HLaB
Marie Attoinette Fan
16, a bit big a group but folk wanted to merge the Social and what is called the Spinner rides.
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
16, a bit big a group but folk wanted to merge the Social and what is called the Spinner rides.
Elybazza61
Guru
Finally got out today after initially planning a ride firstly on Friday (not in the mood in the end) and then Sunday (got waylaid by a neighbour).
Went out on a roughly south -easterly loop in to Suffolk and back.
No photos and a pretty uneventful ride (in a good way);only stopped when back home to nab a pastry at the bakery.
70km in the end at a n average just over 26kmh.
Went out on a roughly south -easterly loop in to Suffolk and back.
No photos and a pretty uneventful ride (in a good way);only stopped when back home to nab a pastry at the bakery.
70km in the end at a n average just over 26kmh.
DCBassman
Legendary Member
- Location
- The lumpy far South West
A much better effort as I learn to use the Boost kit. Hopefully, the battery life will be better on L2B as it's a lot flatter bar Ditchling, which I suspect I will still have to walk...The 36V 7AH battery is really for commuting, not long distance, so will wait 'til the 2nd one arrives for that. I do think that the battery will improve over the next few charge/discharge cycles, and may allow me to manage a full run to Plymstock and back. Maybe.
This time, I also had to learn to use the proper Boost controller, as opposed to the app on an old iPhone.
A good ride.
a.twiddler
Veteran
26/4/26
Recumbent Ride
Chester Greenway and Wales Coast Path
I’d had it in mind to try again, as it was less windy today, to ride to Burton Marsh to make a round 60 miles ride as I didn’t manage it last time.
Home to Chester Greenway
I set off left out of my back gate. A slight head wind, but I hoped it would be helpful on the way back.
It seemed to get stronger as I approached the lights at Darnhall bridge. The lights turned green as I reached them and I was able to roll through without braking. Sheltered from the wind on the upslope, my impression was that I’d got off to a good start.
I continued to roll easily through Hickhurst Lane en route to Eaton. Slowing on the gradual upslope, I came to the final dip and upslope to the main road where I turned left to attack the dips and climbs to Four Lane Ends. Several motorcyclists went by, and I was overtaken by a couple of cyclists before I came to a halt at the lights there. Then, straight on to the A49 for a mile or so before turning right on the road through Tiverton on the way to Huxley. After a short climb the trend from there on was downhill, and I was able to keep a good speed up through Huxley and to the junction with NCN 45 for Waverton. I passed a few cyclists who were waiting for someone else near Huxley.
Running a little less easily from here on, I was initially passed by a couple of different cyclists, and then kept an eye out in the mirror for the others who never materialised. Over the tall canal bridge and nearly into Waverton before three cyclists appeared talking loudly far behind. I’d crossed over Eggbridge Lane on the way to Whitchurch Road before they reached the junction and turned off.
I was looking for a more direct route on to the Greenway today. I came to the Whitchurch road and turned right for Chester. I reached the A41/A55 interchange roundabout and crossed over using the cyclist/pedestrian crossings to reach the Boughton road. Then heading into town I turned right at the traffic lights on to Hoole Lane/Westminster Road then right on to Hoole Road. Then through some residential streets down a ramp and on to the Greenway. I’m sure I can fine tune this route a bit more next time.
As I came down the ramp a bunch of cyclists went by, and my phone pinged. I read a message from Mrs T. It seems our long suffering washing machine has finally expired in a cloud of acrid smoke. Since it took me about 1 ½ hours to get here and I’m not going to be able to teleport myself instantaneously home I suspect that she has a better idea of what she wants to replace it with than I do. I could hazard a guess - 9kg capacity, 1600rpm spin, A+++ economy but since I didn’t have the foreknowledge to be present when it conked out, I have to refer to Rule One – if in doubt, The Husband is Always in the Wrong.
Chester Greenway to Hawarden Bridge
I messaged back, then decided that since I was here, I might as well go to the end of the Greenway before heading back along the Wales Coast Path to Chester and home. I was anticipating a following wind on the Coast Path to speed me along based on the wind direction earlier. Might as well make the most of it before going back. The cloud would be waiting whatever I did. So I decided to stop once I’d passed Hawarden Bridge and have my sandwich.
