- Location
- Egham
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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graham56
Guru
Back in the Netherlands visiting family, so out on the bike today.
Just local Nieuw Vennep, Toolenburg, Hoofdoorp area. The ride was savage, or at least the wind was. Fine on the trip out but on the return leg the wind was so bad i almost had two offs. Hardly moving it was that bad, so very very pleased when i got back to base.
Let’s hope it eases for the rest of my stay.
Just local Nieuw Vennep, Toolenburg, Hoofdoorp area. The ride was savage, or at least the wind was. Fine on the trip out but on the return leg the wind was so bad i almost had two offs. Hardly moving it was that bad, so very very pleased when i got back to base.
Let’s hope it eases for the rest of my stay.
I haven’t managed to get out on my bike much in the past week and a bit due to family up for Xmas. Great to see them but they returned home down south yesterday so I was ‘chomping at the bit’ to get out today.
I decided to use my mtb and get a few miles done on some wild tracks. My route was Littleborough – Rochdale – Birtle – Walmersley – Edenfield – Scout Moor via Gincroft Lane, Sand Beds Lane and the Pennine Bridleway before returning to Rochdale via the rocky and cobbled Rooley Moor Road and then on to Littleborough. It was wild and windy up on Scout Moor but fortunately a tail wind. It’s been 6 years since I have ridden that section of the Pennine Bridleway (PB) when I completed the 46 mile Mary Townley Loop. I had quite forgotten how wild and rock strewn the PB is in that section! When I set out I thought it might turn out to be suitable for riding on a Cross Bike with knobbly tyres such as the one ridden by my ride pal @ColinJ, and that we could tackle it together on a future ride. But I soon got reminded that this route is best only attempted on an mtb.
My planned route unexpectedly involved lifting my bike over two locked high gates. A feat that would have been beyond me with my arthritic left hand and shoulder but I struck lucky as a trio of intrepid mtb-ers arrived just as I reached the first gate and kindly assisted me. The second gate was only 100 metres past the first. I was lucky indeed as at this time of the year you could easily be up there for hours and see no one!
View attachment 444511
View attachment 444512
A very enjoyable ride. 28 miles in total but felt a lot more due to the terrain. I managed to hit my annual target of 5200 miles (average 100 miles per week) a couple of weeks ago so it was good to relax with a shortish off road blast in beautiful surroundings.
I decided to use my mtb and get a few miles done on some wild tracks. My route was Littleborough – Rochdale – Birtle – Walmersley – Edenfield – Scout Moor via Gincroft Lane, Sand Beds Lane and the Pennine Bridleway before returning to Rochdale via the rocky and cobbled Rooley Moor Road and then on to Littleborough. It was wild and windy up on Scout Moor but fortunately a tail wind. It’s been 6 years since I have ridden that section of the Pennine Bridleway (PB) when I completed the 46 mile Mary Townley Loop. I had quite forgotten how wild and rock strewn the PB is in that section! When I set out I thought it might turn out to be suitable for riding on a Cross Bike with knobbly tyres such as the one ridden by my ride pal @ColinJ, and that we could tackle it together on a future ride. But I soon got reminded that this route is best only attempted on an mtb.
My planned route unexpectedly involved lifting my bike over two locked high gates. A feat that would have been beyond me with my arthritic left hand and shoulder but I struck lucky as a trio of intrepid mtb-ers arrived just as I reached the first gate and kindly assisted me. The second gate was only 100 metres past the first. I was lucky indeed as at this time of the year you could easily be up there for hours and see no one!
A very enjoyable ride. 28 miles in total but felt a lot more due to the terrain. I managed to hit my annual target of 5200 miles (average 100 miles per week) a couple of weeks ago so it was good to relax with a shortish off road blast in beautiful surroundings.
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Mark Grant
Acting Captain of The St Annes Jombulance.
- Location
- Hanworth, Middx.
