- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
I often find myself getting misty eyed over the houses for sale in the area. Somewhere just out of town with easy access to the hills would be nice.Church Stretton is one of my favourite Shropshire towns...
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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gavroche
Getting old but not past it
- Location
- North Wales
15 miles after school today wearing just a short sleeve jersey and bib shorts. Great to feel the sun on your skin again and soft wind in through your helmet.
twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
Despite feeling a tad under the weather I joined Jules H at Powick. We took to the lanes for Leigh and at Alfrick I showed Jules a new lane (for him). The weather was warming up as the sun got going on our way passed Bishop's Frome so some hats and stuff had to come off for the climb up onto Hegdon Hill, We chatted to another rider as we admired the views. Soon we were descending for The Golf Club at Bodenham. As we sat enjoying out refreshments a golf tournament was playing out before our eyes. Who won? Well we didn't find out.
Underway again we took the flat route south for Withington and the easterly tack to Yarkhill where we stopped to visit the church. What a pleasant spot in the sunshine indeed. We took the lanesy run through to Bosbury but we were both struggling now. Legs were just not working today for me and many of the relatively easy ramps seemed overly tough. Jules tyre went down quite spectacularly. Seems his tyre was so well worn the tube had poked through to be gradually worn away. I always carry a bit of old tyre as a get you home fix so that was deployed to good effect. Unfortunately we had to finish off climbing over The Wyche. Despite Jules struggling too he was first up. Crikey - that's not normal. But we stopped at the Wyche Inn for a nice pint of lovely thirst quenching beer. Then on the descent my rear tyre went down. So another stop. Sorted we parted down on the flat. It had been a very tough ride but in superb countryside and with good company too. That beer hit the spot!! 62 smiles and I was far too overdressed for the rather hot weather.
Underway again we took the flat route south for Withington and the easterly tack to Yarkhill where we stopped to visit the church. What a pleasant spot in the sunshine indeed. We took the lanesy run through to Bosbury but we were both struggling now. Legs were just not working today for me and many of the relatively easy ramps seemed overly tough. Jules tyre went down quite spectacularly. Seems his tyre was so well worn the tube had poked through to be gradually worn away. I always carry a bit of old tyre as a get you home fix so that was deployed to good effect. Unfortunately we had to finish off climbing over The Wyche. Despite Jules struggling too he was first up. Crikey - that's not normal. But we stopped at the Wyche Inn for a nice pint of lovely thirst quenching beer. Then on the descent my rear tyre went down. So another stop. Sorted we parted down on the flat. It had been a very tough ride but in superb countryside and with good company too. That beer hit the spot!! 62 smiles and I was far too overdressed for the rather hot weather.
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
I cancelled my metcon class at the gym as the weather was far too nice.
I chose my mountain bike and trundled off to the bottom of the village, across the rutted, lumpy fields and along the edge of the woods. I did have to stop to take this picture
And
Up to Kingston and along the Wimpole Way. The ground was like a soggy sponge, but I was pleased not to put a foot down.
The next bit of bridleway narrows, or it did...
The flail has been down here, and caused one hell of a mess. How I didn't get a puncture I don't know!
Along the road and into the woods, a few sketchy moments here! I bumped into a couple I know out for a walk so stopped for a quick chat. Then I was naughty and went on a footpath through the woods. There was nobody about so I was ok. There had been a scrambler bike in there recently.
Back along the top side of the woods and then down to Eversden.
Along the road and the sun is saying goodbye
Just here I took a bridleway to Toft that I'd used once before but got torn to shreds, this time I went through a gate into a horse field toward the end, I'm not sure it was the bridleway.
I then went through some backroads and ended up at the church of St Andrew
Back up to Hardwick with a nice sky to my left
Once home I'm not sure if me or the bike was dirtiest
15 miles of fun and filth
https://www.strava.com/activities/1516687419
I chose my mountain bike and trundled off to the bottom of the village, across the rutted, lumpy fields and along the edge of the woods. I did have to stop to take this picture
And
Up to Kingston and along the Wimpole Way. The ground was like a soggy sponge, but I was pleased not to put a foot down.
The next bit of bridleway narrows, or it did...
The flail has been down here, and caused one hell of a mess. How I didn't get a puncture I don't know!
Along the road and into the woods, a few sketchy moments here! I bumped into a couple I know out for a walk so stopped for a quick chat. Then I was naughty and went on a footpath through the woods. There was nobody about so I was ok. There had been a scrambler bike in there recently.
Back along the top side of the woods and then down to Eversden.
