2024 is over as you're no doubt already aware. I'd have to say it was a pretty good cycling year, for me. The highlight was definitely breaking my distance record in June (323.88 km, to Sutton Bridge and back). Lovely long day out on a bike. I retired (or at least stopped working indefinitely) at the end of that month, which obviously gave me more time for cycling in the second half of the month.
I broke my yearly distance record (it now stands at 10621 km). I did 46 fondos in 2024 including 9 in October.
My ride frequency seems to be pretty consistent over the last few years. It mainly depends on weather conditions and holidays. I rode a bike 124 times in 2024 compared to 127 the year before, and 120 the year before that.
As the following graph shows, cycling took a bit of a hit in September. Mainly because I was abroad for a couple of weeks but I think the weather was a bit rubbish as well.
(https://i.ibb.co/84jGfwR/Monthly-Distances2024k.png)
I pie-charted my bike distances, as follows:
(https://i.ibb.co/6PRd50V/bikepie2024.png)
The Cannondale didn't get much of a look in because it needed setting up, but I did sort it out just before the end of the summer so it should get used a lot more in 2025. Once again the first Boardman was used more than any other bike, very nearly a quarter of all rides. But I lean on the Planet X in the non-summer months more than I used to.
So, for 2025 - once again my targets are pretty modest. At least one fondo every month, to a minimum of 30. Definitely want to do Wales and back again, and East Lincs and back one long day in the summer. But not necessarily by a 324 km route. I said I'd do Newark and back in 2024, and I didn't. Must do that this year, the last time was in 2021.
I'll do at least 7500 km.
I shall visit all of Leicestershire's neighbouring counties in 2025 (although I'd probably do that anyway without thinking about it).
And I must find some new territory to explore. Perhaps a new county, one I haven't done before. Essex, maybe? The very north-western corner might be doable.
The temperature stood at a rather unaccommodating 1C when I set off, and I thought I'd probably tolerate about 35 - 40 km at most. But it was a sunny day and actually pretty comfortable out there.
I did a fairly standard Twycrosser, with the slight variation that I detoured through Nailstone on the way back up.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/240102chopper.jpg)
Really lovely out there. I could have set off earlier and done a fondo. Ah well! It's a half-decent start to the 2025 campaign.
I listened to Suella Braverman, sitting in for James O'Brexit on LBC.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/240102bike.jpg)
Saw a helicopter on the de-facto helipad near Measham so I stopped and took a pic. I looked up the registration number; according to FlightRadar24 it visited Brize Norton a couple of hours later.
Back on 45.81 km, I want to do at least 550 this month.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13246885650
Got my year in cycling up and pedalling today. Didn't overly feel like it, I'd overslept, I'm suffering from stuffing too much food and drink down my throat, the catarrh had come back and it was cold outside. Still, these things have to be done, Man Up Slikk!
Funnily enough, I never felt cold once. Must have added a fat layer in the last week. The roads were a bit icy in places though, thanks to all the run off from the fields, in places the spray thrown up by vehicles had frozen and become slush, could be a bit hard to see at times too, but I got through. Unlike the truck on Dunston Lane which appeared to have gone through a hedge and was lying on its side in a field.
It was only 25.5 miles, but it was done steadily and I felt better for it. Onwards and forwards!
https://www.strava.com/activities/13246059183
Got some more miles in today. Felt a bit more like it, but feel completely done in now. Think it's the lingering cold I've got and lingering Christmas excesses, think I've been living on chocolate, cheese and red wine for the past week. Well, I don't think I have, I know I have.
Today was a bit warmer than yesterday, but I felt colder thanks to the wind. It managed to penetrate my deep winter gloves today. Luckily my shoe covers kept my feet warm.
Had a ride out through Tibshelf and back with the odd detour to avoid roadworks which have sprung up and a detour to go through a set of roadworks which were on a downhill section.
Got 33 miles in which will do me, hopefully get out again tomorrow before the cyclocross.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13254734879
Ten years ago, in January 2015, an old Rush pal named Rob started a cycling thread on the old (now defunct) Counterparts messageboard.
Before the site finally died, I saved some of it for posterity. I'll post the screen captures here but I think you'll have to right-click and open the images in a new tab to read them properly (they'll get squeezed by the BTW board software).
In this first one, Rob suggests a Counterparts cycling club. You'll see from the fourth post in the thread that our own Mr Slikk offered to do 500 miles, ten years ago today..
(https://i.ibb.co/0cDLc9K/threadcyc01.png)
And later the same day ten years ago exactly, I agreed to aim for 500 miles as well. In the event, I did 2702 that year.
(https://i.ibb.co/xMYqvZv/threadcyc02.png)
This innocuous conversation was genuinely life-changing.
According to the BBC site it was going to be 1C all day, and overcast. I thought I might tolerate about 40 km or so. Set off to do a bit of the eastbound route at about 1130.
Definitely was cold out there but not quite as bad as I expected. The wind was light and that makes a positive difference.
At Rempstone, after 25km I took a left for Costock. Just thought I'd improvise a different route home. Turned left again for East Leake, then dipped down to Stanford, which is on a familiar version of the eastbound route. Came back the longer way after Zouch, through Long Whatton and Diseworth - partly to extend my distance a bit, partly because I've done the route back through Belton so many times that it feels a bit of a slog.
Back on 59.43 km and I'm quite satisfied with that. Given the conditions - my fingers and toes were icy over the last 15 km - I think I've gone above and beyond there.
Listened to footy talk on 5 Live.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13265120623
And out for a third day in a row being as the forecast for tomorrow is a but dodgy. Must admit I felt a bit dodgy today, completely drained. Must be my chocolate diet, probably need some fruit and veg in there too and a bit of meat.
Tried to keep today's ride as flat as possible, which I managed, just a couple of pitches which briefly hit 10%. It did feel a bit colder today, no wind, but the lack of sunshine helped it feel cooler and my toes were decidedly icy when I got home after 32 miles.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13263872207
Ten years ago today, I performed the first ride of my regular cycling habit. I wrote a brief summary on the old Counterparts messageboard, below. Fortunately it remains the only time I've been bitten by a dog on a cycling excursion.
(https://i.ibb.co/0Yy0JBJ/threadcyc03.png)
So for today's ride, I thought it might be fun to repeat the one I did ten years ago as part of a longer ride. I only did about 12km on that cold day in 2015, and I wanted to do at least 60 today.
I can't actually remember the route I took for the whole ride ten years ago to be honest. This was a while before I signed up to Strava, or started using GPS equipment. I could probably work it out. But I do know that I went through Swannington and along a small road called Limby Hall Lane. From Coleorton I went along a narrow lane to Farm Town. On my very occasional cycling trips before my habit kicked in in earnest, I usually went that way. I don't now. But I did today.
Except that as I climbed the hill towards Farm Town, I felt the back wheel spin freely. Ice. I stopped and checked the road under me. Looked OK, I thought I'd passed the icy patch, but when I put my foot on the pedal to set off, no resistance. Again, the back wheel was spinning on a very slippery thin film of ice. I definitely wasn't going to make much uphill progress on that, so I just turned back down to Coleorton. Very carefully.
From there, up to Rempstone Road, down to the Tesco roundabout at Ashby and along Corkscrew Lane to Packington, from where I basically did a Twycrosser.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250107lake.jpg)
I stopped at the Packington village shop to get a sandwich and a mince pie. The lady behind the counter wanted to know if I did my own bike repairs. Mostly, I told her. But she wasn't put off. Her son has just opened a bike shop in Ashby so she gave me his card.
There's a general flood warning in effect for Leicestershire today but I wasn't really inconvenienced. I went down the Dad's Army route for a bit. I couldn't turn left along Spon Lane because it was flooded, with the fields either side transformed into temporary lakes. But that was fine. I kept on to Polesworth instead. I was met by a flood there as well, but I was about to turn back anyway.
Back home in the usual Twycrosser manner, or one of them. I dropped off some unwanted books at the public lending library at Sibson (a repurposed phone box). Been meaning to do that for a long time.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250107poles.jpg)
It was supposed to be a dry day, with a chance of a shower at about 1330. In reality, I had a prolonged snow shower quite early on, then a couple of hours later, sharp hailstones clattering my face in troubling quantities for about ten minutes. Really painful. But the sun was mostly out in the afternoon. Quite pleasant out there when it was.
I note that I entered Warwickshire along the road to Polesworth, so that's two neighbouring counties ticked off (I did Nottinghamshire on Saturday).
Back on 69.96 km, can't say it was the most enjoyable ride overall, but I'm glad to have marked my 10th anniversary with a run out.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13291048378
Quote from: Slim on January 07, 2025, 06:13:50 PMBack on 69.96 km, can't say it was the most enjoyable ride overall, but I'm glad to have marked my 10th anniversary with a run out.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13291048378
Congrats on your tenth! And many more to follow.
Couldn't be arsed to go out today. The main road into Chesterfield from the M1 is shut due to flooding so that's overloaded the local roads, made worse by sets of temporary traffic lights. Then two of my smaller escape roads were still shut due to flooding. Bollocks to it.
Oh .. I've just noticed that my first bike ride was actually Jan 9th 2015, not the 7th.
Well there won't be a 10th anniversary ride on Thursday as I have to go to a funeral, so that'll have to do.
Went out today, wish I'd not. I coped with the cold weather and icy roads fine, but whatever I've been suffering from a lately has left my lungs at about 50% capacity. It was a right struggle and as a consequence my Heart Rate was well up on what it has been. Of course I could blame the Gravel Bike and it's knobbly tyres, but it doesn't make that much difference.
Got caught up in too many sets of roadworks too. One was placed well out of location from what the roadworks map said and the other must have been set up between me leaving the house and getting there, it was marked on the map, but Google Maps was showing freely moving traffic when I set off.
Back on nearly 21 miles. And at an average speed of under 13.5 mph, I think that's my slowest ride ever.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13298523575
Better than Wednesday I suppose. Well, the sky was clear and the sun was shining and riding uphill or on the flat it even felt warm, despite the air temperature only just nudging above freezing.
I'm definitely not on it though, over half the ride saw my Heart rate up in the Red zone. Before Christmas I was going out and I was barely spending any time in the red. I know these heart rate straps can play up sometimes, but today it was going up and down in direct correlation to the terrain.
Still, I got out in the fresh air for 22 miles and shifted a bit of gunk from off my lungs, most of which lands on the nozzle of my bidon...
https://www.strava.com/activities/13315969924
My firm intention was to do a fondo over to Eastwell and back today. Sure, it was going to be very cold. But the wind speed was forecast to be very low and it was going to be sunny all day.
Well, when I got up, I changed my mind. Looked rather frosty out there. But I set off at about 1100, thinking I'd do maybe 50k or so.
The road surface looked a bit precarious (icy in other words) over the first few hundred metres, but fine once I hit a well-travelled road. I wasn't too concerned about the surface I was pedalling along, but it was Baltic out there. My fingers were painfully cold after a couple of km, even in my thickest gloves. I genuinely considered turning back and if I'd known the conditions were going to be as cold as that, I wouldn't even have set off.
But I had set off. So I pressed on. And after about an hour, with the sun out and the air temperature having climbed a bit, I'd started to enjoy myself slightly. I still wasn't going to do 100km, though. I'd set off too late for that and I had the uncomfortable thought that changing an inner tube with icy fingers would be a nightmare, if I got a puncture.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250110cold.jpg)
By the time I came to the junction with East Road, I'd decided I was going to turn back soon. So I took the left along there to do something a bit different. After another km or so I came to another junction with a left turn I'd never tried before. So I went along there. Quite a nice road. Well surfaced and quiet.
And I was gliding along quite happily in the sunshine when I noticed a car in the ditch, with two police officers in attendance, about 80 metres up ahead. In the same instant the bike gave way under me, and it and I both collided with the road. We both slid spectacularly along the ground for about three metres, like aggressively propelled curling stones.
Fair play to the two police officers, a young man who looked unsettlingly like Harry Maguire and a young blonde woman. They came running the second they heard the bike clatter against the tarmac and saw what had happened, but I already had a hand raised to indicate that I was OK, I think before I'd even slid to a stop. I think the sheer frictionlessness of the road surface, despite having caused the incident, had prevented an injury. Nearly all of the kinetic energy inherent from the momentum of the bike was expended on sliding along the road.
I took stock. The two coppers were creditably attentive but I assured them I was fine. The bike (my Planet X) looked alright as well. For a moment I thought I'd buggered the rear mech (again, I only replaced it last year) because the chain was hanging loose but once I'd threaded it back onto a chainring it was clear that it was working properly.
The road surface didn't even look icy, or frosty. But it had a very thin, transparent layer of ice that was incredibly slippery. My clothes weren't even scuffed. My bum does have a bruise but apart from that I'm unscathed. I realised when I changed into the easiest cog at the back that the bike didn't completely get away with it - the rear pulley rattled against the spokes like a ruler dragged along a set of railings. All the other gears are fine, and it was even changing up and down nicely. But the rear hanger is slightly bent inward. Just enough to shift the indexing by exactly one place, possibly. In any case I made a mental note not to resort to the granny gear on the way home.
I think I just need to bend the hanger back into alignment. Probably the best approach is to take it right off and straighten it in a vice or something, rather than pulling on the mech. I'll think about that when the garage is a bit warmer.
No more mishaps on the way back. I came a slightly longer way back after Belton, only because I thought the roads stood a better chance of being clear.
Back on 67.81 km. Be careful out there. 243 km this month now.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13317322460
Glad you were lucky enough to avoid too much damage to yourself or the bike. It's no weather for cycling IMHO.
Glad you're OK James. I try and use the Gravel Bike with it's knobbly tyres in this weather and over the years I've worked out which roads are likelier to be ice free.
Coming off on ice and sliding along does tend to do less damage to the cyclist, I speak from experience...
My sister mentioned to me that when driving earlier behind a cyclist, the dashboard was displaying minus five. Cycling downhill at speed must make that feel like minus twenty. Good to hear that you didn't hurt yourself too badly, James. You'll probably feel a couple of additional aches and pains tomorrow though. Get the Radox out.
Glad you escaped virtually unscathed Slim. We're not getting any younger and really need to take care. Broken bones take longer to heal as we age. Last Winter I went out on 2 or 3 occasions when it was very cold and the back wheel slipped a few times. I decided I wouldn't take any risks in low temps this winter. A combination of the icy roads and a heavy cold have kept me off the bike, even for the short work commute since the turn of the New Year. I think sometimes I'm being over cautious but I'm happy enough to live with that.
Must admit I was going to go out today and it's a lovely day, but Slim's fall has sowed seeds of doubt in my tiny mind. I know the roads should be OK - they were yesterday, but I might have struck lucky.
Still got a lingering cold too. I'll see if it warms up a bit this afternoon.
After spending too much time trying to find a stream of any of today's national Cyclocross Championships - I did watch a bit of a live stream from a young girl at the UK championships who was doing a livestream - I thought that I would get out for an hour, if not then I'd probably become house bound.
Still not really feeling it on the bike, nowhere near what is my normal, but at least I didn't spend half the ride in the red today. Just went out to the delights of Calow and back a couple of times. Got in a total of 20 miles, do that every day for the rest of the month and I'll get 500 miles in January :)
https://www.strava.com/activities/13336055347
Once again I had half a mind to do a fondo. Decided I'd do the Lower Westbound route. I stopped at the petrol station at Measham after 9 km to get some food, only to find that I hadn't brought my phone out with me, and therefore had no means of payment.
Not a disaster - I had a cornish pasty, a yoghurt and an oat bar. I decided to keep it down to 70 km or so. The weather wasn't really ideal for a fondo anyway, cold and a bit damp. The roads were wet. And dirty, probably from being gritted in recent days.
After about 30 km I took an unscheduled left turn along a road called Daisy Lane, mainly because I wanted to find a discreet location for a wee. Kept going along there for about 2 km. Quite a nice, secluded lane. Not too badly surfaced (and I was on the Tricross).
Then I turned back to the main road. Kept going as far as King's Bromley. I was about 45 km from home at that point and a bit nervous about not having a phone with me. What would happen if I got a mechanical? I'd be stuck out there for hours in the cold, walking home in cleats. So I turned for home.
Quite an enjoyable ride overall, glad to have got another 76.15 km under my belt for January.
I cycled through Derbyshire and into Staffordshire, so that's another two neighbouring counties ticked off. Just the three "hard" ones to do now, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire and Rutland. I'm a bit uneasy at not having done a fondo yet this month. Might do Northamptonshire on Thursday or Friday.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13344390857
I was just glad to get out today. Fully intended going out yesterday, but just didn't feel like it. At least that gave me time to clean and lube the bike chain, it had gotten pretty grotty, I reckon it probably saved me 10W on my ride today :)
Just had a leisurely ride out through Tibshelf and back for 27 miles. At least the roads are ice free now, but seemingly all covered in a thin layer of mud which has returned the chain to yesteday morning's level of filthiness and left my bib tights looking like I've suffered a bad outbreak of diarrhoea...
https://www.strava.com/activities/13351852688
And out again today, trying to get back to getting out consistently. Might take a while. Anyway, it was nice and warm today, but a bit too sunny on the route I was riding, forever in my eyes, must remember to wear a cycling cap under my helmet.
The roads were if anything filthier than yesterday. Had to give the bike a good sponge down when I got home. Got me over 200 miles for January too today, only another 290 to get to 500, must make some hay whilst the sun shines.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13361051841
I like to do at least one fondo every calendar month; a sort of mandatory self-imposed target. And I was a little concerned that I'd let half the month slip away without getting it done for January 2025 - mainly due to dismal weather. Don't think I'd left it so late for years.
And the weather was pretty dismal today as well, but I was determined to get a 100km ride in. So I did.
I'd hoped to set off at about 1000, which would see me back before sunset. But the view out of the window was not encouraging, when I got up. Thick fog. So made sure I had lights, and set off a bit later at 1038.
I'd decided on the southbound route. Cold and murky for the first hour or so, but nice once the sun came out and chased away the fog. Conditions warmed up nicely, I had to take off a layer after the first couple of hours.
I took the bypass round Earl Shilton and approached Stoney Stanton from the west. Fortunate that I did, because when I got to the crossroads there I noticed that my usual approach had been blocked off - the whole width of the road was being resurfaced.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250116bike.jpg)
I crossed the border into Northamptonshire after about 54 km. Pootled past the gliding club (nothing happening today) then came back the same way - except that I came up into Ibstock along the A47 rather than the usual considerably quieter route through Bagworth and Ellistown. I only did this to get home a bit quicker but it was definitely a mistake. Busy with traffic and quite unpleasant, especially in the dark.
Listened mostly to 5 Live. Much discussion about the impending (or not) ceasefire agreement between the two usual belligerents in the Middle East.
Back on 107.45, 426 done this month. I don't feel as if I've done that much distance this year so far, but surprisingly 426 is a record for Jan 16th. A little more than 2km ahead of this time last year.
Oh, and although I don't do imperial measurements now, for what it's worth I've now done 50,026 miles since Jan 15.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13372517863
Well, I managed to up my daily mileage again today to 28.5 miles. Whatever I came down with before Christmas is sure taking a long time to fully leave me. I did manage to take things a bit easier though today, with my Garmin telling me I'd ridden at Threshold and not VO2 Max like Tuesday and Wednesday. Managed to just ride that bit more slowly today, on roads which were approaching dryness in parts.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13370035400
Looking at my Strava stats, I'm now been sitting on a saddle for 150 whole days since the beginning of 2016.
A cold, overcast day. Having clocked up a reasonable km count this month, and having got a fondo in, I thought 55k would be enough. I'd normally consider 34 miles (a typical Twycrosser distance) to be an acceptable bog-standard ride distance, before I metricated myself. And it's close enough.
I knew I wanted to go roughly south because of the wind direction, but set off without a clear idea of the route. I was going to start by going down through Ellistown but rather than approach it via Ibstock as I usually do, I started off down Standard Hill. I avoid this usually (and I haven't done it for at least a year) because it involves a steep climb.
Anyway I survived the climb, then took my occasional detour after Ellistown, along Beveridge Lane - past the big warehouses and depots, then back to the usual route via West Lane. Nicely surfaced along there, not too busy. Just easy kilometres really.
After Bagworth, rather than heading down to Kirkby Mallory à la usual southbound route, I went down to Newtown Unthank and across to Kirby Muxloe, on the very outskirts of Leicester. Idly pootled both ways along Ratby Lane for a bit and came back the same way, except that I detoured along Heath Road / Wood Road, and didn't detour along Beveridge Lane.
I was particularly interested to come back via Standard Hill because it was resurfaced a couple of years ago on the left side as you approach Ravenstone - making it unusable for cycling. They managed somehow to make the road surface ripply, and the last time I tried it, well over a year ago I think, I was nearly bounced off the bike coming down the hill. Now to be fair I could have applied the brakes to slow down, but I don't like to do that. It wastes kinetic energy and brake pad material.
But I had an inkling that Standard Hill had been resurfaced again in recent months, so I gave it another go and happily - it has. I was able to whoosh down the hill toward the village without incident. I'm happy about that because there are only five ways to return to the village, so I like to have the full set.
Back on 46.46 km, not as many as I intended but it was really cold out there - my fingers were icy, even in thick gloves. So I think I've done my bit.
Listened to footy coverage on 5 Live.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13388606993
Got a couple more 25 mile rides in. Starting to feel a bit more like a cyclist again and the old ticker isn't spending anywhere near as much time in the red, which to me says that I'm pedalling back to fitness again and might well have finally shaken off whatever it was that's been ailing me.
Today was noticeably colder again. Even though I'd got my fluffy lined gloves on my finger ends were a bit chilly and a few muffed gear changes ensued. On a plus point, I actually got several very good passes today where cars gave me well over the recommended 4'6" passing room :)
https://www.strava.com/activities/13387407365
Quote from: Slim on January 10, 2025, 05:32:16 PMI realised when I changed into the easiest cog at the back that the bike didn't completely get away with it - the rear pulley rattled against the spokes like a ruler dragged along a set of railings. All the other gears are fine, and it was even changing up and down nicely. But the rear hanger is slightly bent inward. Just enough to shift the indexing by exactly one place, possibly. In any case I made a mental note not to resort to the granny gear on the way home.
I think I just need to bend the hanger back into alignment. Probably the best approach is to take it right off and straighten it in a vice or something, rather than pulling on the mech. I'll think about that when the garage is a bit warmer.
I've bought a hanger alignment tool. I just went for the cheapest one I could find (on eBay) but it seems nicely manufactured. I may only ever use it once.
(https://i.ibb.co/vP62w6Y/hangertool.jpg)
It turns out that the Planet X's saddle got chewed up in the same mishap. I bought a new one off Amazon. It was only £10, about 1/5 of the cost of the Prologo saddle it's replacing. But again it seems well-made and comfy, and it even has green trim to go with the frame. And a gap down the middle, which the old saddle didn't have. Which if nothing else will make it easier to get at the forward allen bolt that secures it to the seat post.
Another cold day but reasonably bright and dry, or at least it was when I set off at about 1230. Only wanted to do 55 km or so and I chose a time to optimise the conditions. A bit warmer in the afternoon.
I did a Twycrosser, with the detour from Twycross to Orton on the Hill.
Gloomier conditions set in later on and there were a few isolated spots of rain. Wasn't quite as cold as I expected. No icy fingers this time.
Gave the first Boardman its first run out this year and I realised a few minutes after I set off that I was giving the front tyre its maiden voyage. It was fine, of course.
Along Heather Lane I thought for a moment that I'd spotted a flock of black and white sheep in a field to my right, but they were Border Collies. About five of them.
Back on 54.58 km and that's 528 this month, which is a record for a 20th Jan. I suppose being retired helps.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13406044708
1st spin of the year yesterday - a fairly bog standard 56k - coolish but dry and very little wind. Good to get the year up and running after the heavy cold and inclement weather had kept me off the bike except for the short work commute.
It felt like a decent workout but the watch considered it pretty insignificant. I've been walking and jogging round the park when I've been walking the dog and this has a much higher impact on heart rate according to the wearable!
Got out today, longest ride of the year for me, but still not even 34 miles. Bit more climbing involved than of late though, almost 2,500 feet of elevation gain. Rode a similar route at the end of last year and managed my best one hour power output. Today I stuck another couple of Watts on top of it, which made me feel better as I was feeling like shit.
It involves a long draggy climb up to the tops. Because of its up and down nature, Strava reckons my biggest climb of the day was 268 feet, but from bottom to top it's really a 750 foot climb with 1,000 feet if elevation gain in total.
Was surprised by how few cyclists I saw out today, OK it was a Tuesday in January, but I was riding some of the main routes that cyclists use to go in and out of Sheffield on. It wasn't that bad a day, on the coolish side and I was surprised to see along Spitewinter Lane that there was still some snow hanging on. Perhaps that's where the name comes from as it holds onto the snow well.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13413665522
It all looked a bit wet grey and dismal when I peered through the curtains on getting up, but the day settled down to just being grey and dismal, although the roads stayed wet.
Looking at the weather forecast as it stands, only Saturday looks like being a dry day so getting out today was a must. Did a lengthened Tibshelf run today, had to plot a route carefully as there are too many sets of traffic lights at roadworks at the moment. I ended up going along a road I only normally do the other way, forgetting that what normally starts with a sharp drop ends up with a sharp climb going the other way. A sharp climb which exits straight onto a main road. Luckily there was no traffic coming from the right - held up by roadworks I'd missed.
Had a bit of a shout at a driver later on, I was turning off right onto a side road and a middle-aged bloke in a Range Rover was going to come out. In fact as I turned off he did come out forcing me to take a wider turn. I queried what he was doing and he shouted back, but I couldn't tell what he said, I just hope he could tell I said "FOAD PILLOCK IN A WANKPANZER!"
Anyway, that was 35 miles in the cycling bag.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13422756725
Didn't think I was going to ride a bike today but the forecast improved enough to allow a window of decent weather in the afternoon. Wasn't sure what to do really .. I did sort of an odd combination of a trip up towards Donington, but only as far as Tonge. Back down through Lount and back to the main road to Ashby. Went along that (not pleasant, busy traffic) for 3km or so then left to Packington.
I planned to do a Twycrosser from there but the weather was a bit rubbish. Not wet but slightly damp, and getting colder. Actually I'd been a bit too warm an hour earlier. So I cut it short by taking a left homeward through Swepstone from Snarestone.
Only 44.87 km but considering the conditions, enough. Quite enjoyed it but I wouldn't have enjoyed another half hour. Back about 13 minutes after sunset, but I didn't need lights.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13424411408
A cold day but forecast to be sunny in the afternoon. I thought a Bypasser would do, but wanted to do a reasonably long one, 65km or so.
So I did a bypasser, with a bit of an excursion toward Polesworth at the bottom. Along to Witherley and Atterton Lane. But on the way back up, I cut in to Sheepy Magna and Twycross. Then back via Gibbet Lane.
(https://i.ibb.co/Dz5rdbX/250125bike.jpg)
Noticed a light aircraft taking off in the distance as I stopped near Orton. Hadn't seen that before. But looking at the map, there is a little aircraft logo 2km north of where I was, with the text "Cottage Farm Airstrip".
Beautiful sunny day, wish I'd worn a peak cap under my woolly hat. The glare on the flip-up shades I'd attached to my old varifocals was pretty irritating. I was getting cold over the last few km though, or at least my feet were.
I listened to LBC, then a new audiobook: The Collapse of Yugoslavia 1991-1999 by Alastair Finlan.
Back on 72.90 km. Looks like rain for a few days now.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13450113897
Made the most of today's sunshine, well, I didn't because I was only out for two hours, but I was up too late and had too much cycling to watch!
I had a route planned in my head before setting off, but didn't take it as on looking on Google maps the supposedly inconsequential roadworks nearby were causing gridlock on the way I'd intended to go. So another ride out to Tibshelf and back it was.
I hadn't realised it had got so cold overnight because a couple of roads I went down still had a coating of ice on them. I had been avoiding them a lately for that reason. (memo to self, ask Mrs S what weather was like when she got up as she rises much earlier than me)
As ever a couple of days off the bike leaves me feeling like I'm starting over, but I got more into it after an hour. Kept getting my average speed up to 16mph and then having it fall back by being held up by traffic which can't move because of all the cars parked at the side of the road. You can get eight bicycles in the space of a car. Just sayin'.
Back on 33 miles which gets me to 415 for January. Six days to get to 500 but the weather doesn't look like playing ball at the moment.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13448444577
The sun was out this morning, so I thought I better be. Took some thinking about though as my guts were in a bit of turmoil early on - I blame Mrs S's undercooked crumble from yesterday. Not feeling 100% with it now.
I was wondering how many of the 85 miles I need for 500 in January I should do, being as Tuesday and Friday look like being rainy. I thought a steady 20 would do, that would leave a couple of days at 32 miles a day.
It was still a bit breezy out there though, a real headwind on the way out, but that's the way it should be to get the tailwind on the run home. But it did mean it was one of those rare occasions when my average speed dropped on the ride from Holmewood up to Tibshelf.
Riding back from Tibby would have got me to 20, but I pressed on through the Tibshelfian fleshpots and went round Pewit lane a couple of times and back up through Pilsley. Nearly got caught out by a gut on the way back, I indicated to turn left and got caught by a crosswind gust which nearly took the back wheel out, but I managed to rectify it.
Anyhoo back on 27.5 miles, which will do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13465302109
Sun was out again. My guts were in turmoil again. Maybe it's a sunshine thing. Still I had both legs attached so out for a ride it was.
Out later than I'd hoped. Switched on the Garmin, it started up then switched itself off, it started up again switched off and on and on. Did a hard reset. Switched it on again, same thing. Did another hard reset, it came back on - eventually. Just found out that Garmin watches aren't working today and also on the list is the Edge 1040 cycling computer. We'll see what tomorrow brings.
Also on the blink is my Heart Rate Monitor, my HR went up to 171 going downhill, not very likely. It eventually settled down, but still seemed a bit high, but that could be my digestive troubles. Another moan is it was well windier than the BBC forecast, more like 16mph than 8mph. Definitely held me back.
Thankfully I was able to get 32 miles in, so down to under 26 needed for 500 miles in January, I'll try the flatter lands tomorrow.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13483484608
Nice day today, mild, dry and intermittently sunny. But I didn't want to go far, because I want to do a fondo tomorrow. I thought 35-40 km would do nicely. Just a quick run out.
I decided to do part of a Twycrosser then turn and come home the same way (instead of the usual circular route). Down as far as Twycross, then back up. I did come a different way out of Packington though. Then I took a left for a quick visit to Ashby. Then home.
I listened to 5 Live mostly. Bob Harris was a guest on Matt Chorley's politics programme.
Quite a pleasant 40.31km. Only 25 miles in old money but that's fine.
When I got back to the garage I decided to have a go, on the spur of the moment, at realigning the bent hanger on the Planet X, which has been languishing on the stand in there for a week or two. It was pretty easy, the alignment tool worked very well. Just takes a bit of patience and force. I put the rear mech back on and it seems to be changing through the gears nicely on the stand, so we'll see how it does on the road.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13485269161
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on January 29, 2025, 05:00:42 PMOut later than I'd hoped. Switched on the Garmin, it started up then switched itself off, it started up again switched off and on and on. Did a hard reset. Switched it on again, same thing. Did another hard reset, it came back on - eventually. Just found out that Garmin watches aren't working today and also on the list is the Edge 1040 cycling computer.
That's interesting. I read about that yesterday but forgot about it, and used my Vivoactive 3 today. Worked fine, maybe because it has old firmware.
https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/garmin-outage-jan-2025-blue-triangle
Quote from: Slim on January 29, 2025, 05:43:42 PMThat's interesting. I read about that yesterday but forgot about it, and used my Vivoactive 3 today. Worked fine, maybe because it has old firmware.
https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/garmin-outage-jan-2025-blue-triangle
Everything back to normal today. I'm not though.
Went out and got up to my required mileage for 500 miles in January - and a bit more - and was nearly home, but decided just to get up to 32 miles in 2 hours, so as I normally do I turned off down Swaddale avenue, now there was a bit of a barrier there on the left had side of the road because they'd done a bit of resurfacing.
Now, it didn't say the road was closed and even if it did it wouldn't apply to bicycles unless explicitly stated. So off I went, but slowly, then when I hit the new Tarmac my back wheel just slid out in me and I fell heavily on my right hand side. Picked myself up, dusted myself down, still had all limbs present. Holes in right sleeve on elbow of jersey with blood coming through, but didn't feel like anything broken or dislocated and chozzled bar tape on the right side of the handlebars, so a slow last mile back home.
Got home found I'd lost my Oakleys. Never thought to check for them, so I got back on the bike to see if they were still there, but no, no sign of them. Arse.
Don't know when I'll get out again now, I expect some aches will come out.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13492366820
I'd intended to do a fondo today. But when I woke at about 0800, my bedside Echo Dot claimed that the outside temperature was 2C. I dozed and slept intermittently after that and didn't get up until 1030.
I think the Dot was wrong actually, I think it was probably warmer than that. But I decided to do a shorter ride anyway. I set off at about 1205, giving the air temperature a chance to climb a bit.
I took the newly-adjusted Planet X, to see if the gears were working properly following the hanger realignment. And they weren't, quite. Up-changes were very laggy. But I lowered the tension in the cable with one of the barrel adjusters after a few km and got it spot on. Nice and slick.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250130bike.jpg)
I was going to do part of the Upper Westbound route and I guess I did, except that after Swarkestone Bridge I took a right up into the nether regions of Derby, along Infinity Park Way. Disappointingly busy with traffic up there, don't know why it would be, early on a Thursday afternoon. I thought of coming back via Weston and Aston but I was short of cycling food - I'm overdue a trip to Tesco - so I headed back to Swarkestone to take advantage of the Texaco garage there. I came back home via Ticknall and Ashby, which meant that I had to face Bastard Hill. But it's been resurfaced and it didn't seem so bad as usual.
Oh yes and this was the maiden voyage of the X's new saddle. It's nicely padded, but it's not as comfortable as the old one. Looks like the old adage "buy cheap, buy twice" probably applies. But I might get used to it, or adjusting the pitch might improve it. Or it might wear in. I'll give it a few more goes before the next round of retail therapy. Actually I might give the fibreglass-reinforced plastic saddle I bought about eight years ago another try.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/sportsaddle.jpg)
Back on 52.37 - not a lot really. Felt like more than that, maybe because it was a bit climby, maybe because it was a bit unusual. That'll be it for January anyway I'm sure. 738 km or 459 miles. I did 12 rides this month, same as January 2024, but despite having to work for a living I did 37 km more last year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13493589056
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on January 30, 2025, 03:53:58 PMQuote from: Slim on January 29, 2025, 05:43:42 PMThat's interesting. I read about that yesterday but forgot about it, and used my Vivoactive 3 today. Worked fine, maybe because it has old firmware.
https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/garmin-outage-jan-2025-blue-triangle
Everything back to normal today. I'm not though.
Went out and got up to my required mileage for 500 miles in January - and a bit more - and was nearly home, but decided just to get up to 32 miles in 2 hours, so as I normally do I turned off down Swaddale avenue, now there was a bit of a barrier there on the left had side of the road because they'd done a bit of resurfacing.
Now, it didn't say the road was closed and even if it did it wouldn't apply to bicycles unless explicitly stated. So off I went, but slowly, then when I hit the new Tarmac my back wheel just slid out in me and I fell heavily on my right hand side. Picked myself up, dusted myself down, still had all limbs present. Holes in right sleeve on elbow of jersey with blood coming through, but didn't feel like anything broken or dislocated and chozzled bar tape on the right side of the handlebars, so a slow last mile back home.
Got home found I'd lost my Oakleys. Never thought to check for them, so I got back on the bike to see if they were still there, but no, no sign of them. Arse.
Don't know when I'll get out again now, I expect some aches will come out.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13492366820
Hope it's not too painful in the morning and you're back in the saddle soon. The bar tape on the X got a bit chewed when I came off earlier in the month but I'm just going to leave it.
Quote from: Slim on January 30, 2025, 11:31:05 PMQuote from: Nickslikk2112 on January 30, 2025, 03:53:58 PMQuote from: Slim on January 29, 2025, 05:43:42 PMThat's interesting. I read about that yesterday but forgot about it, and used my Vivoactive 3 today. Worked fine, maybe because it has old firmware.
https://www.tomsguide.com/news/live/garmin-outage-jan-2025-blue-triangle
Everything back to normal today. I'm not though.
Went out and got up to my required mileage for 500 miles in January - and a bit more - and was nearly home, but decided just to get up to 32 miles in 2 hours, so as I normally do I turned off down Swaddale avenue, now there was a bit of a barrier there on the left had side of the road because they'd done a bit of resurfacing.
Now, it didn't say the road was closed and even if it did it wouldn't apply to bicycles unless explicitly stated. So off I went, but slowly, then when I hit the new Tarmac my back wheel just slid out in me and I fell heavily on my right hand side. Picked myself up, dusted myself down, still had all limbs present. Holes in right sleeve on elbow of jersey with blood coming through, but didn't feel like anything broken or dislocated and chozzled bar tape on the right side of the handlebars, so a slow last mile back home.
Got home found I'd lost my Oakleys. Never thought to check for them, so I got back on the bike to see if they were still there, but no, no sign of them. Arse.
Don't know when I'll get out again now, I expect some aches will come out.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13492366820
Hope it's not too painful in the morning and you're back in the saddle soon. The bar tape on the X got a bit chewed when I came off earlier in the month but I'm just going to leave it.
Thanks James.
Might be a few days before I'm back in the saddle, picked up a groin strain which suddenly kicked in late yesterday and now I can barely walk.
This weekend's cycling strategy was to take it easy today and do a fondo tomorrow. But the weather forecast for Monday improved to the point where it was a bit nicer than tomorrow's, so I decided I'd do a short one today and have a day off tomorrow instead.
Cold and gloomy out there, but dry. Unfortunately the wind made the temperature a bit unpleasant so I decided to keep it even shorter than I intended.
I did an unusual sort of route. Down to Kirkby Mallory as per the usual southbound, except that I had a big old detour along Beveridge Lane, past the enormo-warehouses and distribution centres that must be visible from the ISS. But after Mallory I went west to Sutton Cheney and along Fenn Lanes.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250201bike.jpg)
I'd intended to cut north to Bosworth rather than do the whole length of Fenn Lanes, but I had to anyway (see photo). On the way up from Bosworth I did a detour through Nailstone and Ellistown.
I listened to footy on 5 Live. Forest beat Brighton 7-0, quite a comeback considering they got tonked 5-0 in their previous game.
Back on 50.68 km (31.49 miles) but given the conditions that's good enough. Quite enjoyable but I wouldn't have wanted to stay out another half hour. Back about 15 minutes before sunset but the light was already starting to dim and my extremities were a bit icy.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13512089815
I got up before 0800 today, which is rare for me these days. But conditions looked pretty unaccomodating out there - gloomy and damp - and an hour later, I'd gone back to bed. But I'd got up again, clothed myself and mounted a bicycle by 1055. The sun was due to set six hours later. Plenty of time for a fondo.
I decided to do the southbound route - was going to go down to Sibbertoft gliding club again. But on the very spur of the moment, at Stoney Stanton, I decided to go down Fosse Way instead. I'd already gone a couple of metres down the left turn, so I u-turned back to the roundabout and took the road down through Shamford.
Nice to go down that long, straight bit of Fosse Way south of High Cross. It's always unaccountably quiet along there, despite being a fairly wide and decently surfaced road. Unfortunately, not long after I passed High Cross, a persistent cold drizzle set in. Particularly annoying since I'd avoided going cycling yesterday on the basis that today's weather was going to be nicer. It definitely wasn't. Wouldn't have minded so much if I'd put contact lenses in, but I could barely see through the moisture pebbling on my specs. Horrible.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250203bike.jpg)
I went down as far as Bretford. Did a little bit of exploring along the road to Rugby rather than carrying on down Fosse Way. Then I turned for home. Had a bit of a feast outside the village shop at Brinklow. The weather dried up very nicely after Stoney Stanton. Actually I suspect I'd hadn't rained that far north, so maybe the forecast was right after all. The sun came out. Really quite pleasant after that.
I tried a more economical route over the last 25 km through Barlestone. I was going to come straight up the A447 from there but I chickened out when I got there. Wrong time of day. Too busy. So I went straight over at the crossroads and came up through Odstone and Heather.
Listened to LBC and 5 Live.
Back on 101.95 km, a few minutes after sunset. The bike was a bit filthy and I was tempted to hose it, but I settled for a good seeing to with a bathroom wipe.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13529690520
I had every intention of doing a fondo today. The forecast had promised a dry, sunny day with a moderate wind coming from the east. A perfect opportunity for my beloved eastbound fondo route, to Eastwell crossroads and back
I set off after 1100, to give conditions a chance to warm up a bit. The weather was beautifully bright and sunny. But six kilometres later, just after I passed Thringstone, I saw a patch of fog up ahead. It was as though a cloud had landed, about half a klick in front of me. I assumed I'd pass through it quickly enough and emerge back into the bright sunshine a few minutes later, but nope - I was still cloaked in fog 25 kilometres later.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250206bike.jpg)
I'd worked out a slightly different route, avoiding Burton on the Wolds and taking in Walton on the Wolds to the south instead. Done it a couple of times before. After Walton, visibility improved substantially. I'd been making a mental note of distant objects emerging from the bright, white curtain of fog in the distance, then measuring the distance to them with my watch. A couple of km further back it had been down to about 150 metres, now it was more like 400. Luxury. But another few km further on, it was down to about 80 metres and I started to feel unsafe. I put the rear light on and turned back, with 41km done.
Despite the fog the sun was really bright. Apart from being a bit colder than I expected, the conditions weren't uncomfortable. Just dangerous.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250206pigeons.jpg)
I took a wrong turn at Paudy Crossroads and found myself in Seagrave, but I stopped at the bench there for an impromptu lunch. Here, I was completely out of the fog, there was no sign of it. But by the time I got back to Cotes, it was back (or I was back in it), albeit not as thick as it had been earlier. The sun had finally managed to burn it off by the time I got back over the Leicestershire border.
I took a longer route home through Long Whatton and Diseworth. I did ponder tacking on another 11km to make it a fondo, but it was starting to get dark and I was already colder than I was supposed to be.
Back about 10 mins after sunset, on 88.79km. Listened to 5 Live and another couple of hours of my audiobook about the collapse of Yugoslavia. Shocking.
