Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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amaizing..sweating like a summer ride..soaked..
Goonerobes
Its okay to be white
- Location
- Wiltshire
Whatever they're paying the people at the Met office its too much!!!! With rain "forecast" for 4pm I thought that if I go out at 1 for a couple of hours I should get back well before it starts.........wrong again!
Setting off on a "not so regular" midweek route, I headed out of the forest for a bit to Shootash before picking up the A27 down to Sherfield English & back towards the forest on a road I discovered two weeks ago. However, 15 miles & around 35 minutes in the rain starts & more annoyingly its just as I head back into the wind so time to pick the pace up a bit as I head back through Bramshaw, Furzley, Tatchbury & Winsor, passing en-route no less than three tractors cutting hedges. (in December, really?)
Another 30 miles in the bank & another wet load of gear to dry..... but it still beats going to work!
https://www.strava.com/activities/451679650
Setting off on a "not so regular" midweek route, I headed out of the forest for a bit to Shootash before picking up the A27 down to Sherfield English & back towards the forest on a road I discovered two weeks ago. However, 15 miles & around 35 minutes in the rain starts & more annoyingly its just as I head back into the wind so time to pick the pace up a bit as I head back through Bramshaw, Furzley, Tatchbury & Winsor, passing en-route no less than three tractors cutting hedges. (in December, really?)
Another 30 miles in the bank & another wet load of gear to dry..... but it still beats going to work!
https://www.strava.com/activities/451679650
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The weather totally surprised me today, I had better start paying attention. Left home a little later than usual, had to hang about for a delivery. So, sort of decided on a flatlands route ( I am only kidding myself ) and aimed in the general direction of Lotherton Hall yet again. Before I reached Thwaite Gate I was seriously warm. The climb up to John O' Gaunts increased the sweat production. Woodlesford and Swillington, the road leading on to Garforth which I rode around the north of for the direct route to Lotherton Hall. Plenty of nice dry benches there for a munch of lunch ( or the café of course ) and then my usual route back through Aberford, Barwick and Scholes, finishing the 29.2 miles via Thorner, Skeltons and Red Hall Lanes and Boot Hill.
Saluki
World class procrastinator
- Location
- ...Norwich over the water.
https://www.strava.com/activities/451918526/segments/10859507263
I had a bit of time tonight - well actually I didn't but I'm learning a run from Cliffs of Dover. It's only bombing up and down the Lorcrian mode from a G major scale, but it's the speed that is really messing with my head. My fingers were not bleeding but they were getting mighty sore so I thought I'd get the roadie ready for a nice 11 mile and a bit ride to the hospital. I saw the state of him
and gave him a clean with wetwipes and kitchen roll, in the living room. I mickled his chain while I was at it and went back to my guitar. Cleaning the bike obviously is very helpful in guitar practice. My fingers still hurt like anything but it was a whole lot better.
I decided, that as my hands were really sore, that I'd go early and give that Strava loop (Roselea to Goslings) another go. Still pitch black but I was taking the roadie so I was hopeful of knocking a few seconds off. After all, I'd had a nice salad (healthy), some Marshamallows (couldn't resist) and a few choccy biccies so banged full of sugar. I should be fine. Right?
Halfway up Garrison Road/Lane whatever it is, I had some joker try and turn right into his drive by going through me while I was in a queue of waiting traffic. The gap was not big enough for a moped, let alone and Audi-Doodie. Pillock. I might have mentioned that he was a pillock and that he should consider getting some specs as he didn't see me in my council flouro orange with reflective bits, lights and more lights. Dozy bugger.
Once on the High Road out of Walton, I hit a nice cadence and decided that I'd do that loop then ride to the hospital. It felt quite quick, but that was mostly because I'd left my riding glasses (clear lenses) in the car and the wind was whipping my eyes a bit. I tried my seeing specs but they were just horrible and made the wind worse, so I stuffed them in a pocket and decided to WTFU.
I headed for the landmarks I knew but didn't look at the GPS except for when I passed the start of the 15.1km segment. I got my head down and got on with it. On the last mile or so, there is a single carriageway road with passing places. I had to tuck in twice. Once for a bus and once for the slowest Land Rover in the world. Bugger, pants and poo. I was not chuffed. I got to Goslings - a garden centre. Went a bit past it and sat for a sec swigging my water and looking at my GPS. I couldn't see much with watery eyes due to no bloomin' glasses. I figured that I might have taken a minute off though so was pleased.
