Between The Wheels

A very late night and a few drinks didn't seem to have caused me too much debilitation by the time I dragged myself out of bed at about 11:15AM. I had a quick breakfast and set off on a Twycross Bypasser not long after midday.

But clearly my head was a bit foggy because I couldn't find my DAB personal radio, I took the wrong specs out with me and I forgot to take a phone. I took my old MW/FM personal radio with me, and it was fine. I managed OK without my varifocals. And fortunately I didn't need a phone.

I only wanted to do about 35 miles because rain was due over some time between 3 and 4pm. Bright when I set off, growing increasingly gloomy as the ride wore on, but it didn't rain.

Listened to 5 Live, mostly footy chat.

Really nice to get out there in the open. I especially enjoyed the view along Orton Hill. And although this only occurred to me when I got back, I went over the border into Warwickshire at the western end of Orton Road, so that's one of the neighbouring counties ticked off already.

I tracked the ride with a new watch, a Garmin Vivoactive 3 that I bought second hand (on a whim of course) for £30 in well-used condition. The battery meter read 64% when I set off and I got the low battery warning with about two miles to go, although confusingly since finishing the ride and switching off the GPS, the meter has crept back up to 22%. So - I'd guess it should just about handle a fondo on a full charge.

Although I like the colour screen, it's not as useful for cycling as an Instinct. But it's another toy to tinker with.

Back on 36.26 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10474360779

I hoped to do about 40 miles. No rain and low winds, but it was cold out there and a bit damp. There's a lot of standing water out there at the moment.

The plan was to do 20 miles or so of the Eastbound Route, then come back the same way. I disregarded a ROAD CLOSED sign at Zouch in the hope that I'd be able to get past on a bike, but the road was properly flooded. At least a foot deep (first pic). I could see water flowing into a drain just a few feet in front of me; you can just about make it out on the photo. But it kept on coming.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240104flood01.jpg)

My next idea was to go up to Donington, then over Cavendish Bridge and through Shardlow. But the northbound side of the roundabout on the other side of Donington was flooded as well. So I gave up and turned for home from there, albeit I took a slightly longer way past Diseworth.

Nice out there after dark somehow, despite conditions being a bit cold and damp.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240104flood02.jpg)

I have a surfeit of part-used AA batteries from Christmas decorations at the moment so I used a single-AA mini LED torch as a front light. I'd only intended to use it as a "visibility" light but actually it did illuminate the road a bit. It's not brilliant (pun intended) but I could just about get away with it on a well-surfaced road without fast downhill bits, with a head torch for backup.

Listened to Craig Charles on 6 Music mostly. Slightly surreal as I've been watching the 35-years-younger Craig Charles on the first series of Red Dwarf in recent days.

Back on 32.07 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10493895528

Finally made it out onto the roads in 2024 :)

Should have gone out on New Year's day, but managed to pick up a side strain on New Year's Eve which left it too painful to do shoulder checks, then it pissed it down for two days. Yesterday was nice, but like Slim I'd have encountered too many flooded and closed roads and I had a funeral to attend - a former player for the YYZ Cricket Club.

My guts were a bit of a mess this morning, but if there'd been any seepage on my ride it would have been hidden by road splatter, so that was OK.

Not even done three miles before some twat tried to run me off the road, down a single track road, supposedly with passing spaces, but they're all filled with parked cars and fly tipping. He kept coming right up to my back wheel, but I just rode in primary, it was downhill so I was doing 20mph which is plenty. He started hooting his horn after a bit contrary to Highway Code rule 112. He soon went by after we turned right at the bottom, shouting some sort of abuse at me and then he nearly went head on into a car coming round a corner the other way. Oh, if only...

Quite surprised by how well the roads had "dried" though, Mrs S and the boy had to drive 10 miles for a 2 mile journey on Wednesday, yet one of the "ponds" which had thwarted them was completely gone today.

So, just a 27 miler, but it's a start and another one like that will put me ahead of 2023 already :)

https://www.strava.com/activities/10498332314

Did get out, didn't quite do 27 miles - 25 - but it puts me ahead of last year already, onwards and upwards!

I did hear what today's brain-dead drivist shouted at me. It seems like I'm a "Fucking Dickhead!" yes, teh dickhead who was riding along, not the well behaved driver whose car started to draw alongside me and then had to slow down to avoid hitting the cars coming the other way. The dickhead who then legitimately road in primary position afterwards so he could safely signal he was turning right at the roundabout 75 yards away. I did ask if he wanted to explain his logic to me, but he just drove off.

I didn't get any grief from the drivers I briefly held up going up the drive to Hardwick Hall. It is only a 20mph limit and is liberally festooned with cattle grids. I'll have a quick whinge about the pedestrians on the way out who walk five abreast across the drive oblivious to the fact that it is used by traffic.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10505028720

Delayed the first spin of the year this morning to allow the sun to do its job. The main road between Navan and Trim had been gritted and was fine. From Bective though we hit the back roads and plenty of slippy bits. The back wheel kicked to one side 3 or 4 times. Slowed it down and kept complete concentration on the road ahead as it varied between dry, wet and frosty.

Very nervous going down the one hill of the day but got to the bottom unscathed.  After stopping in Fordstown for a coffee, bacon, sausage and egg roll the sun finally got round to doing what I was hoping it would have managed a couple of hours earlier and thé rest of the trip went by uneventfully. Beautiful early afternoon actually!

Decent distance for early Jan too - 57kms - although the dodgy roads early on in the ride gave rise to a slowish ride

https://strava.app.link/T3Mlu1Bc9Fb

A light wind was coming from the NE and a dry, intermittently sunny day was forecast; ideal conditions for the first eastbound fondo apart from the temperature. Cold out there, 3 or 4C.

I checked before I set off that the road through Zouch wasn't still closed by floods - https://one.network/ is handy for this. Interestingly the A6 was still closed from the same junction, with a barrier stretched across the road. I saw several drivers ignore this, and drive round the wrong side of the traffic lights to get past it.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240107footy.jpg)

Originally I'd planned to take the old route through Rempstone, to avoid the low ground near the Soar going through Stanford and Cotes. However I couldn't find any cycling food in the fridge this morning. I'm out of cheese rolls, Cornish pasties and mini pork pies. So I crossed my fingers and went that way regardless, so I could stock up at the petrol station at Burton on the Wolds. I did have to contend with a few massive puddles, and a shallow river crossing the road near Cotes. But nothing too alarming.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240107eastwell.jpg)

I was comfortable enough on the way out but the temperature seemed to dip sharply at about 3pm, on the way back. I listened to 5 Live mostly. Some very entertaining FA Cup football in the afternoon.

Back about 20 minutes after sunset, on 62.62 miles. 131 done this month, and my average distance is now a more reasonable 43.65 miles. I like to maintain it above 40.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10513256383

I always check https://one.network/ before every ride. Gives me a good idea of what roads to avoid. However one set of roadworks kept disappearing from it, leaving me to do a couple of lung busting rides uphill when I was first away from the lights, so now I always check the traffic on Google maps to see if anything has been missed.

Just a 20 miler for me today, but that's fine as I'm now nearly 30 miles up on this time last January. Didn't get out until nearly three this afternoon, but it stayed light enough to get the 20 in without Mrs S sending out a search party for me.

No ignorant motorists shouting at me today either, which was nice. First ride out via Spital as well now the roadworks for new traffic lights has ended. Got ASLs at both sides now, don't know why they bother as they either get ignored or the car behind you tries to get by before you've even left the box. Thankfully today they were on green so I could sail straight through.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10513029206/

After getting thoroughly spannered last night, partly due to the fact that Mr Pudney was celebrating his birthday at our local (Master Pudney providing excellent live entertainment), our planned ride was looking unlikely. However, having completely cleared my guts with numerous 'urgent' dashes to the loo, it was a good idea to also clear the head with a short ride (thetemptation of a visit to the Bampton branch of Lynwoods cafe for a warm sausage roll, banana cake and cappuccino proved too much to resist!)
It was bloody cold out there so, for the first time in ages, I pulled on my winter leggings and Seal Skin gloves and hat to go under my cycle helmet. It's just a short dash of five or so mikes to the village of Bampton so no chance of getting too cold before we stopped for our lunchtime treat.
We returned to Witney via Aston and Ducklington making it a round trip of around 11 or 12 miles. A north-easterly headwind made it a colder ride home. It really helped to get some fresh air but too cold for me today (wind-chill made it feel below freezing) to do any distance in my less than optimum state.

Got a 30+ miler in today, thought it was going to be colder than it was, but I guess the extra padding I put on over Xmas is still helping. Bit of a fresh North Easter to cycle into, resulting in my slowest ever ascent of the Giant that is Mastin Moor Hill, but I'm not bothered, I was out and about.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10524046011

A dry and sunny afternoon, but a very cold one, with a strong wind coming from the east. My vague plan was to do about 15 or so of the eastbound route then come back. Didn't want to do less than 30.

However the experience of riding uphill against a powerful, chilly wind toward Zouch put me off a bit. I decided to keep it short. Took a left for Long Whatton to loop back west and south. I thought I'd add a couple of miles by coming back through Isley Walton and Breedon rather than down Top Brand. Looking at the map though, it makes very little difference. Half a mile at most (at a guess). Nice change, though.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240109bike.jpg)

With the wind at my back it was actually lovely out there, even at about 2C. There was a beautiful ambient light post sunset. I did feel I should have done a few more miles, but the temperature had dipped sharply by the time I got back so I might have regretted it. 24.10 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10526028788

Was going to go out and do another 30 miler today. Set off on a dull, grey, but dry day. After five minutes it had gotten duller, greyer and had acquired a persistent cold drizzle. The kind that soon penetrates you clothing and induces a bone chilling cold. I could feel the power drain from my thighs.

So, I just rode round randomly to rack up half of yesterday's mileage and called it a day. I don't have to do this. Of course within ten minutes of stripping off it was back to being a dry, dull, grey day. I wasn't going to start again though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10530372765

Not as cold and not as drizzly as yesterday, so I went out and did a few miles more, but not until I'd spent 45 minutes looking out of the window making sure it wasn't too drizzly.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10537148386

A Twycross Bypasser is a nice way to close the week after work on a Friday, so I did that. Not quite so cold as Tuesday. No chance of rain though conditions did feel a little damp.

I stopped for a snack in the pitch black beween Ratcliffe Culey and Sibson, leaning against a telegraph post. I've done that a few times along there recently. Quite an enjoyable little ritual.

I tried a new pair of cycling shoe covers. They fit my shoes much better than the last pair I had, which used to foul the cleats and got chewed up over time. They seem more waterproof as well. Possibly not quite so warm though, but they do keep the wind out.

Back on 34.62 miles, 190 done this year already. I want to do about 375 this month if I can so I'm on course.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10545605488

Eventually got out today, nice and sunny, but the British CX championships were on. Needn't have bothered really as the races were a walk, well a ride in the park for Anna Kay and Cam Mason. Different watching CX without lots of frites munching, beer swilling fat ugly Belgians in the crowd though.

Tried to redo the ride I did last Saturday but quicker. Managed a not quite the same route - got a bit too dark - and I did do it more quickly, but it took it out of putting a bit of extra effort in. And yet my average power for the ride was 1W less than last week. Can't work that out.

