Dave 123
Legendary Member
- Location
- Cambridgeshire alps
@jongooligan sounds like my navigation techniques!. It's a bugger when you use non fast ink, you sweat, and the letters become illegible!
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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- Location
- Manchester
Another scorcher! 64 miles. The flapjack at Jodrell Bank is awesome. Mostly quiet roads. Despite the recent dry spell the fields and hedgerows are green and pretty. I'm glad we went through Tatton on the way out rather than on the way back because it was already really busy.
One ridiculously close pass coming up to the main road from United's training ground. I used my cross voice to tell them off when we caught up with them at the lights a few seconds later. We met some of my friends from another group coming back the other way as we were heading for Irlam locks, which was lovely.
Only spoilt by sore feet as mentioned in another thread.
One ridiculously close pass coming up to the main road from United's training ground. I used my cross voice to tell them off when we caught up with them at the lights a few seconds later. We met some of my friends from another group coming back the other way as we were heading for Irlam locks, which was lovely.
Only spoilt by sore feet as mentioned in another thread.
Reynard
Guru
- Location
- Cambridgeshire, UK
Most of this past week involved a fair bit of walking and no cycling - but I did manage to treat myself to a swanky (for me) new jersey and pair of shorts. Well, they're capris actually, but hey, they're still shorter than tights... 
My other two pairs of shorts and I don't get on (chafing and sore hands among other complaints
) so I had a good excuse to dip into my birthday money.
Yesterday tea time I found the time to go for a ride to try out the new shorts for the first time. Wasn't feeling too chipper as I haven't been sleeping so well of late, hence sticking to an 11 mile pootle in and around Littleport. Felt like hard work, but it did me good to get out as always. New shorts seem to be just the ticket as well.
My other two pairs of shorts and I don't get on (chafing and sore hands among other complaints
) so I had a good excuse to dip into my birthday money.Yesterday tea time I found the time to go for a ride to try out the new shorts for the first time. Wasn't feeling too chipper as I haven't been sleeping so well of late, hence sticking to an 11 mile pootle in and around Littleport. Felt like hard work, but it did me good to get out as always. New shorts seem to be just the ticket as well.
jongooligan
Legendary Member
- Location
- Behind bars
My other two pairs of shorts and I don't get on (chafing and sore hands among other complaints
New shorts seem to be just the ticket as well.
Got to ask - how do your shorts make your hands sore? Intrigued.
Glad the new ones are working though.
A weekend of riding to report Part 1 . Me and a few Leicester ccers had been wanting to do the Forums York to Humber Bridge and return ride when the dates were announced only 2 of us could make .The logistics of getting to York for the start time where proving difficult and driving up was looking the only option . @Supersuperleeds then came up with the bonkers idea of riding up and staying over me being me completely agreed with the mad plan 
.Then the issue of luggage needed to be sorted after looking at bike packing luggage I discovered my sister was of work and was going somewhere for the weekend . This somewhere became York at my suggestion so luggage sorted but my suggestion of them following us like a team car was thrown out 
. So Friday morning out the door at 4.55 to meet @Supersuperleeds a mile from home he was there waiting so the adventure began . @Supersuperleeds had done the route planning basically a straight northerly line up 130 miles for @Supersuperleeds and 125 for me . Wind direction northerly 
this might be tough ! .Up the wreake valley and up the only big climb at Saxileby hill and out to Newark . Newark was getting busy but a few cyclepaths got us through ok .Having crossed the Trent we found ourselves on a dead straight road straight into a block headwind taking turns on the front we dragged ourselves along a welcome turn at the end turn the wind into a cross headwind the relief onto to Gainsborough and at 70 miles for me the welcome garden centre cafe for a full English breakfast 
