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Topic - A biking what did you do at the weekend thread
I'd fancied this route http://www.ukhillwalking.com/logbook/r/?i=163 for a while so on Friday we basically did it in reverse but starting from Garsdale and finishing at Gargrave so pulled in Mastiles Lane and Weets Top rather than the section leading over Sulber Nick to Wharfe & Feizor.
Some shots here: http://bobwightman.co.uk/bike/slideshow.php?s=pennine-bridleway .
Despite what the route card mentions, I think it's better N-S as the climbs are generally shorter and you get long downhills. We were about 6hrs steady riding time plus cake stops. The riding is generally easy technically, strong legs and good lungs being more useful.
Anyone else manage some good rides?
Bob Hughes - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Looks like you had a lovely day out, Bob.
andy - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Glorious 50 miles over Attermire and Stainforth to Pen y Ghent on Friday, brutal(ish) chaingang Saturday, York and back the flat way Sunday, pootle up Wharfedale yesterday. 230 miles in the four days.
lee birtwistle - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Non - had the squits due to an over ripe salami sarnie.
Your ride sounds delightful. Oh well maybe this weekend.
In reply to andy:
Rode past Stuart C at Gargrave - he'd been to Bollywood Cottage for a meal I think.
Still undecided whether to join your brother's club ride next Sat.
In reply to Bob:
80 miles in the sun on Friday. Sheffield to Matlock and back via Curbar, Beeley Moor, Slack Hill, Riber Road, Bank Road and Rowsley Bar. Shattered by the end, nearly had a little cry when I took a wrong turn in Totley and ended up climbing a hill which turned out to be a dead end. More moral fortitude required.
70 miles in the sun (and the wind) yesterday around the North York Moors, including Rosedale Chimney, Blakey Bank and Carlton Bank.
Over 4km of uphill. My legs are glad of the rest today...
In reply to victim of mathematics:
> 70 miles in the sun (and the wind) yesterday around the North York Moors, including Rosedale Chimney, Blakey Bank and Carlton Bank.
Cripes. +1 kudos for doing those. Only every ridden up Rosedale Chimney on a MTB (we used to live close by and my road bike was oldie style - 54/42 with a 12-20 six speed block!)
psaunders - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Friday: did 110k from Palma down the coast, then up the Puig de Randa, down via Santa Eugenia
Saturday: feeling a bit tired, went over to cafe at Port Adriano, 60k
Sunday: Went up into the Tramuntana mountains, did a route with two moderate climbs and a nice descent from the village of Galilea, 75k
Monday: Back into the mountains, did the Coll de Soller, then climbed up along the coast to Deia, Valdemossa and over the next col to Esporles, 80k.
Total of 325km and about 4000m of ascent. Very pleased with that.
In reply to Bob:
To be fair, Rosedale wasn't as bad as I was expecting. Although I did get a bit of a shock when the angle eased after the really steep bit and I tried to sit down only for my front wheel to start lifting. I think it was still about 20%, but it just seemed flat after what had come before!
Enty - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
By eck - I miss the Dales. Neverthless a decent weekend down here.
50km warm up ride around Buis les Baronnies with guests on Saturday
Mont Ventoux from Bedoin Sunday - snowing on top.
Tour du Ventoux yesterday, 110km round the foot of the mountain.
Professor Bunsen - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to victim of mathematics:
Mrs PB's in laws live on the northern edge of the moors. We did 105km out around Northallerton then down to Thirsk before heading northeast up to the moors. Had an unplanned assault on Boltby Bank, as we didn't know the terrain there very well, which was brutal, gradients must have been >25% in places. Took to walking about 2/3rds of the way up. I think I might have made it with a triple chain set but the on the double there was no way. Then the rollercoaster ride along the moors to Osmotherly, up past the reservoir before the descent into Swainby and a short run home. About 1400m of ascent, most of it in the final 35km. Great riding in the moors though.
In reply to victim of mathematics:
I know what you mean. I used to drive over it to work - the small earth bank on the left (presumably to stop people driving off the edge) is just enough to stop the sun hitting the road during the winter months. Park Rash (just outside Kettlewell) is similar - you do the steep bit then it "eases off" to about 18% for the next 400m! Legs were definitely burning after that :-)
In reply to Enty:
Quite early for Ventoux to be open isn't it?
Enty - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
North side still officially closed, dirty but rideable with care. Bedoin side been rideable for about a month but barriers officially raised this week.
Having said that there's fresh snow up there this morning.
nniff - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Hill avoidance route around the Surrey Hills on Sunday - the weather being rubbish seemed sufficient justification to cycle past most of the slippery steepnesses.
Picked up a waif and stray along the way, who did his fair share on the front.
Won the town line sprint for a change, having decided that I would only do my fair share of labour instead of towing everybody to within 50m of the line as I usually do. Somehow not as satisfying as busting a gut trying to drop them all, but an awful lot less painful.
In reply to Bob:
> Park Rash (just outside Kettlewell) is similar - you do the steep bit then it "eases off" to about 18% for the next 400m! Legs were definitely burning after that :-)
I did Park Rash a few weeks ago in foul weather. On the approach I persuaded myself that only the first ramp looked steep and that it eased as soon as you turned left. I was very unhappy indeed when I reached the first bend to discover those 2 horrendous little bends before it 'eases'. At least I had a bit of a tailwind to help make up for the rain.
In reply to Bob:
43 miles on the roads around Bradfield, trying out the new road bike on Friday (plus a nice lunch at the Strines), and a couple of shorter MTB runs around Wyming Brook and then Blacka yesterday.
In all cases it's wonderful how much good riding there is so close to Sheffield
Still not sure about this road biking lark, but at least the roads around Bradfield are quieter than the Peak. But with the MTB on Blacka you get the technical challenge as well as everything else.
Kimono - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
did my longest and toughest ride to date here in the Dominican Republic:
9 hours off-road riding, nearly 2500mts ascent and the temperature up to 39.5C in the sun at one point :)
In reply to Bob:
An 8 hour thing of mighty foulness in the lovely sunny Lake District on Saturday which left my shoulders aching from the amount of carrying involved, and the Borrowdale Bash of loveliness on Sunday. With such nice weather, who's complaining?
In reply to Chris the Tall:
I ought to do more MTB in the Peak, only really done Cut Gate, some bits around Hayfield and the Pennine Bridleway (long day - rear shock blew - got as far as Mossley http://www.peakdistrictcycleways.co.uk/cycle-route.php?route=PBW1 ). Oh, done Jacob's Ladder as well - needed one dab/portage at the drops near the top
Post edited at 16:36
lost1977 - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
had a nice session at herne hill velodrome on Saturday, first time i've been for ages
shantaram - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Did a fantastic 3 day off road circuit in the Cairngorms. Kingussie - Tomintoul via Rothiemurchus forest and Ryvoan pass, Tomintoul - Braemar via Glen Avon, Braemar - Blair Atholl via Glen Tilt. Unfortunately wasn't able to do the 4th day Blair Atholl to Kingussie to complete the loop as my other half had other commitments. Trails were bone dry and dusty, and it was wall to wall sunshine the whole trip. Frosty mornings turned into warm afternoons. Even saw an adder. River levels were manageable and was only ankle/knee deep for any river crossings. Mountain biking doesn't get any better than this.
40 miles on the road around L'enfer du nord Cheshire Good Friday (hear the Cheshire Plains roar!). Quick 20 miles looking for what hills we have Saturday. Then some bouldering Saturday evening and a decent run Sunday. Happy enough with that.
In reply to shantaram:
Puts jealous face on :-)
How much hike-a-bike was there? I'm assuming this is the standard Cairngorms circuit that's in the Wild Trails book? We've done the lower part of Glen Tilt on the Beinn a Ghlo circuit (well worth doing - shots here http://bobwightman.co.uk/bike/slideshow.php?s=glentilt ) and have fancied doing more.
In reply to Bob:
> Oh, done Jacob's Ladder as well - needed one dab/portage at the drops near the top
Is that one dab coming down - not bad, but could do better - or one dab going up - in which case you are a god !
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Down - I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to steps/drop-offs. Usual case of lots of walkers and dogs running round so ... (my excuse and I'm sticking to it!)
shantaram - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Yep, that's the one. The Tour of Cairngorms in the Wild Trails guide book. The only section that wasn't bikeable was a small section on the stunning single track trail in the early reaches of Glen Tilt. The best quality biking was on the Kingussie to Tomintoul section.
climbingpixie - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to psaunders:
Mallorca is amazing, isn't it? Was out a couple of weeks ago and loved it. The climb up to the Col de Soller might be the best thing I've ever ridden!
I did 85 miles on Friday. Keswick to Ulverston via Honister, Newlands, Whinlatter, Hardknott and Wrynose. Was so nice to be out on such a gorgeous day! Sunday was a 45 mile loop from Ulverston. Did Wrynose from the east then down the Duddon valley, Kiln Bank, Grizebeck and home over the Kirkby Moor. Yesterday I was feeling battered so just did a 7.5 mile leg stretcher. Fab weekend!
In reply to Bob:
To be fair that steep bit at the top is very intimidating at the best of times, add walkers and dogs to the equation and it's especially so.
But it's good reason to get back there and do it clean, it's one of the best descents in the peak
psaunders - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to climbingpixie:
Yep, absolutely incredible. I need to go again soon! I found the climbs a lot easier than I was expecting, I guess they're never as steep as UK hills. I found the north coast road from Soller to Valldemossa was probably the best road I've ever ridden. Every sweeping corner reveals another staggering view. The coastal headwind wasn't that welcome, mind you!
LastBoyScout on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
85 enjoyable miles around Oxfordshire on Saturday, spoilt only by some arse on Oxford ring road who saw fit to cut me up, pull over to give me a load of abuse for not using a cycle track I didn't know about (apparently behind a hedge on the other side of the ring road) and then cut me up again for good measure.
Post edited at 18:02
In reply to climbingpixie:
Same area as me! I meandered my way up the Honister on the hardtail on Saturday.
hedgepig - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Watched track racing Good Friday afternoon at Olympic velodrome - not quite the same atmosphere as at Herne HIll, and the weather was vengefully fine. Sunday and Monday I did shortish early-morning rides before the 4x4s came out in the Kent lanes. Happy to discover that Sunday's ride, (Ide hill both ways in the rain plus other bits and pieces) totted up to 1800 feet of ascent. Monday there were cuckoos in the woods on the North Downs and cake at Westerham. And another 1500 feet of up.
In reply to hedgepig:
1800ft pah! Last night's ride round Widdop had 2000' in 6 miles.
Just waiting for someone to mention that their ride had 5000ft in 2 miles...
hedgepig - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Was it raining?
rule 9
In reply to hedgepig:
A little bit.
(really honest)
Actually I applied rule #5, got to the top of Gorple Gate and the weather relented in the face of such a manly onslaught. :-)
In reply to Bob:
> 1800ft pah! Last night's ride round Widdop had 2000' in 6 miles.
Good effort! Just back from some hill reps and only managed 1200' in 6.5 miles.
In reply to SteveRi:
Slight exaggeration - it was 564 metres (1850ft), the only bit of flat was going across Widdop dam! If you are on Strava - http://app.strava.com/activities/132728874
In reply to Bob:
Heck the internet's for exaggeration! Rode up there a couple of weeks ago on inappropriate bikes http://www.strava.com/activities/125144638 Just lovely.
In reply to Bob:
5226 feet of climbing in 17 miles if that's any good to you. That was my Saturday.
andy - on 22 Apr 2014
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
> 5226 feet of climbing in 17 miles if that's any good to you. That was my Saturday.
Really? Were you doing laps on Honister? There's 'only' 12500' of climbing in the Fred!
caradoc - on 23 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Over the Long Mynd using the newly surfaced track to the summit. What was a footpath has become a minor road and an ugly scar on the landscape in the interests of 'access'.
aligibb - on 23 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Having swapped the alps for Leicestershire to see the family for easter I managed 20 miles Friday, Sat and Sun. a ride with each brother and one with my dad. Good family times. Also not bad seeing as I tore cartilage in my knee 2 weeks ago.
aldo56 - on 23 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Innerleithen red XC run followed by a run down Make or Brake on my hardtail. Extremely good fun!
AlisonSmiles - on 23 Apr 2014
In reply to andy:
This thingy - http://www.strava.com/activities/132351020
Pids - on 23 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Wee cycle with the family on Fri am, left them at a beach then headed along the road to Duror and cycled through to Ballachullish (did the detour to James of the Glen Bothy) and then back on the cycle path to Kentallen to meet up with them again
Sunday morning was a cheeky 30 mile road ride to stretch the legs
The sun makes a huge difference to enjoyment levels
andy - on 23 Apr 2014
In reply to AlisonSmiles: Ah - didn't realise it was off road - was wondering how you managed to do 8 ascents of Honister back to back...
In reply to Bob:
I'll be the first to resurrect this for this weekend:
1 hour crit round a cycle track in the rain. 100 Cat4 riders started and there were 5 riders from my club, we stayed well back from the mess that unfolded and finished low down the order. No idea where I actually finished but glad I wasn't part of the inevitable ten rider crash on lap 15 and that my bike and collar bone are still intact
VS4b - on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to woolsack:
150 mile 6000ft of hills ride that was supposed to be a 200. Was good fun but we just ran out of time.
In reply to woolsack:
I've had a cold, wet and windy ride in the Dales. Regretted not wearing my overshoes today! 66 miles and 6300ft of climb, starting and finishing at Kilnsey.
FWIW - if anyone's interested both Kilnsey and Malham are looking pretty dry!
In reply to woolsack:
Moderately epic last properly long ride before the Fred. 105 miles, 12,500' climbing including the brilliant road up (and down) Great Dun Fell. Film from yesterday:�https://vimeo.com/93076689
Post edited at 20:53
The Norris - on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to woolsack:
I've been slacking on the bike this year and havent been out at all, and have my first sportive next weekend (wiggle warrior in the wye valley), so did 40 miles saturday (2400ft ascent) over to marple, glossop, new mills; then 50 miles today (about 3500ft ascent up cat and fiddle and goyt valley etc.
I'm buggered!
Alun - on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to woolsack:
My brother was out here (Barcelona) visiting as part of our training for the Etape Eryri we are doing in June. On Thursday we did 125km and 2800m of ascent, including one 'HC' climb, which was nice for my bro as it was the first time he had ever ridden up (and down!) a proper mountain.
Then friday an easier 76km ride with 1500m of climbing.
My bro introduced me to Strava while he was here, and I can see why it's so popular. I had a crack at getting a decent time on a short climb, and managed to get top 100 (out of 600+) which I was pleased with for a first effort. Interestingly, had I managed it in 10 seconds less (out of 6ish minutes) I would have got top 50. Motivation to go back!!
In reply to andy:
Great Dunn Fell looks pretty awesome. I've somehow not gotten round to riding it yet, despite going out twice with the intention of doing it.
I'm going to get in some last minute Lakes training next weekend with the hope that it might make the Fred slightly less painful but I fear it might be too late by now...
In reply to andy:
P.S. just watched your video - you definitely picked a much better day to be out than I did. The clag was so thick I could only see about 20 yards in front of me on the Coal Road today!
Orgsm on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
A 303km / 188 mile audax on Saturday. First of this length this season. Got my 400km / 252 mile audax next month.
In reply to climbingpixie:
> P.S. just watched your video - you definitely picked a much better day to be out than I did. The clag was so thick I could only see about 20 yards in front of me on the Coal Road today!
It got better as the day went on - Barbondale was breathtaking.
VS4b - on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to Orgsm:
Which one did you do? I was on the camb 300
In reply to andy:
What is that filmed on Andy to get the power/heartrate and road speed on the screen?
In reply to woolsack:
Garmin Virb (which has a GPS. etc built in) although you can use Garmin's free Virb Edit software and add your own GPS track to any video, but it's a bit fiddly getting them synced.
victim of mathematics - on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Spent Saturday building up a new bike. Took it out for a hilly 60 mile spin this morning. It rides beautifully, although I was missing the granny ring on the big hills...
Quite tempted to give Great Dun Fell a go next weekend, looks ace :)
In reply to victim of mathematics:
> Spent Saturday building up a new bike. Took it out for a hilly 60 mile spin this morning. It rides beautifully, although I was missing the granny ring on the big hills...
> Quite tempted to give Great Dun Fell a go next weekend, looks ace :)
There's a sportive up it next weekend, I think (4 May).
In reply to andy:
Your Stages PM behaving yet or still running it's batteries down?
Nice video btw, big day out
Post edited at 22:03
In reply to woolsack: bizarrely both have started working perfectly.
I do hope I didn't have a batch of dodgy batteries! Don't think so as they were from two lots, but it's weird that both bikes now seem fine.
In reply to andy:
Funny you say about batteries, one of the guys in the club has a Power2Max which has been faultless until he recently changed batteries and then a week or so after his has been playing up. They recommend a particular make 'Renata' for that and he wonders whether there are some clones swilling around on Ebay.
I ended up getting a Power2max with Rotor cranks and osymmetric rings secondhand which I am so far pleased with.
Maybe a Stages for my race bike though?
sleavesley on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Gran Fondo Conwy. Brutal headwind on the easy flatish sections followed by climbs.
Kimono - on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
just back from a 136km, 2300mts ascent 7 hour ride�cold beer in hand :)
Tom the tall on 27 Apr 2014
More Fred prep here- 50 miles over 4 keswick area passes yesterday, mountain biking tonight. Only hoping to survive the FW, but feel ok about it at the moment..... (Famous last words)
Orgsm on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to VS4b:
> Which one did you do? I was on the camb 300
Green and Yellow. Starts at midnight after a curry. Don't eat too much curry!
biped - on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Not strictly the weekend but through the week did the Applecross loop clockwise and a circuit of Inchnadamph-Laxford Bridge-Lairg-Oykel Bridge and back to Inchnadamph.
Scourie to Lairg was all into a stiff wind, bloody hard work for that distance. Magic roads to cycle though.
Bloodfire - on 27 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Took the lad out mountain biking at Cannock Chase. He was actually quite good. Doesn't surprise me.... he's my son after all!
Bob on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to woolsack:
Steady 100Km social ride up Wharfedale to Buckden on Saturday. Had an interruption when one of our group came a cropper after hitting a pot hole hidden by a puddle, fortunately a passing motorist had some wipes and a dressing.
Sunday we hit lucky and went down to Hebden Bridge and did a few hours mountain biking in the sunshine though it was a little windy, the trails were all dry. Coming back over Cock Hill we headed in to rain, it also looked rather dark up in the Dales.
Jon Jones - on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
spent the weekend at Antur Stiniog
then rode my 200mm downhill bike up Moel y Ci. It was a bit of an effort!
Pids - on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
94 mile ride, door to door, down to Arran, round and back - 3 pints in Brodick before the ferry back as well, great day
First time ridden that distance, hopefully be fine in my first sportive this Sat, 100 miles at Drumlanrig
SteveRi - on 28 Apr 2014
A mighty 8 miles and 1100', never got more than a mile from home. Not a bad use of half an hour before dark :)
nniff - on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
40 miles around the Surrey Hills in a group of nine. Cycling through the bluebell woods, with twinkling streams and sunlight through the trees . It had been raining so everything was sparkling - smiles all round.
AlisonSmiles - on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Took my new cross bike out on Saturday on a route including "real" off road as opposed to tow paths. Learned with skinny tyres and no suspension picking a line is more important going downhill and going uphill, lifting the front wheel takes on more importance. 65K, 1400m climbing in the Peak District.
Sunday went out with a group of mates who declared themselves slow but kicked my arse. 26K on the MTB out of Hayfield.
jethro kiernan - on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to sleavesley:
Conway grand fondo, was going to do the mawr 166k but chained snapped at the start line :-( so by the time I faffed with that opted for the Canol which to be honest was a nice distance. Great day out
Si Withington - on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Rode the Lakeland Loop, 70 miles & 7000 odd foot of ascent over Red Bank, Dunmail, Whinlatter, Cold Fell, Hardknott, Wrynose & Blea Tarn. Feeling it today!
Hat Dude on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Tour of Pembrokeshire 108 mile route with my daughter - Bit of a disaster, wind was vicious, then we got involved helping with a nasty crash. A woman shot past us, out of control, on the descent to Newport; nearly took us both out, then crashed into another guy at the next bend leaving them spread over the road. Helped out as best we could phoning the ambulance then going back up the road to warn following riders whilst others looked after the casualties.
We carried on after the ambulance arrived and the road was clear but we'd lost a load of time and our hearts just weren't in it anymore and when I then punctured 10 miles later we decided to pack it in at the next timing station.
Great advert for helmets btw as the woman's was smashed in bits but by the time the ambulance arrived she was actually back on her feet and didn't seem too badly hurt; the guy she hit definitely came off worst whereas she was lucky she hit him otherwise she'd have gone into a wall at 30mph
Mike Redmayne - on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Attempt to recreate the Fred Whitton in the Surrey Hills on Sunday, last big day before the main event. 112 miles, 10,300 ft climbing. Some heavy rain to add to the realism. My bike now looks like I'd been mountain biking.
ox - on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
Bwlch Groes from Dinas Mawddy
earlsdonwhu - on 28 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
65 miles in the Midlands. The highlight was falling in to a river. Well, riding carefully through a ford on a minor road I obviously hit a hidden pothole and slumped sideways into the murky depths... of about 6 inches. Fortunately, noone around to laugh and no injury.