I turned back round and retraced my tyre tracks to the top of Straight Road at Foxhall but went straight on, down the Felixstowe Road - on the cyclepaths - to Ipswich, up Bixley Road and to the hospital. Hubster was walking towards me when I got near the dialysis unit and I said I wanted to finish my mile so I carried on (got a 3rd overall on a segment there as it turned out) then headed back to the car to finish on 22 miles for the ride.
It was a great ride. I took 3 minutes off my own QOM time for that 15km segment. 3 minutes! That's huge. 13 PBs and an overall 3rd. Not bad for a fat old bird, I reckon. I had my Aftershokz on and a load of Eric Johnson. I reckon it was the EJ that did it
I am more chuffed than a chuffed thing, full of chufftness
That QOM isn't going to last 5 minutes, there are some bloody quick ladies around these parts, but it's a good 10 minutes faster than the 2nd placed person. Best I work on my fitness if I'm going to hang on to it.
I had a bit of time tonight - well actually I didn't but I'm learning a run from Cliffs of Dover. It's only bombing up and down the Lorcrian mode from a G major scale, but it's the speed that is really messing with my head. My fingers were not bleeding but they were getting mighty sore so I thought I'd get the roadie ready for a nice 11 mile and a bit ride to the hospital. I saw the state of him
and gave him a clean with wetwipes and kitchen roll, in the living room. I mickled his chain while I was at it and went back to my guitar. Cleaning the bike obviously is very helpful in guitar practice. My fingers still hurt like anything but it was a whole lot better.I decided, that as my hands were really sore, that I'd go early and give that Strava loop (Roselea to Goslings) another go. Still pitch black but I was taking the roadie so I was hopeful of knocking a few seconds off. After all, I'd had a nice salad (healthy), some Marshamallows (couldn't resist) and a few choccy biccies so banged full of sugar. I should be fine. Right?
Halfway up Garrison Road/Lane whatever it is, I had some joker try and turn right into his drive by going through me while I was in a queue of waiting traffic. The gap was not big enough for a moped, let alone and Audi-Doodie. Pillock. I might have mentioned that he was a pillock and that he should consider getting some specs as he didn't see me in my council flouro orange with reflective bits, lights and more lights. Dozy bugger.
Once on the High Road out of Walton, I hit a nice cadence and decided that I'd do that loop then ride to the hospital. It felt quite quick, but that was mostly because I'd left my riding glasses (clear lenses) in the car and the wind was whipping my eyes a bit. I tried my seeing specs but they were just horrible and made the wind worse, so I stuffed them in a pocket and decided to WTFU.
I headed for the landmarks I knew but didn't look at the GPS except for when I passed the start of the 15.1km segment. I got my head down and got on with it. On the last mile or so, there is a single carriageway road with passing places. I had to tuck in twice. Once for a bus and once for the slowest Land Rover in the world. Bugger, pants and poo. I was not chuffed. I got to Goslings - a garden centre. Went a bit past it and sat for a sec swigging my water and looking at my GPS. I couldn't see much with watery eyes due to no bloomin' glasses. I figured that I might have taken a minute off though so was pleased.
I turned back round and retraced my tyre tracks to the top of Straight Road at Foxhall but went straight on, down the Felixstowe Road - on the cyclepaths - to Ipswich, up Bixley Road and to the hospital. Hubster was walking towards me when I got near the dialysis unit and I said I wanted to finish my mile so I carried on (got a 3rd overall on a segment there as it turned out) then headed back to the car to finish on 22 miles for the ride.
It was a great ride. I took 3 minutes off my own QOM time for that 15km segment. 3 minutes! That's huge. 13 PBs and an overall 3rd. Not bad for a fat old bird, I reckon. I had my Aftershokz on and a load of Eric Johnson. I reckon it was the EJ that did it
I am more chuffed than a chuffed thing, full of chufftness
That QOM isn't going to last 5 minutes, there are some bloody quick ladies around these parts, but it's a good 10 minutes faster than the 2nd placed person. Best I work on my fitness if I'm going to hang on to it.
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
Shorter ride today but needed to do some as family event on Sunday will more or less rule out more than a 1 hour turbo.
Headed towards Windsor and turned toward Ascot up the long rise up to Cranbourne Gate, into the Park, and then did some hills, going down Crimp Hill and up Priest Hill, down Tite Hill and up Egham Hill, then finally down and up Prune Hill.
None of the hills that bad but there are a few steeper bits.
