Cycling 2024

[Nickslikk2112]

Got out today, but not for long. Little brother came round to introduce his new lady friend to us, just a quick visit for a coffee. Three hours and a lunch later he left. Ho-hum.

Managed a quick 21.5 miles before sunset, it'll do. Be nice to get 12 more in tomorrow for 150 for the week, but the weather may not be too good. We'll see.

https://www.strava.com/activities/12915098497/

[Slim]

Today I wanted to do 50km, to get the monthly total over 650. Rain was threatened for the afternoon, and the roads were wet. Normally I probably wouldn't bother but I hadn't been out on a bike since Thursday and the next couple of days look cycling-hostile.

For wet roads I'd normally choose the Tricross or the first Boardman. I didn't quite have my nerve back for the Boardman, having had to contend with a flat tyre on its last two outings. But the Tricross still has a deformed rear tyre and I wasn't able to straighten it out by deflating and manipulating it. So the Boardman it was.

I set off at about 1030, later than I intended. I did a Twycrosser, with the detour to Orton.

I wrapped up very warm but didn't overheat. Cold out there. The advertised rain started at about 1330, but it was very light. I didn't have to put up with it for long anyway. I was home 20 minutes later.

Back on 57.63. Quite an enjoyable run out really, apart from all the slimy mud on the quieter roads. Happy to have road tested the new inner tube and tyre, and the front hub adjustment on the Boardman.

Listened to 5 Live and more Boris memoirs.

https://www.strava.com/activities/12922423242

[Nickslikk2112]

Be nice to get 12 more in tomorrow for 150 for the week, but the weather may not be too good. We'll see.

Weather wasn't good and I didn't feel good.

Decided to spruce up the Turbo Trainer bike yesterday. Chain was almost completely seized up, took a good hour to clean it up and get it moving, still several stiff links after that. Plenty of GT85 and lube seem to have it about 99.5% there now, might give it a try. Still don't feel good though.

[Slim]

A very cold day, about 1C. But sunny. I hoped I could tolerate the temperature long enough for 40km or so. I thought I'd do a shortish version of the Twycrosser.

Well, when I actually got out there, I found that the conditions were more than tolerable. Unexpectedly, it turned out to be quite an enjoyable ride. Bright sunshine helps a lot. Actually really nice out there.

So I did a Twycrosser, with a brief excursion down the Dad's Army route (maybe I should stop calling it that? I don't know how many people read these but no doubt some find it baffling). I turned at Old Grendon, but instead of continuing the usual loop to the east and back up, I just went back up exactly the way I'd come down. An - if you will - Double Half Twycrosser.

Took the pic near Alton Hill and annoyingly, I got mud and snow stuck in my right cleat so it wouldn't clip in properly, which made the hill more of a challenge than usual.

Back before sunset. I could have stayed out longer. I did have lights. But my thumbs and toes were starting to get a bit cold. It had been a nice ride. I didn't want to spoil it.

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Back on 58.93. It's looking like I might be able to match last year's distance total, 10321k. Depends what the weather's like in December. 9582 done in 2024 so far.

Listened to more of Boris Johnson's Unleashed. Right up there with Pete Townshend's book as one of the best memoirs I've ever read. Or listened to.

https://www.strava.com/activities/12945145075

[Thenop]

I don't know how many people read these

I read them, I like reading all of this. That I never respond is mostly due to the fact I do not cycle so have little to add. But I do enjoy reading these, as I do all the cyclist stories on here.

[Nickslikk2112]

After three days of half-hearted Turbo Trainer use - but it felt so hard - due to cold weather and feeling rather under the weather due to a cold, I managed to get out on the roads today.

It gave me a chance to wear my new long sleeved base layer - my Disco Perv outfit as Mrs S calls it - new overshoes and new gloves. The Base Layer and Overshoes performed well, despite the overshoes being a struggle to put in - since buying them I've found people saying that Endura sizes come up small, ho-hum - but my gloves seem to be for for about 20 miles at 3C. Luckily I was out for 21 so didn't end up too bad fingerly.

Roads were a bit wet and ice free with just the occasional bit of snow transgression into the carriageway and it felt an awful lot nicer than slogging away indoors for an hour. Don't know as if I'll make it to 500 road miles in November though now, the weekend looks a wash out.

https://www.strava.com/activities/12957870538

[Slim]

Not so cold today, about two degrees warmer, or less cold, than Wednesday. The wind was coming from the west and I thought I'd do the same as last time, but maybe not so far. Down the western leg of a Twycrosser, and back up the same way.

