Shearwater Missile
Veteran
- Location
- Stowmarket
Your ride today....
- Thread starter gbb
- Start date
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- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
A couple to mention.
Sunday, 8th: A dry day with even a bit of sunshine at last. I was a bit slow getting up (there may have been wine involved the evening before) but I got out after having an early lunch and thought I'd have a go at a longer route; an orbit of Shrewsbury, which I haven't done for a while.
Setting out, my speedometer didn't want to work initially. I must have knocked the sensor when cleaning the bike the previous day. That took a moment to fix and I was on my way again, taking the road up Lyth Hill as I wasn't sure whether a set of temporary lights that had been on the main road were still there.
From Condover I had a decent tailwind that would be helping for a good chunk of the ride. A pause was taken near Berrington Hall to do another very small tweak of the saddle. I remembered that I'd adjusted the angle of the saddle back in the autumn, which would account for the height being not quite right and it's probably me having lost fitness that is making it show up now.
The river is out on the flood plain at Atcham, which always looks impressive. It's not threatening any property flooding though at the moment. The tailwind was good to Upton Magna and helped me feel pretty good up the climb across the edge of Haughmond Hill. The next climb at Ebury Hill felt pretty good as well.
After Hadnall the lane to Plex is getting really bad with the road surface just crumbling away. I hope that it will get resurfaced in the not too distant future, but I'm not holding my breath. Again, the climb to Harmer Hill went well and I enjoyed an easy cruise through the village with what I knew would be the last of the tailwind for this trip.
After this the hills didn't feel as easy and I wasn't able to scoot along as briskly on the flat. It was still fairly pleasant riding though. The approach to Yeaton gives some good views towards the hills of Wales, which were partially obscured by rain. I hoped that wouldn't be coming my way at all - I had put a waterproof into my bag just in case.
I was a bit slower on the way to Montford Bridge; partly having to work against the wind but mostly because this is the longest ride I've done since early December. The climb over to Bicton was hard work but there wasn't much in the way of traffic this time which made it a bit more pleasant. That did make me think it would be good to stay on this road as it's the shortest way back but I found it was a bit too exposed to the wind to be enjoyable so I turned off onto Shepherd's Lane and took the longer way back via the new estate at Bowbrook. I did briefly think about extending the ride again a little bit by going through Nobold but that was a no go as the road is closed, so I ended up going past the school into Meole Brace.
36.2 miles from my speedometer at 12.8 mph average. Strava claims more than a mile extra with 1563 feet of climbing. It usually reads a bit more than my speedo but not that much so I did a bit more adjustment to the wheel sensor and the magnet after the ride to make sure it's counting properly.
Snapshots from my phone this time so not the best quality:
The two bridges at Atcham.
Plenty of water on the flood plain.
A pause for a drink at Harmer Hill.
The biggest group of roadside snowdrops that I passed on the ride, near Grafton.
Sunday, 8th: A dry day with even a bit of sunshine at last. I was a bit slow getting up (there may have been wine involved the evening before) but I got out after having an early lunch and thought I'd have a go at a longer route; an orbit of Shrewsbury, which I haven't done for a while.
Setting out, my speedometer didn't want to work initially. I must have knocked the sensor when cleaning the bike the previous day. That took a moment to fix and I was on my way again, taking the road up Lyth Hill as I wasn't sure whether a set of temporary lights that had been on the main road were still there.
From Condover I had a decent tailwind that would be helping for a good chunk of the ride. A pause was taken near Berrington Hall to do another very small tweak of the saddle. I remembered that I'd adjusted the angle of the saddle back in the autumn, which would account for the height being not quite right and it's probably me having lost fitness that is making it show up now.
The river is out on the flood plain at Atcham, which always looks impressive. It's not threatening any property flooding though at the moment. The tailwind was good to Upton Magna and helped me feel pretty good up the climb across the edge of Haughmond Hill. The next climb at Ebury Hill felt pretty good as well.
After Hadnall the lane to Plex is getting really bad with the road surface just crumbling away. I hope that it will get resurfaced in the not too distant future, but I'm not holding my breath. Again, the climb to Harmer Hill went well and I enjoyed an easy cruise through the village with what I knew would be the last of the tailwind for this trip.