I do like that alternative route through Walton. It adds about a klick and a half, and some climbing. But it's a nice change.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13557454583
Fell off the bike today. Crossing a motorway bridge that I've crossed countless times before. It has a grooved metal link angled across the road. My front wheel must have turned slightly to match the direction of the groove and the next thing I knew I was hurtling head first towards the ground. The helmet took most of the impact so I'm grateful that I was wearing it. I appear to have escaped pretty well scott free except for a golf ball sized lump on my right hip.
The bike appears to have escaped without harm too and I was able to carry on with the spin. I was planning a relatively short one anyway as I was taking my daughter out in the afternoon to go car hunting, but I came home half an hour sooner than I planned, just a tad under 40kms.
Just mentioned this on your Strava post Dom, but a similar thing happened to me many (45!) years ago when I was cruising down a hill in the rain. A railway track was grooved into the tarmac at an angle. The front wheel went into the groove and BOING, off I went.
Since then I've always tried to approach tram lines, train lines or any sort of groove in the road surface at as close to a right angle as I can.
Fair point about wearing a cycling helmet. I don't think I've worn one this year. It's woolly hat season. Stastically though I must be pretty safe, given that I've done over 80,000 km without my head hitting anything more troubling than a wasp.
Yeah I tend to have a fall every couple of years so I think I'll stick to wearing one
Quote from: dom on February 09, 2025, 12:31:02 AMYeah I tend to have a fall every couple of years so I think I'll stick to wearing one
Glad you didn't hurt yourself too bad, dom. Could've been awful had you not had a helmet on. Always a sensible choice.
Quote from: dom on February 08, 2025, 10:29:16 PMFell off the bike today. Crossing a motorway bridge that I've crossed countless times before. It has a grooved metal link angled across the road. My front wheel must have turned slightly to match the direction of the groove and the next thing I knew I was hurtling head first towards the ground. The helmet took most of the impact so I'm grateful that I was wearing it. I appear to have escaped pretty well scott free except for a golf ball sized lump on my right hip.
The bike appears to have escaped without harm too and I was able to carry on with the spin. I was planning a relatively short one anyway as I was taking my daughter out in the afternoon to go car hunting, but I came home half an hour sooner than I planned, just a tad under 40kms.
Glad you're about OK Dom.
Don't know when I'll get back on a bike. I got an almighty wallop and somehow picked up a groin strain in the process which is stopping me getting my leg over - the bike - and my right elbow is still very tender.
First ride for me and the wife since Boxing Day. Poor weather, the flu and colds has had us laid up for a while. Anyway, back to some normality, health-wise, now so it was a quick spin out on the mtbs. Damp, cold and pretty miserable out there this morning but enjoyed it nonetheless. At least we didn't get rained on. Probably around 18 miles or thereabouts, one hour and forty minutes.
Nice to get home into the warm. Pub lunch to look forward to at 2:00pm :)
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on February 09, 2025, 11:44:57 AMQuote from: dom on February 08, 2025, 10:29:16 PMFell off the bike today. Crossing a motorway bridge that I've crossed countless times before. It has a grooved metal link angled across the road. My front wheel must have turned slightly to match the direction of the groove and the next thing I knew I was hurtling head first towards the ground. The helmet took most of the impact so I'm grateful that I was wearing it. I appear to have escaped pretty well scott free except for a golf ball sized lump on my right hip.
The bike appears to have escaped without harm too and I was able to carry on with the spin. I was planning a relatively short one anyway as I was taking my daughter out in the afternoon to go car hunting, but I came home half an hour sooner than I planned, just a tad under 40kms.
Glad you're about OK Dom.
Don't know when I'll get back on a bike. I got an almighty wallop and somehow picked up a groin strain in the process which is stopping me getting my leg over - the bike - and my right elbow is still very tender.
Sorry to hear that Nick, it's frustrating not to be able to get out. Hopefully you'll be back to normal by the time the weather gets warmer and the days longer
Quote from: dom on February 09, 2025, 12:43:26 PMSorry to hear that Nick, it's frustrating not to be able to get out. Hopefully you'll be back to normal by the time the weather gets warmer and the days longer
I'll never be back to normal!
In what's been a recurring theme this year, I intended to do a fondo today, but was ultimately defeated by the weather. Got up early enough, but when I strolled outside to sample the conditions, it was a definite "no". I was going to do the eastbound route, decided to do a Twycrosser instead.
What I actually did was to take the Twycross route down as far as Sheepy, then come back the same way. It wasn't that bad out there but it was really cold - 3C, and the forecast asserted that it would feel like 1C. Back on 46.65km which feels a bit rubbish, especially since I was back long before sunset. And I hadn't been on a bike for a week. But as long as I get in the required monthly distance I'm not going to worry about it. Better days are coming.
Listened to 5 Live.
My Garmin Instinct is a great cycling watch unless you're wearing gloves, in which case the buttons are prone to being pressed by the cuff of the left one. This happened more than once today. I had to combine, then edit two tracks using https://www.routemaster.app/ and I cocked it up. Must have got the two parts back to front. Strava claims, through no fault of its own, that I started and finished at Sheepy. So I've hidden the whole track on Strava. I always worry that some random scrote with a Strava account will track down my garage and nick a bike.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13618934287
Set off at about 1035 with the intention of doing about 50km. Had an appointment this afternoon, and it was too cold early on to set off much earlier. I thought I'd do the Eastbound Route for a bit - into Nottinghamshire than loop back via Sutton Bonington. Unfortunately I'm never quite sure which route to take for Sutton from Rempstone Road. I took Trowell Lane, which was correct, but then took a left off that called Hungary Lane, which wasn't. Kept going along Hungary Lane until it degenerated into more of a trail than a road. Then looped back. I did visit Sutton Bonington via Park Lane on the way back.
Got as far as the hump-back bridge over the railway, which was closed - so I wouldn't have been able to do the loop I intended anyway.
(https://i.ibb.co/WXGttWw/250217cold.jpg)
Really nice along there in the winter sunshine. Lots of greenery. Nottingham Uni has a campus along there.
Came back via Diseworth and Griffydam for a bit more distance. Back on 50.82 km.
That's 339 km in February, not that much and it's a short month.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13651091827
(https://i.ibb.co/BKLtPyyT/vertu-saddle.jpg)
Back in March 2016 I bought this green saddle from Amazon to put on the Boardman. Just had a look through my orders, it was £4.99!
Anyway it wasn't especially comfortable as you can imagine. I think I did one 25 mile ride then took it off again. It's made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic. But it is very light and I'm going to give it a go on the Planet X. It does have a bit of give in it, it's not rigid. I might get used to it.
A very similar day to yesterday - beautiful sunshine, but too cold in the morning. Since the forecast's a bit damp for the next couple of days, I thought I'd take advantage of the conditions while I could. And since Sutton Bonington was so nice in the sunshine yesterday, I thought I'd go over that way again.
I did pretty much the same as yesterday except that I didn't attempt to loop round to Sutty the back way. Just went straight up Park Lane and straight back down again.
At Diseworth on the way back I was surprised to meet about 55 people on horseback coming the other way through the village, in hunting outfits, accompanied by a large pack of hounds. The dogs looked to be having a lovely time running through village all over the road. The poor buggers will probably all have been shot in the head by the time they're five years old.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250218bike.jpg)
The weather warmed up nicely later on and I started to think I should have done a longer ride. But I was already thinking of a coffee and a hot shower. And to be honest, the plastic saddle was not really a success. I was pleasantly surprised for the first 15 km or so. I even started to think it was a good fit - its rigidity complementing the stiffness of the bike. But after 35 km I was regretting it. Still - it wasn't painful, just uncomfortable. I'll probably leave it on for a bit.
Back on 44.87. More on Saturday possibly.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13660670339
The weather forecast threatened showers, but since cycling opportunities have been a bit thin on the ground of late, I thought I'd tolerate them. The rain was supposed to dry up in the afternoon and since the sun was due to set at a reasonable 1734 today, I set off at 1050.
I did think I might do a fondo. I decided on the Lower Westbound route. But the first shower, 30 minutes after I set off, consisted of about 20 minutes of very heavy rain. I got absolutely soaked through. I pressed on. At least I had contact lenses in. Makes a big difference in the rain.
After about 15km I realised I hadn't brought a phone with me.
I got as far as King's Bromley, then took a left as usual. But I ignored the usual right turn toward Abbot's Bromley or Rugeley as I'd decided I was going to turn back soon. I'd been rained on again, pretty heavily, by this time. Stopped for a snack at the end of a little one-track lane called Wood End Lane after about 39 km. I wrung about 40 ml of rainwater out of my gloves. Then I did turn back. I did have a bit of an excursion down the road toward Tamworth on the way home. And I went up to Ashby over the last few miles.
Despite the rain I did quite enjoy that one. Lovely sunshine when it wasn't raining. The roads were wet though and the bike got absolutely filthy, I had to give it a proper wash with a hosepipe and bike cleaner when I got back, on 84.91 km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13716463533
Much better weather today. As keen readers will know, I don't usually ride on consecutive days - but since it's going to rain tomorrow and it's been a thin cycling month, I decided to take advantage of the conditions for 50k or so in the afternoon.
I did half a Twycrosser, then came back the same way - something I've done a few times recently. Perhaps I'll do the same with the other half of the route some time.
I looped around Sheepy Road / Wellsborough Road at the bottom. Had a detour to Swepstone on the way back up (I confess this was because I turned right at Snarestone purely out of habit).
Nice run out. A bit windy, but sunny and mild. There were a few spots of rain, but only for a minute. Back on 57.39 km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13723986103
I'm yet to get out in February. Taking my time to get fully restored and refreshed. Took until last weekend for my elbow to fully scab over.
I did get on the Turbo Trainer bike today though. Did an hour now I can get my leg over, but struggled getting off at the end. But hey, it's a start. Think the elbow wounds have started exuding again though...
(https://i.ibb.co/B2KtkkKc/yongshen.jpg)
I bought another saddle for the X. I thought I was buying a ROCKBROS model as they're well reviewed, but now that it's arrived (from eBay) it looks like a copy of one, with a different brand name.
Still - I'll give it a go. It was cheap (again) but I was swayed by the reviews. it seems decent quality.
Quote from: Slim on February 26, 2025, 02:43:28 PM(https://i.ibb.co/B2KtkkKc/yongshen.jpg)
I bought another saddle for the X. I thought I was buying a ROCKBROS model as they're well reviewed, but now that it's arrived (from eBay) it looks like a copy of one, with a different brand name.
Still - I'll give it a go. It was cheap (again) but I was swayed by the reviews. it seems decent quality.
Are you sure your balls will fit in that hole? 😆
I could do with a new saddle on the Turbo Trainer bike. After another hour on it today I was in agony.
I was determined to do a fondo today. A dry, sunny day was promised. A bit of a stiff wind from the west, and it was cold in the morning. But no excuses. I decided on the Upper Westbound route - I hadn't done the Beloved A Road for a while. Very nice to do that again in the sunshine. Especially on the way back with a tailwind, and when it was a bit warmer.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250227west.jpg)
At Sudbury I turned left to go south, then right at Draycott in the Clay. I used to go north toward Ashbourne. Not sure which I prefer really. Both are a bit too hilly for my liking.
I turned back after about 48km, thinking that I'd make up the fondo distance by coming back the longer way through Isley Walton and down Top Brand. But I had to do a little bit of faffing around in the village to hit the required 100km. Very slow traffic on Swarkestone Bridge on the way back, there was a broken down car on the other side.
Back on 100.08 km. Probably my shortest ever fondo! But I'm glad to have got two in for February and three for the year so far. Doesn't seem like a lot but it's the same as Jan/Feb in 2020, 2021 and 2022.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250227doni.jpg)
Listened to LBC and 5 Live. Fascinating interview on Matt Chorley's show with Simon Hart, who was the Tory Chief Whip for two years of the Sunak government and has published his diaries. I bought his book, in audiobook form, as soon as I got home.
The second pic was taken at the entrance to Donington Park.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13743209330
I was determined to get out today to make sure I got out at least once in February. I did. But not for long. One, because I'm now completely unfit; and two because I must have forgotten to hose down the gravel bike's chain with GT85 after a wet run out early in January when I last used it.
A couple of links had gone stiff, along with the chain looking rusty, but a good rub down with a WD40 covered cloth and then some lube followed by a good stiff cranking freed it up to get it so it would run smoothly. Well, smoothly enough.
Took it very steadily and made sure I kept it rubber side down. Good to be out again before a break caused by a long weekend away in Birmingham - Life, I live it!
https://www.strava.com/activities/13741333221
A very good cycling day, lots of sunshine, not too cold. The wind was light enough that I could head off in any direction without worrying about a headwind on the way back.
I decided on the eastbound route since that's my favourite fondo, but before I'd got more than a few hundred metres I decided to do the southbound instead. Just more in the mood for it.
Really nice out there, dry and sunny. Cold in the morning but mild enough to backpack the overtrousers after a while. I went down to the glider club at Sibbertoft - nothing going on there today - and into Northamptonshire for half a km or so. Then I turned back. I came back a different way ovr the final 10km, taking the usual diversion along Wood Road and the quicker way into the village along Standard Hill.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250301bike.jpg)
I took the Cannondale, its first run out since October. Really enjoyed it. Listened to fallout from the Trump / Vance / Zelensky debacle on LBC, the Bowie covers album Pinups and started the next Reacher novel, A Wanted Man. Kept my attention for a few hours that did, very good.
Back on 104.33 km, a few minutes before sunset. I only did 626km in February which is the lowest monthly total for nearly two years. But I'm glad to have got March off to a decent start.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13762542746
Another lovely sunny day out there, but after all the rubbish weather we've had in the first couple of months, we definitely deserve it. Only wanted to do about 60k or so since I had an appointment this morning. An ideal opportunity to test the new saddle on the X.
Once again I did half a Twycrosser, down as far as Witherley this time, then came back the same way (apart from looping up to Ratcliffe Culey at the bottom). I went up and pedalled around Ashby for a bit as well on the way back.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250303bike.jpg)
Really nice out there, very pleasant. The saddle definitely felt very comfortable for the first 25k - I'm not sure, after that. But that might just be because I've done a fairly decent distance this last few days. It's going to stay on for a while at least.
Listened to LBC then the Reacher audiobook, definitely a good one so far. Back on 64.18k.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13778498619
Another hesitant step on the road to recovery. But I will bide my time and take things steadily. Went a bit further afield today and did slightly more "hill" work. Got over 15 miles, it'll do, nice weather though and got a really respectful pass from an articulated lorry, he waited to come by, gave plenty of room and didn't pull in until he'd overtaken me.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13786026425
Another sunny day. Had a lunchtime appointment so I couldn't take full advantage of it, but I was off and away before 1400. I did a pretty typical Bypasser, except that I took a wrong turn after Upton somehow, and came back onto the A444. I don't go through Upton that often.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250305bike2.jpg)
Noticed that the old pub, which had been disused for quite some time now, at Norton-Juxta-Twycross has been demolished and a small group of new houses are going up. Shame, it was a nice old building. Did give the village a certain character. Don't know when it closed but I never went in it myself.
Oh - just checked, it closed in 2008. https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/derelict-pub-near-twycross-zoo-8974124
.. in fact contrary to that piece from December 2023, it looks to me as though the whole building has been flattened despite it being Grade-II-listed.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250305bike.jpg)
Listened to 5 Live and another couple of hours of the Reacher novel.
Two military helicopters bristling with rocket pods and other weaponry came over quite low as I made my way north from Bosworth, heading roughly east. Heading to RAF Coningsby possibly. That direction anyway. Must be a lot of fun to fly low over the English countryside in one of those, especially on a day like today. Just did a bit of YouTube research. Apaches, £50m a go.
Very nice for cycling as well. Back on 63.84, a couple of minutes after sunset and I'm pretty pleased with 232 km this month, 5 days in. Happy to have given the S Works a run out as well, first time since August surprisingly.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13798649924
Did a 30 miler this morning.. legs are aching like hell now.. very windy but pleasant temperature.. revisiting the single track roads around south Ayrshire .. not been out for a long time.. retirement should sort all that tho
Managed another couple of rides this week. Increased by a mile each time. Take it steadily. Good job I hadn't intended going far today as there had been a crash at J29a on the M1 which had led to a closure which meant all the main roads around Chesterfield were gridlocked, I stayed within them all.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13804886771/overview
A thoroughly decent day with double digits temperatures forecast for the afternoon. Only intermittently sunny, but bright. A stiff wind from the south. So I did the southbound route. Pretty much the same as Saturday, except that I went a little bit further toward Sibbertoft after crossing the border into Northamptonshire. But not much. I didn't take the Wood Road diversion on the way back up. But I did come the short way over the last few km, now that Standard Hill has a tolerable surface. After doing the longer way through Ibstock so many times it feels a bit like coming through a wormhole.
I stopped for refreshments at the village shop at Gilmorton. To my disappointment the single table outside was already occupied by a small group of cyclists, but fortunately they were about to leave. One of them had a limited edition Boardman with carbon forks like mine. I could see it had had some use - the yellow bar tape and yellow-sided tyres had been swapped out, also like mine. I didn't engage them in fraternal cycling chat.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250307bike.jpg)
Listened to another couple of hours of the Reacher novel. Nearly half way through and he hasn't hurt anyone yet, which is unusual. I also listened to 5 Live for a while - Jay Foreman from the excellent YouTube channel Map Men was on talking about English counties; in particular the confusing differences between historic, administrative and postal definitions. One of my favourite niche nerd topics, even more so since discovering that I live in an exclave of historic Derbyshire surrounded by historic Leicestershire.
Sorry to say that the new saddle did feel a bit uncomfortable after 40km or so. But tolerable. I probably wouldn't do much more than a fondo on that bike anyway so it's destined to stay on there, I think.
Very enjoyable one, 104.47km. Hopefully more on Sunday to make the most of the weather before the rain and single digit temperatures return.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13815831186
I was going to take the Roubaix out tomorrow but on closer inspection, I definitely won't be.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/spesh_tyre.jpg)
I have a barely used Schwalbe Lugano in the garage. I think I took it off the front of the Cannondale because something bad happened to the rear one. They have a white stripe so you've got to match them really.
Ordered another one, should come on Monday.
They tyre in the pic is a Specialized, the one that came with the bike. It had done 6614 km, not that much really. I knew it had a few cracks but I hadn't noticed that chunks of the rubber had come off.
Another very nice day with bright sunshine and unseasonably high temperatures, this time with a moderate wind coming from the east. I wanted to go a bit further today - over the border to Lincolnshire, which I hadn't ticked off my list for 2025 yet. Set off at about 0935.
Really nice out there, a bit cool in the morning but I was able to backpack my tights and a fleece a couple of hours after setting off.
I tried a variation on the route that approaches Waltham via a village called Scalford. About 6km of roads I hadn't done before. It was worth a try, but I don't think I'll do it again. A bit too twisty-turny and stony.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250309bike.jpg)
Got as far as Stainby, about 2km into Lincolnshire - then I turned back. I was only a few klicks away from Rutland at that point actually, the one remaining neighbouring country of Leicestershire that I haven't done this year - but I decided to leave it for another day.
I came back the usual way, ie avoiding Scalford. I was going to stop at my usual village shop at Buckminster, but a new establishment caught my eye. A little row of businesses in a new site on the other side of the road. One of them was a deli. So I tried that. I came to regret being unfaithful to my usual village shop. The selection of food was not great. Most of the drinks were in glass bottles or cans. And the ice cream fridge was empty and unplugged. Also, although it's not visible in the pic (below), I had to get the bike across an expanse of stony gravel to park it outside. I carried it.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250309bucky.jpg)
Shame, as I'd been looking forward to my village shop visit. But I had to try it once. I actually do feel a bit bad about it as they're really nice people at the usual place, and they gave me a free samosa once.
Came back along Narrow Lane rather than Paddy's Lane. But it was the usual route after Wymeswold.
Really lovely to glide along Six Hills Lane on the way back in the afternoon sunshine with a tailwind. I made much better time than I expected. Surprised to see that I got four Strava PRs, certainly wasn't trying to.
I was back a long time before sunset and about 45 minutes before I expected. Should have gone a bit futher really. But it's only March. Lots more nice cycling days coming up over the next few months, hopefully.
132.07km, longest ride this year so far.
Listened to LBC, more of the Reacher novel which has taken an odd twist, and football on 5 Live.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13836129978
Another 30 miler earlier today .. thought id head inland to avoid the worst of the gusty winds.. didn't work really still very windy in parts..
Fitted a Schwalbe Lugano II to the rear Roubaix wheel, to match the Lugano (I) I fitted to the front. The II apparently has inferior puncture protection, but better rolling resistance compared to the I.
I'm disappointed by all the flashing (as I believe it's called). The little protrusions from the moulding, and the little fin that's formed from rubber seeping into the seam in the mould. Probably doesn't make a practical difference but I may go round them all with a sharp knife, or a guitar string cutter anyway. Carefully.
(https://i.ibb.co/vvBdXyGP/stalks.jpg)
Quote from: Fishy on March 10, 2025, 07:14:38 PMAnother 30 miler earlier today .. thought id head inland to avoid the worst of the gusty winds.. didn't work really still very windy in parts..
and again today.. still gusty... bit sunnier..
Feels like another restart for me. Five days off and it's back to square one.
Was later out than intended as my Garmin wouldn't switch on. Got the old Garmin out, not used for years but it still had 81% charge. I knew it would run out quickly but didn't think it would be done after 26 minutes.
Still, I also had my Garmin Vivoactive 5 watch on, which does an HR measurement, but that was showing 95 when the Edge 520 said 151, yet when that turned off the Vivoactive seemed to start reporting a more "normal" figure. Although it then never dropped much, so I suppose it evens out.
Weather looked OK, but at my furthest point from home it began hailing. Nice. After five minutes the sun came out again. Proper nice. The last three miles were under hail attack again. Nice.
I got 18 miles in, that's another incremental mile from the previous ride, so it'll do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13861503029
And today I got out for 20 miles. Incremental gains. That's the way to go. Edge 1040 worked, that's the main thing. Probably taper things off for the rest of the week.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13879911310
Showers were forecast for the afternoon and it was definitely cold this morning, but since I hadn't been out on a bike since Sunday I felt the need to get 50 or 60 km in today.
With the wind coming from the north unusually I decided a trip up to Derby was in order. Up through Melbourne, over Swarkestone Bridge, up Infinity Park Way. I found Moor Lane and had a sneaky look round the grounds of the Rolls-Royce recreation centre where I used to go shooting in the early '90s.
I did briefly consider repeating my old cycle ride home to Oakwood from there. But I decided against it. I came round the ring road and pedalled south along Chellaston Road, back to the roundabout over the A50.
Then I headed homeward via Weston, Aston and Shardlow. From Shardlow I had a brief excursion west back toward Derby. Nice bit of flat road. Then I turned back to Shardlow. Cavendish Bridge, down through Donington, Top Brand, Griffydam et al.
The weather warmed up nicely when the sun came out in the afternoon. I did pick up a few spots of rain going past the airport but I couldn't call it a shower.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250314bike.jpg)
Noticed a shocking traffic jam on the A50 when I passed over it, what a way to spend a Friday afternoon.
Listened to more of the Reacher novel. The plot has taken an odd turn and a lot of the tension has gone out of it, I suspect it's not going to be one of the better ones.
Nice to get out. Back on 67.73km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13880879263
It wasn't brilliant weather for cycling - a bit cold and cloudy with a threat of showers later on. The wind was coming from the north-east. I had two ideas in mind - either to do the usual eastbound route, or to go up toward Newark.
The first 25 km is the same in either case and just before I got to the crossroads at Rempstone, I decided to do the Newark route. I wasn't going to go nearly that far. Just enough distance for a fondo. But I hadn't done that route for four years.
I went as far as a village called Barnstone, then, having done nearly 51km, I turned back.
Well - I'm not doing that again. Nice to reacquaint myself with those roads (and acquaint myself with some short stretches of new road, where I took wrong turns) but the roads were shocking in places. I do remember that they were a bit rough, it was always the downside of doing that route. But it was worse today than I remembered. I was actually getting quite angry rattling over what passes for a road surface in parts of Nottinghamshire.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250316bike.jpg)
I'd be happier doing it on my gravel bike, but then again it's the heaviest bike I own and there's a fair bit of hill climbing over that way.
After Belton on the way back I took a detour down Forest Lane, hadn't done that for years either.
It was colder than I expected. I picked up a few spots of rain but nothing troubling.
Listened to more Reacher and footy on 5 Live.
Back on 102.23, that was my fourth fondo this month. And that's 2003 km done this year now.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13901113055
A mild and sunny, dry day. But with a strong-ish wind coming from the east. I thought I'd do the eastbound route, or a variation on it. Usually the route curves round Loughborough, to the north. But this time I thought I'd go straight through the town.
I actually nearly took the usual route on auto-pilot and went up Gracedieu Lane to Belton rather than continuing to Loughborough. But I returned to the intended route via Forest Lane.
Loughborough was depressingly urban and busy with traffic, as I thought it would be. But if I were to do my long ride to East Lincolnshire and back, I'd likely be going through there before 0500, and it would be fine I'm sure. Would save a bit of distance, and possibly a bit of climbing.
I also took my occasional detour through Walton on the Wolds and Paudy Lane before joining the traditional route at Six Hills. I turned back short of Eastwell as I'd actually added distance a bit by exploring round where my ex-partner's parents lived in Loughborough, and by doing the Walton detour. I didn't want to do much more than a fondo as the headwind had been really annoying. Much nicer on the way back. Came back through Wymeswold and Rempstone (ie avoiding Loughborough, as usual).
(http://bikediary.uk/images/240318bike.jpg)
Finished the Reacher novel. It turned out to be really daft. Not one of the better ones. Lovely sunny mild day, although I thought I'd need to take a layer off in the afternoon, and I didn't.
That's 740 km done in March now, happy with that. That was the fifth fondo this month. I've only done more than four in a month three times previously.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13919317000
Didn't manage to get out for 15 miles on Sunday. Felt too jaded, then it rained.
No excuses for not going out today though, sunny and warm enough for no base layer. Probably warm enough for short sleeves, but I've still got a big scab on my right elbow that I keep covered up. With my luck I'd have come off and scraped it up again.
Still not feeling up to much uphill work, not that I ever do, but it's all bloody hard work at the moment. But I'm sure taking it slowly and steadily will pay off. Did three laps of my Sutton Scarsdale/Heath circuit and my heart rate came down each time. Still not getting down to Zone 2 but getting closer.
Up to a 25 miler now, see if I can get up to 35 by the end of March.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13916074595
And today a 26 miler. More of a "proper" ride too, out to Tibshelf and back. Another lovely day for it and thankfully I was back before it got too warm.
Still suffering on the uphills though, Noticed I ranked 13 out of 15 for the week on one hill on Strava. Normally I'd expect to be say 4 out of 15. Mainly used by casual riders and not the keen roadies.
On the way back from Tibby I saw a Deer run across the road about 50 yards ahead of me, I slowed down on the offchance it would be followed by others, but it was a singleton, had disappeared across the field within a few seconds too.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13925979589
Didn't feel like going out today, but I perked up after a good dump and set out to make the most of the sunshine. It was certainly a lot warmer but I stuck to long sleeves and bib tights as Mrs S would be after me with the rolling pin if she thought I'd be presenting her with a double dose of cycling kit to be washed.
It was certainly warm though, it's not very often I unzip my jersey, but I needed that airflow today. Went out and did a few laps of the flattest bit of road I can think of, then came back up what is known as Cardiac Hill. It's not that bad, but it feels it when you're not fit.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13935630933
Missed a perfectly serviceable cycling day today because the BBC told me there'd be rain. There wasn't. Missed a brilliant cycling day on Thursday because I wasn't supposed to eat all day in advance of being intimately probed by the medical profession, and working up an appetite wouldn't have helped.
But at the moment Monday looks like a good one.
Another pretty nice day, low winds, plenty of sun forecast for the afternoon. My intention was to do the Lower Westbound Route, with the twist that I'd go out through Ashby and Moira rather than Heather and Measham. I've done this before in the dim, distant past. It doesn't save any distance or climbing, but I wanted to avoid the traffic and speed bumps in Measham.
Actually I messed up by going up through Coleorton on auto-pilot, but it was easy enough to make my way over to Ashby from there, and fortunately the roundabout over the A42 wasn't too busy.
Well - it was nice to do that for a change, but it's no less hassle than Measham really. Anyway after I got to Kings Bromley, I decided to keep going down the A515 rather than turning for Abbots Bromley. Quite nice down there. This time I went all the way down to Lichfield, and had a look round the northern outskirts. Hadn't been there since the '90s, when I went to a pub there with my Rolls-Royce section leader at the time. I did pass a pub and wondered if it was the same one. I turned back after nearly 50 km.
Back up to Kings Bromley, and I thought to add a few km by going up toward Yoxall for a bit then coming back down. But instead I decided I'd do something a bit more adventurous. I thought I'd keep going all the way up to Sudbury, then go home via the Upper Westbound Route and the beloved A road. The main road up there is a bit of a rollercoaster ride so I was a bit trepidatious, but it's much more tolerable going north than south. The main climb is much less steep.
Back the usual way through Hatton, Hilton, Willington, Swarkestone, Melbourne and Coleorton as usual.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250324lich.jpg)
Glad to have combined those two routes, I've been intending to try that for quite some time. Without the excursion down to Lichfield it would come to a bit less than a fondo. Today though, 118.93km.
Really nice out there. I had to take a few layers off at Lichfield, after which I was down to bare legs.
I had to stop to let a train pass at Hilton. Interesting that the gates are manually operated. A person comes out of the building next to the tracks and opens and closes them by hand. I'm sure that some level crossings were automated back as long ago as the '70s. At Lullington I had to stop to let a funeral procession pass. Very elaborate. Two horses drawing a carriage and a long line of mourners.
I listened to 5 Live, LBC and the John Scofield live album Pick Hits Live which I hadn't listened to for years. Recorded just before his best studio album, which is a bit of a shame. Misses some stellar material.
First run out for the Roubaix this year, and its first time out with new tyres. I think the white sidewall stripes suit the bike.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13976764721
All a bit Stop/Start for me for one reason and another. Anyway, it was a dry day so out I went, but under orders from Mrs S to back by One. She has her reasons.
That gave me a couple of hours anyway, so I just did the ride out to Heath and do a few laps round there and Sutton Scarsdale. The old heart rate still isn't down to where I'd want it to be, but it's not shooting up as high as it was either.
Still out on the Gravel bike, even though I'm on paved roads 100% of the time a lot of them aren't very well surfaced so a chunky tyre gives that bit of a confidence boost.
First ride of over two hours since January and the first over 30 miles. Doubt I'll do a 35 mile one by the end of March as I wanted, but hey-ho. I wasn't back until after one either, but then I knew Mrs S wouldn't be ready to go out to work by then.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13982164007
The weather was supposed to be really nice today. I'd hoped to do 80km, or maybe a fondo. But it was foggy out there when I looked out of the window, not long after I got up. And cold. I might have tolerated it if I was going to do a particularly interesting ride but since I'd intended to do a minimal fondo at most, I hung on for the temperature to rise a bit.
Set off eventually at about 1255, by which time I'd decided to settle for a Bypasser. It was a pretty ordinary one except that I did a bit of excursion, as far as the A5, down the Dad's Army route. And I did a small detour through Upton on the way back up.
Very nice out there by the afternoon. Warm and sunny. I think the wind was a bit stronger than I'd been led to expect.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250326bike.jpg)
Listened to coverage of the emergency budget on 5 Live. Back on 69.05km. Nice run out.
928km done this month now, which is a record for a March. And I think I can get that up to four figures.
https://www.strava.com/activities/13994435622
After getting another 30 miles in yesterday, I dialled it back a bit today. But, for the first time in eight weeks I went out on the Bianchi. Been putting it off as it was the bike I took my tumble in.
First time in eight weeks then that I've been able to see the power I'm putting out. I though at first that inly one pedal was working as the output was so low, but it was right, it wouldn't have passed the calibration if only one was working. Still, it gives me a baseline to work from. Onwards and hopefully upwards!
https://www.strava.com/activities/14001760086
Not a particularly warm day and I had a commitment in the afternoon. But I had a plan to investigate the fertile territory south of the A5, aka the "Dad's Army" route, without having to go on the A5 to get there. This would take me through Polesworth, through a place called Stoneydelph, then down through Hockley.
So I did that and unfortunately it was not a success. The new part of the route was hilly, depressingly urban, often poorly surfaced and busy with traffic. It was a relief to get down to Kingsbury. Actually I failed to take an intended turn at Hockley, but the worst of it was behind me by then anyway.
So I came back the usual way and put up with the A5 between Dordon and Old Grendon. It's not so bad going that way anyway, since it's downhill.
Quite enjoyed the ride on the way back. Another 67.23 km in the bag anyway.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250329friends.jpg)
Saw a couple of hares frolicking like dogs in a field near Norton Juxta Twycross.
Listened to the BBC News channel, then Fulham vs Crystal Palace in an FA Cup game.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14022559369
I thought I'd only go out and do an hour today, just to keep the legs ticking over, but I ended up doing an hour and forty. It was a bit blowy, blowy enough for echelons if I was in a race, but there was just me and I was in no hurry.
I did however manage to average over 16mph today, thanks to being on the Bianchi and thanks to just feeling I could press on a bit more. I'll probably find I can't walk tomorrow, but that's fine as there's plenty of cycling to watch.
First week in two months that I've done over 100 miles and I'm only six miles shy of 300 for March, over 200 down on what I would have liked, but better than the one ride I managed in February.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14022869437
Lovely day. Coolish in the morning but sunny with very low winds. I planned to do a fairly long one, partly a repeat of a ride I did a few years ago in which I entered Rutland from the eastern side, then pedalled through England's smallest county east to west, for about 20km. I did that one on a sunny day in 2021 (four years ago yesterday actually) and have always remembered it as being delightful - scenic and very quiet.
I'd hoped to set off at about 0930 but I slept in longer than I expected, no doubt due to the clocks going forward at the weekend. I set off at 1040. I did the usual eastbound route as far as Buckminster, where I stopped at the village shop to stock up on food and a Maltesers drink. Then I dipped south and east to South Witham, then decended into the rightmost bit of Rutland.
Rutland was just as I remembered it from last time - almost spookily quiet and very pleasant. Idyllic villages with very little traffic passing through them. Normally when I tick off Rutland I penetrate it only superficially - just over the border for a bit and back. But it's a lovely part of the country. I missed a turn after Thistleton and looped back up tthe way I'd come, but I recovered.
I re-entered Leicestershire just after Whissendine and came back what I might call the "usual way" from there, except that I've only been over that way four or five times. Through Little Dalby and Great Dalby. Then up to Six Hills and the usual eastbound route via Asfordby and Shoby. Home through Wymeswold, Rempstone, Zouch, Belton as usual.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250331bike.jpg)
Setting off a bit later was probably for the best as conditions were a bit warmer by then and I was able to wear lighter clothing. I stuffed a pair of tights and a fleece into my backpack after the first couple of hours. I was home long before sunset anyway, in fact I did ponder extending the ride to make it an "imperial fondo", or 100 miles. I didn't but in any case it was a glorious day out on a bike, probably one of my top ten favourite rides ever.
Listened to LBC, 5 Live, Jeremy Vine on R2 for a bit.
Back on 146.12 km and that's a pleasing 1141 km this month, which is my highest ever monthly total for one of the first six months of the year, and my fourth highest monthly total overall. I did seven fondos in March and interestingly I'm 300 km ahead of 31st March 2024.
That was my first visit to Rutland this year and the final neighbouring counties box ticked for 2025.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14042242019
Glorious day today and first day of real unemployment so celebrated with a nice 30 miler.. off to Arran again next week for a week and taking the bikes so hoping to do some more miles over there
Aye a nice day today, after going out and doing the few miles to get to 300 in March yesterday, I thought it would be bib shorts and short sleeved jersey time today, but it had cooled off a few degrees and an Easterly Breeze had set in so I spared Mrs S the job of washing my other kit for another day.
Starting to feel a bit more like now and actually ended up doing my longest ride of the year at 35 miles, still feeling it more than usual uphill, but not having to go so deep on the flat now. Back up to doing what I should have been doing in February, so about six weeks behind on where I'd thought I'd be, but hey-ho. Just keep on taking it steadily before heading back to the hills. They're not going anywhere - apart from the Snake Pass landslips.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14047687851/
Another sunny day, warm enough but fairly windy. Had a lunchtime appointment and not that much time, but I didn't want to go far anyway. I did about 17km of the Twycrosser route, then came back up the same way. The wind was pretty annoying and since it was coming from the north-east, I didn't choose an ideal route for it. Strong headwind on the way back.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250402bike.jpg)
But I only did 35.75km. Had a quick excursion to Ashby on the way back, and a bit of a detour round the village over the last klick, where I took the pic.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14059370129
34 miler today.. decided to head out north then pick up some well trodden circuits..hit a closed road on the a77 heading home so had to retrace my steps a bit..
Another cracking day weather wise
Been out four days in a row this week now, albeit two of them were quick jaunts, but the weather has been so nice - apart from an annoying Easterly Breeze.
In fact the weather was so nice today I exposed the old arms and legs to try and get the old tanlines going. Might end up with an odd pale rectangular patch on my right arm as nine weeks on I still have a dressing over a large scab on my right arm from when I fell off. It would be OK uncovered, but I'm squeamish and don't want to see it, plus I'm also - if a bit paradoxically - an inveterate scab picker. I'm surprised the bumps from the potholed roads haven't made it drop off anyway.
Thought the Garmin might have died on me today. Looked down to see how fast I was going only to see the screen fade as it shut itself down. Luckily it came back up again and Strava's correct distance feature gave me my mileage back.
Also made my biggest comeback climb of my comeback, all 317 feet of elevation again of it. My Garmin Climbfinder normally classes it as one climb, but today it did it in two sections. Go figure.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14067673737
And five days in a row, why not. Well, the sun was still shining and I've got a wedding to go to tomorrow, a wedding to recover from on Sunday, a funeral down in Upminster on Tuesday then a birthday party next Saturday, so I thought I'd better make like Tony Selby and get some in.
Not that much, just enough to get me over last week's total mileage which I achieved by a quarter of a mile. For the first time in nine years I thought I'd ride the local canal towpath to take it easy. The cycling is easy, but the stress levels are huge! People walking dogs - mainly bull terrier types round here - which aren't on leads. Leisure cyclists riding two abreast who just weave from side to side and fat families who always jump out of their skins if you politely ask them to move aside.
Then on the Trans Pennine Trail bit I did a bloody JCB, mini digger and a works van were driving down the trail. It was like riding the Strade Bianche with all the dust being kicked up!
https://www.strava.com/activities/14077013044/
Sunny again, and touted to be warm in the afternoon. I didn't set off until 1050, by which time I judged it was warm enough for bare legs.
I wanted to go out east again, preferably into my Cycling Happy Place to the east of Waltham and beyond. But the headwind was really aggravating. Not merely because of the additional force I had to apply against it, but because of the roar of wind noise going past my head while I was trying to listen to the bloody radio with earbuds in. So I decided a fondo would do. I went to Eastwell, sat on the bench and had lunch consisting of cheese rolls and a flapjack, then turned for home.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250404bike.jpg)
I went eastward through Normanton and Stanford rather than Rempstone and Wymeswold, which has been the norm of late. I came back westward through Wymeswold and Rempstone, but used a different road to detour that way than usual. Hadn't tried it before. Quiet, but nothing special.
Enjoyable ride on the way back with a headwind. Back on 102.86 km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14078885678
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on April 04, 2025, 03:13:34 PMI thought I'd better make like Tony Selby and get some in.
:D
That's a niche reference.
What a day for a spin. Bright blue skies and although there was a bit of wind, nothing like as strong as yesterday.
Woke up this morning with sore legs after doing the Navan park run yesterday. That was hard going but I feel the need to jog occasionally as cycling doesn't seem to get my heart rate into the higher zones.
Luckily the soreness is only felt while walking and going up and down stairs etc. Didn't feel it on the bike at all except for mounting and dismounting.
The spin breached the Meath borders into West Meath which is where we stopped in Clonmellon where an artisanal market was taking place. Had a fantastic burger there topped with black pudding and bacon and gave me plenty of energy for the homeward stretch via Kells.
Norman, my cycling buddy did a full fondo but I had had enough after 75km, perhaps yesterday's run was getting to me
Another sunny day, a little bit cooler than Friday. Still too windy for a particularly long ride, but I thought conditions were just about decent enough for a fondo. The wind was coming from the east. I thought I'd do the southbound route. I'd have a sidewind both ways, but not too much of an annoying headwind.
I did that, down to Sibbertoft Gliding Club the usual way, penetrated Northamptonshire for a few metres then came back up the "old" way via Blaby and Enderby. My original idea was to cut across to the "new" route on the way back up after Blaby to avoid the busy traffic near Desford. But I didn't bother and in the event it wasn't too bad.
On the way up I took the Wood Road detour which added a bit of distance. But after Ellistown I came the short way through Donington Le Heath. I wished I'd set off back up a few seconds later than I did, because I saw a huge aircraft-shaped shadow cross the road in front of me. Stopped the back and twisted my head round just in time to see a glider landing. It must have passed over the road behind me, just a few metres over my head. Would have been a spectacular sight if it had been in front of me instead.
I decided to use my Casio GPS watch to track the ride, which I haven't done for a couple of years because the Android app that syncs to Strava had always been unreliable. I thought I'd see if matters had improved, and thankfully they have. It does seem to work decently now. On the other hand the watch itself didn't start tracking the ride until I'd done about 1.5k. I fixed the track with a GPS editor. Annoying but I think I can put it down to not having used it for a long time. GPS devices use a dataset known as an "almanac" which is updated when they're used. My watch would have had to download a big chunk of new data from the satellites before it could start tracking.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250506bike.jpg)
As I emerged from a petrol station carrying an all-day-breakfast sandwich and a cheese pasty, a kind bald gentleman passed a nice compliment on his way in. "Lovely bike!" he said. I thanked him warmly of course. That's nice, isn't it?
Oh and I performed a good deed. I stopped for an impromptu picnic near Amesby, at a farm gate. There was a single item of litter, a flattened coke can. So I brought it home with me to recycle.
I listened to LBC and footy on 5 Live. Fulham vs Liverpool (very entertaining) and the first half of the Manchester derby. Dull.
Beautifully sunny day. Not a cloud in the sky and I had a nice view of the Moon in the afternoon, in fact I see I've caught it in the pic. But I did get a headwind intermittently both ways, depending on the particular direction of travel of course.