Titus led us on a ride around some of London's places of crime & punishment.
51 miles for me.
There are a couple of places I'll be revisiting.
Noodle Legs
Winging it
- Location
- Coalville, Leicestershire
This ride I shall entitle “Seeing the year out”
Signed off 2018 yesterday with a festive “fifty” miler with the self proclaimed “SAGA CC” boys out to Bingham near Nottingham for a spot of brunch and a couple of festive sherries.
We were practically blown along through Nottingham itself and along some dodgy terrain around Holme Pierrepont including a spell eastbound along the A52 averaging 26mph!
Called into the White Lion at Bingham for a light bite and a tot of Harvey’s Bristol Cream and set off back westbound for sherry stop number two. The only climb we had was immediate and once at the top we crossed the A52 and into some quieter lanes but the wind was now against us and for some of us it was a real battle at times! Before long though we were at stop number 2 in Costock for another cheeky sherry and a well earned rest.
The battle continued as we headed back to Melbourne via Kegworth and around East Midlands Airport and we had started to split as a group during this time because the fatigue was kicking in from the wind. Just to put a perspective on this I averaged 244W for a ride that was just short of 16mph average on a rolling route with no real climbing. This was what was required to keep moving at that pace such was the strength of the wind and I’m amazed I could sustain that level for that long!
Had one last drink at Melbourne once all regrouped and rode the 3 miles back to the car which didn’t register on strava for some reason.
Just shy of 57 in total today, in a ride of two distinctive halves which takes my tally up to 80 points for the Half Century Challenge (the actual ride was bang on 60 but for some reason strava didn’t see the last 3).
Anyway, that’s enough sh*te from me, have a fantastic New Year everyone!
https://www.strava.com/activities/2042571500
https://www.relive.cc/view/2042571500
Rob showing his “fine dining etiquette”
Parked up near the outdoor pool table
Whoops.....
Waiting for Will and Martin
Catching my breath
River Soar at Kegworth
Rob pondering why he was stupid enough to ride 30 miles into the wind
The Holy Grail
Cheers!
Signed off 2018 yesterday with a festive “fifty” miler with the self proclaimed “SAGA CC” boys out to Bingham near Nottingham for a spot of brunch and a couple of festive sherries.
We were practically blown along through Nottingham itself and along some dodgy terrain around Holme Pierrepont including a spell eastbound along the A52 averaging 26mph!
Called into the White Lion at Bingham for a light bite and a tot of Harvey’s Bristol Cream and set off back westbound for sherry stop number two. The only climb we had was immediate and once at the top we crossed the A52 and into some quieter lanes but the wind was now against us and for some of us it was a real battle at times! Before long though we were at stop number 2 in Costock for another cheeky sherry and a well earned rest.
The battle continued as we headed back to Melbourne via Kegworth and around East Midlands Airport and we had started to split as a group during this time because the fatigue was kicking in from the wind. Just to put a perspective on this I averaged 244W for a ride that was just short of 16mph average on a rolling route with no real climbing. This was what was required to keep moving at that pace such was the strength of the wind and I’m amazed I could sustain that level for that long!
Had one last drink at Melbourne once all regrouped and rode the 3 miles back to the car which didn’t register on strava for some reason.
Just shy of 57 in total today, in a ride of two distinctive halves which takes my tally up to 80 points for the Half Century Challenge (the actual ride was bang on 60 but for some reason strava didn’t see the last 3).
Anyway, that’s enough sh*te from me, have a fantastic New Year everyone!
https://www.strava.com/activities/2042571500
https://www.relive.cc/view/2042571500
Rob showing his “fine dining etiquette”
Parked up near the outdoor pool table
Whoops.....
Waiting for Will and Martin
Catching my breath
River Soar at Kegworth
Rob pondering why he was stupid enough to ride 30 miles into the wind
The Holy Grail
Cheers!
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
Another shortish ride today, we’re booked up this afternoon...
