Your ride today....

[gavgav]

Blimey, I forgot that I hadn't posted my Coed y Brenin 'The Beast' ride a few weeks ago, plus a bit of a bimble around Harlech in the afternoon to spin the legs a bit. (I posted the Snowdon ride)
Well, better late than never I suppose.
Here we go. A mate and I had been planning a couple of days in North Wales for ages. We finally got there late October. Plan was, Coed y Brenin on Day one, and Mt Snowdon on Day 2, interchangeable depending on the Met Office mountain forecast for the Snowdon ride from Llanberis. (we weren't doing it if the weather was grotty!)

Coed y Brenin is a cracking MTB centre, with several trails of varying difficulty.

View attachment 109065

Having done the Black trail a couple of years ago, I knew what we were letting ourselves in for. It's quite a tough ride with steep rocky ascents, and different descents from rocky to sweeping flowing curves that were a tad slippery in places as it was a bit wet and drizzly on the day. Never mind, skin's water/mudproof!

View attachment 109072

Entry point from the car park... This was a quick circuit to get the legs moving before the main ride having been driving for 4 hours from Northampton..


View attachment 109066

Logging a few miles through the woods, one of the smoother sections being a fire road. Just after this, we saw a car with the two old dears in in looking quite bewildered. They'd turned off a narrow lane and ended up in the middle of nowhere. We couldn't really direct them back to civilisation but suggested they just turned round and returned the same way as they'd got there.... Off they tootled, with us following for a while as it was the track to our next descent. We came across a lane with muddy tyre marks onto it, so it looks like they 'escaped'!

There's a link ~~Here~~ for a couple of the descents if you want to watch the vid. One rocky and dodgy, the other is a brilliant flowing downhill, followed by the 'Serpents Tail'


View attachment 109071

Down by the River Mawddach, near the end of the ride, where we took the opportunity to wash a lot of the mud off the bikes before heading into the cafe for coffee and cake.

We finished the ride on an exhilarating 19 miles as a bit of the top section was closed due to some forestry work in the vicinity. I think the whole trail is about 23 miles(ish).

https://www.strava.com/activities/417436654



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Ride 2, Day 1, later in the afternoon.. Harlech, including Ffordd pen Llech and Twtil.


As we were staying overnight in Caernarvon, we were quite close to Harlech, where a couple of challenges awaited.
Ffordd pen Llech, at 40% is the steepest downhill tarmacked road in the UK, and Twtil, a 25% hill back up to the Harlech Castle.

We had to take it really steady on the downhill as the road was damp and greasy, with mulched up leaving over some of it! The uphill was darned steep!
In the vid, when it starts, the road to the left just before the dark coloured 4x4 is the top of Twtil.. (I've edited the dunes and beach bit of the ride out)

View attachment 109069

We also had a ride on the beach while we were there to get some sea air before heading up to Caernarvon to our B&B

View attachment 109070

Messin' about on the beach..

View attachment 109067

Luckily, the bikewash was just big enough to pop the bike in!!

View attachment 109068

And out for an unpronounceable beer or two in the evening to wash the fish and chips down!

Two great rides on the Wednesday, with the real challenge to follow on the next day!! If I do ride Snowdon again, I'll do it on Day one instead of after these rides

https://www.strava.com/activities/417478276

Will pluck up the courage to give those a go, one of the times I am up at dads caravan...

 

[PeteXXX]

Will pluck up the courage to give those a go, one of the times I am up at dads caravan...

Go for it!!

 

[Katherine]

I don't usually post my rides but after @Katherine posted about her ride seeing so many wood carvings, I went out on Monday and snapped a few in the area of Cheshire near me.


First up an owl.
View attachment 109101

Next a buzzard

View attachment 109102

The buzzard is actually looking at this
View attachment 109105

Next, my favourite, King Canute
View attachment 109103

and finally, three saints outside the Catholic Church, the third saint is at the back
View attachment 109104

I did pass three other owls aswell and have just realised I went past a "green Man" carved into a tree trunk which is another favourite, will have to get a picture.

Yesterday I went over to Tideswell, very foggy, no carvings, unable to see the views round there and I expected the Cat and Fiddle on the way back to be similar, but it was totally clear up there.

They're fantastic.
Thanks for sharing.
What's the name of the artist who carves them?