Could do with some new overshoes myself, they're looking a bit worse for wear, with holes where they rub against the pedal cranks as they go round. I'll wait till they fall to bits though. Still, I've now done more miles than I did in all of last January - 169 v 149

https://www.strava.com/activities/10551421258

Originally, ie earlier in the week, the plan was to do a fondo today. But the forecast changed to threaten rain in the afternoon so since it was rather cold anyway, I decided I'd settle for 40 miles or so.

I left the house at about 1020. The wind was coming from the north-west. I went up to Swarkestone Bridge the long way through Isley Walton, then west along the Beloved A Road. I was going to stop after 20 miles or so then come back an even longer way through Ticknall and Hartshorne, but when I saw a right turn to Etwall, I thought - why not have an excursion into Derby? So I did; all the way through Etwall and Mickleover and right into Derby city centre. I've done this a couple of times before, though I took a different route through the centre this time.

I took a wrong turn near Mickleover and quickly realised that I was heading the wrong way down a one-way entrance to the roundabout I'd just left. Worse, the occupants of a police car queuing there in the other lane observed me doing this. I pulled up sharply, manhandled the bike onto the verge and retreated quickly. Fortunately they didn't trouble me. Ten minutes later I got bored of waiting for the lights to change at another road junction so since it was clearly safe to do so I went right through a red, only to find another police car waiting at the same set of lights around the corner. Happily they didn't seem to be bothered either.

I came down Osmaston Road to Swarkestone Bridge, then home the usual way from there. Stopped for a few snacks at a petrol station near Chellaston.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240114bike.jpg)

Nice sunny weather for the first 90 minutes or so. Then a bit gloomy. Then light drizzle. Then, a few miles from home, tiny hailstones. I examined a couple of them that had landed on my right glove. They looked like tiny shards of glass and they felt like it as well, when they were bouncing off my face. Fortunately that only persisted for a couple of minutes. Regular rain for the rest of the ride.

I entered Derbyshire of course so that's another neighbouring county ticked off. I did Nottinghamshire last Sunday so that's three done, four to go.

Back on 46.47 miles. 236 done this year which surprisingly is more than I'd done this time last year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10557986402

I got out eventually, yet again watching too much cycling, it's a bit bad when it's the French women's National Cyclocross though (Helene Clauzel won, Amandine Fouquenet second - on a Bianchi)

Still the Garmin was recommending a rest day, so I thought I'd just ride out for 10 miles turn round and come back, which I did, but turning back a bit over 10 miles as it was more convenient. Puts me even further ahead of last January and that's all that matters :)

https://www.strava.com/activities/10558425902

We got in around 20 or so on the mtbs today. Waited for it to warm up a little (not much!) leaving around 11:15am. Lovely ride with quite a bit of blue sky around.
Hailey, Ramsden, Finstock, Leafield, Swinbrook, Brize Norton and back to Witney via Minster Lovell. By and large the car drivers were well-behaved with just a couple of exceptions passing far too close.
Cold toes and cold fingers - as per..

Got out today on the Bianchi :) Been dry for a few days now and I thought there wouldn't be much ice risk left, at least not on the main roads. Mrs S then woke me up to tell me it was snowing. Great. Got out of bed and what snow? Just a few sparkly crystals and that was it.

Waited until nearly eleven for it to warm up and headed out, avoiding the usual lanes as they could well have been icy and even if not are in such a bad state of repair that they're only suitable for the gravel bike. Also choosing the way with the least bad set of roadworks at which I was able to sail straight through on green.

Didn't think it was too cold either, still a bit of ice in the road by Holmewood ponds, but not on my side of the road. Managed to get out to Tibshelf for the first time in ages, not an especially pleasant destination, but further afield than I have been doing.

Decided to come back through the other set of roadworks at the bottom of our road. Big mistake. Average speed for the ride dropped from 16.5mph to 16.2mph and that was going downhill! I'll keep avoiding that way. 32.86 miles gets me over 300 for the year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10569164831

A bright sunny day, but a bit windy and very cold. I devised a route that would see me cycling in four counties after work. Not as ambitious as it might sound - the border between Leicestershire and Staffordshire is only about 2km long, with Warwickshire at one end and Derbyshire at the other. None of them are very far from Chez Slim.

So I headed down that way, through Heather, Swepstone and Snarestone, then west to Appleby Magna.

I hadn't been through Appleby for years - it used to be on my Wales route, though I wouldn't go that way now. I got slightly lost and ended up taking a different route through and out of the village than I intended, but I was happy I did - it was really beautiful along there in the cold sunshine. Reminded me of going on winter walks with my grandmother when I was (at a guess) six or seven years old.

I exited Leicestershire to enter Warwickshire at No Man's Heath, at 1607. Six minutes later at 1613, I entered Staffordshire along Main Street. Another nine minutes later I penetrated Derbyshire along Netherseal Road, following a right turn from Clifton Campville at 1622. I connected with my usual Lower Westbound Route thirteen minutes later, and at 1551 I successfully performed re-entry to Leicestershire again, at Acresford.

So: over the 15 minutes between 1607 and 1622, I had cycled in four counties.

I should say that for the purposes of this exercise I was using the modern "ceremonial" county boundaries, not the historic ones. I didn't actually visit historic Derbyshire at all. All of the Derbyshire territory along this ride is actually in historic Leicestershire. Derbyshire annexed a chunk of Leicestershire a century or two ago, in return for land elsewhere. But I definitely visited both versions of Staffordshire, so that's another neighbouring country ticked off.

I'd never done the road between Clifton Campville and Netherseal before - it was lovely just before dusk. Very quiet, almost like a secret place. I'll try to remember to do it again.

I hadn't been through No Man's Heath for a few years and I was pleased to see that the road surface was better than I remembered.

I went up through Ashby on the way back to add a couple of miles. Back on 27.61, not as many as I wanted really but it was seriously cold after sunset so I don't feel too bad. My average distance figure is a bit rubbish so far this year, but on the other hand I've done 264 miles which is more than acceptable 16 days in.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10571186309

Quote from: Slim on January 16, 2024, 11:42:06 PMI should say that for the purposes of this exercise I was using the modern "ceremonial" county boundaries, not the historic ones. I didn't actually visit historic Derbyshire at all. All of the Derbyshire territory along this ride is actually in historic Leicestershire. Derbyshire annexed a chunk of Leicestershire a century or two ago, in return for land elsewhere.

Got to be Historic counties to count. Old Counties Good, New Counties Bad :) Derbyshire used to have several exclaves in Leicestershire and probably vice versa, they were all "tidied up" years ago. To me most of southern Sheffield is still Derbyshire, the rapacious denizens of Deedahland appropriated vast swathes of Derbyshire. Mrs S thinks her ancestors came from Yorkshire, but back in the 1800s they were all Peakites.

I don't think I've left Derbyshire this year and to be frank there's no great need to, unless I want to find somewhere flat. Certainly stayed 100% in Derbyshire for 30 miles today - first back to back 30 milers of the year - rode out, went up a hill, did a loop a couple of times and came back the same way. Bit colder than yesterday, but didn't feel too bad.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10575711399

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on January 17, 2024, 09:57:09 PMGot to be Historic counties to count. Old Counties Good, New Counties Bad :) Derbyshire used to have several exclaves in Leicestershire and probably vice versa, they were all "tidied up" years ago.

Funnily enough I wrote about that earlier, here (http://betweenthewheels.net/index.php?topic=47.msg20459#msg20459).

It turns out that my house is situated on a tiny exclave of historic Derbyshire that's only about 700m wide.

Managed a third consecutive 30 miler today for the first time since October. Once again fully within Derbyshire.
Took it nice and steadily today, being as the Garmin said it was recommending a rest day for the third day in a row. Rode out and then did four "loops" on the flattest bit of ground I could find, then came home. Another cool day but not too bad. Must tape over the front air vents in my shoes though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10581993769

Fourth day out in a row. Another 30 miles? No, just the 21 which gets me to a higher weekly tally than last week, did it because the weekend is not looking too good. Bit warmer today and the traffic lights at the end of the road have gone meaning I could go out my regular way for the first time this year.
 
Might have had time for 30 but spent too long talking to a delivery man about the Pheasant's in out back garden. He thought they were pets.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10587882009

Very cold. I did a Twycrosser, coming back east through Upton and Shenton which I hadn't done for a while.

The other half has been a bit militant about my preference not to wear a helmet, of late. I much prefer a woolly hat in cold weather. However, although I don't like to appease her usually I did wear a helmet this time, with a cover on and a cycling hijab underneath in the hope that it would keep my head warm. I've bought some head torch helmet clips to keep a head torch band in place. Worked well enough.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240119sunset.jpg)

I'm not sure if my head was as warm as it would have been in a "dutt", but then again my feet and hands were unusually cold as well. Took the pic a few minutes after sunset, and wished I'd brought my other phone. It would have taken a much better photo.

The road between Sibson and Shenton is lovely cycling territory. Every time I do it I resolve to do it more often in future. Then I don't.

Anyway back on 32.66. 297 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10589972016

Hadn't been out on a bike for a few days so I was very much looking forward to downing tools early this afternoon and getting 40 miles or so in. Bright, dry, mild (about 8C) but the wind from the west was pretty stiff.

I decided on the Lower Westbound Route and did that, except that I went up to Ashby and through Packington on the way out west. Also, bizarrely, I took the wrong turn from Measham, through Oakthorpe and Dinisthorpe. I've done this once before - deliberately, and decided I wasn't going to do it again. But I have done it again, out of absent-mindedness.

Got as far as King's Bromley, then turned back. The wind was supposed to have dissipated a bit by this time, meaning I'd only have a weak tailwind on the way home. But I don't think it had, or not by much. It definitely gave me a decent push along the flat bit from Bromley to Croxall.

Really nice out there - makes a big difference having dry, mild conditions. A few puddles and wet patches on the road, but not much. Nice to have a bit more daylight in the afternoon as well.

Back on 44.85 miles which takes me over target for the month (the 2024 target is 4550).

https://www.strava.com/activities/10622296894

After four days staying in to avoid the weather, I manned up and went out on the roads. Was supposed to be gusting at 50+mph but it didn't seem too bad. Mainly because I set out with the wind behind me and it did drop as the ride went on. Also, as ever, my fitness drops off a cliff after a few days off the bike and it was a struggle no matter what.

Didn't stray too far from home, but you won't do when you only do 20 miles. Felt like 40. There was someone feeling worse than me out there though, I overtook a bloke on Slag Lane who was two thirds of the way up when I started, couldn't believe I'd do it. Wish the council would reinstate the road signs, but as nobody lives on it they don't have to. Used to enjoy seeing if they'd last more than two days.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10619796225

Thought I might give it a miss today as the day was a lot more grizzly drizzly than forecast, but it stopped so I started. Didn't do too much, Just 25 miles, but it's good to get out. Can't remember much about it, which I suppose is a good sign, in that there can't have been any totally brain dead drivers out today.

Now at 355 miles for January which is better than any full January apart from 2021, might be a chance of getting in another 100 to top that.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10626417821

And out again for another 25 miler. Nice sunny day if a bit windy. Not as windy as Wednesday, but I felt its effects more, bit of being blown around on a few sections today, at least not further out into the road though.