Richard Carter - on 29 Apr 2014
In reply to Bob:
I had an easy 40km ride :)
Sadly it was preceded by a 10km run and followed by a 5km run :(
Bob on 05 May 2014
In reply to Richard Carter:
This weekend's highlight was the Bowderdale circuit in the Howgills. A brilliant section of singletrack. A bit of a brute of a climb to get to it though. Some shots here - http://bobwightman.co.uk/bike/slideshow.php?s=bowderdale
andy - on 05 May 2014
In reply to Bob: Ilkley CC Chaingang Saturday with ride down and back gave me 50 miles, with a brisk 23mph average for the middle 30 miles. Then a ride to Waddington for lunch and back yesterday was 50 miles. Then a different ride to Waddington for lunch today (including Nick o Pendle - love that climb) for another 50 miles.
woolsack - on 05 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
10 mile TT Friday evening and a 25 mile TT yesterday with a start time of 0643. Plenty of frost on the ground and bitterly cold first three miles down the ski slope start. 6 seconds faster than three weeks ago over the same course despite the cold air so must be getting better.
In reply to Bob:
75k accross Anglesey with a bit of an impromtu chain gang for the middle section, speed picking up after those winter miles :-/. Missed out on the Dyfi Enduro which a few mates did over the weekend
In reply to Bob:
Playing on my new road bike. A quick tour of the worst 5 hills that West Sheffield has to offer on Friday. Then 50 miles in the peak yesterday including Winnats, Monsal head and Curbar Gap.
Was feeling really good about beating my mates on all the climbs until I uploaded to Strava!
Lord of Starkness - on 06 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Rode the Lancashire Lanes Sportive in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care along with 16 other members of Southport CC. Nominally 75 miles but Strava said almost 79 miles with over 3000 ft of climbing. Thanks to the Liverpool Mercury CC for organising a great event.
Tim Chappell - on 06 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
This weekend I took my mountain bike to Rum, and my friend Bill and I rode from Kinloch to the Mausoleum in Harris. We camped there and did the ridge from Ruinsival to Hallval. We got a soaking, so we rode back to Kinloch the next morning and dried out in the village hall until Ginty fixed up beds for us in a B & B... thanks Normski :-)
Then we rode to Kilmory and back as an evening jaunt. And yesterday morning we walked up Barkeval, then caught the ferry back to Britain via Eigg.
Rum is amazing!
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Ha ha! I loaded my times on to Strava and wondered why I'd got such a poor time on the climb up to Winder - I'd stopped at the trig point waiting for my wife but the segment (http://www.strava.com/segments/1197291) finished five metres away at the summit cairn! It's a beast of a climb - steep grass.
AlisonSmiles - on 06 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
After caning myself for the last couple of weeks to try to catch up with the kilometre commitment I made for the Strava Specialised Challenge (1266km in 40 days), I did my final 45km ride on the cross bike on peak district canals on Saturday and never wanted to see the bike again. My fella, however, had other ideas and we headed for Machynlleth for the Dyfi endure he rode on Sunday. Took my bike, went out on the mountain roads of Mach for a gentle potter. Monday left the bike wheelless and neglected in a corner.
IMA - on 06 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Saturday was lovely 70 odd mile into Cheshire with a friend just to catch up, kept it easy with just the one climb and then a a lot of descent. with a lovely cafe stop at Walk Mill (great cake btw)
Monday was supposed to be a recovery/hangover spin but then we bumped into another club member and it turned into a 55 mile effort with far too much headwind. I felt horrible but it felt good at the end :)
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Sunday was spent trying out demo bikes - looking for a new hardtail and was undecided between 650b and 29er having never ridden either wheel size. Can't say that I can tell much difference between 26" and 650b so it's going to be the 29er.
SteveRi - on 06 May 2014
90 minutes Sunday loosening up after a toughish fell race Sat. Still got a (downhill!) Strava cup. Not that I car about such things ;-)
climbingpixie - on 06 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Saturday - 83 mile loop from Ulverston to Ambleside, up The Struggle and north to the A66. Spun along there for a while until turned off at Threlkeld and made my way down to Grasmere. Red Bank, Langdale and finished up with the Blea Tarn road (amazing climb btw - beautiful and undulating, and not so hard you can't enjoy it) before heading home.
Yesterday - brutal 57 miles over the Kirkby Moor, Kiln Bank, Birker Fell, Hardknott (not clean, had to stop and rest a couple of times), Wrynose and home to Ulverston via Woodland.
In total 140 miles and not far off 16,000ft of ascent. Legs feel knackered today!!
In reply to Bob:
On Saturday night I had dinner with Eros Poli.
In reply to Bob:
A good choice - if I could only have one bike it would be a 29er hardtail - go anywhere, do anything !
As for Strava - they definitely need signs up saying "Strava segment starts/ends here" (and here, and here...)
In reply to Enty:
In reply to Chris the Tall:
> Playing on my new road bike. A quick tour of the worst 5 hills that West Sheffield has to offer on Friday.
Which ones? There's plenty to choose from!
Jenkin Road, Blake Street, Hagg Hill, Lodge Lane, Rivelin Road, Blake Street, Conduit Hill, Langsett Avenue...
In reply to Bob:
Felt like death on a stick on Saturday, but perked up enough on Sunday to drive over to the Roaches and put in 70-odd miles over Gun Hill, Mow Cop (not nearly as bad as I was expecting), Swiss Hill in Alderley Edge (cobbles are hard work!), Pym Chair and Axe Edge. Officially resting now before the Fred next weekend. Eek.
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Don't care. My all time cycling hero ;-)
Hat Dude on 06 May 2014
In reply to Enty:
> On Saturday night I had dinner with Eros Poli.
I remember him winning a stage over Ventoux in the TdF; what year was that?
In reply to victim of mathematics:
> Which ones? There's plenty to choose from!
> Blake Street, Hagg Hill, Lodge Lane
Plus Highcliffe Road (High Storrs) and Hunter House Road. Oddly enough the latter wasn't as steep as I always thought it was
Was pretty pleased when Strava showed me third best on Blake Street, but closer examination shows its 3rd from 3, and one of those odd duplicate segments which miss out most riders, and I'm a long way off the best
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Ooh, not actually ridden up either of those. Will add them to my ever increasing list. I reckon Rivelin Road/Cliffe Road/Rangeley Road is a bit of an underappreciated gem/total bastard if you're into that sort of thing :)
There's some pretty fast hill climbers around these parts, so you have to be going some to get a (comparatively) decent time!
TobyA on 06 May 2014 - lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com
In reply to Bob:
Bad cold plus being hit by this year's hay fever so I went to a peninsular a bit SW of Helsinki figuring with the southwesterlies there wouldn't be so much pollen in air plus I would miss the rain and sleet that was inland. I found some pretty fun technical mountainbiking - it's pretty rough http://youtu.be/u7zNLIRlyyg so I only did about 20 kms in all and probably could have walked the distance in not much more time! But good to get out.
In reply to victim of mathematics:
> Ooh, not actually ridden up either of those. Will add them to my ever increasing list. I reckon Rivelin Road/Cliffe Road/Rangeley Road is a bit of an underappreciated gem/total bastard if you're into that sort of thing :)
Came down that way and suffered that horrible feeling of knowing you are wasting all that hard-won altitude too quickly ! Not to mention a slight issue with the left-hander and an on-coming car....
In reply to Chris the Tall:
It's beginning to look like a Cotic Solaris for me - a very nice frame. It wasn't one of the demo bikes (they were both Oranges) but had a quick play on one and it felt nice. Only problem I have with 29ers is the standover height, it's a little close for comfort for me :-)
In reply to Hat Dude:
> I remember him winning a stage over Ventoux in the TdF; what year was that?
In reply to Hat Dude:
> I remember him winning a stage over Ventoux in the TdF; what year was that?
In reply to Enty:
inspiring article.
In reply to jethro kiernan:
One for the big guys! Love it!
In reply to Enty:
Going to keep that in mind next time I am grinding up the Pass :-)
Hat Dude on 06 May 2014
In reply to Hat Dude:
Brings a tear to my eye that. How cool is he when he chucks his cap into the crowd?
AlisonSmiles - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Got the road bike out this weekend for a sportive thingumywotsit with the Keswick Mountain Festival. Imagine, a road ride in the Lakes which doesn't take in any of the big passes. Just a little bit magical. Imagine, riding in the sunshine in a short sleeved jersey too. They said it could never happen ...
I've got so used to the cross bike now that I really missed the disc brakes and the slightly wider handlebars. Took me ages to remember how to stay in control out of saddle climbing and ages to re-adjust to brakes which take a bit more forethought. I have got lazy.
LastBoyScout on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Built my new road bike. Haven't ridden it, as needs a few finishing touches.
ChrisBrooke - on 19 May 2014
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Did the Tour of the Peak on Sunday morning (after a great day climbing at Millstone on Saturday). A great weekend overall. I'm not much of a cyclist so just did the 'short' 60 mile version. Was an enjoyable event and I managed a clean ride up Winnats Pass, unlike many, which made me feel good about my otherwise very average performance :) Great weather, though a bit breezy up by the Cat and Fiddle on the home leg. I was hoping to climb in the afternoon but felt a bit exercised/sunshined out. I gained a great deal of respect for the folks that did the long route (110 miles) in not much longer than I did the 60! Impressive.
Guy - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Llandegla red on Friday in beautiful weather
Near Barmouth on Saturday in beautiful weather
Snowdon Ranger path Sunday AM early in a howling gale but at least it was dry.
elsewhere on 19 May 2014
Just cycling around town but the new pedals are lovely!
Much smoother and the annoying click has gone.
Tightened up seatpost/frame clamp and bolt that clamps saddle rails to seatpost but something still creaks :-(
Post edited at 15:32
Hat Dude on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Etape du Dales
For the second sportive in a row I had to pull out, this year seems cursed!
Riding through Dentdale, something started to go wrong with my right eye, it began to get really painful and the vision started to get really blurred. By the time I got to Ribblehead it was like looking through frosted glass and painful to keep open; I got as far as Stainforth by when it was agony and I pulled out. They called the medics on the radio and they thought I'd better go and get checked out as it could be a detached retina so I ended up in an ambulance to Airedale Hospital where they found I just had a bad scratch on my eyeball.Fortunately it's much better today.
Many thanks to my friends who sorted out picking me up from the Hospital, sorted out getting my bike back and then drove me to my daughter's in Sheffield; also to the marshals and St John's Ambulance who helped me.
Post edited at 15:39
Liam M - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob: A rather small turnout to the club ride, but still had a pleasant pootle over to Settle and back.
jethro kiernan - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Snowdonia Slateman Triathlon yesterday so 54k bookmarked by a swim and run, next week Festiniog 360 round the welsh mountains hopefully short sleeved tops and sunshine.
Henry Iddon - on 19 May 2014
In reply to jethro kiernan:
How did it go Jethro ? The zig zag climbed looked grim ! I was shooting it for 220 - they're doing a feature on the event for the next issue.
jethro kiernan - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Henry Iddon:
It was grim, I managed to "run" all the way up last year but cracked this year and walked ran, makes a surprising difference to your time :-(
Guy - on 19 May 2014
In reply to jethro kiernan:
As we cycled back from doing the Rangers path we looked across at you poor folks running those zigzags and felt much happier about carrying a 30+lb bike up Snowdon in 50+mph winds!
btw is there a clean up team that sweeps the roads after the event? The number of discarded gel wrappers was a disgrace.
nniff - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Drills at Cyclopark at Gravesend. Not exciting, but it does mean that everyone on a club ride has the same expectations and that people are more predictable/better trained. It does make for a rather stupid Strava scribble though
In reply to Bob:
After a week of feeling awful with hay fever and flu by saturday I was feeling a bit better so spent the afternoon cleaning and servicing my road bike and did a little 30 km circuit on it in the evening to check everything was running smoothly.
That evening I was looking at Strava and saw the Gran Fondo challenge to ride 130 kms, so Sunday decided to give it a go. I did a loop west of Helsinki, sort of picking the route from map as I went getting as far as a town called Lohja which when you drive through feels a respectable distance from Helsinki, so I was quite pleased to make it there. Then I just had to cycle home again! All in I had done 141 kms according to my bike computer or 139.6 according to Strava - not too shoddy. Not super fast, but its my first proper ride on the road bike this year. Managed to get slightly sunburnt which is always a novelty for Finland!
Strava now tells me I "won" the right to buy a special cycling jersey for my achievement - mine for just a very reasonable 109 USD!?!?
Double Knee Bar - on 19 May 2014
Completed the Skratch Labs challenge on Strava. 16hrs in 8 (7, i missed the first) days. Thought it sounded a total doddle when i signed up, but i felt quite fatigued over last couple of days.
Looking forward to a nice rest tonight.
Double Knee Bar - on 19 May 2014
In reply to TobyA:
You forgot the $20 shipping fee.
In reply to Double Knee Bar:
:-) I didn't even look that far then!
AlisonSmiles - on 19 May 2014
In reply to TobyA:
Hehehe. I did the Spring Classics Challenge, and mostly based my decision on the fact that it was one of those challenges where you got to opt to buy a T-shirt rather than a jersey. Made it a lot more affordable 1266km later ...
I confess I have still never ever done a 130km ride to this day ... next weekend maybe.
woolsack - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
I got within 2 seconds of my 10 mile TT PB on Friday night so I was quite pleased with that. Another year older and all that
victim of mathematics - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Went out for a little 60km pootle in the sun on Sunday morning. Legs still felt heavy post-Fred, but it was a glorious day for it. Managed to ride up Highcliffe Road at the end, which went on for a bit longer than I was expecting, but I survived. Next mission is to work out how to get a bit faster on the flat - try harder maybe?
The New NickB - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Had my new bike built up on Friday, so despite a bad hay fever / chest infection going on, I did 40 miles on it on Saturday morning to test set up before ordering saddle and a couple of other adjustments.
Bike was great, engine was fine with lots of overtaking, until I got on Cragg Vale, which I coughed and struggled all the way up.
Alun - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Last week I registered for the Andorra "Volta als Ports", a very hilly sportive in the principality, in July:
It has over 3300m of climbing over 113km. I'd love to be able to make the Silver time of 5hr30.
As a little fitness trial, on Sunday I did 100km up and down and up and down again on my 'local' mountain, Montseny http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montseny_Massif , with a total of 3800m of climbing. So slightly less distance but more height gain than the Andorra sportive.
It took me 4h30m of riding time, which on paper puts me in good stead for the silver time in Andorra. But I had to stop for a sandwich after 3hrs (I absolutely had to, I was starving), so there's still some work to be done. I'm excited though!
GrahamD - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
We had a really nice Sportive to the Norfolk coast and back on Sunday. First hundred miler for the brother in law, my third and only the second for Mrs D
First time ever I've got through two drinks bottles between feed stations and only the second time this year setting out with only T shirt and shorts.
VS4b - on 19 May 2014
In reply to GrahamD:
75 miles and 5000ft riding a charity ride on bits of the day one Tdf route. Was hard work but I got round in 6 hours inc stops so could have been worse.
climbingpixie - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
I did a lovely sunny 40 something miles around the Dales. It was wonderful to be out with friends in nice weather, and to be riding by choice instead of 'training'. I'd almost forgotten that I actually love riding my bike!
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
I'm (very) far from a super athlete and it was OK - I've ridden further on my own and on sportives in the past so knew I could do it fine, so it was just case of getting out and getting on with it. The nice weather makes doing it a lot easier. Go for it next weekend! Just plug along and I'm sure you'll do fine. I did stop once to eat my sandwiches which seemed a bit too tricky to unwrap whilst riding; then once when I finally found an open shop for an ice cream and a ltr of choccy milk (yum yum), then once more for a pee behind a bus stop, but after that the bench looked to inviting to not sit on for a couple of minutes and take my shoes off! Make sure you have lots of nibbles - I went through two sarnies, two bananas, two cereal bars, one energy gel and two litre bottle of water, which I refilled at about 90 kms so ended up drinking about 3.5 ltrs of water + the ltr of choccy milk; but then I'm a sweaty git when it gets warm!
Post edited at 19:39
andymac - on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Sat night 40 miles
Sunday night 32 miles
Tonight 32 miles.
Chocolate.lots of.yum
gethin_allen on 19 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
I'm working up to things as I'm new to proper road riding as opposed to riding a bike on the road just to get somewhere. I managed 55.3 miles with some pretty big hills and a combined ascent of 4400 ish feet, with most of the climbing concentrated on 4 drags of about a mile each. I also managed to cultivate some shocking sock tan lines. Annoyingly I got a massive bit of wire through the side of my back tyre on the way home so had to swap a tube and patch the tyre so the tube didn't bulge alarmingly out of the side.
jethro kiernan - on 20 May 2014
In reply to Guy:
There is a clean up team, but gel wrappers seem to be the bane of these type of events
andy - on 20 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Etape du Dales. Aggregate time for Fred and EdD pleasingly under 15hrs, ride time just a few seconds over 14hrs (did we really stop for an hour??). Brilliant week's riding. But now for a few shorter, less epic Sundays...
TobyA on 20 May 2014 - lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com
In reply to jethro kiernan:
I would never knowingly drop litter but I have found things like empty small plastic bags can get lost from jersey pockets worryingly easily. For me I have to remember not to put them in pockets with anything I take out reasonably regularly, so map, phone (for maps if paper one isn't detailed enough) or ipod.
One solution to gel wrappers offered here the other day was to shove them up the leg of your shorts, although Enty at least seemed to think that was perverted.
What do people think about banana skins? In Finland there roadside ditches full of murky water are the norm (for snow to be ploughed into in winter) and I'm happy to chuck them there to biodegrade out of of sight) but don't know if I would do so in the UK where they are more likely to hang around looking like litter.
jethro kiernan - on 20 May 2014
In reply to TobyA:
a large number were accidental drops ( the give away was the fact that many were unopened) I have had accidental fumbles whilst out on the bike in the past, I did actualy do the shove the empty gel wrapper up the trisuit leg and it does do the job, wont be doing it with my cycling shorts though :-0
AlisonSmiles - on 20 May 2014
In reply to jethro kiernan:
I remember reading a report after the Dyfi Enduro which was scandalised because they found 20 wrappers (yes, mostly gels) on the route the next day. 1000 riders and just 20 wrappers didn't seem to suggest this was a massive attitude problem, more likely a mix of yes, a few with poor attitude but also those accidental fluttering off of packagings too. I hate it when I get home, check my pockets (I always try to get wrappers into zipped up pockets) and discover that I ate four bars but can only account for three wrappers. Doh. Cycling jerseys should have more zipped compartments!
Guy - on 20 May 2014
In reply to jethro kiernan:
Good to know but you are right there seems to be a few who think they are "pro" and can just chuck their wrappers anywhere.
Good effort on your tri btw!
Guy - on 20 May 2014
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Same as you on the dropping wrappers issue. I had one blow away from me but there was no way I was going to chase it across 5 lanes of traffic to catch it. Accidents happen but in events I would like to see time penalties added for deliberately discarding wrappers.
There are specific bins on the Col du Telegraph which are angled for cyclists to throw their rubbish in. Brilliant idea.
Jim Braid - on 20 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
On Saturday the GTM King of the Mountains Sportive 100km. Start and finish at Grampian Transport Museum Alford. There's also a 25 mile and 100 mile version. All organised by Deeside Thistle CC. As you might expect from the name it is a bit hilly and goes through some lovely country on Donside and Deeside.
Thought there may have been others from UKC on it and a bit surprised that no one else has mentioned it so far.
Well worth doing.
woolsack - on 20 May 2014
In reply to TobyA:
> One solution to gel wrappers offered here the other day was to shove them up the leg of your shorts, although Enty at least seemed to think that was perverted.
Maybe because the residue from empty gel wrappers leaves an unfortunate stain on dark lycra when it dries :)
manumartin - on 20 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
sunday - col de la ramaz - col d'encrenaz - avoriaz then home via st jean d'aulps, la vernaz, valle du brevon and col de jambaz. 2800 mts ascent - 110km. Lovely trip. Saw just 5 bikes , where was everyone?
All cols clear but joux plane still shut as is the descent via montriond from avoriaz which is still snowed up at the top.
Post edited at 19:44
Richard Carter - on 21 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Did 130miles around Yorkshire last Sunday, the weather has been AMAZING :-)
Guy - on 21 May 2014
In reply to manumartin:
Love the Encrenaz even though it was snowing down to 100m above the col when I did it.
In reply to Bob:
Hmm, this threads going well :-)
Well this coming weekend I get my new bike - a Cotic Solaris hardtail - so it looks like a bit of MTB action coming up! Just got to pay the rest of the money :-(
In reply to Bob:
I took a minute and twenty seconds off of my 10 mile TT PB last night. Need to keep a note of exactly what fuel I put in the tank yesterday, pasties and bananas featured. Quite a lot of other riders did PB's so some good air last night
In reply to woolsack:
Eighty seconds is a lot - unless your previous time was poor of course There's a local 10 mile TT tonight, was marshalling last week so might have a go tonight. PB on this course is 26:50
In reply to Bob:
Down to 22.41 and I never imagined I'd be down sub 23 minutes for a long time yet. It was won with 21.19
Different course tonight so I'll be pleased to go sub 24. Heavy rain is forecast but there maybe a window of opportunity
In reply to woolsack:
Good times those.
I might have a go tonight: I was two minutes quicker (moving time only, from 47mins to 45) on my commute this morning despite it being in to a headwind. Dream of sub 25, be pleased with sub 26.