Back on 101.95km, pleased with 241km so far this month.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14101265110
And the incremental gains keep coming. Got up to a forty miler today. Admittedly on about as flat a road ride I could do without going over the same little circuit, but getting longer all the same.
Nice and sunny if a little cool, but that was only when going downhill on shaded sections of road. With the sun not being on full summer strength it was also a good start in topping up the old tanlines.
On a single track road today I even had a Merc coming the other way stop and wait for me to come by, most unexpected. Unlike the Berk in a Merc who came by me when I was riding along the white lines in the middle of the road to stay out of the dooring zone of the cars parked on the side. There barely even enough room for him to come by and pull in between me and the car in front of me. Muggins here had to slow down to let him in. Half a mile later I was still right behind him. Some people are pillocks.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14106164318
Yet another sunny day, but this time the wind was supposed to be much lighter than of late. Almost warm, as well.
I wanted to do a longer one. Ideally, and if I may invoke imperial measurements for a moment, I'd have liked to do a 100-miler. Alas I had to be home by about 1830, and my Echo Dot was claiming that the temperature was fridge-ish before about 1000.
I did the eastbound route, but a bit further than last time, past Stainby. Would have loved to go another 20 km further east, but maybe next time. Went through Stanford and Burton on the way out, Wymeswold and Rempstone on the way back. Used the longer route through Griffydam and Peggs Green over the last few km.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250408bike.jpg)
Really, really nice out there. Glad I did do the eastbound route though because the wind was a bit more forceful than I was led to expect.
Speaking of '70s sitcoms, as we were earlier in the thread, or at least alluding to them - Bob Grant, who was Jack in On the Buses lived in Waltham, which is on this route, in the 80s and 90s. I sometimes stop at the Deli there.
135.82km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14118987569
Just as I was getting back into the swing of things I've come down with a cold. Not much of one, but enough to just take the edge off the joy of cycling. Took a bit of umming and ahing, but I forced myself out.
It wasn't too bad out, coolish, but moderate riding got me warm enough, even went up a few more hills. Made the wrong call going up to Hardwick Hall, I'd forgotten its the Easter Holidays for schools round here, because Mrs S is still in at her's, it's the local RC High School and their holidays have Easter at the centre of them. Of course I got a car behind me up the single track drive so I put a bit of effort in to avoid slowing it down too much. Then when the road widened he still didn't come by. Could have pootled a bit more.
Still, that was 30 miles with an increase of hillage.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14126293626
And another 30 miles done today. Taken nice and steadily, ending up with the sort of ride I'd be happy with in mid February. Another lovely day and the tan lines are coming along quite nicely thank you very much.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14136083405
And the weather was still nice today, even getting a little warm, so being as I'll be a couch potato watching Paris-Roubaix this weekend (please Rain Gods, manifest over Northern France) I thought I'd get out for a bit.
Still wanting to do more each week, so looked to do 25 miles to get 125 for the week. Not too onerous a task as I easily did 26. Decided to get out of my current groove and head to the hills today. I had no intention of ascending them, but rode out towards them. I ended up doing perhaps a third of an ascent, which was fine by me. Maybe try for a full ascent next week - but not that way, I find it hard enough even when "fit".
https://www.strava.com/activities/14145295972
First Fondo of the year today and the bulk of it (60kms) was on the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway. The Greenway is a mix of tarmac and a very dusty gravel. Cycling attire was covered in dust and the bike is now in addition the bike will need a serious wash. I'm also feeling very thirsty and my lips are dry. It hasn't rained here for a couple of weeks and that perhaps has a part to play.
The Greenway uses the route of a disused railway line and so only has gentle inclines and descents. However it dumps you in Kingscourt at the base of a really nasty climb into the town. Found that really tough but made it without stopping. Stayed pretty chilly all day but it wasn't windy and remained dry.
Didn't think I'd feel like cycling today after walking around London for seven hours on Thursday then maintaining my old legs in an upright position for two hours at a gig last night, but - it was the last day of a nice run of weather and a particularly pleasant one, so I thought I should do at least 65km.
Pleasantly warm when I set off. Didn't know what I was going to do really. Just wanted to busk it. I did the southbound route as far as Kirkby Mallory, then I cut across to Sutton Cheney and did a sort of Reverse Twyrosser from there.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250412bike.jpg)
Stopped at the petrol station near Sutton to buy some food and as I parked up, a young guy in cycling gear strolled up to me and asked me, sheepishly, if I had a bike pump! I did of course so I lent it to him while I went in the garage. He and his mate were doing an audax. 2 lovely bikes, 0 bike pumps. Anyway he was very grateful when he handed it back a few minutes later.
Really lovely out there. I took it easy and just soaked up the nice weather and the relaxing Saturday vibe. Listened to LBC, then footy chat on 5 Live. Back on 69.06km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14157187853
Cloudy (mostly) and cool, with rain threatened in the afternoon. But I thought I'd do 60km or so. To make it interesting, I planned to do one of my regular Twycross Bypasser routes, but in reverse. I thought it might be a challenge to remember the turns the "wrong way round". Clearly it was, because I took the requisite right turn on the way down a bit early, at Barton instead of Carlton. Actually looking at the track now, I took a short unintended detour at Swepstone, as well.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250414bike.jpg)
Anyway after that I mostly did what I'd intended, but I made better time than I thought, partly because I'd inadvertently used a more economical route. So I took a detour to Measham on the way up and approached Ashby via Heather rather than by Gallows Lane. Actually to be honest that latter detour was mainly because I'd confused myself.
So yep quite an interesting challenge. The headwind was a bit annoying. But there was occasional sunshine. 62.32 km done.
Checked the Boardman wheels when I got home. I'd managed to get the very slight wobble out of them by tightening the hubs, but it's come back a little bit. So I have to either change the bearings myself, get someone else to do it or buy new wheels. Maybe an excuse for an upgrade.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14176144423
Felt better in the head today, but I've been a bit "stomachy" over the weekend and was again this morning, but the sun was out and the rest of the week threatens rain most days so I thought I'd better get out there.
More or less did the same ride as last Monday with minor variations to avoid roadworks. Thought I'd actually hit roads I'd never done before, but it looks like I have done them, I'd managed to miss a turn off one day.
Wind was a bit fresh on the way out which slowed me down compared to last week, but I got it all back with a tailwind on the way home. All's well that ended well.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14174001853/
Every time I switch my Garmin on it tells me what sort of ride it thinks I should be doing. If I haven't ridden for a couple of days it tells me to do a "Base" level ride, something I signally fail to do. If I've done a ride the day before it says have a "Rest Day". Of course I never do as it tells me.
Today however, despite it being a "Rest Day" I managed to get in a "Base" level ride. I've been working on getting there since the beginning of March. At first all rides were classified as "VO2 max" but then some "Threshold" rides appeared. Last week "Tempo" made an appearance. Now I've touched "Base" I feel quite proud of that, now I can just go out and floor it every ride :)
https://www.strava.com/activities/14183576784/
I went out today, but didn't floor it. Made my first ascent up to the tops since January. Took it quite steadily and ended up with an average speed the same as last time - albeit with a slightly different return.
Nice to know I've still got it in me. I know I have really, but when you've not been doing much hill work you do start to think negatively, well I do, but all you do is just drop down a gear and take it steadily and just enjoy the sunshine.
Was hoping to hear the Curlew once up on the moors, normally they're "Curlewing" at this time of the year. Didn't hear any Skylarks singing either. Maybe the sunshine meant the larks were flying high and the Curlew - should they be there - might have been busy nesting. Who knows.
Another 30 miles in the bag, hopefully more tomorrow and 13 days left to get in the 165 miles for 500 miles in April.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14202752099
Rain was due over at 1600-ish today supposedly, so I didn't want to go too far. Last night while idly toying with a route planner, I devised a different southbound route - one that would use the usual route as far as Bagworth, meet it again at Broughton Astley, but go through Desford, Thurlaston and Croft on the way there.
On a map it looks more direct but in practice it's more hilly, not really very practical. Made a nice change though. Some stretches of road I hadn't done before. Some nice scenery. I went down as far as Broughton Astley then came back up the usual way. Stopped at the Co-op at Stoney Stanton and had a bit of a feast at the Belarus Bench (actually a massive tyre bearing the text MADE IN BELARUS) near Potters Marston.
A very light rain started to descend at about 1400. It was tolerable, but of course I didn't know if it was going to stay tolerable so rather than coming back through Ibstock as I intended, I came the quick way through Donington Le Heath. The rain did start to come down a bit heavier over the last few km.
I listened to Adrian Chiles on 5 Live and the 2017 British Sea Power album Let the Dancers Inherit the Party. I'm never sure if it's perhaps a bit better than its successor, Everything Was Forever.
Anyway, something a bit different and another 63.67km in the bag. 571 this month now, 3077 this year. I'll be happy enough with another 200 this month but what I really want is a warm day with a light easterly wind so I can pedal over to the Fens and back.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14213450931
And another 30 miles in the bag today. Told Mrs S I'd do 30, told her when I'd be back and was more or less bang on. I am so in the zone at the moment ::)
Just a steady Tempo ride out, nothing serious but it gets me to my second highest weekly tally of the year. Maybe get a few more in tomorrow.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14212282234
And out for 30 miles again today. Won't get chance tomorrow, Monday I'll be hungover and then it looks like rain in the week so out I went.
I even did something I'd not intended doing. I'd ridden to the tops on Thursday, but that was the long way round avoiding any classified climbs, today I managed the Cat3 clinb up through Cutthorpe. I didn't mean to, I was just going to ride the flatter bottom half a couple of times, but second time around I decided to take it all the way, well, there was a decent tailwind :)
It wasn't an overly bad time - for me - either, about half way in my times. I noticed I was 5/13 for the week. Ineos Grenadiers rider Ben Swift had set the best time, averaging 15.1mph to my 11.5mph, made me feel a bit better as that was his best ever time up there. He's still not as quick as me on New to Old Whit though :) It appears that downhill I can hold my own with the pros - occasionally.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14225284600/
Whilst I wasn't overly hungover yesterday I was still stuffed with Roast Beef, Cheese and Chocolate. As I still was today actually as there was plenty of cheese and chocolate left to go at. Roast Beef too, but I don't like cold roast beef in sandwiches. On the plus side, the weather forecast had changed for the better.
I set out intending to do 30 easy miles and came back having done 32.5 miles a bit quicker than I thought I would, but after reaching 160 miles for the week last week I thought I'd taper back a bit this week as my metrics were saying I was overdoing things. Yeah, right. It was a nice day for it though, the old arms are almost as browned as they were at the end of last summer already.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14251253710
A dry day, anticipated to be warm in the afternoon and not too windy. The wind was coming from the south-east so I thought a southbound fondo was in order, either down to Northamptonshire as usual or down Fosse Way.
I had to reroute at Earl Shilton due to a road closure. Usually I try to sneak the bike past whatever obstacle has been put there to annoy me but no chance this time, the road (Thurlaston Lane) had been dug up right across and into both grass verges. So I backtracked and plotted a new course to Stoney through Elmesthorpe. Also at Earl Shilton - an old bird walking along the pavement flagged me down for a chat! She must have been at least 80. Told me how she used to do a coast to coast walk as a young woman. And her dad bought her first bike when she was 12. Bless her.
By the time I'd got to Stoney Stanton I'd decided to go down Fosse Way. So I did. Got as far as about 5km past Brinklow when I decided to turn back. I did want to go a bit further, but the headwind and the up-and-down hill climbing had started to grind a bit. Stopped for a bit of a feast at the village shop in Brinklow. Always like to sit and watch the world go by there, especially in the sunshine.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250422bike.jpg)
Back on 105.01km.
Listened to LBC and 5 Live mostly. But also, on an inexplicable whim, the Alphaville album Forever Young and Zappa's Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar which I bought as a triple album boxed set in 1981. Requires a particular mood.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14255724161
After sitting out yesterday because, well because the Fleche Wallone was on, I forced myself out today. Much as my Garmin is endlessly telling me to take a rest day I find that I have to keep on cycling as much as I can because I seem to myself to lose fitness so quickly.
Or maybe I don't, but perhaps do. I did a very similar ride to last Wednesday and found that my average Heart rate was higher and I spent a third of the ride in the max Heart Rate zone, three times more than when I went out on Monday and slightly up on last Wednesday. Then again I did manage a higher average speed than last Wednesday, had I put in a bit more effort? Was the change in wind direction a factor? Who can say. Sometimes I think too much. Just get out there and ride Sims.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14271755491
I'd hoped to do an Imperial Fondo today, 161 km or if you prefer, 100 of His Majesty's miles. I envisaged going east of Waltham, perhaps beyond the A1. I actually woke up at about 0500. I was quite tempted to get up early and have a really early start. I could probably have made it to the Fens and back. However, I went back to sleep.
Which was just as well, because I was slightly uncomfortably cold for the first couple of hours, even after setting off at 1020. Cloudy, with a rather cool headwind. It didn't seem to be a long ride day. So I'd go as far as Eastwell and come back.
But once I got to Eastwell, I thought I'd come back a different way, via the roughly parallel route to the north. So I plunged down the steep hill from Eastwell, north through Stathem. And once I got there, I had another idea - to go north-east along Long Lane, something I'd been meaning to do again for years. It's delightful along there: a quiet, scenic, mostly flat road with a view of Belvoir Castle on a hill in the distance. Trouble is, it's a pain to get there, either involving a buttock-clenching descent from the usual eastbound route, or the crappy road surfaces east of Wymeswold.
But I'd already done the buttock-clenching descent, so I thought I might as well have a pedal along there. After a while I came to a crossroads, and turned left in the spirit of exploration. A brand new stretch of road! Or so I thought. I'd gone about 4km through there, through a village called Redmile, then parked up near a stream when I realised that I'd been there before. Sometimes I get a flashback to an obscure place in a bike ride and think to myself - where was that? I'm glad I never got a flashback to this place, because it would have driven me mad trying to remember it.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250424bike.jpg)
But I checked my Strava history and I was there three years ago. Anyway I turned back after that but came back the different way I'd intended, through Long Clawson, Upper Broughton, Wymeswold.
A small flying creature with yellow legs - possibly a fuzzy fly of some sort, or a small bee species, alighted on my arm at Long Clawson. I carried it for about 2km. Did wonder if I'd done it a permanent disservice by carrying it away from its little bee society or territory, but apparently they have fantastic navigation skills and 2km wouldn't faze them. Most bee species are solitary anyway.
Stopped at a shop at Whitwick on the way out, which was a first. I'd realised that I'd forgotten to get the food I'd packed out of the fridge. It's only about 6km from home, so not particularly useful usually.
Back at about 1735 and by that time conditions were beautifully sunny and warm, so I regretted not staying out longer. But once I'd descended northwards off the usual eastbound route, options for extending rides by a significant amount are sub-optimal. But I think I will go exploring over that way soon.
Back on 121.89km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14274109404
Cyclists who kill could face life sentence https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0w8g18x9no
Quote from: Fishy on April 25, 2025, 12:25:44 PMCyclists who kill could face life sentence https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn0w8g18x9no
And the motornormativity of Juries and Judges will probably mean they'll get life. It was only in 2022 that Death by Dangerous driving could result in a life sentence. The reality is that you get an awful lot less.
27 months here https://www.expressandstar.com/news/2025/04/23/woman-jailed-for-causing-death-of-girl-14-by-dangerous-driving/
30 months here https://www.expressandstar.com/uk-news/2025/04/25/lorry-driver-who-killed-pregnant-nurse-in-m8-crash-jailed/
Charlie Alliston got 18 months for killing Kim Briggs by "wanton and furious driving", not far off the above examples and that was for an offence with a maximum prison term of two years. Meanwhile of the 1,600 road deaths last year 1,596 were caused by motorists. Probably.
I managed not to kill anyone today. I did suffer numerous close passes from people driving vehicles, I gave a Nazi salute to the Tesla driver who reversed out into the road in front of me and I left my jaw on the mini roundabout that a driver took on the wrong side whilst I was already on it. Apart from that it was a nice ride out under cloudy skies.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14281244690
And today I got out to get over 500 miles in for April. Feel knackered now. Mrs S and the boy have got colds and I think I may be a bit affected, but my superior fitness is suppressing it a bit.
I had thought about getting a first 50 miler of the year in but glad I didn't as my legs were dropping off after 30 miles. I thought I'd gone out on the flatter side of town, but I did some roads I've never ridden before. One was gently undulating, but another had a 12% kicker on it, didn't see that one coming, I thought that once I'd gone up the scarp slope of the Magnesian Limestone escarpment I'd be coming back up the less steep dip slope. Looks like at some point a watercourse has scooped out a valley. I'll be wiser next time.
Out and back for a palindromic 36.63 miles.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14293668604/
Beautiful weather again and today's plan was to ride out to Stafford Bingley Hall and back. It's a sort of occasional pilgrimage I do, to honour memories of gigs I attended there as a teenager in the previous century.
I'd plotted a slightly different route this time, though. I was going to do my usual Lower Westbound route to Abbots Bromley, and find my way to Bingley Hall, on the outskirts of Stafford, from there. Usually I'd go through Rugeley, which bypasses Abbots Bromley by a long way to the south.
So: I did that. I set off pretty early, at 0815. Really enjoyed the outward leg, taking it easy in the sunshine, until I got to the new stretch of roads west of Abbo. Unfortunately they were mostly lumpy, crappy country lanes liberally furnished with potholes. Got to Bingley Hall nonetheless. Didn't hang around long. Usually I gaze sentimentally through the gates for a minute, but today my view was blocked by marquees and stalls. Some sort of event going on.
I decided to come back the usual way through Rugeley, so I came down the A51. It was fairly quiet thankfully. But before I got to Rugeley, I saw a sign to Abbots Bromley, and had that "why not" thought. So I took that. Thankfully that turned out to be a really nice stretch of quiet, well-surfaced road that took me over a reservoir a few km further on. Lovely, but looking at the track on Strava now I see that it was a massive detour. So not really likely to be useful in future, although I quite enjoyed it today.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250427bike.jpg)
Conditions were cool-ish in the morning so I wore tights for the first 50km or so. Took them off when I stopped for an impromptu picnic somewhere west of Abbo to consume some food I'd bought at a shop there. Nice and warm in the afternoon.
I listened to footy chat on 5 Live. Quite annoyed by the coverage around the Liverpool / Spurs game as every pundit and presenter was treating the proposition that Liverpool would take the league title today as a done deal. But they weren't wrong.
I did enjoy the United / Bournemouth game, with an equaliser in the sixth minute of added time. Took the pic at Lullington, about 14 klicks from home. That church will be a Tesco Metro one day.
Back on 133.80km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14304671870
Worked out why my legs didn't work too well on Saturday, set off today it felt funny again and I realised it was because the seatpost had dropped down a good inch. Quick call in at home raised it back up and all is fine again - apart from riding with it dropped had left some muscles a bit achy.
Anyway another nice day for it, definite warmest rising day of the year, I think, maybe I should check, but yes, nice warm and sunny. Just the regular ride out through Tibshelf and back so another 31 miles and starting to get a bit quicker.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14310977398
Stunning weather again, but I didn't have a lot of time and besides, I want to save my energy for a possible long ride on Friday. I wasn't going to go out at all today actually but I couldn't resist the first minimal clothing ride of the year.
I did about 15km of the Twycross route, then came back the same way. I did a little bit of pootling around Ashby at the top, and a detour round the village over the last km or so.
Beautiful out there. Properly warm. Back on 32.98km. The shortest ride of the year so far, but that's OK.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14322849125
Out again today as we're off for a weekend break on Friday, so I want to be out whilst the sun is still shining.
Did a similar ride to last Wedneday, but after noticing an extra set of traffic lights for roadworks has appeared on my route out I went out to Dronfield via Coal Aston rather than Whittington. At least that way I did enter South Yorkshire - briefly - rather than just ride along a bit of the border as on other rides this year.
What I hadn't noticed was that a couple of sets of roadworks has appeared on my inward run. These very nearly cost me my 16mph average speed as one set meant that it really slowed up traffic. Warmer again today and got my first salted up helmet strap of the year :)
https://www.strava.com/activities/14321412686
Good job I do have a weekend break as I had another coming off the bike. Nothing too serious, more embarrassing than anything. I was behind a van at a junction and he started to pull off, I clipped in and started off only for him to then brake to let a car by and I didn't manage to brake and unclip at the same time. Back end of the bike went up and I just tumbled over, it was then a struggle to unclip my right foot and get up again.
Got a bit of a muscle strain now down my left hand side and a small graze to my left knee. I was watching the Tour de Romandie this afternoon and Callum Scotson came down, he was on his back and struggling to unclip his right foot, but managed somehow to move round and push himself up. Even the commentator was impressed.
Another 32 miles got me to 622 for April, I'll settle for that, need to get more climbing done though.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14332176391
I'd stiffened up - ooohh, Matron - overnight, but thought I'd better get out today to prove I can still get round without falling off. Luckily I managed it. Just had a steady 25 miler out through Hasland for the first time in ages.
Certainly warm again, warm enough to consume a full bidon in 25 miles. I've done Summer Fondos on a single Bidon before now!
https://www.strava.com/activities/14343132684
I was determined to do at least 161km today, or what might be termed a "100 miler". I knew the route I was going to take, out toward Norfolk. But I didn't know how far I was going to go, or what time I was going to get up.
I went to bed early, at about 2330. I dozed happily for a couple of hours then got up at 0300. Took my time having breakfast. Didn't want to leave too early. Would mean spending more time in the cooler conditions. I set off just after 0410.
In one respect I'd picked the perfect day for a long ride. Although I sometimes listen to music or an audiobook, most of all I like to listen to the radio on a bike ride, on my DAB personal. I'm a politics junkie, and the local election results were starting to come in. As I set off, the count for the Runcorn by-election was taking place. Drama! I followed it on LBC. The whole eastbound leg of the ride was a breeze, I think partly because for long periods I was too engrossed in the election results coverage to notice that I was riding a bicycle. Beautifully quiet first thing in the morning.
I did miss a turn after Castle Bytham, the third time I've made the same mistake now. I must rehearse it on Street View. I recovered fairly quickly, anyway.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250502bike.jpg)
I'd chosen a route that's a good compromise between nicely surfaced A or B roads and the very distinctive straight roads that run alongside the drainage channels, and give the Fens its character. I stopped at an airfield about a km short of Holbeach, then decided to turn back. I'd been toying with the idea to go all the way to Foul Anchor, but it wasn't the best day for it. I'd have to do a couple of hours in the dark over the last 35 km or so. Perhaps in a few weeks' time I'll set off at 0300 and do that, when the daylight hours are longer.
Had a very enjoyable rest stop at the village shop / caff at Castle Bytham on the way back. Friendly place. Not long after that though, somewhere near South Witham, I noticed a subtle, rhythmic bump coming from the back wheel. Checked it of course - the tyre had slightly deformed; the same thing that happened to the Tricross a few months ago, though not quite so obvious. I had about 70km to go so I was a bit anxious. It did actually get a bit worse. But it didn't look like the tyre was going to selectively burst out of the rim so I kept my fingers crossed, mentally anyway.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250502planes.jpg)
Once back in familiar territory, I failed to take the turn to Wymeswold as I'd intended. Just running on autopilot, or too absorbed by the election results coverage. Unfortunate because a stretch of the road between Cotes and Stanford has been "resurfaced" by having dusty gravel chucked on it. Perhaps Leicestershire's new Reform-dominated council can improve matters.
Lovely warm day, periods of bright sunshine interspersed with light cloud, and I've caught the sun a bit. Sharpened my tanlines nicely, even though I didn't take the tights off until I'd got onto the Fens.
Back on 253.04km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14357594363
Managed 3 x 30 milers in the past week.. needed a new tyre on the back wheel and felt a bit of a wobble as I was riding after changing.. returned home for a pit stop.. took wheel off back on still the same then noticed that the tyre wasnt correctly in at the rim on a small part of the wheel.. deflated.. took it out then started again and now all good.. I'm sure I checked all that after fitting it tho.. mmm
Another quick one today. Actually I didn't really want to go out at all. Feels a bit cold out there all of a sudden. But I reminded myself that I'd have pounced on a dry, 12C day in January so I dutifully operated a bicycle. Not that much time today, and on top of that I left my water bottle at the garage. The wind was coming from the north-east, so I went up through Coleorton, up Top Brand, through Diseworth, skirted the airport then west through Isley Walton to Melbourne.
And back the usual way from there. 36.95km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14385845934
Just out of curiousity, how many bicyles do you guys own? I count at least 5 for you Slim, of that I like the look of the black Cannondale a lot, and the Boardman has a classic look to it.
Although I do not cycle myself, I am always interested in equipment, a bit like with guitars. I don't play, but sometimes wish I did because of the gear.
(and no I am not judging in any way - I have 19 different sets of darts :-)
I have seven.
The Cannondale is my favourite bike, despite being acquired for a modest sum. The only carbon fibre on it is the seat post, which I replaced a few years ago.
At one time apart from a hybrid which I no longer own, I had the red Boardman and the Cannondale and the Cannondale always felt so much lighter and sharper.
The red Boardman was my first proper road bike, at least since I was in my 20s. Then I bought the Cannondale as a spare. It's had new Campagnolo wheels since I bought it.
Then I bought a second Boardman second hand, to leave in my turbo trainer (which I no longer use). It's a black one, same as the red one except it's a "special edition" with carbon forks.
Then I bought the green Planet X new. I can't even remember why. Felt I needed to have a carbon frame bike probably. I bought a Specialized S Works because it was a bargain - supposedly £6k of stuff on it if bought new. It's my only bike with a carbon wheelset.
Then I bought a Specialized Tricross (silver painted frame) fairly cheaply because I wanted a second winter bike - it's a gravel bike and more suitable for rough lumpy roads. Good bike, alloy frame, a bit heavy. Bigger tyres.
Then I decided I needed a proper endurance bike for long rides so I bought the Roubaix (the white one). I think it definitely is a bit more comfy over long rides while still being light and agile.
Fantastic, they all have a purpose. I like that. You never outfitted the black Boardman for the road then?
Personally, not being a cyclist so I have no opinion on the technical qualities, I have always found the Wilier brand beautiful to look at.
And of course, being Dutch, the Bianchi bikes used by Jumbo/Rabobank were a bit special.
Quote from: Thenop on May 05, 2025, 06:37:08 PMJust out of curiousity, how many bicyles do you guys own?
I have five, well six, but one is totally unusable.
A Bianchi Sprint Disc Ultegra - with two sets of wheels carbon for Summer, Aluminium for Winter
Giant TCR advanced Pro 1 - High Summer and Holy day bike, rim braked carbon wheels. one on the verge of needing replacing. Goes like stink.
Ridley Kanzo Adventure - Gravel bike, mainly used on roads, but will put on the Aluminium wheels from the Bianchi in filthy Winter Weather
A Boardman Hybrid bike unused in years, but held in reserve for filhiest winter road use.
Giant Defy - On Permanent Turbo Trainer use as rear brake is seized up.
Took the Bianchi out for a short spin today to get back into it after a weekend of Premier Inn breakfasts, and Evening tasting menus, Tapas and Pizzas.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14384264171
Just the one for me. The Merida I bought back in 2016. It is a bit like Trigger's broom at this stage though having replaced the wheels, the chain (twice) the chain-ring, and almost everything else virtually. All that remains are the frame,the handlebars, front fork and seat
Even with all the upgrades though it costs me nothing at this stage and I'm well due a full upgrade
Quote from: Thenop on May 05, 2025, 08:39:25 PMFantastic, they all have a purpose. I like that. You never outfitted the black Boardman for the road then?
Yes I do use it sometimes. Really just for a change I guess, or as a spare. Doesn't really do anything the first Boardman or the X don't do.
I'm a little bit wary of using it for long rides because it has the Cannondale's old wheels, and I repaired the hub on the rear one with some springs I bought from Amazon after it failed, as I described here (http://betweenthewheels.net/index.php?msg=7520). But I think it's done a few thousand km since then.
And took the Bianchi out again today, nice little 40 mile spin out through Tibshelf to Higham and back. A bit quicker than last time I did that sort of ride. Either I'm getting a bit fitter or the wind was more favourable or a bit of both.
Every other car today seemed to have an illegal number plate on. Either smoked ones, ones with illegal spacings or with bolts placed to make numbers look like letters or letters to look like other letters. Why? It's all so pointless.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14394174621
And the Bianchi got a ride out again today. Similar ride to last Tuesday's ride, but with an added loop in the hope of getting to 100 miles for the week. Should have done two loops, but I'm not sure as I need to be any loopier.
Thought it might be a bit easier today as I cleaned and lubed the chain after yesterday's ride. Can't say as it was, but my averaged speed was up by 0.1 mph and my average power was up by 6W. Maybe a dirty chain costs me 6W. Who knows. My average Heart Rate was down by 6 bpm, perhaps that was due to more power being transmitted through the bike chain. Who knows.
Anyway, good to be out on the roads with all the other old men, plus a few young women.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14404574420/
Had a jazz guitar lesson until 1330, but it was a decent enough day for an afternoon fondo. The wind was coming from the east so I settled on the time-honoured eastbound route as far as Eastwell.
A fairly cloudy day and a bit cooler than I expected. The headwind was annoying on the way out. I went the slightly shorter way via Rempstone and Wymeswold, so I'd done a bit less than 50k by the time I turned back, after a quick snack at the bench at Eastwell. Made up for it by taking Narrow Lane back to Wymeswold, then coming back the Peggs Green / Coleorton way after Belton.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250507bike.jpg)
Enjoyable run out, especially on the way back with a nice tailwind. Picked up some PRs on segments I've done dozens of times (as always, without trying). The sun came out as well intermittently, which warmed me up nicely. Wished I'd worn gloves rather than mitts, my fingertips were uncomfortably cold.
Back on 100.86, 391 done this month now. I'm 703.02km ahead of my yearly distance on this date 12 months ago, and by an odd coincidence 303.02km ahead of 7th May 2023. Exactly 400.0km difference. What were the chances?
Some nice cycling days coming up in the weather forecast.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14408437935
Glorious morning so bagged a 33 miler.. forgot to hit record on Strava.. idiot..
Quote from: Fishy on May 08, 2025, 12:48:41 PMGlorious morning so bagged a 33 miler.. forgot to hit record on Strava.. idiot..
It didn't happen then :)
Not such a glorious morning here, cloudy and 11C, but popped out for 26.5 miles to get me over 125 for the week. Time for a day off tomorrow, it's the start of the Giro.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14414792411
Quote from: Fishy on May 08, 2025, 12:48:41 PMGlorious morning so bagged a 33 miler.. forgot to hit record on Strava.. idiot..
Heading out on the same run tomorrow and I'm going to remember and record it..
Quote from: Fishy on May 08, 2025, 10:04:03 PMQuote from: Fishy on May 08, 2025, 12:48:41 PMGlorious morning so bagged a 33 miler.. forgot to hit record on Strava.. idiot..
Heading out on the same run tomorrow and I'm going to remember and record it..
37 miles this morning ..similar run as yesterday but chucked in a trip to Straiton which I hadn't done for a while... glorious day again..
Went out for a shortish spin today, spent too much time watching the Giro Time Trial. Don't even really like watching TTs, but there was a bit of action to this one and a corner where there was a good chance of coming off. Memo to self, take it steadily round corners.
I noticed the memo and took it steadily round corners. Took it reasonably steadily everywhere. Finished just shy of averaging 16mph though as my chain came off going down Newbold Road after hitting a bump. Memo to self, adjust front derailleur.
Got in what is probably my biggest climb of the year at 669ft of elevation gain. Could have sworn I'd been up the Col de Wigley before this year, but it appears my last ascent was last November. My, how time does fly.
(https://scontent.fbhx4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/495575608_10161432132870544_7871023009322158389_n.jpg?_nc_cat=108&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=buyqU7IOr2gQ7kNvwFqhLQT&_nc_oc=AdnHHHYfl92OTlRSkra_LgFGU-U_P8dP1wM5nHMoeUXg1Oah24XScXwAn7V2hBLJcustedpfh0CsYifzk9qOLcrm&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-2.fna&_nc_gid=YqUbw0UvXaMehezODw0dYg&oh=00_AfJPK_sXHma9he06slZNXrHl3672eS23_eo4guX-HivuzQ&oe=68258DB7)
https://www.strava.com/activities/14438634882/
Another lovely day was forecast, with the wind coming from the east again. But I didn't really want to do the eastbound route again so soon. I thought I'd do the southbound, but a bit further than usual - maybe not all the way down to Northampton, but at least 10km south of Welford.
While poring over a route planner last night I had the idea of going down to Sibbertoft as usual, but from there to keep going east until I came to the A508 - then to take the A508 down toward Northampton. Usually I go down Welford Road.
So I did that. I wasn't really impressed with the stretch between Sibbertoft and the A508 - a bit bumpy and ill-surfaced. But the A road was fine, quieter than I expected. The thing that worried me most was that I seemed to be descending perpetually, and I really didn't fancy coming back the same way.
I came to a roundabout after 71km, with a right turn to Spratton - which I knew to be on the Welford Road route. I kept on, though. But the road was faster and busier after the roundabout so after maybe 200m I performed a reverse ferret and took the Spratton turn. I'd decided to return homeward the usual way, up Welford Road.
Initially this took me through a village called Brixworth where I bought some food at a Co-op and had an impromptu lunch at a bench.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250510bike.jpg)
At Spratton, as I swapped between my DAB and my phone by the roadside, a young woman came up to me slightly nervously. She was of South Asian descent, off-the-scale pretty, with shoulder-length hair, hypnotic eyes, very well-spoken. She was wearing a leather tunic over a long, flowing, colourful ankle-length dress and Doc Marten style boots. She wanted to know if I knew how to get to Guilsborough. I'd never heard of it but I invoked Google Maps and planned the route for her. It was 5.8km away, or, as I told her, about three and a half miles.
Must admit I felt a bit of disquiet afterwards .. she wasn't exactly dressed in walking clothes. Should I have asked if everything was OK? Did she have a bottle of water on her? It was a warm day.
So anyway I came up the usual way after Spratton. Stopped for an ice cream at the petrol station at Welford. Back on 141.61km.
That was a very satisfying run out. Mostly warm and sunny and I've caught the sun a bit. Did feel slightly uncomfortably cool when the sun disappeared behind clouds, but that wasn't often or for long.
Mostly listened to LBC and footy on 5 Live. But I also started the next Reacher novel, Never Go Back. The one the second Tom Cruise film was based on, but although I don't remember the plot of that one very well the book doesn't appear to bear a lot of similarity to it. Decent so far, though.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14439238950
Popped out for a quickie again after watching the Giro. Was thinking of getting in 60 miles over the course of the weekend, but 55 will do. It got me over 180 miles for the week which is my highest weekly tally of the year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14449336588
Went out a bit later yesterday as it was Community clean up day. The guy I cycle with came to Navan rather than us meeting up in Bective, halfway between Trim and Navan.
Glorious day and the first one I cycled this year with legs and arms exposed to the sun.
I'd gone for a drive with my daughter the other evening and it was a pretty route on mainly quiet roads so decided to repeat that. Into Castletown through Lobinstown then onto Rathkenny before heading home via Kilberry.
Big GAA game was happening today, the Leinster final between Meath and Louth. The Green and Gold flags were everywhere on the eve of the big match, but as the journey went on I began to notice more and more of the Red and White of Louth. Sure enough we had missed a right hand turn to Rathkenny and ended up in Collon which is in the Wee County.
Headed back to Navan via Slane, Seneachlestown and Johnstown. 65 quite hilly but picturesque kiometres
Another warm, sunny day. 25C, no less. But rain was forecast for about 3pm, and since I'm going to a gig tomorrow, I didn't want to work my knees too hard. Also, I've just fitted a new tyre to the rear wheel of the Roubaix and wanted to test it.
So I planned a modest 48km route that would take the eastbound route as far as Long Whatton, then hook left through Diseworth to Kings Newton, down through Ticknall, then loop back via Ashby.
Well I did that as far as Long Whatton, where - to my disgust - the main road west to Diseworth has very recently been "resurfaced" by the loose, dusty sharp gravel method of which Leicestershire County Council is so fond. I took a pic.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/gravel_lw.jpg)
I turned back and more or less made it up after that. Back to Belton then acoss to Breedon, down to Lount, then home via Coleorton and Top Brand. Ended up on 39.28km and looking at the map, I could have done better. I haven't actually seen any rain yet, either.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250512bike.jpg)
Still - 572 km done this month, 4043 this year now and that's a record for a 12th May.
Listened to more of the Reacher novel. So far, so good.
As you can see the Roubaix now has aesthetically mismatched tyres.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14456271075
Another 31 miler in this afternoon.. found a great little B road with no pots holes..no traffic and dropped into a little village called Barbieston..never heard of it before.. lovely place.. another glorious day
Another nice day, if a bit breezier than the light breeze promised by the weather forecast. Still not giving it my all, but decided to try something a bit hillier today, taking on some what seemed like sustained 10%+ uphill sections.
Bloody hard work it was! Not helped by delivery vans coming the other way on single track roads which refuse to slow down or pull over for you. I don't enjoy having to unclip and put my foot down on a 10% slope as it's bloody difficult to get back going again. It's time people started shopping in Town centres again!
Managed to overtake a couple of cyclists on one uphill bit, but then they were an old couple on a tandem! Still, it's nice to know you've overtaken somebody! Back on 38.98 miles and if this weather keeps up I'll have to take two bidons out with me.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14466136640/
Another warm, sunny day? Really? I had plenty of time in the afternoon but I didn't really feel like doing a fondo. I thought maybe 65km would do. Ideally I'd have done a Twycross Bypasser but the weather's been coming at us from the east persistently of late, and today was no exception.
I had the idea to go up through Donington, west over Cavendish Bridge, through Shardlow then maybe up to Elvaston. So I did that until I got to Isley Walton, where - alas - Leicestershire County Council have been up to their loose gravel resurfacing tricks again.
So I turned left toward Melbourne and made it up from there. Up over Swarkestone Bridge, up over the A50 and up into the nether regions of Derby along Infinity Park Way. I randomed around up there for a bit, then came back down. Extended the ride a bit by going over to Ticknall which meant facing Bastard Hill on the way to Ashby, but it wasn't horrific.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250514bike.jpg)
There's something a bit poignant about passing a Rolls-Royce site, and seeing people coming and going. I wonder how my career would have gone if I'd stayed there. Certainly, I do miss some aspects of that job.
Back on 58.83, less than I wanted. But hopefully there's a long cycling day coming up soon before the warm weather fades away. Listened to 5 Live and more Reacher.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14480068250
After heading for the hills yesterday, I took a lower level route today and did another of the seemingly endless variations of the Tour de Tibshelf.
Yes, another nice day, but with a nagging North Easterly wind, which was fine on the way out - making me feel on form - but a bit wearing on the way back.
Got a bit pissed off when close to home. Was heading up Brimington Common knowing that there was a bus ahead of me. At one point someone got off and was waiting to cross the road, but he couldn't because of the traffic on the other side of the road. When that stopped he stepped out just at the moment I was about to occupy that spot on my bike, luckily I could move out and he stepped back, but he shouted "OH FOR FUCK'S SAKE!!!" I wish I'd stopped to ask him why as he obviously wouldn't have gone if I were in a car. Did he not think a bicycle has the right to be on the road? Did he think I was going too fast? I sometimes think that cyclists are a minority group that it's OK to hate. Ho-hum.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14477155103
I bought a new saddle for the X (again). The last one is just too well-padded and uncomfortable over anything more than 40km or so.
This one is a Fizik Aliante. As you can see it's a test saddle - Saddle manufacturers send these out to equipment retailers so that serious riders can try them out before they buy one. They aren't supposed to be sold. And yet they do end up on eBay, which is where I got this one.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/fizik_test.jpg)
It's very lightweight, made of carbon fibre. Only lightly padded. Looks like it's been fitted to a bike (there are very faint marks on the rails) but never ridden. Can't see so much as a speck of dust on the underside and there's no wear to the surface.
The cheapest Fizik saddle I can see online is more than £85, but I got this one for £19 + P&P.
Not tried it yet but so far the only thing I don't like is that it's not vented - which would have made it a lot easier to fit. Much easier access to the forward seat clamp bolt.
And out again today, but where was the sun? Oh yes, it was behind clouds. I'm OK with that, tanlines have come on nicely. Cooler? Yes, but that's OK too, I don't like sweating.
Today's annoyance(s) came early on. Going the the other way down Brimington Common I got behind a learner driver, I kept pace with it, at no time did it go over 21mph. I left a gap behind it as I would if in a car. Of course some pillock had to come by - it's a bicycle, Must Get In Front (MGIF) - so I dropped back a bit. A Mini Countryman then came by - MGIF - had to brake sharply as learner had stopped behind a parked car. I shook my head. At the end of the common it turned right at a mini roundabout and went round the wrong side. I flicked the Vs. I'm still behind the learner so turned right to escape it and at my next right turn it had got there by going off at the next right. Sigh. Luckily it then turned right to my left at the next junction.
Next fun was a road with a "Road Closed" sign. Normally it's OK for cyclists as it only applies to motorised vehicles. No such luck today. Ho-hum.
Didn't really make much difference in terms of distance for me so that's OK. Made my second ascent of the hills this week, forgotten how steep the last bit was of the way I went, but just settled in to a rhythm and got up. Then over to Beeley Moor for the first time since the beginning of last October! Can't believe it has been so long as normally I go there all through the Winter. Must have been some serious roadworks round and about for me to miss it out.
Anyway, another 35 miles done and "good" to get more climbing in the legs.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14487888906
Yet another warm, sunny day. We've already had a fantastic summer, and we're only halfway through May. My ambition for today was to do a bit more than a fondo. Didn't want to get up early or endure early morning cold conditions. And I set off at about 1040.
The idea was to do the eastbound route, maybe as far as Waltham or a bit further. In the event though - I pressed on past Eastwell without taking the Waltham turn. Then I came to a left turn to a place called Barkestone. I took that. I knew it would involve a brutal descent - any left turn from the main drag between Six Hills is like a ski slope. And so it proved. Bit hairy.
From Barkestone, which was a nice little village, I oriented myself toward Long Lane via Plungar. I love Long Lane. Nice and flat, quiet, nicely surfaced and a nice view. One of my cycling happy places.
I took a detour to Stathern to visit the village shop. Hadn't been in there before. Very friendly place with a nice seating area outside like a little pub beer garden. Alas - they'd run out of sausage rolls, sandwiches and similar. So I had to improvise. A packet of crisps, a pain-au-chocolat and a tub of ice-cream with a flake.