Along the road and the sun is saying goodbye
Just here I took a bridleway to Toft that I'd used once before but got torn to shreds, this time I went through a gate into a horse field toward the end, I'm not sure it was the bridleway.
I then went through some backroads and ended up at the church of St Andrew
Back up to Hardwick with a nice sky to my left
Once home I'm not sure if me or the bike was dirtiest
15 miles of fun and filth
https://www.strava.com/activities/1516687419
Leaway2
Lycrist
- Location
- Manchester (Sale)
Are those them studded ice tyres?
Mr Celine
Discordian
- Location
- Waxing my moustache
After work the promised sun appeared to be trying to break through the overcast and it seemed warm enough to ditch the winter longs for the first time this year, though three quarter bibs and a winter long sleeved top turned out to be a mistake as it was warmer than I thought.
Through Melrose and an altercation with a moton who ignored an oncoming car (which had right of way through a narrow section of road) then had second thoughts and reversed at speed back towards me where I was standing dismounted waiting for the oncoming car. Moton then wound down his window and demanded that I reverse back out of his way. I apologised for having 30 forward ratios but no reverse gear. He shouted some muffled obscenity and sped off, the oncoming car by now having squeezed past.
Apart from that it was a very pleasant evening. I stopped for a photo near the top of Woodheads climb, the sun shining on the patches of snow on the distant Cheviot would have made a good photo with a decent camera but don't really show up on this pic from my phone.
The map.
Through Melrose and an altercation with a moton who ignored an oncoming car (which had right of way through a narrow section of road) then had second thoughts and reversed at speed back towards me where I was standing dismounted waiting for the oncoming car. Moton then wound down his window and demanded that I reverse back out of his way. I apologised for having 30 forward ratios but no reverse gear. He shouted some muffled obscenity and sped off, the oncoming car by now having squeezed past.
Apart from that it was a very pleasant evening. I stopped for a photo near the top of Woodheads climb, the sun shining on the patches of snow on the distant Cheviot would have made a good photo with a decent camera but don't really show up on this pic from my phone.
The map.
Noodle Legs
Winging it
- Location
- Coalville, Leicestershire
Finally, a ride where I could dress a little less! Took advantage of the afternoon sun to get out on a very enjoyable ride. I plotted the route at lunchtime and the aim was simple- just do it. Don’t worry about speed, time etc just getting round the loop in one piece.
Pistern Hill was the target climb for me today, a mile-and-a-bit long climb around 11% (full segment!) with a double bend towards the top. After about 10 miles in I hit it. Stayed in the middle chainring and also remained seated all the way up and from analysing the strava stats afterwards I shed 3:30 off my previous time!!
From there it was 20 miles or so of rolling roads into quite the breeze which, for the most part, was against me. Stopped only for two minutes to have a drink and rest the legs so no ride photos taken.
All in all it was 33.5 miles in 2 hours dead.
Apologies for any offence caused by the shorts pic, as mentioned in strava- viewer discretion advised!!
Pedalling along this afternoon I realised that last September was what could be called my last normal riding month. No riding in October, very little in November and the same all the way to April. I blame the weather for most of this, and the lack of a bike here until six days ago. Anyway, my legs were complaining to me, and I only rode twelve flat miles!
For all that this place is surrounded by hills ( and some seashore ) I have not ridden up so many. I will correct that. I have not ridden to the crest of any hill here yet. Not surprising, today’s ride was the similar to the previous two, down the hill from home and around Beira Mar to a point a little further than those rides. There are bits of up and down, gentle for the most part ‘cos we are at the seaside after all. One piece of road, a flyover, really does need wings although it is rideable without them, thankfully. And that final climb to home? A couple of yards further on each attempt so another few dozen tries might just do it. It is a lot of fun trying though, as long as I can laugh at me . . .
And a picture or some . . .
For all that this place is surrounded by hills ( and some seashore ) I have not ridden up so many. I will correct that. I have not ridden to the crest of any hill here yet. Not surprising, today’s ride was the similar to the previous two, down the hill from home and around Beira Mar to a point a little further than those rides. There are bits of up and down, gentle for the most part ‘cos we are at the seaside after all. One piece of road, a flyover, really does need wings although it is rideable without them, thankfully. And that final climb to home? A couple of yards further on each attempt so another few dozen tries might just do it. It is a lot of fun trying though, as long as I can laugh at me . . .
And a picture or some . . .
Last I remember you were buzzing about Holbeck..................bit of a change of scenery for you.
Glow worm
Legendary Member
- Location
- Near Newmarket
Back in north Norfolk for a few days, I skived off work a bit early. A pot of tea and cake in the sunshine at the lovely Creake Abbey cafe and then off to Burnham Thorpe.