After this the hills didn't feel as easy and I wasn't able to scoot along as briskly on the flat. It was still fairly pleasant riding though. The approach to Yeaton gives some good views towards the hills of Wales, which were partially obscured by rain. I hoped that wouldn't be coming my way at all - I had put a waterproof into my bag just in case.
I was a bit slower on the way to Montford Bridge; partly having to work against the wind but mostly because this is the longest ride I've done since early December. The climb over to Bicton was hard work but there wasn't much in the way of traffic this time which made it a bit more pleasant. That did make me think it would be good to stay on this road as it's the shortest way back but I found it was a bit too exposed to the wind to be enjoyable so I turned off onto Shepherd's Lane and took the longer way back via the new estate at Bowbrook. I did briefly think about extending the ride again a little bit by going through Nobold but that was a no go as the road is closed, so I ended up going past the school into Meole Brace.
36.2 miles from my speedometer at 12.8 mph average. Strava claims more than a mile extra with 1563 feet of climbing. It usually reads a bit more than my speedo but not that much so I did a bit more adjustment to the wheel sensor and the magnet after the ride to make sure it's counting properly.
Snapshots from my phone this time so not the best quality:
The two bridges at Atcham.
Plenty of water on the flood plain.
A pause for a drink at Harmer Hill.
The biggest group of roadside snowdrops that I passed on the ride, near Grafton.
- Location
- Shrewsbury, Shropshire
Monday 9th: Feeling fairly good after the ride on Sunday I decided to take a chance on the weather forecast being wrong and the rain moving slower than expected. I fancied some hills and the lanes round the Pulverbatch area are good for having options if I need to cut the ride shorter.
It was another start over Lyth Hill and while climbing up I realised that the wind was coming much more from the east than in the forecast I'd seen, meaning that going round clockwise would probably be the better option this time. Before reaching Condover I was startled by another cyclist overtaking. No response to my greeting and judging by the way they strolled off into the distance, they were on a mission.
From Condover the roads weren't busy but they were pretty muddy - I've undone all my good work cleaning the bike in only 2 rides. When I reached Longnor I found that the road through the village has at least a couple of nasty potholes that weren't there when I last came through.
More mud and quiet lanes through Hollyhurst. I had a small wait for a gap to cross the A49 again, then the proper climbing begins at Dudgeley; sharply undulating initially then a steadier climb up through Walkmills. I found that the legs weren't too bad despite being a bit tired from the previous day. I'd made another small adjustment to the saddle height before setting off and it did seem to be working for this ride. I met a couple of cars at the narrowest possible point before reaching Smethcott but they were good and pulled in to allow me past. With the legs feeling alright I decided I would carry on climbing to Picklescott, which I enjoyed but I was feeling the effort by the time I reached the village.
The descent of Pease Lane was pretty muddy and this is another road that is deteriorating a bit so it needed care. I was flagging on the climb after Wilderley Hall and really ran out of puff on the one into Pulverbatch so decided not to try and get to Oaks this time but took the main road to Longden Common and turned off onto Long Lane, which was into the wind but is downhill in this direction, which evened things out a bit. A final climb to Lyth Hill via Lyth Bank was very much a plod but the sun came out briefly, which lifted my spirits.
After splashing my way along the dirt track on the top of the hill I let a car go ahead of me when I rejoined the tarmac and immediately regretted it as they went quite a bit slower than I wanted to down the hill. The school was coming out so the roads in the village were busy, not helped by a set of four way temporary traffic lights holding things up.
26.4 miles at 11.3 mph average. Strava says 1829 feet of climbing. A pretty good ride and I managed to avoid all but a few spots of rain while I was out.
Again, the photos were all taken on the phone with its dust filled camera (and no way to open it for cleaning).
Caer Caradoc as the backdrop as I cross the railway line at Dudgeley.
The pool part way up the climb to Picklescott has refilled after being drained and extended last summer.
Nice to have some fresh tarmac and the road to myself in Picklescott.
The view from Pease Lane on my way to Wilderley.
At Lyth Hill the sun is trying to break through.
From the same spot looking towards the Wrekin.
It was another start over Lyth Hill and while climbing up I realised that the wind was coming much more from the east than in the forecast I'd seen, meaning that going round clockwise would probably be the better option this time. Before reaching Condover I was startled by another cyclist overtaking. No response to my greeting and judging by the way they strolled off into the distance, they were on a mission.