I found myself going suspiciously well, even though the wind was in my face at times. A pleasant ride through Blacon old station, Sealand then past Hawarden Bridge Station. As I came to the Dee I had a qualm about the wind direction.
Hawarden Bridge to Chester
Yes, it was definitely coming from the East. The Husband was definitely Wrong in this case. Perhaps this was my punishment for my earlier hubris. Still, just got to suck it up. No ride is a bad ride. It was reasonably warm and it wasn’t raining. I got on to the Coast Path and came to a stop at a bench.
As I sat there eating my salami sandwich I watched the local cyclists who were making the most of the prevailing wind to whizz by as part of what was probably a regular route with a sheltered section in the opposite direction. I didn’t want to stop for too long since my speed would be reduced enough as it was. As I was getting going I saw a cyclist with panniers in the downwind distance. I wondered if he would pass me in due course
A few minutes later I saw that it was a couple on a small wheeled tandem, fully helmeted and wrapped up against the wind. They steadily overhauled me. I didn’t feel too bad about that, since I was outnumbered in terms of legs. I caught them up at the next road bridge, and gave them directions for Chester. I got going before them through the barriers. Sure enough, they passed me about ten minutes later.
I trundled along the slowly changing path, overtaking and being overtaken, with oncoming cyclists flying by. I spotted the tandemists stopped far ahead. They seemed to be getting ready to get going again as I came near. The captain looked as if he might say something as I came past. I wondered if they were having difficulties. If this was the first time they’d been on this dead straight path into a head wind they were probably finding it pretty soul destroying.
No one said anything, and I carried on, expecting to be overtaken again. If I can do anything on this bike, it’s keep on carrying on. Despite the occasional cyclist appearing in my mirror, and my overtaking several more cyclists, I never saw the tandem couple again
By this time the path had turned a few degrees, the river had turned away to the right and the wind had changed. I found myself on surface repairs with pedestrian traffic lights ahead. I turned right into a small park then on a pavement path. I rode right on to Sealand Road.
Chester to Waverton
I crossed over a section of the Shropshire Union Canal, then came to some railway arches. A path led right after the arches to run alongside them next to the racecourse.
The path ran sandwiched between a fence and the arches for a quarter of a mile or so.
The fence ended and the arches turned away from the path. The path followed the edge of the racecourse under the Grosvenor road bridge.
The path came out on the Roodee car park. I carried on round the edge of the car park then along the riverside. I spotted an ice cream stall and was able to ride up to it and order a 99. I then trundled to the water’s edge and enjoyed it.
After that little break I followed the path to where Dee Lane begins. I passed two boys pushing their bikes uphill. “Nice day for taking your bike for a walk, eh, lads?” I didn’t get to hear their replies due to the sound of their heads imploding. Well, you’ve got to allow yourself some pleasures.
To the top of the lane, then across the road on to the pavement, across the dual carriageway at a crossing to turn right towards Boughton. Right at the lights at Boughton, then left. A pavement cycle path started soon after that which took me to the A41/A55 interchange roundabout. Across at the pedestrian crossing then along the A41 then to turn left over the Shropshire Union canal on to Pepper St, then right into Faulkners’s Lane, straight on to Quarry Lane, across Village Lane to Plough Lane, right where it meets Brown Heath Road towards Waverton. Feeling in need of a proper break now, I carried on towards Waverton at reduced speed. There was a cyclist in my mirror but he wasn’t getting closer. I came to Eggbridge Lane and turned right.
I turned in to Egg Bridge with a sigh of relief. I rolled down to the canalside benches and parked my bike. As I walked round to take a seat a rather irritable swan began pecking at my legs. I stood fast and said, “Oi!” “Nobody’s biting you! Leave off!” It did at least leave off but continued irritably preening. Something had obviously upset it. I stood back to see if it would settle down but I could see that I’d get no peace here.
I mounted up and got back on the road. At the next left turn was a War Memorial and a bench, so I took a break there.