. On through Goole not the most scenic of towns . More lovely countryside a quick stop for chocolate and flapjack at the 100 mile mark on a park bench ,I forget where .Onto Dunnington just outside York where we were staying found B+B checked phone sister and brother in-law waiting in cafe down the road . Family located nice coffee .Then to B+B check in lovely rooms quick showers and a wonder to local pub for evening meal back to digs and in bed by 9.30 not exactly rock and roll life style. 128 miles for me 134 for @Supersuperleeds at 16.2 mph ( not the 18mph as reported on another thread I wish ).to be continued
.Then the issue of luggage needed to be sorted after looking at bike packing luggage I discovered my sister was of work and was going somewhere for the weekend . This somewhere became York at my suggestion so luggage sorted but my suggestion of them following us like a team car was thrown out . So Friday morning out the door at 4.55 to meet @Supersuperleeds a mile from home he was there waiting so the adventure began . @Supersuperleeds had done the route planning basically a straight northerly line up 130 miles for @Supersuperleeds and 125 for me . Wind direction northerly this might be tough ! .Up the wreake valley and up the only big climb at Saxileby hill and out to Newark . Newark was getting busy but a few cyclepaths got us through ok .Having crossed the Trent we found ourselves on a dead straight road straight into a block headwind taking turns on the front we dragged ourselves along a welcome turn at the end turn the wind into a cross headwind the relief onto to Gainsborough and at 70 miles for me the welcome garden centre cafe for a full English breakfast . On through Goole not the most scenic of towns . More lovely countryside a quick stop for chocolate and flapjack at the 100 mile mark on a park bench ,I forget where .Onto Dunnington just outside York where we were staying found B+B checked phone sister and brother in-law waiting in cafe down the road . Family located nice coffee .Then to B+B check in lovely rooms quick showers and a wonder to local pub for evening meal back to digs and in bed by 9.30 not exactly rock and roll life style. 128 miles for me 134 for @Supersuperleeds at 16.2 mph ( not the 18mph as reported on another thread I wish ).to be continued
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Part 2 . Breakfast booked for 8 start time for forum ride 9 half an hour away so a quick breakfast consumed and into York which has some nice cycle lanes so safely navigated to the station . Found @Oldfentiger waiting @Moodyman made his introductions then @ColinJ came old the station a few minutes later @Pale Rider was there . We waiting till 9 just in case anyone else turned up . We wound are way out of York on some lovely cycle paths around the back of the racecourse . Then on to quiet roads were we could ride side by side chatting away . The pace for me was very relaxed and I was finding hard to relax my pace enough @Supersuperleeds found it easier to ride slowly . Through some lovely countryside to Howden for the first break where @EasyPeez was meeting at the coop . Bit of confusion as there's 2 coops 
a couple of texts and the group swells by 1 . Riding towards the bridge now and @Soltydog intercepted us riding towards us and then U turning and joining the group . @ColinJ had added a bit of climbing compared to other years . One steep one tested @ColinJ on his single speed with big gearing but we all made it up . Finally the bridge appears in sight and on we go . Stunning views from the bridge we stopped half way for a photo opp . Then all the way over to the cafe and some lovely refreshments . Now the return leg back over the bridge . A bit more climbing 1 long drag @Supersuperleeds went for it and I had to let him go 
It was a long long climb . Regroup at the top a few miles later I found myself off the front on another climb turned right and nobody behind me .I knew I was on route so I waited just began to think about heading back when I spotted some off the group coming . It's turns @Soltydog and @EasyPeez had turned for home due to timing issues ( sorry I didn't say goodbye guys ) . A nice quick descent pay back for the climbing and now it's flat to York . Through Stamford Bridge didn't spot the football ground . Back into York via somemore cycle paths and were done . Lovely ride in great company enjoyed it . Apologies if I pushed the pace on at times 
. At this point I had completed my first back to back imperial tons when @Supersuperleeds stated we only needs to find 9 extra miles to do another 200 Kms shall we ? . It would be rude not to . After saying our goodbyes we headed back to Dunnington on an extended route via local shop to grab some supplies . 124.8 miles for me @Supersuperleeds managed to stretch the ride to 126 . Had a lovely evening sitting outside having coffee and having a bit of picnic with big Sister in the evening sun 
