derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
https://www.strava.com/activities/1036948131#kudos
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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https://www.strava.com/activities/1036948131#kudos
Another bright morning to enjoy! Wheel out the fixed and set off pedalling to and through that corner of Leeds that is forever Holbeck. Along Water Lane, Great Wilson Street and cross the Aire at Crown Point Bridge. The only river to cross today, though later on I crossed Cock Beck and I have seen a copy of a seventeenth century map that calls it the River Cock. So, maybe a two river ride.
Anyway, pedal up to the Clock at Oakwood, past the unused park gates and that stiff climb to the Ring Road along the A 58. Turn right on Red Hall Lane, and continue, Skeltons Lane to Thorner Lane and turn right there. Turn left onto the A 64 for a short stretch then right onto Station Road, leading to Scholes. The road is not straight, but stay on it to Barwick, where I forgot to turn on the camera, through the village and down the hill to the watercourse that might have two names. Across, up the hill and the next place is Aberford. A left turn crosses the beck again, followed by quite a distance to the roundabout which takes the A 64 over the A 1M and gives me a road to ride to Bramham. Where the breeze becomes obvious. The trip from there to Thorner is often a bit of a grind, even the flat bits seem uphill and with the wind in your face, well, maybe I am not as fit as I would like to think . . .
Out of Thorner, Sandhills should be a doddle, and finish the circle at the end of Skeltons Lane again. There is no other convenient ride home, so Boot Hill, but going down ( yippeeee!!! ) and the usual interesting ride along Roundhay Road, eventually to Crown Point Bridge again and after just better than thirty miles, my own front door. Smiles for a good ride.
The map.
Anyway, pedal up to the Clock at Oakwood, past the unused park gates and that stiff climb to the Ring Road along the A 58. Turn right on Red Hall Lane, and continue, Skeltons Lane to Thorner Lane and turn right there. Turn left onto the A 64 for a short stretch then right onto Station Road, leading to Scholes. The road is not straight, but stay on it to Barwick, where I forgot to turn on the camera, through the village and down the hill to the watercourse that might have two names. Across, up the hill and the next place is Aberford. A left turn crosses the beck again, followed by quite a distance to the roundabout which takes the A 64 over the A 1M and gives me a road to ride to Bramham. Where the breeze becomes obvious. The trip from there to Thorner is often a bit of a grind, even the flat bits seem uphill and with the wind in your face, well, maybe I am not as fit as I would like to think . . .
Out of Thorner, Sandhills should be a doddle, and finish the circle at the end of Skeltons Lane again. There is no other convenient ride home, so Boot Hill, but going down ( yippeeee!!! ) and the usual interesting ride along Roundhay Road, eventually to Crown Point Bridge again and after just better than thirty miles, my own front door. Smiles for a good ride.
The map.
NorthernDave
Never used Über Member
- Location
- The real Northern Powerhouse
Nice day for it @Old jon - and you're quite right, you did cross two rivers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cock_Beck
NorthernDave
Never used Über Member
- Location
- The real Northern Powerhouse
A cheeky mid-week day off work, everything done that I needed to do and the sun in the sky? It must be time for a ride!
I only had an hour, so it was never going to be an epic, but it was good to get some miles under the wheels even if it was over territory so familiar that I almost don't need to steer the bike.
Coal Road, Skeltons Lane and down the lumpy bumpy road that is Sandhills (aka Van Zyl Hill) into Thorner.
Through the village and left onto Milner Lane for that sharp hill up onto the ridge and a wind assisted waft along to Holme Farm Lane and into East Rigton, through the dip and up the other side through Rigton Green and right up onto Bramham Lane, which was almost as deserted as usual until I met a campervan coming the other way! Blimey, it must have been rush hour.