Waverton to Tiverton.
Feeling more at ease, I set off down Common Lane then Long lane towards Huxley. A bit of a headwind but nothing compared with earlier on. More cyclists about at intervals as it was evening. I just kept on going at my pace. Up and over the tall canal bridge, a bit of a speed boost for a while along the other side. I came to the left turn for Huxley to find a ROAD CLOSED sign. Really? There had been a lot of random road works with traffic lights on the way out but no closures. Well, where there’s a will, there’s a way. I suspected that this was some kind of discouragement to reduce the traffic flow. Onward and upward I went.
Although there were barriers about through Huxley, the road wasn’t closed off, and there were no more traffic lights or barriers than earlier on. The main benefit was a reduction in the number of vehicles about.
Steadily onward and gradually uphill I went, finally coming to the sign for Brassey Green and Tiverton. A mile or two later, I came to the A49.
Tiverton to Home
I turned left uphill on a pavement path. Once it levelled I got on the road to stop at the lights at Four Lane Ends.
Straight across at green to charge at the first ascent, slowly over the top to increase speed down the other side, another charge and grind then gather speed downhill again to get momentum for the climb into Eaton. Finally on the level, then pouring myself down the dip to the right into Hickhurst Lane, to finally climb the last slope for several miles, a leisurely roll down the other side in high gear, a break for a choc bar after a couple of miles.
The final stretch of flattish miles, then the dip and lights at Darnhall bridge, the climb out and wind down for the last few miles to my back gate.
I set out with high hopes but ended up feeling drained after underestimating the wind strength and direction on the exposed stretch by the Dee. Still, my mileage per ride has been steadily going up so it’s looking promising for at least one century ride or more later this year.
Distance 58.3 miles. Max 25.1mph. Average 7.3 mph. According to Cateye Velo 7
Ascent 1147 ft. According to Bikehike
Not so many pictures -forgot my camera, used my phone. Garmin batteries died soon after lift off -no spares.
Recumbent Ride
Chester Greenway and Wales Coast Path
I’d had it in mind to try again, as it was less windy today, to ride to Burton Marsh to make a round 60 miles ride as I didn’t manage it last time.
Home to Chester Greenway
I set off left out of my back gate. A slight head wind, but I hoped it would be helpful on the way back.
It seemed to get stronger as I approached the lights at Darnhall bridge. The lights turned green as I reached them and I was able to roll through without braking. Sheltered from the wind on the upslope, my impression was that I’d got off to a good start.
I continued to roll easily through Hickhurst Lane en route to Eaton. Slowing on the gradual upslope, I came to the final dip and upslope to the main road where I turned left to attack the dips and climbs to Four Lane Ends. Several motorcyclists went by, and I was overtaken by a couple of cyclists before I came to a halt at the lights there. Then, straight on to the A49 for a mile or so before turning right on the road through Tiverton on the way to Huxley. After a short climb the trend from there on was downhill, and I was able to keep a good speed up through Huxley and to the junction with NCN 45 for Waverton. I passed a few cyclists who were waiting for someone else near Huxley.
Running a little less easily from here on, I was initially passed by a couple of different cyclists, and then kept an eye out in the mirror for the others who never materialised. Over the tall canal bridge and nearly into Waverton before three cyclists appeared talking loudly far behind. I’d crossed over Eggbridge Lane on the way to Whitchurch Road before they reached the junction and turned off.
I was looking for a more direct route on to the Greenway today. I came to the Whitchurch road and turned right for Chester. I reached the A41/A55 interchange roundabout and crossed over using the cyclist/pedestrian crossings to reach the Boughton road. Then heading into town I turned right at the traffic lights on to Hoole Lane/Westminster Road then right on to Hoole Road. Then through some residential streets down a ramp and on to the Greenway. I’m sure I can fine tune this route a bit more next time.
As I came down the ramp a bunch of cyclists went by, and my phone pinged. I read a message from Mrs T. It seems our long suffering washing machine has finally expired in a cloud of acrid smoke. Since it took me about 1 ½ hours to get here and I’m not going to be able to teleport myself instantaneously home I suspect that she has a better idea of what she wants to replace it with than I do. I could hazard a guess - 9kg capacity, 1600rpm spin, A+++ economy but since I didn’t have the foreknowledge to be present when it conked out, I have to refer to Rule One – if in doubt, The Husband is Always in the Wrong.