Well, when I got out there, unfortunately, conditions felt worse than Wednesday. I was definitely colder, despite the modest uplift in air temperature. The bright sunshine made a lot of difference, last time. Also I found that I didn't really feel like coming back the same way again. So I decided I'd do a regular Twycrosser.

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However .. by the time I'd reached Sheepy Magna the sun had come out, the roads had dried up a bit and conditions were generally a lot more accommodating. How to extend the ride? My first thought was to go east to Kirkby Mallory and come up through Bagworth and Ellistown. But that would mean a cold headwind after Bagworth. So I looped back to Sheepy, pedalled north all the way to Measham then went west for a bit of the "Lower Westbound" route. Before I got as far as Acresford, I hung a right toward Ashby through Willesley. Not sure if I'd ever been along that stretch between Acresford and Ashby before. Not for years if I have, anyway. Back the usual way from Ashby.

I listened to 5 Live.

Back on 62.65km.

Glad to have clocked up 179km on the Boardman without a flat tyre. The front wheel is still spinning nicely without a wobble, as well.

https://www.strava.com/activities/12958682503

[David L]

Back down in Hampshire for a few days. Had a great ride on the MTBs yesterday. Crackin' weather, bright sunshine but cold.
We set off from the campsite at Milford on Sea and headed down to Keyhaven and on to Lymington via the off-road path around the nature reserve. First stop was the wonderful pasty shop on the high street, 'Mine's A Pasty'. We started the day with bacon and egg rolls in the van but know from experience that the pasties are 'nuclear' hot so the idea was to wrap them in the fleece I had packed in the rucksack to enjoy an hour or so later. Steak and ale for me, cheese and onion for the wife.
From Lymington we took the road to Sway which gets you into the New Forest. From Sway we cycled to Burley, sticking to the road as it looked far too wet on the heathland and trails that criss-cross the forest. Having left Milford where there was little or no trace of snow, we were surprised to see a good amount remaining as we cycled towards Burley. I guess it was due to getting further from the coast and a slight increase in elevation towards Burley. Burley is a nice little place and our first visit was back in July when things looked quite different! The golf course was unplayable as the greens were covered in an inch or so of the fluffy stuff. In the summer, the village was teeming with tourists and the road through was blocked constantly by New Forest ponies wandering aimlessly along totally oblivious to the humans in their midst.
The plan was to tuck into our pasties and the other items we'd packed accompanied by a hot takeaway beverage onced we'd made it to Burley. We settled on the bench in the bus shelter and consumed our grub along with tea and coffee from a nice little shop directly opposite. Pasties were still lovely and warm. Satisfied and slightly warmed we set off back up the hill out of the village, the way we came.
Around three or four miles on we took a right turn for Wooton and Bashley. We'd done a few rides in the area before but this was uncharted territory, which was a treat. On through the delightfully named Tiptoe, heading south to Hordle and Everton.
By this time our eyes were peeled for a pub to stop at, preferably with an open fire to warm ourselves by. No sign of a suitable hostelry in Hordle so we decided it would have to be The Crown in Everton. A bit of a gamble, beer-wise, but unbelievably they had just put on one of my favourites, Citra by Oakham. Alas, no roaring, open fire though. Regardless stayed considerably longer than anticipated!
After a couple of hours spent drinking and chatting with the locals, we emerged to the darkness. So, it was on with the lights for the few hundred yards back to the site. I'm guessing the ride was around 20 miles, maybe a few more.
So pleased that we made the most of a lovely day before storm Bert hit in the early hours of this morning. Getting out in the cold weather really is good for the soul! May be the only ride of the trip. Monday looks promising but that may change. Hunkering down for the next two days while Bert does his worst.

[Slim]

Couldn't leave the house until after 1300 and had to be back by 1630, but 50km seemed more than reasonable. The forecast suggested there'd be no rain, and the roads were nice and dry. Not too cold either. Fairly predictably, I embarked upon a Twycrosser. A pretty typical version, down to Ratcliffe Culey, east through Sibson and Shenton.

I tried to tailor the ride dynamically to make best use of the available time. Did a little detour near Barton in the Beans. Did the detour through Swepstone.

Back at 1625, which was 25 mins after sunset. 52.28km.

