The 2023 Half Century (50km or 50m) Challenge

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UphillSlowly

Making my way slowly uphill
Not having a Chinese takeaway for tea by any chance? :tongue: I was barely a couple of miles away from Wootton Wawen when I went through Bearley today :okay:

Damned autocorret 😄

Roads were really lucky today!
 
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Spinney

Bimbleur extraordinaire
Location
Back up north
Jan
24th - 31 miles - 1 point
Kirkby Stephen, almost to the Moorcock Inn, almost back to Nateby, back up the road, back through KS and a bit futher to make up the half century!

Feb
14th - 34 miles - 1 point
KS, Moorcock Inn, Sedburgh, KS

Mar
19th - 36 miles - 1 point
KS, Moorcock Inn, Sedburgh, Waite, KS

Apr
9th - 34 miles - 1 point
KS, Moorcock Inn, Sedburgh, KS
(anyone detecting a certain lack of imagination in route choice here...?)

May
28th - 31 miles - 1 point
KS, Winton, Little Musgrave, Burrells, Hoff, Orton, Sunbiggin Tarn, Soulby, KS

Jun
22nd - 36 miles - 1 point
KS, Moorcock Inn, Sedburgh, Waite, KS

July
20th - 33 miles - 1 point
Brampton, Milburn, Skerwith, Melmerby, Gamblesby, Glassonby, Langwathby, Acorn Bank (:cuppa:🍰), Temple Sowerby, Kirkby Thore, Brampton

August
25th - 33 miles - 1 point
Soulby, Gt Asby, Burrells, Appleby, Colby, Bolton, Kings Meaburn, Hoff, Burrells, Soulby

September
13th - 32 miles - 1 point
Soulby, Burrells, Appleby, Colby, Bolton, Kings Meaburn, Hoff, Burrells, Soulby

Oct
10th - 31 miles - 1 point
Hawes, Sedburgh, Waitby, KS

Nov
26th - 32 miles - 1 point
Orton, Shap, Cliburn, Kings Meaburn, Orton

Dec
19th - 31 miles - 1 point
Clifton, Cliburn, Temple Sowerby, Kirkby Thore, Knock, Millburn, Blencarn, Culgaith, TS, Cliburn, Clifton

Total: 12 points

(Next year I hope to do more than the bare minimum!)
 

ColinJ

Puzzle game procrastinator!
[As many rides as possible to be completed on my '6-er' OR my mountain bike. The 6-er is a development of my original singlespeed bike. I do as much as I can in a 42/15 gear (almost the same ratio as my previous 52/19). Tough climbs are done in 42/29. I don't count rides over 100 km here - they will be counted in the Lunacy challenge instead.]

Jan 30th - 50km, 660 m of ascent, singlespeed (52/19 gear). Start/finish Todmorden. A646 to Burnley and back. A6033 towards Littleborough, then took the scenic route to Littleborough via Calderbrook and Caldermoor. Back to Walsden then climbed to Lumbutts. Dropped back down to A646 and home on that.

Feb 18th - 70 km, LOTS OF GEARS!! My forum ride from Crediton (Devon).

Mar 2nd - 50 km. A 'dinglespeed' ride - 50 km. Tod, Littleborough, Blackstone Edge, Hubberton Green, Craggies cafe, Littleborough, Tod plus an extra hill at the end to make the distance up.

Mar 25th - 64 km. A MTB ride. From Tod to Hebden Bridge on the Rochdale canal (and back at the end of the day) for my offroad forum ride.

Apr 2nd - 50 km. Singlespeed (52/19 gear). Tod, HB, Mytholmroyd, Cragg Vale climb, Blackstone Edge, Blue Ball Rd, Cotton Stones, Hubberton Green, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge, Tod.

May 16th - 52 km. A 1x11 ride in Devon: Crediton, Shobrooke, Thorverton, Stoke Canon, Nether Exe, Thorverton plus various lanes back to start.