Chester Greenway to Hawarden Bridge
I messaged back, then decided that since I was here, I might as well go to the end of the Greenway before heading back along the Wales Coast Path to Chester and home. I was anticipating a following wind on the Coast Path to speed me along based on the wind direction earlier. Might as well make the most of it before going back. The cloud would be waiting whatever I did. So I decided to stop once I’d passed Hawarden Bridge and have my sandwich.
I found myself going suspiciously well, even though the wind was in my face at times. A pleasant ride through Blacon old station, Sealand then past Hawarden Bridge Station. As I came to the Dee I had a qualm about the wind direction.
Hawarden Bridge to Chester
Yes, it was definitely coming from the East. The Husband was definitely Wrong in this case. Perhaps this was my punishment for my earlier hubris. Still, just got to suck it up. No ride is a bad ride. It was reasonably warm and it wasn’t raining. I got on to the Coast Path and came to a stop at a bench.
As I sat there eating my salami sandwich I watched the local cyclists who were making the most of the prevailing wind to whizz by as part of what was probably a regular route with a sheltered section in the opposite direction. I didn’t want to stop for too long since my speed would be reduced enough as it was. As I was getting going I saw a cyclist with panniers in the downwind distance. I wondered if he would pass me in due course
A few minutes later I saw that it was a couple on a small wheeled tandem, fully helmeted and wrapped up against the wind. They steadily overhauled me. I didn’t feel too bad about that, since I was outnumbered in terms of legs. I caught them up at the next road bridge, and gave them directions for Chester. I got going before them through the barriers. Sure enough, they passed me about ten minutes later.
I trundled along the slowly changing path, overtaking and being overtaken, with oncoming cyclists flying by. I spotted the tandemists stopped far ahead. They seemed to be getting ready to get going again as I came near. The captain looked as if he might say something as I came past. I wondered if they were having difficulties. If this was the first time they’d been on this dead straight path into a head wind they were probably finding it pretty soul destroying.
No one said anything, and I carried on, expecting to be overtaken again. If I can do anything on this bike, it’s keep on carrying on. Despite the occasional cyclist appearing in my mirror, and my overtaking several more cyclists, I never saw the tandem couple again
By this time the path had turned a few degrees, the river had turned away to the right and the wind had changed. I found myself on surface repairs with pedestrian traffic lights ahead. I turned right into a small park then on a pavement path. I rode right on to Sealand Road.
Chester to Waverton
I crossed over a section of the Shropshire Union Canal, then came to some railway arches. A path led right after the arches to run alongside them next to the racecourse.
The path ran sandwiched between a fence and the arches for a quarter of a mile or so.
The fence ended and the arches turned away from the path. The path followed the edge of the racecourse under the Grosvenor road bridge.
The path came out on the Roodee car park. I carried on round the edge of the car park then along the riverside. I spotted an ice cream stall and was able to ride up to it and order a 99. I then trundled to the water’s edge and enjoyed it.
After that little break I followed the path to where Dee Lane begins. I passed two boys pushing their bikes uphill. “Nice day for taking your bike for a walk, eh, lads?” I didn’t get to hear their replies due to the sound of their heads imploding. Well, you’ve got to allow yourself some pleasures.
To the top of the lane, then across the road on to the pavement, across the dual carriageway at a crossing to turn right towards Boughton. Right at the lights at Boughton, then left. A pavement cycle path started soon after that which took me to the A41/A55 interchange roundabout. Across at the pedestrian crossing then along the A41 then to turn left over the Shropshire Union canal on to Pepper St, then right into Faulkners’s Lane, straight on to Quarry Lane, across Village Lane to Plough Lane, right where it meets Brown Heath Road towards Waverton. Feeling in need of a proper break now, I carried on towards Waverton at reduced speed. There was a cyclist in my mirror but he wasn’t getting closer. I came to Eggbridge Lane and turned right.