From Condover the roads weren't busy but they were pretty muddy - I've undone all my good work cleaning the bike in only 2 rides. When I reached Longnor I found that the road through the village has at least a couple of nasty potholes that weren't there when I last came through.
More mud and quiet lanes through Hollyhurst. I had a small wait for a gap to cross the A49 again, then the proper climbing begins at Dudgeley; sharply undulating initially then a steadier climb up through Walkmills. I found that the legs weren't too bad despite being a bit tired from the previous day. I'd made another small adjustment to the saddle height before setting off and it did seem to be working for this ride. I met a couple of cars at the narrowest possible point before reaching Smethcott but they were good and pulled in to allow me past. With the legs feeling alright I decided I would carry on climbing to Picklescott, which I enjoyed but I was feeling the effort by the time I reached the village.
The descent of Pease Lane was pretty muddy and this is another road that is deteriorating a bit so it needed care. I was flagging on the climb after Wilderley Hall and really ran out of puff on the one into Pulverbatch so decided not to try and get to Oaks this time but took the main road to Longden Common and turned off onto Long Lane, which was into the wind but is downhill in this direction, which evened things out a bit. A final climb to Lyth Hill via Lyth Bank was very much a plod but the sun came out briefly, which lifted my spirits.
After splashing my way along the dirt track on the top of the hill I let a car go ahead of me when I rejoined the tarmac and immediately regretted it as they went quite a bit slower than I wanted to down the hill. The school was coming out so the roads in the village were busy, not helped by a set of four way temporary traffic lights holding things up.
26.4 miles at 11.3 mph average. Strava says 1829 feet of climbing. A pretty good ride and I managed to avoid all but a few spots of rain while I was out.
Again, the photos were all taken on the phone with its dust filled camera (and no way to open it for cleaning).
Caer Caradoc as the backdrop as I cross the railway line at Dudgeley.
The pool part way up the climb to Picklescott has refilled after being drained and extended last summer.
Nice to have some fresh tarmac and the road to myself in Picklescott.
The view from Pease Lane on my way to Wilderley.
At Lyth Hill the sun is trying to break through.
From the same spot looking towards the Wrekin.
Well after a week of windy wet weather the sun came out so out came the bike Tavira to Monte Gordo, I let google maps plan the outward route, never again. I don't mind a bit of off road but what it chose was more like mountain biking, I had to jet wash it and by the time I got back on a route I planned myself it was pretty dry and well stuck on.
Shearwater Missile
Veteran
- Location
- Stowmarket
I did`nt get off to a good start. First of all I was in two minds whether to go out or not. Anyway, whilst cycling out of the estate I came up to a junction, no traffic about. Great. To my horror I was hit side on by a lady on an ebike, who came across from my left on a cycle lane. See picture. I was where the red box is and as I came up to the junction was getting to a standstill. I had priority, she should have stopped. End of. The lady apologised and was equally stunned. Luckily, apart from a couple of cuts, a broken front light and handlebars twisted all was OK. Personally I never have liked cycle paths for this very reason. Had she been on the road, we would not have collided.
I continued off on my ride. 18 miles 15.4 average, taking total to 351 for the year to date. A gloomy ride and without my front light too. Just need to true my front wheel now. It had been perfect from new, Shimano RS100. I knew I bought that new spoke spanner for a reason !
I continued off on my ride. 18 miles 15.4 average, taking total to 351 for the year to date. A gloomy ride and without my front light too. Just need to true my front wheel now. It had been perfect from new, Shimano RS100. I knew I bought that new spoke spanner for a reason !
Attachments
A more limp than usual utility run today.
A clear morning gave way to rain as soon as I'd left; culminating in early regret at choosing to soldier on rather than stop and don gloves / overtrousers as by the time I reached the first charity shop my legs were soaked to the skin and my hands numb.
Given the recent flooding I took the road, however the view of the tow path didn't seem bad from the ring road so I chanced it for a stretch and it was fine, barring a bit of spray from the 2-3cm of water still running across the path from the fields into the river.
After warming up a bit while fruitlessly looking for furniture I ventured out again - this time with gloves - although my legs remained a lost cause.
Pestered another charity shop to no avail and so on to the next for a similar result - although by this time thankfully the rain had stopped and my trousers had started to dry out.