25.24 miles @ 16.2 mph - that speed is quite pleasing with the hills
1073 feet climbed
A few mostly downhill PR's on Strava segments and one third overall on a cut-through sometimes used by cyclists
https://www.strava.com/activities/452126965/
Headed towards Windsor and turned toward Ascot up the long rise up to Cranbourne Gate, into the Park, and then did some hills, going down Crimp Hill and up Priest Hill, down Tite Hill and up Egham Hill, then finally down and up Prune Hill.
None of the hills that bad but there are a few steeper bits.
25.24 miles @ 16.2 mph - that speed is quite pleasing with the hills
1073 feet climbed
A few mostly downhill PR's on Strava segments and one third overall on a cut-through sometimes used by cyclists
https://www.strava.com/activities/452126965/
- Location
- Somewhere wet & hilly in NW England.
@Goonerobes
Same here - rain was allegedly due this pm.
Got up, had my brekkie, got togged up, mounted bike, fired up my Edge and off I went. Within 1 mile of the house it was drizzling and another few hundred yards past that it was pouring.
Aborted the ride as it really is not my cup of tea flogging away in foul weather. At least I tried.
What really gets my goat with weather forecasters (apart from their OTT hand gestures and 'I've been to drama class' voice inflections) is when they tell you that the meteorological equivalent of the four horsemen riding in is heading your way and then sign off with a cheerful smile whilst uttering "have a lovely weekend" or similar.
Racing roadkill
Guru
https://www.strava.com/activities/452112255
I went down to Romsey by a slightly different route. I finished fettling the Boardman road bike, but I did discover the thread on the freehub on my rear wheel is goosed, so my cassette is rattling a bit, no biggy, I have a spare freehub. I encountered yet another 'struggle past, nearly take my bars out, then go far slower than I was' merchant. I've worked out a cracking way to piss them off. Rather than give them a hair drying as you re-pass them, just say "Ho-Ho-Ho, merry Christmas, SEEE YAAAAA". It really seems to upset them
.
I went down to Romsey by a slightly different route. I finished fettling the Boardman road bike, but I did discover the thread on the freehub on my rear wheel is goosed, so my cassette is rattling a bit, no biggy, I have a spare freehub. I encountered yet another 'struggle past, nearly take my bars out, then go far slower than I was' merchant. I've worked out a cracking way to piss them off. Rather than give them a hair drying as you re-pass them, just say "Ho-Ho-Ho, merry Christmas, SEEE YAAAAA". It really seems to upset them
.
twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
The forecast for tomorrow looks wet so Steve E called a Friday outing. Sara P was in so we headed off around the southern end of the Hills on standard lanes. At the bottom of Redmarley we took a vote and with a 2:1 majority we took to Drury Lane for a change. Narrow and cut between the sandstone it's a bit shorter and slightly steeper than the standard alternative. Sara learned it wasn't that bad tho'. Soon we were through Donnington and the pace rose as we bashed our way into Ledbury and DeLilah's cafe.
Most folks must be away in big cities for the Xmas shopping extravaganza so we virtually had the cafe to ourselves. Lovely. We emerged to climb over Cut Throat Lane (yes that's it's real name) and on to the bottom of the Wyche climb where Sara said her bye byes. Steve struggled a bit on the climb, he'd already admitted to having attended the office Xmas party last night. Sweat rolled off him at the top. These warm temperatures are just extraordinary for this time of year.
Most folks must be away in big cities for the Xmas shopping extravaganza so we virtually had the cafe to ourselves. Lovely. We emerged to climb over Cut Throat Lane (yes that's it's real name) and on to the bottom of the Wyche climb where Sara said her bye byes. Steve struggled a bit on the climb, he'd already admitted to having attended the office Xmas party last night. Sweat rolled off him at the top. These warm temperatures are just extraordinary for this time of year.
Jon George
Mamil and couldn't care less
- Location
- Suffolk an' Good
After yesterday's White Van moment, it was good to get out in the countryside where the tractors and 4x4s are more predictable. A little pottle of 18 miles North-East of Ipswich through Playford, Great Bealings, Woodbridge and back.
I stopped to have a closer look at a church I've spotted on numerous rides at Great Bealings. It's partially hidden from the road and looks a lovely quiet place for summer.
And a pause atop a Suffolk hill, looking down towards Grundisburgh.
Twenty minutes later, a weak sun put in an appearance and I finally realised I had on too many clothes. I understand this is supposed to be December ...