Anyway, we squeezed past each other and it was on around the corner, across Jewitt Lane and up onto Thorner Lane where I turned right back to Milner Lane and then retraced my earlier route back towards Thorner, stopping for a quick photo or two:
Back in the saddle and back down to Thorner, where I decided to tackle Sandhills the less easy way - uphill. My logic was that I'd have the wind behind me, making it a bit easier. I didn't. It was in my chops pretty much all the way up the hill...
Anyway, I eventually reached the top and turned right onto Skeltons Lane where there was another traffic jam as a truck driver couldn't decide where he was going and managed to block the road. Anyay, after a minute or two we were all off again (still into the wind...).
Then it was just Coal Road and down onto local roads to home.
14.06 miles (22.62km) in 1h 2m at an average of 13.6mph, with 672ft climbed and a maximum temperature of 22.0°C although it felt a lot warmer at times.
Things I've taken from today - that wind was a pain, again. Blustery and somehow in my face for most of the ride regardless of the direction I was riding in.
I saw a couple of bright yellow birds out around Bramham Lane - possibly Yellow Wagtails? First time I've seen them.
And while they were familiar roads, mid-week traffic is a very different beast to that on a weekend morning. While most drivers were OK, I swear some of them were trying to kill me.
Still, it's all miles on the bike, there were a few cyclists out there and I set a PB down Sandhills so it's all good. And here's a map:
I only had an hour, so it was never going to be an epic, but it was good to get some miles under the wheels even if it was over territory so familiar that I almost don't need to steer the bike.
Coal Road, Skeltons Lane and down the lumpy bumpy road that is Sandhills (aka Van Zyl Hill) into Thorner.
Through the village and left onto Milner Lane for that sharp hill up onto the ridge and a wind assisted waft along to Holme Farm Lane and into East Rigton, through the dip and up the other side through Rigton Green and right up onto Bramham Lane, which was almost as deserted as usual until I met a campervan coming the other way! Blimey, it must have been rush hour.
Anyway, we squeezed past each other and it was on around the corner, across Jewitt Lane and up onto Thorner Lane where I turned right back to Milner Lane and then retraced my earlier route back towards Thorner, stopping for a quick photo or two:
Back in the saddle and back down to Thorner, where I decided to tackle Sandhills the less easy way - uphill. My logic was that I'd have the wind behind me, making it a bit easier. I didn't. It was in my chops pretty much all the way up the hill...
Anyway, I eventually reached the top and turned right onto Skeltons Lane where there was another traffic jam as a truck driver couldn't decide where he was going and managed to block the road. Anyay, after a minute or two we were all off again (still into the wind...).
Then it was just Coal Road and down onto local roads to home.
14.06 miles (22.62km) in 1h 2m at an average of 13.6mph, with 672ft climbed and a maximum temperature of 22.0°C although it felt a lot warmer at times.
Things I've taken from today - that wind was a pain, again. Blustery and somehow in my face for most of the ride regardless of the direction I was riding in.
I saw a couple of bright yellow birds out around Bramham Lane - possibly Yellow Wagtails? First time I've seen them.
And while they were familiar roads, mid-week traffic is a very different beast to that on a weekend morning. While most drivers were OK, I swear some of them were trying to kill me.
Still, it's all miles on the bike, there were a few cyclists out there and I set a PB down Sandhills so it's all good. And here's a map:
Todays ride, actually posted today!
With the forecast looking good for the day, I thought I'd pop out for a few miles. Well, it turned out to be a bit longer than a few as I had no chores, or grandkid collections, to do, so I made decided to most of it
After a pedal though Orlingbury and Broughton, I stopped to check out a nearby Trig Point. From there, it was a lovely series of rolling lanes and quiet narrow roads. Hardly any cars around, and only a couple of other cyclists passed by.
And a proper wood signpost!
Eventually, I got a bit thirsty and stopped at the Buddhist Centre, in Kelmarsh, for cake and coffee (Well, I doubted that I'd get a bacon sarnie
)
I don't think I've ever sat on such a wonky table... I had use my backpack to stop my plate of lemon drizzle cake from sliding off
Must be a zen thing...