Went up through Dronfield for the first time this year and got over 800 feet up for the first time this year, which meant U completed the Strava climbing challenge. I never join until I've completed it - so I can't fail - but hadn't noticed that the target had dropped from 7,500m to 7,000m, so I'd actually done it yesterday. Could have had a rest.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10632701613

I did a Twycross Bypasser, always a nice option on a Friday after work. Dry and sunny to start off, but uncomfortably cold after sunset. Quite a strong wind from the west.

Lovely along Atterton Lane at dusk. Tranquil.

Only wanted to do 35 miles really, but I ended up with another 40.15 in the bag.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240126.jpg)

The weather looks thoroughly decent for Sunday, dry and about 10C. Northamptonshire and back, I think.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10634750796

And another 27 miles of gentle spinning out today. I was hoping it would be gentle, but the Garmin told me that I'd been riding at Tempo and should therefore rest for 72 hours. I suppose that's better than VO2 max, mist be getting fitter. It also puts me over 400 miles for January, only the second time I've reached that landmark.

After a couple of days of decent drivers on the road, the eejits were out and about again. A set of traffic lights at a single lane bridge under Chesterfield railway station were replaced before Christmas and today I noticed there was a smaller set for cyclists, these go green a few seconds before the main set, but of course as soon as I set off the car divers behind set off  ??? On the way back the driver was trying to get by revving his engine even though he couldn't get by because of the single lane, then traffic on the other carriageway, at the junction at the top he came out right by me. Prick.

Then I signalled right to pull off up our drive, but the bus following me still tried to come by on the inside, but I had to stop because of oncoming traffic. Mrs S - who was out cutting the hedge by the drive - said one of the passengers was mouthing off at me and flicking V signs. So even bloody moronic bus passengers have it in for cyclists.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10639652051

A stiff wind was coming from the south but it was a dry and sunny day. Not too cold. Agreeable conditions for a southbound fondo, to get another neighbouring county box ticked (Northamptonshire).

I was up at about 0800 and expected to have set off by 0915 or so, but I dawdled a bit over breakfast and didn't leave until 0950. Probably for the best, because it was a bit warmer by then and I had plenty of time.

Stopped for a wee after 11 miles. Unfortunately the farm gate I'd leaned the bike against wasn't secured, the wind caught it and pushed the bike over. The bike was fine though except that the mirror popped out of its ball joint. I assumed I'd have to do without it for the rest of the ride. The last time I did that (by exactly the same method) I was unable to push it back on. I think I resorted to using a vice or something. This time though I did manage to get it back on by brute force when I stopped and had a go a few miles later.

I was very happy to find the shop at Gilmorton open - they close at 1pm on a Sunday apparently, and I got there at 1230. So I treated myself to lunch on one of the tables outside. I bought some stuff to eat on the way back, as well.

I took the left to Sibbertoft Gliding Club, to cross the boundary there rather than Welford. Kept going into Northamptonshire for half a mile or so then turned back. It's an unusual county boundary, at least at that point. Doesn't have a natural feature like a stream or an old road. It just crosses a field.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240128gilmo.jpg)

I tried a modification to the route. One negative about the southbound route is having to slog up a hill into Earl Shilton both ways. But while experimenting with a route planner yesterday, I found that I could avoid this by taking the bypass. It circles round the hill. This involves taking a short, winding, narrow cycle path between the usual route and the bypass, which I'm not keen on - I did notice a few thorny creepers straggled across the path, and I know from unfortunate experience that a thorn can give you a puncture. But I avoided them, and it was very nice not to have to pedal up that hill.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240128_npton.jpg)

Quite often a strong wind dies down in the afternoon but not today, which was nice as it meant I had a noticeable tailwind on the way back.

Listened mostly to 5 Live - the Australian Open mens' singles final and some very entertaining FA Cup footy. I also listened to 45 minutes or so of David Hepworth's Uncommon People, not bad. He writes well but he waffles.

Back nearly 3 minutes before sunset. 66.83 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10648921031

Another 27 miles done for me today. Once I'd watched the Women's Cyclo Cross and the last 20km of the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (Still got the men's CX, GP Marseillaise and Challenge Mallorca to watch)

Wasn't as warm as I thought it would be so was glad to have put the merino base layer on especially as the wind was quite fresh at times. Tried my very best to complete a ride at base level, but failed miserably, so Tempo will have to do. Think it was having to ride into the wind so much. Just need to get 15.5 miles in for my best ever January, looks like it will have to be Wednesday.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10648682828/

Wasn't expecting to be able to ride a bike today but the forecast improved considerably, so I did. I had scheduled work at 1800 so I abandoned my desk rather early to be back in time. But I only wanted to do 30-odd anyway.

Dry and sunny, but cold, about 5C, diminishing rapidly after sunset. Windier than advertised, as well. I did a Twycrosser.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240130bike.jpg)

I meant to take the same road between Sibson and Shenton that I did on the 19th, but I took the wrong turn and went through Upton instead. But that was a road I hadn't done for a while, and pleasant enough in its own way.

Back 45 mins after sunset, but it was still just about light enough to see the road.

Another 33.21 miles and that'll be it for January.  Pretty pleased with 481 miles this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10661737487

Got out this morning and did the 32 miles which gets me comfortably ahead of my previous best January mileage. If I can do it again tomorrow I'll get to 500 miles which I would be very happy with.

If I do go out tomorrow it won't involve hills though. Today was my first ride into the Peak District this year and my first - brief - venture outside Derbyshire on the Jordanthorpe Parkway. But even taking the nice gentle ride to the tops was a bit of a drag. Still, a nice day for it.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10660078403

And I got in the required 32 miles - 33 and a bit to make sure - and got to 500 miles for January. Even at the end of last week I didn't think I'd get there, but get there I did. Hope the rest of the year carries on as well as that (It won't if Riverside are touring in May...)

Did my usual check to make sure roads were roadwork free for the way I wanted to go and they were. Only to find a closed road. Blast. Turns out a burst watermain had led to a multicar pile up. Hmmmm. Only problem was my diversionary route, which I hadn't checked had four way traffic lights at roadworks on a roundabout. Turned red as soon as I go there  :( Of course a car then pulled bang alongside me and when the lights changed - after five minutes - he turned left alongside me, not checking to see if I got off safely. Drivist wanker.

What will February bring?

https://www.strava.com/activities/10667317256

Got February underway today. Longest ride of the year for me so far, all of 35 miles. Does that say something about me or the weather?

First ride up to the tops through Cutthorpe as well this year. First time since 24th November last year, now that DOES say something about the weather, normally do it once a week no matter what time of year, but it's just been so wet and miserable. Felt pretty miserable today with it being my first climb with more than 500 ft of elevation gain and a headwind that must have been twice as strong as forecast.

Luckily it's flattish up top, so a nice ride around a bit before a quick descent. That descent makes the climbing worthwhile, especially when the corners are free of gravel...

https://www.strava.com/activities/10674063730

A dry, very mild day was forecast (about 13C) so I took the afternoon off with a view to doing a long one. I decided to do the Lower Westbound route, but to take the turn for Rugeley rather than Abbots Bromley. In essence my Wales route, although I wasn't going to go nearly that far today.

I set off not long after 1100 but had a false start - After about half a mile I realised firstly that I'd forgotten to adjust the saddle on the Boardman like I intended (it came slightly loose and after I'd tightened it, it was about a centimetre too far forward), and secondly that I'd forgotten my phone. So I turned back, adjusted the saddle, went in the house for the phone and set off again.

Bit of a bothersome headwind on the way out. But the sun came out, which I wasn't expecting. I stopped after about 38 miles (including the superfluous mile at the start) and turned back. I'd done about half of the Wales route.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230202.jpg.jpg)

I missed the turn for Armitage and King's Bromley on the way back, but only realised some time later. I'm sure I did the same thing on the way back from Wales, last time. But I saw a turn for King's Bromley a bit later on and took that. My unnecessary detour added about four miles but I didn't mind - it was well-surfaced and mostly flat, and I had a decent tailwind so I was flying along.

The A51 was resurfaced in part a couple of years ago and it was pretty rough for a few miles but I'm glad to say it's bedded in nicely now.

I listened to 5 Live, and started the next Reacher novel, 61 Hours.

Back two hours after sunset, on 79.71 miles. Very enjoyable trip.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10683138934

Only got 17 miles in today :( It's the Cyclocross World Championships this weekend and I'd got three races to watch. Yes, I know I could watch on catch-up, but there's the Alula tour and Volta a Communitat Valencia on too. I love watching cycling me, it pissed off Mrs S that I can find so much...

Thought I might get a couple of hours in, but no sooner had I set off than a persistent drizzle set in, just on a day when I'd decided not to bother with overshoes. Forecast was for 10% chance of rain after 17:00. Ho-hum. Tomorrows forecast has a 42% chance of rain in the afternoon, so hopefully it'll be dry.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10688801065/

Well, forecast went to 26% chance of rain after 16:00 so out I went into a rain free outdoors. Didn't stop out long, did like an urban cyclocross course - in my fevered imagination - long enough to do 12 miles and get over 130 miles for the week, my highest weekly road tally for the year so far.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10696296194

With a dodgy looking weather forecast for most of the week, I decided to forego my Monday off. Unfortunately I forgot to set my alarm and ended up a bit of a slugabed.

However, I did manage to get out and get a ride in before doing the tasks Mrs S had set for me this afternoon (over and above vacuuming up Woodlice). Nice enough 25 mile ride and I got the cobwebs well and truly blown away.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10700681978

Wasn't able to abandon my desk as early as I wanted due to a meeting but it was mild and dry, if a bit windy and gloomy. I thought I'd do the usual 30-odd after work. I did a Bypasser.

Saw a helicopter travelling in a south-westerly direction not long after setting off and wondered if it was headed to the "helipad" field near Measham. Sure enough when I passed the field it was there, red lights flashing and spinning up the rotor blades. I stopped and watched it take off.

Even better, I saw an old steam locomotive on a huge trailer being pulled along Gallows Lane.

Tested a new torch that I bought at Tesco on an impulse - it takes 4 AAs and is quite heavy so not practical for longer rides but great for these shorter jaunts. Very bright.

Listened to 5 Live and more Reacher.

Back on 37.27 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10703141853

Would have been a lovely day for an eastbound fondo - very light winds, no chance of rain and mostly bright and sunny (albeit I'd have been coming back in the dark). But I had scheduled work late this afternoon so I couldn't. So I took a long lunch break instead. I did a Twycrosser.

Once again I saw a helicopter apparently headed for the field near Measham and sure enough it was parked there when I passed the field fifteen minutes later. I saw a well-dressed lady in her 50s in a Range Rover pulling away from the gate, a man of a similar age in a business suit was walking along the path to the helicopter.

Quite an enjoyable run out, if brief. Nice to do the whole thing in daylight, at least. Back on 26.35.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10715495867

Another struggle to get out of bed day, but a make the most of the weather day. For the first time this year I got over 40 miles on a ride. Looking back, that's the first time in nearly four months! I really am slacking in my retirement, very much a fair weather cyclist these days. Wish I'd put what's left of my overshoes on though as it was none too warm and my feet ended up as ice blocks.