In reply to Bob:
Missed my sub 24 by two seconds! Crappy night, rain had stopped by my start time but wet roads and a headwind back. PB on this course by 45 seconds though so not unhappy
In reply to woolsack:
Tough luck. I was 42 seconds down. I lost a minute in the first 3miles, 1m40 by the turn and picked up a minute by the end. Ah well, there's always next time.
Howardw1968 - on 21 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
I did 20.4 over two days with my 6 year old daughter full report here
In reply to Bob:
It might not have been on the weekend, but did our first ride up the Col de Joux Plane yesterday... met the snowplough coming down with chains on on our way up in over 25deg heat!
manumartin - on 22 May 2014
In reply to aligibb:
Cool, is it clear from both sides, morzine and samoens?
I did ramaz from tanninges yesterday evening. it was incredibly windy on top at 8 pm!!
I will do joux plane on saturday morning, then head over to vacheresse as there is a cute little climb from there up to ubine.
In reply to manumartin:
Ubine and Refuge de Bise are on my to dos for next week! Yes theres about 1m of snow to cross on the descent to Morzine, that's all. that's a pretty big loop over to ubine and back, I have Sat pencilled for a ride too so may see you there.
manumartin - on 24 May 2014
In reply to aligibb:
Great ride today. Onnion, samoens, joux plane, morzine, col du corbier, vacheresse, refuge du bise, col du grand taillet, la forclaz, la vernaz, col du jambaz, onnion. 150km, 3400mts climbing!
Post edited at 20:58
Bob on 24 May 2014
In reply to manumartin:
Got a new hardtail MTB today - a Cotic Solaris. Very nice even if the weather round Swaledale wasn't. forgot to take my GPS with me so don't know how far I went.
Guy - on 24 May 2014
I do like the look of Cotics but want full suss for my next bike. Getting old!
This is last Sundays ride
andymac - on 24 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Tonight .
Puncture on back ,then 15 mins later ,puncture on the back.
Job fu#ked .had to call for breakdown assistance ,or it was 15 mile call of shame in the twilight.
Bob on 24 May 2014
In reply to Guy:
Got a full suss, wanted something simpler. The staff were saying that the guy who built it was lusting after it! Ii think he's posted shots of it on Facebook, he's that taken with it.
It's 1x10 drive with an 11-40 block and 30T chainring, tubeless tyres, Reverb dropper post. Was an absolute blast to ride, giggling like mad on the descents.
Post edited at 23:29
TobyA on 24 May 2014 - lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com
In reply to manumartin:
A quickish 75 kms early this morning Nurmij�rvi, Jokela, Hyvink��, J�rvenp��, Nurmij�rvi. Blue sky, high 20s, birdsong, dandelions making the fields yellow, apple blossom everywhere.
aligibb - on 25 May 2014
In reply to manumartin:
you outdid me! 120km Chatel, bernex, Evian, Monthey, Val d'Illiez, morgins, Chatel, Beer and curry! not sure how much alt gain as don't have a garmin.
andy - on 25 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
After two tough weekends (Fred and EdD) enjoyed being able to say "sod it" with the wet weather yesterday, then today did a steady 40 miles over Langbar, Askwith Moor and Greenhow.
And spent yesterday finally editing footage from Fred and the Etape.
Fred vid (and no, I wasn't doing 27mph up Honister, nor was I putting out zero watts on the steepest bit of Hardknott!): https://vimeo.com/95914764
Enty - on 25 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Rode the Col de la Croix de Fer with DJ Tall Paul
biped - on 25 May 2014
In reply to andy:
Good vid, like the music too.
balmybaldwin - on 26 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Just back from a very wet weekend mtbing in Wales, which despite natures best efforts, and a few crashes in our group was a success. Stayed in a quiet campsite in ffarmers that has a pub with great food.
Had a uplift day at bike park wales on friday, with intermittent torrential rain, which made everything a bit spicier than normal. Its a great day out, and even in the rain, the routes were good and rode well. Did both the blues, which are fast and fun (and can bite when you over do it) and are probably more like a red at other trail centers. The reds are great, and more like a black at afan or coed y brenin. The black we did "enter the dragon" was very big, especially some of the kickers and burms, and a few big drops with obscured landings (which we bottled, but no we've seen it from the otherside isnt going to be a problem next time) Only downer on the day was 2 in our group hired bikes as they are in the market for new ones, and had a minor spill. On returning bikes, the mechanic spotted an almost imperceptible scrath on the for stantion on one of the bikes, and wanted to charge �320 for the damage until he was advised about the error of his ways. �65 hire charge is a lot in the first place, and minor accidental scuffs should be included. Fair enough if we had been sessioning jumps, but this was a minor slip on a wet track that they know this bike will be used on. I will go back, but wont hire their bikes.
The rest of the weekend was spent at Brechfa, which has pvoven to be the best centre ive visited in wales for xc routes. The Raven Trail (black) in attotious conditions was an absolute riot yesterday, we then did the green and blue derwen trail at night in the pissing rain which was brilliant fun, if a little slippery, and then the gorlech trail (red) this morning is the jewel in the crown, even in the wet its great, but bring your climbing legs. I ve done it 5 times now, only once in the dry...bloody welsh weather!
5 hour drive home, knackered now!
Minneconjou Sioux - on 26 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Did a quick 40km on Friday in 30 degree heat. My mate set off like a bat out of hell and I thought "effing hell, this is going to hurt".
Luckily for me he must've gone onto the red cos I cruised past him after about 10km and he was sucking air through his arse. Classic hare and tortoise story.
Did a pleasant 50km yesterday (Saturday) cruising along at about 40km/hr and I said to my mate (another one - yes, I have two) we will pay for this.
10km/hr on the way back into the wind and he looks at me and says "yep".
dmhigg - on 26 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
105 miles from Perth to Grantown over the ski centre roads. On reflection, easier n-s than s-n, but takes about the same time both way. Gave myself a day off Sunday.
manumartin - on 26 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Col de la Ramaz
Thanks for the FRED video. Hardknott looks incredible. Fantastic effort to all of those who rode up it.
Humphrey Jungle - on 26 May 2014
In reply to dmhigg:
Got that to look forward to on Sunday for 3 pistes sportive. How was the Lecht?
In reply to Bob: Unscheduled Bank Holiday chaingang from Ilkley this morning - 50 miles, with a speedy CG for the middle 30, averaging about 24mph whilst attempting to breathe through my arse.
Etape du Dales vid now edited - enjoy the comedy prat-fall whilst not paying attention in Garsdale: https://vimeo.com/96306242
In reply to Humphrey Jungle:
> Got that to look forward to on Sunday for 3 pistes sportive. How was the Lecht?
That 3 Pistes event looks great - bit of a faff from down here to get to, but awesome looking roads.
Antigua - on 26 May 2014
In reply to andy:
Excellent thanks for that.
I'm guessing your using Vector and Virb Elite? Thoughts on Vector?
In reply to Antigua: 2xVIRB Elite cameras, edited on Virb Edit to add the GPS data, and then Final Cut Pro for transitions, titles etc.
Not sure what Vector is?
I think Garmin have some work to do to get the GPS in the cameras sorted - the backward facing one doesn't seem to work sometimes, and as you can see from the Fred vid it seems to freeze sometimes. You can replace it with the track from your bike computer (I use an Edge) but that's a bit fiddly to get it synced properly sometimes.
Antigua - on 26 May 2014
In reply to andy:
As your showing power I thought you were using Garmin Vector pedals. So what are you using to capture power output?
I'm connecting/pairing (which is easy) an Edge 810 to my VIRB Elite so it records GPS from the 810 as you go along no sync'ing needed. Haven't had any dropout issues doing this.
Am looking into the possibility of doing the Fred Whitton next year looks like quite a challenge.
In reply to Antigua: Stages power meter, one on each bike - which after a few months of quirks is working perfectly.
Are you sure the Virb is picking up the 810's track? I thought if you wanted to replace the Virb's own GPS track you had to do it in Virb edit? The 810 doesn't have any way of pushing the .fit data outwards (if you see what I mean) to another device - it (and the VIRB) can receive ANT+ signals from HRM, power, cadence etc. But I think the GPS data you're seeing on your video is the one recorded by the Virb itself (it starts recording the moment you turn it on, not just when you're recording video). If you pair the Edge and the Virb I think it just means you can control the Virb from the Edge (unless there's a setting I've not found!).
dmhigg - on 26 May 2014
In reply to andy:
It was not as bad as I expected...although my compact gearing was a bit of a struggle: there are only two proper steep bits, one before the zig zags, the other halfway up, and they're quite short. I found Glenshee harder, because it feels like you've been going uphill for ages before you get to Spittal.
AlisonSmiles - on 26 May 2014
In reply to Enty:
The only thing that stopped me crying as I neared the top of that lovely hill is that I know (from experience) I can't breathe properly when I'm crying. Took a lot of Man Up pills to get me to the cafe at the top. So I arrived with dignity intact (kind of, if nobody ever saw the Strava speed trace), only to see a young couple up there, her with her head properly hung over the handlebars having a proper old hissy fit while blokey made some attempts to somehow make it all better (not a chance).
kevin stephens - on 26 May 2014
In reply to:
Pleasant(!) exploration of hills in the Peak district, from Grenoside to Wortley then along Green Moor ridge and down to Lansett to enjoy some nice new TdF tarmac en route to Ladybower and a brew at Hathersage, back via Rininglow, Rivelin,Outibridge and more steep TdF tarmac back up to Grenoside. Most of it new to me. You've got lots of brutal (to me) climbs in the Peak! (and awesome views). I need to get a lighter frame! And when I've lost the weight I'll treat the bike to one too.
Bob on 26 May 2014
In reply to kevin stephens:
Tha doesn't need to lose weight surely lad?
Early start to get over to the Lakes to do a loop from Staveley over the Green Quarter to Longsleddale (longsley dale as Cath says!) then back over from Sadgill to Kentmere and over Garburn Pass before dropping down the 3 rivers descent back to Staveley. http://app.strava.com/activities/145818594
A good test for the new bike - it's an absolute blast. Some shots here - http://bobwightman.co.uk/bike/slideshow.php?s=kentmere
Liam M - on 26 May 2014
In reply to Bob: A pleasant pootle over Langbar and Barden Moor, cheering on some friends running Ilkley Trail Race, and:even getting a slightly speedy tow off a certain Scott Thwaites at one point. Good fun.
In reply to Bob: Nice pics Bob - but can you have a word with Cath about those shorts?
Bob on 26 May 2014
In reply to andy:
I'll ask her to take them off ! :-)
woolsack - on 28 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Marginal gains again, a haircut at the weekend got me below 24 minutes on our club 10 TT course tonight, 23.57. Going to burn the candle at both ends with a Crit tomorrow night leading to an 80km road race Sunday morning
jethro kiernan - on 29 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Ffestiniog 360 102 km of lovely hilly welsh roads, well run little charity event, more like a big club run with 12 quid to charity. Improved on last years time :-)
woolsack - on 29 May 2014
In reply to Bob:
Killer calf cramp on lap 13 or 16 of the crit so decided to pull out rather than jeopardize Sunday's race. Had been feeling quite strong up until then and taken more than my fair share on the front. Racing the day after a TT wasn't probably the best idea
Bob on 01 Jun 2014
In reply to woolsack:
Went for a 48Km mountain bike ride yesterday.
Was the sweeper on our club sportive (Le Petit Depart) today so 130Km without much pressure. Set off forty minutes later than planned so didn't pick up the back markers until the climb out of Hawes. A day of cracking weather in the Dales.
AlisonSmiles - on 01 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Saddle sores. Pus.
Enty - on 01 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Did the Mont Ventoux Cingl� Challenge (all 3 ways up and down) in under 7 hours.
woolsack - on 01 Jun 2014
In reply to Enty:
Which way did you go? Malaucene Bedoin Sault? I want to do this in August from Buis
woolsack - on 01 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
I foolishly tried to follow a breakaway in an 80km Cat 3-4 road race and blew up very quickly and despite making emergency calls to my two empty legs I just had to watch the rest of the field disappear into the distance.
Well and truly dropped and disheartened at my utter stupidity, I took an early bath.
A wasted ride as up to that point I was sitting comfortably in the first third of the bunch.
Nothing now until a 100m TT in two weeks. I shouldn't manage to mess that up
jethro kiernan - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Shifter & cable on road bike broke midweek :-( waiting to see if lbs can source a single shifter/internal workings.
Decided to go MTB on the Marin trail, got puncture and found out the seal on my bike pump had gone and was only able to partially inflate my spare inner resulting in a pinch flat not much further down the line :-(
Big thanks to the team who lent me an inner tube and the use of their pump :-)
Hopefully technical issues will be resolved by next weekend
TobyA on 02 Jun 2014 - lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com
In reply to Bob:
Just a short 35 km mainly off- and unsurfaced-road ride on Saturday afternoon on my CX bike. But after much staring at google maps I found not just one, but two(!) 'shortcuts' through the roadless area north of Helsinki airport where the proper road makes a big loop. One of the routes follows the airport security fence for some of it so its a cool ride if you are both a CXer and a plane spotter - with A340s, wheels down coming in at about 100 ft over your helmet.
After that I went to a local sandpit with bike tracks and jumps in it with my kids. Kid number 1 just received last week his new bike that was his birthday present, so kid #2 now has moved up to his brothers previous bike which has gears and even suspension! He has been a bit take it or leave it with cycling before but was the one who wanted to stay the longest going round and round this little dirt track so I think he might have caught the MTB bug!
andy - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob: Not much - long week at work last week so couldn't be arsed getting up early for chaingang, so ended up with a 25 mile pootle, then yesterday spent the entire day helping out at the same Sportive as Bob - seems to have been very well received by those who rode it.
I've always felt that if your club does something like this you ought to help out if you can, as it's a way of putting something back. It also really brought home to me how much goes into organising something like this - and reinforces my belief that turning up and riding sportives without paying isn't really right - lots of my club-mates do this regularly with the excuse "I didn't eat any food" - well of the entry fee probably less than a fiver covers food (we had a load of stuff provided very cheap by Torq, and the rest was pork pies, bananas and cake) - the cost is all the other stuff, as well as the hidden cost of a lot of people giving a lot of their time for nothing. Added to that is the fact that if everyone did it the police would probably stop a lot of events - 3,000 people didn't get into the Fred this year. If they all had the attitude of one of my clubmates (who didn't even enter) and rode the event and "didn't eat any food - I just filled my bottles with water" then that'd be the end of it.
And relax...
Bob on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to andy:
Sum total of litter on the sportive route: 1 gel wrapper (on the climb out of Settle). I may have missed anything that was thrown over a wall or hidden in vegetation but that was the only one I actually saw - being a sunny day they do shine and stand out. I'm assuming that things like McDonald's detritus wasn't due to any of the 500 or so riders on the sportive.
Post edited at 09:39
aldo56 - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Went up to Laggan for the first time and did the black then the red trails. The black is extremely technical but also extremely fun!
IMA - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
130k in North Wales including Hope and Moel Arthur, hurt the legs but was fantastic, then a lovely club spin on sunday to the cafe and around
woolsack - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to andy:
> , then yesterday spent the entire day helping out at the same Sportive as Bob - seems to have been very well received by those who rode it.
> I've always felt that if your club does something like this you ought to help out if you can, as it's a way of putting something back. It also really brought home to me how much goes into organising something like this - and reinforces my belief that turning up and riding sportives without paying isn't really right -
We've got the same thing with race and time trial marshalling and when it gets later in the season we've now reached the stage of having to stop some members from riding that always show up to ride but never volunteer to marshal. Provided everyone does two events marshalling it all works fine
andy - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to woolsack:
Yep - our local TT is every week - we've established that 20+ of our members have ridden one, 5 have marshalled...
Bob on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to andy:
Well two of those are Mrs Bob and me - given my pathetic ride two weeks ago I might just stick to marshalling :-)
To aldo56:
I've done the red at Laggan but not the black. In common with most trail centres I think you need to ride it a couple of times to know where the tricky sections are - having step-ups just round blind corners on a climb is sneaky.
aldo56 - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Agreed, it did catch a couple of us out and we definitely all dabbed quite a bit.
Post edited at 10:18
Enty - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to woolsack:
> We've got the same thing with race and time trial marshalling and when it gets later in the season we've now reached the stage of having to stop some members from riding that always show up to ride but never volunteer to marshal. Provided everyone does two events marshalling it all works fine
That's actually our club rule. Any events we organise you have to be prepared to marshall or provide a marshall in your place. If you don't you don't ride.
Lord of Starkness - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
86 mile ride with over 3000 ft of climbing -- out through The Trough of Bowland on the coat tails of the Southport 'A' Team. Fortunately the 'nutters' were all away on holiday, so it was a small but sensible group of 6 that set off. Needless to say I got dropped as soon as the climbing started, but they were pleasantly surprised that I was only 10 minutes behind them at the cafe stop. They took pity on this OAP for most of the way back, but I let them off the leash for the last 20 miles or so. They averaged about 17mph for the ride, whilst I managed a much more sedate 15.3mph!
Lord of Starkness - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to andy:
The Southport CC thursday night 10 series attracts riders from a number of local clubs. SCC members compete for points through the season, and as we have a number limit of 50 riders for safety reasons on some (warm and fast) nights we have to turn members from other clubs away.
Whilst we do have some marshals who do not compete, it is a condition of entry that everyone ( not just SCC members) who rides has to volunteer to marshal for one event in every six.
All of the competitors seem happy to do so -- though by now some wish that they'd offered to marshal in the cold and windy early season events particularly if it's their turn to marshal, and it's a 'float night'!
Enty - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to woolsack:
Bedoin - summit - Malaucene - summit - Sault - summit - Bedoin - 138km, 4300m of ascent.
Obviously Malaucene is closer to Buis if you're riding out there. What date you thinking?
Alun - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
My longest ever ride so far! 160km with 3500 metres of climbing - although I think Strava overestimates the altitude gain here in Spain due to a lack of resolution in the map altitude data.
6hr20m riding time, though food stops added an extra hour to the total time.
Nominally it was to give me an indication of how I would go for the Etape Eryri in two weeks time. In theory that event has less climbing, which is good news because the last 30km yesterday were utter hell and I wasn't enjoying myself one little bit :(
woolsack - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Enty:
We arrive the 16th so I miss the Le Poet hillclimb by a day :(
I was going to go from the 20th onwards, that's what I put on my online application. I'll fry!
LastBoyScout on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Chiltern 100 sportive yesterday - actually 110 miles.
VS4b - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to LastBoyScout:
Failed attempt at the Tommmy Godwin challenge - mechanical caused us to cut the ride short so only managed 152miles. Still i did get to ride to the seaside from Cambridge.
Humphrey Jungle - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to VS4b:
3 Pistes Sportive in the sun :-)
nniff - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
I went out with the next faster group in my club for the first time. Back to being spat out at the back again on every hill. Still, it's happened before an dif I stick with it I'll get there. Half of it's my fault - my route choice!
Pids - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Humphrey Jungle:
> 3 Pistes Sportive in the sun :-)
It was sunny wasn't it - made the views even more stunning, and I certainly took my time to make sure I appreciated them - great day though, 102.4 miles with 8,742ft of elevation I made it.
Dave Kerr - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Beinn Eighe (well most of it anyway) and Beinn Fhada. Lots of carrying but awesome descents.
Bob_the_Builder - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
I fell orff on Saturday... =[
Only a few scrapes and bruises though. The helmet prevented what I imagine would have been a rather bad headache.
andymac - on 02 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Cycling through worryingly big clouds of midges.
Tonight was the worst.
Clothes are covered in them.they seem to turn to dust on impact.thank fu#k
Chris the Tall - on 03 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Just back from a week in west Ireland. It's a brilliant place for road cycling - good roads, very little traffic, stunning screnery, just enough hills to keep it honest and give you chance to stretch your calves now and then. Even had pretty good weather. Did a lovely 120 mile ride that took me all over Sligo.
Finished up yesterday by riding 17 miles of the Antrim Coast - a fantastic ride that only took 50 minutes due to a following wind ! Lovely seeing all the giro stuff - pink bikes, pink bunting, pink tractors, pink sheep - with the odd juxtaposition of riding past a heavily fortified police station.
AlisonSmiles - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Stayed at home Saturday in anticipation of the apocalypse, which didn't really happen here so made up for it on Sunday by going out on the road to nail the flipping' Strava challenge I seem to have been failing at on a regular basis, the 130km thingy.
First time this year wearing fingerless mitts, and due to slight riding up of shorts hems first touch of sunburn of the summer!
Did the whole leisurely ride through the lanes of Cheshire wearing team kit (well, jersey and mitts), not caring what folk think about the pros and cons of showing your team allegiance on the bike. Proud to show my colours and love of Team Sky, and my excitement at the up and coming Tour de France.
In reply to Bob:
Final training ride before next weekends Tour de Yorkshire. A mere 55 mile to Chapel en le frith and a sprint back to get to the cinema to see Slaying the Badger
rallymania - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Glentress red on sunday...
first time on my bike for months.
ow arm - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
100 miles charity ride for the up and under group, nice day cycle from crewe to Llangollen and back around great scenery and lots of friendly riders
In reply to Chris the Tall:
How was the weather? The chaps and I did a 50 miler from my house (wythenshawe) to the Cat and Fiddle and back
Worst rain I've ridden in. Soaked and freezing. Loved it.
In reply to ThunderCat:
Was that Saturday or Sunday ? Saturday was very wet - although the deluge stopped for the half hour I was doing a parkrun.
Sunday was glorious and it felt a shame to be in a cinema at 3.30 on such a lovely afternoon. But when we came out we realised we'd missed another deluge !