I turned in to Egg Bridge with a sigh of relief. I rolled down to the canalside benches and parked my bike. As I walked round to take a seat a rather irritable swan began pecking at my legs. I stood fast and said, “Oi!” “Nobody’s biting you! Leave off!” It did at least leave off but continued irritably preening. Something had obviously upset it. I stood back to see if it would settle down but I could see that I’d get no peace here.
I mounted up and got back on the road. At the next left turn was a War Memorial and a bench, so I took a break there.
Waverton to Tiverton.
Feeling more at ease, I set off down Common Lane then Long lane towards Huxley. A bit of a headwind but nothing compared with earlier on. More cyclists about at intervals as it was evening. I just kept on going at my pace. Up and over the tall canal bridge, a bit of a speed boost for a while along the other side. I came to the left turn for Huxley to find a ROAD CLOSED sign. Really? There had been a lot of random road works with traffic lights on the way out but no closures. Well, where there’s a will, there’s a way. I suspected that this was some kind of discouragement to reduce the traffic flow. Onward and upward I went.
Although there were barriers about through Huxley, the road wasn’t closed off, and there were no more traffic lights or barriers than earlier on. The main benefit was a reduction in the number of vehicles about.
Steadily onward and gradually uphill I went, finally coming to the sign for Brassey Green and Tiverton. A mile or two later, I came to the A49.
Tiverton to Home
I turned left uphill on a pavement path. Once it levelled I got on the road to stop at the lights at Four Lane Ends.
Straight across at green to charge at the first ascent, slowly over the top to increase speed down the other side, another charge and grind then gather speed downhill again to get momentum for the climb into Eaton. Finally on the level, then pouring myself down the dip to the right into Hickhurst Lane, to finally climb the last slope for several miles, a leisurely roll down the other side in high gear, a break for a choc bar after a couple of miles.
The final stretch of flattish miles, then the dip and lights at Darnhall bridge, the climb out and wind down for the last few miles to my back gate.
I set out with high hopes but ended up feeling drained after underestimating the wind strength and direction on the exposed stretch by the Dee. Still, my mileage per ride has been steadily going up so it’s looking promising for at least one century ride or more later this year.
Distance 58.3 miles. Max 25.1mph. Average 7.3 mph. According to Cateye Velo 7
Ascent 1147 ft. According to Bikehike
Not so many pictures -forgot my camera, used my phone. Garmin batteries died soon after lift off -no spares.
Last edited:
Unfortunately my time last days here have been spent running errands, and I'm now heading home. Maybe next time
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Once again life has been getting in the way. I had hoped to get a few rides in last week when I had a run of four days where I wasn't on the rota, but unfortunately other tasks expanded to fill the available space.
Apart from commuting, my latest ride for my own pleasure was on Saturday the 18th: I had some time free provided I was up early enough so I got out the Hawk as it's most accessible and was on the road at about quarter to eight with the intention of doing a loop out to Melverley. I planned to head into the wind then have it helping me on the way back. To avoid too much time on the main road I headed up Lyth Hill and dropped down through Little Lyth to Hunger Hill. The A49 was fairly clear so it wasn't an issue turning on to the road to Exford's Green and into the headwind. This felt quite a bit stronger than I was expecting from the forecast so it was a bit of a plod on the way to Plealey.
By the time I reached Plealey I was finding that the wind was taking all the fun out of it. In addition, my average speed was now so low that I wasn't sure I'd get around the planned route before I had to be back so I decided to change the route by taking a left up the climb to Oaks. This was still hard work but I prefer a good climb to slogging into the wind.
On the Broom Hill climb I had both to contend with, so this was a bit of an effort this time but once I got round the lanes to Pulverbatch I had the wind helping instead and could enjoy it a bit more. There was a bit more traffic round the lanes than I'm used to on the way to Wilderley (you still couldn't call it busy though) and I did contemplate doing the climb up Pease Lane but found that it was closed when I got there. Probably for the best given that I haven't done a ride this hilly for a while.
