Your ride today....

[Donger]

A 34.5 mile ride today out through Gloucester to Forthampton and back. We arrived at the Lower Lode pub on the banks of the Severn near Tewkesbury just in time for first orders.

It was a bit chilly and cloudy, but a nice relaxed ride followed by a pint of cider and a burger and chips .... then on to the Yew Tree at Chaceley Stock (again on the river bank) on the way back for another cheeky cider. The sun finally came out and we spent a few minutes watching the goings on at the sailing club next door.

The ride was mostly flat, but we did have the nasty little climbs over the Woolridge near Hartpury to contend with in both directions. Simon made it on the outward journey but the gradient got the better of him on the return and he had to dismount for a moment. He did style it out though and got back on just before the top!

All in all another great little ride on very quiet roads. Plenty of chat and banter and the chance to put the world to rights over a glass (or two) of cider.

 

[geocycle]

Thanks for the update on the Denthead closure, it sounds like I made the correct call. It is a pain for the locals who were saying it could be closed until 2026. Shame they closed the squeeze through.

I probably did see you, I went into the Stone Close cafe in the middle of the village (as they have fruitcake and cheese like my mum made) and noticed a group of your description passing. It was a good day out if a cool breeze.

 

[Binky]

I'm loving the riding in the sun and warmer weather, hopefully this week warms up as forecast to.

However, the only downside(apart from tourists wandering aimlessly around the lanes here) are the flies and flying insects. As this is a rural/coastal area there's a lot of farmland so cycling past some fields and just certain areas I'll hit a clouds of flying insects which if working hard so having to breath through mouth means a lot of extra protein intake(!). Yesterday at one point I had to ride with one hand covering mouth so I could still breathe but avoid ingesting a stack of bugs.

 

[albion]

Thanks for the update on the Denthead closure, it sounds like I made the correct call. It is a pain for the locals who were saying it could be closed until 2026. Shame they closed the squeeze through.

I probably did see you, I went into the Stone Close cafe in the middle of the village (as they have fruitcake and cheese like my mum made) and noticed a group of your description passing. It was a good day out if a cool breeze.

Touring, I have had a few times been forced into a very dangerous manoeuvre in order to navigate past massive fences in order to make my bed night booking in deadline.
It is quite a farce. A popular walk/cycle is the old defunct Mam Tor road so why are they going to such expensive extremes to block both pedestrian, cyclist access on far more minor incidents thus increasing safety risk?

There was one big fence near Witton le Wear that got vandalised, no doubt for pedestrians heading back from a nice pub walk.
The fact that authorities go to such extremes makes it hard to condemn, and suited me the 2 or 3 times I navigated that way.
Strangely, Google Maps always thinks the roads are open to cyclists.

 

[Mike_P]

I'm loving the riding in the sun and warmer weather, hopefully this week warms up as forecast to.

However, the only downside(apart from tourists wandering aimlessly around the lanes here) are the flies and flying insects. As this is a rural/coastal area there's a lot of farmland so cycling past some fields and just certain areas I'll hit a clouds of flying insects which if working hard so having to breath through mouth means a lot of extra protein intake(!). Yesterday at one point I had to ride with one hand covering mouth so I could still breathe but avoid ingesting a stack of bugs.

Its not just rural areas, I got completely covered in green fly both ways on a Lidl shopping ride on Thursday evening and again Friday lunchtime coming home from the office.

 

[albion]

May evenings often seem to be the worst period for flies.

 

[PeteXXX]

Very blustery & nippy wind for my 12 miles across the top of the town this lunchtime..

Had to get a pic of some bunting on VE Day 🇬🇧

 

[wafter]

20-odd utility miles on the Fuji; started miserable (perhaps taking its cues from the weather) but got better and was positively nice by the end.