. Finally settled down to watch the cycling on the telly before turning in rock and roll lifestyle to be continued
. Through some lovely countryside to Howden for the first break where @EasyPeez was meeting at the coop . Bit of confusion as there's 2 coops a couple of texts and the group swells by 1 . Riding towards the bridge now and @Soltydog intercepted us riding towards us and then U turning and joining the group . @ColinJ had added a bit of climbing compared to other years . One steep one tested @ColinJ on his single speed with big gearing but we all made it up . Finally the bridge appears in sight and on we go . Stunning views from the bridge we stopped half way for a photo opp . Then all the way over to the cafe and some lovely refreshments . Now the return leg back over the bridge . A bit more climbing 1 long drag @Supersuperleeds went for it and I had to let him go It was a long long climb . Regroup at the top a few miles later I found myself off the front on another climb turned right and nobody behind me .I knew I was on route so I waited just began to think about heading back when I spotted some off the group coming . It's turns @Soltydog and @EasyPeez had turned for home due to timing issues ( sorry I didn't say goodbye guys ) . A nice quick descent pay back for the climbing and now it's flat to York . Through Stamford Bridge didn't spot the football ground . Back into York via somemore cycle paths and were done . Lovely ride in great company enjoyed it . Apologies if I pushed the pace on at times . At this point I had completed my first back to back imperial tons when @Supersuperleeds stated we only needs to find 9 extra miles to do another 200 Kms shall we ? . It would be rude not to . After saying our goodbyes we headed back to Dunnington on an extended route via local shop to grab some supplies . 124.8 miles for me @Supersuperleeds managed to stretch the ride to 126 . Had a lovely evening sitting outside having coffee and having a bit of picnic with big Sister in the evening sun . Finally settled down to watch the cycling on the telly before turning in rock and roll lifestyle to be continued
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Supersuperleeds
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
Part 2 . Breakfast booked for 8 start time for forum ride 9 half an hour away so a quick breakfast consumed and into York which has some nice cycle lanes so safely navigated to the station . Found @Oldfentiger waiting @Moodyman made his introductions then @ColinJ came old the station a few minutes later @Pale Rider was there . We waiting till 9 just in case anyone else turned up . We wound are way out of York on some lovely cycle paths around the back of the racecourse . Then on to quiet roads were we could ride side by side chatting away . The pace for me was very relaxed and I was finding hard to relax my pace enough @Supersuperleeds found it easier to ride slowly
I find it easy to ride slower than I can as I spend so much time riding with you
For all that can't understand the Leicesterite musings of @13 rider, I'll hopefully put up my views of the weekend later, obviously it will make out that I am much more awesome than I really am
This was yesterday's ride, but had a busy weekend, so here goes it now.
I have been increasing the length of my rides gradually, with the aim of reaching a metric half before the end of the summer. Today I went for a combination of the Kempsey/Croome and Drakes Broughton/Spetchley loops with a couple of additions. Ended up being my longest ride so far, with a bit of adventure thrown in.
Started at just past seven, down the A38 through Kempsey, then Kerswell Green and on to Croome. After Croome I had to take the usual radio telescope photo, this time from the railway bridge in Rebecca Road.
This is a small brother of the one in @Katherine's photo up thread.
Then on to Besford. Down the dip before Besford Estate I started hearing a rattle at the back, which upon inspection turned out to be the mudguard bracket which was a bit loose. With that fixed carried on towards Besford Bridge, across Rebecca Road and to Drakes Broughton.
In Drakes Broughton I took Walcott Lane towards Pinvin. This was a new one for me. Just before Pinvin there is a ford, which is deeper than I expected, so used the footbridge.
Then left past the train station, across the A44 at the traffic lights and on towards Upton Snodsbury. This is a well surfaced road, quiet and fairly flat, so some good progress was made.