So from there the plan was to come back what I could tentatively call the "usual way" from Long Lane since I've done it quite a few times, though only twice in the last few years. But I took a wrong turn after Long Clawson and found myself climbing the hill back up to the regular eastbound route. And I came back by what I could definitely call the usual way from there.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250516bike.jpg)
Did a a bit of exploring on the way out by taking a left along Paddy's Lane. Didn't really seem very interesting. But I think I will explore around there (south of Nottingham) a bit some time. Probably nice and flat.
Also on the way out, near Six Hills - noticed a troubled-looking cyclist attending to his bike by the side of the road. Stopped to ask if he was OK, his pump wasn't working so I lent him mine. Told him to take his time and had an impromptu picnic while he inflated his spare inner tube. But it looked like the valve core wasn't seated properly. He managed to tighten it, then get enough pressure into the tyre to get himself home, 15 miles away. Or so he hoped. But I insisted he took my spare spare inner tube with him.
Since I had two punctures (or inner tube failures) on a ride in the winter I usually take two inner tubes with me. But I felt sure one spare would do for the rest of the ride. Besides, how could I get a puncture with that sort of karma?
The headwind was annoying going east, but it was just glorious out there and I especially loved gliding along Long Lane in the warm sunshine. Must figure out the best way to get over there that doesn't involve rattling down a steep hill over a dodgy road surface.
Listened to a bit of 5 Live, but mostly the Reacher novel. Much better than the last one unless the plot unravels spectacularly.
Back on 120.65 km. And that's 20 fondos done this year now.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14501666528
2nd Fondo of the year taking in the steep(ISH) climb to Tara then onto Dunshaughlin where we stopped for a breakfast roll and a coffee before continuing on to Ratoath and the longish stretch to Summerhill. Stopped there for ice cream and Lucozade. Then Kilmessan, and Bective before arriving back in Navan at about 2.30 having started just after 9. Only 91kms on the clock though. The ice cream and fizzy glucose must have been kicking in as I had the energy to go past home and put another 10 in the bag and complete the 100kms. Simply sensational day and probably as good as it gets for cycling. Can't remember seeing a single cloud at all. The slight cooling breeze meant I never felt uncomfortable except for the final reaches of the Hill of Tara. Legs did feel it a little on the stretch between Ratoath and Summerhill but never enough to make me stop moving
After not going out yesterday despite it being perfect weatherwise, I awoke to a grey, cloudy, cool day. But what do I care? It's Saturday, all day and I've got a Giro stage to watch.
By the time the Giro had finished all the clouds had disappeared and it was a perfect day again, so out I went. Well, not that perfect, even though it was still high in the sky, the sun was a bit bright in the old peepers heading West making it necessary to slow down a bit, but hey, what's the harm in that, I'll never be up there getting a Maglia Rosa.
Did a riff on last Saturday's ride, going off down Clodhall Lane though after ascending the Col du Wigley. Actually managed the second fastest ascent of Wigley today, only 3 seconds slower than the kid who came 43rd in last weeks Liege-Bastogne-Liege Junior race.
Still got nowhere near a Fondo this year, but I'll just take things as they come. Riding 30 miles or so 5 days a week feels good enough to me at the moment. I need to find some nice flat roads.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14511149728/
Didn't want to go far today. Partly because I wanted to test the new saddle I fitted to the X yesterday, partly because I want to preserve my energy for a potential long ride on Tuesday. The weather's still coming from the east, and I thought about 50k along the eastbound route and back would do. I thought I'd loop round through Sutton Bonington before turning for home.
Still very nice weather, a bit cooler and cloudier than Friday so I applied a bit more clothing.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250518bike.jpg)
So I set off at about 1210, and after I got to Trowell Lane, I took the left toward Sutty. But I reached the crossroads north of the village and thought I'd pedal a few km toward Gotham. Very nice along there in the warm sunshine. I turned back after about 3km when I came to a public footpath sign. Always like to make a u-turn near a recognisable landmark, in case I have to synthesise the track due to an equipment failure.
Unfortunately I took a wrong turn on my way back down and ended up in Kegworth, so I had to come down the A6. But it wasn't too busy on a Sunday afternoon. Back on 54.28 which takes me to 806 done this month.
After the right turn onto Ashby Road I had the good fortune to find myself following a young woman cyclist in DHB shorts that hugged her curves perfectly. Hypnotic. I kept up with her for about 4km, discreetly enjoying the view until she turned off for Shepshed.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250518nrgotham.jpg)
The new saddle is spot on - incredibly comfortable, and it looks like I got the adjustment right first time as well. Tempted to buy one for the Roubaix if I can get another one, or maybe I'll just swap them round.
Listened mostly to the Reacher novel. There's a scene in the film set on a plane that's a bit implausible, but in the book it's a lot more implausible. Fascinating to see how much of the plot and detail in the book was just discarded for the film, but I suppose it would have lasted about 10 hours otherwise.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14520222784
Another nice day in May. Next week possibly not looking so good though. I thought 40 miles would be enough for today, with a trip up to the tops. Going the indirect way as for some reason my legs were just feeling a bit jaded today. Probably the stress of doing ten minutes of gardening yesterday...
I managed to make a woman driver jump today; I'd just gone up through Holmesfield and saw her stop at a junction to wait for traffic to clear. As soon as she'd stopped she lifted her mobile up and started tapping away at it "PUT THAT PHONE DOWN" I shouted and she didn't half jump. Doubt it'll make her do any differently, but maybe one day she'll drive into a lamppost.
Also scared a Red Grouse today. I thought it was a female Pheasant that had shot out from the grass at the side of the road, but it's red eyebrows and reddish plumage alerted me to its true identity. Don't get to see many Grouse so it was a good spot. Still not seen any Curlew this year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14538938708
Looked at the weather forecast for today and thought - Wales and Back! Then I remembered that I had to be home by 1830. So - I thought I'd do the same route, but only as far as the Cheshire border. The one modification I made was to avoid the turn off to Audlem over the last km - because you get to the border a bit quicker if you keep going.
Intended to start at 0700 but I got up earlier than I expected and set off at about 0620. A bit too cool for comfort for the first couple of hours but I didn't want to take too much clothing with me. Was going to be warm later on.
The outbound leg was a bit stressful, with rush hour traffic around Rugeley. For some reason I found myself on a temporary one way system on the Rugeley bypass. Busy traffic as well. But further on, the nearside lane of the A51 was coned off for about 5km. They hadn't started the road works so I used it as a sort of private cycle lane. Handy.
Got to the Cheshire border, only a few km after hitting Shropshire. Went over it for a bit, turned round, came back. Conditions were much warmer by this time and I'd backpacked my fleece and tights.
Came through the centre of Stone rather than using the bypass, as I had going westward. Stopped at a bench and ate while listening to Starmer and Badenoch going at it in the Commons. Fight!
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250520cheshire.jpg)
I wanted to avoid the Rugeley bypass on the way back as I had no idea what sort of diversion might be in place to circumvent the temporary one way system. So I confected a detour along much quieter (if rougher) roads to the north. Stopped at the petrol station at Colwich and bought a black pudding roll, to honour my northern roots. The guy behind the counter used to work for Specialized (he'd noticed the Roubaix parked outside) and we had a chat about bikes for a bit. He was banging about Mark Cavendish and competitive cycling so I nodded amiably and pretended to know what he was on about.
The wind was very light. If the forecast had been right I'd have had a tailwind on the way out, and a tailwind for the second half of the return trip as well, but that didn't happen. I enjoyed the second half a lot more than the first though. Quieter, and (much) warmer.
Apart from 5 Live I listened to a few hours of the Reacher novel. Back on 182.40km. That was a breeze really, even the brutal hill after Stone wasn't too much of an ordeal. I think I'm at a relatively high level of fitness at the moment, presumably because I've cycled more than usual this last few weeks. 988km done this month now - wonder if I could get that up to 1302, to beat my monthly record? The weather's not that promising nearer the end of the month.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14541165071
And out again today for a forty miler. Was hoping to be back just before the big climb in today's Giro stage, but them buggers were racing along at over 32mph when I was hoping they'd do about 26.5mph. Insane. I'd have timed it right if they'd stuck to just dawdling along on the flat.
Did a variation on my Tour de Tibshelf ride, roadworks in Brimington meant I went out through Spital instead. Doesn't make much difference, but puts me up 12% slopes which tax me. Don't know why I ride through Tibshelf though, it's full of people driving out of side roads without looking and pulling out from parked cars when they're on the wrong side of the road. Tibby's the sort of place where schools have to take on kids who identify as Cats. Surely it just means a saucer of milk for Breakfast Club?
Nice sunny weather again and managed to up my average speed to 16.8mph from 16.5mph last week.
No interesting birdlife today either.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14549871349
Another 30 miler today.. thought I'd better get a ride in before the weather breaks here on Saturday.
Another 40 miler today, that's three 40 milers back to back for the first time since last September. I want to get back to having Friday as a rest day and rain starts appearing in the forecast from Saturday.
I think for the first time this year I put in two Strava categorised climbs. I may have done it already, but it was really two parts of the same hill. Today was my first ascent of Harewood Road of the year and thankfully, unlike every other road today it was quiet going up it, apart from the van which came up behind me right at the steepest, narrowest, gnarliest bit of road. Luckily he held back.
Heard a Cuckoo up on Beeley Moor, think I heard one up there this time last year. Saw a bloke out on his Time Trial bike too. That's a bit Cuckoo you don't get good vision on a TT bike.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14560108140
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on May 22, 2025, 05:52:29 PMHeard a Cuckoo up on Beeley Moor, think I heard one up there this time last year.
Heard one somewhere when I was out on Tuesday, I'd forgotten about that.
Really wanted to do a fondo at least today, but when I woke up I felt tired and listless. Just didn't feel like it. But I'd summoned enough motivation to do a short ride by lunchtime.
I was going to do a Twycrosser via Packington, but 2km after I set off I found that the bloody council had been spreading around the gravel again, at Alton Hill. Turned back and diverted via the main road instead.
Down as far as Little Twycross, then took a left there to Bilstone. I like that road, a nice and quiet country lane. Don't do it much. Then at Bilstone I turned back upwards. Went up to Ashby for a bit. Back down to Packington and from there I avoided Alton Hill by diverting to Heather, via Normanton. Then back home through Ibstock.
Quite a nice run out, I'll just have to avoid Alton Hill until the vehicular traffic has bedded the gravel in a bit. Warm out there.
Listened to more Reacher, nearing the conclusion now. Back on 56.49km.
I'm still hoping to break my monthly distance record. Two fondos and a Twycrosser would do it. There's a week left, but the weather looks iffy.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14571015934
Went out and did the exact same ride as last Saturday. Took me three minutes longer, yet I had to put out more power to go slowly. That's what happens when the wind does an about face and goes up a notch or three. Lost five minutes going out into the wind and only gained two coming back. I suppose going downhill is still quite quick no matter what.
After hearing a Cuckoo on Thursday, I heard another one today on Clodhall Lane. First time I've heard Cuckoos in two different locations in the same year. After telling Mrs S I hadn't seen any Curlew or Lapwing this year, I've managed to see - and hear - a Peewit today.
Today's 33 miles gets me to 530 for May, how much more will the weather allow me?
https://www.strava.com/activities/14582867247/
Decent enough weather except for a threat of showers and a strong wind from the west. Hoping to take a decent bite out of the 257km I needed to do in the remainder of the month, I embarked upon an Upper Westbound fondo at about 1110.
I went up through Swannington to avoid the gravel nonsense on Alton Hill, and up to Isley Walton - where I took the sharp left toward Swarkestone Bridge and the Beloved A Road. When I came to the A515 about 45km later I turned downwards, then at the roundabout north of Draycott in the Clay, I turned eastward along a road called Fauld Lane. Hadn't been along there before, but last night a route planner told me it would be reasonably flat. I quite liked it.
Unfortunately when you get to the A515 and find yourself needing to do another few km to complete the first half of a fondo, there are no good options really. Not much more than the A50 to the north. Too hilly if you go south. Certainly in terms of doing the distance today's choice, to go along Fauld Lane, was fine. But it seems a bit of a cop out to be cycling eastward toward home, only to turn and go westward, then eastward again a couple of km further to the north. I suppose it doesn't really matter. Just feels a bit contrived, when the furthest endpoint of a ride isn't actually the most distant point from home.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250525ticknall.jpg)
Anyway - after Swarkestone, I came down through Ticknall, where I took the pic. Happy to see that The Wheel Inn, one of my favourite pubs, is due to reopen in the summer.
From Ashby I detoured through Heather and Ibstock, again to avoid Alton Hill.
I did get rained on briefly, near Willington. But the headwind going west was far more troublesome. Relief to come back the other way.
Listened to more Reacher, then coverage of the final Premier League games on 5 Live. Back on 108.76. Can I get another 149 in before June? Depends on the weather but at the moment it's not exactly encouraging:
(http://bikediary.uk/images/weather250525.png)
https://www.strava.com/activities/14593882972
Got out late morning before the forecasted rain which never materialised.. managed 40 miles.. pretty windy in places but a nice finish coming off the Carrick Hills and finishing along the sea front
I don't usually know exactly where I'm going but today I did.. decided on a trip to Turnberry via Culzean castle.. to get a photo of me giving the finger to Trump Turnberry hotel.. 31 miles a good day out
Had a 41 mile ride out today. Rode out to the Longshaw Estate hoping to get a picture of me giving the finger to Chwis Packham because Springwatch is coming from there this year. Alas the self proclaimed Autist wasn't out and about. There was a dead Badger though, maybe someone will get him.
Was marginally slower than on the same ride last week, marginally longer too as I forgot to do my starting lap, but put an extra one in before descending back. Also got delayed by a lorry in Holmesfield, which was determined to back out of a drive despite traffic coming both ways. I ended up with a car to the right of me which was overtaking me, he had actually given plenty of room and was over on the other side of the carriageway so I had to get on the pavement to let the lorry come down on the wrong side of the road. Why are people so impatient these days?
Anyway, nearly at 600 miles for May.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14620192906
The weather forecast has improved quite a bit for the end of the month. There was a bit of rain this morning, but the afternoon looked dry. So: I set off at 10:45 to take another bite out of the (roughly) 150km I wanted to do in the remaining (or "last" if you're a Blue Oyster Cult fan) days of May.
I really wanted to do the Dad's Army route. But careful scrutiny of the rainfall radar suggested that a band of rain was going to pass close to the south. I'd get rained on if I went that way. So I decided to do go up and west; the Upper Westbound route.
So I did that. I went up through Swannington rather than Coleorton, to avoid the "resurfacing" near Alton Hill. Up through Melbourne and Swarkestone, right along Uttoxeter Road to Scropton, looped back through Hatton.
I came a longer way back, through Weston and Aston, then Shardlow and over Cavendish Bridge. Much warmer by now, and sunny. Took off a couple of layers at a bench at Weston. Or Aston. Can never remember which is which.
As I descended through Donington, it occurred to me that I'd probably be back on about 93km. Rude not to extend the ride to a fondo. So at Belton I performed an anti-clockwise loop - along Ashby Road, up to Long Whatton, west to Diseworth and back down to Belton. Then back the usual way.
Would have been better to have gone exploring a bit further at the remote end, but 106.22km is 106.22km.
Took the Tricross for the first time since February and I must say I really enjoyed it. It rolls nicely despite being heavy and feels reassuringly solid and stable.
Listened to 5 Live and finished the Reacher novel. The conclusion does make sense and actually it's quite clever. Very different from the film. But a bit anti-climactic.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14622540658
And today I got over 600 miles for May. If I went for it over the next couple of days then 700 would be on, but tomorrow's Giro stage is just too much of a climbing treat. Plus even though I've only done two days in a row I'm feeling a bit jaded. I think it's because there was a real strong headwind half the time today, it was a slog at times.
Did another variation of the run out through Tibshelf and back through Pilsley, must start going back to lesser used and doing never used roads. The only problem with never used roads is they are never used because of seriously steep pitches!
https://www.strava.com/activities/14630543147
Today's primary objective was clear: to do at least 42km, which would set a new monthly distance record. But I also wanted to go south of the A5, to revisit the "Dad's Army" territory.
I chose the quickest route down there through Heather, Swepstone, Snarestone, Twycross. But I had to reroute between Twycross and Sheepy Magna, when I found that a section of the road along there had been "resurfaced" with Leicestershire County Council's favourite grey gravel. I went back to the main road and approached Sheepy from Wellsborough Road instead.
So I went down to Old Grendon, onto the A5 then down to Wood End. Usually from here I'd take a right but I wanted to repeat a stretch that I discovered a few months ago. So I turned left instead and went down through a place called Hurley Common, then Knowle Hill - before coming back up to the usual "Dad's Army" route through Kingsbury and Piccadilly.
In order to avoid the gravel near Sheepy, I came east via Ratcliffe and Sibson - where I dumped some old paperbacks I didn't want any more into the lending library phonebox. I should have thought to go that way on the way down, I'd been carting them around for nearly 60km at that point.
Came back up Gibbet Lane, then deviated to Barton in the Beans, so I could come home up Newton Lane. Felt like a long time since I'd been up that way. At the Gate Inn at Ratcliffe Culey, they were flying the Knights Templar from their flagpole in the beer garden. Why?
(https://i.ibb.co/Y4k4Znvj/250530bike.jpg)
Back on 78.57km. Very happy to have clocked up 1338km this month. Didn't think I'd ever beat my previous record from August 2016 (1302). But never particularly wanted to either, at least until the last couple of weeks.
Also very satisfied to have been down the other side of the A5, as well. Perhaps I can fashion a fondo route that goes down that way, between Birmingham and Coventry.
Listened to 5 Live but also a new audiobook, a memoir by Luke James, who was the frontman / guitar player in the first version of Fashi0n. He doesn't write well. He doesn't read it out brilliantly well either. But it's a compelling and vivid story.
Got a 41 miler in today with pretty much a fixed idea of where I was going.. had a slight deviation as I came across a single track road with a give way sign which is always good..a quick check on google maps and off I went. no fingers up to anyone today apart from the boy racer in his supped up ford escort or whatever the fuck it was who thought it was really funny to get really close behind me.. cunt..
Was fully intending to get a 50 miler in today as the Giro stage was scheduled to have an earlier than usual finish. It did, but what with Seemon Yatez winning I watched all the post stage analysis. Ah well.
I got 40 miles in by adding a trip out to Owler Bar roundabout and back onto last Saturday's ride. Don't know if I'd have been able to do 50 miles as the wind on the tops was Brutal. Nice dropping back down though.
Finally got to see - and hear - my first Curlew of the year up over Spitewinter Lane. It was flying slowly into the wind and giving out it's Curlew call. Lovely bird, but with them being the size of a Hen Pheasant I always wonder what they taste like.
Also saw a bloke with a huge microphone up near Shillito Woods, wonder if it was one of the Springwatch crew being as they're based close by. A couple of vans were parked up nearby too.
Got me to 678 miles for May, which will do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14654764519
Quote from: Fishy on May 28, 2025, 03:13:51 PMI don't usually know exactly where I'm going but today I did.. decided on a trip to Turnberry via Culzean castle.. to get a photo of me giving the finger to Trump Turnberry hotel.. 31 miles a good day out
(https://i.postimg.cc/xXjzd8yR/IMG-4215.png) (https://postimg.cc/xXjzd8yR)
Warmish but cloudy, with a stiff breeze coming from the west and a threat of showers. Today's idea was to do a fondo down the rural channel between the urban sprawl of Birmingham and Coventry, to a place called Meriden - more or less an extension of the Dad's Army route.
The first 35km of the route is familiar enough to me by now but the remainder isn't. I took a wrong turn after Piccadilly Way and later missed the turn for Shustoke. The first error was no biggie, I found my way back to the intended route easily enough. But the second took me right through Coleshill and cost me a few km which was unfortunate as I was very tight on time - had to be back by 1755 and I'd got up later than I intended.
So I didn't get to Meriden. I turned back at a place called Forest of Arden Country Club. Then I took another wrong turn, after Maxstoke and had to re-orient myself back onto the correct route with the assistance of the RideWithGPS app. I'd stored the route to my account from the browser app on my desktop PC.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250601bike.jpg)
Nonetheless, I did get back on time, on 103.41 km. Will definitely do that one again, but I'll put the route on the eTrex. Should have done that this time, but I thought I'd get by on pulling out the phone app every now and then.
One good thing about that route is the variety. Lots of quiet villages, lots of scenery. Plenty of shops. I stopped at a Co-op at Wood End for an onion bhaji sandwich and a Bounty.
On the downside it's quite climby, and of course it means tangling with the A5.
Listened to more of Luke James' captivating memoir of the early days of Fashi0n, Stairway to Nowhere.
I've just read that the ribbon of countryside between Birmingham and Coventry has a name: the "Meriden Gap".
https://www.strava.com/activities/14666020573
Even though yesterday was a decent enough day, I didn't venture out. All because I have been trying to set up the Bianchi's Summer wheels to run tubeless. The rear wheel had been run with a tube, but the tyre was worn out and I thought I'd try going back to tubeless (Why?) This meant sticking a tubeless valve stem back in, but I was struggling to get it sealed, air kept pissing out.
But, I stuck with it, putting in more sealant and gradually it seems to have been holding air for longer. On Monday I put in more sealant and was spinning the wheel to slosh the sealant round. Like a bad lad I'd turned the bike over to do this and as I span the pedals, the bike started to wobble, I put out my hand to stabilise it. Stupid move as I got my fingers hit by the spokes. OUCH!!!!! I wasn't up to braking and changing gear yesterday.
Today, things felt better, even the rear tyre seemed to be holding air. I stuck the Winter wheels back on though as I wanted to put one more lot of sealant in.
I was going to head out round Longshaw Estate again to see if I could spot Springwatch, but it felt a bit too windy to go up to the tops, plus too many sets of roadworks - what are they doing?
So, I went out to Tibshelf again, but out via Hardwick Hall today. The trouble with Hardwick is that by the Hall the roadway fills up with gawping pedestrians. There was a huge gaggle of them today, so I announced "Cyclist Coming" no response, tried again and one of them noticed. By now I could hear them speaking and they were talking German. They parted and I could see from their little knapsacks that they were from the Arlberg region of Austria. I gave them a very sarcastic "Danke Schoen" as I passed them.
Still, I got 40 more miles in.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14693386656
Pushed for time again, but determined to do at least 65km. The idea was to go down the Twycrosser route, but extend it to the south it at the end to try out a different method to cross the A5. So: I did that. Started off going up to Ashby then south through Packington, Snarestone Twycross, Sheepy Magna as usual. Then down past Atherstone.
The new approach I'd devised down into Warwickshire is not really viable. Involves a steep hill and although it was quiet, is not a paricularly scenic stretch of road either. I continued past the A5 for about 2km, then turned back. Back the same way except for diversions to Sibson, where I rid myself of a few more old books and CDs in the phonebox there, then Swepstone. Just to make the best use of the available time and weather.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250604bike.jpg)
Saw a buzzard eating a rabbit. Grim. Wondered if the buzzard had killed it, or if it was roadkill.
A few spots of rain, but nothing I could call a shower.
Quite an enjoyable run out. Back on 73.62.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14694576890
Being as Yesterday was supposed to be a washout I stayed in. Barely a drop of rain in my morning riding hours, then it lashed it down all afternoon when it was supposed to be drier.
Today was supposed to be dry and it was, so I made the most of my morning hours. I had sufficient faith that my tubeless tyres and valves were sealed that I used the Summer carbon fibre wheels.
There was I hoping they'd make me faster, I did a similar ride to last Saturday and ended up being slower. I blame it on it being a Westerly today and not a South Westerly so it was more in my face today. Having said that I was two whole seconds quicker up the Col de Wigley even with a full on headwind, maybe they do make a difference.
The amount of traffic about made a difference too. Where are all these people going? It was worse than last week's half-term. Nearly got taken out on a residential street by an Audi - natch - overtaking someone in a 30 limit and they must have been doing 60, I just managed to swerve down a side road. Didn't get time to make a note of the reg no - not that it would have been a real one.
Another 40 miles at least gets me over 100 miles for June.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14713462887
Didn't feel particularly well this morning. Bit of a headache and a sore throat. But I thought that 50km or so wouldn't hurt. I did a Twycrosser. An unusual one in that I took a diversion along Watery Lane on the way down, and detoured via Swepstone on the way up, which isn't something I do normally if I come back up via Gibbet Lane.
I also took a diversion to Ibstock over the last few km, which is not uncommon. But on this occasion I went there via Mill Lane rather than Pisca Lane. Mill Lane fell out of favour because the road was rather bumpy on the fast downhill part. But they seem to have fixed that now, so I'm glad to have given it a go.
Quite nice out there, though cool-ish early on. A few spots of rain but otherwise bright, occasionally sunny.
Took Boardman II for the first time since March. Listened to more of Luke James' memoir.
Back on 53.81, 231 so far this month.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14715144502
Today's idea was to go up to Kilburn, a few km north of my old place in Derby. Only been there once on a bike before, in July last year. Up through Coleorton, Castle Donington, Shardlow, Elvaston, Borrowash.
After Spondon I took a different route up to Kilburn this time, a more sensible one I think, to match the one I used to take when I went there in a car, in the early '90s. And instead of coming back down the A38, I continued on toward Belper, then came back down to Derby through Makeney and Little Eaton.
To extend the ride to a fondo I took a detour over to Swarkestone, then swung back to Isley Walton, on the way back down.
Interesting run out. Nice to see old haunts from the '90s again. But I was home about an hour later than I'd normally expect from a fondo. A lot of climbing in the Derbyshire part of the ride. Generally quiet and scenic, though.
Mostly cloudy. Decently warm, mostly. Spotty light rain for about an hour later on but nothing troubling.
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Saw a woman wiping her child's publicly exposed nether regions in Spondon. Looked like said child had just had a wee by the side of the road. I've seen that in France a couple of times, but never in dear old Blighty.
Listened to more of the Luke James Fashi0n memoir, Stairway to Nowhere. But I also started Ungovernable: The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip by Simon Hart. Very good. Eye-opening.
Back on 100.31km, and that's 25 fondos done this year now.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14747794658
Thought I'd better get back into it after three days off. Should have taken the bike up to Glasgow, then I could have done a few laps of the course that the Women's Tour of Britain did, but I have enough trouble taking a little suitcase on a train, let alone a bike...
Thought I'd ease back into it out Tibshelf way. Wasn't sure whether to do 35 or 40 miles so I split the difference. It was a bit blowy out there again though, certainly windier than the BBC forecast of 12-13 mph, OK so only by a couple of miles an hour, but it makes a difference.
I was pleased to find that my tubeless tyres had barely gone down over the weekend, in fact the winter tubed wheels seem to go down as quickly, so I was pleased with that.
I'm putting my increased average speed over my last compatible ride down to the summer wheels and not any wind benefit. Nice to average over 17 mph for only the second time this year and that was on a flatter ride.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14754105188/
Thought I'd have another go at trying to take out Chwis Packham by cycling near the Longshaw Estate again. Been trying to work out where they are by watching Springwatch, but I think I've got it wrong. I went up through Padley to Longshaw, but I would probably been better off going up Froggatt. Well, it all looks the same to me, an uphill ride through the trees to the moorland at the top.
One thing's for sure, I won't go out up Froggatt for a final look tomorrow, I'm done in now! First time I've been up the Nether Padley climb in almost two years and I can feel it now. I don't recall it ever having been such a slog before. Still I made it, wonder if the woman I passed near the start of the climb did? She was weaving all over the road there. Good on her if she did. I certainly think my advancing years are starting to show now.
Still, it was nice to get further out into the Peak District, it's nice out there and there are lots more roads just waiting to be rediscovered.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14765441257
It was a perfect day for a long ride out east onto the Fens. Up at 0400, back at 2000. That sort of thing. Alas, because I have to travel tomorrow, it wasn't a good idea. So I thought I'd settle for about 135km of the Eastbound Route.
I set off at about 0915. Coolish at that time of day; very slightly uncomfortable. But I was in legs-out minimal clothing mode, because the temperature was due to climb quite quickly, which it did.
I stopped when I got to the Captain Tom bench at Colsterworth, just short of the A1 crossing. Ate something there and took the pic. Then turned back. Came home the same way except that, as usual, I approached Wymeswold via Narrow Lane coming west.
Finished the Luke James Fashi0n memoir, Stairway to Nowhere, including some audiobook-only "deleted scenes". In one of them, we learn that the band played a fundraiser with The Damned in 1978, ostensibly to help Sid Vicious with his legal fees. Sensible, Vanian, James and Scabies pocketed the cash for themselves and Sid didn't see a penny of it. Not that it would have done him a lot of good, I wouldn't have thought.
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Lovely warm afternoon, about 24C out there later on. Mostly sunny. I took the precaution of applying a bit of sun lotion on my arms and it seems to have worked. But there was a bit of respite when a large dark cloud rolled over for half an hour on the way back.
Just for fun I attempted to beat my Strava PR for a segment over the last few km. Something I would normally not consider. But it looks like I failed anyway.
Very satisfying run out, 137.86km. I've done a pleasing 469km this month so far.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14767879944
34 miler this morning.. warm muggy bit of wind. Joined up a few of my minor roads circuits into a nice big loop around south Ayrshire... saw 2 hares. 2 rabbits.. 3 squirrels ( one dead) and a pheasant . Also came across a bridge over the river Doon as Peartree ( pronounced Peart ree obviously )
After feeling a bit jaded after a ride with lots of climbing in hot sunshine I stuck to the flatter roads today. Well, I intended to, but had to take a detour off Spital Lane as it was shut by going up (not flat) Stanley Street. There were are few of the usual kickers but it was mainly flat today.
Got 36.67 miles in, very little wildlife about today, apart from a severely dismembered Wood Pigeon. Too much human vermin about though in cars. I'd noticed that a couple of streets that are normally full of parked cars were empty today, must all have gone out for a synchronised drive.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14776049783
35 miler today.. got a bit lost which added a bit of distance.. but found a nice single track road near Stair which was good.. got home just as the rain started.. still a bit gusty out there
Thought I'd go out and do a Pogi up some local hills today, LOL. I'd get dropped by the Autobus, but at least I got up and in a quicker time than last week. Probably because the wind wasn't as much in my face as last time. Should have gone out yesterday evening as it was the first time in weeks it was flat calm.
Still, it was in my favour on the way back and helped me get my average speed back up again. Back on 40 miles.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14799322150/
Just when I was getting back to having Monday as a rest day I was out today due to upcoming events.
Not quite as windy today, but still a fair old breeze once I'd got up to the tops. Went a different way today to avoid straying too far from home as I'd forgotten my little bike pump. Not that it's that much use, but by not going too far from home, the cavalry - Mrs S - might be able to find me.
Was aiming for 35 miles but got 37 in, didn't manage the 16 mph average I wanted too though as I certainly didn't do a Pogi up the hills.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14816278866
Managed 40 miles today.. started off very warm with a nice breeze but ended pretty dull quite windy.. found another couple of single track roads cross country with very few pot holes which was nice..
We did 31 miles on the roadies today. Lovely weather for it too.
I cleaned and lubed both chains yesterday (Slim's tips employed!). Both drivetrains sounding and working slick.
However, for the second time (as far as I remember), I forgot a pump! I usually stuff my tiny Blackburn pump in a pocket of my cycling jersey when I go out on the road bike but it slipped my mind this morning. Paranoia set in a few miles out so I popped into Mountain Mania cycle shop in Carterton. The cheapest option was a fairly tidy item by Oxford Products which I attached to the bike immediately. £20 I should not have had to spend....grrrr! Anyways, I could have taken a chance, as it turns out but fate may have conspired against us had I not made the decision I did.
On returning home, I checked whether the Blackburn pump was where I assumed it would be and confirmed what I thought, it is considerably lighter. I still have the box with the frame bracket so I decided to swap the pumps over. I'm not sure why I've never fitted it to the bike but it will eliminate the chance of making the same stupid error again. My only concern is that it might introduce a slight rattle on our poorest of roads. If it does, I'm sure I can be inventive enough to silence it. It's a lovely, light little pump. Only around six inches long with a telescopic double-action it does look neat on the bike, matching the frame colour nicely.
I may use the new one on the mtb, although it already has a half-decent pump fitted on the frame. Oh well, nice to have a spare, I suppose.
Went out for a gentle spin today, thinking it might be a bit warm, but it wasn't that bad really, known it warmer already this year. Still, not a bad idea to have a steady ride.
Came back with 35 miles, which'll do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14848906672
Now today was warm. Three hours on and I've still not cooled down. Plenty of other cyclists out today, either heading to the tops or coming back, I wasn't going to go that far today too warm for that sort of thing. I turned round halfway or when the gradient got over 8%.
Only out for 32 miles, but got though two bidons, I'm well on course for 500 miles in June so it'll do. Probably end up with non-stop rain until the end of the month now, whatever the forecast says.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14859244338
Managed 35 miles this morning.. thought I'd get out before it warmed up too much.. nice breeze to cool things down a bit but still very warm and muggy.. came up with a nice Dalrymple loop taking in a new pit stop of Patna which was a shit hole.. but was a nice segue into a route into Barbiestoun.. enjoyable ride...
I got up early, because the hottest day of the year was forecast. Easy enough, because my body clock is still on Greek time. I set off on the southbound route at 0805.
At some point between home and Stoney Stanton I decided to go down Fosse Way instead of down to Sibbertoft. So I went straight over the roundabout at Stoney, through Sapcote, High Cross, Brinklow.
After Bretford I'd already done 49km and didn't want to do much more before turning back, so I took a right to explore. A couple of klicks later I was in a village called Brandon, where I took the pic then turned back.
Stopped at the village shop for a posh sausage roll and a Magnum at Brinklow. I like to have a break at the bench there. Nice little ritual. Conditions were pretty hot by this time, but before long a thin layer of cloud came over, enough to prevent the bike from casting a shadow on the road. Still very warm and humid but a nice break from the sun.
I'd expected a straggly strip of rain to come over from the rainfall radar forecast. Felt a few spots from midday, then light rain half an hour later. Then it stopped. Then over the last few km, persistent rain. Not quite heavy, but not light either.
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Listened to LBC and a bit of tennis on 5 Live, then more of Ungovernable: The Political Diaries of a Chief Whip by Simon Hart.
Very pleased to see that a long stretch of road between Ellistown and Bagworth has been resurfaced - properly - with luxuriant, smooth tarmac. Bravo, Leicestershire County Council. But what makes one part of the road network merit a proper resurface when other parts just have loose, dusty gravel tipped on them, I have no idea.
Unfortunately they haven't quite finished yet so I had to put up with a temporary road surface for 100 metres or so. A bit rattly. But no big deal.
Back on 102.26km. Glad to be out on a bike again after a ten day break, mostly due to holiday commitments. More on Monday when the weather is set to be a bit more moderate, with a stiff wind coming from the west.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14870451516
Just went out for a short one before lunch as it was hot and rain was forecast for the afternoon. It started raining whilst I was out and about, nut not much and at least it was warm rain. Started to properly rain just as I got home, which was good timing for once. Just the 25 miles today, but it felt like enough.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14869565272
The Meriden Gap is a ribbon of rural England that runs down between Birmingham and Coventry. I've been down that way a couple of times - it's a sort of extension of the Dad's Army route - but never as far as Meriden itself. I did intend to visit the place last time I went down that way but made a couple of substantial navigation errors and turned back early.
This time, I uploaded the route to my eTrex and dutifully attached it to the handlebars before setting off.
A nice day, cool when I set off, too warm later.
Meriden is the site of the Cyclists War Memorial, constructed in 1920. One one side it features an engraving reading "TO THE LASTING MEMORY OF THOSE CYCLISTS WHO DIED IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 - 1919". It was rededicated in 1963, with the plaque shown in the photo. The memorial is 50.6 km from home, making it an ideal destination for a fondo, and that's where I turned back.
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Very nice run out although the hills on the other side of the A5 are a bit tiring. I listened to LBC, then more of Simon Hart's memoir / diaries from his time as a chief whip. Getting to the juicy stuff in 2023, with Suella resigning and Nadine insisting she was short-changed in the honours. Oh yes and Matt Hancock swanning off to Australia without receiving permission (albeit he did ask for it, a few hours before his flight).
The Meriden Gap is a really nice, quiet bit of rural cycling territory. In Meriden itself, you're about 4km from the extreme outskirts of Birmingham and about the same distance from the very edge of Coventry. I suppose it will be subsumed by one or both of the great urban conurbations that flank it eventually.
Back on 101.34.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14891655636
I like that, a memorial for cyclists.
Also, very nice pic with the contrast of blue skies in the back and the overcast upfront. Gives a bit of a dramatic touch.
Fully intended to go and do my first ascent of the Froggatt climb this year, but a check of the local roadworks revealed that an inconvenient set of temporary lights had reappeared on an uphill stretch of road. I really don't like having to put out over 400W for a minute or so to avoid being hit by cars from behind so a change of route was planned.
At least on my changed route the roadworks had disappeared from the slight uphill bit where they have been for weeks. No sign of anything much having been done, but hey-ho. It was a nasty old headwind on the way out though, more like the middle of winter than midsummer, but at least it was warm and there weren't more than the odd spots of rain.
Completed the 40 mile ride at an average speed of 0.05mph above that of the last time I did it. Strava says I rode at 99% intensity today compared to 93% last time. That'll be the headwind then.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14900233645#
Another 40 miles done today on yet another Tibshelf variation. Once in Tibshelf I kept seeing "ROAD CLOSED AHEAD" signs, yet must have ridden about three miles before actually getting to the closure. From looking at the local roadworks they had flagged it up, but no diversions so I thought it may be passable but had planned to do the way I did go for a change anyway.
Another nice day for it, sunny yet not too sunny, warm yet not too warm, a bit of a breeze but not a howling wind like of late. Nice to get an above 17mph average ride in, but if I were fit I should be doing 18+ mph, maybe now I'm just old. Got me to over 500 miles for June.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14910937693
Since getting back, I've ordered a new set of wheels for the Giant TCR. Bought a new back wheel a few years back when I was told it's braking surface was knackered. The front one must be too by now as it's done over 20,000 miles. Thought I'd get a pair as rim brakes are fast becoming a thing of the past, especially Carbon Fibre ones, so being as Hunt Wheels had 30% off a pair and are currently offering an extra 10% off I thought I'd get some. Hope I can cope with 50mm Aero wheels.
I had half a mind to do another fondo today but I seem to have come down with a virus, which is not unusual straight after a cruise. The symptoms are mild so far though, so I thought 55km or so wouldn't hurt.
Wind coming from the south-west today, ideal for a Twycrosser. I did the relatively short version that goes to Carlton via Bosworth Road from Sheepy, but I went up through Packington and Ashby (where I took the pic) at the top end.
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Listened to LBC. Aasmah Mir, who used to present on 5 Live, was sitting in for Shelagh Fogerty - who also used to present on 5 Live come to think of it, but is an idiot. Then 5 Live.
Very warm out there. Had my most diaphanous gear on. 57.31km and that's 730 this month, decent considering I was out of the country for a big chunk of it.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14912270049
34 miles earlier today.. bit of drizzle to start but it soon disappeared.. warmish day with a bit of a breeze.. followed national route 7 out of Ayr to Maybole and Crosshill then going d a new B road that I'd never been on. Into the nice little village of Kirkmichael then cross country back into Dalrymple then Ayr.
Back to being windy again today. A brisk Westerly. Didn't want to end up slogging out to the Peak District into it, so just rode randomly around local roads, like what I do on Winter when it looks like rain isn't far away. Not that it looked like rain today. Well, not that much, there were a few spots but nothing distressing.
Another 35 miles onto the yearly total
https://www.strava.com/activities/14921417901
Crikey! I forgot that I saw a Red Kite on my ride today, first time I've seen one within five miles of home before. Saw it on a couple of occasions as I - and it - circled round.
37 miles.. found a nice single track outside Kirkmichael which had another couple of roads coming of it at various points so will need to investigate them later.. would like to have got to 40 miles but the gusty winds and the fact I was knackered meant it didn't happen...
Off to the isle of Bute then Inverness next week so that'll be me until early July..
Because I've been a bit lazy this year, I decided that today would be my first 50 mile ride of the year. I failed. Got to 48.5 miles, took me three hours which was enough. Unlike Friday I did ride to the tops in an even brisker Westerly. It was a full on slog at times, then when you headed North or South it was a nasty crosswind. Not nice when drivers are only giving you a couple of feet when they pass.
It wasn't even that much fun as a tail wind coming back as it was swirling around a bit. Nice to hit 45mph though.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14944919281
Didn't go out yesterday, because well, it's Monday and I like to have the day off on a Monday. Plus it was 30+C that's a bit warm.
It had cooled off to 24C today, it was still warm, but comfortable and coming back off Beeley Moor into a light headwind felt great :)
That's July underway with 41 miles and over 3,000ft of climbing, need to do more hill work as just riding up them feels more like hard work than when I used to go out and try and do it more quickly each time. Maybe old age is catching up on me.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14972536072
Yesterday looked like the perfect day for a long ride out east, perhaps even as far as Foul Anchor on the edge of Norfolk. A light wind coming from the east, very decent temperatures, even in the very early hours. A bit of cloud cover in the afternoon.
Trouble was: I definitely wasn't well on Monday. Still recovering from a dose of flu or some similar virus. I'd spent a large part of the day in bed. But I felt a bit better in the evening. I thought I'd see how I felt early on Tuesday morning.
I didn't sleep much, mainly because it was too hot. But I got up at 0425, and I thought I'd give it a go. After all I could always turn back. I didn't think I was likely to do the full 285km. Maybe 200?
I set off at 0520. The first 70km were a breeze. Quite pleasant out there. Nice and cool. I had minimal clothing on. Stopped to eat at a bench at Castle Bytham, then I pressed on. Unfortunately I took a wrong turn not long after that. I'd brought the eTrex with me, preloaded with the route, but I hadn't bothered to switch it on. I was pretty confident I knew the way up to this point, but of course I was wrong. Realised what I'd done at Swinstead. Consulted the map, turned back. My detour had cost me about 10km and about 35 minutes. Still, once back on track I continued eastward. To Thurlby, at the very edge of The Fens, down Deeping Road then east onto Baston Outgang Road.
I still felt OK, but wondered if I was pushing my luck. I'd done 106km. I was still about 45km from Foul Anchor. I decided I'd turn for home. A pity, but I definitely wasn't in the best condition for a long ride.