I did get rained on unfortunately, not long after setting off. But only for 10 minutes and the sun came out after that.

I listened to another few chapters of Unleashed.

https://www.strava.com/activities/12980825033

[David L]

Second ride of the trip today and we decided to head east towards the Beaulieu river and up to Beaulieu village.
First to Lymington for the obligatory pasty stop (2 x steak & ale)! Then we headed through town and eastwards over the Lymington river. On towards South Baddesley and  St. Leonards. At St. Leonards we headed north towards an interesting village on the west bank of the Beaulieu river.
Buckler's Hard is an 18th century village where Nelson's fleet was built, it comprises a cafe, museum, restaurant, chapel and a few cottages where the shipwrights lived. It is also the location for a fairly substantial marina. There we took the opportunity to enjoy our pasties along with hot drinks from the cafe.
From Buckler's Hard we cycled to Beaulieu village which was another place we had not visited before. The village itself is small but very quaint and unspoilt giving the experience of stepping back in time. Of course, Beaulieu is also the location of the Palace House and the motor museum.
This was as far east as we were planning to go so we turned back towards Buckler's Hard and took the back road to East Boldre. As we passed through East End, we happened upon the East End Arms and decided to stop for refreshments. A  wonderfully preserved traditional boozer that I imagine has remained unchanged for decades. A pint of Guinness for me and a pint of keg IPA for the missus.
From East End it was back through South Baddesley to Lymington and returning on our preferred route to Milford on Sea via Keyhaven. A couple of pints in The Wash House finished the ride off nicely.
At a guess, I'd say between 25 and 30 miles. Best day of the trip so far with copious amounts of blue sky and sunshine and a good deal warmer than last Friday.

[Nickslikk2112]

As ever, a much reduced road riding schedule due to weather and ill-health, it was back to a much reduced road ride to start on working back into it again.

Kept away from the hills and tried to keep away from traffic, but, there's just too much traffic out there. Surprisingly a lot of it was respectful to the cyclist today, probably because I was riding along blowing out lots of snot rockets and they didn't want their precious paintwork bespoiling.

I was happy with 26 miles. If I could just do that on four of the remaining days of November I'll be up at 500 for the month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/12979428937

[Nickslikk2112]

And today I rode exactly the same ride as yesterday. But a bit more quickly. For slightly less effort. Thanks lighter winds.

Also slightly longer than yesterday as I put in two loops round Calow which meant I saw Mrs S's best friend twice. I'll get Mrs S to explain it to her when they meet at the Mercatum at Haddon Hall tomorrow.

https://www.strava.com/activities/12986893048

[Slim]

Don't usually ride on consecutive days, but the weather looks rough tomorrow and alas, I have other commitments on Thursday - so I thought I'd get a few hours in today.

The wind was coming from the south-west, but it was very light. Not a warm day, but sunny. I basically did a Twycrosser with an excursion down the Dad's Army route.

After 29km, at the T junction at the end of Boulter's Lane, I thought I'd take a left instead of the usual right and go exploring. Looked eminently well-surfaced and level-ish as far as I could see in that direction. I only went another 3 or 4 kilometres, to a place called Hurley Common before coming back up homeward - but it was very nice along there. I'll explore further next time. Nice view of the Birmingham skyline in the distance (I think, will nerd out over a map and check tomorrow).

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Glad to be venturing over the other side of the A5 more often. The tips of my fingers were a bit icy by the time I got back, about 40 mins after sunset. Anyway 69.23k done, 902 this month now and I think I can squeeze a bit more out of November. Saturday looks like a good day for it at the moment.

https://www.strava.com/activities/12988614596

[Nickslikk2112]

After too much rain yesterday, it was fine and dry today. A bit nippy though. I don't think my gloves had dried properly from Tuesday and my poor little fingers lost feeling, making gear changing a bit slow.

Cold fingers were the least of my problems though, still haven't shaken last weeks cold and my nose is working in overdrive. The sheer amount of snot coming out of it were something to behold, I was hoping to wear my kit another day, but it was covered in slug trails. Green slugs aplenty too. The worst bit was when I got my Bidon for a drink and there was a big gobbet of snot on the nozzle! Luckily I wasn't too far from home.

Nice to get 30 miles in though, two days left in November to get 42 miles in for 500. Will it rain?

https://www.strava.com/activities/13001649418

[Slim]

I will say, a bike ride in cold weather does clear your sinuses nicely.