A terrific day out on the bike. Much thanks also to Colin for his trademark meticulous planning of the route through the network of scenic quiet country lanes and attractive villages. We passed through some absolute gems including the remote railway station at Entwistle (about 6 miles north of Bolton) set deep in the countryside. I looked it up on Wikipedia earlier this morning and it states that it is a 'request stop'. I never knew the railway system included that facility. Right next to the quaint little station is an equally attractive looking pub called the Strawberry Duck - which also gets a good write up and reviews.
It was good to meet Doug (@doughnut)and as well as enjoying the ride together we all discussed the features of Garmins and apparent discrepancies between ride stats when compared to Strava (which I am unfamiliar with - being a complete technophobe). Doug had the same Garmin 200 as me and showed me how to use the feature of using a pre-planned ride as a 'course'. We swapped Garmins for a few miles so I could have a go at 'following the line'. So as well as a great ride I got some IT tuition as well which will prove really useful.
Talking of stats mine were as follows: Total distance = 83.9 miles (includes an additional 11.2 miles getting from Littleborough to Todmorden and returning to Littleborough). Total ascent 7296 ft (minus 597ft being the aforementioned to/from as measured via mapometer website) = 6699ft. Average speed (ride time) = 11.3 mph.
We made a joint decision on the return leg just before descending to Haslingden to use the valley road from Rawtenstall to Bacup rather than 5 or 6 miles of more demanding climbing. A wise decision as the final climb from Bacup to Sharneyford was a real tester on the legs and back! We were rewarded with the long refreshing descent and upon reaching the bottom I turned right for Littleborough with Colin and Doug going in the opposite direction for the short ride into Todmorden.
After showering, eating and downing a couple of glasses of red wine I was so tired I was in bed by 9.30 pm and sound asleep within minutes of hitting the pillow.
A highly enjoyable ride.
It was good to meet Doug (@doughnut)and as well as enjoying the ride together we all discussed the features of Garmins and apparent discrepancies between ride stats when compared to Strava (which I am unfamiliar with - being a complete technophobe). Doug had the same Garmin 200 as me and showed me how to use the feature of using a pre-planned ride as a 'course'. We swapped Garmins for a few miles so I could have a go at 'following the line'. So as well as a great ride I got some IT tuition as well which will prove really useful.
Talking of stats mine were as follows: Total distance = 83.9 miles (includes an additional 11.2 miles getting from Littleborough to Todmorden and returning to Littleborough). Total ascent 7296 ft (minus 597ft being the aforementioned to/from as measured via mapometer website) = 6699ft. Average speed (ride time) = 11.3 mph.
We made a joint decision on the return leg just before descending to Haslingden to use the valley road from Rawtenstall to Bacup rather than 5 or 6 miles of more demanding climbing. A wise decision as the final climb from Bacup to Sharneyford was a real tester on the legs and back! We were rewarded with the long refreshing descent and upon reaching the bottom I turned right for Littleborough with Colin and Doug going in the opposite direction for the short ride into Todmorden.
After showering, eating and downing a couple of glasses of red wine I was so tired I was in bed by 9.30 pm and sound asleep within minutes of hitting the pillow.
A highly enjoyable ride.