Sheffield_Tiger
Legendary Member
Had my first "scenic detour" from work out over the hills tonight. 20 miles, nothing too adventurous
Since the wind had dropped slightly and it was a fairly nice evening, I thought I'd get a quick ride in before the rain arrives
First thing I noticed heading out was how motorists were unusually patient - not a single close pass, despite narrowish roads with regular oncoming traffic whilst vehicles were behind me, and plenty of "hold backs" when to be honest a careful pass not-too-close would have been fine. The two star overtakers that deserve a mention for being extra-generous with room and patience were Orange Van Man and White Van Man - just goes to show that not all van drivers are arrogant impatient thugs, and they both got an appreciative wave.
Then the streetlights ended...and the potholes arrived...oof..ough. I was audibly swearing at the end of Redmires Road as each time I hit a pothole and my 'nads crashed into the saddle and my wrists jarred. I'm reasonably well lit but not, it seems, enough for that road in the dark. I think the jogger appearing out of the shadows thought I was "tourettes cyclist" as I berated one hole for being an effing c*** (and I don't like the C-word - I have to be very annoyed)
Then I turned off Redmires Rd and...remomber I said that the wind that had gone...I found where it was hiding! On the granny ring on what can only be a 1:10 at most!
A short sharp climb a little further and I got twinges of calf cramp in both calves - never had that cycling but recognised the little twinges that proceed debilitating night cramps very occasionally. Don't know if I did the right thing but still ascending I went against normal thinking of spinning and upped the gearing to stand on the pedals but keep my hips high but feet flat to add a bit of stretching...seemed to do the trick, thankfullt a short descent followed giving me chance to freewheel, with each pedal at the bottom stroke in turn and push my ankles down - now THAT's a benefit of being clipped in!
A short while later and the flat, then the descents kicked in and I was grinning again. The wind and the pothole agonies floated from my mind.
Then for the best bit of the route. The chinese that does a nice salt & pepper tofu, rice and crispy seaweed, for just over 6 quid and very tasty - all the good work undone
As Paul Whitehouse might say "In't cycling brilliant?"
Since the wind had dropped slightly and it was a fairly nice evening, I thought I'd get a quick ride in before the rain arrives
First thing I noticed heading out was how motorists were unusually patient - not a single close pass, despite narrowish roads with regular oncoming traffic whilst vehicles were behind me, and plenty of "hold backs" when to be honest a careful pass not-too-close would have been fine. The two star overtakers that deserve a mention for being extra-generous with room and patience were Orange Van Man and White Van Man - just goes to show that not all van drivers are arrogant impatient thugs, and they both got an appreciative wave.
Then the streetlights ended...and the potholes arrived...oof..ough. I was audibly swearing at the end of Redmires Road as each time I hit a pothole and my 'nads crashed into the saddle and my wrists jarred. I'm reasonably well lit but not, it seems, enough for that road in the dark. I think the jogger appearing out of the shadows thought I was "tourettes cyclist" as I berated one hole for being an effing c*** (and I don't like the C-word - I have to be very annoyed)
Then I turned off Redmires Rd and...remomber I said that the wind that had gone...I found where it was hiding! On the granny ring on what can only be a 1:10 at most!
A short sharp climb a little further and I got twinges of calf cramp in both calves - never had that cycling but recognised the little twinges that proceed debilitating night cramps very occasionally. Don't know if I did the right thing but still ascending I went against normal thinking of spinning and upped the gearing to stand on the pedals but keep my hips high but feet flat to add a bit of stretching...seemed to do the trick, thankfullt a short descent followed giving me chance to freewheel, with each pedal at the bottom stroke in turn and push my ankles down - now THAT's a benefit of being clipped in!
A short while later and the flat, then the descents kicked in and I was grinning again. The wind and the pothole agonies floated from my mind.
Then for the best bit of the route. The chinese that does a nice salt & pepper tofu, rice and crispy seaweed, for just over 6 quid and very tasty - all the good work undone
As Paul Whitehouse might say "In't cycling brilliant?"