Not much to report on the way through Smethcott and Leebotwood to Dudgeley. I only had to wait a short while to cross the A49 again and then I had a cross-tailwind that helped through Hollyhurst and up to Longnor. I did get buffeted about a bit on the way in to the village so this really wasn't the best moment to get a close pass.
On the way in to Condover I was running out of energy a bit. The flat way back would have been less effort but it's on busier roads so I decided to take the hillier way back to Little Lyth, reasoning that it would be a lot easier to find somewhere to stop on the lanes if I did need a breather. I didn't need that stop in the end and there was some good downhill to enjoy at the end.
28.5 miles at 11.9 mph average with 2051 feet of climbing according to Strava. It was good to get out.
Crossing Lyth Hill at the start. A really nice day if a little breezy.
Wrentnall.
View from the top of the climb at Broom Hill.
Caer Caradoc from near Dudgeley.
I'd ridden past a lot of bluebells. These were between Dudgeley and Hollyhurst.
Apart from commuting, my latest ride for my own pleasure was on Saturday the 18th: I had some time free provided I was up early enough so I got out the Hawk as it's most accessible and was on the road at about quarter to eight with the intention of doing a loop out to Melverley. I planned to head into the wind then have it helping me on the way back. To avoid too much time on the main road I headed up Lyth Hill and dropped down through Little Lyth to Hunger Hill. The A49 was fairly clear so it wasn't an issue turning on to the road to Exford's Green and into the headwind. This felt quite a bit stronger than I was expecting from the forecast so it was a bit of a plod on the way to Plealey.
By the time I reached Plealey I was finding that the wind was taking all the fun out of it. In addition, my average speed was now so low that I wasn't sure I'd get around the planned route before I had to be back so I decided to change the route by taking a left up the climb to Oaks. This was still hard work but I prefer a good climb to slogging into the wind.
On the Broom Hill climb I had both to contend with, so this was a bit of an effort this time but once I got round the lanes to Pulverbatch I had the wind helping instead and could enjoy it a bit more. There was a bit more traffic round the lanes than I'm used to on the way to Wilderley (you still couldn't call it busy though) and I did contemplate doing the climb up Pease Lane but found that it was closed when I got there. Probably for the best given that I haven't done a ride this hilly for a while.
Not much to report on the way through Smethcott and Leebotwood to Dudgeley. I only had to wait a short while to cross the A49 again and then I had a cross-tailwind that helped through Hollyhurst and up to Longnor. I did get buffeted about a bit on the way in to the village so this really wasn't the best moment to get a close pass.
On the way in to Condover I was running out of energy a bit. The flat way back would have been less effort but it's on busier roads so I decided to take the hillier way back to Little Lyth, reasoning that it would be a lot easier to find somewhere to stop on the lanes if I did need a breather. I didn't need that stop in the end and there was some good downhill to enjoy at the end.
28.5 miles at 11.9 mph average with 2051 feet of climbing according to Strava. It was good to get out.
Crossing Lyth Hill at the start. A really nice day if a little breezy.
Wrentnall.
Caer Caradoc from near Dudgeley.
I'd ridden past a lot of bluebells. These were between Dudgeley and Hollyhurst.
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
Your new phone definitely takes nicer photos than your old one!
I have never cycled in that area. Maybe I will go and check it out one day, although the years are rapidly ticking by, so maybe not!
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Your new phone definitely takes nicer photos than your old one!
I have never cycled in that area. Maybe I will go and check it out one day, although the years are rapidly ticking by, so maybe not!
I am actually using the old one at the moment. It can manage decent pictures sometimes but it's still got the problem with dust inside the lens. Will dig the other camera out now the weather's a bit nicer.
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
That's interesting - I remember thinking that some of your old photos were blurred and I thought the improvement was due to a tech upgrade!
I remember that @Littgull's ride pictures were often iffy. The problem was caused by sweat getting on the phone camera lens because he carried it in his jersey pocket.
FrankCrank
Old layabout
Bus into Maidenhead, then ride to Cookham, Marlow and Henley
Not been in here yet, dedicated to a famous resident of the village
Wisteria looking very nice - took a while to get this shot, quite a bottleneck for traffic
Had planned to only go as far as Marlow and get a bus back. Such a glorious day weatherwise, went on to Henley, and bus back to Reading from there.