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This presented a weather problem - thunderstorms had been forecast for the late afternoon in Leicestershire. My original plan would have seen me returning to the county later than that, so I'd avoid them. So I crossed my fingers and hoped for the best.
I did actually regret turning back early for the first half hour. But when the sun came out in the afternoon it was punishing. Fortunately it was intermittent, but in any case I was knackered over the last 30km. I had to stop and rest on a grass verge for a bit, about 7km from home. I should have done a shorter ride, not a longer one. I wasn't well enough and I pushed myself too hard.
But I made it home. I inhaled a Leffe, went to lie down and lost consciousness for a couple of hours.
I listened mostly to Wimbledon coverage on 5 Live, but also started a Judge Dredd audiobook which is pretty good so far.
Dark clouds did gather late in the afternoon, but I didn't get rained on. I got slightly sunburned earlier in the day.
Back on 204.30km.
Hopefully there'll be another suitable day for a long ride out east, but the wind looks to be coming from the west for the forecastable future, and of course the nights have started to draw in.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14974778542
Got my new wheels set up to run tubeless and it looked like they were holding air OK so it was out on the Giant TCR for the first time this year.
Can't say as Aero wheels are any quicker, the jury is well and truly out. The Giant always feels quicker as it is light and responsive, but looking at comparative segment times no trees were pulled up today. But then I always doubt the quality of my handiwork so wasn't going to go full bore in case the tyres flew off or the wheels exploded or the brake pads dropped out.
Of course none of the above happened as I'm used to doing these things, one thing which wasn't right was the rattle coming from the cassette, that definitely hasn't been tightened up enough, it'll explain the jumpy gear changes too.
Surprised to come back with a lower average speed than yesterday, especially as I did less climbing per mile. But yesterday I didn't come across bin lorries blocking the road - I got three in half a mile in Brimington, then another a couple of miles later in Calow - then there were unexpected traffic lights, people slamming on brakes to let people pull out of side roads, trainee motorcyclists and all sorts of random stupidity. Then the wind got up again. Ho-hum.
Intended just doing 30 miles but got 34 so I'm OK with that.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14983444105/
The Jury's still out on the new aero wheels. Did exactly the same ride as I did on Tuesday last week, but with a lighter bike, aero wheels and lighter winds. Yet Strava says it took me 20 seconds longer and Garmin says 20 seconds quicker. Strava always gives a lower average speed because of the way it doesn't ignore slow bits before you stop.
Before I went out, I did look at the point where I start on my descent back home and how long it took me to get there. I was over two minutes quicker today, no way I'll lose that time I thought. Wrong. OK there was a lighter tail wind on the way back today, but that shouldn't make too much difference. What did muck it up was a snarl up on a road out of Chesterfield town centre. The Police had been dealing with an incident there so what is normally a quick dash down Brewery Street became a stop starter.
Still, nice to get out in the sunshine again and the Giant just feels a nicer bike to ride, it really responds when you put the power down on the pedals. Another 40 miles done too.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14993894807/
Another warm day, a bit cooler than Tuesday. Just wanted to do 70km or so, nothing ambitious. I did a long version of the time-honoured, but highly variable Twycrosser route. I took in the entire length of Fenn Lanes which I haven't done for a while.
Lovely out there.
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Went all the way up tp Packington and Ashby at the top over the last few km, to extend the ride a bit. I stopped at the shop at Packington and bought a chilled San Pellegrino 'Limone & Menta' drink, which prompted an unusually long rest stop at the nearby bench.
Listened to LBC and 5 Live, back on 72.58km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14995172331
Warm again, but cloudy and with the possibility of light rain threatened. Only wanted to do about 60km and was going to do a Twycrosser, but shortly after I'd set off, I thought it might be nice to glide along Top Brand. So I went up that way, then up through Castle Donington, over the river via Cavendish Bridge and toward Derby.
Came back down via Aston, Weston, Swarkestone Bridge and Ticknall. Chickened out of Bastard Hill by diverting via Hartshorne, and I took the shortcut to Boundary via Manchester Lane which I don't think I've done for a couple of years.
Back through Ashby and home on 60.98km.
A bit more knackering than the equivalent distance would have been on a Twycrosser due to climbing, but (just for fun) I entered one of the Strava elevation challenges, so it won't go to waste.
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Stopped at the airport briefly to have a look at the various exhibits in the aircraft museum there, just as a Jet2 A321 was taking off for warmer climes.
Listened to Wimbledon and more of the Judge Dredd novel. No rain.
Noticed that I've done 338 km on the Xoss bike computer since its last recharge, pretty good.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15017870569
It's Summer. It's the time when I should be putting maximum miles in, but the Tour de France is on and sometimes, it's easier to watch than to do. SO I only got a couple of hours out.
And now I'm on the best summer bike wanting to be quicker I'm still getting more hold ups. At one mini roundabout today I'd been held up by a Kia Picanto and just on getting to the roundabout the car on my left suddenly started pulling over into my space. A hard stare and a "Fuck Off" made him hang back, Tanker Waxi driver he was.
It was another stiffish Westerly again today, not what I want when climbing the Col de Wigley, but I managed a quicker ascent than last week, which was nice. Still nowhere near where I'd like to be though. Better get praying for some Easterlies!
https://www.strava.com/activities/15017787674/
A fairly stiff wind from the north-west. Today's plan was to do the Upper West fondo, up through Coleorton, up over Swarkestone Bridge and west along the Beloved A Road. The last couple of times I've done it I've taken the main road south at Sudbury but today I did the "traditional" version, over the two roundabouts and north.
Got a bit sick of the traffic on Ashbourne Road so I turned back before the half fondo distance. Easy enough to make up the distance by detouring via Isley Walton and Top Brand on the way back down.
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Back on 103.78 km. 442 done this month now which is pretty decent seven days in, though I do have some commitments later in the month that will limit my cycling opportunities. That was this year's 30th fondo.
Cool for the first hour. Wore tights for the first 24km, haven't done that for a while. Very nice with the sun out in the afternoon. I listened to Wimbledon and finished the Dredd novelette. Very good.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15036948703
Quote from: Slim on July 07, 2025, 07:02:32 PMA fairly stiff wind from the north-west. Today's plan was to do the Upper West fondo, up through Coleorton, up over Swarkestone Bridge and west along the Beloved A Road. The last couple of times I've done it I've taken the main road south at Sudbury but today I did the "traditional" version, over the two roundabouts and north.
Got a bit sick of the traffic on Ashbourne Road so I turned back before the half fondo distance. Easy enough to make up the distance by detouring via Isley Walton and Top Brand on the way back down.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250707bike.jpg)
Back on 103.78 km. 442 done this month now which is pretty decent seven days in, though I do have some commitments later in the month that will limit my cycling opportunities. That was this year's 30th fondo.
Cool for the first hour. Wore tights for the first 24km, haven't done that for a while. Very nice with the sun out in the afternoon. I listened to Wimbledon and finished the Dredd novelette. Very good.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15036948703
I see you took the black Boardman out again. Such a great machine to look at!
Must start getting up earlier now the Tour de France is on, to maximise viewing time. Not tomorrow though, it's a Time Trial, only worth watching the last ten out.
Decided to keep it flat today as some of my usual roads have just been top dressed and I don't want to be riding over loose gravel. Don't know if it was the new wheels on best bike or the lighter winds, but managed to get in my quickest ride over 40 miles this year.
Lots of Butterflies out and about today, how come they can fly faster than I can ride, not yet managed to work out if they get shredded if they fly through my wheels.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15045162558
Seen a few Cinnabar Moth caterpillars while I've been out in the last couple of weeks. Very distinctive black and yellow stripes.
Tried growing Brussels Sprouts this year. Most have been destroyed by caterpillars. Not sure what type. - principally green with black markings. No sympathy from the wife as she is pro bio diversity. At least until it comes to her flowers 😁
I did see a Cinnabar Moth flying about on a ride the other day. Nasty things Moths, if you see a caterpillar in the road ride over it, splat the fucker.
Don't recall seeing many Butterflies about today on my ride - plenty in my garden - or birds. Did see a "Road Closed" sign which I wasn't expecting. No idea why as it wasn't marked up on the Roadworks site and there was no sign of it being closed on Google Maps when I got home. I did see a couple of ambulances heading out that way as I rode back trying to work out how to get 40 miles in, whether the two things were related I don't know.
I had been going quite well until I found the closed road, still averaging over 15mph when I got to Owler Bar roundabout, which is as good as it gets for me. I did think I might get back with a 17mph average, but alas it wasn't to be. I hadn't noticed that the A619 was shut, so all the lanes on the tops were full of people taking diversions, on lanes where you might see one or two cars per mile there were about 50, all trying to drive at the National Speed limit. Not conducive to safe roads, plenty of close calls with people having to get by the cyclist giving no regard to traffic coming the other way.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15056507985/
A warm day again, mostly sunny. Since I have a long drive tomorrow and stuff to do this evening, I didn't want to overdo it. The idea was to do a long version of the time-honoured Twycross Bypasser.
So I did: up to Ashby at the top, south-west to Warton, over to Fenny Drayton via Mythe Lane and Atterton Lane, all the way along Fenn Lanes to Cadeby.
From there I thought of going all the way over to Kirkby Mallory, but decided instead to go up via Market Bosworth, where I could get some liquids. I'd forgotten to bring a water bottle! I'd rehydrated a bit by munching some mango chunks that I'd brought in a little plastic tub. But a bottle of lucozade seemed a good idea. So did an ice cream Mars Bar. Very nice.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250709bike.jpg)
After Bosworth I came the long way up by veering north-eastward through Nailstone and Ellistown. Really a very nice run out in the sunshine, just the thing to acknowledge another orbit round the Sun. Took the S Works for a change, felt very light and zippy.
Noticed that the road system has changed a bit in Bosworth - when you emerge from the one-way bit you no longer have to stop and check for traffic coming from the left; you now have right of way. And there's a pedestrian island in the middle of the road junction at Market Place.
Started the next Dredd novella. Listened to Wimbledon. Finished Simon Hart's memoir Ungovernable, which ends with the general election result. Back on 66.32km.
Loads of little black flies around at the moment, at least a couple of the buggers were stuck to my sunglasses at any one time. Probably non-biting midges or fungus gnats.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15058158010
Starting to warm up again. I actually got an early start for me today - half ten - but by the time I got home I was absolutely lathered.
Was trying to get home for 12:51 too today as that was the start of a 2 hour delivery slot on a package I was waiting for, so I decided to stay away from the hills, still managed a climb of 560ft though. I did get a Bee stuck behind my glasses at one point, luckily it did escape without stinging me - as is normally my luck.
Thanks to there being too much traffic on the road I didn't get back until 12:53 but parcel didn't arrive until 14:05. Could have got more miles in, but 40 for the third day in a row is enough.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15067563110
44 miles today.. before the heatwave kicks in.. idiot car driver over taking the car behind me then me on a downhill just before a bend.. tosser...
Fully warmed up again today. Decided against riding up to the tops, it might be cooler - and windier - up there, but the effort of getting there doesn't half make you sweat. Missed out on a tailwind though.
Tried to keep things as flat as possible by doing a few laps of the lower loop of the Staveley bypass, should probably have done more than four, but my boredom threshold is low, as is my tolerance of boy racers. Got a couple of hours and 32 miles in.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15092264659
Another warm, sunny day but one that carried a risk of rain at about 1500. The original plan was to wait until the rain had passed, but the forecast improved a bit during the day so I set off at about 1415.
The weather was coming from the south-west so I thought I'd do the southbound route. However, after Kirkby Mallory I decided to head west and down Fenn Lanes. I'd decided at this point that conditions were too windy for a fondo. But I still wanted to do 65km or so so I did a bit of exploring - I took a left turn for Dadlington. Not sure I'd ever been that way before. But anyway a couple of km later I found that I'd looped back to Fenn Lanes.
So: further on, I took another left turn, signposted to Higham. I'd definitely never been that way. Really quite a nice bit of cycling territory, well-surfaced and very quiet. Felt a bit surreal to think it was so close to home, so close to an established route yet in all these years I'd never checked it out.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250714bike.jpg)
Ultimately though I found myself at a t-junction with the A5. I supposed I must be east of Fenny Drayton. So, not wanting to turn back, I sucked it up. Came off at Fenny Drayton about 2km later. At least it's nicely surfaced. From there, I did the first half of a typical Twycross route in reverse.
Back on 68.58km. I must try to incorporate Higham into my rides occasionally, in a way that doesn't involve going on the A5.
Listened to more of the second Dredd novelette which is pretty good and nearing its conclusion now. And Matt Chorley's programme on 5 Live.
I did have to put up with rain on and off for about an hour in the afternoon. But I dried off nicely.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15112954289
Another nice day but a bit too windy for comfort. I did a route that started as a Twycross Bypasser, dipped down Spon Lane, went onto the A5 for a bit (just messing about really) then came back up via Ratcliffe, Sibson, Sheepy. Then up through Twycross and a sharp turn near Measham to come back via Swepstone and Ibstock.
Quite a tortuous route really, but I was making it up as I went along.
Finished the second Dredd novella and listened to 5 Live.
Back on 74.88km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15134464516
Yesterday, I was beginning to thing I'd done the wrong thing by staying in as rain was forecast. It was a bit late appearing, but then it did rain. Good.
Wasn't too sure what to do today, thought about going out up Froggatt, but too many roads appear to have been surface dressed out that way a lately, so took the long way up to Owler Bar and then Longshaw. Then, instead of coming back through Cutthorpe which has been surface dressed I came back through Old Brampton.
Managed to overtake seven cyclists on the way back to Owler Bar, they could have put a bit more effort in though, they did have a tailwind. Coming back into Chesterfield I got delayed behind a learner driver which cost me a 17mph average speed ride. Bugger. Got annoyed by a Mini which wanted to occupy the same bit of road as me. Look mate, I'm doing 20mph, the traffic in front is doing 20mph I am not holding you up. When he did come by as I slowed up a hill he nearly slammed into the back of the learner because I hadn't lost that much speed. Pillock.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15132765670
Another one of those set out to do one thing do another days. Only slightly different, but still not quite what I intended.
Thought it was supposed to be dry, but when I set off there was a bit of mizzle in the air and it just got drizzlier and drizzlier, so instead of pressing on through Morton and doing a loop round Shirland I just came straight back through Pilsley.
A few judicious loops then got my mileage up to 36 when I was aiming for 41 so not too far short and it did get drier as I headed back home, until the last half mile when we got some genuine rain. At least it meant I got to see an extra 20 minutes of the Tour de France.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15143575597
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 17, 2025, 05:40:36 PMAnother one of those set out to do one thing do another days. Only slightly different, but still not quite what I intended.
Thought it was supposed to be dry, but when I set off there was a bit of mizzle in the air and it just got drizzlier and drizzlier, so instead of pressing on through Morton and doing a loop round Shirland I just came straight back through Pilsley.
A few judicious loops then got my mileage up to 36 when I was aiming for 41 so not too far short and it did get drier as I headed back home, until the last half mile when we got some genuine rain. At least it meant I got to see an extra 20 minutes of the Tour de France.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15143575597
Never heard of mizzle. Is it like smir?
I used to always start a fake argument at work when someone said it was smirring outside. They would always qualify it by adding "you know, that light rain that gets you really wet". I would pretend I found the statement ridiculous insisting that heavy pouring rain gets you much wetter, much faster, but I knew what they meant. Smir is an all pervasive type of rain which I quite like. Just slightly different enough from west of Scotland typical to be considered attractive.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on July 17, 2025, 08:15:25 PMNever heard of mizzle. Is it like smir?
A bit like.
In Derbyshire it's a light drizzle. In Devon and Cornwall a Misty drizzle.
When it gets really wet here then it's siling down. From the old Norse Sila, meaning a sieve or filter.
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 17, 2025, 09:46:38 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on July 17, 2025, 08:15:25 PMNever heard of mizzle. Is it like smir?
A bit like.
In Derbyshire it's a light drizzle. In Devon and Cornwall a Misty drizzle.
Used frequently in these parts. Cross between mist and drizzle.
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 17, 2025, 09:46:38 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on July 17, 2025, 08:15:25 PMNever heard of mizzle. Is it like smir?
A bit like.
In Derbyshire it's a light drizzle. In Devon and Cornwall a Misty drizzle.
When it gets really wet here then it's siling down. From the old Norse Sila, meaning a sieve or filter.
I love local variations of our language. I hope they can hold on.
Some words are even very localised to certain parts of a city. Where my family come from they would say, "sine out that cup, please". Folk I know whose family aren't from the west end of Glasgow have never heard this. They would just say rinse like those from south of Hadrian's wall.
I live a few hundred yards from the Antonine wall. Twenty minutes walk away is a Roman bath house. Its ruins are remarkable. So complex and so well engineered, but they weren't bold enough to make into my village a couple of thousand years ago. I reckon a couple of the dodgy families who live here now had ancestors around here back then. I think they'd put Putin off.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on July 18, 2025, 02:25:21 AMQuote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 17, 2025, 09:46:38 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on July 17, 2025, 08:15:25 PMNever heard of mizzle. Is it like smir?
A bit like.
In Derbyshire it's a light drizzle. In Devon and Cornwall a Misty drizzle.
When it gets really wet here then it's siling down. From the old Norse Sila, meaning a sieve or filter.
I love local variations of our language. I hope they can hold on.
Some words are even very localised to certain parts of a city. Where my family come from they would say, "sine out that cup, please". Folk I know whose family aren't from the west end of Glasgow have never heard this. They would just say rinse like those from south of Hadrian's wall.
I live a few hundred yards from the Antonine wall. Twenty minutes walk away is a Roman bath house. Its ruins are remarkable. So complex and so well engineered, but they weren't bold enough to make into my village a couple of thousand years ago. I reckon a couple of the dodgy families who live here now had ancestors around here back then. I think they'd put Putin off.
Like you I hope regional dialect can hold on, but alas it's a tall order these days. Kids these days are too influenced by TV. One of my nephews speaks with an American twang and most of the rest of today's yoof wants to speak Mockney or Jafaican, innit Bredrin.
All schools in the East Midlands should be issued with copies of "Ey Up Mi Duck!" and spend a lesson a week on it.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ey-Up-Mi-Duck-Derbyshire/dp/1853066583
I hope tomorrow's weather forecast holds true as with all the rain forecast I thought I had better make use of today's dry weather.
Almost wished I hadn't gone out as it has warmed up again and got humid. Felt like I was riding through treacle. Maybe pushing it a bit too hard as my uphill segment times weren't too bad, much quicker than I thought.
Definitely wished I hadn't gone out when a dog, what looked like a Red Setter appeared from nowhere on the road running alongside me barking, thought it was going to knock me off and I struggled to get any more speed up to escape it, but a shout of "GET LOST" made it stop. I looked behind me and saw a car had stopped to deal with it. Wouldn't surprise me if they'd stopped and let it out for the LULZ, as there are no houses nearby and it didn't look like a farm dog.
Just the 31 miles today - feels like 131 - to get me to 460 for the month. Best part of two weeks to make it over 500 now.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15153985926
Conditions weren't ideal for a long ride out east - too warm in the afternoon and a light wind from the west. But the days are of course getting shorter now, so I thought I'd have a crack at one anyway.
Didn't think I was likely to go all the way to Foul Anchor, a round trip of 283 km. But I woke up at 0315 after sleeping fitfully for three hours. And I was away at 0420.
I was wearing minimal clothing. No fleece or long-sleeved top to stuff into a backpack or stash in a hedge after 50km. Definitely a mistake. I had goosebumps on my arms until about 0900. But I was too hot by 1100, either due to the time of day, or being in a geographically more easterly location, or both.
The outbound part went past very quickly, despite being uncomfortably cold. I got right onto the Fens, all the way to Pode Hole. I'd managed to navigate my way there without turning the eTrex on. I did take a wrong turn after that though. No biggie, I was only a few hundred metres off course. But I stopped and took stock - should I go all the way to Foul Anchor, or not?
I convinced myself not to, on the basis that it would be too hot in Lincolnshire in the afternoon. But to be honest I felt I was copping out a bit. Would have been a nice adventure. But it would have meant getting back a couple of hours later than if I didn't, as well. Actually partly I was worried about getting a puncture or a mechanical a long way from home, maybe I'm losing my nerve for long rides a bit.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250718bike.jpg)
So: I turned back, but I decided to go back via the main road to Bourne rather than along Counter Drain Drove and Baston Outgang Road, which, although they radiate Fenland other-worldly charm, are rougher than a badger's bottom. Missed a turn and ended up going through the centre of Spalding. But that was fine. Quite interesting.
Really hot in the afternoon. Stopped at the caff at Castle Bytham to eat and rehydrate. Went through Burton on the Wolds once back on more familiar territory, so I could get more hydration at the petrol station. More comfortable after 1600 or so when there was a bit of cloud cover.
Near Spalding I noticed that the front tyre is slightly split. Definitely not buying Schwalbe Luganos again.
I started the third Dredd novella. But I also started Absolute Beginner, the memoir of the guitar player Kevin Armstrong which is really a joy - witty, engaging, acerbic and thoughtful.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15158494714
Back on 236.70 km.
After a weekend washout, I thought I better make the most of the dry start today, rain was forecast for later, but it looked good for a couple of hours.
Back on the Bianchi today, in case there were still puddles and wet roads about as disc brakes are better in the wet, but fortunately the roads were more or less completely dry. After heavy rains you also get gravel and flints washed out into the road which don't treat the Giant's Schwalbe Pro One tyres very well, but even that was absent.
Didn't bother going far from home, just a few laps round Sutton Scarsdale and Heath. Very busy in Heath, they appear to have a Scarecrow festival on.
Just when I decided to head home a few giant sized raindrops fell from the sky, bit nothing serious. Three miles from home in Calow the roads were wet. A mile further on there was a bit of rain and the roads were VERY wet, in two miles I got saturated from road spray. Thankfully missed what was a torrential shower though.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15185906232
I waited for the advertised rain to pass over in the early afternoon before setting off at about 1445. I did a Twycrosser, in the hope that it wasn't going to rain again. Unfortunately I did get rained on quite a bit, but it was light. Extended the ride a bit by pedalling across to Ellistown on the way back up. Mostly dry and warm over the last half of the ride apart from a shower near Ibstock.
Quite a pleasant 54.83 km, 943 this month now. I want to do at least another 90 km this month because if I do, then if I hit the monthly targets I set for the remaining months, I'll do 10,000 km this year.
Listened to Matt Chorley on 5 Live.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15189171663
There was rain forecast for this morning, but if it fell I avoided it. Didn't avoid closed roads. Went out one way to avoid roadworks only to find my way barred by a genuinely closed road - tree felling - so I did what I avoid doing in "shopping" hours and went up through Chesterfield. Was actually less busy than evenings.
Didn't really know where to go after that, too many of the climbs to the tops have been surface dressed recently and I didn't want to come back down on looses gravel, so I just rode up and down the Cordwell valley a few times - where the recent rains had washed out gravel fans into the road...
One of the roads out of the Cordwell valley has also been surface dressed recently and the others, well the others are just a bit too steep for my legs at the minute. I'll go up to 8% but not over 10% for any great length of time.
31 miles got me over 500 for July.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15196777886/
And out again today for another 30 miler. Again staying close to home - not that you can get that far doing 32 miles - in case of rain. It wasn't forecast, but it always looked like it. I really don't like getting wet and a wet chain means a chain which needs relubing, once a week is enough.
Just did various laps of various bits of road just because they're there. Went up one road three times and every time at a gate at the top there were more and more horses, hope they didn't miss me when I headed home. Quite quiet on the roads today and most drivers were behaving themselves. Get's a bit worrying when you're not in fear for your life all ride.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15208808463
Today's plan was to do a fondo. When I got up though, I noticed that the temperature seemed rather lower than it was supposed to be. No matter - plenty to do anyway. A shorter ride in the afternoon would suffice.
So I set off at 1pm to do part of the eastbound route. Went as far as Narrow Lane, where I turned to come back the upper way, via Wymeswold and Rempstone. I did a diversion round the back of Sutton Bonington via West Leake, which was really nice. Must do that more often. And once back over the Leicestershire border, I did the diversion via Diseworth and down Top Brand.
Cloudy and a bit windy, but conditions were dry and warm otherwise.
Nice view of a couple of planes overhead descending into East Midlands, about 4km in front of me as I pedalled between West Leake and Sutty.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250723bike.webp)
Listened to Matt Chorley, more of Kevin Armstrong's memoir, and a bit more of the Dredd novella which has a brilliant plot twist - I almost got off the bike to applaud the author.
Lots of stinky dead badgers around at the moment. Back on 75.73.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15212281710
Normally in a week I try for three forty mile rides. This week it's been four thirty mile rides. Gets the same result. Today was a reasonably quick ride too as I wanted to get back before the TdF started the Col du Glandon. Nearly managed it.
Helped by a tailwind on the way out I was at Morton quicker than I've ever been, of course tailwind out = headwind home. I'd normally I'd expect my average speed would increase on the home run, but today it was the opposite. Still a reasonable speed for the day though. I'll accept it.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15219730921/
Another warm, sunny day and no excuse not to do a fondo. The wind was coming from the west and I decided on the Lower Westbound route. Hadn't done it for a while. All the way to Abbots Bromley. I did that. Went as far as Bagot's Wood, then came back the same way, or almost.
On the way out I detoured slightly through Netherseal so I could get some stuff from the village shop there. The proprietor kindly offered to bring out a chair so I could have a rest stop, but I declined since I'd only been going for 15km. Exemplary customer service though. I think he's new.
I stopped at the bus shelter north of Hill Ridware on the way back, to have a five minute rest and fiddle my phone. A friendly golden labrador appeared out of nowhere. He jumped up, wanting to be petted - so I gave him a few pats and ruffled his fur a bit. Then when I stood up - he bit my cock.
Now admittedly I'm more well endowed than most men but I don't think my bulge was particularly prominent. I can assure readers that I didn't have an erection at the time. Why I might attract canine attention of that sort, I have no idea. Fortunately, it was only a playful nip, more of a shock than painful and I appear to have escaped injury. He sauntered off into a front garden opposite a few moments later.
At the traffic lights for the bridge near Croxall another cyclist pulled up alongside me and commented that my bike (the Cannondale) was in good nick for its age. Is it? I've had it for eight years but I don't know how old it was when I bought it. But I explained to him that I had too many bikes.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250725bike.avif)
I trialled some new bluetooth earplugs - traditionally I've preferred conventional wired earplugs, but these ones have a 20+ hr battery life, and I have more bandwidth on my phone contract now. So much better than dangling a wire into a pocket though I wouldn't use them on a very long ride as using the phone for audio all the time does run the battery down.
Beautiful out there. Lovely run out, nice to do that route again. Listened to 5 Live and more of Kevin Armstrong's brilliant memoir.
Took the pic near the bus shelter. The establishment on the left used to be a pub, now it's a bridalwear shop.
Back on 101.74 km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15234287361
Quote from: Slim on July 25, 2025, 08:43:20 PMA friendly golden labrador appeared out of nowhere. He jumped up, wanting to be petted - so I gave him a few pats and ruffled his fur a bit. Then when I stood up - he bit my cock.
Bit of a poetic, almost niche brand of canine isn't it. Might have set the mutt off calling it that ;)
After watching the Tour de France and then Tour de Wallonie - I'm saving the Tour de France Femmes avez Zwift for later (even though I've been spoiled) - I thought I'd better get out and do something.
Didn't go out the way I wanted as roadworks which normally move at the weekend were still in place and as Chesterfield had played a friendly against Sheff Utd it could have got snarly about the time I'd have got there. So a ride out to Owler Bar through Dronfield then.
As ever it was a headwind up to the tops, but that's the way of the world. I've given up hoping that it'll be calmer in summer, it seems to be blowing half a gale most of the time. Maybe I'll get a fresh tailwind in Winter.
I really thought I'd set a couple of PRs on the way back on a couple of Strava segments, but I was a couple of seconds off on both, must be old age. I did manage one though which included one of the segments I'd targeted.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15244837404/
Took a picture of the bike today, seeing as I'd dropped my cereal bar near a convenient gate. It's bow got its Summer wheels on.
(https://scontent.fbhx4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/524973342_10161795266320544_7746443125516607101_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_s1080x2048_tt6&_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=47GUVkcMGWkQ7kNvwGlvQW2&_nc_oc=Adm0l2bF0QZTUZZVbfwEb4JHMtDQrvhBJxlGWnyAzpTRCTyDlRkCoc3qjA7GVOYs9OnrjWkLODSi9EnM-i1S-Gvw&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-1.fna&_nc_gid=TasdYo0TCCh-Uh643ppl4A&oh=00_AfS1paN1L8w2oesSd3WJYMvQ_1msBf8sCMaJiFjD3h-DaA&oe=688AFACF)
Sorry for spoiling Le Tour de Femmes.
Love the Bianchi there though, only came on one colour I believe, fantastic. Brings back memories.
Quote from: Thenop on July 26, 2025, 08:07:21 PMSorry for spoiling Le Tour de Femmes.
That's OK, I'd have been spoiled well before anyway, I'm not very good at avoiding spoilers.
QuoteLove the Bianchi there though, only came on one colour I believe, fantastic. Brings back memories.
Yes well, Celeste is THE colour for Bianchi, but they offer others, mainly Black ones with Celeste writing, but at one time they did a nice one called "Mermaid Scale"
But Celeste is the reason I bought it. I was thinking like a woman "Ooohh, that's a nice colour" doesn't matter that the bikes a pig to ride (it isn't really)
And 32 miles today done between the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and the start of the Paris circuits of the men's Tour de France gives me my Cyclingest week of the year with 191 miles done.
Made more of an effort to take it steadily today and felt better for it, not that I go at it full send normally, but today was more relaxed about things. Even managed to average over 17mph, despite having been over to Nottinghamshire and having to come back over the brute of a hill out of Teversal (It's quite shallow really, but it is Notts)
https://www.strava.com/activities/15255001493/
A warm, sunny day again, but one that carried a threat of showers in the early afternoon. This was withdrawn before noon though, and I set off at about 1250.
I was going to do a Bypasser, but by the time I'd got down to Warton I'd decided to go down the Dad's Army route for a bit. So I did. Took the turn for Coventry Road after Piccadilly Way, then on a whim took a left after that, to go exploring. Didn't think I'd been that way before, but after a few minutes, to my surprise I arrived at a place called Knowle Hill. I'd definitely been there a couple of times.
Sat on the bench there, ate a cheese pasty then came back - but when I got back to Coventry Road I decided to go south for a bit. Again, I turned back after about 15 minutes, though I missed a turn. But no matter it was easy enough to find my way back up to Piccadilly and back up across and over the A5.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250728bike.avif)
I took a wrong turn at Orton which took me back over toward Sheepy and from there up to Twycross, adding a few km. Don't normally go along there in the "reverse" direction.
Realised I was going to be on about 92km as I neared home - so - since it was a warm, sunny, quiet evening, I dcided I had no excuse not to make a fondo of it. Went over into Coalville and back to make up the distance. Quite pleasant actually.
I listened to more of Kevin Armstrong's memoir Absolute Beginner which has overtaken Pete Townshend's book as my favourite musician autobiography. Just a joy. And I concluded the last of the three Dredd novellas, which concluded nicely. Dark.
My bike computer was oddly wayward during this ride. Usually it's spot on but it didn't track the route very accurately this time for some reason, as you can see in the following image.
(https://i.ibb.co/v6tnbwxX/waywardgps.png)
I did get rained on but only for a few minutes. Nice and warm later in the afternoon.
Back on 100.71 km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15266588520
After seeing last night's weather forecast I thought it might be an unwanted day in today, but I got up to find that rain had been pushed back to the afternoon - and it's still dry. Bloody forecasters.
Mind the way I was feeling yesterday I wouldn't have minded a rest, but a good night's sleep and a good shit helps an awful lot :)
Still too many awkward sets of roadworks with traffic lights knocking about, so today it was an augmented ride out through Tibshelf, with a longer foray into Nottinghamshire than I did on Sunday. I even managed to set PR times on a couple of uphill segments, short ones, well it was Nottinghamshire not going to get big climbs when the County top is 669' above sea level - and that's an old pit tip.
Fell better for doing that, got 40 miles in which gets me to 694 for July.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15273954504
Today's forecast had the forecasted wind down as being a light breeze of 12 mph. Funny, but other days 12mph is a moderate breeze, how come? I don't know how strong the wind actually was - Strava says 9mph, Garmin connect 13mph - but I thought it was a half gale when you got up near the tops. Set one of my slowest ever times on Owler Bar to Fox House.
It was nice on the way back though! Normally on the top of the Cutthorpe descent I have to pedal to make sure I get over 40mph, today I got to nearly 47mph without turning a pedal over! I did try, but couldn't spin my old legs fast enough.
Plenty of other cyclists out today, which is always nice to see. Today's 40 miles gets me to 735 for July, maybe an easy spin tomorrow to get to 750, weather permitting.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15285789403
The Dutch Reach should become part of the Highway Code
https://www.thetimes.com/article/8fa7e27f-c541-4268-8a80-07a5e28d0abd?shareToken=b0a0ad5382dc45f4c6b511700b6336f8
Once again: warm and sunny day with a threat of a shower early on. I only wanted to do 50-odd km and thought a Bypasser would do nicely. I set off at 1335.
But as I passed Appleby Lane I had an idea - why not do the "old" version of the Lower Westbound route for a bit? It fell out of favour because of a gnarly bit of road near Harlaston, and because it's a bit more climby. But I could turn back once I got to Harlaston. I wasn't going to go far.
So I did that, nice to go that way again although it does involve a large roundabout and the road surfaces aren't great.
Once I got to Harlaston, I remembered that the gnarly, twisty bit of road was on a right turn. I could avoid it by keeping straight on. I did that.
I was convinced that I'd never been along that way before. I really enjoyed it. Nice scenery and as an added bonus, a nice view of the transmitter at Sutton Coldfield. About 12 km away (just checked), but looks closer.
Then I arrived at a village called Wigginton, noticed the war memorial there and realised that I'd been there before. On one side is a plaque in memory of a Private Samuel Parkes, a Wigginton man who received a Victoria Cross during the Charge of the Light Brigade in 1854. He survived the battle happily, and died ten years later. Another side of the memorial has a list of men from Wigginton who died in the first and second world wars, fifteen men - and one who died in the Malayan Emergency in 1948. Another side has a blank plaque, perhaps waiting for the next lethal conflict to claim the lives of young men from the village.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250730bike.avif)
Just did a search for Wigginton through my records. I wrote this on May 13th 2018:
QuoteMissed a wrong turn at Harlaston and didn't realise until I arrived at Wigginton, a village I was sure I'd never been to before. But this turned out to be quite fortuitous, because it was perfect cycling territory. Consulted the GPX viewer app on my phone while resting on a bench opposite a memorial to a man from the village who'd won a VC at the Charge of the Light Brigade, and it turned out that I was just outside Tamworth.
Not sure that "missed a wrong turn" was the phrase I was groping for there.
I came back mostly the same way, but came the quick way after Snarestone. Nice to do something a bit different. I might plot a route to the transmitter one day.
Listened to 5 Live and more of
Absolute Beginner.Back on 62.18 km which takes me to a total of 1283 this month - my third-highest scoring month ever. I could beat my record if I do 55 tomorrow, but I don't think I will.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15288166597
And out again today. Woke up and felt a bit off it, got on the bike started feeling worse, but things picked up as I rode along at a reasonably gentle pace.
Back on the Giant TCR today, being the best bike I have it doesn't take as many Watts for a given speed thus helping the taking it easy bit.
Plenty of squashed Wood Pigeons out on the road today, they are dim critters, there was a freshly splat Rat too, managed to avoid its entrails.
Felt very warm out there today, got a real sweat on, maybe it's the being a bit off it thing. The boy's been moaning about being unwell all week, I can blame him.
Today's 32 miles means I finish July on 767, best monthly mileage for a couple of years, being retired I thought I'd regularly be at 800. Too many weekend breaks and too much watching cycling hold me back.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15296842880
I've seen a few headless pigeons on the roads this last couple of weeks. I assume non-vehicular predators.
Quote from: Slim on July 31, 2025, 08:28:27 PMI've seen a few headless pigeons on the roads this last couple of weeks. I assume non-vehicular predators.
We've had two fatalities in the garden.. feathers everywhere.. we suspect a sparrow hawk or maybe crows ..anyway 45 miles earlier today touring the single tracks roads of east and south Ayrshire.. very windy in places but a decent temperature..
Another nice day with a bit of wind from the north-west. I did the Upper Westbound route. Did a rather long detour after a few km beause I turned into Moor Lane on autopilot, but that was fine. Went up to Tonge then joined the proper route via Breedon and Lount.
Went west past Sudbury where I took the pic, then - since I didn't need to go quite so far, since I'd taken a detour - after the two roundabouts I took a left toward a place called Somersal Herbert. This degraded into one of those single track lanes with grit and stones down the middle but that was fine, I'd taken the gravel bike with this eventuality in mind.
I turned back at the point where I'd calculated I'd be back on a bit more than 100 km. I'd worked out how many km my detour had added by careful reference to my distance landmarks. But clearly my mental maths was off a bit as I arrived home on 102.70, not the 100.3ish I expected.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250802bike.avif)
A really nice day out there, coolish over the first couple of hours (I took a fleece) but very warm in the afternoon. I bought a Bounty bar at the Hatton petrol station and an hour later had to eat it off the wrapper like sludge.
Had a very long wait at the level crossing near Hilton. Odd that the gates are human-operated in this day and age, I remember automated ones as long ago as the '70s.
I would have done a much longer ride in today's conditions if the wind had been coming from the east. But options are much more limited going west. Admittedly I do Wales and back sometimes but I have to put up with a lot of busy roads to do that.
Finished Kevin Armstrong's memoir and listened to HG Wells' The First Men in the Moon, first published in 1901 and inspired by Jules Verne's From the Earth to the Moon, written thirty-odd years earlier. I got it free from Audible in a 27 hours HG Wells collection. Got to say the guy who reads it really gives a bravura performance - very expressive.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15322305045
Having spent a hard day on the settee watching some women ride up Mountains, I thought I'd better get out for a couple of hours, so I got suited and booted. Was just about to leave the house when I got an urgent need for a number two. It's not half a faff in bib tights, no wonder Tom Dumoulin lost the Giro when he had to go dump.
Unfortunately my late departure meant I had to contend with the first end of game soccerball trafficof the season, but I only got four close passes in a mile.
I don't know how, but I set my best ever time on the "Walton Back Lane Legwarmer", I thought my bottom bracket bearings were seizing up as I rode up it, felt like wading through treacle, must have been "On It".
Wasn't very on it up Harewood Road, but still got 5/17 for the day and 1/5 for my age group, so there was a bit of a massaged ego. Then a nice last ten miles at over 20mph. That'll do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15322328661/
One of those days when I wondered if I'd get out as it was a bit showery and blustery. However the showers looked to be dissipating so I got kitted up, only for the Heavens to open. Ten minute delay.
It dried quickly though, a blustery wind helps, but it was interesting to see how localised showers can be with just one bit of road going from wet to dry to wet again in the space of a mile.
Ended up going out through Tibshelf keeping an Eagle eye on what the weather was doing, the showers though seemed to be over the hills or North of me. It was only the last five minutes where I caught the edge of a shower.
Didn't quite get as much in as I wanted, but 31 miles will do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15351758217
Being as I won't be able to get out on a bike until Sunday at the earliest, today was a must ride day. So much so that I even got out earlier then normal to make sure I did. Didn't do any more than if I'd gone out at the normal time though.
Did a repeat of Saturday's ride with a couple of loops added to get over 40 miles. Was quicker in some parts, slower in others and faster overall, but then I did do less climbing per mile. Then again recent wet roads have got me back on the heavier Bianchi, so things were on a par.
Saw a Red Deer doe disappear into a hedge in Temple Normanton, always nice to see a bit of wildlife, especially when it's heading away from the road, wouldn't have liked it to come out of the hedge in front of me!
https://www.strava.com/activities/15363955475
Me and the wife had a lovely ride out on the road bikes today. Headed south from Witney to Standlake, Southmoor, West Hanney, Charney Bassett and Buckland where we had a lovely light lunch accompanied by Arkells 'Haze' (keg) for her and Ramsbury Gold (cask - lovely!) for me.
From there we cut through to Cote, Yelford, Hardwick, Sutton and South Leigh to quench our thirst with a couple of pints of Camden Pale (keg) at the recently re-opened Plough in Witney. We then took a short ride through town to have one for the road at The Three Horseshoes (Beavertown 'Neck Oil').
Being just shy of 40 miles we completed a couple of laps of the green on Eastfield Rd to get the forty in.
Lovely weather with light winds. Delightful!
Only a couple of dicks in cars around today but one guy in a van in town was so frustrated at having a cyclist in front of him that he felt it necessary to wave his arms around when I looked back at who was revving his engine like a twat. I think he wanted me to go faster or pull to the side to let him pass. Thing is, I was not holding him up as I was behind traffic and we approached red lights simultaneously which we both had to stop for. Idiot
A warm day, at least in the afternoon, with a medium-light wind coming the south-west. I did the Lower Westbound route. Got up later than I intended and left at about 1150, but plenty of time for a fondo.
Went a little bit further than I usually do that way, a couple of km past Bagot's Wood. I did mean to go and visit Blithfield Reservoir, but I missed a turn so didn't bother.
Stopped at the village shop at Abbot's Bromley for refreshments. A young lad in front of me at the till, about 12 years old at a guess, had two pound coins. He put one of them into one of the charity tins on the counter. Then when he came to buy his bottle of fizzy drink, the lady behind the counter asked him for £1.15.
There was an awkward moment, as he contemplated the single pound coin in his left hand. For a moment I thought he was going to attempt to rattle his other one out of the charity tin. So of course, having been impressed by his act of benevolence, I bought his bottle of pop for him.
The shop lady beamed, clearly touched by my act of kindness. Then she said "you weren't saving up for a cycle helmet, were you?". I was wearing a cap, because it was sunny. Funny!
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250806bike.avif)
A few minutes later while consuming a white chocolate Magnum I'd just bought at a bench in the village, I got chatting to an elderly motorcyclist. He was born in Whitwick, just a few km away from chez moi. His brother lives about 2km away. He asked me how long it would take me to get home - about an hour? No I don't think so, 50km would take a bit more than that.
A bit too warm in the early afternoon so I was glad of the cloud cover that rolled over. Listened to 5 Live and more of HG Wells' The First Men In The Moon, wildly implausible even for 125 years ago I would have thought, but very entertaining.