Failed to find furniture but did score some reduced food bargains, forced myself to buy a baking tray and had a passable session on the rings

 

[HLaB]

I went by the start of a local group ride on the off chance that someone would be out but it had been quiet on Farceboke overnight and the wind was still strong. After a bit it was apparent that nobody would be out, so it was a solo ride straight to a local cafe for me. I decided on a nice nice easy active recovery ride. I maybe made it a bit too easy in the tailwind and my lefthand froze up and the right fingers were a bit cold and numb too, so I took a while in the cafe to let them defrost. I was thinking I'd have to go harder into the headwind on the way back but it had warmed up a few degrees 🙂 I also decided to go a bit north of the house so Id get a tailwind back for the endorphin boost. I managed to stay in HR Z1 until I got to Oundle Road to Peterborough and with a little more traffic I went into Z2 for a bit which saw me at over 32mph on the flat (after a ski ramp start) when I finally got that wind behind me 🙂 I was tempted to go out further but as the bike hadn't been cleaned for nearly a month I decided to use the time for that 🙂

 

[lazybloke]

Was up at 4am on Saturday morning for my longest ever Audax : London-Wales-London. It was nearly twice my longest ever ride.
Had felt nervous and even anxious in the days before the event, winding myself up into quite a mess the night before, but on the morning itself was excited and eager to get on. Made a large coffee for my wife who was driving me to the start in Chalfont, and we headed out on the M25.

In Chalfont, I hadn't even got the bike unloaded before a fellow member of the Fridays cycled up to welcome me. For privacy I'll not mention names.
Before even reaching the community centre for registration I'd bumped into another friend; it all helped dispel any remaining nerves.

At 6am we all headed off, it was sunny, conditions were perfect, I was well prepared; I felt good. It was a fast pace to the first control (and breakfast) at Islip, where I chatted with other riders. But I was cagey about my condition, I hadn't yet settled into a comfortable rhythm, and was far from confident about the distance still to come.

As I cycled west, I made new friends. Suncream was applied, layers adjusted; red brick houses gave way to quainter stone buildings, and even the geology changed, giving the villages and landscapes a quaint but unfamiliar vibe that felt more like a holiday than a bike ride. Woodland was full of the sights and scents of bluebells, wild garlic was everywhere, houses draped in beautiful Wisteria, and the views were to die for. I suddenly realised I was in my element; this was my first visit by bike to the Cotwolds, but wouldn't be my last.

I kept encountering friends from other rides, and formed a group of 4. We stopped at a pub near Ross on Wye for a good chinwag over a beer, then enjoying a fast descent into Chepstow for dinner in Wales. We'd had a brief spell of overcast skies with a drop in temperature that had felt like rain in the air, but we emerged from the Chepstow control to brilliant blue skies again.

The Severn Crossing did not disappoint. From first hearing of this ride several years earlier, the bridge was a landmark that had etched itself into my memory and was probably top of my cycling bucket list. Not sure why a structure of steel and concrete felt so important to me, but the combination of years of anticipation, the effort of the day, the perfect weather conditions, riding it with good friends, and the sheer joy of having reached this milestone meant a lot to me; it was a surprisingly emotional moment when the bridge came into view; and I'll remember the crossing for years to come. Well worth every mile to get there; every turn of the pedals.

Back in England, there was still well over a hundred miles to go. Our group of 4 continued, stopping for a pics and a natter at sunset by the Somerset monument...

....then another beer at a lively pub with a band in Malmesbury. Emerged after 9pm to proper night-time darkness and rapidly cooling temperatures. It was a little slower to Lambourn control, arriving near to midnight and having a leisurely 90 minute break to eat, drink, and even to have a snooze. Alas one of our group felt ill and needed longer to recover; two stayed, two continued.

It was now well after 1am, and rural Berkshire dipped to below 3 degrees. Our group of 2 was joined by another rider, and we set a fast pace all the way to Henley.
It was an Info Control - a 24 hour petrol station, and I'd been looking forward to a hot drink for the last hour. There were about 20 other riders there, we chatted and we rode together as a big group for the final 30ish km with the dawn chorus and other signs of the approaching morning light.