May 27th - 73 km. I needed all the gears I could get (3 x 10) for this hilly forum ride, which had 1,400+ m of ascent in the main 58 km loop! Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Widdop, Trawden, Stanbury, Oxenhope, Oxenhope Moor, Jerusalem Lane cafe, Midgley, Height Rd, Hebden Bridge, Tod.

June 29th - 51 km in the 42/15 gear on the 6-er. Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, Cragg Vale climb, Blackstone Edge, Hollingworth Lake RSPCA cafe, Walsden, Lumbutts, Mankinholes, Hebden Bridge, (said goodbye to friend and u-turned) Tod.

July 24th - 66 km on CAAD5 (triple chainset needed for 1,300+ m of ascent, including STEEP stuff!). Todmorden, Hebden Bridge, Mytholmroyd, Sowerby, Sowerby Bridge, Barkisland, Stainland, Scammonden, Booth Wood reservoir, Baitings reservoir, Hubberton Green, Mytholmroyd, Hebden Bridge, Tod.

August 3rd - 50 km on 6-er mainly (or was it entirely?) in 42/15 gear. Todmorden, Mytholmroyd, Cragg Vale climb, Blackstone Edge, Littleborough, Todmorden and then to Holme Chapel and back on A646 to make up the distance.

August 22nd - 51 lumpy Devon km on 1x11-speed bike. Crediton, Black Dog, (the Devon!) Littleborough, Cadbury, Thorverton, Upton Pyne, Crediton.

September 29th - 50 km on 6-er in 42/15 gear, except for 42/29 for steeper top half of Lumbutts climb, and 42/12 on rapid final ride back down to Tod. Tod to Hebden Bridge and back; Lumbutts climb, Walsden, then Calderbrook climb over to Littleborough, and back to Tod; up the A646 Burnley Rd as far as the Ram Inn at Holme Chapel, turned, and back to Tod.

October 10th - 50 km on 11-speed Devon bike. Very lumpy lane loops between Crediton, Thorverton, and Upton Pyne. It was looking to get way more lumpy than I wanted, given that I have been ill most of the time since my previous visit - a projected 1,200+ m in 50 km!! I therefore started avoiding climbs and sticking to flatter lanes, but it still came in at 900+ m (3,000 ft)...

October 22nd - 65km. Almost exact copy of July 24th ride, on CAAD5 again for its low gears.

November 29th - 50 km on 6-er in 42/15 gear. Burnley and back on A646. Littleborough and back on A6033. Towards Hebden Bridge and back on A646.

December 19th - 50 km on 6-er, mainly in 42/15 gear, but used 42/23 and 42/29 for parts of the steepish Lumbutts and Mankinholes climbs. Todmorden, Walsden, Calderbrook, Caldermoor, Littleborough, Calderbrook, Walsden, Lumbutts, Mankinholes, Hebden Bridge, Lumbutts, Walsden, Summit, Walsden, Todmorden. (Not super-hilly, but I still managed to squeeze in about 630 m of ascent.)
 

steverob

Guru
Location
Buckinghamshire
January: 2 rides, 2 points
February: 5 rides, 7 points
March: 2 rides, 3 points
April: 2 rides, 2 points
May: 4 rides, 5 points
June: 2 rides, 4 points
July: 4 rides, 4 points
August: 2 rides, 3 points
September: 1 ride, 2 points

October: 2 rides, 2 points
November: 1 ride, 1 point

16th December: 31.17 miles - Been almost six weeks since my last outdoor ride of note, determined not to be amongst the last to finish this challenge (as I have been the last three years) so forced myself out - https://www.strava.com/activities/10389190809 - 1 point
23rd December: 33.04 miles - Incredibly gusty winds made it hard going into a headwind early on; ended up cutting my route short by an hour or so as a result, but did get some overdue short sharp climbs done - https://www.strava.com/activities/10424551155 - 1 point

Total so far: 37 points
 
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Chap sur le velo

Über Member
Location
@acknee
December Made it!