 

[Tail End Charlie]

@Katherine
His name is Tim Burgess (thetimburgess.com). His wife, son and brother all do carving now.
A couple of years ago I went to a Cheshire Show (something like Game and Country I think) and they had the English Chain Sawing Championships, part of which was a speed competition. The competitors were given 30 minutes to chainsaw carve whatever they wanted from a stump. It was a great sight, there was a countdown, then all the chainsaws fired up and the carvers started and the wind blew sawdust everywhere. It was great seeing the carvings develop and at the end they were auctioned off. The competitors also had displays of their work, they came from all over the world, there were certainly Finns, Japanese and an Aussie there from memory. It is well worth going to.
Ultimately it's all an excuse for loads of different tools, the range is staggering, "he who has most tools wins" !!!!

 

[MissTillyFlop]

First ride after my (not very serious) accident today on my new bike who is called Wendy.

I was feeling a bit nervous, so I stuck to the national cycle route, waterlink way from Beckenham to Greenwich.

It was wonderful to be out again and to have a pretty spectacular view when I got there.

 

[Gravity Aided]

7.1 miles this day, I found a roll of painters' tape. Raleigh Technium did a marvelous job. Excellent bike, quite fast as well. I am now able to see much of the countryside, now the corn is cut and at the elevator.
68F
Winds S 17
relative humidity 73%
30.09 barometer
Sunny, then overcast as I neared home.

 

[Elybazza61]

• Again a last minute decision to do the commute and glad I did;nice tempo ride in the drizzle although did overdress a bit,had to remove some clothing half way in.

As the description says I'm feeling a bit rightous at the moment.

https://www.strava.com/activities/426781270

 

[Old jon]

My ride yesterday. Software glitches and a bit of culture got in the way, so It is a late report. I have had it in mind for a while to ride out to Sherburn in Elmet and yesterday that is what I did. The weather was not particularly clear but we are talking flatlands in this area, so there were few views to miss. The 37.7 miles took me through Hunslet to John o ' Gaunts, Woodlesford, Swillington and to the A 63 at Garforth, which I followed up the cliff and along towards Selby until the sign for the B 1222 was seen. The stretch of road from here to Sherburn is usually known ( by motorcyclists of my age anyway ) as Sherburn Bends. Following my slowest ever ride along the bends, I turned left for Barkston Ash, Towton ( picture above ), Aberford, Barwick, Scholes and Boot Hill to home . . .

 

[Racing roadkill]

A little 30 miler today

https://www.strava.com/activities/426869243

There's a cycle path under there allegedly.

Swans and their Cygnets

Crappy weather.

 

[Edwardoka]

I apologise in advance for the length of this post and the fact that it doesn't count as "My Ride Today"!

On Saturday past, I had to log a qualifying ride for the October edition of the Imperial Century a Month challenge.
While I've been recovering from some ailments (and bruised ribs), I had run out of excuses and days.

Down on fitness and enthusiasm, I got the clever idea of letting the wind guide my strategy to ease my burden.
The weather forecast showed that there would be a steady breeze from the southeast, and so I devised a route. I would ride from Glasgow to Oban!

Route and plan finalised, on Friday night, I hopped on board the train to Glasgow. I stayed at a relative's house that night, and set off just before first light the following morning.

Within the first 4.5 miles, I was negotiating the town of Paisley when I hit a patch of cobbles covered in mulchy wet leaves.
Down I went, scuffing my knee and bruising my hip, but I at least avoided damaging the bike or re-injuring my ribs. Not the most auspicious of starts!

I sheepishly stood up, dusted myself down, and gave the bike a quick once-over. I adjusted my now-rubbing brakes, before gingerly setting off once more.

The sky was heavy with the threat of rain as I crossed the Erskine Bridge.

and some showers started as I joined the NCN7 at Bowling, where I followed it to Dumbarton before turning off to take the coast road towards Helensburgh.

Despite daybreak being well behind me, the sky sufficiently darkened on the approach to Helensburgh that I had to switch my lights on. Fortunately, the bulk of the rain stayed away.

(This was taken about 20 minutes after the worst of the black skies and it had significantly brightened by then).

Leaving the Clyde behind where it joins the Gare Loch, I rode past the Faslane Peace Camp and Faslane Naval Base.

I didn't stop to take any photos of the hideously expensive, enormous white elephant on the other side of the road. Generally speaking, I am a fan of not getting arrested by military police...

Riding alongside razor-wire fences and signs warning of armed guards for a few miles, I arrived in Garelochhead.

I paused to post "Armageddon outta here!" on social media before continuing. As I crested the Highland Boundary Fault and the first real climb of the day, I encountered two military trucks. I pulled over and let them past (I won't lie, the idea flitted through my mind that they were coming for me because of my post...)

Heading down the far side of the boundary took me onto one of my favourite roads in the UK. The road between Garelochhead and Arrochar runs through the majestic Loch Long valley.

Inevitably, within seconds of entering the West Highlands, the heavens opened, and it started chucking it down.