Anyway, once I'd completed a loop I was planning, I dropped back onto the Brampton Valley Way as an easy way home.
The entrance to the Kelmarsh Tunnel, with light at the other end.
Working on a two stop strategy, I called in at the newish cafe near Chapel Brampton for a drink. There were 4 or 5 people outside, eating rolls and drinking tea, but they informed me that the cafe was closed as they were doing some work on it
. Happily, and pleasantly, one of the chaps asked if I'd like a cold drink and opened the fridge and grabbed the cold can of my choice.
"How much do I owe you?" said I. "Nothing" said he " It's on the house!" Don't get that often, eh?!
As I was nearing 50 miles, I thought I might as well get a metric century in, so changed direction a bit and headed homewards via the south of the town.
Back home on 64 miles, in mainly sunny weather, but with about an hour of cloudiness and a couple of spots of rain. The wind was more blustery than I remember the forecast saying, but at least it blew me the last miles home!
Cracking day out.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1037888290
With the forecast looking good for the day, I thought I'd pop out for a few miles. Well, it turned out to be a bit longer than a few as I had no chores, or grandkid collections, to do, so I made decided to most of it
After a pedal though Orlingbury and Broughton, I stopped to check out a nearby Trig Point. From there, it was a lovely series of rolling lanes and quiet narrow roads. Hardly any cars around, and only a couple of other cyclists passed by.
And a proper wood signpost!
Eventually, I got a bit thirsty and stopped at the Buddhist Centre, in Kelmarsh, for cake and coffee (Well, I doubted that I'd get a bacon sarnie
)I don't think I've ever sat on such a wonky table... I had use my backpack to stop my plate of lemon drizzle cake from sliding off
Must be a zen thing...
Anyway, once I'd completed a loop I was planning, I dropped back onto the Brampton Valley Way as an easy way home.
The entrance to the Kelmarsh Tunnel, with light at the other end.
Working on a two stop strategy, I called in at the newish cafe near Chapel Brampton for a drink. There were 4 or 5 people outside, eating rolls and drinking tea, but they informed me that the cafe was closed as they were doing some work on it
. Happily, and pleasantly, one of the chaps asked if I'd like a cold drink and opened the fridge and grabbed the cold can of my choice."How much do I owe you?" said I. "Nothing" said he " It's on the house!" Don't get that often, eh?!
As I was nearing 50 miles, I thought I might as well get a metric century in, so changed direction a bit and headed homewards via the south of the town.
Back home on 64 miles, in mainly sunny weather, but with about an hour of cloudiness and a couple of spots of rain. The wind was more blustery than I remember the forecast saying, but at least it blew me the last miles home!
Cracking day out.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1037888290
twentysix by twentyfive
Clinging on tightly
- Location
- Over the Hill
Mrs 26 and I met Rich B and Sara P at Newland. Mrs 26 had to get back so headed off for a short one while we three took to the run around the northern flanks of the hills to head south for Coddington Cross where Pete M was waiting. On down for Peg's Farm Pete suggested a change of plan. Instead of Ledbury we would head over for The Nest. Sara was planning on heading back early so off she went as we took to the Munsley lump. Pots of tea and cake all round set us up for our return.
We took the run along Falcon Lane which was new to Rich. This leads us out to Tillers Green eventually where Rich was back on familiar tarmac. Now we were rounding the southern flanks of the hills to take to the standard Castlemorton lanes. Pete headed for the Wyche cutting while Rich and I completed a nice wee ride by taking the Guarlford route home.
Another pleasant day to be out on two wheels and the companionship was superb too. 47 smiles
We took the run along Falcon Lane which was new to Rich. This leads us out to Tillers Green eventually where Rich was back on familiar tarmac. Now we were rounding the southern flanks of the hills to take to the standard Castlemorton lanes. Pete headed for the Wyche cutting while Rich and I completed a nice wee ride by taking the Guarlford route home.