So I went out on my Spa today, and I’d planned a loop around Harston. Now you may know that I like a nice church, and the one in Harston is set back in a field, behind some houses, so I’d never visited, until today. What a gem!
There are some old bits, newer bits and some interesting architectural touches
Back on my bike. In Haslingfield there was a pitch invasion
They were very clucky I didn’t run them down!
Past the Mullard observatory
16 and a bit mild miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/2044002513
So I went out on my Spa today, and I’d planned a loop around Harston. Now you may know that I like a nice church, and the one in Harston is set back in a field, behind some houses, so I’d never visited, until today. What a gem!
There are some old bits, newer bits and some interesting architectural touches
Back on my bike. In Haslingfield there was a pitch invasion
They were very clucky I didn’t run them down!
Past the Mullard observatory
16 and a bit mild miles
https://www.strava.com/activities/2044002513
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
Not having ridden outdoors for some time, I was determined to make today’s HDW club ride.
Was all set went to put a little more air into rear tyre, somehow the top of the valve sheared off, by the time I had fitted a new inner tube, too late for the club ride. Headed off in roughly the same direction, through Windsor Gt Park, onto the lower part of the adrift Road Loop, a quick run Up to. White Waltham , and back via Drift Road.
All in all 33.56 miles, at a measly 15.3 mph, with ver 1000 feet climbed.
I did hit some headwinds on the outward journey, but didn’t seem much faster on the return.
Was good to be out again. https://www.strava.com/activities/2044015986
Was all set went to put a little more air into rear tyre, somehow the top of the valve sheared off, by the time I had fitted a new inner tube, too late for the club ride. Headed off in roughly the same direction, through Windsor Gt Park, onto the lower part of the adrift Road Loop, a quick run Up to. White Waltham , and back via Drift Road.
All in all 33.56 miles, at a measly 15.3 mph, with ver 1000 feet climbed.
I did hit some headwinds on the outward journey, but didn’t seem much faster on the return.
Was good to be out again. https://www.strava.com/activities/2044015986
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- Location
- Egham
Feeling adventurous again today, so out early-ish on the Optima Lynx. I removed the upper rear chain tube yesterday since it does nothing and got chewed by the idler last time out, also lifted the bars by 1/2 turn.
A rather meandering route out to Chertsey Meads, deliberately so as to get some twists and turns in, along with some lumps (not hills, they can wait!). Got onto the big ring one the way out, then couldn't get off it as the front DR didn't have the movement, so a heel kick got me back on the small ring.
Paused at the Meads to try to adjust the front DR (no luck, it's on it's limit, so I may need a longer BB to make it work). Home via an equally wandering route, with a stop at Laleham Lock for a pic
15 miles done, getting used to the 8 speed hub gearing now. Next time out will be clipped in as my feet got bounced off the pedals more times that I'd like.
A rather meandering route out to Chertsey Meads, deliberately so as to get some twists and turns in, along with some lumps (not hills, they can wait!). Got onto the big ring one the way out, then couldn't get off it as the front DR didn't have the movement, so a heel kick got me back on the small ring.
Paused at the Meads to try to adjust the front DR (no luck, it's on it's limit, so I may need a longer BB to make it work). Home via an equally wandering route, with a stop at Laleham Lock for a pic
15 miles done, getting used to the 8 speed hub gearing now. Next time out will be clipped in as my feet got bounced off the pedals more times that I'd like.
Delamere forest today. About a mile in...
UH OH!
Back to the car, drove to the cycle place by the café. A small charge later...
Hooray, now for a (slow) round of 'How many times can I get lost'
Desperately unfit, but had an absolute blast. Keeping spare money in the frame bag thing has saved me more than once.
UH OH!
Back to the car, drove to the cycle place by the café. A small charge later...
Hooray, now for a (slow) round of 'How many times can I get lost'
Desperately unfit, but had an absolute blast. Keeping spare money in the frame bag thing has saved me more than once.