I wanted to avoid the Stratford Road, so took a left into a lane that would take me across the Peopleton Road and to Sneachill according to Google Maps. This is where the adventure began.
After a mile or so the tarmac gave way to a rutted, potholed track, but dry and solid, so rideable in my bike with a bit of care. The tarmac returned for a bit, and then I reached the Peopleton Road, across which the lane I was in continued, this was the turn I had missed last week.
From there on the lane got progressively worse, until I had to dismount and walk the bike down to another ford. The water was again too deep, so had to use the pedestrian bridge, which was just wide enough for my handlebars.
To the other side the pedestrian path is overgrown, and really difficult to negotiate with the bike catching in the grass. It was beautiful, though, with lots of bumblebees and dragonflies about.
I managed to make it back to the lane without damage to the bike and only a couple of nettle stings to myself. The lane surface was still too difficult for me in here, so walked the bike for a mile or so until the ground firmed up. I was concerned for my cheap slick tyres, but they survived the ordeal. I think next time I will use the main road.
Finally the surface became tarmac again, and rode on through Sneachill to the A44. When cresting the railway bridge in Spetchley I could see another cyclist a little ahead. I caught up with him after the entrance to the gardens, and had a bit of a chat. He was taking it easy, and by this time I needed to be getting home, so I pressed ahead.
Final stretch was through County Hall, down Red Hill towards home.
In all 27.2 miles, 750 feet of up at 13.5mph in almost exactly two hours. Legs didn't feel too bad, but I think I will need a few more of these before going for the metric half.
I have been increasing the length of my rides gradually, with the aim of reaching a metric half before the end of the summer. Today I went for a combination of the Kempsey/Croome and Drakes Broughton/Spetchley loops with a couple of additions. Ended up being my longest ride so far, with a bit of adventure thrown in.
Started at just past seven, down the A38 through Kempsey, then Kerswell Green and on to Croome. After Croome I had to take the usual radio telescope photo, this time from the railway bridge in Rebecca Road.
This is a small brother of the one in @Katherine's photo up thread.
Then on to Besford. Down the dip before Besford Estate I started hearing a rattle at the back, which upon inspection turned out to be the mudguard bracket which was a bit loose. With that fixed carried on towards Besford Bridge, across Rebecca Road and to Drakes Broughton.
In Drakes Broughton I took Walcott Lane towards Pinvin. This was a new one for me. Just before Pinvin there is a ford, which is deeper than I expected, so used the footbridge.
Then left past the train station, across the A44 at the traffic lights and on towards Upton Snodsbury. This is a well surfaced road, quiet and fairly flat, so some good progress was made.
I wanted to avoid the Stratford Road, so took a left into a lane that would take me across the Peopleton Road and to Sneachill according to Google Maps. This is where the adventure began.
After a mile or so the tarmac gave way to a rutted, potholed track, but dry and solid, so rideable in my bike with a bit of care. The tarmac returned for a bit, and then I reached the Peopleton Road, across which the lane I was in continued, this was the turn I had missed last week.
From there on the lane got progressively worse, until I had to dismount and walk the bike down to another ford. The water was again too deep, so had to use the pedestrian bridge, which was just wide enough for my handlebars.
To the other side the pedestrian path is overgrown, and really difficult to negotiate with the bike catching in the grass. It was beautiful, though, with lots of bumblebees and dragonflies about.
I managed to make it back to the lane without damage to the bike and only a couple of nettle stings to myself. The lane surface was still too difficult for me in here, so walked the bike for a mile or so until the ground firmed up. I was concerned for my cheap slick tyres, but they survived the ordeal. I think next time I will use the main road.
Finally the surface became tarmac again, and rode on through Sneachill to the A44. When cresting the railway bridge in Spetchley I could see another cyclist a little ahead. I caught up with him after the entrance to the gardens, and had a bit of a chat. He was taking it easy, and by this time I needed to be getting home, so I pressed ahead.
Final stretch was through County Hall, down Red Hill towards home.