With other obligations tonight I called it quits, returning through town for a wrap then back home down the tow path; and while many low-lying areas remain convincingly waterlogged, the waters have receded quite a lot compared to previous days and it turns out I'd already negotiated the worst bit on the earlier leg of the ride.
Toyed with the idea of taking the camera but instead just took my neutered smart phone, which seems to have done a reasonable job.
A clear morning gave way to rain as soon as I'd left; culminating in early regret at choosing to soldier on rather than stop and don gloves / overtrousers as by the time I reached the first charity shop my legs were soaked to the skin and my hands numb.
Given the recent flooding I took the road, however the view of the tow path didn't seem bad from the ring road so I chanced it for a stretch and it was fine, barring a bit of spray from the 2-3cm of water still running across the path from the fields into the river.
After warming up a bit while fruitlessly looking for furniture I ventured out again - this time with gloves - although my legs remained a lost cause.
Pestered another charity shop to no avail and so on to the next for a similar result - although by this time thankfully the rain had stopped and my trousers had started to dry out.
With other obligations tonight I called it quits, returning through town for a wrap then back home down the tow path; and while many low-lying areas remain convincingly waterlogged, the waters have receded quite a lot compared to previous days and it turns out I'd already negotiated the worst bit on the earlier leg of the ride.
Toyed with the idea of taking the camera but instead just took my neutered smart phone, which seems to have done a reasonable job.
sevenfourate
Devotee of OCD
- Location
- Lowestoft, Suffolk
Lowestoft, Suffolk where I live is akin to Antarctica right now. So today I headed for California 😁 🤷♂️
ROUGH sea at Gorleston. The video of the waves I have is outrageous 😳
Over the new Bridge as I entered Gt Yarmouth:
The framework of an old Gas Storage Tower:
Not many punters on the Golden Mile at Gt Yarmouth sea-front 😳
Right through Yarmouth; onto Caister:
And out through Ormesby and on to California sands….
Where I timed my final destination to perfection - arriving at daybreak:
Culminating in a fab shot of a lovely sunrise - on what was a really fabulous stretch of Coastline…….😍
42miles / 67km (Cold toward the end) which I really enjoyed. Despite the very strong headwind all the way out. Which died down and then didn’t help coming home 😂🤦♂️
ROUGH sea at Gorleston. The video of the waves I have is outrageous 😳
Over the new Bridge as I entered Gt Yarmouth:
The framework of an old Gas Storage Tower:
Not many punters on the Golden Mile at Gt Yarmouth sea-front 😳
Right through Yarmouth; onto Caister:
And out through Ormesby and on to California sands….
Where I timed my final destination to perfection - arriving at daybreak:
Culminating in a fab shot of a lovely sunrise - on what was a really fabulous stretch of Coastline…….😍
42miles / 67km (Cold toward the end) which I really enjoyed. Despite the very strong headwind all the way out. Which died down and then didn’t help coming home 😂🤦♂️
Shearwater Missile
Veteran
- Location
- Stowmarket
There is a California in Ipswich too, not exactly a holiday destination. Nice pics and what do they call that blue stuff in the sky, oh it is the sky ! I`d forgotten what the sky looked like without the gloom. Sunny start here in Stow but clouding over now.
sevenfourate
Devotee of OCD
- Location
- Lowestoft, Suffolk
I didn’t know that ! Could be (Train there and ride back ?) another California destination to tick off the list sometime 😉
Have a fab weekend yourself 👍
Donger
A.K.A. Buster Nuvverbike (componentry destroyer)
- Location
- Quedgeley, Glos.
Forgive me Cyclechat, for it has been more than a month since my last confession bike ride. Just haven't been feeling it, what with the freezing cold and the pouring rain so far this year. I have basically been hibernating, with the exception of two qualifying rides for the half century a month challenge.
Apart from a small handfull of other cyclists, a few horse riders and dog walkers and a very few cars I had the quiet country lanes between Gloucester and Arlingham pretty much to myself today. I wrapped up warm (incl double gloves) and took it steady, clocking up 50.8 km (31.6 miles), stopping off for coffee and a sausage roll at the Farmer's Yard Cafe in Arlingham, which is only open at the weekends, but is becoming extremely popular by word of mouth. I gave my pastry scraps to the chickens that were wandering around the tables in the courtyard. One of them actually stood on my foot while it was feeding! Before I left, I gave one of the donkeys a good fussing. I don't imagine thay will be there too much longer now, as they are the working donkeys from the beach at Weston-Super-Mare who have been over-wintering in Arlingham. I guess they will be back at work by Easter.