The pic was taken at Heather, 3km from home, where the annual scarecrow festival is taking place. The exhibit behind the bike was put up today, it wasn't there in the morning. A Weetabix man, I think.
The road through Measham has been resurfaced in luxuriant tarmac, making the speed bumps a bit less prominent and a much smoother experience, especially downhill. Nice.
Back on 108.38 km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15367905619
The scarecrow in your pic is SpongeBob Squarepants Slim!
Quote from: Slim on July 18, 2025, 10:46:30 PMNear Spalding I noticed that the front tyre is slightly split. Definitely not buying Schwalbe Luganos again.
Took a pic. Thought I might get another 500km out of it by slapping some rubber cement in to keep thorns and bits of grit out, but I don't think so. It had done about 800km probably.
The ones I had on the Cannondale a few years ago seemed alright. But I won't take a risk on the same brand again.
Sort of an own goal really because the rubber weakened along a tread pattern that was probably decorative at most.
(https://i.ibb.co/C5j6s4RB/tyresplit.webp)
Quote from: Slim on August 08, 2025, 12:47:51 AMQuote from: Slim on July 18, 2025, 10:46:30 PMNear Spalding I noticed that the front tyre is slightly split. Definitely not buying Schwalbe Luganos again.
Took a pic. Thought I might get another 500km out of it by slapping some rubber cement in to keep thorns and bits of grit out, but I don't think so. It had done about 800km probably.
The ones I had on the Cannondale a few years ago seemed alright. But I won't take a risk on the same brand again.
Sort of an own goal really because the rubber weakened along a tread pattern that was probably decorative at most.
(https://i.ibb.co/C5j6s4RB/tyresplit.webp)
Obviously depending on terrain and usage to some extend, but do these things have a life cycle 'guarantee'?
Quote from: Thenop on August 08, 2025, 07:58:55 AMObviously depending on terrain and usage to some extend, but do these things have a life cycle 'guarantee'?
Not sure what the warranty arrangement is, but it was sitting unused in the garage for more than a year so I'm just going to have to bin it and buy a new one.
Quote from: Slim on August 08, 2025, 10:30:48 AMQuote from: Thenop on August 08, 2025, 07:58:55 AMObviously depending on terrain and usage to some extend, but do these things have a life cycle 'guarantee'?
Not sure what the warranty arrangement is, but it was sitting unused in the garage for more than a year so I'm just going to have to bin it and buy a new one.
Looks perished through lack of use to me
Would a tyre unused in a shed or garage wear more quickly than one on the road?
Genuine question but I would have thought one that was being used would degrade quicker than an unused one
Quote from: dom on August 08, 2025, 03:42:43 PMWould a tyre unused in a shed or garage wear more quickly than one on the road?
Genuine question but I would have thought one that was being used would degrade quicker than an unused one
Yes, it would. We have a motorhome that spends a lot of time parked on the drive. When tyres need to be replaced it's because of 'cracking' in the sidewalls or perishing. I doubt we'll ever replace tyres due to tread depth on that vehicle.
Well - it wouldn't wear at all but it might degrade through lack of use. Flexing a tyre keeps the rubber supple. Also a garage that gets very warm, like mine does, will probably dry out the oil in the rubber.
Even so I've kept tyres in there longer that that one that have been fine. I'm saying it's a manufacturing fault or design defect.
The intention was to do another fondo today. I felt a bit lethargic when I got up but I set off at about 1135. A couple of km later, I realised I hadn't brought a bike pump with me. I didn't want to go back and start again, so I decided I'd do a shorter ride. Turned right onto Pisca Lane to join the Twycross Bypasser route from Heather.
As soon as I'd turned onto Pisca Lane, my mood lifted. I was much more in the frame of mind to do a Bypasser than a fondo. I'd felt that I should do 100 km or more to make the most of another beautiful day, but I didn't really want to.
(https://i.ibb.co/nsMt9Zk0/250808bike.jpg)
Anyway - I did a pretty typical Bypasser with an excursion down Grendon Road and Spon Lane. Pedalled through Upton and Shenton on the way back, always nice on a sunny day. Back on 62.58 km, very nice run out.
Listened to 5 Live and more of The First Men In The Moon.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15388582893
Not so much time today and it was surprisingly cool in the morning, considering the temperature in the afternoon. I settled for a Bypasser. Set off at 1140. Came up through Upton and Shenton again, just as I did on Friday.
Along Atterton Lane I saw a herd of cows coming, with escort vehicles at the back and front. So I stopped by the side of the road, to let them pass. They wouldn't. They clearly found the prospect of having to pass a stationary cyclist upsetting. A few of them mooed loudly, to attract the attention of the chap driving the escort vehicle in front, who'd stopped by this time.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250810cows.avif)
He gestured to me to move back a bit further from the road. I did, and they passed reluctantly.
Very warm in the afternoon. Listened to more of the HG Wells and a bit of footy on 5 Live. 58.94 km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15411558045
A couple at the front there looking very threatening!
Crikey! Four days off and it shows. The legs weren't too bad, but the Cardiovascular system appears to have suffered. Rich food, Red Wine, Rocking out and not enough sleep don't help.
I didn't intend doing much today and I didn't. Just the 26 miles, it started getting a bit warm too. Yet more Road works/Road closures meant my usual easy ride out and back rod weren't available. Luckily it seems like my out and back today are just as easy.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15420360255/
Don't know if my ride today happened. Can't see it on Strava, I sign in with Farcebook and the app link isn't working. I know I've done it, but if I can't see it on Strava has it happened? Schroedinger's ride. It is on Garmin Connect, so it most likely did happen.
I thought today was supposed to be sunny, but there was a blanket of cloud around and the occasional big raindrop. It looked even darker over the hills so I headed to Nottinghamshire where it looked and indeed was brighter.
I've never known the A619 to be as busy as it was today. Loads of closeish passes from all sorts of vehicles, it was a relief to turn on to the A60. On the plus side it was nice to do a ten mile stretch at over 20mph with very little serious downhill involved. The benefits of heading into Notts.
The climb up past Whaley Quarry didn't come as a shock today, still a bit unexpected to find a climb so steep out there, but it doesn't last long. Back on just under 43 miles, it may have been cloudy, but it was warm. My brain feels cooked.
A very hot day was forecast. Cooler in the morning though, so I got up (relatively) early and was away by 0915. The intention was to do about 65km. I thought I'd have a sentimental journey over to Markfield first, then busk it from there.
At Markfield I had a quick visit to my old house. I noticed an item of cast iron street furniture that, apparently, was erected during my year there. Never noticed it before. I found it quite poignant.
From Markfield I made my way back up the hill to Copt Oak - I remember struggling up the hill ten years ago, today it was easy. Then after a stop at a petrol station in Whitwick, I joined the eastbound route.
(https://i.ibb.co/S4Npj9NK/markfield1990.webp)
I checked the bike computer at Belton. 19.63. My detour to Markfield hadn't added nearly as many km as I'd expected! Went through Normanton, Stanford, Cotes as usual, then took the alternative route toward Six Hills through Walton on the Wolds. Very nice, should do that more.
Turned back at Six Hills. By this time it was pretty hot. Even so I decided I'd take a scenic detour round Sutton Bonington, so I turned right for East Leake. What I should have done was take the West Leake turn, so I arrived at Sutty by a rather more roundabout way than I'd intended.
Glanced at the bike computer at Zouch, again. 54. So I should arrive home on about 70km. And yet - when I did arrive home, the bike computer said 65.17. Very odd. Had I really only done 65km? I felt I'd done a few more than that. And how could I have got the maths wrong?
Then I noticed the little text "mi" next to the number. It had been set to imperial measurements the whole way round. Every time I'd looked at it I'd thought I was reading km.
So: inadvertently, I'd done a fondo. 104.89km.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250812bike.avif)
Surprisingly cool for the first couple of hours and even more surprisingly, very light rain. Until the sun came out at about 1100 then conditions heated up dramatically. By the time I was doing the last 5km it was definitely too hot for riding a bike and I was glad I wasn't a longer distance from home.
I listened to the first Hatfield and the North album - I'd forgotten what a glorious record that is. I finished off Wells' The First Men In the Moon. And - delightfully, I channel hopped to R4 Extra just in time to hear an old Goon Show from December 1957. Genuinely still funny. The announcer offered a health warning about the "different attitudes" in effect sixty-eight years ago, and I assume he was thinking of a brief ad-libbed exchange between Sellers and Milligan in cod-Indian accents, which - I confess - I found hilarious.
Anyway: my first inadvertent fondo. If I'd known I was going to do one I'd just have gone to Eastwell and back.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15433870981
Hoorah! I could get back into Strava again, yesterday did happen. OK I know it happened as I could see it in my Strava app on the phone, but I like to look at it in more detail on the PC.
Took it decidedly steady today, it was warm. Didn't feel that warm when I was out, but as soon as I got home and lost the speed generated wind effect I started melting. That was with just riding out and going over the flattest bit of land I know multiple times. Just managed to get over 100 miles for the week with today's 31 miles. I had thought of riding a bit each day in the week as I have a semi-party weekend coming up, but I may just rest tomorrow.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15444028282
Mrs S had an early departure for her Ladies who Lunch meet up today, so would not be available for rescue duties, therefore she told me not to go too far from home. Being a dutiful husband, I obeyed.
Just checked online and at no time was I more than 5 miles from home as the crow flies. Well, maybe a couple of hundred yards at one point, but as the circle is centered slightly below my house, I'll say I stayed within my self appointed bounds.
Still managed to get a 40 mile ride in, needed a few judicious loops, but nothing too drastic. Still managed to get in a climb with 545' of elevation gain as well, without having to head for the Peak District. I'll accept that, even if the average grade was 2.8%. Felt a lot steeper than that, but it's an undulating climb which does kick up to 12% in parts. It was a bit warm again, needed my two bidons.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15466941946/
I was all set to do a long ride today. Maybe 250km, back onto The Fens for a bit. I got everything ready, went to bed early, then I got up at 0600. I put on a cycling jersey and looked out of the window. The village green was shrouded in a thick mist. So I went back to bed.
I rose again at 0800 with a more modest aspiration. Maybe 180 or so? I set off on the eastbound route. Once again I went the alternative way through Walton. Lovely and quiet along there. A couple of hours into the ride I'd decided I was just going to take it easy and settle for a fondo, or maybe 120. Too hot.
But that did present me with an opportunity - a run along Long Lane, which I think I've only done once so far this year. This involves descending from the long ridge of terrain that runs (roughly) west to east toward Lincolnshire. Can be pretty steep and hairy. But I tried a new route down there, down from Clawson Lane to Long Clawson and this one is actually pretty painless - no buttock-clenching warp speed descents over shitty road surfaces. I'll definitely do this more often now I have a viable method.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250815bike.avif)
Really nice along there as well. I turned back after 63km. Actually came back up a different way, though I didn't intend to and only noticed after looking at the track on Strava. Came back through Burton on the Wolds so I could get more hydration from the petrol station - I consumed about 2 litres in all.
Listened to 5 Live, and started the next (19th) Reacher novel, Personal. It's written in the first person which I'm not that keen on, but at least it doesn't have the ex Military Police drifter getting involved in some life or death drama by pure chance, which does stretch credibility a bit after a while.
Cloudy and cooler later on which made me think I could have gone further east really to make the best of the longer days before they're shorter days again. But hey ho. Back on 124.77.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15470066272
Love the look of that bike with all red accents, tyres and saddle, but the hideous lavender coloured pack needs to go!
Quote from: Thenop on August 16, 2025, 08:51:05 AMLove the look of that bike with all red accents, tyres and saddle, but the hideous lavender coloured pack needs to go!
Heh. What I like about it is that it's very light. I bought three or four of them from Amazon for about £3 each if I remember correctly. Not all that colour.
Another cool in the morning, warm in the afternoon sort of day. I was off and away on the eastbound route by 1100. I did pretty much the same thing as Friday, except that I didn't go quite so far. Needed to be back by 1700. I tried a different descent to Long Clawson from Six Hills Lane. Just a bit more hairy than the Melton Road version I tried on Friday. Turned back just after Hose.
I meant to come back the "old way" from Hose and Long Clawson, more directly to Wymeswold. But I took a wrong turn and found myself coming back up to Six Hills Lane. Came back through Wymeswold and Rempstone.
I've enjoyed going through Walton on the outbound leg this last couple of times, but it is a bit more hilly along there.
Stopped at the caff at Long Clawson again, and went to sit on a bench under an apple tree. Helped myself to an apple. No idea what variety. A pinkish one anyway. Quite pleasant. Free cycling food.
Listened to more of the Reacher novel. I quite like it but it's a bit less tense, so far anyway, than usual. The reader hasn't really been given a reason to hate the villain or to care very much about his sinister plan, so despite being called Personal, it does feel less personal.
Also listened to footy on 5 Live Extra (Forest vs Brentford) and 5 Live (a bit of United vs Arsenal).
Back on 101.95 and that's five fondos out of seven rides so far this month.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15491822871
Just 32 miles for me today. Was out "partying" yesterday. Didn't drink too much, but I was suffering from a surfeit of Sausage Rolls.
Managed a reasonably gentle ride today, a decent enough average speed, but didn't let the Heart rate get into the red, well, only for 19 seconds.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15492718614/
Bit of a grey day today. I think Summer's gone and with the roads festooned with dropped leaves it looks like Autumn's here already.
I thought it had been a long time since I'd ridden up to the tops, but it's less than a fortnight. How time sometimes doesn't fly. Altitude gain meant precipitation though, first of all from Middle Handley to Coal Aston, then from Holmesfield to the top of Wigley. Nothing too bad, got to be drizzle on the verge of rain at times and even though it wasn't the warmest of days it never chilled me down.
Saw another dead Badger today, not nice to see, but with the amount at the side of the road there must be a decent population of them about.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15511631570/
Just a quick one today, and an unusual one. The wind's still coming from the east but I didn't fancy yet another eastbound route so soon. I had a vague idea of going over to Markfield, maybe Kirby Muxloe.
In the end I did neither. The usual route down to Kirkby Mallory then left to Peckleton. I think I've done that maybe twice before. Then onto Hinckley Road which was not pleasant, up to Newtown Unthank, from there up to Thornton across the reservoir.
Then in an explorative spirit I took the road to Stanton from Thornton, again something I think I might have done once or twice before in total. Quite nice along there though, deathly quiet. Then Ellistown, Ibstock, home.
49.46km, not as much as I intended but that's fine.
Cloudy out there, a little windy but warm. Listened to 5 Live for a bit then another couple of hours of Reacher.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15513610989
Another coolish grey day, bit sunnier and a bit warmer than yesterday, but also a bit windier. Not a lot, but a bit.
Wasn't too sure which way to go out as yet more traffic light controlled roadworks had appeared. It's bad enough with traffic at normal light controlled junctions, but through roadworks it's a free for all to try and get by the cyclist, notwithstanding the fact that the cyclist is travelling as fast as the vehicles in front of him and the road is one lane wide.
I managed to wiggle my way out round them and headed out through Tibshelf to Shirland and back through Tibshelf again. The NNE breeze meant I lost average speed on the way back wen it normally picks up. Of course I was faster out than usual, but that's not the tailwind, that's just me being "On It"...
https://www.strava.com/activities/15524048803/
Late out today. Had little brother staying with us for a couple of nights. Didn't impact me the last couple of days, but I wanted to make sure he'd gone before I left so I didn't get out until after 11:30 which only gave me a couple of hours. I told Mrs S I'd be back at 13:30 and I was on the dot! Might have been earlier if I hadn't had to wait for ages at a couple of junctions.
Then again I had to put a bit more effort in than I wanted on a couple of occasions, had a Tractor behind me for three miles which I didn't want to pass me, I could hold it off on the flat and drop it off downhill, but it had the better of me going uphill. Then I had a Tipper Truck behind me for a couple of miles, where I really had to cane it to put it off doing a reckless overtake. Luckily its flat front pushed a big wave of air in front of it which gave me a bit of a boost. But when you're going uphill and they're coming down the other way the bow wave nearly knocks you off! I don't know what they're doing but up one hill five of them came down the other way whilst I was going up.
Today's 31 miles got me over 100 for the week. Hoepfully get to 150.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15535388897/
I may do a long one on Saturday so I didn't want to push myself too hard today. About 60km would do, I thought. The wind's still coming from the east for the time being so I thought I'd go eastbound, maybe West Leake and Sutton Bonnington, and come back.
After Cotes though I decided to do something else - just to explore a bit. So I took the road I normally take to Walton, but kept going instead of turning left. Before long I found myself in Barrow upon Soar. Hadn't been there on a bike since about 2018. But the traffic was heavy going into the village and I got stuck in a queue, so I u-turned. Took a right at the next roundabout, just in the spirit of adventure. Hadn't been along there before - the north-eastern extremity of Barrow - but it wasn't very interesting. From there I found my way to Paudy Cross Roads, then left to Walton and back home the usual way, or one of them, from there.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250821bike.avif)
Cooler than of late. I had a fleece and tights on early on.
LIstened to another three hours or so of Personal on my new Majority MP3 player. Works well. Has bluetooth, and I like to use wireless earbuds sometimes these days. Back on 65.55km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15538055523
I'm still watching too much cycling. Today's Vuelta stage went on too long with not much happening. I ended up just having time for a couple of hours.
I thought I was taking it steadily today, but I can't have been. The old Heart Rate was up - I was blaming a heavy lunch - but it seems as if I was putting a decent amount of effort in, indeed I put in some good times on some climbs, beating my previous best on the Walton Back Lane leg warmer. Bit down-heartening to then find it was the equal second fastest of the day with six other people! At least I beat them all on the longer Harewood Road climb :)
https://www.strava.com/activities/15561337003/
The intention was to set off at 0800, maybe 0900 on a longish road out east today. But I woke up at 0500 and didn't fall asleep again. Alexa reported the outside temperature as tolerable. I dozed for another half hour, got up and was away at about 0700.
Went eastward through Standord and Walton, as is my recent habit. Involves a nasty climb just after Walton, but it makes a nice change.
I turned down onto the A15 just after midday then turned eastward at Baston, and onto the Fens. Kept going for about 10km, then turned for home at about 1255.
I got the clothing strategy spot on - very comfortable in tights and a fleece under my top when I set off, very comfortable without them when I stashed them in a hedge 37km later. Ideal conditions mostly - plenty of cloud, mild, dry, very light wind. I usually pick a hot sunny day for a ride out onto the Fens, much more comfortable today.
I noticed a village shop out of the corner of my eye as I passed through Thurlby. It had a bench outside, so I stopped there. Curiously, someone had left a camera tripod with a note saying FREE on the bench.
Came back, as usual, through Wymeswold and Rempstone.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250823bike.avif)
The outward leg was a breeze, couldn't believe how quickly the time had passed when I gt to Lincolnshire. Speaking of a breeze I was supposed to get a mild tailwind on the way east, then another one on the way back. I thought it was too good to be true, and it was. Definitely had a light headwind for much of the way back.
Listened to the last couple of hours of the Reacher novel - it concludes quite nicely, with a twist I didn't see coming. I don't think it's one of the best ones, it feels a bit lightweight. Not quite so much tension. But it's unusually coherent and quite a nice idea.
I also listened to three Goon Show episodes in a compendium I've bought on Audible, including the classic Dreaded Batter Pudding Hurler of Bexhill-on-Sea (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dreaded_Batter_Pudding_Hurler_(of_Bexhill-on-Sea)), first broadcast in 1954. Brilliant. And some footy on 5 Live.
Back on 212.39km. That, according to Strava, was my 14th longest bike ride.
I suppose this was probably my last chance to get onto the Fens this year, maybe not. Disappointed with myself for not going all the way to Foul Anchor this year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15561970525
Not been feeling 100% the last couple of days. Not been sleeping too well, been waking up in a sweat and have been plagued with bad dreams.
So what do you do if you're not feeling 100%? You see if you can ride it off, that's what! Does it work? Not really.
Just done a couple of 27 milers which gets me over 500 miles for August and over 4,000 miles for the year. Fully intended them to be easy rides, but they felt harder. There was a fairly strong Southerly today which I spent too long riding into. Today was the flattest ride I've done all year and yet my average speed was the same as on a hill ride on Saturday. Didn't help that traffic was queueing all the way down Ducky Hill because of a broken down Range Rover further up the road. Don't like constant clipping and unclipping or riding with one foot unclipped going uphill.
Did 36 miles today to get the trip mileage up to 3000.. gloriously sunny day but one hell of a strong wind.. it made some stretches a real slog.. next few days look very mixed up here but hopefully out again this week
And out again for the fourth day in a row. Was supposed to take it steadily, thought I did take it steadily, but the Garmin reckoned I was at VO2 max, despite lower average power and same average heart rate as yesterday. It's all beyond my comprehension.
Maybe the Garmin's playing up, it won't charge up past 94%. I'll try a new USB cable. Just tried it again on the usual one and it was going a bit bonkers.
Today was a slight variation on a Tibshelf theme, nicer temperature today and the wind though as strong as yesterday wasn't ever as in your face. Got 33 more miles in.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15591411360/
Warm and dry in the afternoon, according to the forecast. Just wanted to do a Bypasser to get me over four (metric) figures for the month. Had a busy morning sorting out my third and final company pension; completing, scanning and emailing forms. But I was away by 1425 or so.
I did an unremarkable Bypasser. I did get rained on for a few minutes about 15 minutes into the ride, but apart from that it was pleasant.
Came back up along the main road as far as Gibbet Lane, then a detour through Ibstock. Back on 56.23km which is roughly what I intended.
I listened to 5 Live mostly but also a Goon Show episode, The Phantom Head Shaver (of Brighton). I must admit, brilliant though it undoubtedly was, The Goon Show can also be embarrassingly puerile, largely due to Peter Sellers' comedic incontinence. Or perhaps I'm just too old, now. I can only imagine what folks of a certain age thought of it in 1954.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15596181364
With the weather showing signs of becoming more normal i.e. regular spells of rain coming I thought I'd see how long I could do before any rain started. The answer was about an hour and forty. Luckily it didn't rain much - I was on rim brakes - and just provided the odd damp patch. I had thought that the whole two hours would stay dry. Once again I have been reminded that thinking just isn't worth it.
With the threat of rain I just stayed local and made more of a concerted effort to take it steadily. It must have been a partial success as the ride was done at Tempo. I think I'll just have to sit on the bike and go nowhere to achieve a Base level ride.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15603706963/
And out again today for the sixth day in a row and managed to be back before the rain. OK they haven't been long rides, about 30 miles a day, but it adds up. I did think I'd feel it in the legs a bit more today, but they felt as good, if not better as they had all week, maybe yesterday's easier ride helped.
I was under orders not to venture too far from home today, as International Rescue - the wife and boy - were out for the day and wouldn't be able to come to my aid, which if a tubeless tire hadn't sealed after a puncture they would have done.
Managed my longest ride in the past week, 35 miles and it could be the last of the Summer on the Giant TCR as with it now looking to turn wetter I'd rather be on a bike with disc brakes. If it is the last then I'm glad to have set a new PB on the climb up from Wheeldon Mill. They call it a "Sprint" climb. It's a crawl at best for me. Also took the opportunity to take a quick pic of the bike against a field gate.
(https://scontent.fbhx4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/539899630_10161914954710544_8094918754067174426_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_p180x540_tt6&_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=otcgO7I4jYIQ7kNvwG56YLP&_nc_oc=AdlMQsphLocM2Y8DhJ_NrCv8JpC_K-4KCCwkBcUFv-CfPVsNt2f7rAosjwVJCYrdKKZkjjoRIwPgwscwwOpgu7Up&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-2.fna&_nc_gid=q-5bT6Er6Hz2yq8VZo9HQQ&oh=00_AfVz_JwLEOupbRb_qFHXjBKZD1SjQdygNALq1wRMw2P69Q&oe=68B6428E)
https://www.strava.com/activities/15615308159/
Rain was due over this afternoon. I hadn't been out on a bike for a few days but it's been a pretty good cycling month and I thought a Bypasser would do nicely for today. So that's what I did. Set off at about 1010.
I sometimes claim that no two Bypassers are exactly alike but it's not really true, and I've probably done this particular version a few times. Up to Ashby, down to Norton, across to Warton, Ratcliffe Culey, Sibson Lane, Bosworth, Heather.
(https://i.ibb.co/M5BCm7bK/250830bike.webp)
Listened mostly to a phone-in on LBC about the illegal immigration crisis, then footy on 5 Live.
The precipitation was due to arrive between 1300 and 1400 but in practice it sometimes turns up an hour earlier. I was convinced I was going to get rained on any second over the last 2km. But I beat the rain home, back on 55.14km.
Took the pic at Market Bosworth.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15639013143
Thank goodness it rained. I normally wait until my cycle watching is over before heading out, but today I decided that the forecast meant a ride before the settee slump :)
Bit later getting out than planned due to Saturday morning inertia, but found time for an hour and a half. It was a bit blowy at times, had to take care passing gates in field walls, always seems to get funnelled through them.
The wind on the way out led me to think I wouldn't average much over 16mph, but it became a helping hand at times and I ended up at 17.5mph :) Think today might be the Giant's last ride out this year, but who knows, it could do with a service, it's done 21,500 miles now and is still on the original Bottom bracket bearings.
And popped out for an hour and a half today to do the 27 miles I needed to get to 180 for the week. I told Mrs S I'd be back at 18:30 and I was bang on. Had to put a bit of effort in at times though as there was a fair headwind at times - which gave a good push at others.
Had to avoid a couple of Magpies fighting in the road today, got within a few feet of them before they flew off. Wouldn't have fancied tangling with them really.
Managed to finish August with 661 miles and 42,000 feet of elevation gain. Could have done with 10,000 more feet of climbing.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15651821209
Rain was due over at 1300 or so but I thought I'd get 50km in. Didn't set off until 1023, later than I wanted. I did a Twycrosser, with the detour to Orton.
Put up with a couple of light rain showers. Then a heavy one at about 1315, about 3km from home. Can't say I hadn't been warned! I could have got home quicker but it didn't look like rain.
Listened to 5 Live and Jeremy Vine on R2.
Passed a large bucket full (mainly) of apples on the road up from Bosworth - the idea being, I assumed, to help myself. I took a pear. The first bite was lovely, but the second revealed a sort of blackened cavity. So I chucked it.
Gave the bike a good wipe down and a seeing to with GT85 when I got back, will relube it tomorrow.
Back on 53.85km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15658484336
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 31, 2025, 09:50:08 PMHad to avoid a couple of Magpies fighting in the road today, got within a few feet of them before they flew off. Wouldn't have fancied tangling with them really.
That reminds me I passed what I think was a buzzard - a bloody big bird of prey anyway - right next to the road near Odstone. Didn't notice it until it spread its wings, and I was only a few feet away at that point. Gave me a bit of a shock.
Quote from: Slim on September 01, 2025, 05:12:12 PMThat reminds me I passed what I think was a buzzard - a bloody big bird of prey anyway
They're a reasonable size are Buzzards, Mrs S once encountered one in our garden with a Rabbit it had caught. She described it as being a "Mini-Eagle"
Thought I saw a Buzzard in a field today, but I think it was more likely to have been a Marsh Harrier - a much rarer bird - it looked a bit longer legged and was standing more upright. We see plenty of Buzzards in the field behind out house, so I'm used to seeing them and this was more of a browny brown.
Only bit of interesting wildlife I saw today. Thankfully I didn't see Mrs S as she was going to Hardwick Hall with the Ladies who Lunch just on the day that I was cycling up by it. It would have been nice if I could have held her up, but she'd probably drive up more slowly than I was riding anyway.
That's September underway with a 41 miler. Not so sure my Power Meters were calibrated properly today as Strava said my weighted average power was 88% today as against 95% on a very similar ride at the same speed a month ago.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15670097739/
I intend to do at least a fondo tomorrow so only wanted to do about 55km today. A Bypasser then. I did pretty much the same route as I did on Saturday, except that I took a detour through Newton Burgoland and Swepstone on the way up.
Nice out there, not too windy, decently warm, mostly sunny. I listened to 5 Live, on a big politcal news day.
A seaplane passed overhead near Orton. Just a small one, a Cessna I think. I think that's a first.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250905bike.jpg)
Lots of stinky dead badgers around at the moment, there must be too many of the buggers.
Back on 57.42.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15705732738
Managed a brief ride between heavy showers yesterday morning. Not the hour I'd hoped for, but it was something.
Today I had a two and a half hours to get out and do something before settling in to watch the Vuelta. Was hoping to do 40 miles and get up to the tops and hit both targets.
Nearly got taken out by a Manx cat at one point. I presume it was Manx cat, maybe a car had run over it's tail necessitating an amputation at some point.
Otherwise just a standard sort of ride out to Owler Bar and back. Away for the weekend now and next week has rain in the forecast.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15705159120
I'd hoped to be away before 1000 this morning, because the intention was to do a southbound - and the headwind I'd face on the way down was going to stiffen substantially later in the morning. Alas, I stayed in bed longer than I'd intended and I didn't set off until 1110. So I had to face a pretty strong headwind all the way down, but on the plus side it was a bit warmer by then so I didn't have to take a fleece or tights.
Went down the usual route, along Sibbertoft Road and ultimately past the gliding club into Northamptonshire. Watched a couple of gliders being towed. Turned back. Relieved to have the wind behind me instead of in my teeth. Bought some food at the petrol station near Gilmorton on the way back. Shortcut throught Donington Le Heath over the last few km.
Nice out there, a bit busy with traffic near Broughton.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250906.avif)
I listened to LBC until I was completely Raynered out, then I restarted the brilliant Lewisohn Beatles bio. For some reason I tuned out of it a couple of years ago. I hate to think when I started it.
OK I've just checked, I last refer to it in my cycling blog in August 2019. Six years ago. Ouch. I must finish it now, still about 20 hours to go though, and that's just volume one! Hopefully the second and third volumes will be released one day.
Nice to go down that way again, hadn't been that way for a couple of months surprisingly. Back on 104.33.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15720277534
Another decent day, another fondo. Thought I'd do the Fosse Way route this time, since the wind was coming from the south-west. So I did that, except that when I got to the crossroads north of Brinklow, instead of going straight over, I took a left to go exploring. Hadn't been along there before.
I came, after a couple of km, to a pretty village called Pailton, and 2km further on, to a sign pointing the way to "Pailton Radio Station". Naturally I was curious so I took the indicated right turn and had a look. It's a small site with a few transmitter towers guarded by a high wire fence. Apparently it was a reference station to calibrate aircraft instruments, run by National Air Traffic Services. But it's for sale now.
Quite nice round there, quiet. If I remember I'll go along that way again, a bit further next time. I turned back not long after that. Back the way I came except for the same shortcut through Donington Le Heath as last time.
Noticed a blue & white helicopter hovering over a field nearby near Earl Shilton. Checked PlaneFinder, it was a National Grid helicopter (one of eight in the UK, I've just read). Presumably inspecting power lines or pylons.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250908highcross.webp)
It was mostly a nice sunny day, but some ominous clouds rolled over later on, after which conditions became quite gloomy. I didn't get rained on, but I noticed the roads were damp a few km from home. And I noticed splashes of rain on my car as I opened the garage door.
Listened to more of the Lewisohn Beatles bio and 5 Live. Back on 102.57.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15741584669
What's your bike leaning against, James?
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on September 08, 2025, 09:31:29 PMWhat's your bike leaning against, James?
It's the High Cross Monument, erected in 1712 at the crossroads of two Roman roads - Watling Street and Fosse Way. Supposedly the centre of Roman Britain.
https://www.visitblaby.org.uk/heritage/high-cross-monument/
Better pic of it in this post (https://betweenthewheels.net/index.php?msg=25201).
Quote from: Slim on September 08, 2025, 11:37:49 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on September 08, 2025, 09:31:29 PMWhat's your bike leaning against, James?
It's the High Cross Monument, erected in 1712 at the crossroads of two Roman roads - Watling Street and Fosse Way. Supposedly the centre of Roman Britain.
https://www.visitblaby.org.uk/heritage/high-cross-monument/
Better pic of it in this post (https://betweenthewheels.net/index.php?msg=25201).
Thank you. I'm fascinated by Roman history. The Romans apparently ended their Caledonian journey less than a mile from where I live. A section of the Antonine Wall foundations is exposed in New Kilpatrick cemetery a stone's throw away from my house and there is a well visited bath house ruin off Roman Rd in Bearsden. There must be more as yet undiscovered stuff around here, but it seems not to attract much interest for some reason.
I thought three days out of the saddle had finished me off when my Heart Rate shot up to 165 on the first "serious" climb, but it settled down after that and things were fine.
Kept it as flat as possible today, going out through Tibshelf and dropping down the A61 towards Alfreton before retracing my steps (pedals?). Got a bruised ego when I was overtaken by someone going up towards Pilsley today. Looked to be on a steel framed bike and was wearing a cycling jersey with pictures of mushrooms on it. Looking on Strava, there's a chance it could have been Archduke Franz Ferdinand (not the real one obvs.).
I was on a Tempo ride though and he was like Richard Tice on Spice, or so it would seem. Anyhoo, I got 42 miles in which will do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15751188598/
After a rain day yesterday it was all systems go again today. Albeit all systems go slowly. My "fitness" really does drop off rapidly if I miss a few days and today's wind didn't help one bit.
I was trying my best not to put too much effort in, but the wind made it hard at times. The hill up from Eckington through Marsh Lane was a slogathon. Had to put in my best 10 minute power output in the last for weeks, doesn't say too much, but I wasn't intending going that deep. On the plus side it was mainly flat and downhill after that, on the plusser side the rain showers stayed over the hills and to the South.
Another 40 miles gets me nearly back on track for 500 miles in the month.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15774660951
Rain due this afternoon and the wind was coming from the south-west. A Bypasser then. Set off at about 1030. Unaccountably, I felt a bit bonkish after only a few km, so I stopped at the shop at Packington.
Pretty ordinary route, probably one I've done many times. I took the first Boardman. I'd only used it for about 250 km so far this year, because there was a tiny bit of play in the front wheel. But I've adjusted the bearings properly this time. Hopefully.
I did get rained on over the last few km. Gave the bike a good wipe down when I got back, will lube it over the weekend.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250912.avif)
Listened mostly to 5 Live, mostly concerning this week's Labour scandal but also, mainly as an experiment, a Callan short story that I've uploaded to Google Play Books after converting it from Kindle format. Play Books has a "read aloud" function so you can have a sort of DIY audiobook. The voice sounds very natural but the emphasis and timing is mostly rather weird. However - it works.
Back on 57.26.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15786517093
Thought I'd better get out today as the forecast's not too good for the next couple of days. There was a slight chance of a shower in today's forecast, but I really wanted to get out to get 33 miles in to get me half way to 500 for the month. There wasn't that much chance of getting wet.
WRONG! At my furthest point from home it absolutely lashed it down. Really big raindrops that felt like hail when they hit you. My Garmin even came up with a warning I'd never seen before for slippery roads. Not that that bothered me as the rain washed all the salt build up from inside my helmet into my eyes, so I was reduced to a crawl. Must wash out the helmet linings more often.
Back on 32.98 miles which thankfully was enough to get to 250.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15800199933/
Dry conditions were forecast, but with relatively high winds. I thought of doing a fondo, but changed my mind and decided just to do a Bypasser instead. Then after Packington, I changed my mind back and took the right at Measham to embark upon the Westbound Route.
However, a few spots of rain and the realisation that I'd forgotten to lube the bike (Boardman I) after hosing the chain out with GT-85 the other day changed my mind back again, after Netherseal.
I wasn't overly concerned about running the chain on GT-85. Some people do use it as a lube. I used to myself, on my old hybrid. But it's not ideal. So I turned back. Rejoined my usual Twycrosser route at Snarestone. Down to Sheepy, across to Barton in the Beans, home via Heather and Ibstock. In essence, my ride was a Twycrosser with an excursion out west tacked on. Back on 60.99km.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250916ai.avif)
Cold when I set off but temperatures climbed nicely into the afternoon. Sadly, the Boardman's front wheel has picked up about half a mm of wobble again. I suppose the bearings need to be replaced. Or I might just buy new wheels for Boardman II and swap them round.
Must remember to lube it anyway tomorrow.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15831018885
I see what you did there, trying to hide it behind a fence and hoping no one would notice did you?
Cleaned and lubed the Bianchi chain yesterday, just about within a dry slot. Relubed it with dry lube, probably not the best idea with the forecast as it is, but then I try not to ride in the rain. And September is still Astronomical Summer, so I don't like the thought of going onto the Winter Wet lube.
Bereft of ideas of where to ride and with so many local roads still being either shut or with traffic light controlled roadworks I repeated last Tuesday's ride. Probably won't be able to do that after the end of September as the road under Chesterfield station is shutting until next February. Allegedly.
Had to wait until 11 to get out to make sure most of the showers had gone by. It did rain a bit occasionally but nothing much. It took me 14 seconds longer for the 42.39 miles today, I was running ahead of schedule most of the way round, but the strong Westerly meant a slower end to the ride. Good to be consistent though.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15830139362/
It's been a bit of a damp squib so far has September, not that reservoir levels are responding yet. Yesterday was a complete wash out and today started off with heavy drizzle. However it had almost abated by 11:30 so I set out to get a couple of hours in.
The almost abation [sic] didn't last long as it got a bit drizzly again for half an hour, but then fizzled out again. The only trouble is the roads don't dry as quickly now it's a bit cooler - although it was plenty warm enough - and with less sun.
I was going to say that the roads were busy today, except that it was only when I got to junctions that there was lots of vehicular activity, when I was actually riding along the roads were quite empty apart from the occasional boy racer.
Back with 32 miles in almost two hours exactly. I'll settle for that, it puts me ahead of where I need to be for the month and even if the weekend is a bit wet next weeks looks as if it may calm down a bit.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15853407568
With the weekend's forecast not being too sparkling, like last week I thought I'd better get out today.
Once again being totally bereft of ideas of where to go I repeated last Friday's ride. To spice things up a bit I missed out a loop I put in to get to 40 miles and did two laps round another loop. It got me to 41 miles this week. Despite trying to take it steadily Strava says I put on more effort this week to achieve the same average speed. I blame a shift in wind direction from SW to SSW
https://www.strava.com/activities/15864405974
A warm dry day was forecast, with a moderate wind from the south. But it wasn't the best day for a fondo, because I had to drive 'er indoors to Birmingham Airport at 0400. I did think of setting off as soon as I got back, at about 0515. The outdoor temperature was a reasonable 15C. But I went back to bed.
Up at 1100 though and away by about 1150. I thought initially of doing the usual southbound route, then had the idea of doing the Meriden Gap route instead. Only done it a couple of times. A bit of an adventure.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250919bike.avif)
So I did that. For a change I went all the way to the roundabout on the A5 on the outbound leg. It's not a lot of fun, but then neither is the hill climb you have to do to avoid it.
Really nice to go down that way again. It was indeed a lovely warm day. There are some lovely stretches of quiet roads down the Gap.
Went as far as Meriden and the Cyclist's Memorial. Then I turned back. Didn't risk the roundabout on the A5 on the return leg. Suicidal that way round.
I stopped at the butcher's shed at the garden centre along Trinity Road. It would be a perfect cyclist's stop if they did cold drinks. But their samosas and pork pies are fantastic.
106.20km and that's 543 this month now.
I listened mostly to the Lewisohn Beatles bio. It's just amazing to hear about the folks at various record companies who rejected them in early 1962 because they didn't think they had commercial potential. They must have had their heads in their hands a year later.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15867611878
I see some has difficulty reading signs.
A dry day but cold in the morning. However I only wanted to do about 60km. Waited until it was mild enough - about 1225 - and set off along the eastbound route.
I went the "alternative" way via Walton and Paudy Crossroads. The temperature climbed nicely after the first 20km or so and it was lovely with the sun out, so I decided I'd make a fondo of it. Didn't go all the way to Eastwell. Since I'd lengthened the route with a detour I estimated that I'd be back on 100km, if I came back via Rempstone and Wymeswold, if I turned back after 50.8km or so. So I did.
I was wrong actually, as I realised by reference to various distance landmarks on the way back. What I really need is a GPS sensitive, map-aware voice activated AI on my phone. I suppose everyone will have one in ten years.
Anyway I made up the distance I needed to by detouring via Griffydam and Coleorton on the way back.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250921bike.avif)
Really a lovely run out, especially later on in the late afternoon sunshine. Glorious, especially gliding along the long, shallow descent along Six Hills Lane. Oddly, despite the bright sunshine, a few spots of rain appeared for a few minutes.
Listened to footy and more of the Beatles bio. Back on 100.78.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15891675700
Bought myself some new cycling kit this week. One of my Le Col outfits was wearing a bit thin on the rear of the bib-shorts. I thought I'd only had them a couple of years, but turns out it was four years ago, so they've given good service.
Found a good offer on some Castelli kit. Now I'd always said I'd eschew Castelli as it seemed to be the preferred gear of the typical arrogant MAMIL of the "All the Gear but No Idea" persuasion - usually to be found labouring away on a Pinarello. But, it was a good offer.
Of course I had to test it out as new gear makes you faster (it doesn't) although I may have gone more quickly then intended as the shorts are about two inches shorter in the leg than my Le Col ones and it was exposing my tanlines - the Velominati will kill me!
It was a bit cool in the late afternoon, but I warmed up to get 31 miles in. It'll do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15891199059/
Weather on the cool side again, but I run a bit warm when I get going and going out in the morning means it should warm up into the afternoon, which it did.
Went out and did a ride I'd not done since early July, too many roadworks have put me off going out that way, but they've gone now. However there was new set and I had intended not to do what I did and not go all the way to the tops, but I managed to time my arrival at the roadworks at such a time where the lights turned green not long after I got there so all was good.
Should really have stopped to snap some pictures out over the Peak District as the air was very clear today, but it had clouded over a bit reducing the sharpness of the landscape so I didn't bother.
Ended up with my best ever average speed over that ride, which surprised me. Must have been the NNE wind direction.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15909018186/
Another dry day, cold in the morning again. Still pretty cold when I set off as well, with a fairly firm intention to do a fondo, which I did. I was going to do a bog standard Eastbound, but had the idea of descending to Long Clawson so I could glide along Long Lane for a bit.
Stopped at the caff at Clawson and treated myself to a bit of cake and a pork pie. Bit of drama when their card reader wouldn't work, but they managed to resuscitate it with a charger.