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Saturday. Couldn't actually see the Cat and Fiddle until we were right on top of it, the rain / fog was that bad. That would have been about 2/3pm
Course by the time we got back, the sun was out...
contrariousjim - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
15mile trip on bike with the sprog on the tag along. Then a 20mile bike ride from dundee to perth through a thunderstorm finishing with blazing sunshine! Ace.
In reply to ThunderCat:
Snuck out for a cheeky 90km through the lanes to Carsington. Need to clean the bike now as they were filthy after all the rain on Saturday.
AlisonSmiles - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Guy:
Wondering if the biking what did you do at the weekend ought to include a summary of the state of your bike and your plans for cleaning it! For what it's worth, I did some adventurous off road stretches on the road bike (pinch flatted indeed) and it is truly minging. Will clean it this week ...
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
It's always good to get a bit off the beaten track! The BeestonCC sportive tackles Bridle Lane near Ripley which is interesting :-) It is all rideable but does involve picking a line to avoid the chopped up sections. Got to love a bit of challenge on a ride.
I did plough through a ford on my ride but it didn't touch the slurry that had welded itself to my frame in the heat.
IMA - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
A late Friday night ride for some me time ended up with 50 miles somehow.
Then Sunday, with a brutal hangover I went out with the club and put a social 110 in around the Wirral/Deeside. It was nice and sunny which led to a longer than expected cafe stop.
Bangor to home on Wednesday, hope the weather cleans up
In reply to ThunderCat:
I was luckier - did Cat and Fiddle from Didsbury on Sunday via Brickworks, Kettleshulme, Pym Chair and Goyt valley then back by Lamaload res and Bollington, 80km and 1300m. Sunshine and nice breeze with lovely views :-). I'm getting in to this road biking lark
In reply to Paul Atkinson:
Love that road out of the Goyt Valley up to the Cat and Fiddle.
jethro kiernan - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
60k through Snowdonia Waenfawr- Beddgelert-Pen y Pass-Llanberis
looking forward to next weekend stage 1 of the tour in yorkshire
andy - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Spent Saturday morning attempting to stick with the fast lads in the Ilkley chaingang, then pottering back to Skipton with a mate who was riding stage 1 of the Tour in absolutely foul weather - then yesterday a surprisingly not-rainy ride down to some little lanes in the Forest of Bowland, then home via Waddington Fell and Barnoldswick.
Enty - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Day 4 on the bike here. Tour of Ventoux. It's 37 degrees, tan lines coming on nicely.
In reply to Guy:
> Love that road out of the Goyt Valley up to the Cat and Fiddle.
I found that by accident...it's great isn't it.
In reply to ThunderCat:
> I found that by accident...it's great isn't it.
And did you stop at the Peak View Caf� - best range of cakes I've ever seen !
Marek - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Paul Atkinson:
> (In reply to ThunderCat)
> I was luckier - did Cat and Fiddle from Didsbury on Sunday via Brickworks, Kettleshulme, Pym Chair and Goyt valley then back by Lamaload res and Bollington, 80km and 1300m. Sunshine and nice breeze with lovely views :-). I'm getting in to this road biking lark
You should try tacking on Winkle, Roaches, Longnor, Hollinsclough. These routes remind me why I prefer to live in these parts. The other stretch I tend to tack onto rides round here is the downhill direction through Wildboarclough. Beautiful valley, just enough slope to 'wizz' down without it getting nervous, but a bit of a climb out afterwards whichever way you're going.
In reply to Bob:
Chris - will have to try the cafe net time, haven't got the hang of refuelling on the bike yet so keep bonking on long rides. A nice cake and tea stop sounds like a good plan
Marek - will look in to those routes thanks - am very much exploring at the moment
In reply to Chris the Tall:
> And did you stop at the Peak View Caf� - best range of cakes I've ever seen !
Don't know where that is?
We came in from Whaley Bridge, up through Fernilee (along High Road?) and then at the top, take a sharp right down into the Goyt Valley, then along to the cat and fiddle.
And then back again, because we were drenched and freezing, and about 40 bikers had arrived there just before we did.
In reply to ThunderCat:
> Don't know where that is?
> We came in from Whaley Bridge, up through Fernilee (along High Road?) and then at the top, take a sharp right down into the Goyt Valley, then along to the cat and fiddle.
It's on the plateau, maybe half a mile short of the pub if coming from the north, which I guess you where. Maybe in the rain you only had eyes for the pub!
And was the pub any good ? I went for a post-ride pint to find it shutting at 8pm - but the landlord had only just taken over and was a keen cyclist
In reply to Chris the Tall:
I was glad to only spend a few mins on the C&F road though - too narrow for 2 white vans to pass at 80 with a bike on the outside! Jobs a good un though to link the Goyt valley with the Stanley Arms road, especially if there's good cake to be had in the middle :-)
victim of mathematics - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Awarded myself a day off today, so hatched a stupid plan to cycle to Lincoln (from Sheffield) on the basis that 1) it's flat 2) there's a hill I haven't cycled up in Lincoln and 3) it's only 110 miles
The way out was great, in glorious sunshine. The way back felt like quite hard work, then it started raining like the apocalypse might be on its way. I survived, just about.
Marek - on 09 Jun 2014
In reply to Paul Atkinson:
> I was glad to only spend a few mins on the C&F road though - too narrow for 2 white vans to pass at 80 with a bike on the outside! Jobs a good un though to link the Goyt valley with the Stanley Arms road, especially if there's good cake to be had in the middle :-)
Gives me a nervous twitch now, the Stanley Arms road. Had my first experience of the dreaded 'front wheel shimmy' at about 45-50mph a couple of weekends ago. Blunted my 'need for speed' somewhat since then!
ThunderCat - on 10 Jun 2014
In reply to Chris the Tall:
> It's on the plateau, maybe half a mile short of the pub if coming from the north, which I guess you where. Maybe in the rain you only had eyes for the pub!
> And was the pub any good ? I went for a post-ride pint to find it shutting at 8pm - but the landlord had only just taken over and was a keen cyclist
When i say the Goyt Valley, I'm meaning along the single track road that runs alongside the water (down by Errwood Reservoir?) Maybe I need pictures...My geography aint that good :)
I'm not a big fan of the cat and fiddle to be honest...everytime I've been in there (three times) waiting ages to be served.
So I tend to use it as an end point..and then go somethere else. This time we got to the C&F, then turned back the way we came and had a couple of pints in the Shady Oak in Fernilee.
And they were very nice. :)
Chris the Tall - on 16 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Nobody riding this weekend ?
Did the Tour de Yorkshire - stage 1 on Sat, stage 2 on Sunday, finishing around 10:30pm.
Stage 1's not too bad (133 miles but that included 5 into Leeds), the weather was pleasant, route (mostly) well signed, loads of other people doing it, great scenery and the roads not too bad - only swore at a dozen drivers at most !
Stage 2 is an absolute killer (130 mile but back loaded with viscous climbs). Lots of drizzle, fog on Holme Moss, lots of nasty busy roads, but some nice ones as well. The cobbled climb in Haworth is very amusing !
Should be a fascinating race - and if it gets categorised as a flat stage they'll be trouble! But if anyone's interested in riding a stage, do stage 1.
Bob on 16 Jun 2014
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Just got back from a week's touring of Orkney and Shetland - 70 miles in to the wind ain't fun!! We should have picked the B&Bs to be closer :-)
The drivers on both sets of islands are great - they leave plenty of room when passing and will wait before overtaking if they can't see round the bend ahead.
woolsack - on 16 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
I had a very successful Sunday morning and managed to knock 28 minutes off of my 100 mile TT time finishing in 4:24:14 which I was very pleased with. Although it was a pan flat course there was an increasing NE wind which made any bit of cover welcome.
After 30 miles the undercarriage started complaining and at 90 miles it was threatening to walk out!
Now debating whether to have a bash at the 12 hour in September
Alun - on 16 Jun 2014
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Did the Etape Eryri - 165km around snowdonia - on Sunday. Perfect weather, sunny spells and warm without being too hot. Rode around fairly leisurely together with my brother - the legs were definitely feeling it at the end though.
Great atmosphere and organisation - I'll be back next year!
SteveRi - on 16 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
30 miles of gentle rolling terrain Saturday teatime after a couple of hard days fell running. Just the ticket. No 3pcx this year, so pressure's off a bit :)
AlisonSmiles - on 16 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Took a lazy morning in Whitby to ride some of the coastal roads, found a quite astonishing uphill back road but nobody died ...
Pids - on 16 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
47 mile ride round rural Ayrshire, trip along the coast with some hills on the way home - crackin weather for it, long may it continue
aldo56 - on 16 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Innerleithen red XC route with the mental black sections included. Last ride before I build the new steed; a fine send off to my hardtail!
Double Knee Bar - on 16 Jun 2014
In reply to Alun:
Was on the etape Eryri Mawr too. Was great. My first century.
Suffering today.
Humphrey Jungle - on 16 Jun 2014
In reply to Double Knee Bar:
SAT : Glasgow <> Trossachs solo 85 miles incl Dukes Pass
SUN : Easy 52 miles with mate
Did not get wet or blown off ... sometimes this country aint too bad.
In reply to Bob:
Le Tour Stage 1 from Addingham (skipped the ride out of leeds)
will be a few challenges for a peleton on some of those roads :-)
In reply to jethro kiernan:
The descent from Kidstones in to Bishopdale looks prime "incident" territory for a peloton at full speed. It's hairy enough on a club ride with just a few of you. A few weeks ago our club organised a sportive over there and the only crash was on that descent.
In reply to Bob:
I also notice that the mystery rider JP has a few KOM's on the first Stage of Le Tour on Strava
Post edited at 10:36
In reply to Bob:
> The descent from Kidstones in to Bishopdale looks prime "incident" territory for a peloton at full speed.
That was fun but trust me when I say that is nothing compared to the second half of stage two, and in particular the section from Midhopestones to Oughtibridge.
On stage 1 they have a long run in so they'll be taking it easy, but stage 2 is nothing but climbs and drops, much on narrow roads. A break will go with someone trying to mop up KOM points (9 categorised climbs and just as many uncategorised ones such as Cragg Vale and Haworth). Everyone will be jostling for position on Woodhead cos after that it will be very hard to move up. The drop down Ewden Bank is lethal with two very tight turns then a sharp climb. Something similar in Bradfield with a long, steepening descent followed by a hairpin on a climb. All of which will add to the anxiety of the peleton cos if you get held up there it will be very difficult to get back to the bunch.
In reply to jethro kiernan:
> I also notice that the mystery rider JP has a few KOM's on the first Stage of Le Tour on Strava
I think David Lopez clocked up a few as well
In reply to Chris the Tall:
I really don't know much of the second half of stage two - I've done Cragg Vale and Holme Moss on a bike (I thought the descent off HM was pretty fast) and have driven along the Strines road - but apart from that I'll go with what you say. I think Strines will make the peloton very nervous, lots of short, sharp climbs and descents with sharp and blind corners, if a group gets away before then they should stay away.
In reply to Bob:
Stage 1 is far more pleasant to ride. I don't think Welcome To Yorkshire expect people to do stage 2 as the they haven't put up any signs past Holmfirth
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Well to be fair, riding along the A59 over Blubberhouses is hardly the most pleasant experience, the most interesting bit from Fewston reservoir up kex Gill to the summit is also going to be the most frustrating for any drivers behind you with the usual inconsiderate/dangerous overtaking being the most likely result. I've done small bits of it but avoid where possible.
The route then passes through quite a few towns (Keighley, Hebden Bridge, Huddersfield, etc) so although there's some good bits, I.E. Cragg Vale; Holme Moss, it's not a ride I'd do out of choice. Like you say, stage 1 is much more pleasant and you can make it a loop from Addingham by cutting back from Harrogate via Norwood Edge and the back road from Otley.
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Not sure Yorkshire was prepared for the sheer volume of MAMILS passing through, seemed to take it fairly well appart from the initial A roads.
In reply to jethro kiernan:
You're not likely to get the chance to play at Wembley, Wimbledon, Lords or even Prenton Park, but can go and ride the roads. It's brilliant seeing the efforts some places have gone to to welcome the tour (and Giro in Ireland). Got to be good for the local economy. The vast majority of drivers were very considerate and only a few were ar5eholes - mostly bus drivers !
We you out on Sat or Sunday - there were some very portly chaps on Buttertubs mid afternoon
In reply to Chris the Tall:
I see you spotted me on buttertubs then ;-)
great atmosphere on the tour routes, cycled up the Col du Lautaret (they had shut the Galibier to all traffic) the morning the tour was due and the atmosphere was electric, really was like having a kick around on wembly on cup final day.
kevin stephens - on 18 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Sunday Enjoyable 106 mile club run through Cheshire via caf� at top of Beeston Castle hill
Enty - on 18 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Just done Alpe d'huez. 1h8m slowing down with age :-)
jethro kiernan - on 18 Jun 2014
In reply to Enty:
WillBroad - on 18 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Cycled to Paris. The extremely scenic way!
Cycling in France is a revelation. Dedicated cycle highways, permanent cycle signposts for Dieppe -> Paris, marble-smooth roads, no hate from drivers... Worth getting the �30 ferry over just to cycle for the weekend.
nniff - on 18 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
My club's 10 mile Box Hill TT (the 'Olympic Circuit'), followed by a club ride, and back to the village hall in time for tea, cake and medals (none of the latter for me though).
It was perhaps unfortunate (and the result of an absence of dilgent seeding) that the winner started one minute after me. I was passed after 8 minutes, as we slowed for a bend and T-junction. Thoughts of staying with him lasted about 4 seconds. :o(
He did manage a 55 minute 25 mile TT time recently though and I am but a mere mortal of a certain age
zukator - on 18 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Friday/Saturday/Sunday days 2,3 and 4 (of 5) doing Lon Las Cymru from Holyhead to Cardiff. Day 2 took me from Porthmadog via Trawsfynydd to the upper reaches of Coed y Brenin, down forest tracks to the Visitor Centre and on to Dolgellau. Day 3 was Dolgellau to Llanidloes (38 miles with 1400 m. of ascent) and Day 4 Llanidloes to Brecon. I finished on Monday afternoon in Cardiff Bay. The weather was perfect and I recommend this ride (National Route 8).I was on an Orange P7, solo and unsupported.
Orgsm on 18 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
An audax, 600km of contrasting and scenic roads and hills.
DaveN - on 18 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Another one on the etape eryri Mawr here! No great pace for me but good fun!
Henry Iddon - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to jethro kiernan:
Slateman feature is now in 220 Tri - https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=723302017715543&set=a.189847741060976.45357.167043563341...
In reply to Bob:
62 miles in the Peak including my new top speed of 58mph down Slack Hill. My only other time down there was into a head wind and I clocked 53mph so knew I should be able to go a bit quicker.
I also bumped into the Eroica sportive. Lots of nice steel frames around and plenty of hot sweaty people in wool jerseys!
In reply to Henry Iddon:
Saturday: somewhat knackered after having to get up at 3am to drop my wife off in Leeds to catch a train. My road ride plans got shorter and shorter: I ended up doing a quick loop over to Colne and back in the humidity.
Sunday: went to Gisburn Forest with my wife and did the red route plus the Hope Line. Not been to a trail centre for ages, I think the last time was two years ago at Llandegla. Quite a few new sections since I last did the red route plus I did Hully Gulley for the first time which was fun, well apart from my wife taking a ten metre tumble in to the beck! Fortunately only a few cuts and bruises but it knocked her confidence a bit.
In reply to Bob:
Sorry to hear about your wife's tumble. Hully gully looks fun if you relax and let it flow. Easier for some people than others.
Toby_W on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob: a very very hot 107 miles on the dartmoor classic, lovely but I was soo hot riding up to Princetown.
Keep left, keep left, keep left, on your right, on your right. Sportive riders and the centre white line, it's like moths to a candle flame?
Huge kudos to the yogi riders on their mtbs and the couples on tandems, all who had twenty years on me (older) and thanks to those I rode with for the last 15, always nice to have company and legs to share the work with.
AlisonSmiles - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
I fell off. Descent on the MTB, went over the handlebars and landed on my head, then crashing down on my right shoulder and knee. Oddly I sat up, thought blimey, I actually don't appear to be injured at all, how lucky is that. Picked up the scattered cereal bars, checked the brakes and alignment of stuff on the bike and pootled down the hill to where one of my companions was waiting. He was slightly aghast at the amount of blood on my leg. Cleaned up the leg, grazes and a couple of shallow gashes, helmet dented and replacement now ordered. All in all, I'm blooming lucky even if I'm limping with two legs this morning and sore and stiff neck, shoulders and upper back from the impact. It was interesting. I kept riding for another hour before starting to feel like I was a bit of a liability to my companions as head bangs aren't to be trifled with. Shame, because I was really up for our midsummer 60km killer loop! It's only a small consolation to me that they stopped at 43km (I stopped at 20). We will be back.
In reply to Guy:
She's done it several times (and is made of sterner stuff!) but she just got the line slightly wrong on the section after the big berms where one of the down slopes has had rocks put in. She was going all of 1mph at the time, if she'd been leaning the other way she'd have just been able to put her hand out and touch the bank.
jethro kiernan - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to Henry Iddon:
Nice one, will try and get a copy, 100k midsomer early morning from Llanberis over the pass down to Betws y coed via capel, over the Crimea to Blenau Ffestiniog and then back via Beddgelert and Nant Gwynant all in sunshine and perfect tempratures :-)
Ava Adore - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
As a brand shiny new cyclist, I'm really starting to enjoy punter biking. Mind you, only in the sunshine :-). Yesterday's foray was to Rutland Water with a lovely group of friends.
Lord of Starkness - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Bugger all on the bike -- my son and his wife were visiting and we'd not seen them since Xmas. I'll make up for it in the next few weeks starting with a cheeky ride down to the Southport CC club night (32 mile round trip from home to the clubhouse). At this time of year I can get back home before it gets dark!
Liam M - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob: Decided to give it a go riding with the club A section, from Otley up to Grassington and the top of Kidstones before turning around with a smaller group. Good fun and reasonably comfortable on the way out, but fewer wheels to hide in, a net downhill profile and I'm convinced a generally faster bunch meant the second half almost blew me apart. Good fun though, and far quicker than I've ever ridden for that distance before.
In reply to Bob:
Got dropped off the back of a 80km road race early on and spent the rest of the race riding round with three other back markers trying to get within a sight of the bunch which of course wasn't going to happen.
Maybe time to realise that at 48, trying to keep up with 20 year olds isn't going to happen easily if at all.
Entered another 80km race this morning in September
John Lewis - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
65 miles with 3,800 ft of ascent on Saturday, felt great. Sunday little pootle with great friends another 16 miles with almost no ascent at all.
Really pleased with how my legs are feeling.
Liam M - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to woolsack: Can you find any LVRC events that you can attend if you're not convinced you can live with the sprogs?
In reply to Bob: It's always the slow ones that get you!!
In reply to Liam M:
I think you're right, time to accept it!
shantaram - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Rode High Street in the Lake District on Saturday and it was as dry as it ever gets. It's a route I only attempt in either frozen or very dry conditions and it was dusty trails all the way this time. That final descent from Loadpot Hill to Howtown has got to be one of the best descents in England.
VS4b - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to shantaram:
100 miles from cambridge to theft ford and back. Lovely sunny day.
SteveRi - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
I'm going to attempt to bask in the reflected glory of my mate Dave's ride this weekend. Look at this profile for bonkersness... http://www.strava.com/activities/156185820
In reply to SteveRi:
That is truly epic. It was the National 24 this weekend, that also has a huge element of madness attached to it. We had one club member do 341 miles on a bike and another nutcase doing it on a tricycle. No idea what his mileage was. 231 miles and 22,000 ft of ascent takes some beating though
In reply to Bob: Spent Saturday having a post-cricket hangover and taking 12 teenagers to Blackpool, then Sunday had a lovely nurdle round Nidderdale - Askwith Moor, Pennypot Lane, Ripley Castle, Pateley Bridge, Greenhow and home via Linton. A delightful 60 miles and some new roads to ride on. Even Greenhow seemed pleasant on a day like that.
Rode it on my winter bike as the cracking and groaning from my bottom bracket finally got so bad I took the chainset off to find the BB cover cracked - into the mender's today to replace it, and also to find what we think is a little crack near the BB, so I've just "impulse bought" a new frame - which my mate (whose mate works for Scott) reckons is a hyper bargain - 2013 Foil which retailed at �2500 for �1500 including Ultegra Di2 shifters, cables, battery and derailleurs. Will probably sell the gear set to fund the frame set purchase!
In reply to andy:
Press-fit BB or Hollowtech? This on your carbon summer bike?
Post edited at 20:15
In reply to Bob:
Let me guess, press fit BB?
In reply to woolsack: Yep, Shimano press fit - summer bike. Winter bike is a Ribble carbon with Hollowtech. Having been out on it tonight I'm not even sure it is a crack as it's running silently, but the new frame's too good a deal to miss!
BB had done 3 years and c7,000 miles though, so not too shabby.
In reply to andy:
Mine creaks like a b*stard, same press fit rubbish on a Trek Madone frame
In reply to woolsack: Easy enough to replace if you have the right tools - which I've now bought!
In reply to woolsack:
Press-fit's a con. It came about because it costs frame manufacturers money to thread and face the traditional BB shell. The way it's sold to the punter is a "stiffer" BB, though the increased amount of carbon fibre in the area might have more to do with that (if you can really tell the difference) than the actual mechanism.