Rode to the front and struggled my way up the final monster climb near Beaconsfield alongside an Irish lass who had run the marathon the previous weekend! Stopped to assist when her chain came off and jammed, and then we stuck together for the final few km.

All of a sudden we had the final fast descent into Chalfont St P, and into the community centre to have brevet's stamped. Oh my days, what a rush. Hands were shaken, hugs were shared, beaming faces grinned happily. Finishers caps were donned, and stories were told over a hearty breakfast before people started to drift away, back to normality.


My total distance 411.22 km, which rounds up to 256 miles; and 3,879 metres of ascent. My Garmin reckons I burned just shy of 14,000 kcals!!!
I'd estimated I might finish in 22 hours, but actually took nearer 24 hours. Actual riding time was nearly 18 and a half hours. Too much time in pubs and controls!


Awesome… Liam and his team had put on a splendid event; an experience that was unique, challenging, emotional, rewarding, joyous, and so much more. Absolutely my best ever day (and night) on a bike; sometimes a little sore, sometimes slightly cold, but what a fantastic time with treasured memories that will last a lifetime, or at least until next year!


100 % recommended, particularly in good weather!

 

[wafter]

Was up at 4am on Saturday morning for my longest ever Audax : London-Wales-London. It was nearly twice my longest ever ride.
Had felt nervous and even anxious in the days before the event, winding myself up into quite a mess the night before, but on the morning itself was excited and eager to get on. Made a large coffee for my wife who was driving me to the start in Chalfont, and we headed out on the M25.

In Chalfont, I hadn't even got the bike unloaded before a fellow member of the Fridays cycled up to welcome me. For privacy I'll not mention names.
Before even reaching the community centre for registration I'd bumped into another friend; it all helped dispel any remaining nerves.
View attachment 771937

View attachment 771938
At 6am we all headed off, it was sunny, conditions were perfect, I was well prepared; I felt good. It was a fast pace to the first control (and breakfast) at Islip, where I chatted with other riders. But I was cagey about my condition, I hadn't yet settled into a comfortable rhythm, and was far from confident about the distance still to come.

As I cycled west, I made new friends. Suncream was applied, layers adjusted; red brick houses gave way to quainter stone buildings, and even the geology changed, giving the villages and landscapes a quaint but unfamiliar vibe that felt more like a holiday than a bike ride. Woodland was full of the sights and scents of bluebells, wild garlic was everywhere, houses draped in beautiful Wisteria, and the views were to die for. I suddenly realised I was in my element; this was my first visit by bike to the Cotwolds, but wouldn't be my last.
View attachment 771939

I kept encountering friends from other rides, and formed a group of 4. We stopped at a pub near Ross on Wye for a good chinwag over a beer, then enjoying a fast descent into Chepstow for dinner in Wales. We'd had a brief spell of overcast skies with a drop in temperature that had felt like rain in the air, but we emerged from the Chepstow control to brilliant blue skies again.

The Severn Crossing did not disappoint. From first hearing of this ride several years earlier, the bridge was a landmark that had etched itself into my memory and was probably top of my cycling bucket list. Not sure why a structure of steel and concrete felt so important to me, but the combination of years of anticipation, the effort of the day, the perfect weather conditions, riding it with good friends, and the sheer joy of having reached this milestone meant a lot to me; it was a surprisingly emotional moment when the bridge came into view; and I'll remember the crossing for years to come. Well worth every mile to get there; every turn of the pedals.
View attachment 771942


View attachment 771941

Back in England, there was still well over a hundred miles to go. Our group of 4 continued, stopping for a pics and a natter at sunset by the Somerset monument...