In all 27.2 miles, 750 feet of up at 13.5mph in almost exactly two hours. Legs didn't feel too bad, but I think I will need a few more of these before going for the metric half.
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Andrew Br
Still part of the team !
- Location
- Chorlton Cum Hardy
- Location
- Egham
After yesterdays imperial ton I decided the saddle on the Van Nic may be worth changing, so this morning fitted a slightly wider Specialized Romin which is comfy on the RT-58. Since the weather was so nice, and my backside needed a break, I got the Trice off the wall and went for a recumbent spin. Actually worked out very well as the legs get worked differently, so no ill effects from the miles done on Sunday.
More roads than normal, still building my confidence on this machine and taking the slowly slowly approach. I did discover today that on the flat, in the right gear, I can get the trike to 20mph very quickly with little effort. Keeping it there is a different story
A pause for a photo at Chertsey Bridge, this one came out better than I expected
15.3 miles in glorious sunshine
More roads than normal, still building my confidence on this machine and taking the slowly slowly approach. I did discover today that on the flat, in the right gear, I can get the trike to 20mph very quickly with little effort. Keeping it there is a different story
A pause for a photo at Chertsey Bridge, this one came out better than I expected
15.3 miles in glorious sunshine
Part 3 heading Home . @Supersuperleeds chief navigator had plotted a return to Market Rason train station for us to catch the train to Loughborough some 69 miles from York . This was decided up so he could grab some more velo viewer squares . We had 5.5 hours to make the train if we left at 9 if we didn't make the train we had a 2 hour wait or another 20 miles to Lincoln we had plenty of time but had too allow for any delays. Breakfast at 8 bit more relaxed today . Loaded luggage into sisters car said our goodbyes and on the road at 8.45 so we could have a fairly relaxed ride and make the train. The first hour we covered 17.8 miles 
. We ended up following parts of Fridays and Saturdays route but we took the cyclespath alongside the main road back to the bridge . Over the bridge again to discover the Humber bridge sportive was on the next 10 miles we were constantly acknowledging riders coming the other way . Nice to see plenty of young kids doing the ride with their families . After 2 hour we had a quick break and with 34 miles in the bag we could relax now .More lovely countryside heading to the Lincolnshire Wolds . We head 1 long climb to do just before the climb I stopped for a call of nature break when over 100 Harley Davidsons went by . Onto the climb I started steady it was a nice steady gradient then @Supersuperleeds went on the front and we were doing 20mph up hill and average speed is going up 
. I would have gone by and done a turn but he was too quick then he tried the oh look at that trick . As I looked at a Motocross race he accelerated and I lost his wheel The climb just went on about 5 miles but we are greeted by a stunning you over the flatlands of Lincolnshire . Finally some descending and into cafe stop another garden centre just outside Market Rason . After a relaxed coffee and cake break we knew we had plenty of time . So we rode straight through Market Rason checking out the station on route ride another 3 miles then turn round to up the distance to 75miles . A call at Tesco for supplies then then on to the station short wait and train rolls in . Then from Loughborough another 11 miles to home to finish off the weekend . Home with 339 miles done probablly 350 for @Supersuperleeds all in all an epic weekend . Thanks to @ColinJ for organising the ride that triggered the weekend and thanks I think to @Supersuperleeds for coming up with the bonkers plan and definite thanks for dragging me along in parts I seem to have spent too long looking at your bum 
.And we didn't get wet 
. Thanks if you managed to read all my ramblings