In reply to woolsack:
> That is truly epic. It was the National 24 this weekend, that also has a huge element of madness attached to it. We had one club member do 341 miles on a bike and another nutcase doing it on a tricycle. No idea what his mileage was. 231 miles and 22,000 ft of ascent takes some beating though
Had a few friends on that as well. Best made around 470 miles but most in 370 - 410 mile range. 24 tts are tough.
In reply to Orgsm:
> An audax, 600km of contrasting and scenic roads and hills.
Would that be the Mark Rigby one starting from Tewkesbury and heading into Wales? If so, I admire your understatement! I have a clubmate who did it and it looked brutal, having seen his Strava for it. Another very experienced Audaxer I know said it was the hardest 600 he's ever done!
Very well done whatever it was - it's hard to beat that feeling of putting your feet up on the Monday after a 600 :-)
In reply to Orgsm:
It's a tough course as well apparently, I've only done the Mersey and that is the right balance between being flat and not being boring IMO. 470 miles is ace in that heat (as is any distance)!
Any idea if provisional results are available yet, I'd be interested to see. I don't know who of the current big 24 hour hitters was entered though.
In reply to Orgsm:
> Had a few friends on that as well. Best made around 470 miles but most in 370 - 410 mile range. 24 tts are tough.
I've decided to do our 12 hour in September. 12 is palatable, 24 is just mad!
In reply to Byronius Maximus:
Nope don't think provisional published yet.
Swirly - on 23 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob: 90 something km around the North Downs with around 1250 m climbing.
(5) "I cannot remember there being a flat section ever." Self explanatory.
(4) "Where did this hill come from?" Sundridge Hill not being one I noticed when planning, definitely noticed it on the way up.
(3) "This is a three banana ride", definitely not a banana and an apple which was all I took.
(2) "Why am I riding through so many places or roads called hill?" Did not realise there were so many, the SE is not flat! Ide Hill, Toys Hill, (missed Yorks hill gladly), Titsey Hill, Riverhill, Bailey's Hill, Hosey Hill, Bogtrough Hill, Brasted Hill, Sundridge Hill, Knockholt Hill, Rushmore Hill, Well Hill, Rock Hill...
(1) "That must be the top, no that must be it, no the next one, how high can this go we're only in Sussex!" On pretty much every one of those hills.
In reply to Byronius Maximus:
I think they're still wading through reams of timing sheets
In reply to Byronius Maximus:
> Would that be the Mark Rigby one starting from Tewkesbury and heading into Wales? If so, I admire your understatement! I have a clubmate who did it and it looked brutal, having seen his Strava for it. Another very experienced Audaxer I know said it was the hardest 600 he's ever done!
> Very well done whatever it was - it's hard to beat that feeling of putting your feet up on the Monday after a 600 :-)
Black sheep :-)
Got this one starting Friday http://www.millecymru.com to keep me out of trouble. Seemed like a good idea when I entered but build up gone well and injury and sickness free this year. So as prepared as I can be. Probably the toughest one I've entered so far. Relentless hills and over 16,000m of ascent / descent. Hopefully body and mind will hold out
Post edited at 21:41
In reply to Bob:
> Press-fit's a con. It came about because it costs frame manufacturers money to thread and face the traditional BB shell. The way it's sold to the punter is a "stiffer" BB, though the increased amount of carbon fibre in the area might have more to do with that (if you can really tell the difference) than the actual mechanism.
Although my bike's got an aluminium "liner" in the BB, so you'd think it wouldn't be that hard to put a thread in that.
Anyway - it's fine now, and tomorrow I'll have another one. Didn't you ever go for that Scott hyper-bargain from Westbrook?
In reply to andy:
No, didn't bother in the end, happy with current bike.
In reply to Orgsm:
Oh good one! And very impressive doing so so soon after such a hard 600. Do post on here to say how you get on - MC is one for the future for me (assuming they keep running it) but I'm not doing long stuff at the moment. It looks like the best tactic for it would be to think of it as three very long day rides, rather than a 1000k monster.
PBP next year? Or am I best to ask that after MC?
Post edited at 22:38
In reply to woolsack:
Cheers. Looking over on YACF, it seems that things might have been confused by a car crash causing one of the circuits to be closed early, so I should imagine the officials are taking extra care over their calculations!
Good luck with your 12 hour! Not yet done one but it almost sounds harder than a 24 because you'd feel like you can ride it harder, if you see what I mean. On a 24, you just settle down to a certain pace.
Post edited at 22:44
In reply to Byronius Maximus:
Yes PBP next year. But this weekend is my last long ride of this year. Then I'll take time off , other than cycle commuting, till sometime early next year.
AlisonSmiles - on 29 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Figured out a combination of knee wraps and dressings to try to keep last week's damage contained and clean and managed an afternoon on the MTB yesterday, checking out folk checking out Tour de France access routes on bikes. Today took the MTB out and ambled up Chunal and Monks Road before going over to Lantern Pike and winding my way gently back. Short one today and now chilling with a mug of decaf and cheese & ham on toast.
nniff - on 29 Jun 2014
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Not a lot, since a car reversed into me on Friday afternoon and bent my front wheel :o(
Bob on 29 Jun 2014
In reply to nniff:
Ooh! Hope their insurance pays out.
Did my first 100 miler of the year and since my op on Saturday. Did the interesting bits of stage 1, basically up Wharfedale, over Kidstones, up to Hawes then over Buttertubs and down to Reeth before heading back via Redmire and Kidstones. Lots of cyclists out since there were two events using stage 1.
Today did 90Km with my wife - we went over to Slaidburn then over Newton Fell to Waddington and back via Barnoldswick. Very quiet both traffic and cyclist wise.
andy - on 29 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob: Painful chaingang yesterday, then White Rose Classic today - medium route (84 m, 8000' ascent) but a really hard day out - felt like we were pushing all the way. Significantly slower overall time than last year due to being chivalrous and stopping for 10 minutes to "not fix" someone's chain, but feels like we've had a proper day out.
woolsack - on 29 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Exactly two minutes off of my 25 mile TT time this morning. Moderate cross wind spoilt things for everyone. Reasonable compensation for getting up at 0430 on a Sunday I suppose
Minneconjou Sioux - on 30 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Saturday - Rode from two jacks campsite close to Banff down to Canmore for a coffee then back and up to Banff and around the lake Minnewanka (oohh errr) loop. That was about 60km.
Then went and paddled lake Minnewanka which was about 30km round trip(didn't go all the way to the end and good job n all as I headed back into a storm and it was about a 7hr round trip).
Sunday - rode the loop (15km) this morning at 7am then drove back to Saskatchewan.
Lord of Starkness - on 30 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Started off with the Southport CC A team but got caught out by a split in the group at a mini roundabout, and couldn't make it back on up the drag out of Preston. Went my own way via Barnacre and Scorton to Cafe de Lune, then back home over the Fylde. About 87 miles mostly solo at just under 16mph. (I'd never have stayed with the A group anyway as they did the same sort of distance with 3 times more climbing round the Trough of Bowland and averaged just under 18mph!)
I want to put in a complaint to the man upstairs who decided to change the wind direction so that I had a headwind most of way back as well!
Lord of Starkness - on 30 Jun 2014
In reply to Minneconjou Sioux:
Sounds lovely -- we never got to Canmore and Banff last year due to the floods!
The New NickB - on 30 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Just two short trips out this weekend, Jill did the NHS Triathlon yesterday at Horwich, so we had a gentle recce of the bike route on Saturday, which was a bit of a tour of the West Pennine Moors. Had to be leisurely, both for Jill resting up and for me due to 14 miles running fell and trail that morning.
After watching other people exercise for most of the day, I had a hour of riding fairly hard on the local hills before tea.
manumartin - on 30 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
ventoux from bedoin on saturday morning. left at 05.45 to avoid wind and crowds. first time for this lovely climb. v blustery for last 2km. back in bedoin for 08.45.
shame about all the empty gel wrappers, gel tubes and other rubbish lying by the sides of the road. shame too about the idiots riding on the wrong side of the road as we were coming down.
TimB - on 30 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Got completely out of my depth in a rare MTB race participation - I was going OK until 33kms, then crashed on a descent and lost all semblance of power. Struggled round the last 12kms with agonising knees, to finish in 4:14.
This morning I checked the results and was astonished to see that I wasn't last. The winner finished in 2:38 and one guy finished 8 minutes after me!
jethro kiernan - on 30 Jun 2014
In reply to Bob:
Not enough :-(
Murdoch on 30 Jun 2014
[4 weekends ago]
Rebuilt MTB and got out on the surrey hills for the first time in years.
Forgot quite how much fun MTBing can be - riding with huge smile on my face.
Then decked and fractured 5 ribs.
In the words of Danny Glover "I'm getting too old for this sh*t"
Chris the Tall - on 02 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Not the weekend but who cares. Done a killer 50 mile MTB ride around the southern lakes today. Elterwater, Grizedale, Blawith, seathwaite, coniston and back to Elterwater 10 hours later. Slight delay towards the end due to stoping for a chat with a lakes legend and then puncturing.
Was already feeling dead by the time I reached the start of wanna scar - despite the recuperative powers of a pint at the Newfield Inn, so it was long slog with much pushing. I think next time I'll try and do it when I a bit fresher - 6 hours in on a hot day was too difficult to make a decent fist of it
andy - on 02 Jul 2014
In reply to Chris the Tall:
me 'n' bob went to Ilkley last night to watch the crit racing - a certain Ms Armitstead was riding in the blokes' race and looked extremely comfortable all the way. Great night out, massive support and hopefully a real legacy of the Tour. Shame I'm missing Otley tonight.
Chris the Tall - on 02 Jul 2014
In reply to andy:
Interesting to see Laura trott beat lizzie armistead at the uk champs. Great to see the effort otley and ilkley and the other places round there to welcome the tour. I gather there is still almost nothing on the final run-in in Sheffield, but I think that's down to the suburbs it's going through
In reply to Bob:
I guess I am not going to surprise anyone by saying I watched the Tour. Cycled over Cock Hill to Skipton and watched out on the road to Grassington on Saturday. Up Blackstone Edge and down Cragg Vale to watch at my girlfriend's Dad's house in Cragg Vale. Two great days.
lummox - on 07 Jul 2014
In reply to The New NickB:
Funnily enough, rode up the Cote de Blubberhouses and cheered on Jens : )
rallymania - on 07 Jul 2014
In reply to The New NickB:
Dalbeattie Red on Saturday, but my pal snapped part of his bike so, on Sunday, we tried to hire another bike locally. No joy with that quest so headed back up to Glentress and did a bit of a trail mix later on in the afternoon.
First "weekend" of riding for a while... I'm sore today!
In reply to The New NickB:
I'd never have guessed! :-)
We rode up a blissfully quiet car-free Wharfedale to Kidstones (Cote de Cray as the French would have it) on Saturday, then after the race had gone through back down to Grassington to watch the stage finish on the big screen there.
Sunday we rode over to Stanbury, had a "you ain't going to stop me" moment with a policewoman who had shut the road two hours before the caravan, watched the race come through on the hill just the other side of the reservoir. Biked back through Haworth and Keighley, again on traffic free roads.
A brilliant weekend.
andy - on 07 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
An all-round awesome weekend - rode from Embsay down to Harewood on Friday then rode the first stage as part of a corporate jolly - 140 miles at an average of 18mph, followed by free beer in Harrogate. Then Saturday rode up to Kidstones with both my brothers and one nephew - got their fairly early due to eldest brother's mild OCD which was great as we got to cheer on some really small kids grinding their way up to the KoM finish, then drank red wine out of drinks bottles with some Scots lads. Watched the race go through, stopped off for a beer at youngest daughter's mate's house in Buckden where she was staying for the weekend, the back to Grassington to watch the finish with bob, mrs bob and an ice-cream.
Sunday more of the same - rode over Carleton Moor and past the Herders to Stanbury and after some cross-country work to avoid the stewards (West Yorks seemed far more uptight about keeping people off the road very early - there were people riding up Kidstones up to about 20 mins before the caravan - this was a good hour before anything came through) we got a prime spot above the reservoir and watched them through again. Then back down through Haworth (buzzing!) and Keighley, and a blast back to Skippo along a closed dual carriageway.
Awesome, awesome weekend - just shy of 250 miles over three days, a sore bum and some amazing memories. Merci, Messrs Verity and Prudhomme.
Post edited at 09:09
LastBoyScout on 07 Jul 2014
In reply to andy:
Took advantage of some quiet roads (lots of people inside watching Wimbledon final and TdF) to rack up some miles on the new roadie and break in my new pedals.
And then nearly got knocked off <2 miles from home by some tosser that couldn't wait 50m to overtake me, so undertook me on my blind side just shy of a width restriction!
Mike Stretford - on 07 Jul 2014
In reply to The New NickB:
> I guess I am not going to surprise anyone by saying I watched the Tour.
Another one. Cycled up to Woodhead reservoir and joined the crowd at the hairpin bend.
Lord of Starkness - on 07 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Rode from near Burnley to the top of Cragg Vale to watch the tour go by.
50 mile round trip (but forgot to set Strava!)
Riding back down the hill and back through Hebden Bridge was madness due to the kamikaze nature of many of the pedestrians who'd gone to their chosen viewing point on foot. Just because the road was still closed to cars didn't mean it was safe to amble along in groups taking up the whole width of the road and stopping randomly to take selfies whilst cyclists were trying to ride up and down. Some of the worst offenders were those who had little regard for the safety of their small children, who were allowed to wander almost unsupervised. It's a good job that the vast majority of cyclists who'd made it up Cragg Vale were experienced riders and pretty good bike handlers - though there were a couple of kids on mtb's who's weaving antics caused consternation to walkers and other cylists alike.
Stupid people shouldn't breed!
Tom V - on 07 Jul 2014
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
I thought quite the opposite walking back down from Woodhead. Given that there were many pedestrians, both adult and children, walking down the tarmac in the absence of a pavement; and given that a large number of parents had brought their toddlers out to enjoy a bike ride up a closed road, then some of the cyclists coming back down the hill were selfishly reckless in the speed that they passed these hazards.
When a small boy hit the kerb near me and somersaulted into the verge it took a good twenty seconds to cross the stream of cyclists travelling at upwards of 30 mph to see if the kid was OK. The other bloke who went to check up on the little lad was also a pedestrian.
Post edited at 12:18
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
I sort of agree with Tom. I was on Crag Vale and it would have been stupid for any cyclist to descend at any sort of speed, I certainly kept my speed down. It was nice to use the closed roads that were free of pedestrians though.
Post edited at 12:22
In reply to The New NickB:
Riding away from Stanbury we had to wait about ten minutes just to let the crowds begin to disperse then we basically freewheeled along at about 0.5mph faster than the pedestrians or at the same speed if a couple of groups of them happened to block the road because one was "overtaking" the other. I've a Hope freewheel which makes a rather loud noise similar to a football rattle when I'm freewheeling so it's useful to warn folk ahead. There was no rush on anyone's part really. Didn't see any cyclist letting the speed get up until we were on the drop down in to Keighley from Crossroads which was free of pedestrians.
On both days the biggest risk wasn't pedestrians but those on bikes who plainly didn't do much cycling as they'd weave around on the road almost at random - their tiny kids were better at bike handling! :-) Still nice to see them out on their bikes.
lummox - on 07 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
riding back towards Ilkley from Blubberhouses was interesting. Enthusiastic people who don't know what " on your right " means : )
AlisonSmiles - on 07 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Saturday went out on the Cross Bike. It's a heavy kind of a beast but went up the Brickworks climb in glorious sunshine and loved every minute of it.
Sunday biking related of course was going to watch the tour go up Holme Moss. I made a day of it, walking up from Glossop across the moor land, carrying a lavish picnic including the teeny bottles of wine. A grand day out.
biped - on 07 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
First time on my bike since a minor shoulder op six weeks ago, a quiet bimble through some Yorshire lanes to watch The Tour :o)
Saturday we were at Jervaulx Abbey then watched the rest, including Cav's heartbreaking demise, on the big screen at East Witton. About 10 mins before the peloton came through, a guy in opur group dropped a pork pie which rolled off down the midel of the road. He gave chase and caught it, almost getting run over by a motorbike in the process. It would have been a very Yorkshire accident...
Sunday we headed to cheer 'em on at Green Hammerton.
Utter magic.
In reply to lummox:
Just on a general note about TdF enthusiasm. Has anyone seen any official numbers for crowds? I know Littleborough, was expecting 2,000-6,000 to pass through to watch it on Blackstone Edge, the estimate I have seen is 14,000, with another 1,200 watching it on a big screen in the park.
In reply to The New NickB:
The only estimate I've seen is on the BBC site which reckons 2.5m over the two days.
lummox - on 08 Jul 2014
In reply to The New NickB:
I think the police said there were between 240- 285,000 people in Leeds for the GD.
AlisonSmiles - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
My first ever imperial century yesterday, the Staveley 101 which took in 2500m of climbing including a few of the TdF bits and bobs such as Buttertubs. Just pleased to have finished in honesty. Today I mostly ate stuff.
andy - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob: A rather testing 50 miler yesterday, including 30 miles of Ilkley chaingang, then a 63 mile hack down to deepest Lancashire today to find yet another new way up Longridge Fell - Knowles Brow, past Stonyhurst - really nice climb. Washed both bikes this aft, so feeling virtuous.
Chris the Tall - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Well done - saw that advertised last week and it looked very tempting - I guess you got decent weather too
Mountain biking for me last week - lots of rides around Elterwater. Next big target is the Fred Whitton in 3 weeks time, but currently laid low with man flu
In reply to Bob:
Excellent morning, hit the hour for a 25 TT, frustratingly not under it though 1:00:00! Picked up a bit of calf cramp halfway through so that must have cost a bunch of seconds. 2 min 18s off my pb
50 TT next Sunday :)
Post edited at 16:45
ThunderCat - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to woolsack:
As training for our coast to coast ride, we intended to set of from my house (wythenshawe), up through stockport, hazel grove, new mills, whally bridge, chapel-en-le-frith, edale, blue john caverns and then back again to log a nice hot 70 miler
Except one of the chaps fell behind, got the arse and turned home in a strop.
So we had to go back (thinking he'd hurt himself)
Write off.
nniff - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to woolsack:
A hilly 42 miles around the Surrey hills, with new wheels courtesy of a driver whose insurance paid up after she reversed into me. Hard work, seeing as I've had a few weeks of not getting out
SteveRi - on 13 Jul 2014
Set off for a gentle ride after 4 weeks off. At the end of the road met by a steady stream of a few hundred riders out for a memorial ride for a local cyclist killed on the roads last month, so I joined in with that. Good group, patient motorists. Mix of sobering and delight in when cyclists come together - put my whining about fitness into context.
Liam M - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob: Went out with the club fast section between Otley and Gargrave. Was doing alright on the first half, but when the group splintered and both the gradient and pace went up in the second half I got my arse handed to me and had to apply a lot of rule 5!
If I keep trying though hopefully it will pay off.
TheDrunkenBakers - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
50 mile solo, 400 mtr ascent, longest ride. Horrendous ITB pain. Could hardly walk today.
Quiddity - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
110km London to Cambridge solo, taking in some sections of TdF stage 3 (Epping, Saffron Walden etc) in reverse. pretty pleased, my longest ride to date. Shame it managed to drizzle fairly constantly most of the way.
Indy - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Quiddity:
Do you know if the TdF route from Cambridge to London is available on Garmin Connect? or anywhere else for that matter so I could load it onto an Edge.
In reply to Bob:
Does being Director Sportif count. In the last month I've done Alpe d'Huez (5 times) Galibier (x 2) Ventoux (x 7) Col de Madelaine, Col de Saisies, Col d'Aravis - all in the fecking van!
Dr.S at work - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
110km, 2660m of climbing - a comedy circuit of the mendips incorporating as many climbs as possible.
Swirly - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
130 km across the North Downs to the coast then back to the urban sprawl where, rather than ride busy roads with traffic (enough of that during the week), I jumped on a train and finished with a 3 km sprint to beat the impending thunderstorm.
abr1966 - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Swirly:
Went for a 2 hour ride....fatal mistake of feeling good so went further....got seriously lost, soaked and had 1 bottle, no food or money....4 hours later home after bonking in a big waywith some hills before home!!
In reply to Indy:
It'll be on Strava if you follow Laurens ten Dam or Roy Jeremy
> Do you know if the TdF route from Cambridge to London is available on Garmin Connect? or anywhere else for that matter so I could load it onto an Edge.
> Thanks
Post edited at 22:07
In reply to Enty:
> Does being Director Sportif count. In the last month I've done Alpe d'Huez (5 times) Galibier (x 2) Ventoux (x 7) Col de Madelaine, Col de Saisies, Col d'Aravis - all in the fecking van!
Only if you hammered the door with your fist and shouted at your riders!
In reply to woolsack:
My all time fave Strava KOM. Malaucene to Bedoin. Guess who pinched it off me? Laurens Ten Dam!
Post edited at 22:14
In reply to woolsack:
Give us a call Col. Got some time off next 6 weeks.
VS4b - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Enty:
16 miles at 11 mph. Doesn't sound interesting or worthy of note, but for the company of my 8 yr old son on his first longish ride. ;-)
40 miles round the fens without son later on too.
chrismcc - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Slightly late - La Marmotte! (Last weekend) What a great event, most hard for a relative punter like me, but I must recommend it - bigger event than I had imagined when I signed up... Try 7500 people in the new forest..