I think today's dry and still conditions had brought out a lot of fair weather cyclists, but then again it's the first day where I've come across several of the popular routes out of Sheffield. I was going to drop down to the Derwent Valley and come back up Froggatt, but I think that might have done me in. As it was my Garmin reckoned I was a cycling Zombie for the last 14 miles, with <1 mile left in me, <1% stamina and <1% potential stamina. Ha! Tell that to the bloke I overtook three times - it's a long story...

https://www.strava.com/activities/10714518503/

Went for my pre-ride bowel void this morning and it was eye of a needle time. Gut problems or last night's curry? TMI? I didn't feel too bad, so out it was, yup, better out than in.

I was hoping to get in two hours or 32 miles, whichever was longer - hey there's six bike races on today, can't spend all day riding - but it came in at 31 miles and 6 minutes under two hours. Too much rain started coming down, I'm sure it wasn't forecast yesterday, but there it was.

Still, it was a nice enough ride on my not straying too far from home, trying to keep it steady route. Heart rate wasn't that steady, up a bit on what I'd like, but that was probably due to a surfeit of red wine and chocolate digestives yesterday.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10733687262

Thankfully a reasonably solid bowel void today. Sure you're all glad to know that. Today I did manage the  two hours or 32 miles, whichever was longer. Although half way round I thought it would be the 32 miles which was the longer. However a mainly following wind and downhill section got me to 32 miles with 16 seconds to spare, so I had to add on a trip round Sainsbury's roundabout to get two hours in.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10742265652/

Hadn't been out on a bike for a few days so I was glad to get an opportunity after work today. Nice and dry, but windy and rather cold. I did a Bypasser, with a bit of exploring at the south-eastern end near Dordon. I'd been over that way once before, there's a nice view looking back into Leicestershire from the high ground there. But I took a different route last time, along a horrible narrow gravelly road (Dordon Hall Lane I think).

Comfortable enough before sunset but very cold after that. Listened to another couple of hours of the Reacher novel.

Back on 40.15, 183 this month. Really looking forward to longer days and warmer weather. But quite enjoying a bit of night riding for now.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10749507606

Purely daylight riding for me. Wouldn't risk anything less than good light with all the local ne'er do wells in these here parts. Made two hours today, but not quite 32 miles.

Trying my best to do base level rides, taking it steadily, thought I'd get close today, but still came out as VO2 max, not even Tempo. All because my Heart rate strap thingy was playing up, registering 150+ bpm on a stretch of road where it's normally about 110. Then the last couple of miles it was showing 170, I'm sure I'd know if it were at that level, I only get to 160 when putting in effort on a long steep climb. Perhaps it's time to switch to my spare.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10746516697

Looking at the forecast for the week ahead on Sunday, I thought that Monday would be the best bet for getting out this week. It was quite nice this morning though, even a bit of sunshine at times. So out I went, didn't stay that bright for long and on the drag up to Tibshelf the rain started, so I came back. Just fizzled out to a gentle drizzle, then dry by the time I got home, but by then I couldn't be arsed to do more so stopped at 27 miles. Puts me on 750 miles for the year though, 8 days quicker than I've got that far before.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10752928328

The weather's been quite a bit better this week than the forecast said on Sunday. Although yesterday was rainier than was forecast on Tuesday evening. That was fine by me as I didn't feel like going out, felt a bit off it.

Felt better today though and did without a base layer. Could have done with bib shorts and a short sleeved jersey, it was properly warm today. Felt very spring like and in Cutthorpe the Daffodils were out. The Snowdrops have only just come out in out garden, so it must be a favoured spot. The spring had gone out of my steps though then. Haven't been doing enough long climbs this year and it shows. The wind didn't help either. Only got the benefit on the uphill section to Owler Bar. Which then meant it was a complete slog when I retraced my steps. Don't like having to put out 250+ Watts to do 15 mph on the flat.

It's another 32 miles done, but 2021 is catching up with me, 2023 is still far behind me.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10766415997

Sunny, dry and mild by the time I downed tools this afternoon. A bit windy though. I set off to do 20-odd of the Lower Westbound route, then come back. Got as far as Handsacre then came back.

Quite a bit of standing water from heavy rain overnight, and some of the fields had been transformed into shallow lakes.

Listened mostly to more of the Reacher novel, just a few hours from the (no doubt righteously brutal) climax now. Back on 49.54 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10775648899

First time out for a while.. was hoping to do 10-12 miles as a starter but ended up doing  just over 16.. big of slog tbh... quite a cold wind but stayed dry luckily.. will need to make a concerted effort to get out more often now that we have more daylight..and better weather hopefully...

Weather forecast was awful this morning but it was dry when I set off. That soon changed and it rained pretty much non stop for the next 3 hours. Gradually I could feel my hands then my feet go numb.  Decided against a coffee stop as there's nothing worse than stopping and realising just how sodden you are. The wet soon turns to cold and becomes pretty unbearable. Hands were so numb when I got home that I couldn't turn the door key or even release the helmet clasp.

All good again after a shower and lycra wash. Bike will need to be cleaned tomorrow.

Groundhog day today. Whatever I wrote for last Saturday applies again. Must stop the curry and bottle of red wine on a Friday night. But then again it doesn't afflict me that much.

Slightly longer today as I put in an extra short loop round Heath. Thought I might get to 35 miles, but I missed out a bit in Calow to avoid roadworks. Gets me over 800 miles for the year anyway. Binned the Heart strap when I got back on the assumption its that that's giving stupidly high random heart rates. Now where did I put the spare?

https://www.strava.com/activities/10779938594

The weather forecast for today had improved substantially by this morning, to the point where I thought I might be able to get a fondo in without getting rained on. I set off at about 1045 to do the Upper Westbound route. That's an option that's fallen out of favour recently for apres-work rides due to the irritation of having to share the Beloved A Road with rush hour traffic, but no such reservations apply on a Sunday.

I stocked up on food at the petrol station near Hatton. Crisps, a sandwich and a Fry's Peppermint Cream. Then, rather than turning south into Hatton I decided to keep on - I suspected that my way would be blocked by a flooded road near Scropton (again) so I wanted to do a bit of exploring. I continued on to Foston, then took a road north called Hay Lane. I've been up there before. It's a bit narrow, twisty, bumpy and gravelly but I perservered until I came to impassable water. Then I came back south onto the main road again. Then I tried a road north called Woodyard Lane until, once again, I came to a watery impasse. I turned back south again.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240218gutter.jpg)

By the time I was back on the main road I'd decided not to bother going down through Hatton and Scropton at all. I decided just to head for home, but add a few miles some other way. I took a detour through Etwall from Hiilton, and after Swarkestone, I came back the long way via Weston, Aston, Shardlow and Castle Donington.

A nice mild day. Sunny when I set off, then gloomy for a bit with a faint hint of drizzle. Then nice sunshine again. I didn't get rained on but I went through water on the roads so many times that the bike was filthy when I got back. I actually gave it a cursory hose down and clean with some car shampoo before putting it away, which is a very rare turn of events for me. Only took ten minutes, not a proper clean by any means. But I should do that more often.

I took the first pic at the left turn onto the main road, after Etwall. Water was gurgling into the drain at about a litre a second (at a guess). Both wheels were up to the spoke nipples in it.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240218bike.jpg)

Arrived at the road next to the runway at East Midlands just in time to see a plane take off, going west. A 737 I think.

Listened to footy on 5 Live and the rest of the Reacher novel, 61 Hours. Definitely better than the last two.

Back on 65.24 miles, about 45 minutes before sunset. 298 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10788995520

And today I repeated last Sunday, but with an extra loop on the tops to make sure I did a bit extra. Onwards and Upwards and all that. 34 miles means my first 150 mile week of the year, won't be beaten this week.

Put my spare Heart monitor strap in today and was thankfully free of spurious spikes, Max rate today was 151 bpm on an uphill section. Last week it got to 170 - downhill. Maybe my Garmin will recommend better training routines now - not that I'll take any notice.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10788724493/

Got a couple of rides in this week. Had to, the weather forecast for tomorrow isn't good, then I'm off on holiday to Birmingham - seriously - for a couple of days.

Yesterday was just a Tempo spin on my attempted base level route. Today was a bit stiffer, cycling out into a stiff breeze and my first ascent of the Col du Wigley since last September. Can't believe that, but there were a lot of roadworks being done on it so I've been avoiding it. First trip to Beeley Moor since October, that's the weather.

All in all 68 miles which gets me to 925 for the year, which is more than I've ever done by this stage of the year. Will the weather let me get to 1,000 by the end of February? Will my legs?

https://www.strava.com/activities/10800118929

The plan for today, to take advantage of a rare dry day with the wind coming from the east, was to do Lincolnshire and back. I worked out a route last night that would take me to a new entry point to the county of Isaac Newton. Essentially my usual route over to Waltham, Stonesby, Buckminster et al, except that I took a left turn before Waltham along five miles of road I hadn't done before - toward Grantham, through a village called Croxton Kerrial, then to the Lincolnshire border a bit further on.

So I did that. I can't say I greatly enjoyed the new stretch of road - the first couple of miles of it were a mostly gritty narrow lane with passing places. The rest of it had a long, steep descent followed by a slog of a climb (which of course meant the same again coming back).

On the way out I took the high road via Rempstone and Wymeswold to avoid standing water. On the way back though I needed to refuel at Burton on the Wolds petrol station because the village shop wasn't open at Croxton. So I took the more usual route, and I did have to propel the bike through a couple of floods. Nothing dramatic. Just a couple of inches of water.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240225bike.jpg)

I detoured via Waltham to avoid the narrow lane on the way back as well. After Belton I came back down through Griffydam and Coleorton, just to do something a bit different.

Cool at first but after a couple of hours I was warm enough to remove my overtrousers and outer nylon top layer. Really nice in the sun. On the way back the temperature dropped quite quickly so I put them back on at the petrol station. Made a very welcome difference.

I had to contend with quite a stiff headwind going east, but the wind speed actually increased gradually over the afternoon which meant that - for a change - the tailwind on the way back was stronger than the headwind had been.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240225croxton.jpg)

Really glad to be out on a bike for a few hours after a week of rubbish weather. I listened mostly to footy on 5 Live (most notably the EFL cup final).

Back on 76.69. That's 375 this month which is nicely over target. Also, my average distance for 2023 is up to 45.07.

That's another neighbouring county ticked for this year, just Rutland to do now.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10836561730

Done a couple of rides after my "holiday" in Brum. A 25 miler at Temp yesterday and a 33 miler at VO2 max today.

It was hard going at times today with an 18mph Northerly. A 2.8 mile segment into the wind took me 3 and a half minutes more than a couple of weeks ago. Wasn't able to make it back up on the way back. There's no Strava segment for the way back, but I think I only got 2 minutes back.

It all gets me to within 19 miles of 1,000 miles for the year, hopefully do that in the next three days.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10840265809

And a nice gentle couple of hours gets me 31 miles and up to over 1,000 miles for the year and over 500 miles for February. Do I try and get more in or relax?

https://www.strava.com/activities/10847061857

Last week outside work I noticed a van advertising a mobile bike repair service. I'd noticed that the chain had begun to jump if went into too high a gear too soon, also steering had gone a little stiff. I called the number and he agreed to collect the bike yesterday morning.  He gave it a look over and said the chain was a disaster, rear cassette was done for too. He took it away and brought it back as I was finishing up for the day.