Not been in here yet, dedicated to a famous resident of the village
Wisteria looking very nice - took a while to get this shot, quite a bottleneck for traffic
Had planned to only go as far as Marlow and get a bus back. Such a glorious day weatherwise, went on to Henley, and bus back to Reading from there.
sevenfourate
Devotee of OCD
- Location
- Lowestoft, Suffolk
50km (CC Challenge ride) long way in ride to work via Southwold this am:
And a really lovely way to end the working week - with a 13 mile commute home. *There’s a short video of me riding down the Lowestoft Promenade portion of this ride on my Strava; if you’re interested……..
https://www.strava.com/activities/18335082736
And a really lovely way to end the working week - with a 13 mile commute home. *There’s a short video of me riding down the Lowestoft Promenade portion of this ride on my Strava; if you’re interested……..
https://www.strava.com/activities/18335082736
Elybazza61
Guru
Had a couple of hours being a 'roadie' again as I dusted off the 'old' Ridley Helium.
Just over 56km at an average of 28kmh so happy with that; also pleased that I got out after the school run and before it got hotter.
Just over 56km at an average of 28kmh so happy with that; also pleased that I got out after the school run and before it got hotter.
sevenfourate
Devotee of OCD
- Location
- Lowestoft, Suffolk
I’m off for a day out with the Wife and the pooch from fairly early today. So after a short walk with the dog first thing - I absolutely had time for a quick Tour of the Town in the early Morning Sun ☀️
So I looped around the back of the Broads, around / through a couple of lush green parks, had a run down the seafront. And finished off with some leafy lanes near to home. What’s not to love about that to start a 3-day weekend !
Have a great Bank Holiday folks 👍
So I looped around the back of the Broads, around / through a couple of lush green parks, had a run down the seafront. And finished off with some leafy lanes near to home. What’s not to love about that to start a 3-day weekend !
Have a great Bank Holiday folks 👍
Last edited:
Donger
A.K.A. Buster Nuvverbike (componentry destroyer)
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
Somewhere different for me today. We have booked a couple of mini-breaks in the Midlands ..... first a few days on a farm in Leicestershire and then a week in the Peak District of Derbyshire. The weather forecast was terrible, but I was always going to have to get the Brampton Valley Way done whatever the weather, as it was likely to be my only opportunity. You can only play the cards you are dealt, so I got in the car and headed off in the fog for a short drive to Market Harborough. I got there at about 7.15am, assuming there would be a rush for the free Sunday parking in Springfield Street as it is right by the start of the BVW and this is a bank holiday weekend. Turns out I was the only car in the car park at that time of day, and even when I returned about four hours later the car park was only a quarter full.
The Brampton Valley Way is a traffic-free former railway line that runs (according to the official blurb) for 14 miles from Market Harborough to Northampton. I actually made it about 14.6 miles from the start to where it meets a main road at Broughton and the official sign looking the other way says "Market Harborough 14". If you cross the main road at the lights, a smooth new tarmac path leads for a few more miles into town, so I was able to turn the round trip into a 33 miler.
The path starts from near the Springfield Street car park (opposite the Sainsbury's petrol station) in Market Harborough and heads off out of town on a short tarmac path ...
..... and if you take in the other tarmac path at the other end (after Broughton) it leads you into the Kings Heath district of Northampton, funneling you along side a new road that is currently under construction and dumping you in a park with no further signage:
It was always my intention to do a metric half century, so I turned around at that point, having done 16.5 miles, and I headed off back to Harborough. Most of the track from Harborough to Broughton is a mixture of stone chippings, earth and gravel and is generally in decent enough condition for you to do it on a road bike, but I was on "The Beast", my Marin mountain bike today so the lumps and potholes didn't matter. There are two main tunnels on the route, both of which are extremely dark, so you will need your lights. The road surface is at its very worst inside the tunnels, with slippy wet bits and potholes. Some kind dog walkers seem to have a habit of discarding their poop bags in there too using the cover of darkness, so it is just as well to make sure you can see where you are going.