Just before I arrived home I ran into @jembullo (of this parish) on his new gravel bike and we discussed a couple of adventure rides I have been planning for when the weather improves. It seems like an age since we last rode together. Funnily enough, just yesterday I had breakfast with @Dark46 (formerly of this parish) who was in the area with his truck, delivering a container to a warehouse nearby. Always nice to catch up with old cycling buddies.
Apart from a small handfull of other cyclists, a few horse riders and dog walkers and a very few cars I had the quiet country lanes between Gloucester and Arlingham pretty much to myself today. I wrapped up warm (incl double gloves) and took it steady, clocking up 50.8 km (31.6 miles), stopping off for coffee and a sausage roll at the Farmer's Yard Cafe in Arlingham, which is only open at the weekends, but is becoming extremely popular by word of mouth. I gave my pastry scraps to the chickens that were wandering around the tables in the courtyard. One of them actually stood on my foot while it was feeding! Before I left, I gave one of the donkeys a good fussing. I don't imagine thay will be there too much longer now, as they are the working donkeys from the beach at Weston-Super-Mare who have been over-wintering in Arlingham. I guess they will be back at work by Easter.
Just before I arrived home I ran into @jembullo (of this parish) on his new gravel bike and we discussed a couple of adventure rides I have been planning for when the weather improves. It seems like an age since we last rode together. Funnily enough, just yesterday I had breakfast with @Dark46 (formerly of this parish) who was in the area with his truck, delivering a container to a warehouse nearby. Always nice to catch up with old cycling buddies.
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
I know the feeling - after some relatively healthy winters, I am now suffering a bug-ridden one! I have been ill about half of the time since the end of November.
I haven't done my February '50' yet because I have had a cold since the January one, which was a forum ride.
I hope to get back on my bike soon, though my nose and chest are still a bit congested. I have another forum ride planned. If I am well enough to tackle it next Saturday, all would be good for this challenge, but postponing it to the 28th would mean another last-minute effort so I would try to squeeze a midweek 50 in a few days before, just in case.
Speaking of Weston-super-Mare... Since you are not too far away, if you ever fancied buying a folding bike, this should be of interest!
I have been toying with buying a particular ID9 but have decided that I can't really justify it, so I will give one of you a chance to buy it instead!
On ebay HERE. It is supposedly in very good condition, with 2 new tyres on it, and only £250 B.I.N. or make your best offer. 25 people are currently watching it. The catch is - collection only from Weston-Super-Mare.
I just checked - the bike is still on offer so I reckon the vendor might be willing to sell for £200-225, which would be a real bargain! If you don't want it, tell your local pals to see if any of them do.
Elybazza61
Guru
There is also one here near Ely,well Little Downham in fact;
https://www.google.com/maps/place/C...try=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDIxMS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw==
sevenfourate
Devotee of OCD
- Location
- Lowestoft, Suffolk
Common as muck it seems ! 😂
Shearwater Missile
Veteran
- Location
- Stowmarket
Thanks. Yes you could train there, to Derby Rd Station. The California club is on Foxhall Rd. I used to work that end of town until retirement 2017. I think we could start a new thread with "California here I come " !
Attachments
ColinJ
Puzzle game procrastinator!
- Location
- Todmorden - Yorks/Lancs border
This is a real coincidence!
I was listening to some 60s and 70s pop classics a few days ago, including this one...
I had never really listened to the lyrics before and realised that they were very evocative.
Anyway, that had triggered me off because I had a vague memory of riding somewhere locally, suffering up a steepish climb in my singlespeed gear, and spotting an unexpected 'California'. This has prompted me to track it down. Found it!!
I was listening to some 60s and 70s pop classics a few days ago, including this one...
I had never really listened to the lyrics before and realised that they were very evocative.
Anyway, that had triggered me off because I had a vague memory of riding somewhere locally, suffering up a steepish climb in my singlespeed gear, and spotting an unexpected 'California'. This has prompted me to track it down. Found it!!