New chain, new cassette, ball bearings in head tube and bottom bracke, new handlebar tape and a general service. Bike now riding like new. He said the brake pads were fine but he must have tightened the cables or something as when I braked for the first time I nearly went over the handlebars!

I really myst get better at looking after the bike myself. Any recommendations for where I can get to learn more

Quote from: dom on February 29, 2024, 10:05:09 AMI really must get better at looking after the bike myself. Any recommendations for where I can get to learn more

No  ;D

I just sort of picked a few things up as I went along. Google search here, Youtube video there, having a decent bike mechanic and listening to his tips on things to look out for.

Just remember things like checking brake pad wear, they're easy to replace. I got a chain wear indicator tool to see when the chain gets "stretched" with quick links they're easy to replace and it's recommended to change your rear cassette every third chain. It does mean an investment in tools though.

I'm the same, the first Boardman has been a very useful cycle maintenance course. There are lots of useful YouTube videos for pretty much everything and I just picked it up as I went along.

Which reminds me - the next reasonably mild dry day, I have to put the new rear mech on the Planet X. I bought a new chain for it as well.

I have yet to change a brake pad. The Boardman has gone through a rear mech, a front mech, two sets of handlebar tape, a seat post and a few cables, but it has yet to wear out a brake pad.

Quote from: Slim on February 29, 2024, 10:59:50 AMI'm the same, the first Boardman has been a very useful cycle maintenance course. There are lots of useful YouTube videos for pretty much everything and I just picked it up as I went along.

Which reminds me - the next reasonably mild dry day, I have to put the new rear mech on the Planet X. I bought a new chain for it as well.

I have yet to change a brake pad. The Boardman has gone through a rear mech, a front mech, two sets of handlebar tape, a seat post and a few cables, but it has yet to wear out a brake pad.

All by yourself ?  That's impressive!

It's had two new rear cassettes as well now I think about it, about three chains and new wheels (though that was just an upgrade, there was nothing wrong with the old ones). It had a new stem as well come to think of it. It's a bit of a Trigger's broom. And yep, did it all myself but it's not that hard once you get into it.

I did have it serviced by a bike mechanic about a year ago but that was mainly due to idleness and wanting to get it cleaned properly. He didn't replace anything except cables.

I don't do cables when they're internally routed, even the "pros" don't like doing that. Not tried doing hydraulic brake fluid either, I'll leave that to someone else.

I felt sure I wasn't going to get out again this month due to rotten weather, but happily the forecast for this afternoon changed. I'd abandoned my desk and set off on a Twycrosser by 1545. Only wanted to do 30-odd miles since it was likely to rain later, but that would see me over 400 for the month.

Stopped along Gibbet Lane on the way back to put my lights on - and found that I didn't have a rear light attached to the Tricross. Well, no matter - I was bound to have a strappy one in my backpack. And I did, but the little plastic hook that tethers the two ends of the silicon loop had gone missing. I tried to fashion a makeshift connection, but no joy. Fortunately the head torch in my backpack had a red light mode, so I switched that on and put it on my head backwards.

Not so fortunately, the red light would only stay on for a few minutes. I have no idea why. I only found that out because I got shouted at, not unreasonably, by passing motorists a couple of times.

Absolutely disgraceful that I didn't check I had proper lighting before setting off. I must own about 15 rear bike lights, as well.

Still - I didn't get run down. Back on 33.74 miles. 409 this month.

Very pleasant out there, not too cold and there was even a bit of weak sunshine early on, just enough to cast faint shadows though it wasn't bright. I didn't get rained on though I went through standing water a couple of times.

Nice to get a ride in on a Feb 29th.  An opportunity to boost the yearly tally that you don't usually get.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10863259743

Didn't go out yesterday as I felt as if I had incipient "Man Flu". Went out today as I felt a bit more like it. I don't now...

Oh, it's good to get out though. Especially with it being a bonus day, nearly got 33 miles in, and just made it out for two hours. It got me to 545 miles for February, which I assume is my best February ever with 37,000 feet of elevation gain.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10860953156

Very good weather for cycling - low wind, dry, sunny and reasonably mild. Decided to do the Southbound route, and set off not long after 1000.

Remarkably, I missed the turn for Ellistown after about two miles. My mind was somewhat preoccupied with bathroom renovation activities. However I ploughed on down the A444, took a left along Grange Lane and was back on track in no time. Actually a more direct route, which cuts a mile off compared to going through Ellistown. I normally avoid it because I'm not keen on pedalling down the A444 any longer than I have to, but today it was fine. Something to think about for the next Northampton excursion.

Once again I took the bypass round Earl Shilton to avoid the hill.

At Gilmorton I was delighted to find the village shop open, with the enticing prospect of a Cornish pasty and a lemon curd crumble slice. I went in, took my phone out of my pocket and realised I'd brought the wrong one. I have three phones, all provided by my employer. But the one I'd brought with me doesn't have a SIM card. No Google Pay, no treats. I left.

I still had a Tesco cheese pasty, an oat bar and enough water on me. So I pressed on. I turned back after 31 miles though, thinking that it wasn't prudent to stray too far from home without a working phone or money. Maybe I should keep an emergency £10 note in my usual bikes.

Alas, on the way back I somehow turned left on Lutterworth Road instead of crossing straight over. Too much on my mind again. I decided I'd just press on and see if I could follow my nose home. This took me, eventually, to a place called Bitteswell. I decided to consult Google Maps, in the hope that I was in my "local area" offline map region, downloaded automatically by the app for offline use. I didn't have a mobile broadband signal, of course.

I wasn't, but at least the app told me roughly where I was in relationship to it even if I couldn't see the local roads on it. So I aimed the bike in the right direction and hoped for the best. Fortunately I saw a road sign to Broughton Astley a few miles later.

I added 8 or 9 miles, but I must say the new roads were idyllic cycling territory, especially on a day like today. Must remember to go down that way again.

(https://i.ibb.co/y5Lxv2T/240303bike.jpg)

Fortunately the food I had on me was more than adequate. I ate a lot of lasagne last night for reasons that have nothing to do with cycling, and I think there's definitely something to be said for carb loading.

I was irritated by a woman driving a Range Rover following me along Broughton Lane. She had loads of time and space to overtake me but she wouldn't, and after a few minutes she had a tail of traffic half a mile long crawling behind her. Naturally a couple of them decided it was my fault after she did eventually overtake, gesticulating or beeping their horns as they passed.

I listened to footy on 5 Live. Burnley (surely going down now) vs Bournemouth and the first half of the Manchester derby.

Back on 71.42 miles. That was this year's sixth fondo.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10882836844

After coming down with Man Flu (yes a bit of a cold, but I have felt dreadful) I decided that whatever happened I'd get back on the bike today, so long as I was capable of getting out of bed. I had too, I lose fitness too quickly. Last Friday my buns were at peak steeliness, but they'd gone flabby again by today.

I actually felt worse this morning if anything, but I said I was going out. So I did. I actually felt better cycling than at any other point of the day. I took it steadily, didn't take in any serious hills and just had a relaxing ride. I could even have got away without a base layer, if I'd put more effort in I'd have drowned in sweat.

Back to just 25 miles, but any miles is good miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10895068357

Lovely cycling weather again, mild dry and sunny. Low winds. But not so much time this afternoon unfortunately. I hoped to get about 30 miles in nonetheless.

Decided I'd do about 15 of the eastbound route then come back. However, after about 12 miles I took a fancy to a left turn I hadn't taken before (I don't think), signposted to West Leake. And once again I discovered some very pleasant cycling territory along there. Before long I saw a sign to Sutton Bonington, so I took that, and as I expected, eventually I looped back to the main road through Zouch.

I've been through Sutton Bonington a few times. It was a favourite destination when I was still building up my ride distances after buggering my knees. That part of Nottinghamshire is pleasingly flat. But I'm pretty sure I haven't done the road that loops round to it near West Leake.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240405bike.jpg)

I must make a note to go exploring over that way again.

Anyway I came back after hitting the main road again. Took the slightly longer route home after Belton, through Griffydam.

Back on 28.35. Not quite as many as I intended. But as a wise man once said, any miles is good miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10897865173

Struggling to shake off the old manflu. Got out again on Wednesday - 'cos any miles is good miles - but can't remember much about it. Yesterday I felt just as dull and damp as the weather so stayed in.

Today however was another "Kill or Cure" day. Hasn't done either, but at least escaping the first half isn't a bad thing and if truth be told I do now feel better than when I got up.

It was a bit of a chill Easterly wind out there though, not that that bothered me as I wasn't out to go quickly. Encountered a couple of sets of traffic lights at roadworks. The second set was on my "Take it Easy" loop so I couldn't do that one today, or maybe I could as they were working towards clearing them when I went through and they had gone when I came back. But there's a not quite so easy loop I could take so all was good.

To say I was taking it easy, I did manage to set my fastest ever time - and 10th fastest out of 583 - on a small climb. That's what a stiff Easterly can do. Got back just shy of 30 miles, a sign of my state was that I didn't bother to nip round Sainsbury's roundabout to top 30 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10916000373/

While looking through my bike routes on RideWithGPS this morning I came across one I'd devised, but never tried that goes eastward by a different, more southerly route through Bagworth, Markfield, Rothley, Trussington and Hoby before looping upward through Ragdale to join the usual eastbound route near Six Hills.

So: I did that this afternoon, after leaving work early. Plumbed the route into my eTrex so I wouldn't get lost.

Certainly made a nice change, but I could have done without all the hill climbing on the lower part. Nice and quiet though. Nice views. I think I did something similar a few months ago.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240308bike.jpg)

I had half a mind to do a fondo, so to that end I continued east for a bit when I got to Six Hills. But it was getting a bit cold so I turned back after about three miles. I don't often do more than 50 miles without doing a fondo and I did think about maybe an excursion into Coalville and back with a few miles to go. But there'll be longer, warmer days soon.

Saw a baby deer strolling along the grass verge at Stanford on Soar. It disappeared into someone's front garden when it heard me coming.

Back on 54.61.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10918338796

The closer I get back to feeling "normal", the harder it seems to be to turn a pedal over. Perhaps it's my subconscious saying "you're back, ride like it". Well, I'm not back and I can't ride like it.

Managed a 32 miler which I last rode on the last day of February - just before man flu - and my averaged speed was down by 0.6 mph, weighted average power down by 7W and average heart rate up 6 bpm. I love my stats me. Yet after 23 miles I was still just quicker than the previous time. All down to the wind though, it was a stiff easterly today, my five mile descent from the tops took 14 minutes 40 seconds today as against 12 minutes 31 previously. That made all the difference.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10924711979

A dry day for a change and unusually mild with it, although the wind from the south was fairly strong. I left work early with the idea of doing a decently long ride, possibly even a fondo, down the southbound route. Once again I came right down the A444 over the first few miles, rather than going through Ellistown and Bagworth.

Delightfully, I found the village shop at Gilmorton open so I bought some goodies.