It's nice to come back the "old" way through Upper Broughton and Willoughby. The only bummer is that the roads are dog rough in parts. I did get off track a couple of times as well. Years since I did it regularly.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250923bike.avif)
Very annoyingly my bike computer stopped working for a few km and even more annoyingly I wasn't able to upload the track to a GPX editor so I could repair it. So I plotted an identical route on ridewithgps and it came to 120km.
Listened mostly to the Beatles bio.
Glad to have got another fondo in this month; I've now done five fondos in seven consecutive months. Before this year I'd never had more than two consecutive quintuple fondo months. And that was my 250th fondo since January 2015.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15913560705
I see where your concern on those test flights is coming from. .
Quote from: Slim on September 21, 2025, 08:32:49 PMA dry day but cold in the morning. However I only wanted to do about 60km. Waited until it was mild enough - about 1225 - and set off along the eastbound route.
I went the "alternative" way via Walton and Paudy Crossroads. The temperature climbed nicely after the first 20km or so and it was lovely with the sun out, so I decided I'd make a fondo of it. Didn't go all the way to Eastwell. Since I'd lengthened the route with a detour I estimated that I'd be back on 100km, if I came back via Rempstone and Wymeswold, if I turned back after 50.8km or so. So I did.
I was wrong actually, as I realised by reference to various distance landmarks on the way back. What I really need is a GPS sensitive, map-aware voice activated AI on my phone. I suppose everyone will have one in ten years.
Anyway I made up the distance I needed to by detouring via Griffydam and Coleorton on the way back.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250921bike.avif)
Really a lovely run out, especially later on in the late afternoon sunshine. Glorious, especially gliding along the long, shallow descent along Six Hills Lane. Oddly, despite the bright sunshine, a few spots of rain appeared for a few minutes.
Listened to footy and more of the Beatles bio. Back on 100.78.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15891675700
I suppose this was a fondeau?
Been hearing a funny noise from the front wheel of my Bianchi when I've got home over the last few days. Thought it might have been disc rotor rub on the pads, but no. Could it be the wheel bearings? No. Took the wheel off last night and it's coming from within the rim. Suspicion now is that sealant has got inside the rim and solidified into balls. Most probably, as I took off the tyre and there was no sealant left in. New sealant has removed the noise.
Late getting out today as I was waiting for a delivery which had to be signed for, luckily it came quite early within its timeslot so I was able to get out for a couple of hours.
Managed to find a bit of rain as well, wasn't forecast and it did look pretty grim over Bolsover - but that's Bozer for you - it didn't last long however and there was no need to cut things short. Whilst I was hoping for a 40 miler, the 32 I got in will do. Another ride like that in the next six days gets me to 500 for September.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15920795943/
First time in ages I've done my three midweek rides in a row. I think the last for weeks have seen wet Wednesdays. I like to be a creature of habit, out at weekends and Tues/Wed/Thurs.
No waiting around for parcels today either, so was able to go for the full two and a half hour ride. Did a different variation of my Tibshelf ride, didn't need to put in any Heath loops to get 40 miles in either. Makes a change.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15931499133
Cold this morning, a threat of rain in the afternoon so I thought a Bypasser would do. And I did a pretty standard one except that I'd intended to come back up via Upton, and yet I took a wrong turn after the village and ended up on the main road again! So I turned off Bosworth Road instead, 2 km further up. Back on 60.80.
I did get rained on, but only for the last 2 km. 823 done this month now, 8748 this year. Should be able to hit the 10,000 mark by the end of November.
Listened to more of the Beatles bio.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15954354753
I know I'm a complete saddo and will watch more or less any cycling I can find on the telly, but I'm getting a bit fed up of seeing the same old lap round Kigali, ah well, only another 16 laps of 15km in the men's race - plus an extra 40km lap out in the countryside.
Managed to get a couple of hours out this afternoon, don't like sunset before 19:00 so good job the women's race finished in good time. Somehow for the second time this week I set my third best one minute power output, which means that I have set my fourth and third best outputs this week. It did mean that I did Slag Lane 20 seconds quicker than of late.
I then did my first ascent of Green Lane in Dronfield for the first time in ages, surprised to see it was pre-COVID that I last did it. It's 0.75 miles @ 6.6% but it felt like 2 miles @ 15%, maybe that's why I stopped doing it, it was even a favourable wind today. Still I got 32 miles in.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15955999279/
Inspired by Pogi, I got another couple of hours out again. Made a real effort to do a low level effort ride and still failed miserably. Still, it was nice for late September and I got over 180 miles for the week in.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15968011314/
Me and the wife got our second 40-miler of the week in today, on the road bikes. We decided it was time for her to ascend White Horse Hill, Uffington.
The White Horse is a pre-historic chalk symbol carved into the hill on the site of an iron-age hill fort that sits alongside The Ridgeway. The climb is around a kilometre averaging 9.2% with the steepest section being a 12.3% gradient. It's a 22 mile ride out from Witney taking in the villages of Southmoor, Charney Bassett, Goosey and Baulking before reaching Uffington village where the climb 'before the climb' actually begins.
I worried that Clare was not going to go up, such was her slow pace as the rise started and then she asked to stop to rest before we got going again. I've not been up the White Horse Hill in years but having done some pretty fierce stuff on the MTBs over the last few years, it was fairly easy and possible to do without getting out of the saddle. Fair play to the missus, she made it without getting off and is well-chuffed to tick it off. She's more thrilled to tell her dad that she did it as he was a keen club cyclist and won third place in a hill-climb competition there when he was competing. He's very proud of her.
The views from the top are stunning and stretch for miles as most of the surrounding countryside is quite flat. I'd guess around half a dozen counties are visible.
After descending we took refreshment at The Fox and Hounds in Uffington before returning via Stanford in the Vale, Gainfield, Buckland and Bampton where we stopped for a second pint at The Market Tavern. Back home on 44 miles.
Both bikes rode well after I cleaned and re-lubed the chains on both a couple of days ago. Weather remained fine with some warmth still to be had when the sun came out although we didn't set off until around 11:30am as the roads were only just drying out from the overnight rain. Managed to get enough fuel from the three sausage rolls and a couple of welsh cakes that we took in the pockets of our cycle tops - all homemade by the wife, I might add. Made the perfect clothing choice with light leggings over cycle shorts, a long-sleeved cycle top over a short-sleeved one and lycra overshoes. An extremely comfortable and pleasurable ride and the hours in the saddle are really paying off now for Clare. We are starting to cover over 100 miles some weeks as we make the most of the remnants of the good weather and daylight. It will soon be time to set the mag-trainer up indoors - bah!
A dry day, and very light winds were forecast. But cold in the morning. Set off at about 1100, by which time conditions were a bit warmer.
I did an Eastbound, with the unusual twist that I went up Top Brand to Isley Walton first, joining the usual route after Long Whatton. I also went to Six Hills via Walton and Paudy Lane again, and (unusually) came back that way as well. Because I'd performed a long detour over the first 20 km, I didn't go so far east as usual.
Nice to have a few alternatives in the repertoire. Keeps these oft-repeated rides interesting.
Much warmer in the sun after the first couple of hours and I part disrobed near Walton. But when the clouds rolled over in the afternoon the temperature dived again and I ended up putting my tights back on at the bench at Stanford on Soar.
I finally finished Mark Lewisohn's brilliant Beatles biography All These Years, or Part 1 of it. I actually started it six years ago. There are 43 hours and 40 minutes of it. I do hope he completes Part 2 soon.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/250929bike.avif)
After that I had the idea of listening to A Farewell To Kings, the disappointing Rush album from 1977. I've long given up the idea of trying to get myself to like it; to turn a ham-fisted musical pig's ear into a mental silk purse. But I just wanted to have a listen again out of nostalgia really. It certainly took me back, but I gave up on it after 20 minutes. Irritating. If anything, the passage of time has made it worse.
I needed to get some music in my ears after that so I put on Past Masters Vol 1, the celebrated collection of Beatles singles that was compiled by Lewisohn in 1988. Brilliant. I will say though that some of those early stereo mixes sound ridiculous.
Back on 104.36, 928 this month, happy enough with that.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15978185990
Last chance to get out in September, so I took it. Nice sunny and day and reasonably warm with it, not much wind either - except above about 800 ft. And with it having been dry a lately I gave the Giant TCR another spin out, especially as after cleaning and lubing the chain on the Bianchi it stopped dropping down to the small sprocket on the rear cassette and no amount of fettling would get it right. Ho-hum.
Did a ride very similar to last monday's with a few diversions as I didn't want to get back with a lower average speed on the Giant compared to the Bianchi. I did do, but that was down to the diversions - and a lack of strong tailwind on the ride home.
First diversion was up Green Lane in Dronfield again, I'm getting worse on the steeper stuff, a few seconds quicker than Saturday but still a hard slog. Then I took a right turn to get to a different approach to Owler Bar Roundabout. All this gave me an extra 4'6" pf elevation gain a mile. I can feel it.
Today's 41.5 miles gets me to 619 for September with 39,000' of elevation gain.
https://www.strava.com/activities/15986061504
Yesterday's rain was at completely the wrong time, a wet afternoon would have suited me as my signed for parcel delivery was an afternoon one. Still, it is what it is.
One of my regular way's out is now unavailable due to a road closure, but it's an easy enough diversion for me to get and go the way I want to. But then there were sets of roadworks out and about which led me to a very roundabout way of getting to Tibshelf. So roundabout that I'd done over twice the distance which is really necessary to get there, but hey, I'm just out for a little ride.
Not that little for me this year, as it was only my second ride over 45 miles and I still haven't even got a 50 miler in, let alone a Fondo. But hey, quality over quantity, right?
https://www.strava.com/activities/16009111076
Dry again, not particularly warm, cloudy. I was going to do a Twycrosser. Didn't really feel like doing a fondo. But shortly after setting off, I changed my mind so I set off down the Southbound route.
Ran into a spot of bother at Earl Shilton when I encountered a ROAD CLOSED sign defending a set of roadworks. No way round it so I backtracked to the main road and busked it. Managed to find my way to Elmesthorpe, and from there to Stoney Stanton and the usual route.
Didn't go all the way to Sibbertoft or Welford. I turned back at Welford Road to come back the old-fashioned way, up through Husbands Bosworth. I thought I'd probably cut across to the usual route at Countesthorpe but in the end I decided to suck up the busy roads near Enderby and Desford. I guessed I'd be back on about 100km and I passed my old "ten miles to go" landmark at 86km so I came back the quicker way through Hugglescote.
(https://i.ibb.co/2YYdb2FP/251002bike.webp)
I stopped for a wee and a cheese & onion roll (yes, in that order) somewhere near Knaptoft and a conker fell right next to my foot from the tree pictured on the right. The spiky green casing split open on impact and it rolled out. I brought it home with me as a souvenir, maybe I'll plant it.
Lovely stretch of new tarmac between Ellistown and Bagworth.
Listened to 5 Live the whole time, reaction and news updates from the shocking incident in Manchester.
100.61.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16011962483
After a couple of washout/wind out days, I managed to get in a couple of hours before sunset. Still just warm enough for shorts and short sleeves - if you pedalled hard. Not that I wanted to pedal hard, I wanted an easy ride, yet even though I kept the power down today, the Garmin still says I was at VO2 max. Strava says I was at 82% intensity which is nowhere near VO2 max as I understand things.
I'll blame the latest Garmin Edge 1040 update as the battery dropped 14% on a ride where I'd expect a 6% decrease. These things are sent to try us.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16044612902
Colder weather eats the charge a bit.
Another dry day, cool in the morning but due to warm up nicely in the afternoon. The wind was coming from the south-west, so I decided I'd do the Lower Westbound route. Seemed like a nice idea for a Monday. I set off at 1000.
I had to navigate a road closure along Measham road on the outbound leg. No problem getting the bike past the barriers, but I didn't fancy doing it on the way back - mostly because the road was very gritty at the roadworks. So I detoured via Appleby Magna and Swepstone.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251006gate.avif)
Lovely out there in the warm sunshine. Proper legs out weather later on.
On the way back near Lullington a bird of prey swooped out in front of me, carrying a pigeon roughly the same size as itself. It took it into a row of trees on the left after flying down the road at an altitude of about two metres. A female sparrowhawk probably.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251006bike.avif)
I stopped at the bench at Lullington for five minutes and noticed that it bears a small steel plaque inscribed: "This seat is a copy of one seen in FUNCHAL MADEIRA MADE BY R Cooper 1991"
Listened to 5 Live and LBC, including coverage of the party conference in Manchester.
Back on 104.31 and that's 47 fondos this year, a new personal record. It's a lot easier to find the time for one when you don't work for a living.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16052849907
Shilling, that's pounds nowadays right? So that'd be steep penalty.
Quote from: Thenop on October 06, 2025, 07:00:40 PMShilling, that's pounds nowadays right? So that'd be steep penalty.
40 shillings would be £2. The sign probably dates to the early 20th century or late 19th, although it's been put on the gate quite recently as a sort of curiosity I'm sure. So that would be a few hundred £££ after inflation, so you definitely didn't want to leave a gate open!
Ooh, that is steep indeed. Best close it then!
It looks as if the weather may settle down for a couple of weeks now, good. Although I did encounter a bit of rain today which was completely unforecast.
Went out to Tibshelf and back again today, but varied the route out there and actually set my best time on one uphill bit, there's a nasty little kicker on it so I just got out of the saddle on the big chain ring and powered up. Bit me in the bum though as I lost all power when the gradient dropped! Must be one of the toughest climbs in Nottinghamshire - which doesn't say a lot!
Got it up to 43 miles today, which about gets me back on track for 500 miles in October. Looks like I might struggle to get to 6,500 miles for the year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16062397269/
Last night's weather forecast promised lots of sun for today. Wrong! Little Paul on Look North is normally quite good on these things, but not this time. Maybe he was just thinking about Yorkshire >:(
Still, when the sun did appear it felt warm on bare flesh. It felt cold when travelling downhill at speed when the sun wasn't shining on bare flesh.
Today for the first time in month's I've managed to get out via Sheepbridge and Dunstone. What had they been doing whilst there were traffic light controlled roadworks for three months? Putting in a set of permanent lights at a junction, that's what. Three months? No wonder this country's going down the pan.
I'd like to say it was nice riding up the Cutthorpe climb for the first time in ages, but it was bloody awful! I've not been doing enough long climbs and it shows. Must try harder. Managed to get it up to 41 miles today which was just what I wanted. So I'm happy now. Well, I'm not, I'm never happy.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16074027621
Dry and mild. Only wanted to do a Twycrosser today really, but shortly after setting off at 1220 I changed my mind and thought I'd go down the Dad's Army route for a bit.
Stopped at the butchers' stand at the garden centre near Kingsbury to get myself a large sausage roll, and was persuaded to buy an apple crumble as well. Why not?
Down to Kingsbury, left along Knowle Hill for a bit then I turned back. Came back up a different way. Intended to go up through Polesworth after the roundabout on the A5 but took a wrong turn after Dordon and ended up doing Dordon Hall Lane, which is a horrible, gritty, stony little path. There is a brilliant view from the hilltop at Dordon though. Back up via Sheepy and Swepstone.
Near Orton, I found a discarded inner tube near the large log where I stopped to eat a cheese & onion pasty. Disappointing. Very long valve stem, suggesting an expensive set of wheels - and probably therefore an experienced rider who should have known better. Disgraceful. I brought it home with me and binned it.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251008bike.avif)
Listened to 5 Live and their coverage of the last day of the party conference, and started Judge Dredd: Year Three. I've already listened to Year One. Year Two doesn't appear to be available in audiobook form. Anyway it really is very good. Superbly voice-acted by the narrator.
Back on 78.59km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16077428459
No sunshine again today, despite it being forecast to be sunnier. Suppose it's what you get for living in North East Derbyshire.
Suppose it was a bit cool too, but I soon warm up and there weren't any fast downhills today. Not much fast anything, actually managed to come in with a "Tempo" ride. That's what happens when I go out and do a few Heath/Sutton Scarsdale loops.
Another 41 miles for three forty milers in a row. I'll settle for that.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16084931931
Was in two minds over whether to do a fondo today. Hadn't been on a bike since Wednesday and conditions, although cold in the morning, were otherwise pretty ideal. Low winds and a bit of sunshine in the afternoon.
So I did the Eastbound Route, through Walton, which I always seem to do now. But only as far as Six Hills. Then I turned back. Came west through Wymeswold and Rempstone. Did the detour round the back of Sutton Bonington (particularly nice along there) then came the long way through Diseworth and Top Brand.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251011bike.avif)
Listened to LBC, then more of the Dredd novel. Back on a mere 78.59km, but weekdays are better for fondos really. Going out all day on a Saturday can cause a bit of domestic friction.
That's 284 done this month. I note from my spreadsheet that I did 1173km and nine fondos last October. Must have been unseasonally good weather. I would think 800km and four fondos is more likely for October this year. But that'll do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16107161630
Still not even done a fifty miler this year. When I've got all time in the world to ride the urgency disappears. That and I spend too much time watching Pogi disappear into the distance.
With sunset heading back towards 18:00 now, I only had a couple of hours to get out today. I aimed to do 32 miles. I did do 32 miles, but I was a minute over. Traffic hold ups cost me - slow vans, busses and unexpected roadworks did for me.
I really haven't done enough serious climbing this year. Plenty of 150-250 foot ascents, but not many of the 500+ ones. I don't like it when I'm fit, but the two ascents of Cutthorpe this week have been brutal. Not helped by the fact that I refuse to use the two largest rear sprockets, they're for the real serious stuff and because I know I don't need to use them normally I refuse to now, even though it would be to my benefit. I'm a stubborn old Hector.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16108622740/
Someone was cleaning out a communal shed we have over here, lots of bicycles, tools etc, and came across this one. Forgot I had it, but it's mine! So it needs doing up, and some friendly (pensioned) neighbours offered up help.
So far the tires have been changed out (not on this pic yet clearly..) to a bit more road friendly types (the grip profile is useless on a road, impossible to do a sharp corner), the chain has been cleaned but the gears need looking at. Feels like the freewheel is either full of old, dried out grease or it's simply shot and I need a new one.
In any case, hopefully it'll all be done in a week or so. I still can't walk normally so a bike would be handy to get around. Won't be doing any fondo's or the like, just some local pedalling will do.
(https://i.ibb.co/LzBC8f2v/IMG-20251008-WA0000.jpg)
Maybe I should have taken the Gravel bike out today after watching the World Gravel Championships, but it needs cleaning and lubing and it looks like it's got a rear flat, so back out on the Bianchi. Mrs S says she'd like to give gravel riding a go as there are no cars about.
Just a couple of hours at Tempo today. Whilst it is nice in the sun it's a bind at this time of the year late in the afternoon as half the time it's blinding you. Added an extra mile on just to avoid a direct ride into the sun. Also took the time to ride the road from Bottom Duck to Staveley as that's going to be closed for ten weeks from Monday. I thought today's 34 miles would give me my cyclingest week of the year, but I came in half a mile short.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16119982956
Took the Bianchi out again today, but after cleaning and lubing the chain, the indexing appears to have gone a bit out. There's an awful lot of noise and jumpy changing on the larger rear cogs, fine on the small ones, but then it doesn't happen on the small chain ring. Tweaking the barrel adjuster didn't do much either, just meant I kept changing to small chain ring a bit earlier if I saw other cyclist coming, so they didn't think I can't keep a bike running nicely.
Mind, when I did see other cyclists, they were wrapped up like it was the middle of Winter! There's me still with bare arms and legs, OK it was a bit nippy if you went downhill straight after slogging uphill, but it wasn't that Arctic.
Went up the Col de Wigley for the first time in a while. Took it steadily yet set my best time of the year. Turns out all the others were into a brisk headwind. Then went and set my best time on a couple of segments where I noticed that the Queen of the Mountains was that French Wonder Woman Audrey Cordon Ragot. Have to try and beat her. Back on 42 miles.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16137215073/
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 14, 2025, 04:00:00 PMMind, when I did see other cyclists, they were wrapped up like it was the middle of Winter! There's me still with bare arms and legs, OK it was a bit nippy if you went downhill straight after slogging uphill, but it wasn't that Arctic.
Was gloomy and damp all day here. Was in two minds about riding a bike. In the end I thought to myself - now I've got more time, I can be a bit more choosy about the weather. But a couple of years ago I would have gone out in it for sure.
Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 14, 2025, 04:00:00 PMTook the Bianchi out again today, but after cleaning and lubing the chain, the indexing appears to have gone a bit out. There's an awful lot of noise and jumpy changing on the larger rear cogs, fine on the small ones, but then it doesn't happen on the small chain ring.
And all was fine with it today. Go figure. Weather was fine too in that it didn't rain, but I did put a base layer on today as it was forecast to be a degree or so cooler. Didn't get too warm in it.
Today I just stayed close to home and did a few local laps. Ended up doing more climbing than when I've been riding out to the Peak District! I don't have to go far to find hills round here. Looking back I quite enjoyed it, but I didn't at the time.
With a weekend off looming I made sure I got another 40 miles in, which puts me a hundred miles up on where I want to be for the month and it also got me the Strava climbing challenge completed for October.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16148411154
No cycling for a few days so I was keen to get out for a bit today. The weather wasn't bad, cold and cloudy but dry. With a light wind coming from the north-east, I thought I'd do the Eastbound Route.
Once again I went the Walton way after Cotes. Went all the way to Eastwell this time, where I took the pic. So disappointing to see "metres" misspelled in an English village. And not an England flag in sight, either.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251015bike.webp)
Looped round Sutton Bonington again, and did the long detour through Diseworth and Coleorton on the way home.
Very light drizzle for 20 minutes near Eastwell.
Listened to 5 Live, and finished off the first of the three Dredd novellas from Volume Three. Not too keen on the way it ultimately wraps up.
Back on 112.43.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16150914670
And out under the grey leaden skies again. A little bit warmer today and thankfully just as wind free.
I had thought about going up to the tops again today, as looking at the local roadworks it seemed to be the most obstruction free way to go, but I really didn't want to slog up a long hill again and managed to time my way through Brimington to perfection.
Also was back on the Giant TCR again today, roads are dry, so I thought it would be nice to treat it to a spin again, especially as it needs less effort to do the same speed as the Bianchi. Funny, even riding at the same speed as on the Bianchi it feels like you're going faster. That bit of extra lightness and stiffness makes you feel good.
Got up to 43 miles today, which means 125 for the week, which is just what you need to get 500 miles a month in. Weather for the rest of October doesn't look too good though for after my weekend away.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16159206152
Today's plan was to do an eastbound fondo again so I did, but I went exploring a bit after Six Hills. Eight or nine years ago I took a different route back from a route over to Belvoir Castle (probably) and I came across a caff. I thought it was near Grimston, on a parallel road to Six Hills Lane. So I went looking today, at the expense of a fair bit of hill climbing, but I didn't find it. Odd one. Must be misremembering somehow. I spent about half an hour looking for it on Google Maps and Streetview last night as well. Frustrating.
I did the Walton route coming east again and this time I decided I'd try a different route out of the village. It has a dead end sign, but it's called Six Hills Road. I hoped it would lead to some sort of pedestrian-accessible barrier where I could manhandle the bike onto a road near Six Hills. Nope! After 3km or so it deteriorated into a track looking more like tractor ruts in mud than a road. So I turned back.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251017bike.avif)
Since I'd added a fair bit of distance from exploring I turned west early. Had to do the Sutty Bonner detour to get up to fondo distance, but I wanted to anyway. Also came the longer way via Coleorton.
Early start, I was away by 0850. Cold, but pleasant out there. Overcast again though. I listened to 5 Live, and the Kiss album Love Gun, in memory of the recently deceased Ace Frehley.
Back on 100.51.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16170325938
Hadn't operated a bike for a few days due to rainy weather so I was keen to get out for a bit today. Alas, rain was due over at about 1400 so I'd have to make do with a Twycrosser or Bypasser.
So I did a Bypasser. I was defeated by a road closure at Orton Road - there's been a traffic light system there for a few weeks, but now there's a barrier right across. So I tracked back and went east to Sheepy via Orton Lane. I was defeated by another set of road works along Ratcliffe Road as well. So I gave Atterton Lane a miss and went east via Sibson Road. Then up via Shenton, Bosworth, Heather, Ibstock.
I did pick up three or four spots of rain near Ibstock but it hasn't rained since then. Could have stayed out longer.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251021bike.avif)
I listened to Boris Johnson's evidence at the COVID enquiry but became angered by the questioning, so I listened to Groove Armada's Vertigo, Evelyn "Champagne" King's Get Loose and Martin Taylor's Don't Fret which I remember buying in the jazz & classical department at a long-gone music shop in Leicester in 1992.
Back on 57.41km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16211192529
After a weekend break in surprisingly rainy Manchester it was back to the cycling grindstone again today. Eventually. I thought it was forecasted to be a dry morning and it was sunny when I got up. By ten o'clock it was raining. Just for an hour by rain.
Managed to get out for half eleven and Mrs S wanted me back around one before she went to work. She worries. So, that gave me an hour and a half. Twenty four miles then.
Actually managed 26 miles and was late home. I encountered an unexpected set of roadworks in Cutthorpe, where the lights remained resolutely on Red. There was a fair sized queue at them so I thought they would soon turn green. Wrong. After a couple of minutes and with traffic starting to come through the other way again I turned round and did a Newbold Diversion.
When I got home, looked on the Roadworks website, no sign of any. Google Maps showed free flowing traffic.
Beginning to wonder if it was all an hallucination.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16210509826
Managed to ramp it up today and get back to a 40 miler, had to with tomorrow's forecast. The BBC gave today a 0% chance of rain. Of course they did.
It rained, but thnakfully not on me! For once on a 0% chance of rain day I avoided the obvious certainty that it would rain. I managed to cycle out the top side of it and follow it back after it finished. Of course following it back meant I got the icky cold spray feeling on bare legs, but none of the wet clothing.
Also remembered to avoid the closed roads today. I can't believe the amount of road closures and roadworks at the moment and nowhere do they appear to be doing anything. Up above Apperknowle there was a posse of Severn Trent employees who were obviously looking for where best it might be to close a road at random. I presume that's how it works.
Nice to get back up to the Peak District again as well. At my age I feel a sense of achievement now when I get above 1,000 feet. It's these small things that make life worth living - when you're coming down anyway.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16221364785
Out for just a gentle spin today. I think the time to dig out bib tights is upon us again. I managed OK in shorts, but it was a bit nippy and if it had rained, it would have been bone-chilling. But then I try not to go out in the rain if I can help it and the showers did stay off until this afternoon.
So just a 28 miler doing nothing strenuous. All the local roadworks and road closures made it a bit busy up in Brim though. If only 10% of these people used a bicycle for their short, needless journeys the roads would move a lot more freely. So come on denizens of North East Derbyshire ON YER BIKE!!!
A cold day was forecast - 7 or 8C all day. I got up earlyish, wrapped up warm and set off at about 0925.
I was determined to do at least 100km today, to keep my run of at-least-quintuple-fondo months going (eight in a row now!). The wind was coming from the north-west so I opted for the Upper Westbound route. Hadn't done it for a few weeks.
After Sudbury I headed north along the road to Ashbourne as I often do, but the traffic was a bit busier than usual along there and anyway I didn't fancy the climbing. So I turned back after 47km. Made up the distance on the way back by taking a detour through Fauld and Tutbury but not quite enough as it turned out, so I did a loop of the village over the last couple of km. Back on 100.55km.
Very changeable weather. Sunny, cloudy, rained on a couple of times. Even the wind didn't seem that consistent today - I think the tailwind on the way back was a bit stronger than the headwind had been, which makes a change.
I listened to LBC and 5 Live.
And that's a respectable 733km done this month. Tuesday looks a decent cycling day so I may get that up to 800.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16211192529
A Cold day was forecast, so I stayed in bed. Even in retirement a Saturday morning is a Saturday morning!
I don't think it was any warmer than the morning when I eventually set out this afternoon. There was a brisk NW breeze too, which was very much in my face on the way out. It made uphill drags into full on Mont Ventoux climbs and I was wishing I'd stopped in.
Of course a headwind on the way out is a tailwind on the way back, so it let me cruise back to get to the 30 miles which gave me 125 for the week and 500 for October.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16253710399/
A sunny day. Very autumnal. Cold and very windy. I decided a Bypasser would do. Did a decently long one, taking in Atterton Lane. Back up through Upton, Shenton, Bosworth and Heather.
Nice out there, especially with a tailwind over the second half. Was gritting my teeth a bit on the way down. Pleased to see they've completed the road works at Warton. Nice smooth tarmac now.
Listened to 5 Live.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251028bike.avif)
Back on 62.61.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16282626123
Sunny day, but a bit blowy. Mrs S cautioned me not to go out, but do I listen? Anyway, the forecast was for the wind to ameliorate slightly as the couple of hours of my ride wore on.
The wind may have dropped a bit, but by 'eck there were some gusts! Going down Peterdale Road which is steep and quick I got caught by a bit of crosswind where there was a side road and nearly had the back wheel taken out from under me, but a quick weight shift and the bike righted itself.
Did a bit of Staveley bypass lower loop bashing to try and get an easier bit of riding in, but the wind was a slowing factor, had to put more effort in than I thought. Also got a clear ride out with no unforeseen roadworks or road closures to get 36 miles in.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16281566924
I think it's time for Winter mode to kick in. Just go out and pootle about for a couple of hours. I'm getting old, the thought of endless climbs out to the Peak District is losing its appeal. Not that they are endless, they just seem that way.
The roads seem quieter now it's half term week. I suppose all the folk who work from home are having to look after kids and/or make it seem like they are working at home instead of going out to do the shopping. Got it up to 35 miles again today. It'll do. Saw quite a few Jays flying around today, must be Acorn season.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16292205191
What did I say about going to the Peak District? I went there, it was via the easy way, but you still go uphill for a long way, but at a lesser gradient. I'd done a harder climb before I even started the ascent to the Moors.
A grey day, but plenty of other cyclists were out and about today. Not what I really wanted as if they are ahead of me and travelling a bit more slowly I itch to get by them, but I was supposed to be taking it steadily today. Luckily, whenever I was about to catch them we got to a junction and they went the opposite way to me. That also spares me the fate of overtaking them and then being caught when the road kicks upward.
Today's 37 miles gets me to 627 for October, with 42,000' of elevation gain, not as much as last October, but it will do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16302223232
Today's weather was forecast to be sunny early on, cloudy later with rain over at about 1600. I did think briefly about doing a fondo but since it was cold before 1030 or so and I didn't want to get rained on later, I didn't. But with the wind coming from the south, I went down the southbound route anyway.
I took a detour after Ellistown along Beveridge Lane, past the enormous Amazon depot that must be visible from space. Partly for a change, partly to bump up the distance over a decent flat stretch of road.
Church Street at Earl Shilton is still closed for road works so once again I took a long detour to Stoney Stanton via Elmesthorpe. Then I turned back. Came the usual way except that I bypassed the road works by taking the bypass.
Very nice for the first hour or so, then gloomy, then light rain, about 90 minutes earlier than threatened. But it encouraged me to give the bike a good clean with a bathroom wipe while it was wet, once I returned to the garage.
Started the next Judge Dredd novella, pretty good so far. And listened to a bit of 5 Live.
Back on 65.34 km, that's it for October with a monthly total of 861 km. Not as good as last October which surprisingly was the highest scoring month of 2024 (1173 km). But it's more than good enough.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16303210910
Got November underway today. Was a bit disappointed to see it raining by the time I left my pit, but it soon cleared - thanks to the wind.
Settling into my winter routine a couple of weeks earlier than usual I managed to get out before midday for a couple of hours. Nice enough, if a bit blowy, plenty of Kestrel activity up above Apperknowle. Saw one hovering over the road on my first spin round the Equilateral, next time it was flying away with something dangling from its talons.
Back on 31 miles.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16321540645
The sister in law came over today. Means my mental health - such as it is - was under severe threat, so I managed to escape for a bit. Was told to be back for lunch at half one. Could have got a good extra half hour in and in an ideal world I'd have liked to have done an other 75 miles, but even then she's still not gone...
Nice day for it, although the wind was more fresh than gentle. Managed to get 25 miles in. Weather for next week not looking good.
We had in mind to get out today as the weather looked as if it would be good. And it was! However, still a lot of wet on the roads in places so glad we opted for the mtbs. Usually we take lunch in a rucksack when we are aboard the mtbs and so it was today.
A very small amount of off-road due to our view that a lot of the bridleways would be too wet. The bridleway from Ducklington to Calais Lane is mostly a mix of tarmac drive (to the farm) and gravel so presented no issues.
Exiting at Brighthamoton near Standlake we cycled through the Rack End area of Standlake and took the single track road through Northmoor. Passing the small hamlet of Bablockythe (which is primarily made up of a mobile home park and a pub on the banks of the river Thames), then through Stanton Harcourt, Sutton and on to Eynsham. At Eynsham we stopped in the square for lunch where we consumed homemade sausage rolls, crisps, banana cake (also h/made), washed down with a cup of coffee from our flask, in the sun. Lovely!
We then crossed the A40 and headed towards Freeland before turning south along Cuckoo Lane and on to North Leigh. Back home via New Yatt at around 2:15pm. It was a lovely ride in decent weather. Not too cold but I was glad I chose my thicker gloves. Plenty of sunshine.
22.7 miles in 2hrs.
Well that was a mixed bag.
My first idea was to do the Lower Westbound, but after the first couple of km I changed my mind and thought I'd go down the Meriden Gap. However, I took a wrong turn somewhere and realised after 45km or so that I wasn't actually heading that way. But no worries, all I needed to do was do another 5km then come back the same way.
However, at a place called Furnace End I found myself at a junction with a road going to Atherstone - which is a town just below the bottom end of the Bypasser route. So I took that.
That was a more direct route home so after Atherstone I tacked on the latter half of a Bypasser incorporating Fenn Lanes. And when I realised that that wouldn't be enough either I went east to Kirkby Mallory, to come up the Southbound route.
I came the short way through Donington Le Heath over the last few km, which was a miscalculation as it left me having to faff around for a kilometre or so in the village. But: in the end, back on 100.42.
The roads were a bit wet to start from early morning rain, but dried up after a couple of hours.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251102bike.avif)
Interesting to come north through the bottom end of Atherstone again, hadn't done that for years.
I passed through a place called Gospel Oak in Warwickshire, curiously. There's a place of the same name in North London.
Back a few minutes after sunset. I took lights, but didn't use them. Good run out, a bit climby on the other side of the A5 though. I don't think I'd adopt it as a regular fondo route.
Listened to LBC, then footy on 5 Live. Very entertaining game between West Ham and Newcastle.
Lovely views of a 2/3 Moon low in the sky in bright sunshine.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16334363654
Well, I managed to find a dryish slot to get out and cycle in. Decided to give the Gravel Bike a run out and just ride the local lanes. Might be my only escape route for a bit as yet more roadworks have started up. Well, I can still get out another way, but I'll have to remember that that will necessitate a different way home until mid December.
Could have gone back to shorts and short sleeves again today, it was plenty warm enough managed to work up quite a sweat on my mindless meanderings. Could have got in more than my 22 miles, but it was just good to get out and have a ride, rain was always threatening.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16351767380
Well, the weather this week is turning out to be much better than originally forecast, in fact today though cloudy was just too warm, I got a right sweat on, suppose I shouldn't have gone up so many hills.
Back up to the Peak District - just skirting the Eastern boundary- again today. Hard work, but soon forgotten, or so I keep telling myself.
Got 35 miles in today, as ever it'll do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16363148437
Drizzly early on and the roads were wet. But surprisingly mild, about 14C. Once again I set off with half a mind to do a fondo. And I went down Spon Lane with the idea of possibly going down to Meriden and back. But I thought better of it by the time I got to Old Grendon.
So I turned back, rejoined the Twycrosser route, up through Sibson, Congerstone, Heather.
Nice and sunny early on, gloomy later. Despite the BBC's claim that it was 0% probable, I got rained on for the last hour or so so. I did feel vindicated about not going further.
Listened to 5 Live. Back on 57.30.
In other news, I have received a new set of Campagnolo wheels for Boardman I. It's only done 360km this year. Tempted to get a new cassette instead of wrestling the old one off, which will most likely make me feel guilty if I don't clean it.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16363723477
Quote from: Slim on November 05, 2025, 03:41:02 PMDrizzly early on and the roads were wet. But surprisingly mild, about 14C. Once again I set off with half a mind to do a fondo. And I went down Spon Lane with the idea of possibly going down to Meriden and back. But I thought better of it by the time I got to Old Grendon.
So I turned back, rejoined the Twycrosser route, up through Sibson, Congerstone, Heather.
Nice and sunny early on, gloomy later. Despite the BBC's claim that it was 0% probable, I got rained on for the last hour or so so. I did feel vindicated about not going further.
Listened to 5 Live. Back on 57.30.
In other news, I have received a new set of Campagnolo wheels for Boardman I. It's only done 360km this year. Tempted to get a new cassette instead of wrestling the old one off, which will most likely make me feel guilty if I don't clean it.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16363723477
This is so very journalistic, James. Almost a diary entry. I always think that a compilation of your cycling activities and photographs could easily be a best selling book. This doesn't seem like you. Hope you're ok.
Quote from: The Picnic Wasp on November 05, 2025, 03:50:19 PMThis is so very journalistic, James. Almost a diary entry. I always think that a compilation of your cycling activities and photographs could easily be a best selling book. This doesn't seem like you. Hope you're ok.
Everything's fine, do appreciate your kind words. But what's not like me - unusually brief? It was pretty uneventful and sometimes I do just knock them out quickly.
Quote from: Slim on November 05, 2025, 03:53:26 PMQuote from: The Picnic Wasp on November 05, 2025, 03:50:19 PMThis is so very journalistic, James. Almost a diary entry. I always think that a compilation of your cycling activities and photographs could easily be a best selling book. This doesn't seem like you. Hope you're ok.
Everything's fine, do appreciate your kind words. But what's not like me - unusually brief? It was pretty uneventful and sometimes I do just knock them out quickly.
Usually more of a recognisable flow, like a trademark I suppose. I'm always envious of the km you and the other regulars mark up. I need to be more active before the State Pension arrives. I see it as a bit of a fulcrum in the years ahead and I worry.
For reasons best known to myself, I decided to swap the SPD pedals (Mountain bike style) on my Gravel Bike to my Power pedals (road style). After 40 minutes I had got precisely nowhere, they would not budge. So much later than expected I decided just to go out on the Bianchi.
Well, I suppose going back to Summer kit - it was bloody warm today - looks better on a road bike. I did take it up the not far off gravel local lanes to start with and nearly got taken out by the squadron of Suicide Squirrels who were leaping out of the hedgerow, gets the old heart pumping more than a hill!
I survived the Squirrels and then just settled into a gentle ride, pootling round the local roads as if it were winter. The hedgerows are now well stocked with Goldfinch, I wish the ones in our garden would join them as they're getting through 4kg of Sunflower seeds a week!
Back on 33.5 miles. And I found the boy had loosened the pedals with some brute force.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16373660520
Took the Bianchi out again today. maybe swap the Power Pedals to the Gravel bike tomorrow and use it as a road bike while I sit on my steely buttocks considering putting the Winter wheels onto the Bianchi.
Didn't bother straying far from home today, doing laps around Barrowhill. Don't think there's much sealant left in the tyres now and with the state of the roads I don't want to be walking far after puncturing.
Going up a single track road a car came behind me and hooted, I pulled into a wider bit of road and slowed down, but he didn't come by. I sped up and he then had to wait for cars coming the other way, at the top of the road he drew alongside me wound down the window and said "You could have bloody pulled over and let my through", I turned round, looked at him and said "Sorry Rog", it was the bloke who runs the garage where we have our cars serviced and repaired!
Back on 31 miles, avoided any roadworks and was in time to settle down and watch the Cyclocross.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16393729393
I had a clear plan for today, and for once I stuck to it. The idea was to do the usual southbound fondo.
I set off at about 1035, later than I'd intended. But after 0.5 kilometres, I realised I hadn't brought a rear light. So I returned to the garage and equipped myself properly by stealing the strappy rear blinker off the S Works, then set off again.
I've just written that abortive 1km off. It won't trouble the spreadsheet.
Went all the way down to the gliding club at Sibbertoft and across the border into Northamptonshire. Nothing flying today. Then I came back. On the last couple of southbound trips I've come back up the "old" way but I stuck to the usual way for the return leg this time. Happily the roadworks at Earl Shilton are complete now so I was able to come straight through.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251108.avif)
Took the shortcut via Donington Le Heath over the last few km.
Decent weather, reasonably mild. Didn't rain though it was a bit gloomy in the afternoon and the roads were wet from overnight drizzle early on. Enjoyable run out. Listened to LBC, the rest of the second Dredd novella from Volume III - pretty good. Nice twist. And footy on 5 Live.
I stopped at the village shop at Gilmorton and had a large sausage roll at one of the tables outside. I managed to eat it in about two minutes. Didn't want to be back too long after dark.
No interesting wildlife to report. I was pursued by two small yappy dogs near the travellers' site not far from Bagworth. Had to put my foot down, thought I was going to get my ankle bitten! And there's a stinky dead badger in the middle of the road near Broughton Astley.
Back more than 40 minutes after sunset, on 103.78km. Getting dark, just as well my blinky LED front light was adequate as I managed to break the strap mount off my head torch.
That one takes me to 90057 km done since Jan 2015, 9975 this year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16396550529
Set off in slightly foggy weather just after 9am yesterday and for the first 20 minutes or so it appeared to be getting foggier. I put all my lights to max strength to ensure I could be seen.
A brief sight of very hazy sunshine through the cloud was the preface to bright blue skies. I couldn't quite believe how sudden the change was, but that was it for the rest of the spin. In wasn't particularly warm but ideal for cycling.
I met up with my old cycling buddy who'd been off his bike since June with a hip operation. He's been following all the physio and rehab to the letter and is finally able to cycle again albeit gently for now. He should be back to normal in a couple of months.
I just did a 20k loop with him and another 37 going between Trim and Navan, (slightly longer way back)
Managed to get a couple of hours out today, didn't really feel up to it, been a bit groggy the last couple of days, but hey, it had stopped raining.
Took the gravel bike out and was back to tights and long sleeves, but if it hadn't been so windy and the roads so wet I'd have survived in Summer kit again. Got a real sweat on at times.
Slowest 30 mile ride I've done all year, but it keeps me on track for 500 miles in November and keeps the old body moving.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16424253167
Got a 20 miler in yesterday in the slot when it was barely raining, that was just riding round in little loops close to home in case it rained properly.