Another pleasant day to be out on two wheels and the companionship was superb too. 47 smiles
Last edited:
Stonechat
Guru
- Location
- Staines, Middlesex
Going out later but here was Wednesday's ride
Still some stiffness in the legs from Sunday's Club ride.
However still did some hardish intervals round the usual roads between Chertsey and Thorpe., then loopedback via Ottershaw
Man thing in the heat was to keep moving and keep drinking
27.7 miles at average of 16.8 mph
Flattish course so 623 feet climbed
https://www.strava.com/activities/1035974825
Still awaiting the arrival of the New Titatnium bike - imminent, maybe not in time for the Sportive Sun week
Still some stiffness in the legs from Sunday's Club ride.
However still did some hardish intervals round the usual roads between Chertsey and Thorpe., then loopedback via Ottershaw
Man thing in the heat was to keep moving and keep drinking
27.7 miles at average of 16.8 mph
Flattish course so 623 feet climbed
https://www.strava.com/activities/1035974825
Still awaiting the arrival of the New Titatnium bike - imminent, maybe not in time for the Sportive Sun week
Spartak
Powered by M&M's
- Location
- Bristolian
Just returned from a family holiday in Sardinia where I managed to fit in some cycling.
Hired a Bianchi from www.bike4more.com a very good company who will deliver & collect to your accommodation for a small fee.
Based in Porto Rotondo in the NE of the island.
Most days some hills were involved with the climbs of Sant Antonio di Gallura, San Pantaleo & Abbiadori being my favourites.
Did over 300 kms & 4000 metres of climbing in the 4 days.
If anyone would like any route info. let me know & I'll post the Strava ride links.
Hired a Bianchi from www.bike4more.com a very good company who will deliver & collect to your accommodation for a small fee.
Based in Porto Rotondo in the NE of the island.
Most days some hills were involved with the climbs of Sant Antonio di Gallura, San Pantaleo & Abbiadori being my favourites.
Did over 300 kms & 4000 metres of climbing in the 4 days.
If anyone would like any route info. let me know & I'll post the Strava ride links.
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Simontm
Veteran
Nice day to do the London bridge challenge so<ahem> Hampton Court-Kew-Hammersmith-Wandsworth-Albert-Vauxhall-Westminster-Blackfriars-Tower Bridge where I stopped for a flapjack and failed miserably to get a decent picture of bike and Tower of London
Annnd: London-Waterloo-Lambeth-Chelsea-Battersea-Putney-Chiswick-Richmond-Kingston then home.
Missed out Southwark purely because I forgot to turn...twice
and didn't do Twickenham because I didn't feel like that race track.
That Embankment superhighway is quite good now - at least at 10 in the morning. Police were nicking someone outside Parliament and all in all drivers were in excellent behaviour which makes a change from my days of commuting to Paddington.
All in all 53 miles and 18 bridges in 3:40 which considering the traffic, especially on the Strand wasn't too bad.
Annnd: London-Waterloo-Lambeth-Chelsea-Battersea-Putney-Chiswick-Richmond-Kingston then home.
Missed out Southwark purely because I forgot to turn...twice
and didn't do Twickenham because I didn't feel like that race track. That Embankment superhighway is quite good now - at least at 10 in the morning. Police were nicking someone outside Parliament and all in all drivers were in excellent behaviour which makes a change from my days of commuting to Paddington.
All in all 53 miles and 18 bridges in 3:40 which considering the traffic, especially on the Strand wasn't too bad.
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
Another little ride out Thursday evening, This is a new one for us, it's chain gang practice, 5 of us went this time but there seems to be a lot of interest from other club members, so looking forward to a bigger group next week. As always the ride ends in the pub.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1038448052
As always the ride ends in the pub.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1038448052
Heltor Chasca
Out-riding the Black Dog
Nothing more significant than the school run today. My Surly Big Dummy hit 1966 miles today. Shouldn't think about that too much.