I stopped to have a closer look at a church I've spotted on numerous rides at Great Bealings. It's partially hidden from the road and looks a lovely quiet place for summer.
And a pause atop a Suffolk hill, looking down towards Grundisburgh.
Twenty minutes later, a weak sun put in an appearance and I finally realised I had on too many clothes. I understand this is supposed to be December ...
Another warm dry December day. Anyway, enough meteorology. An anticlockwise loop through a few places I thought I knew fairly well, seems like I need to learn a bit more. Thirty miles starting as ever around the Holbeck three sides of a square, Great Wilson Street, Crown Point Road, Regent Street, Roseville Road and Roundhay Road to the Oakwood Clock. I only found out recently that it used to be the Kirkgate Market clock, but was removed as it got in the way of the market shoppers.
The slog up Boot Hill and then an Alteration !! ( thank you Robert Tressel ). Along to Red Hall Lane, turn right, continue along Skeltons Lane the left and into :--
There was some end of termery stuff going on, the village was quite busy. I had a large audience for my slow climb of Church Hill. I doubt they were entertained though. Then along the road to Bramham, the bit I thought I knew. Ridden in this direction it is mostly downhill. If you had asked me yesterday I would have said it was mostly flat with minor ups and downs. A left towards Wetherby then Collingham, Bardsey, Scarcroft and a very enjoyable whizzzz down the hill and then home.
The slog up Boot Hill and then an Alteration !! ( thank you Robert Tressel ). Along to Red Hall Lane, turn right, continue along Skeltons Lane the left and into :--
There was some end of termery stuff going on, the village was quite busy. I had a large audience for my slow climb of Church Hill. I doubt they were entertained though. Then along the road to Bramham, the bit I thought I knew. Ridden in this direction it is mostly downhill. If you had asked me yesterday I would have said it was mostly flat with minor ups and downs. A left towards Wetherby then Collingham, Bardsey, Scarcroft and a very enjoyable whizzzz down the hill and then home.
Elybazza61
Guru
Little ride out with the better half on a balmy December morning.
https://www.strava.com/activities/452138380
Better ride than her last(cleat fall and rear mech hanger bent) and a bit higher av speed as well.
Didn't see any other cyclists about which was a bit surprising considering the weather;some of the club bods were in Cambridge to escort this guy back to his home town;
http://challenge360.org/category/blogs/
https://www.strava.com/activities/452138380
Better ride than her last(cleat fall and rear mech hanger bent) and a bit higher av speed as well.
Didn't see any other cyclists about which was a bit surprising considering the weather;some of the club bods were in Cambridge to escort this guy back to his home town;
http://challenge360.org/category/blogs/
biggs682
Touch it up and ride it
- Location
- Northamptonshire
out and clipped in at 6.15 am so late for me on the new to me Dawes Response headed through town and towards Irchester and then down to Hinwick and past the spookily lit up Hinwick Hall .
From there up to Bozeat into a head wind and then strong side winds to Yardley Hastings it seemed quite calm as i made my way across the main drive to Castle Ashby house then up on to the a248 for 200 yards before winding down through Denton .
From the top of Denton onwards it was tail wind all the way to Wishton ,Cogenhoe ,Earls Barton and Mears Ashby thought i would throw a small extra loop in so shot off towards Sywell village and then a great tail wind past the airfield saw the garmin clocking 28 mph !!!.
Then headed into Mears Ashby again and from there headed home into the borough with a tail wind again , total of 30 miles and a great ride for man and machine .
From there up to Bozeat into a head wind and then strong side winds to Yardley Hastings it seemed quite calm as i made my way across the main drive to Castle Ashby house then up on to the a248 for 200 yards before winding down through Denton .
From the top of Denton onwards it was tail wind all the way to Wishton ,Cogenhoe ,Earls Barton and Mears Ashby thought i would throw a small extra loop in so shot off towards Sywell village and then a great tail wind past the airfield saw the garmin clocking 28 mph !!!.
Then headed into Mears Ashby again and from there headed home into the borough with a tail wind again , total of 30 miles and a great ride for man and machine .
- Location
- Somewhere wet & hilly in NW England.
I'm reading "nice, warm day" and "balmy" in preceding posts.
Well, here it ain't. Jealous!
Got up at 6.30am full of hope and a loosely planned route of some 35 miles mapped out in my old bonce - pretty keen I was too.