Points 49

Dec 23rd

Went out with a small” select” group from Hub Velo on a Cappuccino ride. My relative lack of rides this year told, as every time we hit a hill or a strong headwind I struggled to keep the pace. Need to up my ante I could keep up with them this time last year.

84kms and a bit further north onto new Essex roads. Good guys to ride with fun. (but hard)

https://www.strava.com/activities/10424542179



Dec 2nd Zero degrees, feels like -5. Wore 3 layers on top, 2 gloves, Snood (normally can’t stand them) and my Fizik boots. Decided it was safer to ride across town and then loop Richmond Park. Coming down the main hill was really chilly. Had planned to ride 80km, but feet just got too cold.

Will need to see if I can wear a second pair of socks, comfortably.

Completed 59km

https://www.strava.com/activities/10316430883
 

Bazzer

Setting the controls for the heart of the sun.
December 26th
Winwick, Collins Green, Newton, Glazebury, Hollinfare, Woolston, Ridley, Culcheth, Croft, home. 52kms
 

steverob

Guru
Location
Buckinghamshire
January: 2 rides, 2 points
February: 5 rides, 7 points
March: 2 rides, 3 points
April: 2 rides, 2 points
May: 4 rides, 5 points
June: 2 rides, 4 points
July: 4 rides, 4 points
August: 2 rides, 3 points
September: 1 ride, 2 points

October: 2 rides, 2 points
November: 1 ride, 1 point

16th December: 31.17 miles - Been almost six weeks since my last outdoor ride of note, determined not to be amongst the last to finish this challenge (as I have been the last three years) so forced myself out - https://www.strava.com/activities/10389190809 - 1 point
23rd December: 33.04 miles - Incredibly gusty winds made it hard going into a headwind early on; ended up cutting my route short by an hour or so as a result, but did get some overdue short sharp climbs done - https://www.strava.com/activities/10424551155 - 1 point
26th December: 31.59 miles - Determined to end the year much better than I spent most of it, got out while the weather was good(ish). Did Stocks Lane and The Twist and lost all feeling in my right index finger - https://www.strava.com/activities/10439722763 - 1 point

Total so far: 38 points
 

Saluki

World class procrastinator
27 points to date this year.

22/11/23 https://www.strava.com/activities/10263572409 Sheringham, Stiffkey, Wells, trail to Holkham Hall and through the estate, watching cute young deer as we went. Binham, Langham, Holt, Kelling for tube fix, Sheringham, home. 50 miles. 2 points.

26/12/23 https://www.strava.com/activities/10439651192 Taverham (Freelands Corner) along Marriotts Way to Horsford Bridge (too dang muddy to carry on along there - I am off mud this week) Through Horsford woods and onto the NDR cyclepath all the way in to Postwick and then along the road, past the river, to Norwich central. Quick pop to Tesco for baps and cheese. Norwich cathedral to eat cheese baps. Through Norwich to Catton, Spixworth, back to Catton & past the airport, on the NRD path, back through St Faiths and Horsford Woods (slightly different route as Phil was navigating and had no idea of the way we were going) and back to Freelands Corner. I carried on for another 3/4 mile then turned back to tip over the 50km mark. 1 point done on my beloved Genesis.

30 points for the year.
 

bluenotebob

Veteran
Location
France
1 January to 30 November: 48 rides/59 points

8 December 2023 Mauron/le Pont de Bagotais (V3/NtB canal)) 65.29km 1 point

Mauron, Ploërmel, le Roc St André, le Pont de Bagotais, la Touche Carné, Ploërmel and Mauron

30 December 2023 Mauron/la Touche Carné (V3) 55.34km 1 point

Mauron, Ploërmel, la Touche Carné, Ploërmel and Mauron

Total points: 61
 

geocycle

Legendary Member
Thanks again for the motivation in 2023. Here is my end of year summary. I’m pleased with 29 metric centuries and 20 other qualifying rides of 50 km or 50 miles. That’s at least 50 sausage rolls, 50 pieces of flapjack and 50 flat whites.