Donger
Convoi Exceptionnel
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
Well, it turns out I did get in one more club ride. 40 miles to and from the Jolly Nice Café at Frampton Mansell, where we gathered around a nice toasty wood burner in the middle of the yurt. A surreal start to the ride as a couple of peacocks wandered through the Tesco car park while we assembled at the Barn Owl on the Kingsway housing estate. That's a first.
We ditched the official route on the way back, preferring the more scenic ride over Minchinhampton Common and Rodborough Common instead of an A road through the Chalford Valley. As it had been my suggestion, I felt compelled to lead the way into a fierce headwind, and everyone else seemed happy to sit behind me. That brings up 3,056 miles for the year ... a year in which I've managed over 200 miles in every month for the first time. I'm learning to pace myself.
That really is it from me for the year now. Happy New Year to all of you. Over and out.
Donger.
We ditched the official route on the way back, preferring the more scenic ride over Minchinhampton Common and Rodborough Common instead of an A road through the Chalford Valley. As it had been my suggestion, I felt compelled to lead the way into a fierce headwind, and everyone else seemed happy to sit behind me. That brings up 3,056 miles for the year ... a year in which I've managed over 200 miles in every month for the first time. I'm learning to pace myself.
That really is it from me for the year now. Happy New Year to all of you. Over and out.
Donger.
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
Sounds like a good ride, Brian.
I must chase up my cousin for the MTB spares that he promised me. Once I have them, I can get my MTB back
LeetleGreyCells
Un rouleur infatigable
- Location
- Whitehaven Mansions
Last night, I decided to take the plunge and add the new Shimano SPD pedals to my road bike ready for today’s morning ride and added the cleats to the new shoes.
Did a very pedal-conscious loop out to Worksop and I’m pleased to say I didn’t fall over once probably because I was concentrating so hard on my feet. I clipped in and out easily enough and even beat some personal bests on the route, possibly due to going clipless.
I’m sure in future rides when the complacency sets in, I’ll forget to unclip and unceremoniously (and likely in slow motion) fall over when stopped.
I’m holding off adding my other new set of SPD pedals to the MTB until after the New Year’s Day club ride as... er... I haven’t got time until Wednesday. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!
Did a very pedal-conscious loop out to Worksop and I’m pleased to say I didn’t fall over once probably because I was concentrating so hard on my feet. I clipped in and out easily enough and even beat some personal bests on the route, possibly due to going clipless.
I’m sure in future rides when the complacency sets in, I’ll forget to unclip and unceremoniously (and likely in slow motion) fall over when stopped.
I’m holding off adding my other new set of SPD pedals to the MTB until after the New Year’s Day club ride as... er... I haven’t got time until Wednesday. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it!
Gentle trip up the coast this morning. From saltcoats, followed the A78 north to Largs. Passed the ferry terminal with the garmin saying I had done 20k, so pushed on a bit further, most of the way to Skelmorlie. Still on the A78, but that’s not a pleasant stretch for bikes. Fantastic scenery, but the road is relatively narrow, no pavements, and just a metal fence between the road and a rocky beach.
Turned when I got to 25k, back to Largs for a quick coffee. Then back home by the same route to give me a 50k.
And an added bonus - Strava now saying I’ve done 2000 miles this year.
Turned when I got to 25k, back to Largs for a quick coffee. Then back home by the same route to give me a 50k.
And an added bonus - Strava now saying I’ve done 2000 miles this year.
Umm, where do you keep the pedals?
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
Last ride of the year, Nice easy spin helping a mate get through the Rapha 500, he is struggling a bit, but it only leaves him 30 miles for new years eve, He is going to finish it at Regents park in the morning, I will be a 100k short but hey ho, am not really bothered, was a god ride ending in our local, The right way to end the year,
https://www.strava.com/activities/2043863036
https://www.strava.com/activities/2043863036
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