Stuck my head out of the back door to see if the foxes had snaffled up the salami I'd put out for them last night (it was gone) and it was drizzling.
It is now *issing down in a Noah would've been proud stylee.
Big Shop at 11.30am with Lovely Wife. Quick snack in pub with her too. Then footie on the box at 3.00pm.
That's the anatomy of another non-cycling day. Aaaargh!
Well, here it ain't. Jealous!
Got up at 6.30am full of hope and a loosely planned route of some 35 miles mapped out in my old bonce - pretty keen I was too.
Stuck my head out of the back door to see if the foxes had snaffled up the salami I'd put out for them last night (it was gone) and it was drizzling.
It is now *issing down in a Noah would've been proud stylee.
Big Shop at 11.30am with Lovely Wife. Quick snack in pub with her too. Then footie on the box at 3.00pm.
That's the anatomy of another non-cycling day. Aaaargh!
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
A short but fun filled ride this morning on the CX bike whilst the boy wonder slept off last night!
Hardwick and surrounds have clay soil so even though it was dry, it was always going to be messy. It didn't disappoint !
After half a mile of slithering and slipping, front wheel left, back wheel right I stopped for a pic and to poke some crap out with a stick (on the bike)
The mud fest continued and got worse. To my left a 4' deep and wide ditch, so I kept clear of it, but it was gloopy. I had to unclip and put a foot down in the mire
More stops were needed for housekeeping duties...
I reached the road between Highfields Caldecote and Caldecote. I then went around to Bourn before going off road down The Drift
Top drawer fun in the sun. A pressure washer was used once home
, how very naughty!
No speed records broken, 11/10 on the fun scale!
https://www.strava.com/activities/452597364
Hardwick and surrounds have clay soil so even though it was dry, it was always going to be messy. It didn't disappoint !
After half a mile of slithering and slipping, front wheel left, back wheel right I stopped for a pic and to poke some crap out with a stick (on the bike)
The mud fest continued and got worse. To my left a 4' deep and wide ditch, so I kept clear of it, but it was gloopy. I had to unclip and put a foot down in the mire
More stops were needed for housekeeping duties...
I reached the road between Highfields Caldecote and Caldecote. I then went around to Bourn before going off road down The Drift
Top drawer fun in the sun. A pressure washer was used once home
, how very naughty!No speed records broken, 11/10 on the fun scale!
https://www.strava.com/activities/452597364
Ooops ! Forgot the pictures / video. Grey cell not in gear at all today. I neglected to look at the map this morning and had reached the end of Marshall street before I gave thought to a ride . . .
Time to travel a little west of Leeds I thought, so towpath to Viaduct Road, Cardigan Lane and Otley Road. I crossed the Ring Road at Lawnswood and discovered my left arm stuck out in the breeze. Subconscious wants to use the old road. I will check on a map someday, but it is a heck of a lot more uphill than the direct to Otley route. Almost all the way to the water tower ( top of the hill ) I had the same car in front of me, with a queue of other tin boxes in front of it. No idea what was slowing them down, but did catch sight of a bus way up front. The old road turns left for Otley, I carried straight on for Bramhope, it is a very long time since I saw the old village, and it has not changed much at all. Important things like the pub are still there.
The showers started, a bit earlier than promised, into Otley and the park by the river I go. Doorstep cheese sandwich eaten. The weir was only just visible, and I did have ideas about taking a photo or several, but the rain got heavier and I do not want to drown another camera, so home I went by the usual but quieter main road to complete 27.8 very enjoyable miles.
Time to travel a little west of Leeds I thought, so towpath to Viaduct Road, Cardigan Lane and Otley Road. I crossed the Ring Road at Lawnswood and discovered my left arm stuck out in the breeze. Subconscious wants to use the old road. I will check on a map someday, but it is a heck of a lot more uphill than the direct to Otley route. Almost all the way to the water tower ( top of the hill ) I had the same car in front of me, with a queue of other tin boxes in front of it. No idea what was slowing them down, but did catch sight of a bus way up front. The old road turns left for Otley, I carried straight on for Bramhope, it is a very long time since I saw the old village, and it has not changed much at all. Important things like the pub are still there.
The showers started, a bit earlier than promised, into Otley and the park by the river I go. Doorstep cheese sandwich eaten. The weir was only just visible, and I did have ideas about taking a photo or several, but the rain got heavier and I do not want to drown another camera, so home I went by the usual but quieter main road to complete 27.8 very enjoyable miles.