The first mileof the route falls in Leicestershire, and they don't seem to be prioritising cutting back the low overhanging branches. After you cross into Northants it gets much better. I have to say that, while quite enjoyable, most of the route just reminded me of the path at the back of my own house. Two lines of trees and a gravel path. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables and regular gaps in the trees the afford glimpses of quite pleasant rolling farmland scenery ....
.... but not a great deal to get you excited, and precious little wildlife on show. When you get near Broughton there is an interesting little collection of working railway engines and a station cafe ....
.... and once you get onto the newly tarmaced bit there were loads of bunnies. It was on the return leg that I really started to warm to it. The sun started to make an appearance and I was enjoying the constant sound track of birdsong mixed with Sunday church bells. If you are wanting to travel between towns without the hassle or the danger of busy traffic, this sort of resource really does come into its own. And this one was being used by joggers, dog walkers, cyclists and, this morning, a ladies fun run at the Northampton end. In some ways it reminded me of some of the best traffic-free routes I have ridden but without ever being quite as interesting. A very pleasant 33 mile ride, though, and I'm glad I've finally had the chance to ride it. And that awful weather I said was predicted? Not a single drop of rain the whole ride long. There were enough muddy puddles after last night's torrential rain to get my bike and my kit filthy dirty though.
The Brampton Valley Way is a traffic-free former railway line that runs (according to the official blurb) for 14 miles from Market Harborough to Northampton. I actually made it about 14.6 miles from the start to where it meets a main road at Broughton and the official sign looking the other way says "Market Harborough 14". If you cross the main road at the lights, a smooth new tarmac path leads for a few more miles into town, so I was able to turn the round trip into a 33 miler.
The path starts from near the Springfield Street car park (opposite the Sainsbury's petrol station) in Market Harborough and heads off out of town on a short tarmac path ...
..... and if you take in the other tarmac path at the other end (after Broughton) it leads you into the Kings Heath district of Northampton, funneling you along side a new road that is currently under construction and dumping you in a park with no further signage:
It was always my intention to do a metric half century, so I turned around at that point, having done 16.5 miles, and I headed off back to Harborough. Most of the track from Harborough to Broughton is a mixture of stone chippings, earth and gravel and is generally in decent enough condition for you to do it on a road bike, but I was on "The Beast", my Marin mountain bike today so the lumps and potholes didn't matter. There are two main tunnels on the route, both of which are extremely dark, so you will need your lights. The road surface is at its very worst inside the tunnels, with slippy wet bits and potholes. Some kind dog walkers seem to have a habit of discarding their poop bags in there too using the cover of darkness, so it is just as well to make sure you can see where you are going.
The first mileof the route falls in Leicestershire, and they don't seem to be prioritising cutting back the low overhanging branches. After you cross into Northants it gets much better. I have to say that, while quite enjoyable, most of the route just reminded me of the path at the back of my own house. Two lines of trees and a gravel path. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables and regular gaps in the trees the afford glimpses of quite pleasant rolling farmland scenery ....
.... but not a great deal to get you excited, and precious little wildlife on show. When you get near Broughton there is an interesting little collection of working railway engines and a station cafe ....
.... and once you get onto the newly tarmaced bit there were loads of bunnies. It was on the return leg that I really started to warm to it. The sun started to make an appearance and I was enjoying the constant sound track of birdsong mixed with Sunday church bells. If you are wanting to travel between towns without the hassle or the danger of busy traffic, this sort of resource really does come into its own. And this one was being used by joggers, dog walkers, cyclists and, this morning, a ladies fun run at the Northampton end. In some ways it reminded me of some of the best traffic-free routes I have ridden but without ever being quite as interesting. A very pleasant 33 mile ride, though, and I'm glad I've finally had the chance to ride it. And that awful weather I said was predicted? Not a single drop of rain the whole ride long. There were enough muddy puddles after last night's torrential rain to get my bike and my kit filthy dirty though.
I did read somewhere your intention to ride it but didn't want to put you off ,not overly inspiring is it . The bluebells would have looked nice at this time of year