View attachment 771943

....then another beer at a lively pub with a band in Malmesbury. Emerged after 9pm to proper night-time darkness and rapidly cooling temperatures. It was a little slower to Lambourn control, arriving near to midnight and having a leisurely 90 minute break to eat, drink, and even to have a snooze. Alas one of our group felt ill and needed longer to recover; two stayed, two continued.

It was now well after 1am, and rural Berkshire dipped to below 3 degrees. Our group of 2 was joined by another rider, and we set a fast pace all the way to Henley.
It was an Info Control - a 24 hour petrol station, and I'd been looking forward to a hot drink for the last hour. There were about 20 other riders there, we chatted and we rode together as a big group for the final 30ish km with the dawn chorus and other signs of the approaching morning light.
View attachment 771945

Rode to the front and struggled my way up the final monster climb near Beaconsfield alongside an Irish lass who had run the marathon the previous weekend! Stopped to assist when her chain came off and jammed, and then we stuck together for the final few km.

All of a sudden we had the final fast descent into Chalfont St P, and into the community centre to have brevet's stamped. Oh my days, what a rush. Hands were shaken, hugs were shared, beaming faces grinned happily. Finishers caps were donned, and stories were told over a hearty breakfast before people started to drift away, back to normality.


My total distance 411.22 km, which rounds up to 256 miles; and 3,879 metres of ascent. My Garmin reckons I burned just shy of 14,000 kcals!!!
I'd estimated I might finish in 22 hours, but actually took nearer 24 hours. Actual riding time was nearly 18 and a half hours. Too much time in pubs and controls!


Awesome… Liam and his team had put on a splendid event; an experience that was unique, challenging, emotional, rewarding, joyous, and so much more. Absolutely my best ever day (and night) on a bike; sometimes a little sore, sometimes slightly cold, but what a fantastic time with treasured memories that will last a lifetime, or at least until next year!


100 % recommended, particularly in good weather!

View attachment 771940

That looks epic and an insane amount of distance covered in one hit - well done

 

[Binky]

Cracking morning for a spin around some local lanes. 35 miles 3200ft climbing so although a shortish ride there were a few hills in there.

 

[Alex321]

Was up at 4am on Saturday morning for my longest ever Audax : London-Wales-London. It was nearly twice my longest ever ride.
Had felt nervous and even anxious in the days before the event, winding myself up into quite a mess the night before, but on the morning itself was excited and eager to get on. Made a large coffee for my wife who was driving me to the start in Chalfont, and we headed out on the M25.

In Chalfont, I hadn't even got the bike unloaded before a fellow member of the Fridays cycled up to welcome me. For privacy I'll not mention names.
Before even reaching the community centre for registration I'd bumped into another friend; it all helped dispel any remaining nerves.
View attachment 771937

View attachment 771938
At 6am we all headed off, it was sunny, conditions were perfect, I was well prepared; I felt good. It was a fast pace to the first control (and breakfast) at Islip, where I chatted with other riders. But I was cagey about my condition, I hadn't yet settled into a comfortable rhythm, and was far from confident about the distance still to come.

As I cycled west, I made new friends. Suncream was applied, layers adjusted; red brick houses gave way to quainter stone buildings, and even the geology changed, giving the villages and landscapes a quaint but unfamiliar vibe that felt more like a holiday than a bike ride. Woodland was full of the sights and scents of bluebells, wild garlic was everywhere, houses draped in beautiful Wisteria, and the views were to die for. I suddenly realised I was in my element; this was my first visit by bike to the Cotwolds, but wouldn't be my last.
View attachment 771939

I kept encountering friends from other rides, and formed a group of 4. We stopped at a pub near Ross on Wye for a good chinwag over a beer, then enjoying a fast descent into Chepstow for dinner in Wales. We'd had a brief spell of overcast skies with a drop in temperature that had felt like rain in the air, but we emerged from the Chepstow control to brilliant blue skies again.