Loch Long proved that its name is well deserved, and it was a soggy Edwardoka who squelched into Arrochar Tearooms for cake and coffee.

I waited for the weather to clear, as next up was the big climb of the day. While it's no Col du Tourmalet, the ride up Glen Croe to the Rest and Be Thankful involves mingling with busy arterial traffic on a ~4-5% climb for about 4 miles, and as a result is no fun at all.

It was with relief that I arrived in the car park at the top, where I thankfully stopped for a rest and took an obligatory photo or two.

A while later, with the hairy descent to Loch Fyne out of the way, I continued on the busy A83 road which rounds the head of Loch Fyne before heading south along the west shore to Inveraray, where I stopped by the loch side for lunch.

Lunch duly eaten, it was time to tackle the last big climb of the day; a long steady climb for several miles before the summit, followed by a gradual descent towards Loch Awe, and I was grateful that it was on a road that was far quieter than the A83 had been.

To my dismay, the quiet was not to last; the road I was on joined the main road between Crianlarich to Oban. The quality of driving took a corresponding dive. Some 10 miles of hellish interactions with other road users later, it was an angry and defeated Ed who rolled into Taynuilt.

It is a shame, because the road follows Loch Awe before passing Ben Cruachan and going through some pretty scenery.

Anyway, furious with the state of the traffic, I stopped at Taynuilt, and posting a large rant on social media that I shan't repeat.

After Taynuilt, the route left the main road, and my route and mood took a corresponding turn upwards. Shortly afterwards, a torrential rain storm started, and it's rather difficult to be angry when riding in such weather!

The road from Taynuilt to Oban was incredible. This stretch of NCN78 entails 12 miles of single track roads, through stunning scenery. As the road heavily features free roaming farm animals, every car I encountered was driven with care and consideration. To my amazement, after the storm passed, the sun broke out!

This entire stretch was the perfect antidote to the impotent rage I'd built up on the main road.

And so, it was an elated but tired Ed who rolled into Oban just before sunset, 11 minutes before the train I had hoped to catch was due to leave, and I finished the day on a high!

Strava Link: here

Some stats:

Distance: 103.4 miles
Elevation gain: 7,801 feet
Calories: 4,613
Moving time: 7:22:06
Embarrassing pratfalls: 1
Idiot drivers: innumerable
Considerate drivers: numerable
Cakes eaten: 1
Double espressos consumed: 3
Standing stones: 1

Sorry again for the length of the post!

 

[Spartak]

Short ride this morning in between the showers.

Headed towards Coalpit Heath & Ram Hill where I went past the old colliery

Then along the Westerleigh Rd. to the oil terminal where I joined the cycle path. Kept on it until the climb up to Rodway common then back home via Downend.

 

[Elybazza61]

I apologise in advance for the length of this post and the fact that it doesn't count as "My Ride Today"!

On Saturday past, I had to log a qualifying ride for the October edition of the Imperial Century a Month challenge.
While I've been recovering from some ailments (and bruised ribs), I had run out of excuses and days.

Down on fitness and enthusiasm, I got the clever idea of letting the wind guide my strategy to ease my burden.
The weather forecast showed that there would be a steady breeze from the southeast, and so I devised a route. I would ride from Glasgow to Oban!

Route and plan finalised, on Friday night, I hopped on board the train to Glasgow. I stayed at a relative's house that night, and set off just before first light the following morning.

Within the first 4.5 miles, I was negotiating the town of Paisley when I hit a patch of cobbles covered in mulchy wet leaves.
Down I went, scuffing my knee and bruising my hip, but I at least avoided damaging the bike or re-injuring my ribs. Not the most auspicious of starts!

I sheepishly stood up, dusted myself down, and gave the bike a quick once-over. I adjusted my now-rubbing brakes, before gingerly setting off once more.

The sky was heavy with the threat of rain as I crossed the Erskine Bridge.

and some showers started as I joined the NCN7 at Bowling, where I followed it to Dumbarton before turning off to take the coast road towards Helensburgh.

Despite daybreak being well behind me, the sky sufficiently darkened on the approach to Helensburgh that I had to switch my lights on. Fortunately, the bulk of the rain stayed away.

(This was taken about 20 minutes after the worst of the black skies and it had significantly brightened by then).

Leaving the Clyde behind where it joins the Gare Loch, I rode past the Faslane Peace Camp and Faslane Naval Base.

I didn't stop to take any photos of the hideously expensive, enormous white elephant on the other side of the road. Generally speaking, I am a fan of not getting arrested by military police...

Riding alongside razor-wire fences and signs warning of armed guards for a few miles, I arrived in Garelochhead.