Post edited at 22:32
chrismcc - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Enty:
Bit off topic - but I will be in vaison from 27th July (ish) -are there any local time trials /races going on of suitable (muppet/entry) standard over the next few weeks - I'm doing a bit of climbing/ bit of biking but would like to keep sharp for some racing when I get back......
Post edited at 22:31
IMA - on 13 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Weekend was a productive one, 80 miles into North Wales for the steps, Horseshoe then old Bwelch home and a nice century today to Knutsford and back with a 5 mile TT thrown in at the end for jokes
In reply to chrismcc:
> Bit off topic - but I will be in vaison from 27th July (ish) -are there any local time trials /races going on of suitable (muppet/entry) standard over the next few weeks - I'm doing a bit of climbing/ bit of biking but would like to keep sharp for some racing when I get back......
> Chris
I had a bash at this 14km hill climb last year www.velovaison.over-blog.com/page-8630670.html. Enty was much faster than me though!
chrismcc - on 14 Jul 2014
In reply to woolsack:
That sounds cool, will check it out - thanks
Lord of Starkness - on 14 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
I did 93 miles at a shade under 17mph trying unsuccessfully to hang on to the SCC 'A ' Group in preparation for the 'unofficial' Bill Bradley Ride next weekend. ( The A Group shows no mercy to pensioners - particularly when going uphill)
Southport CC's popular charity ride had to be cancelled this year due to a junior football tournament having 'first dibs' on the normal event HQ at Preston Sports Arena - and there being insufficient time to organise an alternative venue. In order that the event doesn't die, SCC club members are going to ride the route anyway - but starting at Southport instead of Preston - then going over the Fylde lanes before heading to Scorton then tackling Jubilee Tower, The Trough of Bowland, Waddington Fell, and Chaigley before heading back via Chipping, Inglewhite, Broughton and Preston. A fairly tough 110 miles. If previous years are anything to go by, I will die horribly going up Chaigley, then be gnawing on my stem for the final 40 miles home!
Bob on 14 Jul 2014
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
Did the club steeplechase event on Saturday - basically visiting several local pubs, taking a photo at each to prove you'd been there - a very hot and humid day in the Skipton area. Didn't do anything biking related yesterday.
malk - on 14 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
where did Bob the climber go?
AlisonSmiles - on 14 Jul 2014
In reply to VS4b:
One cool thing to do, love seeing kids on bikes. Minipips (also aged 8) is an inspiration:
I know his dad and they just had the coolest time doing this. Thought for the future, eh?
gethin_allen on 15 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
I was really pleased with myself this weekend because after pretty much no cycling for the last 3 weeks I took part in my first ever sportive in Pembrokeshire and managed the 70 and a bit mile course in 4 hours 9 min and had a great time despite the really crap weather and getting up at 5 am to get to Tenby. And to add the this it was the first time I'd cycled more than 60 miles in a day.
jethro kiernan - on 16 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Weekend spent traveling to Pyrenees, 98km from Foix to Plateau du Beille and back on Tuesday, Warm up for etap d tour on Sunday. Forecast not to good for the weekend :-/
Bob on 20 Jul 2014
In reply to jethro kiernan:
Spent Saturday avoiding the rain in a garden centre!!
Today we did an MTB ride around Nidderdale, it's the ride in the VB Dales South book. All very hot (25C) and humid, especially for the long, long climb up through Middlesmoor and over In Moor towards Scar House reservoir. Our luck ran out as we were descending past Sypeland and for the next hour or so we got absolutely soaked and filthy!
I'd say that a better ride is to start at Lofthouse, over to Scar House reservoir, then follow the Nidderdale way as far as the shooting lodge at Thrope Edge then down to Thrope Farm and back to Lofthouse. Most of the ride we did was on landrover tracks rather than singletrack.
Liam M - on 20 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob: Really good but quite tough. I acted as a domestique for the 2 day 180mile escorted Tour of Yorkshire sportive. 90miles around the Wolds with a lot short punchy climbs yesterday (during which only one downpour was fortunately suffered) and 90miles up to the Moors today.
It's surprisingly hard work dropping to someone elses pace to guide them when they're struggling, especially when you may a few minutes later be tasked with pacing someone with sprightly legs back to the bunch after a mechanical!
And it involved a meal during which we were entertained by Barry Hoban.
sleavesley on 20 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
A regular 22 mile circuit last night due to weather and other commitments.
Also called at FIL& MIL on the way to drop some bits off.
Noticed the tyre had gone a bit flat had picked up a thorn (continental Grand Prix S) like a nail, pumped it up hoping I could ride home like that. Rode a little way and down again.
Repaired at road side with patch kit (Parktools one -awesome) as could see thorn and couldn't be arsed to change the inner tube as it was starting to rain.
After this put in some awesome efforts for Strava where I'm in the top ten leaderboards for strava.
Got home and noticed that garmin had been auto paused since stop at FIL. Ultimate Fail!!
Kimono - on 20 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Am currently riding up the Outer Hebrides.
Going very lightweight with only a small backpack and no panniers.
Staying in hostels but managing to cover 100km+ per day and still take in the views.
Highly recommended :)
AlisonSmiles - on 20 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Not got a lot to say about the bike this weekend. Serviced the front wheel bearings. Yep, that's it ...
ow arm - on 20 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
did the dales way from hebden bridge over 2 days, warm, wet, great hills and pubs
Bob on 20 Jul 2014
In reply to ow arm:
Some shots from today - http://bobwightman.co.uk/bike/slideshow.php?s=nidderdale
andymac - on 20 Jul 2014
In reply to Kimono:
Careful Kimono.
They're a strange lot up there.
I've heard stories of cyclists leaving Lochboisdale ,and never being seen again.
Swirly - on 20 Jul 2014
In reply to andymac:
120km round the downs via Caterham and Lingfield. Stayed dry which was a bonus.
nniff - on 20 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Round and round at Cyclopark, getting our collective act together.....
TobyA on 20 Jul 2014 - lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com
In reply to Bob:
Last weekend I got my road bike to England despite the best efforts of SAS to eff this up. This weekend (well, Friday but who's counting?) I rode from my parents place in the Severn Valley up and dropped down into the Teme Valley; west along the river to Tenbury. From Tenbury (alt. 55 mtrs) there is a road - appropriately called "Clee Hill Road" that takes you in about 12 kms and 480 mtrs up, out of Worcestershire into Shropshire, to the radar station on the summit of Titterstone Clee (533mtrs) https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152615033267959 (click the HD otherwise its fuzzy). It's a fair old slog up there with even a couple of hairpins thrown in but the view from the top is great. It's good zoom down to Cleobury Mortimer from there but there is some more hills to do before I could roll from Abberley back down into the Severn valley. 70 km altogether which isn't much in 3 hrs but I'm more proud of the 1125 mtrs of ascent (at least that's what Strava logged for me).
Post edited at 22:01
mrdigitaljedi - on 21 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
sunday spent swopping out 8spd groupset for 9spd xt on my mtb forgot just how frustrating it can be setting up new gears gerrrrrrrr.
all done an looks gd, if any 1 wants to buy a shimarno alivio 8spd groupset front/rear mech, crank,b/b, shifters, f/r wheels/cassette, hydrolic disc brakes+rotors/levers just need cables then message me.
SteveRi - on 21 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Back after a month off sick. 25 miles around the N Cheshire lanes on the fixie Saturday. A couple less on the roadie Sunday. Both fairly high gravity days - slowly, slowly catchy monkey! It is true however that clean bikes want to go faster.
Lord of Starkness - on 21 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Southport CC's 'Unofficial Tribute to Bill Bradley Ride' 16 of us set off from the Southport area at 8am, and more or less followed the route of the charity ride that had to be cancelled this year. 4 riders left us after the first cafe stop at Scorton (40 m) as they were just out for the morning, but the remaining dozem made their way via Quernmore, Jubilee Tower, Trough of Bowland - stopping for the obligatory group photo at Bill Bradley's memorial plaque at the summit of Boundary Hill, then Dunsop Bridge, Newton In Bowland, Waddington (cafe stop 2) Chaigley, Chipping, then home via Preston. My phone ran out of battery life so I had no Strava track of the ride and route but according to my bike computer I did 110 miles and around 4000 ft of ascent ( according to other people's strava) by the time I got home - at an average of just over 15mph. Others did more or less mileage depending on where they's started. A reet grand day out.
Post edited at 09:39
jethro kiernan - on 21 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Etape du Tour on Sunday, pretty wet and wild ascent and descent of the tourmalet rule #5 strictly adhered too.
Bonus 50 k at the end to get back to the car :-/
balmybaldwin - on 21 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Went and tried out my new toy - a big bouncy bike for the Alps (I'm off next week)
woolsack - on 21 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
50 mile time trial on a completely windless Sunday morning. Managed to knock 13 minutes off of my PB. Sitting round a fire and drinking beer the night before was obviously the right preparation!
Need to do something about my Adamo saddle, the prongy bits are way to wide
andy - on 21 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob: a soggy 50 on Saturday with the usual 75 minutes of pain in the Ilkley chaingang for the middle 30. Then just for a change yesterday we came to France - got here about lunchtime so put my bike back together and did a pleasant, if breezy, 17 miles round some local lanes just to check everything is still working. It is, so this morning did a very similar loop (owing to lots of "roads" not being roads and getting lost a lot) for another 22 before the kids got up.
Tour starts in Carcassonne tomorrow, so off for my third bit of Tour watching to see the start.
TobyA on 21 Jul 2014 - lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
> Southport CC's 'Unofficial Tribute to Bill Bradley Ride'
Presumably not the former US Senator and pro basketball player?
quirky - on 21 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
80 miles in the lakes.. including Langdale, Wrynose and HardKnott passes in both directions..bit steep in parts!!! But at least it rained a lot! ;)
Lord of Starkness - on 21 Jul 2014
In reply to TobyA:
> Presumably not the former US Senator and pro basketball player?
Certainly not -- our 'Bill' was a lot more famous http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Bradley_(cyclist)
Richard Carter - on 21 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Was my birthday last weekend so I got 250km done :)
Bob on 27 Jul 2014
In reply to Richard Carter:
Road biking both days for me this weekend.
Saturday did a loop south down over Widdop to Hebden Bridge then up and down Cragg Vale before returning back via Cock Hill and Stanbury. Apart from the climb over to Widdop, all the ascents were long steady efforts. I usually reckon on adding 50% of the Strava KOM to get my time for any hill and this was pretty spot on for Cragg Vale - there's certainly no way I'm going to get close to the likes of Tejvan Pettinger. It was a very hot and humid day and the 94Km was enough for me especially with over 1900 metres of ascent.
Sunday I went for a steady 70Km ride over to Bolton by Bowland with my wife. A lot cooler but pretty windy so got a nice tailwind on the way home :-) For a flattish ride it still had over 1100 metres of ascent.
mrdigitaljedi - on 27 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Monyash circiut did 20mls mtb 1st time in 5yrs, only down side changed disc brakes from shitty Quando to Hope, and the front brake levers r the oppisite way, so i thought i was rear braking when it was the front so washed out n twisted my knee.....
andy - on 27 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Staying near carcassonne with family, so a combination of 20 mile pre-brekky blasts and a couple of longer rides. Great climb up Le Pic de Nore with about 25km of constant uphill, with the steepest bit in the last 5km. Then today found some amazing roads to the south of Carcassonne - almost no traffic and superb 5-7km climbs through the trees.
Post edited at 16:45
kevin stephens - on 27 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Great day club run 104 miles taking in the lovely climb up Mow Cop. First proper ride on new Dolan Tuono SL frame and Cero AR30 wheels; both brilliant.
biped - on 27 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
73k through the Scottish Borders yesterday, first proper ride since a minor shoulder op a while ago so felt a bit weak but a great day. The heavens opened just as we put the bikes back on the car :o)
Bob on 27 Jul 2014
In reply to biped:
> The heavens opened just as we put the bikes back on the car :o)
Always somehow satisfying when that happens - had a week mountain biking in Scotland a couple of years ago, didn't get rained on once whilst riding but there was a downpour within half an hour of finishing every ride!
VS4b - on 27 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Rode from cambridge to London then back again for the charity ride. 99miles in the sunshine and back for lunch!
malk - on 28 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
was rather satisfying keeping up with mr sky bike going up hartside pass with my 30kg touring rig;)
down to killhope mines was rather scary when hitting a small bump at 85 kph (esp with the motorbikers behind me who i hadn't heard coming. i reckon 100+kph down that slope would be easy with pedaling.. )
a few miles later i heard a ping and noticed 2 broken spokes on the 32h cyclocross wheels i was testing, so new wheels methinks. the mavic A319 deore combo look good value and very sturdy?
jethro kiernan - on 29 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Lovely week in Pyrenees, Col De Peguere from Foix on Saturday, lovely morning bike ride, Col Du Porte earlier in the week after a morning walking up Dente Du Orlu.
Hoping to get one more bike ride before home
LastBoyScout on 29 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Rode around the last bit of the TdF final stage from the Eiffel Tower to Arc de Triomphe the morning on Sunday morning.
Time didn't permit me to do the whole course, sadly :-(
jethro kiernan - on 30 Jul 2014
In reply to Bob:
Lovely week in Pyrenees, Col De Peguere from Foix on Saturday, lovely morning bike ride, Col Du Porte earlier in the week after a morning walking up Dente Du Orlu.
Hoping to get one more bike ride before home
Bob on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to jethro kiernan:
Forgot to update this thread about last weekend - a long weekend in mid-Wales mountain biking. Some good trails if a little oddly graded and described in the guidebook: unable to clean blue graded climbs but no problem riding the "ten minute hike-a-bike". Did the Doethie Valley which due to the bracken being shoulder high was like skiing deep green powder snow!
This weekend: Saturday we went out on a 50Km blast of an MTB ride with a group that Cath sometimes rides with. Nothing technical, though I managed to do a comedy "dismount" over the handlebars!
Just been out for a quick blast on a loop not far from the house that I only discovered on Thursday, only 16Km but it's quite hilly. Didn't quite beat the rain back to the house.
victim of mathematics - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Managed a little 30 mile blast yesterday afternoon around the Peak. Discovered a few new hills, including this little bugger http://www.strava.com/segments/1900529
All good fun.
Kimono - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Today I'm taking a rainy rest day :)
But yesterday did a fantastic 80km loop from my home in Llangollen taking in Corwen, Llandrillo, the lovely road over the moors to Llangynog, into the Ceiriog valley and finishing with the absurdly steep climb out of Glyn Ceiriog back to Llan.
There is some exquisitly beautiful colours out at present with the gorse and heather both in bloom!
andy - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Ride London Not 100 - they missed out Leith and Box Hills because it was raining (mind you it was some rain!). 3:55 for the 86 miles, which includes a stop to try to work out why my cleat felt like it was about to fall off (which it obligingly did on the Mall).
Indy - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to andy:
Congats on the ride!
Saw some of the riders go through Trafalgar Square at about 06:30 this morning looked fun will try and get a place for next year.
Wasn't impressed with the guy who repaired a puncture on a Giant Propel Advanced SL 3 at the bottom of Haymarket and discarded the old tube on the pavement.
TomPollock - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
At the 'Ard Rock Enduro in Swaledale last weekend. Did the Sportive on the Saturday which followed the same course as the Enduro - 42km. on excellent singletrack and bridleways on the north side of Swaledale. Quite a challenging course for me with some long climbs and fast downhill sections. My son crashed on the first downhill section and sustained a gash to his forehead, a sprained finger and lots of bruises. Thankfully after some first aid and a good rest he was able to carry on and we finished in just under 7 hours -the fastest were under 3 hours. Despite his crash we had a great day enjoying banter with fellow riders and will definately be back for it next year.
biped - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Rode the Galloway sportive yesterday. Lovely 67 mile route, good roads and lucky with the weather. Pretty tough though because of the wind, can feel my legs today.
ThunderCat - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to biped:
Wythenshawe to Mam Tor, walk to the top of Mam Tor, brought back down a banana skin that some arsehole had dumped up there on the grass and then back to Wythenshawe again. Nice 50 miler.
andymac - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
35 miles again last night .and that's enough for a few nights.
Didn't bonk ,but I'm currently hitting a physical barrier which wouldn't have been a problem last week.
I think my body is telling me to cool it.
Perhaps a heavy week on a building site and 240 hard miles is too much atm
earlsdonwhu - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Just arrived in Copenhagen having left Prague 3 weeks ago. Camped along the way and enjoyed great conditions. The attitude to cycling in Czech Republic, Germany and Denmark is light years ahead of at home.
Escher - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Did that Bowderdale/Howgills loop after seeing you recommend it on that other MTB route thread last week. Tried to ride all of the uphill to the top of the Calf without pushing and just failed on the very last 100 yards as it was too loose for traction. There was a fell race going on so I had an audience for every steep incline, appreciated the encouragement! Saw no one at all through the amazing single track section down through the valley. What a track that is, outstanding.
After that saw only one walker and two others on bikes. Lovely route and very welcome solitude. Really enjoyed it.
Guy - on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Marshalled at an east Midlands road race which for some reason got abandoned due to lack of sub aqua gear.
Bob on 10 Aug 2014
In reply to Escher:
Good isn't it? I imagine you mean the bit up Calders where the path gets steep and covered in loose rocks - we walked that bit which was just about all we did walk.
nniff - on 11 Aug 2014
In reply to andy:
4:25 for the Ride London 86. Fast as far as Weybridge, then slow for 20 miles with stomach cramp - the day started with some Immodium :o(
Then that improved and the pace picked up again.
The torrents of water across the rooad and pouring from the sky I could live with, but I was unfortunate enough to encounter the bursting sewers which was not nice. Riding through lakes of sewage 3 inches deep at 25 mph is bad for the soul at least. A friend whose start time was 30 minutes after mine saw no trace of this. Bleugh.
Escher - on 12 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Yes, really good. From the top of the Calf down through the valley with the sunlight glinting on the meandering beck with nothing but the hills, sheep, wild horses and that one track really made it feel quite remote and special. Almost felt a shame that I had to be looking down in front of my wheel concentrating all the time and not have time to really soak up the landscape. Will have to take a walk through there to get a really good look. Yes, I did mean the Calders. Just a bit too steep to not have to push.
Not ridden my MTB for a year, been solely on the road but that route certainly fired my imagination again. Might have to have a go High St in the next couple of weeks.
In reply to Escher:
A first for me this weekend - rode to the top of a Lakeland fell for the first time. Actually I did four. A bit on the windy side at times, got blown to a standstill at one point.
Lord of Starkness - on 18 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
SCC Club run from Southport to Settle -- The strong wind rarely came from a helpful direction, particularly when the showers came on. A slow lumpy ride with 3 cafe stops -- I did 104 miles at 14mph - not too bad for an OAP considering I'd not touched the bike for 2 weeks and had put on 2kg during a week away visiting family where plenty of food and drink had been consumed. I ache today!
Howardw1968 - on 18 Aug 2014
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
Newlyn to lands end on ncn 3 with the family
shantaram - on 18 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
I'm guessing you rode over High Street Bob? Good effort as it's been a very windy weekend to be out on the tops.
In reply to shantaram:
Err, no! The rides were what gets described as "cheeky"! I.e. not legal bridleways though bridleways pass close to the summits.
Escher - on 18 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Got a link to your route? Sounds fun, I was thinking about doing high street myself Saturday but instead did a double century for the first time to Scotland and back. I may pick a less windy day if I was to try it again though!
Post edited at 12:03
In reply to Escher:
Here you go - http://www.strava.com/activities/181035528
nniff - on 18 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Tyres full of broken glass and more punctures than I could cope with within the time available - I had patches but not the inclination after the supply of tubes and CO2 was consumed. After I made the call of shame 'Will you come and pick me up' I pulled half a dozen shards of glass out of each tyre.
So much for the "quick hour before we leave".
andy - on 19 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob: Decided enough is enough after getting dropped by my normally slower mate at Ride London, so back on the diet and trying to make some effort.
Ilkley CC chaingang Saturday where they've "helpfully" added in the climb up the Chevin as an additional "seeding system":
Then Sunday was a less grim than expected but still grim Buckden triangle - so less than 100 miles for the weekend, but quite tough in places.
shantaram - on 20 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Hi Bob, Good little route you did at the weekend. I'm unfamiliar with that area, so I ran round that circuit last night, although I found a great little track down from just below Carrock (100% bikeable) that take you almost back to your start point meaning you only double back a tiny section from Carrock summit.
If you haven't done High Street, pick a clear day without too much wind, and make sure it's been a dry spell or the ground is frozen, and you can't get better fell top riding. The descent from Loadpot Hill via Askham fell to Howtown is a belter. There's no easy way up High Street though. I've tried a few and they all involve a bit of pushing.
Another good fell to ride is Black Coombe over on the west coast.
Bob on 20 Aug 2014
In reply to shantaram:
As I was riding up the track I noticed a vague path descending from close to the summit area of Carrock which might be the one you mean - if you look at a map it heads straight towards Calebreck, it's marked on the 1:25K maps. My ascent route, Red Gate, also looked as if it could be a fun descent.
I was thinking of High St for one day this weekend but not sure if the recent rains have begun to render it a bit on the boggy side.
woppo - on 20 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Sella ronda circuit, from corvara anti clockwise. Rain started on last climb - campolonga?
Grand day out but feeling it now! Stunning scenery after piz boe in full winter nick and no views yesterday.
shantaram - on 20 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Yep that sounds lke the path Bob, although it wasn't marked on my very old 1:50K map.