I turned back after 30.3 miles, along Station Road near Husbands Bosworth. I was going to take a longer route home and I didn't want to do more than the fondo distance. I reckoned I'd be home by about 2100.

It was getting dark by this time, and I took a wrong turn down Lutterworth Road. My more serious error came after Stoney Stanton, when I failed to take the left turn to Potters Marston. I do enjoy cycling in the dark but I'm definitely more likely to make navigation errors. I realised I'd gone badly wrong when I found myself in Huncote, a place I don't think I'd ever been in my life.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240313bike.jpg)

Google Maps to the rescue then and I plotted a course homeward, but within a few miles I'd missed a turn again and found myself in Croft. That was particularly annoying because I'd  descended a steep hill completely unnecessarily, and of course I had to come back up.

By this time I was convinced I wasn't going to get home until after 2200, but in fact I hadn't gone that far off track. I came back up through unfamiliar territory (Thurlaston and Desford Rd) then nearer home, the quickest possible way, through Donington le Heath rather than Ibstock and was back home on 64.58 miles. I'll put the road through Thurlaston on my list of places to revisit.

Very glad to have the tailwind on the way back, it made a big difference.

I did regret coming through Donington le Heath. It used to be fine, but there's a steep descent called Standard Hill which has been resurfaced in a bizarre wavy, ripply texture and although it's alright in a car it is absolutely boneshaking on a bike. Horrible in the dark especially.

Anyway, glad to have given the March distance tally a bit of a boost. It's been a rotten cycling month. 219 miles done and I'll be happy enough with 400.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10954222829

I've not even managed 180 miles in March yet. Still finding it hard to get back into it post Man Flu. Never felt that bad with it, but it's really knocked me back.

Got up to nearly 39 miles yesterday, I'd wanted to do 40 but just couldn't be arsed to do an extra one and a bit miles. Slogging out into a headwind didn't help and the tailwind bonus coming back couldn't pick me up that much. Nice to see that the council have been out filling in some potholes.

Today wasn't even 28 miles, but it was a hillier ride and my heart rate averaged less than yesterday, so I'm taking that as a good sign.

Much against my better judgement I went out today to get in the 34 miles to take me to 100 miles for the week and get over 200 for the month. It's getting no easier, even though it was steady I ended up feeling worse than if I'd gone for it. It kept dry though, well, dryish, there was a point when the rain started and I thought it might set in, then riding up to Sutton Scarsdale there was a clear demarcation on the road between wet and dry. I stayed on the dry side.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10964510595

Next cycling will be watching Milan - San Remo tomorrow. 288km with action in the last 40 - unless Pogi goes with 200km to go.

Rain was due over in the afternoon and I didn't want to get out of bed early, so I only wanted to do 40-odd. A simple plan: to go down the Southbound Route for 20 miles or so, then come back.

As I emerged onto the Earl Shilton bypass I saw what appeared to be cars parked on either side, at the junction. Very odd place to park, I thought .. but as I drew closer it was evident that they'd just smacked into each other head-on. I'd guess one of the drivers overestimated the time he had to turn right in the oncoming traffic. Nasty, but fortunately everyone appeared to have emerged unscathed.

At Coventry Road after 20 miles I decided to turn right to Shamford, rather than straight over to Broughton Astley. I only wanted to do a couple more miles before coming back so I was just messing around really. Then I took a left turn signposted to Frolesworth. I expected it to devolve into a gritty track more suited to a gravel bike but no, it was a thoroughly decently surfaced, quiet road. Not particularly interesting though, just a road through farmland.

Frolesworth is also not particularly interesting. Quite a pleasant little village but one of those places that has a church but no pubs or shops, which I find perverse. My intention had been to turn back and come the same way but I saw a sign to Broughton Astley, so I followed that. I came back the usual way from there.

The rain came down three hours earlier than it was supposed to, but it was light. Was sunny over the first hour of the ride.

Home on 47.22 miles. 266 this month.

I listened to Judas Priest's Unleashed in the East. I don't think I've listened to the whole thing since the early 1980s, and actually I still haven't, I switched it off to go in the Co-op at Stoney to get a croissant and put 5 Live on when I came out. Then 6 Music, then a corking FA Cup tie between Wolves and Coventry.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10972138894

After spending waaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy too much time watching cycling yesterday, I thought I'd better get out today. Thankfully the weather gods were smiling as it was mostly sunny and mostly warm. Almost too warm for a long-sleeved jersey and bib-tights, but a fresh wind on the tops made me glad to be covered. The fingerless gloves made their first appearance of the year.

I'd hoped to get 40 miles in and I did get 40 miles in. Only the second time this year, oh the shame. Hard work at times, but that last seven miles downhill makes it all worthwhile. Thought I heard a Curlew today, but not sure, perhaps it was just a Lew.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10981425705/

We haven't been particularly fortunate with the weather recently so with a dry, very mild day forecast I took the afternoon off, with a view to doing a decently long ride. I decided I'd do the Southbound Route again, this time all the way down to Northampton. I reckoned I'd be back by about 9pm, but I got up a lot earlier than I expected. So I'd put in a decent shift and was away and pedalling shortly after 1000.

I was going to wear contact lenses. Unfortunately I lost one of them under my eyelid (again). It's still up there somewhere. So, with my cycling glasses away having new lenses fitted, I wore my regular metal frame varifocals. Unfortunately they are singularly unsuitable for cycling because they don't sit high enough on my nose. Fine for checking a watch or something on a handlebar but looking forward, I often only had an unassisted view over the top of the frame.

I got to Northampton at about 1415. Went into Kingsthorpe, past the guest house where I lived for a few months in 1984. Along St George Avenue, past the Racecourse - lovely to see the sun shining on the grass, all very nostalgic. Then I came back.

Took a diversion past the gliding club at Sibbertoft on the way back up. Nothing happening there today. I came the "old" way back up through Husbands Bosworth, Foston and Blaby, which is slightly shorter but I came a long way back through the village to get into three figures. Back on 101.87.

This was the first time I'd been out on the Roubaix for months, and I was surprised to find that the saddle felt a little lower than I expected. Fortunately I had an Allen key on me and I adjusted it after 20 miles or so. But I made a note of the exact position (the seat post has a scale printed on the back). Sure enough when I checked it later in the day, it had sunk 5mm or so. I reset it and tightened it a bit harder. I normally set it using a torque wrench but I set it as tight as I dared (it's carbon so not as robust as an alloy one would be). It seemed to stay put after that. Not sure whether I should re-torque it, or just leave it. Perhaps I need to apply some grip paste.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240318bike.jpg)

This is a more challenging long ride than most in my repertoire because of all the hill climbing coming north of Northampton, but I kept myself well fuelled and it was a breeze.

That was a really nice day out on a bike, especially when the sun was out. The day flew by.

I listened to Camel's Rain Dances - pretty bland stuff really but quite pleasant and calming. And The Colourfield's Virgins and Philistines, which is powerfully evocative of the time when I first lived in Northampton. Apart from that, 5 Live and, earlier in the day, James O'Brien on LBC. I agree with almost nothing he says, in fact it's obvious his main reason for getting up in the morning is to piss people off. But he's very entertaining, in an unintentional sort of way.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10988332354

Probably doesn't surprise you but James O'Brien is great!

Finally got my first spin of March under my hat on Sunday. Poor really but a combination of poor weather and family commitments prevented me from going out sooner.

On Friday evening I did join a fitness class though, specifically targeted at improving cycling strength. Lots of core and leg work. Fair bit of balance stuff too. I felt fine on Saturday morning but really struggled after the spin on Sunday. Legs were sore and it was only a modest distance.

We'll see if it makes any difference to my cycling abilities by the time it ends in mid April

Getting old sucks. Nice day weatherwise yesterday, but after Sunday I hadn't got it in my legs. Went out today though, managing 42.5 miles - best of the year so far! - with 3,180 feet of climbing, the most I've managed in one ride this year. Averaged over 16 mph too, which isn't too bad. Hopefully tomorrow will be rainy as I don't think I've got it in me to go out tomorrow.

Did managed to get away from my recent keep it steady "rut" roads though, hasn't done some since last September, which probably says something about the shitty weather we've been having as normally Winter doesn't keep me away from them. Still ahead of where I was back in 2021 my "best" cycling year, but I'm not putting together three hillier 40+ milers with more climbing like I could back then.


https://www.strava.com/activities/10992793468

Quote from: dom on March 19, 2024, 05:11:00 PMProbably doesn't surprise you but James O'Brien is great!

It'll be interesting to see if he can come off the ramipril when Labour get into government

Quote from: David L on March 19, 2024, 10:19:21 PM

Quote from: dom on March 19, 2024, 05:11:00 PMProbably doesn't surprise you but James O'Brien is great!

It'll be interesting to see if he can come off the ramipril when Labour get into government

I would answer that, but it would get too political for the non political section

Did it rain yesterday? Must have, as I didn't get out on the bike. Can't remember what I did do. Would it rain today? Forecast said no. So out on the bike then.

I was aiming for a modest gain in my longest ride of the year, trying for 45 miles. Did I get there? Not quite. At my furthest point from home it started raining. Not much, but rain nonetheless. Rain which I must have been at the back edge of as the roads were piss wet and I soon got a very cold and wet arse and back. Feet got a bit chilly too, toes were purple, blue and white when I got back.

So, I made a bit of a more direct way home and finished at 43.4 miles, but at least I hit the Strava climbing challenge target. Pity about the rain as I was feeling better on the bike today, heart rate was in the zones where I'd expect it to be. What will the weekend bring?

https://www.strava.com/activities/11007684587

After aborting yesterday's ride due to rain, I say aborting, but it felt full term to me, I got absolutely saturated. The forecast was for 34% chance of drizzle, well that was 100% wet and if it were drizzle I'd hate to see a Noachian deluge. I couldn't see either as the rain had washed out all the accumulated salt in my helmet lining into my eyes which were stinging like buggery. On the plus side Mrs S has cleaned my cycling shoes.

Today was sunny, with 0% chance of precipitation and thankfully the forecast was bang on. I was a bit late out due to watching Gent-Wevelgem, but an 18:26 sunset was enough for me to get 40 miles in. Taking me to 395 for March.

Strayed over to Nottinghamshire for the first time this year. Derbyshire's roads have now deteriorated to the same standard as Nott's, so it was a seamless transition. Got my average speed up to 18mph after 20 miles, first time I've done that in ages, but a headwind knocked that back to 17 by the end.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11030574681/

Put a new chain on the Bianchi yesterday. Looking at my replacement schedule the old one had done over 5,500 miles. Can't believe it, but it was filthy and well above the 0.5 on the chain measuring device at which they recommend changing an 11 speed chain. Managed to feed it through the rear mech incorrectly at first, which is a bind, but hey-ho.

Can't say as a new chain made much difference though today. That could be because I decided to do my first ascent of Harewood Road this year 657 ft of elevation gain is the most I've tackled in one climb this year and I can feel it. Even with a tailwind it took me 17 minutes 40 seconds against my best of 15. I noticed that since I went up it last August Ben Swift of INEOS Grenadiers has been up it in 9 minutes 27 seconds. Crikey! He's not even a climber. Still, I did overtake a couple of cyclists on the way up and tried to make it sound like I wasn't breathing hard. I think they were both about 80...