The Severn Crossing did not disappoint. From first hearing of this ride several years earlier, the bridge was a landmark that had etched itself into my memory and was probably top of my cycling bucket list. Not sure why a structure of steel and concrete felt so important to me, but the combination of years of anticipation, the effort of the day, the perfect weather conditions, riding it with good friends, and the sheer joy of having reached this milestone meant a lot to me; it was a surprisingly emotional moment when the bridge came into view; and I'll remember the crossing for years to come. Well worth every mile to get there; every turn of the pedals.
View attachment 771942


View attachment 771941

Back in England, there was still well over a hundred miles to go. Our group of 4 continued, stopping for a pics and a natter at sunset by the Somerset monument...

View attachment 771943

....then another beer at a lively pub with a band in Malmesbury. Emerged after 9pm to proper night-time darkness and rapidly cooling temperatures. It was a little slower to Lambourn control, arriving near to midnight and having a leisurely 90 minute break to eat, drink, and even to have a snooze. Alas one of our group felt ill and needed longer to recover; two stayed, two continued.

It was now well after 1am, and rural Berkshire dipped to below 3 degrees. Our group of 2 was joined by another rider, and we set a fast pace all the way to Henley.
It was an Info Control - a 24 hour petrol station, and I'd been looking forward to a hot drink for the last hour. There were about 20 other riders there, we chatted and we rode together as a big group for the final 30ish km with the dawn chorus and other signs of the approaching morning light.
View attachment 771945

Rode to the front and struggled my way up the final monster climb near Beaconsfield alongside an Irish lass who had run the marathon the previous weekend! Stopped to assist when her chain came off and jammed, and then we stuck together for the final few km.

All of a sudden we had the final fast descent into Chalfont St P, and into the community centre to have brevet's stamped. Oh my days, what a rush. Hands were shaken, hugs were shared, beaming faces grinned happily. Finishers caps were donned, and stories were told over a hearty breakfast before people started to drift away, back to normality.


My total distance 411.22 km, which rounds up to 256 miles; and 3,879 metres of ascent. My Garmin reckons I burned just shy of 14,000 kcals!!!
I'd estimated I might finish in 22 hours, but actually took nearer 24 hours. Actual riding time was nearly 18 and a half hours. Too much time in pubs and controls!


Awesome… Liam and his team had put on a splendid event; an experience that was unique, challenging, emotional, rewarding, joyous, and so much more. Absolutely my best ever day (and night) on a bike; sometimes a little sore, sometimes slightly cold, but what a fantastic time with treasured memories that will last a lifetime, or at least until next year!


100 % recommended, particularly in good weather!

View attachment 771940

Very well done. I really can't imagine myself ever doing a ride that long.

You road fairly close to where I was on Saturday, in Malmesbury (without bike - it was a Sealed Knot re-enactment event). If I'd known would have tried to get out to cheer you on.

 

[VinSumRox]

Took the bus, bikes and OH to Langholm and cycled back via Eskdalemuir (excellent cafe at the Hub) and Ettrick. Great quiet road and scenery, with a Buddhist monastery on the way - very pleasant 50 miles.

 

[cyberknight]

Out the door by 7.45 am this morning and it was still cold enough for base layer and arm/legwarmers plus a gilet .I was determined to get another 100 km ride in to start catching up with the challange as feb/ march were a no show for me so i loaded a preplanned route to sudbury courtyard .
Lots of diversions about but lucky i managed to get through and got to the cafe after 38 miles by 10 am where someone i sometimes ride with met me for a coffee and a natter as he lives close plus hes top brass in his dads company so can nip out when he likes as its literally about 5 miles from his business.
Started back and had a change of plan as i found out that my intended route was closed so i stopped the course and played it by ear although i had to tell my mate to slow down straight out of the cafe as hes super fit atm as hes been trainign for fred whitton this weekend .
Arm /legwarmers plus gilet came off at the cafe but i was still cooking by the time i got home after ticking off another ride but i did have to do a small loop around the village to get the distance in.