bridges to Chester Deeside
Out along Platt Lane to where the tarmac begins, then it joins Cotton Lane and they become Plough Lane.

A few miles further on Plough Lane crosses Brown Heath Road on the way to Christleton. I then got caught up in a school run time traffic jam where a van was trying to turn round in the road much to the displeasure of the other traffic. I proved that even a hulking great lwb recumbent can get through this sort of situation by hopping on the pavement until the road is clear. I passed the school gates, then across the road amongst the parked cars was an ice cream van. I parked the bike on the shady grass and treated myself to a 99 before following a random street past a nearby primary school and on to the Whitchurch road. There was plenty of pedestrian and cycle infrastucture along this road so I waited with the rest of the pedestrians and cyclists to get across the big roundabout nearby.

I was then able to get on to the relatively quiet Broughton road towards the centre and once having found Dee Lane, was able to follow it downhill to the riverside.

It was windy by the river, but I found a spot to have my sandwich.

Chester Deeside to the Wales Coast Path
I wondered about pressing on to Burton Marsh. I could imagine there being a brisk following wind in a westward direction along the wide open Wales Coast Path next to the Dee. Getting to Burton Marsh from Hawarden Bridge wouldn’t be difficult either. Getting back to Chester might be more problematic, even using the more sheltered route via the Greenway. I hadn’t used the route behind the racecourse to link up the Wales Coast Path and the other routes before, so I decided to go and have a look before making my mind up.

Before going that way, I had a ride over the Grosvenor Park Suspension Bridge. The river is quite narrow at this point, and you can clearly see the elegant houses across the water. I’d hoped that if I waited long enough, I’d get a clear picture of the bridge with no people on it, but I felt the time ticking away and ended up immortalising some passers by.

Then I rode the cycle route along the river, past the university buildings, the weir and the castle, through the Roodee car park, under the Grosvenor road bridge, along the back of the racecourse to where it runs alongside the railway arches. You can see traffic on the distant main road at the end of the arches as it gradually gets closer.

At the end you pretty much come out across a narrow pavement to get dumped in a narrow cycle lane. It’s on quite a narrow dual carriageway-all rather crammed in.

I didn’t find traffic too bad as I sought out my landmarks. Firstly there was the section of canal from the Shropshire Union to the Dee. Last time I’d seen this it was full of reeds, but they’ve been cleared now. The lock gates on the river have been removed, perhaps, damaged, and taken away for repair.

A little further on was the entrance to a park. The Wales Coast Path ends at the park and the exit is on to a shared use pavement path.
Now that I knew where I was I was satisfied. I would probably use this route in one direction or another next time I came this way.

Wales Coast Path to Waverton
I gathered myself together and set off for home.

While in town the force of the wind would be scattered by the buildings but I expected to be experiencing it once I got to Waverton. In the meantime I was going to be doing some towpath riding to keep out of the wind.

Riding along Sealand Road I soon reeled in the landmarks, the canal link passed beneath and the railway arches came up ahead. I wasn’t able to turn right immediately but had to carry on to a space in the central reservation and had to do a u turn on to it. Then I had to go back the way I came between the two lanes of traffic to the arch wall and be ready to turn left when a gap came in the nearside stream of traffic. Then, straight across the lane and the pavement and on to the shared path between the racecourse and the railway arches.

It took afew minutes of steady riding with the arches on the right and the open spaces of the racecourse on the left through the fence before I felt I was making progress and the view of the racecourse opened out. It looks as if the arches and the fencing are enough to give walkers and riders some shelter along here in bad weather. As the wind was blowing quite strongly from the east there wasn’t much shelter here today.

The path leaves the railway arch and fence and curves round the river side of the racecourse after this. The path is built on an embankment which probably acts as a flood defence. You can’t see the river from the path on this side of the Grosvenor Bridge. There is a wood beyond the path.

Eventually the path approaches the Grosvenor bridge and the view of the racecourse opens out more.

The path continues under the Grosvenor Bridge round the edge of the Roodee car park. It follows the river to the bottom of Dee Lane.

So I arrived at the bottom of Dee Lane, geared down, and climbed steadily to the top. I got to the right side pavement then crossed to the other side of an urban dual carriageway. I followed a sign to the canal, then got on the towpath heading for Waverton.

It was pleasant enough travelling along here with not too many people but there were more locks than I remembered, each with its steep bump up to the next level. Steady trundling got me to Egg Bridge, Waverton in the end and I was ready for a drink and snack by the time I got there.

A pair of mallards sashayed out of the water to languidly eyeball me in the hope of parting me from a few crumbs.

After my break I braced myself for my forthcoming struggle with the wind. No point grinding myself down, just take it as it came, and take a break if necessary.

On to the road from the bridge, left and left again following NCN 45. The road followed the canal, and only after a few miles when the road crossed over a traffic controlled tall bridge to swop sides did the headwind become apparent.

Not so far to the turn off for Huxley from here, and I steadily trundled on into the wind. There were road works at intervals along the road which interrupted the rhythm of the journey.

Finally, my left turn uphill for Huxley. I exchanged the headwind for an uphill slope. At least I could see the uphill.

At the top I turned right into the wind again. A gradual uphill from here to Tiverton. Slow but steady progress, not particularly difficult. Despite the regular roadworks, there wasn’t much traffic about. There had been a couple of cyclists who passed me, obviously of a more sporty inclination, but I’d expected to come across more on a fine evening such as this. Perhaps I’m not the only one who’s not so fond of the wind.

Rolling along, views of Beeston Castle on its crag, Peckforton nearby. Cholmondeley is up there somewhere, though not visible from here.

Finally, the sign for Tiverton and Brassey Green. It still took an age to come in to the built up area of Tiverton but the final freewheel to the A49 happened and I stopped for a brief break.

The next stretch beyond the lights on the A49 is narrow, undulating and winding with high hedgebanks, which means some shelter from the wind in places.

Once more I took it as it came. Up the first climb after the lights, down the other side to rush the next uphill. Losing speed faster than usual. The drag to the top. Gaining speed again downhill, rushing at the next climb, the drag to the top. Easier than expected despite the wind. Gaining speed for the last and longest climb, losing speed faster than expected and changing down to the small ring with too low a chain speed. Unshipped the chain. Annoying, but easy enough to refit at the cost of a greasy finger. In Eaton by then, so soon rolling on the level.

A car waited at a junction on the left for me. I could see that he was going to go the way I was going, ie right, so I turned down a steep dip for Hickhurst Lane ahead of him. A steep downhill and a steep uphill to exit the village where I was braked by the wind as I came over the crest. The car went past, and I prepared for the last leg of mostly flat or downhill into the wind.

The road zig zags so some parts are into the wind while others are sheltered, so I just sucked it up. It didn’t take long to cover the last few miles. I polished off the final dip and climb at Darnhall bridge lights before making my leisurely arrival at my back gate.

I don’t enjoy the wind but the last three rides have involved some. I hope the future holds calmer times.

Distance 43.31 miles. Max speed 25.1mph. Average Speed 7.1mph. According to Cateye Velo 7.
Ascent 1053 ft. According to Bikehike.