Today's 41 miles leaves me needing 63 more to get to 500 for March. Will the weather be kind? Who knows. Maybe I'll have to get up early on Sunday.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11041511647

Inching closer to 500 miles for March.

Yesterday I thought I'd get an hour and a half in before the rain. Why do I bother to think, it started after 15 minutes, so back home it was. I don't have to get wet. Six miles done.

Today, I had no idea how long I'd get. Was hoping for an hour. I got two, so that's another 30 on to the monthly tally leaving me 23.5 miles to do in two days - won't get any chance on Easter Sunday :( - which should, should, be doable. I also got home five minutes before the rain :)

https://www.strava.com/activities/11054903075

Eleven whole days since I'd been out on a bike, partly because I was away last weekend but also due to an unreasonable run of rainy conditions. The weather seems mainly to have been wet the whole year so far.

Fortunately, at the moment it looks like Saturday and Sunday will be dry this weekend. Today's weather forecast was not so promising, but I thought I'd do 25 or 30 miles anyway. The BBC forecast threatened rain from noon, but the rainfall radar picture looked more optimistic. I set off at about 1050. Just wanted to do a Twycrosser.

I was going to go all the way down to Sheepy as usual, but as I turned off down Sheepy Road, I noticed a rather threatening dark grey sky to the south. So I turned back and took the short cut down the main road. Came back along Gibbet Lane.

The rain started at 1202 exactly, so unfortunately the BBC forecast was pretty much spot on. Since I was going to get wet either way I came home the longer way through Barton and Nailstone. I also reasoned that the roads that way were less likely to be muddy.

Unexpectedly a mild, sunny day broke out over the last hour or so of the ride. It's still pretty nice out there, a couple of hours later. I could have stayed out for longer but I was getting a bit close to home, and the temptation of a coffee and a hot cross bun. I'll probably do a long one on Sunday anyway.

Back on 25.74 miles and that's 394 this month, which is over target for March.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11061737380

And I got over the 500 mile line. Woke to a drizzly day, which became a very drizzly day, then at ten it stopped and the sun came out, so out on the road I went.

Never too sure if any more wetness would turn up, so just had a gentle spin out to Heath and then rode to Sutton Scarsdale and back a couple of times before heading home to get back on 26.64 miles and thus 501.24 for March.

Hopefully get out tomorrow to put a bit of icing on the cake, but Sunday will be a big no-no as Mrs S has invited most of my living relatives over and her's too :( I tell a lie, my brother invited himself...

https://www.strava.com/activities/11061372690

Nice, gentle ride on the mtbs today. From the campsite just outside Bakewell, we headed to Moneyash but turned off to pass through Sheldon. From Sheldon to Taddington where we stopped for refreshments at The Queens Arms. Lovely little pub. After a bite to eat washed down with a pint of 'Just Nipping Out' by Little Brewing Co. and a pint of Camden Pale, we took the long descent to Miller's Dale. We wheeled the bikes up the steep path to join The Monsal Trail. Lovely stretch southwards towards Bakewell as it's a gentle downhill in that direction, taking extra care through the gloom of the tunnels. We exited the trail at Great Longstone. Through the village to The Packhorse at Little Longstone. Cracking little pub, flagstone floors and two open fires on the go. Thornbridge Astryd followed by AM PM from the same. Lovely Venison burger served with some of the best chips we've ever had with a meal out.To get us back to the site, we doubled-back through Gt. Longstone to Ashford in the Water to return by 6:00pm.
First ride for a long time and probably not much more than 15 miles. No off-road, still too much water around to risk it. Both caught the sun on our faces and feel like we've exerted ourselves enough to sleep soundly tonight.

I got a bit of icing on the cake. Mrs S wanted me to give a hand getting ready for the "guests" coming round tomorrow. I managed to sneak out for a couple of hours at midday though.

Just a steady spin out, but it felt like more. Last week I'd just got back to feeling like a cyclist and this week's been a step backwards. Well, it's felt like it, but the Garmin said I rode at Threshold today and not the regular VO2 Max. but what does that know?

Today's 32 miles got me to 533 for March and 1,581 for the year. It'll do.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11069511155

Today's plan was to visit Rutland, then come back. There are a couple of routes that accomplish this in a round trip of 60-odd miles, but I wanted to do more than that today - so I chose a route that takes in the first 40 miles of my Norfolk route, then dips south for 3 miles near Sewstern.

Set off at 0924 (BST, of course - the clocks having gained an hour overnight).

I took the first Boardman and over the first few miles I had a sense that the saddle was set a little too low, so I adjusted it before I was far out of the village (using estimated torque of course, I don't take a torque wrench with me on a ride). I don't think it had slipped. I'm just a bit more sensitive to it at the moment, having had to adjust the saddle position on the Roubaix.

I didn't have much food on me; the plan was to stock up at the petrol station at Burton on the Wolds, which I did. I also hoped to buy some more stuff at the village shop at Buckminster; alas it had closed at 1pm and I got there 25 minutes later than that. I'm not sure why the proprietors, people manifestly not persons of a Christian persuasion would close early for Easter Sunday, but hey. I pressed on regardless.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/bike240331.jpg)

Got to the border, took the pic, went over into Rutland for a minute then came back exactly the same way. I did ponder whether I should come back via Melton Mowbray where I'd be sure to find a petrol station with snacks 9 miles later, but I had a cheese & onion roll and an oat bar on me and I felt sure I'd make it to the petrol station at Burton, 26 miles later, without any trouble.

The headwind going east had been slightly brutal. But the tailwind coming back was an absolute delight. I felt like I was riding a moped. The return trip was such a breeze that I didn't even bother to stop at Burton. I was just flying along, and I see that I've picked up a few Strava PRs for a route that I've done dozens of times.

A bit cold when I set off but the temperature climbed nicely. I took off a layer of clothing after 15 miles. The temperature did dip a bit later on when the sun went in but not for long. I was mostly very comfortable. The forecast had threatened a possibility of light rain showers, but apart from a hint of drizzle for ten minutes on the way back, I was untroubled by precipitation.

I listened to Colin Murray on 5 Live, then Different Stages - which I hadn't listened to for many years - then football coverage; Liverpool vs Brighton and the first half of Man City vs Arsenal.

Back on 86.45 miles. I was home two hours before sunset which makes me think I should have done 100 really, but it wasn't the best day for it. There'll be longer, warmer and less windy days soon.

Anyway that's a wrap for March on 480 miles, and the last neighbouring county box ticked for this year. Last year I did the last two on 2nd April. Quite nice to get them all in before the end of March this year, although in 2022 I'd done them all before the end of February.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11078424986

March was very poor distance wise. Not even 100kms reached. A combination of poor weather, a trip to Kerry, and a bout of back pain, among other things, meant I only went out for 2 modest Saturday spins during the month. Hoping for a better April

Managed to get April under way today. Think yesterday might have been a rainy day, but I was too stuffed from Sunday lunch. Still stuffed now, but I've started on Easter eggs.

I had to get out today as it most definitely wasn't raining and the rest of the week it could well be. Although with all the Traffic Cops I watch it might not be advisable on my local roads as lots of them feature in the show, all full of maniac drivers and banned drivers.

Thankfully, some bits of road have had potholes filled in, some bits even fully resurfaced and boy do they feel good. I even slow down on them to appreciate it more. Just rode out through Tibshelf to Westhouses today, but still got in my longest ride of the year - 44 miles. It'll do.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11090131757

Rain was expected at about 8pm, so I thought I could crank out 35 miles or so after work without getting wet. I did a Twycrosser With Orton Detour, 32.38 miles. I would have done more than that, but I did get rained on after the first hour.

Hadn't done the Orton detour for a while.

Listened to Mike Stern's Standards album which unfortunately is a bit inspid - he plays brilliantly but overall it comes across like lift music. Then I started a new audiobook, the Philp K Dick novel Martian Time-Slip which imagines a human colony on Mars in 1994. I found it really meandering and unfocused.

Anyway not quite as many miles as I wanted, but 32.38 more than I would have done if I'd known I was going to get rained on.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11093238977

Got out yesterday in a gap between drizzly bits. Got 24 miles in, was happy enough with that.

Would have been happy again with 24 miles today, but made 32 as the weather was mainly good. Just the odd bit of rain and an increasing amount of wind. Didn't stray far from home, just went out and did my "ride steadily" circuits. A bit wet from water run off. Bit busy too, must be a school holiday thing.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11111246961

35 yards more and I'd have been at 100 miles for the week.

Friend I cycle with suggested we head out for a small spin on Friday evening as we wouldn't be able to tomorrow morning with the yellow wind warning. He cycled from Trim to Navan and then we set off on a roundabout trip to back to Trim. I had the strength fitness class for cycling at 7.30 so the spin seemed like an ideal warm up. I began to feel it was a mistake as I approached the Knightsbrook Hotel as I wasn't feeling great. Hadn't even done 40kms and that at only a moderate pace.

Went to the class determined to complete but to take it easy as I did so. Come the end of the class and I was feeling distinctly queasy. Had to hurry my goodbyes and run to the loo

By the time class was over it was dark so Louise agreed to bring me back to navan in the car. Had to stop on 3 occasions on the approx 15km homeward trip. Bug or over- reaction to the exercise?

Im thinking the latter as when I got home discovered that my son is also sick !

A pretty nice day apart from a fierce wind and a threat of showers, so I abandoned my desk rather early and mounted a bicycle, in the hope of getting a fondo in.

I had the idea of going south at first, but I developed an urge to do a Bypasser. Could I somehow extend a Twycross Bypasser to the requisite 62.14 miles? Well I thought it would be fun to find out.

After Norton I thought of going over to No Man's Heath, from where I could join the Lower Westbound route. I did that. After King's Bromley I'd done more than 27 miles thanks to indulging a part-Bypasser and I decided to keep on going south past King's Bromley Wharf rather than turn off for Abbot's Bromley. Again, just in a spirit of adventure really. The headwind was shocking at this point and I was riding directly into it.

After about three miles I turned back, but I took an unfamiliar left turn shortly afterward to go exploring. This took me to Handsacre and I followed a sign from there back to King's Bromley. However just to keep things interesting, from there I came back via what I might term the "Disused Lower Westbound Route", through Barton under Needwood and Coton in the Elms. I remembered why I don't really use that route now, it's gritty and climby in places.

I stopped for food at a village shop in Yoxall. Nice place, very nice sandwiches. I wonder if I could fashion a useful route that goes through Yoxall.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240405sworks.jpg)

After Netherseal it was apparent that I still had a few miles to make up so I came back a slightly indirect way after Measham, and detoured via Ibstock. The sun had set by this time, and I'd deployed lights.

However .. just as I was coming into the village, a friendly motorist emerging from his car flagged me down. "Did you have a red light on the back of your bike?" he wanted to know. Indeed I did, but not any longer apparently. "Because I passed one flashing on the road back there", he continued. I thanked him, put a spare rear light on and went back a mile or so to look for it, but I didn't see it. Ah well, it was cheap, and obviously a bit useless. The rubber strap was still attached, but the main body of the light had fallen off the mount.

Back on 64.27 miles. If not for backtracking to look for a missing rear light, I'd have been back in just over fondo distance so I'd managed the distance quite nicely.