2 January Clapham and Settle. 101 km with 1600 m of climbing.
6 January Trough of Bowland and Beacon Fell. 85 km and 1250 m of climbing.
15 January Sizergh Castle and Lyth valley 87 km with 835 m of climbing.
22 January Knott End. 55 km or 34 miles with 250 m of climbing.
26 January Garsdale and Newby Head. 122 km with 1600 m of climbing
5 February Windermere. 104 km with 1400m of climbing
12 February. Trough of Bowland, Slaidburn and Cross o Greet. 81 km and 1333 m of climbing.
18 February Kendal. 84 km with 1150 m of climbing.
25 February Penrith, Eden and Lune. 95 km with 1400m of climbing.
3 March Ribblehead and Settle. 105 km with 1200 m of climbing.
12 March Trough of Bowland and Beacon Fell 85 km with 1300 m of climbing.
18 March, Dent via Kingsdale and Barbondale. 85 km with 1200m of climbing.
26 March Kendal and Scout Scar. 84 km with 1100 m of climbing
7 April Malham. 117 km with 1700 m of climbing.
9 April Trough of Bowland and Newton Fell. 81km with 1380m of climbing.
16 April Cross ‘o’ Greet and Bowland. 100 km with 1500 m of climbing.
22 April Arnside and Silverdale. 64 km with 840 m of climbing.
1 May Newby Head, Dentdale and Barbondale 101 km with 1300 m of climbing.
6 May Sizergh and Brigsteer. 84 km with 760 m of climbing
14 May Garsdale. 122 km with 1534 m of climbing
21 May Windermere. 114 km with 1500 m of climbing.
28 May Jubilee Tower, Trough of Bowland, Slaidburn and Settle. 102 km with 1600 m of climbing.
4 June Longsleddale and Staveley. 120 km with 1500 m of climbing.
9 June Penrith, Kirby Stephen, Garsdale and Kirby Lonsdale. 117 km with 1570 m of climbing
17 June Clitheroe and Waddington Fell. 106 km with 1483 m of climbing.
2 July A linear ride to Kettlewell and Skipton. 104 km with 1560 m of climbing
13 July Jubilee Tower, Trough of Bowland, Beacon Fell 90 km, 1150 m of climbing.
20 July Kentmere 108 km with 1250m of climbing
26 July Settle, Airton and Malham. 115 km with 1600 m of climbing.
3 August Holker and Cartmel. 122 km with 1010 m of climbing.
4 August Kirkstone Pass 107 km with 1540 m of climbing
9 August Arkengarthdale, Tan Hill and Swaledale. 82 km with 1510 m of climbing.
16 August. Slaidburn with Bowland Knotts and Cross ‘o’ Greet. 101 km with 1660 m of climbing.
23 August Pateley Bridge, Masham and Ripley. 81 km with 1300 m of climbing.
24 August Bedale and North York Moors. 135 km with 1500 m of climbing.
2 September, Barbondale and Howgills. 105 km with 1546 m of climbing
9 September Ribblehead and Settle. 104 km with 1100m of climbing.
23 September Windermere and Coniston, 55 km with 1080 m of climbing
1 October Kendal, Staveley and Lyth valley 103 km with 1170 m of climbing.
8 October Cross o Greet, Slaidburn and Chipping. 104 km with 1338 m of climbing.
15 October Fox Pulpit, Sedbergh, Barbondale 109 km with 1369 km of climbing
21 October, Fellfoot on Windermere. 103 km with 1350 m of climbing.
29 October Malham Tarn. 108 km with 1400 m of climbing
5 November Jubilee Tower, Trough of Bowland and Beacon Fell. 87 km with 1100 m of climbing.
12 November Kirby Lonsdale and Farleton Fell. 74 km with 940 m of climbing.
17 November Dentdale 102 km with 1316m of climbing
26 November Kendal and Scout Scar. 84 km with 1050 m of climbing.
3 December Knott End and the flatlands. 101 km with 185 m of climbing.
15 December Bowland Knotts and Trough Of Bowland. 87 km with 1387 m of climbing.
 
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