I think you'll be OK for High Street at the moment. From what I've seen recently the very dry ground has soaked up any rain really well and I think High Street will be in reasonably good condition. I've done it many times and my prefered route is - leave car at Howtown, but if parking there is not possible, St Peters church above is always OK. Head down Boardale, bit of a push to get to top of Boardale Hause, then take Coast to Coast path (not officially allowed for bikes) past Angle tarn to access Rampsgill Head. Then enjoy the ride from Rampsgill Head via Loadpot Hill and down to Howtown. Sunday is looking like the day this weekend for High Street.
VS4b - on 21 Aug 2014
In reply to shantaram:
I know it's not the weekend, but I'm dying to post this.http://www.strava.com/activities/183290384 I know I'm nearly the slowest on the climb, but I'm nearly 40, 250 pounds and I live in the fens so 3000ft climbs are pretty thin on the ground!
Brilliant day not even spoilt by quite a bit of rain.
Now planning on alps for next year!
Bob on 21 Aug 2014
In reply to VS4b:
Good effort! Got to start somewhere.
jethro kiernan - on 24 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Lovely little 54k loop through the welsh hills :-)
then back to chores time to fix leak under the shower :-(
Bob on 24 Aug 2014
In reply to jethro kiernan:
We had a rare foray down to the Peak District yesterday. I've done very little biking down there. Started from Castleton then round Mam Tor to Hollins Cross, Backtor descent in to Edale, climb to Hope Cross via Jaggers Clough then descent via Blackley Clough (AKA Potato Alley - though I swear the rocks were bigger than turnips!), cross the A57 and climb up to Lockerbrook Farm and then the Gores Farm descent to Derwent reservoir, climb up to Whinstone Lee Tor on Derwent Edge then the bridleway down to Cutthroat Bridge (I went all the way to the bridge with just one dab about 20 metres from the end only to find that my wife had turned off on a different bridleway!), bridleway down to Ladybower pub where we stopped for drink then roads back to Castleton.
Strava link here - http://app.strava.com/activities/184309372
I'm not too keen on loose rocky descents but found most of these OK - I wasn't going as fast as most do and with practice (and more skill) I reckon I'd do them better/quicker next time.
Not been out yet today, going for a quick road ride this evening.
Liam M - on 24 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob: pleasant pootle around Swaledale yesterday. Struggled to wake my legs up at first but Grinton Moor seemed to do the job and the onset of some chilling rain led to a hard pace for the home stretch.
Today headed out in a loop from Otley to Gargrave with the club. Good pace on the way out, and even�better pace on the way back. Then, having only just hung onto the wheels for the return leg, I decided to completely trash myself by coming back from Bolton Abbey via Langbar and the Cow and Calf. An afternoon in front of the Vuelta to recover I think!
woolsack - on 25 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
I'm feeling quite chuffed and not just a little sore but managed to do the Cingle de Mont Ventoux today. Conditions must have been about as good as they get, very little wind on top and not too hot. To add a little extra pain I rode on from Buis les Baronnies to give me 112 miles in all.
I'll have a day off tomorrow.
Bob on 25 Aug 2014
In reply to woolsack:
Nice one.
Did a quick loop yesterday evening, got a PB on on of my local climbs, beat five mins on it for the first time and am at #5 on Strava for my effort. Well chuffed with that as I haven't done much on the road bike this year.
Today was a flowerpot men day - slobabob :-)
andy - on 25 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Chaingang Saturday - slightly better performance than last week, still in touch with the fast lads at the end. 50 miles at an average speed a tiny bit under 20mph.
Lovely club run over Attermire and Halton Gill yesterday, just over 56 miles.
Then a steadier pootle today via a comedy fall from my mate going over a cattle grid on a corner - 45 miles over Askwith Moor and Greenhow Hill. Visited the scene of the sad death of a Skipton CC member on the way - very sobering to see how easy it would be to come a serious cropper there. RIP.
TobyA on 25 Aug 2014 - lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com
In reply to Bob:
Did my first ride from my new home in Sheffield last night before the rain came. Main conclusion, there is some really shitty road surfacing in South Sheffield! I was on my CX so it didn't matter too much but would be worried for my road bike's wheels around here. Did find a nice bridal path to ride down and stopped to eat blackberries.
In reply to TobyA: A bridal path? Was the vicar ok with that? ;-)
Bob Hughes - on 26 Aug 2014
In reply to andy:
Had a great ride up fireroads and down rocky, rooty singletrack. We found a way to link up two descents we'd not done in the same ride before by looping along a pedally path which traverses the mountainside - really good fun because it has been worked on by the forestry rangers so you get smooth for a bit then steep and / or rocky obstacle then smooth for a bit. Really top day out.
Escher - on 26 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Think I forgot to post the double century I did the weekend before last. Most hours I've ever spent in the saddle, glad to have ticked the double, don't particularly want to do another! http://www.strava.com/activities/181190890
This weekend I did a hilly hundred round Bowland on Saturday, nippy in the shade but lovely clear air for the views. http://www.strava.com/activities/184249370
Then 40 miles with the missus for cake on Sunday followed by 20 odd ascents of a local climb to support a mate (he did 111) trying to complete the Everesting challenge.
150 miles and 29000 feet of ascent, http://www.strava.com/activities/184888870, amazing and very tough ride.
ThunderCat - on 26 Aug 2014
In reply to Escher:
The chaps and I did the Hadrians Cycleway route from Ravenglass to South Shields over the weekend.
Mixture of Beautiful scenery and the fact we seemed to have our own micro climate of sunshine following us (groups we met up with at the stop over points who had got there a couple of hours before or ahead of us had been caught in rain which we'd totally missed)
Got a lot of lying / stretching / sleeping / reading / tea drink planned for today...
lynda - on 26 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
I bought a new bike. Cannondale Synapse Carbon 6 (basically has all that the 5has except for tiagra brakes instead of 105s)
v excited. Get fitted on Saturday!
In reply to Escher: Small world - you ride with lots of my brothers' mates like Adam and Professor Badass.
Escher - on 26 Aug 2014
In reply to andy:
Yeah, know your brother too. The GCC lot are fun to ride with as they aren't at all regimented, like to do proper hilly rides in an semi-anarchic fashion if possible. Right up my street :-).
In reply to Escher: Nice chaps - me and a couple of mates did their annual ride up Great Dun Fell and back over every lump possible this year - good Fred prep...
TobyA on 26 Aug 2014 - lightfromthenorth.blogspot.com
In reply to andy:
Oh yeah! Where I'm from they sound basically the same. :)
Shuttsie - on 27 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
last week my own little 'tour de france'....did route of 'la marmotte' from bourg d'oisans - just under 12hrs
provence... mont ventoux x2 once from bedoin, then malaucene day after.
mont agouil - central massif
plus couple of recovery rides..buis les baronies and tarn gorge
this weekend....kirkstone pass - lake district
Swirly - on 30 Aug 2014
In reply to Shuttsie:
Spent the last week of the summer holidays riding in the Lakes, staying in Kendal so started with rides to Kentmere and Crook. The we did a loop over Kirkstone and Shap.
Then on Wednesday I was feeling pretty good so did the Fred starting from Kendal. It went well although cracking a rim in Buttermere was great, I decided to carry on as it didn't look like it was getting worse, I only noticed it when I punctured on Newlands but I had hit a big pothole fairly hard a few km earlier so guess that is when the damage happened. Rest of the ride was uneventful Hardknott was hard but then it was always going to be. Was knackered by the end of Wrynose and could only get up the final ramps by sprinting (in a very low gear) the recovering on the bits between. Gave up in Windermere on the way back to Kendal. Total for the day 187.8 km, 3500 m although my GPS missed a bit approaching Eskdale. Weather was almost perfect although pretty cold descending Kirkstone first thing and there was a hell of a headwind over the last two climbs.
Quite happy with that given I was 108 kg and incredibly unfit in June (now 92 kg and still dropping).
Waiting for my new wheelset now.
Pids - on 30 Aug 2014
In reply to Swirly:
An enjoyable wee 40miler today, total of 2,600 ft of climbing around the back roads of Ayrshire, means I have now done 600 bike miles this August - not a great nr to some but an achievement to me so quite happy with that - and there's always tomorrow as well
Dom Whillans on 30 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
cycled to work and back yesterday... 40km in each direction!
woppo - on 30 Aug 2014
In reply to Dom Whillans:
Brenta mtb 'expert' tour over 4 days, lots of double track up and lots of double track down. Not technical but physical. Nice refuge to stay in. Finished Thursday. Allegedly 7700m ascent, 171 km distance, felt like it!
Chris the Tall - on 30 Aug 2014
In reply to Swirly:
As I might be attempting the Fred soon ( we've already cancelled one attempt due to Hurricane Bertha), have you got any recommendations for caf�s/food stops on-route. Speed of service and quality of cake being the main criteria!
Chris the Tall - on 30 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Did 73 miles into a vicious headwind today. Quite how a circular route could be into a headwind all the way I don't know but that's how it felt. Winnats was particularly bad - standing up and I still almost came to standstill several times - really glad I went for the 11-32 cassette ! And then almost got blown off when I went over the Cat & Fiddle to get to the excellent peak view cafe (best cyclist's cafe in the Peak ? Best cake selection certainly)
But I guess I may have a tailwind going up the Goyt Valley, and how the hell have I been riding in the peak for 25 years and not done this before - it's stunning!
SteveRi - on 31 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Comeback! 78 miles and 4000', Frodsham to Lancaster. Those Bowland hills E of the M6 are absolutely gorgeous. Surprisingly wild and remote feeling. Plus a cyclist's caff at Scorton. Bonus.
In reply to SteveRi:
Yes, they're surprisingly quiet despite being close to a lot of better known areas.
Yesterday I did an MTB skills session at Gisburn Forest. Definitely need more skills!
Today did a steady 74Km ride over to Bolton by Bowland and back. Got a PB by nearly a minute on one of the local climbs - it's 2.2Km at an average of 10% and not a nice surface on the steeper bits.
balmybaldwin - on 31 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Went exploring in the Surrey hills today on my big MTB. amazingly got some PBs that I had set on the cross country mtb (and on uphills too). Also found some fantastic tricky downhill lines and lots of rooty goodness :-)
In reply to Chris the Tall:
> As I might be attempting the Fred soon ( we've already cancelled one attempt due to Hurricane Bertha), have you got any recommendations for caf�s/food stops on-route. Speed of service and quality of cake being the main criteria!
We stopped in Glenridding at the shop for pies for elevenses, then the caff in Grange in Borrowdale for lunch (we did it over two days). You could then stop at the MTB centre on Whinlatter, and we found a nice (but slightly odd) cafe in Gosforth before the "final push". It's upstairs above a newsagent/general store on the right.
In reply to Bob: A soggy 20 after work on Friday, then the usual desperate attempt to hang on to the fast group in the Ilkley chaingang - just about stayed on the back up the Chevin (3rd PR in 3 weeks up there) then decided being on my winter bike gave me the excuse to wait for the second group - who then didn't catch me for 8 miles. Ended up with just over 50 miles at a tad under 20mph average.
Then a great club run today, broadening the outlook of some Yorkshire folk by taking them over to Lancashire on a lumpy route, including the ace climb out of Barley over Pendle to Downham. Superb views:
Enty - on 31 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Did our Tour of The Ventoux ride again for about the 19th time this year. never ever get bored of this ride.
In reply to andy:
Yes, Friday was distinctly damp - I annoyed a field of sheep by standing under their tree for fifteen minutes whilst a distinctly damper epissode passed by.
I thought I heard the sound of dour rubber bands being stretched whilst we were out.
gethin_allen on 31 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Not as impressive as Enty's ride but good for me at the moment, I got 60 miles in riding around the Gower, managed to visit 5-6 beaches on the way around too although I did have a minor mechanical or two and a stop for an icecream.
I'm now feeling a bit more confident for the Grindleford Goat sportive in a few weeks time.
ThunderCat - on 31 Aug 2014
In reply to gethin_allen:
Still recovering from last weeks coast to coast ride. All I did this week with the bike was to fit some new brake pads.
kevin stephens - on 31 Aug 2014
In reply to gethin_allen:
playing on MTB in Wharncliff forest yesterday, enjoyable 114 mile club run through Cheshire and Clwyd today
Liam M - on 31 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob: Had my first attempt at circuit racing at York. Discovered that I have the fitness to hold a pace that can ride some people off my wheel and make good inroads into gaps that form ahead. But I have absolutely no capacity to sprint, and if anyone is anywhere near me coming into the finish they can pass me.
Swirly - on 31 Aug 2014
In reply to Chris the Tall:
I stopped at Whinlatter but wouldn't recommend it, it seemed very expensive. At the first pub on the left when you rejoin an A road after cold fell, they were very friendly but I didn't eat just bought a coke and they filled my water bottles for me. I ate at a pub in Eskdale which was really good, pretty fast service. It's on the right just before you get into Eskdale Green so enough time to digest before the road heads up. I think the name has King in it but not 100% on that. This was the last I ate, despite having food on me, which was probably a mistake.
I carried a large amount of flapjack and a chorizo ring and was glad of the savoury snack. I didn't eat it all (but should have) and I could have done with more water despite it not being that hot a day.
First ride post Fred today 127 km and 1300m; the hills seemed very small!
In reply to Swirly: The pub's the George IV, just after the Outward Bound place.
Swirly - on 31 Aug 2014
In reply to andy:
I cocked up the name, a combination of Strava and Google tells me it was the Bower House Inn.
Good knowledge of pubs though!
Skol on 31 Aug 2014
In reply to Bob:
Rolled down the hill to Aldi in a strong headwind.
Stopped for a pint in a hostelry on the way back. My rucksack was so heavy with wine and potatoes that I had to stand up in the pedals on the way back!
Overtook a man walking his dog, although the dog was quite old.
In reply to Skol:
Too many potatoes, not enough wine!
alisonk on 01 Sep 2014
In reply to Liam M:
I know the York well, often race on a Tue night (and thinking of doing the mens 3/4 next season). The sprinting will get easier, but the temptation at York is to kick out of the hairpin and then its a long long way to the finish line.
I did the Newport Nocturne on Saturday night and had a fantastic race practising CX skills staying upright on the damp slippy cobbles.
Lord of Starkness - on 01 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Good (mostly solo) ride through the Trough yesterday with PR's on Bell Lane, Telegraph, Marshaw and the Trough itself. Paused Strava at the cafe at Dunsop Bridge and forgot to restart it for the homeward journey via Chipping and Inglewhite. Bike computer said 85 miles at an average of 15.5mph -- Must have done around 3500 ft of climbing as I didn't come home the flattest way.
Liam M - on 01 Sep 2014
In reply to alisonk: It felt particularly long from the hairpin on Saturday as there was a strong headwind that smacked you in the face as soon as you made the turn!
I'd realised fairly early on that I had didn't have sufficient kick to outpace the few around me in the final, so tried to put little digs in over the previous handful of laps to tire and distance them before that (I'd ridden a couple of people off my wheel that way earlier), but the last few had enough to just stay in contact.
The main aim for me was to get a sense of the level, and establish what I need to work on. I'm hoping to take part in some of the midweek races next year, and possibly see if I can find some less flat events that may play to my strengths.
In reply to Liam M:
Is this purely a road biking thread?!?
I got out in the Lakes yesterday to try a 50km route with 1500 m ascent I've wanted to do for ages (in my old mt bike guide) - great route all around Loughrigg, Ambleside, Claife, Hawkshead, Hodge Close, the Langdales. Slightly disappointed that my GPS said it was only 44km with 1150m up!!
Good day. Great to bike on your own sometimes
In reply to Enty:
One of my fellow cyclists seems to think he has raced against you .
Initials AQ .from Glasgow .
Now in his mid 40s
Bob on 01 Sep 2014
In reply to Simonfarfaraway:
The initial post was about a mountain bike ride (the Pennine Bridleway) so any form of cycling is fine.
I've done the route you mention, or the most of it, http://app.strava.com/activities/88781074 a pretty decent all weather ride.
In reply to Simonfarfaraway:
Two wheels, don't matter what size or how thick the tyres are ;-)
In reply to andymac:
> One of my fellow cyclists seems to think he has raced against you .
> Initials AQ .from Glasgow .
> Now in his mid 40s
Really? In France?
jayme - on 01 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Ride over Hutton Roof to Kirby Lonsdale and then up to Old Town. Drop down to Sedburgh and then Howgill lane to Low Gill. Popped over to Grayrigg to tackle the climb up to the mast on Whin Fell. Brew in Kendal and then follow the cycle route back south.
80 miles and 1500m of climbing in fantastic sunshine
Post edited at 21:21
In reply to Enty:
No in Blighty.
Good few years ago ,from the sounds of it.
In reply to Bob:
Yes similar to that, but a bit deeper into Claife and Langdale.
Have you (or anyone) cycled the Mary Townley Loop? Another local ride I keep meaning to do. If so is it good/worth doing?
andy - on 01 Sep 2014
In reply to Simonfarfaraway:
> Have you (or anyone) cycled the Mary Townley Loop? Another local ride I keep meaning to do. If so is it good/worth doing?
Yep. With Bob. See his website, including my rear mech incident...
In reply to andy:
will have a gander, thanks
Bob on 01 Sep 2014
In reply to Simonfarfaraway:
Here's the link http://bobwightman.co.uk/bike/mary_towneley_loop.php I think it must be nearly ten years since we did it
In reply to andymac:
> No in Blighty.
> Good few years ago ,from the sounds of it.
Need more info ;-)
In reply to Enty:
I will see him tomorrow maybe and quiz him a bit more.ask him where he thinks he has raced you.In case it's a mix up
I was talking to him yesterday about cycling on the continent and Mt. Ventoux came into the conversation.
I then mentioned this bloke called Entwistle and he immediately thought the name rang a bell.
I should pay more attention to what he says.He mentioned some guy he cycled with when he was growing up who turned pro and went to America.
Edit. Sorry if you tried to email .any messages sent to that old address are lost forever and have been for months.
Post edited at 00:05
Escher - on 02 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Another 100 mile/10000 feet ride on Saturday around the Kirby Londsdale area to show one of the Garstang Club A ride leaders some new roads, including two (for the UK) reasonably long, dead-end road climbs to Bull Pot Farm and Leck Fell.
Sunday pootled to Arnside for tea with the missus then took her over to the Durham Dales to show her the absolutely sensational roads from Brough to Stanhope. Amongst the best I've ridden in Britain. The heather in full bloom was amazing.
VS4b - on 06 Sep 2014
In reply to Escher:
100 miles from bury st Edmunds to the coast and back on Friday with 3500ft hills, then another 100 around Newmarket and saffron Waldron with 4ish k of hills. Now fairly tired!! Don't do back to back hundreds very often!
Toby_W on 06 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob: got a bit lost on the moor 2 sea sportive and did 122 miles rather than 112. Managed 19min for the Haytor KOM though. :-)
Indy - on 07 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Did a 65 mile London to Brighton yesterday to blow a few cycle cobwebs away after not having done a longish ride for a while. Planning a Bognor ride for next weekend.
biped - on 07 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Sleeping off a long drive today but last week I did two 70-80k circuits in Corbieres/Rousillion and earlier this week did Luz Ardiden, the Tourmalet from Luz and Hautacam, and I found the latter to be the hardest. Magic :o)
I need to go back and ride up to the Cirque du Troumouse and Port de Boucharo, and from Pierrefitte up to Pont D'Espagne.
Post edited at 13:18
Bob on 07 Sep 2014
In reply to biped:
Did sod all yesterday - apart from heading out to watch the Lancaster bombers fly past but it was cancelled because of the poor weather. Today we did this http://www.pedalnorth.com/content/tour-de-coniston weather was absolutely perfect and some stunning views over to the Scafells and off Parkamoor over Coniston Water to the Old Man.
However it proves that I'm absolutely crap at descending on a mountain bike: My descent of Walna Scar took 3 times longer than the KOM on Strava and I took twice as long on Parkamoor! :-(
woolsack - on 07 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Very very gutted, had to pull out of a 12 hour time trial after 6 1/4 hours and 125miles with a knee problem :( Going very well up until the knee started playing up. Chances of it healing itself miraculously is nil.
Bloodfire - on 07 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Finally bought a road bike after selling the last 3 years ago. Went with my lad this morning for a short 25ish mile blast just to wake up the sleeping legs and fine tune the bike. Awesomeness. I've missed roadie riding...
Escher - on 07 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Another hilly century, this time around the Durham Dales. The roads from Brough to Middleton and onto Stanhope are pure joy. If you call yourself a road cyclist and are relatively local then you just have to ride them, so good. My 12th 10000 feet plus climbing ride of the year and what a good one. :-)
victim of mathematics - on 07 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
70 miles around West Yorkshire and South Lancashire on Tuesday, taking in Cragg Vale, The Rake in Ramsbottom and Nick of Pendle, coming back over the Widdop Road. Great, but hard work after several months of not very much riding.
Today I investigated the road out the back of Shatton. Turns out it's very steep. Good fun though.
jayme - on 08 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
A 200km Audax from Arnside. This went out to Hawes then Leyburn on the road on the north side of Wensleydale. Over to Reeth then the long drag up to Tan Hill. A great dropinto Kirby Stephen before the final dash through Sedburgh and back to Arnside.
Fantastic day for cycling and a new flavour of cake from the bike centre in Grinton. Marrow and Pecan cake is very good.