Today the Sun was shining so more of a proper ride. Not only was the sun shining, but it was warm enough to be out in Summer kit. Pretty sure that'll be the last time I expose my arms and legs until at least the end of next March :(
Don't know if was the Chamois in my shorts, but the saddle on the gravel bike was really painful today. I was riding out of the saddle more than normal and when I got home I could barely walk, not helped by the fact that I think my right shoe had been tightened up too much and I could barely put any weight on it. Doesn't normally happen with my road shoes, normally it's if I use the gravel shoes on a 30+ mile ride that my right foot fails badly.
Still, nice to be out in the sunshine for more of a proper ride, going out to Morton through Tibshelf. Not the most picturesque of rides, but pleasant enough. Back on 35 miles.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16445606962
A dry day! And since I hadn't been out on a bike since Sunday, I was keen to take advantage of it. I also wanted to test the new wheels I've now fitted to the Boardman.
I didn't want to do a fondo due to the risk of rain in the afternoon, and because I don't like to do longer rides on brand new equipment. I thought I'd do a Twycrosser, with an option to drop down the Dad's Army route if I felt like it. I did feel like it, just about. Went down through Kingsbury, as far as Marston. Turned back up and came back along a Bypasser route, in reverse.
No rain. Actually very nice out there in the autumn sunshine and very mild as well.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251113bike.avif)
I'm very pleased with the new Campagnolo wheels. Whether they just suit the Boardman frame or it's just because they're new I don't know but they roll beautifully. They seem to make it go faster.
Curiously, the new Campags which I fitted to the Cannondale a while back are higher-tier than these ones. And yet if anything, I felt they took a bit of the zip out of it.
Anyway back on 80.70 which takes me through the 10,000km finish tape for 2025.
Listened to 5 Live.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16446928580
Shocking weather over the last couple of days but today was slated to be dry (although the roads were a bit wet) so a fondo was in order.
I did tinker with the idea, before I set off, of trying a new route that would dip down below Thrussington to a place called Ashby Foville. But I decided in the end just to do the regular Eastbound.
Or mostly, anyway. Rempstone Road is still closed east of Zouch so I detoured via Sutton Bonington - hence I turned back about 5km short of the usual half-fondo point (the crossroads at Eastwell).
Cold out there, supposedly 7C but felt a bit colder.
Took the Boardman again. Nice to have it earning its keep in the garage again now it's got new wheels on. Annoyingly my right cleat fell to bits after 40km, but I pressed on regardless. The yellow plastic strip at the front had separated and started to foul the clip at the back. I pulled it off, not so bad after that though the plastic tongue at the front was broken.
I listened to LBC, 5 Live and Niall Ferguson's Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World. What a beautiful antidote to the slanted, ridiculously selective, axe-grinding atrocity porn of Olusaga's libelous BBC TV series.
Back on 103.73, about 45 mins after sunset.
I've set myself a target of doing 11200 km in 2025, 1040 to go. Another 400 this month if the weather allows.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16478295352
Just a short one today. It's gone cold. Fnarr, Fnarr.
Can't believe Thursday saw Summer kit and today was full Winter kit. I got 21 miles in, good enough to keep me on track for 500 in November. May have been a shorter ride than Thursday but got no leg or foot pain, I just adjusted the saddle a bit yesterday as it looked to be tilting backwards a bit, it may have made the difference.
And another short one today. Managed an hour and twenty between rain bands. Keeps me on track for 500 miles in November.
Very cold today but most of the rest of the month is forecast to be blighted by rain, so slightly reluctantly I decided to do at least 30km or so. I wrapped up very warm, of course.
First thought was to go up to the top of Top Brand, and come back. I went a bit further, past Tonge. Then east to Belton, over toward Long Whatton. And back home through Griffydam and Coleorton.
Just made it up as I went along, really. All very familiar roads. Back on 39.29 km.
I wasn't that uncomfortable, especially on the way back with a bit of tailwind. Actually my upper body was too warm after a while, although my extremities were still uncomfortably cold. Should have done a longer one really.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16505504042
Well, I only had time for a little one again today, got an hour and twenty in between waiting for parcel deliveries. Managed to get up to 19 miles which will do. What wouldn't do was a nasty cold wind when riding North. When I'd done an about face a cyclist coming the other way had a moan to me about it.
What won't do was the fact that the zips on both of my overshoes failed. The right one before I went out the left one when I got back. So if I go out again in the next couple of days I either end up with complete frostbite, or wear them undone.
New pair of overshoes turned up this morning. Only ordered them at ten last night took me hours to find something that was cheap enough and didn't get loads of bad reviews, most makes seem to get lots of complaints about failing zips. The new pair are zipless and bright yellow. I feel like Billy Connolly in his Banana Boots.
Are they any good? Well, my toes felt a bit warmer but I had taped over the air holes at the front of the shoes. Don't think they'll be that good in a torrential downpour, but I try not to go out in that sort of weather.
With all my parcel deliveries arriving early on today, I was able to get out and go a bit further afield. Not too far but enough for a change of scenery and nearly got up to 32 miles.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16514801412
Very cold when I got up this morning and I thought I might well stay in all day. But rain is forecast from tomorrow until Tuesday, so I forced myself to do a Twycrosser. I did a moderate length one, through Ratcliffe Culey at the bottom.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251121bike.avif)
Actually very pleasant out there in the winter sunshine. Fingers and toes were freezing when I got back though so 50.02km was enough.
Having come a cropper on ice in January, I was a little bit trepidatious going downhill here and there. I did see a few icy puddles just off the road. But I was avoiding the more obscure country lanes and I doubt I made contact with any ice.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16525422121
Well, I was going to go out for a 30 miler or so today, being as the weather was forecast to be Sunny. But, I woke up feeling a bit under the weather, however what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. So I resolved to get out there.
Then an email came through saying a parcel which had to be signed for would arrive between 12:29 and 14:29. As I was most definitely the only person in house who could be available and it was a case of wine my plans were curtailed, so it was only an 18 miler, never straying more than a 25 minute walk from home in case of unforeseen circumstances.
After a very cold week and then a very wet Friday evening, it was great to wake up on Saturday morning to see a grey but dry day.
It was still pretty cold so full winter garb was cold for. 4 layers under a luminous cycling jacket. Thickest gloves, 2 pairs of socks and a wooly hat under the cycling helmet.
A bit of drizzle to begin with but that didn't last and weak sunshine began to show through towards the end. A flattish 50kms started by heading out out to Dunderry where I met Norman. Then Bohermeen, Athboy (where we had a coffee and bun break) over the Hill of Ward (more of a pimple really) and back to Dunderry and a different route back to Navan.
One of those mornings where I might not have gone if I hadn't agreed to meet up, but so glad I did. Even on the dullest days cycling is a great mood lifter.
Wasn't expecting to get out today but the forecast for the afternoon improved considerably. A little bit milder today, too. The roads were still wet when I set off at 1120. I took the Tricross again.
I did a Twycrosser - I thought the roads might be a bit muddy over Orton way so again, no bypass via Orton this time. I did the Ratcliffe / Upton / Shenton version. And on the way back up I extended over to Ellistown via Nailstone.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251123bike.avif)
I didn't get rained on but the roads near home were soaking wet when I got back. Dodged a downpour apparently. Listened to LBC, footy on 5 Live and a bit of a Daft Punk album. Really quite nice out there when the sun was out. 54.18 km.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16544911778
Back in the saddle last week for a couple of 20 milers due mainly to being away but also either a broken toe or bone due to inadvertently kicking the kitchen door back in September..
Anyway back out again last Friday and yesterday for a couple of 33 milers.. nice to get reacquainted with the single track routes around Ayrshire.. gloriously sunny day today but very cold but unfortunately it's Christmas shopping with the wife.. weather wise rest of the week looks a bit bleak but will try and get out again
I had a particular plan in mind today, to test a new route I'd come up with last night on the Ride with GPS route planner. This would take me up over Swarkestone Bridge then east through Weston and Aston, up to Borrowash and loop round to the east and back to Aston via Sawley and Shardlow.
I particularly liked this route in principle because the loop at the east is very flat.
So I did that, except that I didn't complete the loop. I'd decided that it wasn't that good a route after all. The stretch between Borrowash and Sawley is a bit busy. So at the big roundabout over the A50, I dropped down through Donington and came home the long way - via Diseworth and Long Whatton - from there.
Something a bit different then although I had been over Sawley way at least once before (just checked, six years ago (https://bikediary.uk/2020/09/12/spondon-ilkeston-donington)).
Saw a heron as I pedalled over Swarkestone Bridge.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251125.avif)
Listened mostly to Times Radio, should do that more often. A bit more centrist than some radio stations I could mention.
And that's another 70.09 km in the bag for November. I've done 656 this month now which is decent I think. More than I did in February. Just as well because the forecast for the rest of the month looks a bit forbidding. I hope December's better.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16562718037
After three days off through bad weather and feeling under the weather I wanted to make the most of today's sunshine. But little Brother had arranged to come over and he didn't bog off for house, so it was nigh on half twelve before I could set off.
Took the Bianchi out now I've put the winter wheels on, was hoping that a lighter bike would maximise my mileage in the time available. It might have given me an extra mile and a half. Now need to get 100 miles in by the end of Sunday if I'm going to get 500 for November. Might struggle after just getting 25 in today.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16562294778
Quote from: Slim on November 25, 2025, 04:25:13 PMI had a particular plan in mind today, to test a new route I'd come up with last night on the Ride with GPS route planner. This would take me up over Swarkestone Bridge then east through Weston and Aston, up to Borrowash and loop round to the east and back to Aston via Sawley and Shardlow.
I particularly liked this route in principle because the loop at the east is very flat.
So I did that, except that I didn't complete the loop. I'd decided that it wasn't that good a route after all. The stretch between Borrowash and Sawley is a bit busy. So at the big roundabout over the A50, I dropped down through Donington and came home the long way - via Diseworth and Long Whatton - from there.
Something a bit different then although I had been over Sawley way at least once before (just checked, six years ago (https://bikediary.uk/2020/09/12/spondon-ilkeston-donington)).
Saw a heron as I pedalled over Swarkestone Bridge.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251125.avif)
Listened mostly to Times Radio, should do that more often. A bit more centrist than some radio stations I could mention.
And that's another 70.09 km in the bag for November. I've done 656 this month now which is decent I think. More than I did in February. Just as well because the forecast for the rest of the month looks a bit forbidding. I hope December's better.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16562718037
You should have told me you were coming, I would have waived!
Quote from: Thenop on November 25, 2025, 05:53:28 PMYou should have told me you were coming, I would have waived!
I did actually stop there to take that pic with you in mind - I wondered if you'd spot it. If I remember correctly it's a garden centre. Perhaps somewhere in The Netherlands there's a garden centre called
Engeland.
Quote from: Slim on November 25, 2025, 06:44:29 PMQuote from: Thenop on November 25, 2025, 05:53:28 PMYou should have told me you were coming, I would have waived!
I did actually stop there to take that pic with you in mind - I wondered if you'd spot it. If I remember correctly it's a garden centre. Perhaps somewhere in The Netherlands there's a garden centre called Engeland.
Haha, great that.
I do know we have an America in the Netherlands. Need to see if I can find something similar for Engeland indeed.
It had dropped cold again today. The frost still hasn't lifted when I set out at 11:03 but I managed to get and do the 35 miles I wanted.
Broke my recent habit of just riding loops close to home and went out to Bozer. I was surprised to find that I hadn't gone up the climb - via Shuttlewood - to Bolsover since 2018. can't believe it has been that long. I go that way to avoid the direct way up Bolsover hill, but even going the long way it hits 11% at times. Not what I wanted, but sometimes you just have to do it.
Tomorrow looks like it will be dull, but warm, hopefully get another 35 miles in which will then leave me three days to try and squeeze another 30 miles in, the weather will have to play ball.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16572030076
Warmed up again today. But very gloomy with it and even though there was no precipitation from above there was plenty of road spray from overnight rain. Unless it was just my arse sweating.
More of a meandering route close to home today with a few Calow loops thrown in. Was trying to reduce the effort I was putting in and I suppose I did, but it doesn't feel like it now. Still, another 36 miles done, 28 needed for 500 in November. Might all have to be done on Sunday looking at the weather forecast.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16581596436
A dry, sunny day except for wet roads. But cold. About 3C when I set off at 1025. I did a Twycrosser (wary of doing a Bypasser at the moment because of the likely state of the roads around Orton).
Was going to go down to Old Grendon, but came to a section of flodded road. So I turned back early. I knew the road along Mythe Lane would be flooded as well, but I went along there just to have a look. Took the pic there.
Sibson Road, Fenn Lanes. Stopped for a pasty and a bit of smoothie at one of the benches at Sutton Cheney. Extended the ride to the east by going over to Kirkby Mallory, then came home from there along the usual Southbound route.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251130bike.avif)
Lovely in the sunshine. An immoderate rain shower commenced about 0.3km from home, and about 30 seconds after I'd entered the garage, a heavy hailstorm had started! Good timing.
Back on 73.79 which takes me to a November total of 733km. Sad that I only managed three fondos this month, bringing to an end a run of eight 5+ fondo months.
Listened mostly to LBC, but also the David Bowie album Low.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16611461084
After a complete washout yesterday - why did it stop raining the moment the Sun went down? I "had" to get out today to meet my 500 miles a month target. Now, did I go before dinner or after dinner (that'll be lunch to non Northerners)
I decided before would be better, even though it was forecast to be sunny all day best to do it whilst you still know it's sunny. Wasn't too sure where to go, but the way my Heart Rate shot up as soon as I set off I knew it would be wise to head for the flattest roads I know. Certainly ended up doing my flattest ride of the year and not far off flattest ever - in this neck of the woods.
Back on 30 miles to make sure I was over the 28 needed only to find that Mrs S had buggered off to Sainsburys and there was no dinner waiting for me on the table >:(
https://www.strava.com/activities/16610301031
Got December underway today. Would have liked to yesterday, but it rained. I still don't do rain. Luckily today it sunned and it was still sunny by the time I managed to get outdoors.
Even did more of a proper ride today, no real circuits or slogging up and down the same bit of road. Tried doing it steadily and about succeeded, although I always seem to get a vehicle behind me at the worst possible time - narrow uphill roads - and out of the kindness of my heart I put in some extra effort so as to shorten the time they spend behind me.
Back on 38 miles, reasonable start, but probably not enough to make a dent into the 500 mile target, not with a weekend away and next week's weather forecast and then it's almost Christmas...
https://www.strava.com/activities/16628425077
Bit ashamed to admit it and it probably means I'm not a true cyclist but I hate getting punctures and unless I had no choice wouldn't dream of changing an inner tube by the side of the road.
So the front tyre puncture on Saturday morning was most unwelcome. It turned a planned 40k plus cycle into one of less than 30. Had to wait at the side of the road for a wife who was free that morning, luckily enough.
I finally got round to changing it yesterday evening. Why does it take me so long? Around 40 minutes I reckon, 20 minutes to remove and another 20 to replace. I just don't get the technique and it happens rarely enough that it never becomes a habit.
Even this morning I found that awful bump, bump, bump on the 6 minute spin to work that means either the tyre is not in properly or the inner tube has slipped under the tyre - so will need to be deflated and refitted.
Was embarrassed to post that but now it feels strangely cathartic!
Quote from: dom on December 02, 2025, 04:48:38 PMBit ashamed to admit it and it probably means I'm not a true cyclist but I hate getting punctures and unless I had no choice wouldn't dream of changing an inner tube by the side of the road.
I hate punctures. I'm paranoid about punctures. My rides are staying closer and closer to home just in case I get one, I figure if I'm only three miles from home I can walk back in the time it takes me to put a new tube in. And if it's one of my tubeless tyres then if it doesn't seal there's no way I could get a tube in as tubeless tyres for me are a bastard to get on- although Mrs S finds it quite easy!
Thankfully for whatever reason most of mine have happened either just after leaving home or just before
getting back. The Cavalry have had to come to my aid twice.
Another cold day with wet roads, but - no rain forecast, and intermittently sunny. So I thought I'd get a fondo in. I did have the (possibly unrealistic) thought that if I didn't do it today the weather might not give me another chance all month.
I went down the Southbound route. The road through Earl Shilton is still closed so I detoured via Barwell again, although this time I missed the turn to Elmesthorpe and found myself on the outskirts of Hinckley. Turned back and got back on track after a couple of klicks.
Because I'd done a few extra km I turned back early, at North Kilworth. I reckoned that if I came back via the Earl Shilton bypass, I'd be back on 100km pretty much exactly. By the time I got to Kirkby Mallory it looked like I'd be back on a bit more than that, so I took the Donington Le Heath short cut. But that cut off more distance than I thought so I had to faff around in the village over the last couple of km. It's obviously not that important, but the mental maths makes a ride a bit more interesting.
Back on 100.69km, about 24 mins after sunset which today in the East Midlands occurred at 1554. But the sun starts to set later in the day in eleven days' time.
Listened to 5 Live and started a Callan novel, Death and Bright Water.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16631242741
Another dry day after presumably another wet night as the roads were very damp again, so off out I went.
After straying over 8 miles from home as the crow flies yesterday, I kept it a bit closer to home today. To get the distance in that meant adding some loops in. OK, that's fine Loops R Me. Of course this means you end up being barked at by the same dog a few times, but hey-ho. Today's biggest danger was low flying pheasants, very nearly got taken out by one near Hardwick Hall - More scaffolding than glass - but it managed to gain enough altitude.
Like yesterday I ended up on 38 miles. It's enough. Especially as I've come over all Samson like after having my hair cut this morning.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16638538690
Today was looking like the best day for a ride for quite a while so decision to go out was made a few days ago. Setting off around 11:30am, the weather didn't disappoint with sunshine warming us all the way (after the hard frost we awoke to).
A fairly usual route through New Yatt, North Leigh, Eynsham and Sutton then hopping on the bridleway near Yelford to make our way back to Witney via Ducklington. Mostly sticking to the roads (apart from a mile or so) as the tracks would be mostly too boggy from recent rain. Lots of water everywhere and the Windrush is near to breaking its banks in many spots. Definitely be flooding by next week.
Back in town we stopped for lunch and a couple of pints (Little Ox 'Yabba Dabba Doo' /'Wipeout'). We took advantage of the lunchtime 'any pizza for £10' offer - lovely.
By the time we got home we'd clocked up 20 miles. I don't think the temperature was ever much more than 5 degrees or so but was comfortable with clothing choice.
Retirement is ace!
All set to head out this morning.. got the bike out.. flat back tyre..so wheel off.. tube out into a basin of water and there it was.. checked the tyre and the inevitable tiny hedge needle in there..so patched it and will leave it to make sure it's ok.. weather looks bloody awful for next few days.. fuck!
Got out for a shortish spin this morning. Weather forecast threatened rain and rain it did. I was well wrapped up though and it wasn't persistent and never heavy so it could have been worse. I bought a change of gloves but I didn't have to use them. Back home in a couple of hours after a 36km jaunt. Just enough to keep things moving
A 20 miler earlier today in the rain to check out the back tyre was repaired ok.. seems to be.. weather was awful.. soaked thru and cold.. went up over the Carrick Hills which I hadn't done in a while
Awful weather this last few weeks but no rain expected until late afternoon today so I thought a Twycrosser was in order. Set off at 1035, down through Twycross as usual, excursion down to Old Grendon then back up.
Mythe Lane was flooded again (or still) so I came back the Ratcliffe Culey way. Went along Bosworth Road eastward, but instead of taking the Carlton detour, I went all the way into Market Bosworth. Sat at the bench overlooking a plaque marking the spot where the remains of Richard III are said to have "rested" (OK) on their way to Leicester. Apparently there was a funeral procession with a hearse. Barking.
I took a right at Odstone to the main road to come up through Ibstock which robbed me of a few km, but I guessed the usual route might be a bit muddy further up.
Really quite pleasant out there. It didn't rain and still hasn't, two hours after I returned home. Wish I'd stayed out a bit longer. Back on 61.35km which brings the December tally so far to a miserable 162km.
A few dead pheasants on the road. I have to wonder how long the poor buggers would last if 40 million of them weren't bred to be released every year in the UK. I suspect the foxes, cars and birds of prey would wipe them out within a couple of years even if people stopped shooting them.
Listened to LBC and 5 Live.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16684892590
Ordered another rema repair kit.. Rema Tip Top Tyre Puncture Repair Kit Tt02 Cycle Kit
Finally got out on the road again today after a week off, weather has been too dismal and had a weekend in Oxford. Monday was fine but I spent all day waiting for a parcel that never came. Things were so bad I actually submitted to an hour on the Turbo Trainer yesterday.
Still, today was fine and more or less sunny so out it was. The roads were very wet though, but drains must have been cleared out as where it normally floods was just festooned with big puddles.
The intention was just to ride steadily, but a stiff SSW wind didn't always allow for it. Gave the cardio-vascualr system a good work out. Not what I wanted when its fitness drops off a cliff after a few days. The legs hold up fine though.
Just meandered around aimlessly for my 35 miles, but headed out to the West side of town in ages as the traffic light replacement on Newbold Road has finally been finished.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16703526587
A dry day was forecast! 0% chance of rain all day, no less. So I got up early, had breakfast and changed into cycling clothes, and - oh, it's chucking it down.
Waited for the rain to pass, checked the rainfall radar and set off at about 1000. I was going to take lights anyway. The roads were wet but oh well.
So I did the southbound route, but when I got to Kimcote after 44km I thought - why not go straight on instead of turning off down Gurney Lane? So I did. New territory.
Historically, the Southbound Route evolved as a means to going down over the Northamptonshire border. But I've done that dozens of times now and really the main thing is to do a 100km ride. I came to a village called Walton, then took a right turn. The road devolved a bit into a narrow track but I was on a gravel bike. Not really a problem. But when I came to a steep descent that I didn't fancy climbing back up, I decided to turn back. I took the photo there.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251210bike.avif)
From Walton I kept going east. Nice, well surfaced, quiet roads. Not quite flat but not hilly. Kept going to a T junction, turned right, more of the same. After 53km near a place called Shearsby, I turned back, came back the same way except for the experimental turn at Walton.
I listened to LBC and 5 Live. Back about 45 mins after sunset on 103.47km, and that's 10712 km done in 2025, a new yearly record. Last year's total was 10621. Obviously being retired the whole year helps.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16705418455
Seeing as there's Rain or Drizzle in the forecast every day until Christmas Eve I had to make use of a dry day. Wasn't feeling totally up to it, but forced myself out.
Again tried to take it steadily, but there's not enough flat round here and hills have to be surmounted to get to the flatter roads. Well, they're not really hills in the great scheme of things, but when you ride up them into a headwind it makes them much harder. Oh be still my beating heart.
Ended up just doing the Winter take it easy ride round Heath, good for 35 miles. It'll do.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16713041467
Well, no rain today and maybe no rain tomorrow, we'll see. Managed to get out for another 36 miles, tried to keep it as flat and easy as possible and still end up with a ride saying it was at VO2 max level. All because of a couple of little hills on the way back where the old heart had to work a bit.
Really must give the bike a clean, the amount of mud sticking to it must be slowing it down as will a filthy chain, but I'm suffering from cantbearseditis at the moment. I sometimes wonder if I leave it long enough that Mrs S will step in and do it, but no such luck. She'd do it wrong anyway.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16731233763
Finally, with the help of 2 neighbours, my old bike is running again. Really have to thank them (which I did) for chaging the tyres, and taking apart the cassette and freewheel, looking at the chain and making it all work again.
Considering I have not done any type of exercise, or even a normal walk in over 5 months, an 8,6 km, (32 min) ride was quite enough. The weather was absolutely lovely so that helped.
Even though I am happy with the bike, it's more of a 'go to the shops' type of thing. It is heavy, bulky and feels like it is doing it's utmost to give the maximum amount of resistance. Oh well, it peddles so that's fine for now.
Pic is at the 'Zevenhuizerplas' which is near where I live, and a full round there is just over 8KM, free of cars with a separate bikelane (and even a separate one for pedestrains as well), which makes it ideal for short runs like this. Plus there are plenty of places to stop, sit and watch the birds.
(https://i.ibb.co/ynN6pM39/1000032039.jpg)
Half-decent weather was on the cards and I was determined to do a fondo today. But a pretty substantial fog didn't clear until about midday so I settled for a Twycrosser.
I did a fairly short version, cutting across from Sheepy. But I went a bit further eastward than I usually would on the way up. Went through Nailstone and Ellistown.
Stopped to rest and eat a pasty at the bench at Sibson, where I took the photo. Oddly, a few middle aged folks of both sexes were standing around in various parts of the fields behind me, some wearing wax jackets and flat caps, some with walking sticks and binoculars.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251213bike.webp)
Then I noticed a pack of fox hounds about 400 metres in front of me, to the south-east. I didn't see any horses but I did hear a hunting horn go off in the distance. Scumbags.
Listened to 5 Live, LBC and Bowie's Let's Dance album. Back on 51.32 ten minutes before sunset which, here in NW Leics, occurred at 1550 and 12 seconds. But tomorrow, it's 3 seconds later.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16732586202
30 miles in this morning.. it was cold but dry and tomorrow looks even better then it's downhill with the weather ..so today was the usual routes around south Ayrshire but tomorrow I'm planning on heading to Prestwick/Troon and beyond if I can track down some suitable routes. I've done the national cycle route 7 to Troon a few times but never ventured further
25 miles today.. hoped to get to Irvine but road was being worked on so turned back at Barassie and headed back on route 7 thru Troon and Prestwick on the coast.. head wind all the way back.. it was a sunny day but bloody cold
A dry day, eventually. Didn't expect to wake up to rain this morning after seeing last night's forecast. The clearance must have been running a bit late, but it had stopped raining at half ten and I was out - just - before eleven.
Didn't try for anything strenuous out of a genuine desire to take it steadily and build up a winter base. Didn't happen, I thought I wasn't putting too much effort in, but the Garmin still reckoned I was at VO2 Max level. I think it's taking the piss.
Very similar ride to Sunday's but rode out half way to Tibshelf. Wasn't feeling man enough to go all the way. Headed off down towards Astwith and found a bit of a flood, luckily not too deep and no hidden terrors.
Got up to 37.5 miles, would have liked 40 but didn't ride quickly enough.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16757862069
I was hoping to do a longish one today but although it wasn't raining, the roads were wet and conditions were a bit cold and damp until about midday. I set off eventually at about 1230.
My first thought was to do a Twycrosser backwards. But just after I set off I had a different idea - something I'd considered, but never tried: just looping round the village repeatedly. There is a triangular loop of roads that can be used for this purpose that's about 2.25km long. It has four road junctions, but two of them are very easy - you can usually just sweep round without stopping. One has a set of traffic lights.
I thought it would be an interesting experiment if nothing else. I was curious to see if I'd be able to cover a decent distance in good time compared to a sensible ride.
Actually I quite enjoyed it. I did 14 or 15 2.25km laps, then I decided to fatten the loop slightly by taking in Jenny's Lane. This added another road junction, but a pretty easy one. Made up for it by avoiding traffic along Leicester Road.
Did another 10 laps or so. Decided to call it a day after the sun went down.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251216bike.avif)
Pros: decent distance:time ratio. Not much climbing - pretty flat. Cons - having to cope with traffic or a junction every few minutes. And of course I didn't really go anywhere. I wasn't as much as 1km from home at any point.
I did think that this strategy might have a serious disadvantage: the absence of a discreet venue for a wee. But I solved that by taking an excursion off piste for half a klick along Heather Lane.
I think this would work a lot better on a Sunday or early morning with less traffic around but even so, I may not do it again. It's another 58.79 km in the bag in any case.
Beautiful sunset this afternoon. A huge orange disk.
Listened to 5 Live.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16759383304
After an increasingly miserable hour and a half on Wednesday in which I did laps of Brim and then as many roads as I saw fit round Hollingwood - too many short, steep climbs, today looked set fair for a better quality of ride.
And it was. Didn't do what I wanted to though. A road which has been closed for about ten weeks is now open, hoorah! But a quick look on Google Maps and the traffic flow showed that the road I wanted to take had been closed due to an accident. Boo! Bloody drivers >:(
So I went out to Tibshelf instead. Roads were a bit busy and it's probably best that I didn't go out the way I intended as all the local schools were chucking out early and I'd have been stuck in traffic. As it was I ended up coming back against the flow.
Another 38 miles done. Almost up to where I should be for 500 miles in December. Festive Feeding may preclude that.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16784757884
Another rain-free day with a strongish wind from the south. Wet roads. But nice and sunny, so it looked like a fondo was on the cards. I thought I'd either go down Fosse Way or the Meriden Gap. I thought the roads would be less muddy down Fosse Way, so I did that.
I went all the day down to Brentford then took the turn toward Coventry (rather than continuing down Fosse Way) for two or three klicks. Turned back, came back almost exactly the way I'd come.
Nice and sunny mostly. Getting uncomfortably cold in the mid afternoon, but the temperature seemed to rise a little later on and I was fine again.
I regretted not wearing contacts. My cycling specs picked up some spray from oncoming lorries which compromised my view a bit when riding into a bright sun.
I wore a GPS watch I hadn't used for a while and although I thought I'd started it when I set off, I hadn't. Strava missed out on the first 3.46 km but I haven't bothered to fix the track, I just worked out the distance on a GPX editor and added the deficit to the spreadsheet.
Listened to 5 Live, including Matt Chorley's end of year quiz which was quite entertaining.
Back nearly an hour after sunset but I didn't bother getting a proper front light out of my backpack, I just made do with a flashy blinker. Illumination from oncoming cars was helpful over the last few km.
About 500m from home, I heard an announcement on the radio to the effect that, at that moment, the UK was entering the busiest period for holiday traffic. Good timing.
105.4 km, 481 done this month. If I can do another 324 this month I'll have done 7,000 imperial miles in 2025 which would be nice. Depends on the weather. Probably not quite doable.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16786513811
I thought today was supposed to be sunny. Woke up and even though the curtains were shut I could tell there was no sun. Opened the curtains to find it was foggy. Worse than rain really as it gives drivers even more reason to not see you.
Luckily it had cleared to a mistiness by midday and Mrs S was prepared to let me out for a couple of hours. Being the man I am I took an extra six minutes :)
Checking the roadworks page I found that a set of traffic lights had been set up starting today! Why? What are they going to do? This semi-scuppered my plans as I was just going to ride up and down the Markham Vale Industrial estate road. I ended up doing it, but had to extend my ride further out and then turn back again before hitting the roadworks.
Anyhow, it gave me 32.5 miles and my second flattest ride of the year, the Garmin relented from saying I had ridden at VO2 Max and said I'd ridden Tempo. I'd have liked Base, but I'll accept it.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16793679445/
No rain in the forecast and almost mild. I intended to get up at about 0800 and be away about an hour later but I woke early, didn't get back to sleep and ended up setting off at about 0740, 36 minutes before sunrise.
A light wind was blowing from the east so I thought I'd do the usual eastbound fondo.
Roadworks are still happening along Rempstone Road - I think they're modifying the railway bridge - so I detoured through Sutton Bonington, which is always pleasant anyway. Went to Eastwell, came back the same way as far as Long Whatton, where I took the time-honoured Diseworth / Top Brand / Coleorton diversion to add a few km.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251222bike.avif)
I had thought of doing about 130km, maybe even going past Waltham since I'd set off early. But although it didn't rain, the weather was a bit murky. Misty and damp.
Listened to Times Radio, 5 Live and the Bowie album Black Tie, White Noise.
Back on 115.50 and that's 11043 km this year.
The outlook for the rest of the month has cleared quite nicely.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16811741225
Not foggy today. Not particularly nice though. It did look like it might brighten up, but that was just a false dawn.
What was bad today was the amount of bloody traffic. We've got a Sainsbury's near us and it was almost gridlocked in the vicinity as people were trying to get there. Not good when you're a cyclist. Then up in Brim where the poor people live, they've got a new Aldi and the roads were bus round there, leading to me having to scoot along.
Even the "country" lanes were busy. I nearly got taken out by a Porsche driver at one junction, he was behind give way lines, I'd indicated to turn, then as soon as I started to manoeuvre, he pulled out ibn front of me which meant I had to turn back out to the way I was heading previously. What gets into the head of these twats? Even if I'd been going straight on he should have stayed where he was. Prick.
Apart from that it was a nice gentle ride, got another 37.5 miles in, could still get 500 miles for December in. Weather permitting of course, as there'll be a few days I'm not allowed out on.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16810918705
Managed a 30 miler earlier with some old dear telling me to use my bell as I slowed right down behind her on cycle route 7 cos her dog not on a lead was all over the place.. she obviously saw me cos she pulled the dog in.. managed to hold my tongue just and cycled on..
Quote from: Fishy on December 22, 2025, 04:45:04 PMManaged a 30 miler earlier with some old dear telling me to use my bell as I slowed right down behind her on cycle route 7 cos her dog not on a lead was all over the place.. she obviously saw me cos she pulled the dog in.. managed to hold my tongue just and cycled on..
And if you'd used your bell she'd have moaned because scared her and the mutt!
As a cyclist you can't win.
Dull again today and a bit drizzly, but good enough to get out and thankfully the roads were much less busy. But then the bin lorries were out in force in Brim. Swings and Roundabouts baby.
Had a bit more limited time today as it was M&S food collection day. I was just happy to get out and ride. Now all the roadworks have cleared I was able to ride from Duckmanton to Staveley for the first time in weeks. I know ideally you'd want to ride away from Staveley, but it's more convenient that way and you have to escape it to get back home.
Managed a bit of Cyclocross at the end, managed to ride all the way up our drive - car free for once - then off the bike and carried up the steps. If only I;d thought to remount and ride round the lawn for a bit...
Got 27 miles in which takes me over 400 miles for December. Doesn't look like I'll hit 6,500 for the year, but I did miss all of February bar one day and March was a bit of a washout.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16819551204/
And today it was nearly bright! Clouds were higher and occasionally broken with glimpses of the sun. So after weeks of trying - and mainly failing - to take it steadily, I thought I'd go all in and return to the Peak District for the first time since the end of October.
I soon gave up on the idea of going all-in as it's hard work and the nagging North Easterly made it hard anyway. Not very often I have to put in a good dig just to keep moving on the descent to Cutthorpe. It added a minute to what is normally a four minute or less descent.
Nice to know that I can still get up a few more proper hills, but I was surprised at how few other cyclists were out today. Maybe everyone else is doing as their wife says and is helping round the house.
I'd aimed for 37.5 miles in two and a half hours and that is what I did. Result. Leaves me with 60 miles to get to 500 in December now.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16829386133
Cracking day here today.. would love to have gone out but chopping veg duties had already been assigned.. next few days look pretty good as well..
A dry day. Sunny! Had to go out later, and since it was rather cold as well (about 5C) I thought about 65 km would do. A fairly substantial breeze was blowing from the east so I set off on the eastbound route at about 1110.
Since the roads were pleasantly dry (made a nice change) I risked going through Stanford and Cotes, rather than Rempstone. I took the lower route from there to Six Hills, through Walton and Paudy Cross Roads. Then I turned back, returning through Burton on the Wolds (hadn't done that since the summer I believe). I did the detour through Long Whatton, Top Brand, Griffydam once back in Leics.
Nice and sunny for the first couple of hours. Cloudy later on. Fingers and toes were icy over the last hour or two.
As I pedalled through Coleorton a few km from home, four men in Santa suits came cyling toward me in single file. They all gave a cheery wave. I shouted "have your reindeer died?", which I personally thought was hilarious. Alas this was met with blank looks. I often find that my humour goes over people's heads.
Listened to LBC, 5 Live and a couple more hours of my Callan novel, Death and Bright Water. Good stuff.
Back on 73.31 km which leaves me needing another 135 to meet my recently adjusted 2025 target. The weather does look dry (if cold) for the remainder of the year.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16830829160
Another dry, very cold day. A cloudless sky, very bright. Had to be back by 1500 but I thought it was probably too cold for a fondo anyway. About 3C when I set off at about 1025, with a stiff wind from the east again.
I did a part-eastbound again, similar to my last ride except that I went out through Coleorton and did the Sutton Bonington detour around the Rempstone Road roadworks. Got as far as Rempstone, turned left toward Costock for a bit, came back exactly the same way.
There was a bit of frost on the road along Moor Lane early on which did make me anxious. My car windscreen was frozen up as I opened the garage door. But apart from that patch, I didn't encounter any hazardous road conditions.
(http://bikediary.uk/images/251226bike.avif)
Uncomfortably cold early on. Warmed up nicely later (to about 5C, but the sun was shining which makes a big difference). I probably would have made a fondo of it if not for the time pressure.
Listened to LBC and more of Death and Bright Water. Back on 72.19. Only need to do another 77 to hit my 2025 target. Perhaps on Sunday.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16847509045
Managed an hour and a bit out today. Had to get rid of little brother and yesterday's food and drink was weighing a bit heavy still. Looking back in 2020 I did a 40 mile ride on boxing day and I'd drunk nearly twice as much. I think I can see the signs of getting older now :(
Another dry day forecast, a little bit milder than Friday. But very cloudy, a bit damp. Today's mission was a simple one: to do at least 77km, to meet my most recently readjusted target for 2025: 11,266km. I don't like to indulge the imperial measurements really but it's 7,000 miles, and I haven't done that before.
I set off at 0950 and did exactly the same route as Friday except that I went a bit further, just past Wymeswold. Back almost exactly the same way, once again.
Stopped at a bench at Sutton Bonington for a large helping of trifle adorned with brandy cream. Both items are in plentiful supply at home at the moment. They actually make rather good cycling fuel. I stuffed as much of the stuff as I could into a plastic container before setting off. I saved some for the way back.
Listened to footy on 5 Live and the Bowie album Earthling.
A few light spots of rain very late in the ride. I had about 150 metres to go! Fantastic timing.
Back on 77.55km and that's 820 done this month, 11,266 this year. 7000.60 miles if that's your sort of thing.
Will probably crank one more ride out before 2026 kicks in.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16865783355
Had a couple of one hour rides the last couple of days, for 16 and 17 miles. Gets the legs turning over, clears the head a bit and burns off a few of the excess calories. It also leaves me 10 miles from 500 for December. The weather is forecast to be dry until the new year so I can afford a day of rest tomorrow.
New cycling gloves for Xmas are longer in the cuff than my old ones, which is good as one jersey has sleeved which ride up a bit and give me cold wrists.
Today's task was to get the 10 miles in to get 500 miles for December. Mission accomplished. And another 27.5 miles beyond.
It'll do. It felt bloody cold today. Two hours in and I could barely operate the left hand shifter. Luckily I could still brake and only needed to shift the front derailleur a couple of times.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16883819191
My first idea for today was to go up through Castle Donington and over toward Derby. But I had a rethink and decided to go over toward Markfield. I like to go over that way at least once this time of year. I took a longish route through Ibstock and past Thornton Reservoir (where I took the pic). Just making it up as I went along, really. I went and visited my old house on Swithland Close.
From there I decided to do one of my old bike rides, performed several times on my Raleigh Routier in the difficult summer of 1990. But I went further than I used to back then. Why did I never think of doing long bike rides when I was 29 or 30? I used to settle for seven or eight miles.
Anyway I continued on to Anstey. Unfamiliar territory now. Followed a sign to Cropston. From there I came past Cropston Reservoir - back on familiar ground - and found my way back to Markfield. Came home mostly the same way I'd got to Markfield earlier in the day.
(https://i.ibb.co/zHDBCrHF/251230bike.avif)
Looking at the track now, I did a sort of loop round Bradgate Park, which is a lovely part of the world home to free-ranging deer. I did really enjoy that one. Nice to do something a bit different at the end of the year. But it did involve some steep climbing.
Listened to Bowie's Hours album which isn't very good frankly and 5 Live.
Back on 54.62. That's a wrap for 2025. 874 this month, 11,321 this year and 91,403 since January 2015.
I'll set myself a target of 8597km for next year, to hit the 100,000 km mark.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16884920544
It's been a moderately successful cycling year, I think. I did my highest ever yearly distance, obviously assisted considerably by the fact that I spent the whole calendar year retired.
I did a few pleasing longer rides and got onto the Fens a few times - but not as far as Foul Anchor. My longest ride was 253km, in May. Got as far as Fenland Airfield and turned back.
A year ago I set my targets for this year as:
- A ride to East Lincs and back
- A ride to Wales and back
- At least one fondo each month and 30 over the year
- A distance total of at least 7500km
- All of the neighbouring counties
I've done all of that except for did Wales and back, but the novelty of doing that has worn off. The route I take involves busy main roads for a big proportion of the ride, not worth it. I must devise some sort of long westbound route that doesn't do that.
I did 132 rides this year, 8 more than last year. 57 fondos, which is a record. Curiously I beat the 2024 distance total by exactly 700km, and the 2023 total by exactly 1000km, give or take a few metres.
I had a run of 8 months in which I did at least 5 fondos (March - October).
I only did 5 "imperial fondos", (100 milers) this year compared to 8 in 2024 and 9 in 2023. I think I've slightly lost my nerve for them, the fear of getting a mechanical or finding I've brought a faulty inner tube 150km from home is unsettling. But I'm going to buy some higher quality puncture reistant touring tyres for the Roubaix before the summer. Maybe 700x30. Supposedly bigger tyres decrease the puncture risk as well as making longer rides less tiring.
My average distance this year was 85.77km, narrowly beating last year's (85.65). I think the rainy weather probably helped that. Got to make the most of a dry day.
Distances per bike:
(https://i.ibb.co/4bbvXB6/gem-distances.avif)
Most years the first Boardman would do more than that, but its wheels needed new bearings (I think) and it barely got used at all until November when it acquired a new wheelset. Between them the Tricross and Boardman did all of the distances after November 2nd.
Next year's targets are the same as this year's, except I'll aim to do Foul Anchor and back at least once. And I want to do 8597km, to take me to 100,000 km since Jan 2015.
Well, that's my year of cycling done. Yesterday I did 37.54 miles, today I tried for the same - over a different route - and got to 37.55 miles. Not bad.
That gave me 6,485 miles for the year with 409,000 feet of elevation gain. My flattest year since 2018. Target for next year is climb more.
The only targets I set myself for the year were to do 500 miles per month and complete the Strava climbing challenge each month. I failed in February and March. February I had one ride after coming off and bashing up my elbow at the end of January. March I think the weather was awful. The wound on the elbow didn't properly heal until June.
Next years targets are the same as this, with more climbing and no elbow bashing - apart from Guy Garvey's crew.
https://www.strava.com/activities/16894152394
I've split the topic into a new thread for 2026 so pls use that one - thanks!