I paused to post "Armageddon outta here!" on social media before continuing. As I crested the Highland Boundary Fault and the first real climb of the day, I encountered two military trucks. I pulled over and let them past (I won't lie, the idea flitted through my mind that they were coming for me because of my post...)

Heading down the far side of the boundary took me onto one of my favourite roads in the UK. The road between Garelochhead and Arrochar runs through the majestic Loch Long valley.

Inevitably, within seconds of entering the West Highlands, the heavens opened, and it started chucking it down.

Loch Long proved that its name is well deserved, and it was a soggy Edwardoka who squelched into Arrochar Tearooms for cake and coffee.

I waited for the weather to clear, as next up was the big climb of the day. While it's no Col du Tourmalet, the ride up Glen Croe to the Rest and Be Thankful involves mingling with busy arterial traffic on a ~4-5% climb for about 4 miles, and as a result is no fun at all.

It was with relief that I arrived in the car park at the top, where I thankfully stopped for a rest and took an obligatory photo or two.

A while later, with the hairy descent to Loch Fyne out of the way, I continued on the busy A83 road which rounds the head of Loch Fyne before heading south along the west shore to Inveraray, where I stopped by the loch side for lunch.

Lunch duly eaten, it was time to tackle the last big climb of the day; a long steady climb for several miles before the summit, followed by a gradual descent towards Loch Awe, and I was grateful that it was on a road that was far quieter than the A83 had been.

To my dismay, the quiet was not to last; the road I was on joined the main road between Crianlarich to Oban. The quality of driving took a corresponding dive. Some 10 miles of hellish interactions with other road users later, it was an angry and defeated Ed who rolled into Taynuilt.

It is a shame, because the road follows Loch Awe before passing Ben Cruachan and going through some pretty scenery.

Anyway, furious with the state of the traffic, I stopped at Taynuilt, and posting a large rant on social media that I shan't repeat.

After Taynuilt, the route left the main road, and my route and mood took a corresponding turn upwards. Shortly afterwards, a torrential rain storm started, and it's rather difficult to be angry when riding in such weather!

The road from Taynuilt to Oban was incredible. This stretch of NCN78 entails 12 miles of single track roads, through stunning scenery. As the road heavily features free roaming farm animals, every car I encountered was driven with care and consideration. To my amazement, after the storm passed, the sun broke out!

This entire stretch was the perfect antidote to the impotent rage I'd built up on the main road.

And so, it was an elated but tired Ed who rolled into Oban just before sunset, 11 minutes before the train I had hoped to catch was due to leave, and I finished the day on a high!

Strava Link: here

Some stats:

Distance: 103.4 miles
Elevation gain: 7,801 feet
Calories: 4,613
Moving time: 7:22:06
Embarrassing pratfalls: 1
Idiot drivers: innumerable
Considerate drivers: numerable
Cakes eaten: 1
Double espressos consumed: 3
Standing stones: 1

Sorry again for the length of the post!

Kudos given for that

 

[biggs682]

@Old jon love the Ellie Briggs

well just got back from first pre work 13 miles first early am ride for a week so nice to stretch the legs out .

Looking forward to a couple of 25 - 30 milers at the weekend so this was good practice .... have a good day

 

[cosmicbike]

Been a long while since I posted on here, largely due to my rides being unexciting, short and primarily commutes now. I've ridden every day for the last 93 days and looks like I'll hit this years 'bottom' target.
Anyway, todays ride was surprisingly dry. I went out in wet weather gear, only to find the rain stopped ad only big puddles to cope with. 12 miles around the same old local roads again for me.
Hoping the rain stays away as I'm running a Cub/Scout fireworks evening tonight...

 

[Old jon]

https://www.cyclechat.net/members/biggs682.1263/ Yup, Ellis Briggs make a very nice bit of kit. Lucky me!

No ride yesterday, baking bread and a slight overdose of antipodean culture the evening before sort of stopped that idea. I dunno how Barbs' mind works. She is from Melbourne, saw an advert for the New Zealand ballet company so we had to go and see it. Or the first half anyway.
Anyway, I had some big plans for a route today, plans drowned at Lawnswood. So I pingponged off Otley, main road both ways for 26.8 soggy miles. We have a friend performing in one of Pinter's plays this evening, and last night (early hours of morning) saw Knee High's version of Steinbeck's Cannery Row (brilliant ! !) so energy for cycling is in short supply.

The video was from the return from Otley, if I did not ride that bit of towpath, it would be a half hour slog through Leeds town centre to cover a couple of miles. It has also reminded me, seeing the railway crossing the canal, that the river Aire actually runs underneath Leeds City Railway station. How clever is that?