- Location
- Egham
Up and out early ish this morning, ICE Trice in the back of the van. Free parking at Bishopsgate, so set myself up for a nice ride around Windsor Great Park. I've only done 2 rides on the trike since buying it with a total of 30 miles, and so far avoided roads until the new flag arrived (it has, very nice too) plus I gain some confidence. Started out with a run along the polo club then dropped down Breakheart Hill for a loop around the lake before it got busy with yummy mummies and dog walkers. Nice thing about the recumbent trike is I can stop and take photos in a very hassle free manner, I don't even have to get up! The boathouse.
Once round to Saville Gardens I found the path closed, so took to the road to get back to Bishopsgate. A good few cars along the 1 mile or so stretch, loads of room given by all so that was me more comfy. Back into the park and I set about doing a few random laps, figuring I'd get my 17 mile target done. At 22 miles I was thinking about a metric half, amazing how the miles just ticked along, I was enjoying myself
Came across a horse, so slowed down as I approached from behind as I've read they don't like recumbents. No issues with this one, calm as you like. Same horse, 30 minutes later as I approached from the front got spooked, so I stopped while he settled down. Had a chat with the lady rider who reckons it was the new flag flapping about..
Finally, a tree
Back to the van on 31.5 miles, and I'd done a few bits of road outside the park too. Great mornings riding.
Any thoughts of an easy afternoon were quashed as I've just finished laying 15 square metres of turf..
Once round to Saville Gardens I found the path closed, so took to the road to get back to Bishopsgate. A good few cars along the 1 mile or so stretch, loads of room given by all so that was me more comfy. Back into the park and I set about doing a few random laps, figuring I'd get my 17 mile target done. At 22 miles I was thinking about a metric half, amazing how the miles just ticked along, I was enjoying myself
Came across a horse, so slowed down as I approached from behind as I've read they don't like recumbents. No issues with this one, calm as you like. Same horse, 30 minutes later as I approached from the front got spooked, so I stopped while he settled down. Had a chat with the lady rider who reckons it was the new flag flapping about..
Finally, a tree
Back to the van on 31.5 miles, and I'd done a few bits of road outside the park too. Great mornings riding.
Any thoughts of an easy afternoon were quashed as I've just finished laying 15 square metres of turf..
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Out after work for a short ride. Warm, mostly sunny but blowing a ruddy hoolie yet again! It was at its worst from the West, but seemed also to be a headwind in whatever direction I was travelling in 
Negotiated the horrid A458/A5 junction, then out through Betton and onto the lovely quiet lanes to Berrington, Cound and Cound Moor.
Turned towards Acton Burnell and then through Pitchford, Cantlop and home.
I was serenaded near to home by the sound of a Bugle playing The Last Post, in the distance!!
16.5 miles at 13.2 mph avg
Negotiated the horrid A458/A5 junction, then out through Betton and onto the lovely quiet lanes to Berrington, Cound and Cound Moor.
Turned towards Acton Burnell and then through Pitchford, Cantlop and home.
I was serenaded near to home by the sound of a Bugle playing The Last Post, in the distance!!
16.5 miles at 13.2 mph avg
Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
Once I rode home from work we loaded up the tandem with tent, sleeping bags, mats etc and rode to Pidley, a bit north of St Ives. The busway was resplendent with a myriad of wildflowers.
We were scalped by several commuters, but we passed a couple of people. They must have been slow.
From St Ives I didn't enjoy the ride one bit. People were driving like dickheads.
Tent up, and a beer drank. Lovely.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1039736244
We were scalped by several commuters, but we passed a couple of people. They must have been slow.
From St Ives I didn't enjoy the ride one bit. People were driving like dickheads.
Tent up, and a beer drank. Lovely.
https://www.strava.com/activities/1039736244