A fairly rare bird, a pied flycatcher had been there for a day or so but I had no luck seeing it today.
Still, the much longed for 70 degree warmth and sunshine more than made up for it.
On the Holkham estate, the 'Triumphal' arch. You can hire it for the weekend apparently.
Headed back past Quarles, a spot battling fiercely with Quiddenham to be Norfolk's most famous place begining with a Q. You can also freewheel for over a mile down the hill from here. Not often you can do that hereabouts!
A fairly rare bird, a pied flycatcher had been there for a day or so but I had no luck seeing it today.
Still, the much longed for 70 degree warmth and sunshine more than made up for it.
On the Holkham estate, the 'Triumphal' arch. You can hire it for the weekend apparently.
Headed back past Quarles, a spot battling fiercely with Quiddenham to be Norfolk's most famous place begining with a Q. You can also freewheel for over a mile down the hill from here. Not often you can do that hereabouts!
Last edited:
Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
I suppose I can still call it today's ride as I haven't gone to bed yet. 
Nothing special, just the ten-ish mile round trip commute (first of the year!) to and from Ely station. Horrible little headwind on the way out, but still made it to the station in regulation time. Almost missed my train due to 10 minutes spent fannying around looking for someplace to lock the bike; all the racks were full to bursting (unlike during the winter) and the set of racks outside the cafe have gone, to be replaced by tables and chairs...
Another lady on a Dutch bike was having the same problem. We ended up locking our bikes to the pillars supporting the roof over the racks. Had to squeeze the bike into a tiny space and then pretzel myself to get the locks on.
Was almost midnight when I set off back home. Irritatingly the wind had switched round from the morning, so I was riding into a headwind again. Didn't stop me - rode home without stopping at all (all the lights in town were on green!) and I climbed up my bogey hill in one, overtaking a cyclist who bailed out halfway up.
From there, fizzed home in a pretty big gear despite the wind, again back in regulation time. Well, I was gagging for a 
, so it was motivation enough to get a move on.
Lovely evening to be out on the bike, no traffic, a sky full of stars and I even saw a barn owl hunting. My knees won't thank me come the morning, though...
Nothing special, just the ten-ish mile round trip commute (first of the year!) to and from Ely station. Horrible little headwind on the way out, but still made it to the station in regulation time. Almost missed my train due to 10 minutes spent fannying around looking for someplace to lock the bike; all the racks were full to bursting (unlike during the winter) and the set of racks outside the cafe have gone, to be replaced by tables and chairs...
Another lady on a Dutch bike was having the same problem. We ended up locking our bikes to the pillars supporting the roof over the racks. Had to squeeze the bike into a tiny space and then pretzel myself to get the locks on.
Was almost midnight when I set off back home. Irritatingly the wind had switched round from the morning, so I was riding into a headwind again. Didn't stop me - rode home without stopping at all (all the lights in town were on green!) and I climbed up my bogey hill in one, overtaking a cyclist who bailed out halfway up.
From there, fizzed home in a pretty big gear despite the wind, again back in regulation time. Well, I was gagging for a , so it was motivation enough to get a move on. Lovely evening to be out on the bike, no traffic, a sky full of stars and I even saw a barn owl hunting. My knees won't thank me come the morning, though...
Nobbut a few thousand miles. I will be back to my usual hills in a few months, hopefully.
Look on the bright side.... At least the hole will be easy to find!
welsh dragon
Thanks but no thanks. I think I'll pass.
Gorgeous day in Welshy land. Blue skies, hardly any wind, and hardly a cloud in sight. A somewhat warm, incredibly slow 15 mile bimble today.
3 cyclists seen today, which is a lot for here. Not much traffic. Fantastic to be able to get out in such fabulous weather.
There is still some standing water on some of the roads, but hopefully they should be dry by tomorrow.
3 cyclists seen today, which is a lot for here. Not much traffic. Fantastic to be able to get out in such fabulous weather.
There is still some standing water on some of the roads, but hopefully they should be dry by tomorrow.
Postman is back.32 miles Roberts Park,Saltaire near Shipley.Beautiful morning got out early 8-45 from here,9-15 set off from Kirkstall,and 10-15 at Roberts Park,one de caffe latte and a choc chip mint cone.A steady ride back last four miles i got slower and slower last milev the pain,but i had already stopped the clock on my cycling app by then,The clock stops when i reached the end of the canal.I really enjoyed it,but boy have thewy done some house building around the canal right up to the banks,beautiful properties,anyway,i feel great,what i was worried about was the heart beat,no need to worry once i got into my stride all went well,it was superb,i'm back i'm back.