. We ended up following parts of Fridays and Saturdays route but we took the cyclespath alongside the main road back to the bridge . Over the bridge again to discover the Humber bridge sportive was on the next 10 miles we were constantly acknowledging riders coming the other way . Nice to see plenty of young kids doing the ride with their families . After 2 hour we had a quick break and with 34 miles in the bag we could relax now .More lovely countryside heading to the Lincolnshire Wolds . We head 1 long climb to do just before the climb I stopped for a call of nature break when over 100 Harley Davidsons went by . Onto the climb I started steady it was a nice steady gradient then @Supersuperleeds went on the front and we were doing 20mph up hill and average speed is going up . I would have gone by and done a turn but he was too quick then he tried the oh look at that trick . As I looked at a Motocross race he accelerated and I lost his wheel The climb just went on about 5 miles but we are greeted by a stunning you over the flatlands of Lincolnshire . Finally some descending and into cafe stop another garden centre just outside Market Rason . After a relaxed coffee and cake break we knew we had plenty of time . So we rode straight through Market Rason checking out the station on route ride another 3 miles then turn round to up the distance to 75miles . A call at Tesco for supplies then then on to the station short wait and train rolls in . Then from Loughborough another 11 miles to home to finish off the weekend . Home with 339 miles done probablly 350 for @Supersuperleeds all in all an epic weekend . Thanks to @ColinJ for organising the ride that triggered the weekend and thanks I think to @Supersuperleeds for coming up with the bonkers plan and definite thanks for dragging me along in parts I seem to have spent too long looking at your bum .And we didn't get wet . Thanks if you managed to read all my ramblings
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- Location
- Egham
Part 3 heading Home . @Supersuperleeds chief navigator had plotted a return to Market Rason train station for us to catch the train to Loughborough some 69 miles from York . This was decided up so he could grab some more velo viewer squares . We had 5.5 hours to make the train if we left at 9 if we didn't make the train we had a 2 hour wait or another 20 miles to Lincoln we had plenty of time but had too allow for any delays. Breakfast at 8 bit more relaxed today . Loaded luggage into sisters car said our goodbyes and on the road at 8.45 so we could have a fairly relaxed ride and make the train. The first hour we covered 17.8 miles
We're not worthy, we're not worthy!!
PatrickPending
Legendary Member
- Location
- Leicester
My ride yesterday -
111Km - Blaby - Countesthorpe - Wiloughby Waterlys - Ashby Parva - Leire - Frolesworth - Claybrooke Parva - Monks Kirby - Withybrooke - Shilton - Ansty- Brinklow - back to Monks Kirby and around again via Brinklow - anotherloop around Monks Kirby - Claybroke Magna - Ullesthorpe - Gilmorton - Walcote - Walton - Bruntingthorpe - Petling Parva - Countesthrpe - Blaby
set off later than usual - 1pm but roads weren't too busy - went past the Apple maps car 4 times so if you see a cyclist on the road to Brinklow (twice) or arounf Monks Kirby on a Ti bike with a backpack it may be me....actually I think they're following me as they went past me as I walked into Ilam in the Peak District on Thursday following a walk to Throwley Hall.
Lovely day's ride.
111Km - Blaby - Countesthorpe - Wiloughby Waterlys - Ashby Parva - Leire - Frolesworth - Claybrooke Parva - Monks Kirby - Withybrooke - Shilton - Ansty- Brinklow - back to Monks Kirby and around again via Brinklow - anotherloop around Monks Kirby - Claybroke Magna - Ullesthorpe - Gilmorton - Walcote - Walton - Bruntingthorpe - Petling Parva - Countesthrpe - Blaby
set off later than usual - 1pm but roads weren't too busy - went past the Apple maps car 4 times so if you see a cyclist on the road to Brinklow (twice) or arounf Monks Kirby on a Ti bike with a backpack it may be me....actually I think they're following me as they went past me as I walked into Ilam in the Peak District on Thursday following a walk to Throwley Hall.
Lovely day's ride.
- Location
- Manchester
Yes, it was great to see you yesterday Katherine
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
That was my reaction too!
I egged @13 rider and @Supersuperleeds on to get their '200s' in as we were leaving them on Saturday evening. I was on 175 km when @Oldfentiger dropped me off back in Todmorden so it only seemed right to ...
... not even contemplate doing the extra 25 km that I needed for my 200! I went over to the local takeaway and picked up a 12 inch pizza instead and went home to scoff it while catching up on the cycling from France.