Bob on 08 Sep 2014
In reply to jayme:
You'll have got mixed in with the "King of the Pennines" sportive between Hawes and Leyburn. The King of the Pennines is now one of the "Ride with <insert name of famous cyclist here>" series.
It's a good cafe there. The Dales Bike Centre is where I got my 29er hardtail from.
Chris the Tall - on 08 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
40 miles on the MTB from Sheffield to Ladybower and back - lovely day but somewhat marred by the loss of my Garmin half way round (Potato alley, should anyone find it).
God knows how it became detached, and even though I think I spotted it fairly quickly - I look at my stem almost as often as Chris Froome - couldn't find the bugger.
aldo56 - on 08 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Went up to Fort William for the first time for some gondola assisted fun. Hit the red DH three times, ruined my brakes/fingers trying to force them to work then had a lap of the World Champs red XC course.
jayme - on 08 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
We saw a load of cyclists going the other way from Leyburn towards Hawes and one racing snake went past the other way. There was a feed station set up by Evans cycles in one of the villages along the way but I can't remember which one.
Bob on 08 Sep 2014
In reply to jayme:
The feed station is in Redmire. I think there's another event that also uses that road on the same day.
nniff - on 08 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
46 miles around the North Donws, including my first 'off' on a road bike in 30 years. Pure operator error - not paying sufficient attention - I was second wheel going fast downhill and when the road dived downhill even more and sharply to the left I was all out of shape. There was bad language, and a low-side slide across smooth tarmac into leaf mulch and nettles. This was followed by 5 minutes of searching the nettles for a bidon (two tubes and CO2, chain tool, multitool etc). A few very minor grazes, some nettle rash and a light covering of mud and leaves. Lucky, lucky me that there wasn't a car coming the other way. Oops.
GR299496 just east of Redhill for those who'd like a chuckle - the Ordnance Survey have kindly marked the spot with a chevron
Sir Chasm - on 09 Sep 2014
In reply to Chris the Tall: Don't know if this is any use to you
Bob on 10 Sep 2014
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Also noted on the FRA forums - http://forum.fellrunner.org.uk/showthread.php?21631-Found-Garmin-ladybower
We'll get it back to you!!
Chris the Tall - on 10 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Have emailed him, but given the time and location I don't think it's mine.
Refreshing to know that people are willing to return such valuable pieces of kit - bit worrying at how many of them end up detached from bikes !
Bob on 10 Sep 2014
In reply to Chris the Tall:
I've a Garmin 510 and when mountain biking it's either in the top pocket of my Camelback or in the chest pocket of my jacket. What I need to figure out is a way to stop the screen being pressed which results in all the menu items changing so I don't end up with four items all showing Heart Rate when I'm not wearing an HRM!
mrdigitaljedi - on 11 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Started on the roman road out of hope got 4miles into ride when a group of ramblers decended the path, then a lady decided she wanted to be where i was and so i moved across slipping of a rock hitting my rear mech on said rock.
Decided that as so many 20appox i started to push, when i started to pedal again everything seemed fine until i changed up and my rear hanger let go, so a quick look and the realisation it was gone into single speed for return to hope, snapped chain tool, only to find out the dont stock GT hangers.
To top it all off chain/chain tool and rear hanger replacements needed, total cost �50, all of which is the result of NEW GT Avalanche bike sitting awaiting new parts.
In reply to mrdigitaljedi:
Saturday I rode a section of the Pennine Bridleway from Earby as far north as Helwith Bridge then back via Malham Tarn, Mastiles Lane and Gargrave. 104Km in all - http://app.strava.com/activities/193886704 - lots of gates, almost like interval training!
Sunday I just went for a steady ride to loosen the legs, ended up doing 80Km over to Waddington (Clitheroe) and back.
andy - on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob: Weird chaingang - stopped with one guy in the mist at the top of the Chevin to wait for the second group who never came, so 2 up round the loop and back to Ilkley. Then crumpets, followed by a puncture and mechanical affected loop over Lothersdale, Stanbury and to Bingley for a barbie. 72 miles in total.
Yesterday was attempting to find out why my gears are jumping - and failed - test ride this morning confirmed something still not right. Suspect i may have bent the hangar in a rather pathetic off a couple of weeks ago, so it's off to Stu for some proper fettling.
In reply to Bob:
Did the 'Share The Road' ride run by the Lancashire Cycle Link in aid of the NW Air Ambulance. Start and finish were at Roots Cafe near Preston, and rode out through Chipping, Dunsop Bridge, Slaidburn, then dipping in to Yorkshire at Wigglesworth, before coming back through West Bradford and Waddington. By the time I got back home I'd done 98 miles and just short of 4000 ft of ascent. The guys I was riding with from Kirkby and Southport put in another 20-25 miles.
PS Bob -- were you the guy in the Skipton top sitting next to us in Waddington Cafe?
Post edited at 08:35
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
Yes, that was me - was about to ask the same when you mentioned the LCL.
Karl Wooffindin - on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
First round of the NDCXL (cyclocross league) at Hilton in Derby. Such a rough course, had my hands ripped to shreads and full of blisters. Best placing in a cross race though, seems training does work!
In reply to Bob:
Our paths may have passed many moons ago when I was a member of the Eden Valley MC and climbed a lot with the likes of Ronnie Kenyon, Steve Howe, Dave Kay, et al.
mrdigitaljedi - on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
good ride m8, yesterday was my 1st 10k charity run did it in 1:07:47 not bad considering i only started road running 3mnths ago.
Post edited at 10:12
nniff - on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Club photo on Box Hill, then a hilly 40 miles around the Surrey Hills, including Barhatch Lane, followed by a town line sprint to the cafe.
I neither fell off nor was knocked off, which is a distinct improvement on form for the past week (Tuesday night having being spent in A&E).
Escher - on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Had an amazing week of rides in an attempt to squeeze in a few more hilly centuries before the inevitable darkness and wet roads.
Last Sunday rode from Kirkby Stephen to Brough, Middleton-in-Teasdale, across Bollihope Common to Stanhope, up Crawleyside and back via the Stang and Tan Hill http://www.strava.com/activities/191291947
Then took a day off Wednesday to be treated to fantastic sunny weather and a ride through the Lakes taking in a load of South Lakes hills then Birker Fell, Corney Fell, Kiln Bank Cross and back via Scout Scar and Brigsteer Brow http://www.strava.com/activities/192660235
And then on Saturday another trip to the Yorkshire/Durham Dales to do another hilly loop this time with Lamps Moss, the Stang the other way and Bollihope Common the other way to name a few, brilliant rides all three http://www.strava.com/activities/193983158
In reply to Bob:
Did the Grindleford Goat (66m) in 4:51 despite a slow puncture, broken spoke and whingeing front brakes. What's that saying about piss poor preparation ?
In reply to Escher:
That's a good average speed considering the hills. Didn't you fancy the climb up out of Low Row over to Surrender Bridge?
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Snap, kind of. Did the Grindleford Billy Goat, 108 kilometres with a bit of climbing. Unfortunately their recording device failed to capture my return to base time but Strava suggests a total time of 5 hours 23 with moving time 5 hours 11. Mid field, I'll take that!
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Yep - mine wasn't recorded either but I've emailed them with the time from my Garmin. I hadn't checked out the route before hand so having to do that drag up past Froggatt was an unpleasant surprise - plus I overshot the turning at Curbar.
Post edited at 12:18
In reply to Chris the Tall:
I failed to RTFM. That meant somehow I thought it was 100k not 108k so when I started getting hungry in the early 90s thought I could cruise on back to base. On the very last and very unexpected hill I couldn't stay on the wheel of a woman on a tourer with panniers.
jayme - on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Nice family ride along the Lancaster canal then the Lune cycle path to the world famous Cafe d' Lune.
Wrong choice of cake as my carrot cake was half the size of the childrens chocolate cake.
Nice traffic free route.
In reply to Bob:
When you saw us we were the Lanterne Rouge group on the LCL ride - though that was due to making a mistake of not stopping at Dunsop Bridge on the way out, and getting caught up in the scrum at the official feed stop at Clerk Laithe Lodge where they'd not anticipated 80 cyclist turning up in the space of 45 minutes. We also ran in to a backlog of getting served at Waddy. About a dozen other riders who we'd 'dropped' between Wigglesworth and West Bradford decided not to stop at Waddy, but we managed to finish within about 3 minutes of them even with our extra leisurely cafe stop!
Escher - on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Had ridden the Low Row climb a couple of months ago on another ride. But to be honest I thought the descent from Lamps Moss arrived at the bottom of the Stang much sooner so didn't look at that section to squeeze in any more hills. Was probably just as well, I think another climb may well have killed us off.
gethin_allen on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Very similar here, did the Billy goat and got around 4:50 from what my mate's GPS thingy says. Not checked the official times yet.
I had been told it was ~4500 foot of climbing so was a bit taken aback when we recorded ~6800.
In reply to gethin_allen:
I was working in metric. Under the impression 1500m of climbing but I recorded 2000.
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Garmin Connect tells me 1902, Garmin Base camp tells me 2033
victim of mathematics - on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Friday - took advantage of a trip to York to sneak out to the edge of the moors and nip up White Horse and Boltby Banks. The latter nearly killed me.
Sunday - a quick 2 hour very hilly ride around Bradfield. Managed to get all the way from Low Bradfield to Kirk Edge Road without keeling over, which was a first. Came home via Waller Road, which is definitely a contender for the steepest road in Sheffield (which is saying something)...
Alyson - on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Got out on the bike yesterday in Sherwood forest, though it was very tame and non-gnarly riding due to the presence of a 1-year-old in a child seat on the back. I think she enjoyed it, though she kept trying to remove her helmet and mainly wanted me to stop and pick blackberries for her. It kind of amazes me that after once having a few in the park, she now recognises blackberry bushes. She points a pudgy finger at them and declares 'more!'
Anyway, the riding was great. Love this time of year, especially in deciduous forests.
gethin_allen on 15 Sep 2014
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
> I was working in metric. Under the impression 1500m of climbing but I recorded 2000.
That's about right.
Since my last post (although not strictly the weekend any more) I've just ticked one of my goals for the year and cycled (well 90% cycling) up and down Snowdon on the llanberis path. I planned to bivy on top but I was quicker than I thought I'd be and so incredibly sweaty I decided to ride down for a shower before bed.
AlisonSmiles - on 21 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
I'm moving house in four days time so this weekend was about just trying to squeeze in a bit of time outside. Did the North Cheshire club run on Saturday, the short brisk version where I attached to the group not doing the cafe stop so I wouldn't feel guilty about not being at home in the loft. Sunday got out early for a couple of local hours Sustrans route 6 on the cross bike and back to packing up the house chaos for the afternoon.
Bob on 21 Sep 2014
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
Saturday I rode down to Saddleworth to see my nephew, last week he dropped a trampoline on his foot and nearly severed his big toe!! A bit of a hilly ride http://app.strava.com/activities/197114789 but got a PB on Cragg Vale.
Today I did the Bronte Big K MTB sportive http://app.strava.com/activities/197478140 , not sure where I came in the overall standings (It's not a race, err right!). Quite a few do it on cyclocross bikes as a final training ride for the 3 Peaks CX race next weekend, they were off in the distance before we'd done a mile. 2hr47 for 27 miles, not bad, if the spread of times is the same as last year then my position will be mid-thirties out of two hundred, not holding my breath about it though.
Bob Hughes - on 21 Sep 2014
In reply to AlisonSmiles:
i decided to go exploring on the mountain bike to check out a new route up to a ridge where there is quite a fun trail. It started well enough - the day after the first rainstorms after the summer so everything was damp and atmospheric heading up through the forest. But after a short while it was time to hike-a-bike. No problem, I thought, still in good spirits and up for the adventure. Pretty soon I was scrambling across rocks with the bike on my shoulders. That went on for about an hour or so till I got to the promised bit of trail. Which was nice but lasted about 10 minutes. Then dropped down to the road and up the Bola del Mundo which is a regular feature on the Vuelta whenever it passes through Madrid. Slogged up that - over "Contador", "Purito", and "Sastre" daubed on the concrete - up to about 2100m, stopped at the top and to pad up (at last! about 4 hours after setting off) and headed off down a ridge line which borders a mini ski station. Back to a crossroads on a pass and it was a toss up between down-up-down and home or just down and home. It was getting late so it was down and home. Absolutely smashed the descent and rolled into the station with just enough time for a shandy before the train.
andymac - on 21 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
On anti-biotics (penicillin ) atm for a leg a spider had a go at,so didnt know if cycling was a good idea.
So I did .
After about 5 miles I felt ready to take on Mount Ventoux.Twice.
Is Penicillin regarded as a performance enhancing drug?
sleavesley on 21 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Cycled 45 miles after a lay off for three months due to new job, holiday and feeling under the weather.
Feel good for it, but had to master reset the garmin as it was being silly!!
VS4b - on 21 Sep 2014
In reply to sleavesley:
15mile 'fast' into town (Cambridge) and back sat, then 35miles steady round the fens into the wind both on singlespeed.
Malcolm Tucker's Sweary Aunt - on 21 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Went out on me bike. 20 miles around the Cotswolds, taking in the scenery.
andy - on 22 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
It was the club's hill climb on Saturday so the fast lads weren't at the chaingang, meaning a "division 2" group. This was actually really good as it meant we all did more time on the front, rather than hanging on for grim death. Ended up with 50 miles averging just over 20mph.
Then yesterday it was the Leeds 100 sportive. We did it with a mate whose birthday it was, so agreed to ride most of it together. There was significant faffage including punctures, mechanicals and stops for supplies, so no idea what the overall time will be - but a faster last 30 miles (attempting, and failing) to get back before my Garmin ran out of juice, meant my moving average was just over 17mph, so happy enough with that.
Roll on Thursday and Mallorca!
jethro kiernan - on 22 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Anglsey Sandman Tri so only 20k obviosly rule #42 broken :-)
but what lovely weather!
Run_Ross_Run - on 22 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Pretty lame one for me in the company of everyone else's post.
1st time out on my road bike for 2 years so did a 13miler around tredegar.
Will try a 25-30 miler on Wednesday.
Henry Iddon - on 22 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Kentmere / Longsleddale on MTB. Very pleasant it was to ! (Although wet...)
Post edited at 12:32
Ben Watts - on 22 Sep 2014
In reply to Henry Iddon:
Picked up my new ride. Pinnacle Dolomite four from Evans in Reading.
Lord of Starkness - on 22 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Led the SouthportCC 'B' group ride to Beacon Fell. About 82 miles by the time I got home. I'd not ridden the approach to Beacon Fell via Crumbleholme Lane before and had assumed it would not be as steep as going 'round the fell' from the Bleasedale Lane side. I was wrong. According to Strava the last mile averaged 10% and peaked at over 17%. ;-)
nniff - on 22 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
42-something miles around the Surrey Hills again. Lovely weather - perfect for me. Nice pace, although the town line spint was a bit of a gut-buster as the main competition sneaked a 300m head start when the rest of the group stopped to regroup at the top of the hill. The latter then seemed disinclined to put up much of a chase so off I went as fast as my little legs would push me, accompanied by a wheel sucker who later took advantage of my hard work :o( Still, think of the good it did me (and a segment PB).
It has to be said that my last segment of the ride 23.9 mph PB is distinctly weedy compared to the 38mph logged by the pro peloton when they passed that way. How the xxxx do they manage that?
Also had a chat at a junction with someone running along with a small pack. His achievement for the summer was a 23:05 Bob Graham round - made me feel most inadequate.
Post edited at 14:30
Bob on 22 Sep 2014
In reply to nniff:
They manage it by:
a) being very, very good.
b) being in a big group. Once you get a big group of riders riding close together there's some big aerodynamic effects going on.
Escher - on 22 Sep 2014
In reply to Lord of Starkness:
As you found out Crumbleholme is probably the hardest way up Beacon fell ;-)
In reply to Bob:
Resurrected my 92 Orange Clockwork, put slicks, a rack and panniers on it and went for a 50 mile spin with the missus around Cockerham on the Fylde Coast and into the edge of the Bowland fells, stopping a few times to brew up tea on my JetBoil and watch the world go by. Everything felt very autumny after a little rain. Very enjoyable.
Sunday went for spin on my own to do 80 miles around Silverdale, Arnside and some hidden gem lanes through the Kitridding Fells and Howgills in the Western Dales. Really interesting cycling round there but not well known but familiar to most if going north of Kendal on the M6. Fantastic autumn sunshine, perfect cycling weather. Just bliss. http://www.strava.com/activities/197611915
Lord of Starkness - on 22 Sep 2014
In reply to Escher:
> As you found out Crumbleholme is probably the hardest way up Beacon fell ;-)
I told the lads( and one lass) it was character building - and it served them right for not having 'compacts'.
One of the guys replied that putting a compact on his De Rosa, would be like putting a burka on a page 3 girl!
Simonfarfaraway - on 23 Sep 2014
In reply to Ben Watts:
Nice bike
I did the Tour de Ben Nevis mt bike race at the weekend. I'd always wanted to mt bike this route so figured that if I entered the race I would at last get the ride done! It was great fun. I've put some pics here if interested:
Bob on 23 Sep 2014
In reply to Simonfarfaraway:
I saw that mentioned on singletrackworld on Thursday and thought of a quick train trip north to do it but got dissuaded against it. probably wouldn't have been able to get a bike booked on the train anyway. Plus I'd already entered a local event for the Sunday.
I've biked the bit from the crossing of the Abhainn Rath over to Roy Bridge and run/walked the section from Mamore Lodge to the crossing but not done any of the other bits.
zukator - on 23 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
Such a nice day here on Ynys Mon (Well done Jethro, above, perfect for the Sandman too) that I decided to do the Tour de Mon Mawr course, 103 miles and 4.600' of climbing. As I was on my own -no wheelsucking - and had to navigate a bit it took a while but it was a beautiful day for it and lovely views.
RockAngel on 24 Sep 2014
In reply to Bob:
I read the post title as 'a bikini what you did at the weekend'
Chris the Tall - on 21:31 Fri
In reply to Bob:
Exmoor appears to be hill climbing heaven. Or hell, depending upon your outlook. Actually the mountain biking looks stunning too, will be coming back here.
Wednesday did Dunkley beacon - gets 10/10 in Simon warrens bible and who am I to argue. Actually as I started off from porlock I'm awarding myself 11 ! Stunning climb, steep ramp after steep ramp, lovely scenery higher up, really exhilarating. Dare I say I enjoyed it ?
Today rode from Porlock to Bude - 80 miles and more 25% ramps, both up and down, than I've ever done in a single ride. Porlock hill was tough but I reckon lynmouth hill was worse - sustained steepness ! Lovely descent through valley of the rocks - what a stunning place.
Seriously folks, Exmoor rivals Yorkshire as the nicest place I've ridden a bike
Bob on 16:54 Sun
In reply to Chris the Tall:
Just had a few days in Majorca (with Andy from Embsay) sampling some of the rather longer hills including Sa Colobra http://app.strava.com/activities/200596358 and the Coll de sa Batalla http://app.strava.com/activities/200596203 . Basically pick a gear and then spend the next forty minutes or so blowing out of your backside.
andy - on 17:42 Sun
In reply to Bob: As Bob says, end-of-summer trip to Pollensa. Lluch Loop on Thursday, about 40 miles including the Coll de Sa Batalla, and then coming across the wonderfully named Jeremy Dick having broken his hire frame in half after flying into a tree trying to chase me (and I'm hardly a renowned descender) down the Coll de Femenia.
Big ride Friday with Orient, Soller and Puig Major, then a different ride for us yesterday heading south to Randa and riding up the 5km climb to the monastery.
A grand weekend - same time next year, Bobster?
Bob on 17:46 Sun
In reply to andy:
Ooh, a date!
Escher - on 18:26 Sun
In reply to Bob:
lead my first club ride on Saturday, 90 odd miles and 8000 feet of climbing around the South Lakes and Western Dales. Had to do a bit extra due to malfunctioning car so ended up doing 117 miles and 10000 feet.
Think everyone enjoyed it despite 4 punctures, 1 wasp sting, an exploding rear mech and a conversion to a 53-14 single speed. Still, everyone made it back alive and all together. I'll chalk that up as a successful first try. :-)
Really tired today though so managed 1/2 a mile on my tourer to the spar for sausages and milk, then an afternoon of vicarious pedalling watching the WC RR!
Post edited at 18:27
Bob on 18:57 Sun
In reply to Escher:
I saw Ian T had ridden that, good to see him out following his accident. He was out in Majorca with us last year.
Post edited at 18:57
SteveRi - on 19:18 Sun
In reply to Bob:
20 miles around the lanes. Legs battered from too much running, light headed from not enough food
Escher - on 20:36 Sun
In reply to Bob: yeah he's going pretty well now, good to see
sleavesley on 20:47 Sun
In reply to Bob:
80km around the Cheshire lanes. It's all about the base from now until next season (apparently!)
thedatastream on 10:17 Mon
In reply to Bob:
15 mile triathlon recce with grubes
quirky - on 10:23 Mon
In reply to Bob:
Did the 4 passes route from Wasdale head on saturday and a route over Burnmoor, Hardknott and Scaffel yesterday...lots of carrying..legs feeling it today!
wilkesley - on 13:45 Mon
In reply to sleavesley:
Same here, except most of my ride was in Shropshire (we live right on the border). Can't believe how kind the weather has been this autumn.
nniff - on 22:08 Mon
In reply to Bob:
A very pleasant 42 miles around the Surrey hills again in glorious weather with a small group of five, finished with a great town line sprint with no traffic to speak of for the last three miles into town
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