Lovely out there apart from the wind, and obviously that only bothered me over the first half of the ride. Spring-like. I did get rained on, but only for five minutes. This was the first time I'd been out on the S Works since September and it zipped along beautifully on the way back.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11114186122

Thought it was supposed to be windy today? I think yesterday was windier. There was something up though, with me, not the weather. Making my second ascent of Long Lane I had to stop, I'd come over all funny. Don't know what it was, Panic attack? I don't know, but I didn't like it. Carried on up Long Lane, but kept switching from riding normally to riding along in a dream like state.

Maybe it was down to it being the first warm day - out in shorts and short sleeves - and not drinking enough. Never felt like it before though and don't want to feel like it again.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11118439759

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on April 06, 2024, 05:07:28 PMThought it was supposed to be windy today? I think yesterday was windier. There was something up though, with me, not the weather. Making my second ascent of Long Lane I had to stop, I'd come over all funny. Don't know what it was, Panic attack? I don't know, but I didn't like it. Carried on up Long Lane, but kept switching from riding normally to riding along in a dream like state.

Maybe low on blood sugar or overdoing it? Take it easy!

Quote from: Slim on April 06, 2024, 05:26:29 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on April 06, 2024, 05:07:28 PMThought it was supposed to be windy today? I think yesterday was windier. There was something up though, with me, not the weather. Making my second ascent of Long Lane I had to stop, I'd come over all funny. Don't know what it was, Panic attack? I don't know, but I didn't like it. Carried on up Long Lane, but kept switching from riding normally to riding along in a dream like state.

Maybe low on blood sugar or overdoing it? Take it easy!

Shouldn't have been low on blood sugar after 17 miles. Mrs S has diagnosed a Panic Attack. Whatever I'm staying in today.

So, another cycling reboot, or so it seems. Might get into a rhythm with it one day. Thankfully I managed not to have a "funny turn" like on Saturday, which was nice. Wasn't able to get out when I would have liked because I managed to oversleep, which was good really as I've been struggling to sleep a bit later.

Mrs S told me to take it easily. Do you think I listen to you woman? I sort of did, but sort of didn't as I nearly broke 19 minutes for the first five miles on this route for the first time this year. Ended up doing three repeats from Four Lanes End up to Linacre Reservoir and back. Each one quicker than the last, which is what I was aiming for, to put more effort in each time. And live.

Back on 25 miles which was enough.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11133830820

Gave the chain a good clean this afternoon with my new chain cleaning machine - I appear to collect them - it's back to being shiny, but it has only been on a fortnight.

Crikey! A nice day today, after two probably not so nice ones, can't have been good, I stayed in.

Again I managed a ride with no funny turns - apart from the strange junction in Dronfield - and got up to the tops. Not by my planned route though as I'd noticed there would be traffic lights for roadworks bang on a junction where you wouldn't want to encounter them on a bicycle.

Aimed to get 32 miles in and got 33, bonus. Still on with a chance of making 500 miles in April, so long as the weather plays ball.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11156442720

The warmest day so far this year I think, and dry as well for a change (mostly). Once again immoderately windy. Wish I could have got out of work earlier, but for my sins I had to give a Teams presentation at 1530. But I was off and away on a bike 53 minutes later.

I wanted to do more than 35, but didn't have time for 40. My first idea was to go down the Lower Westbound but just as I was approaching Measham I decided to take the left turn down to Snarestone and do a Bypasser. I augmented it with an excursion down toward Old Grendon, then another one down to explore suburban Atherstone briefly. Not very interesting.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240411bike.jpg)

Just for laughs I parked the bike against a wrecked car near Warton rather than the usual farm gate or telegraph pole, for the photo. The rear window was completely smashed in and one of the front wheels was splayed out at a near 90 degree angle. Nasty.

First legs-out day of the year. I did take tights just in case but didn't put them on. Picked up a few splashes of rain but only briefly. Back about a minute after sunset on 38.99 miles. Nice run out, wish I'd been able to set off an hour or two sooner.

136 this month which I'm not really happy with, hope the weather improves for the remaining 19 days.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11160160718

Got out for another couple of hours today to do 33 miles with no ill effects. Which is always nice. Wasn't too sure where to go and a check on where roadworks were today made me settle for my try and do a base level ride circuit(s).

As ever there was a complete failure to achieve a base level ride, once again it was done at VO2 max. Either the algorithms on the Garmin are shit or it's taking the piss out of me. Who can say.

Nice to see plenty of other cyclists out today. Don't normally see many out that was as most people seem to like to head for the Peak District, but these seemed to be older folk just grateful to still be able to ride or Mountain Bikers looking for the next cycle trail.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11163652042

No cycling today, but: I did finally get round to sorting out the Planet X. New hanger, rear mech, chain and gear cable fitted. Only took about half an hour.

Annoyingly, the KMC 11 speed chain I'd bought was too short! So I made up the length with an unused bit of chain from the last KMC 11 speed chain I bought. They aren't actually exactly the same - the new chain is shiny metal with black centre links, whereas the spare links are uniformly dull steel coloured.

I only had one quick link so I had to join them using a chain tool. I knew hoarding spare bits of chain would come in handy one day.

I was going to leave setting it up for another day but I went ahead and finished the job. The chain seems to be going round smoothly enough and doing all the changes properly on the stand, but I dare say it'll need tweaking after a ride.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/newmech240412.jpg)

A pretty nice cycling day today, but I'm on call. Also, I was keen to try out my Planet X following its maintenance yesterday, which involved furnishing it with a new rear mech, hanger, gear cable and chain. Not wise to stray too far from home in those circumstances but I was keen to clock up a decent distance, so last night I planned a route that would take me down south-east to Kirby Muxloe, then west right across to Warton, taking in Fenn Lanes, then north-east back homeward. A decently interesting ride, without straying too far from base. I hoped.

I didn't actually plot it out on a route planner, so I didn't know the exact distance. I was going to improvise a bit, anyway.

I set off at about 0845. Yesterday's forecast had threatened rain in the late afternoon, but I was pleased to see this morning that the meteorologists had changed their mind about that. Just as I set off, a gentleman with a striking resemblance to Boris Johnson strolled past and wished me a good morning. Surely a good omen.

Very happy to find that the bike was running very nicely - I'd half-expected the chain to skip for the first few miles, where I'd joined two lengths of chain. But all the gear changes were nice and smooth. I didn't try any of the stupid combinations, smaller ring at the front and smallest cog at the back for example. But I try to avoid those anyway. I'm sure they wouldn't have caused a disaster. I did regret choosing a route with a few steep climbs, not really what you want with an untested chain. But everything was fine.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240413dadlington.jpg)

The ride didn't go exactly as I'd mentally sketched out, but I did roughly what I'd intended. I found myself at Ratby at one point which wasn't part of the plan, but I visited the Co-op there and acquired a sandwich and some freshly baked cheese & onion rolls. Nice.

After Kirkby Mallory I took the wrong turn on the A444 and ended up at Stapleton instead of Sutton Cheney. But I followed a sign to Dadlington. I knew I'd find Fenn Lanes from there. This took me along a country lane that was a bit stony and ill-maintained, but it wasn't too bad. I took the pic at Dadlington.

From Fenn Lanes I did a sort of reverse Bypasser with some deliberate meandering to clock up some extra miles. I was determined to do a fondo by this time. This involved coming along the fast road from Ashby for a couple of miles which was a bit hairy, but at least it was mostly downhill.

Back on 62.84 miles.

Mostly nice weather, cloudy in the morning but sunny later. I removed my new cycling tights at about 1100 and a fleece about 90 minutes later. My legs were a bit hairy and I was slightly embarrassed every time I glanced down, but I've given them a good seeing to with a razor in the bath since I got back.

Listened mostly to 5 Live which annoyingly was largely devoted to golf coverage, but there was a very good interview with Mark Knopfler on Patrick Kielty's show. And I listened to the Prefab Sprout album From Langley Park to Memphis.

That was a really nice run out. Very happy to have the green bike available for use again.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11173148147

And out again with no troubles today, apart from a rather strong wind which was a bit fresh up on the tops. Nice to see a bit of hazy sunshine too. Been in short sleeves and shorts for a week now and the tanlines are starting to pick up already, which is nice. Thankfully they hadn't quite disappeared over Winter. I do tan quite well, but not as much as my brother, who's a dead ringer for Sadiq Khan -in my fevered brain.

Third consecutive 30 miler, be nice to get another one in tomorrow, but not too bothered if I don't as I'm half way to 500 miles for April, but hopefully some miles will be covered - after watching the Amstel Gold Race. Going to be a bit cooler though, hope I can cope with so much uncovered skin.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11173857126

And I made it four days out in a row and over 30 miles each ride. It gave me my climbingest week of the year, not the one with the most distance, but with the greatest time spent in the saddle.

I was a bit late getting out because of watching the Amstel Gold Race and because Tom Pidcock had won I watched the podium ceremony. Then watched the women's podium ceremony from earlier as they switched to the men's race before it. I had hoped Lorena Wiebes wouldn't come put for it, but she'd stopped crying after throwing the race away.

Because my brother had run the Manchester Marathon today, I had thought about just doing 26 miles 385 yards for my own Marathon, but decided to make it 30 miles for roundness sake.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11182664529/

Today was a get pissed off with cycling day. Well, not pissed off with cycling, but pissed off with bicycles day.

I thought things didn't seem quite right on my ride and a quick look down at the seatpost revealed it had dropped a bit. I was hoping that it would stick, but no, it kept on dropping lower and lower, so much as I don't like stopping I stopped and raised it hoping that I didn't over torque the bolt. No need to worry about that as the gradual decline started again. So that was one thing to sort out when I got home.

Another was the sound of front disc pads rubbing against the disc rotor and giving a bit of a metal on metal sound when I braked. Yes, I could see that I should have put in new pads a couple of weeks ago but inertia had led me to ignoring it. Yes, I did have some pads in stock. Could I undo the retaining bolt to the pads though? Could I heck as like, it had seized up and with it only having a flat head screw it soon got stripped. Arse. Best case I might find a way to get it out. Worst case new disc caliper.

It was a nice ride though, if a bit of a shame to be back in bib tights and a long sleeved top. No rain though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11194275156

The forecast was for showers in the late afternoon but since it's been such a thin cycling month due to the weather, I thought I'd just take the Tricross and accept the conditions. Actually the weather was rather nice when I set off, sunny and mild.

A couple of miles later I noticed that I had a lot more lateral movement in my right shoe than I ought to. I tried to remove the shoe from the pedal, but couldn't! The cleat was securely attached to the pedal, but clearly it wasn't properly attached to the shoe. It wasn't actually giving me any trouble though so I pressed on, hoping I wouldn't need to release my right foot until I had a chance to stop and have a better look, which I did near Twycross.

The front cleat bolt was missing altogether and the two rear bolts were loose. I probably had an Allen key in the saddle bag though. Did I? I still don't know, the zipper was corroded onto the zip and wouldn't budge.

So: I decided my best bet was to remove the cleat (it was easy enough to unscrew the bolts with my fingers) so I wouldn't lose it - and attempt to operate the right pedal like a conventional bike pedal. A mistake, probably. I'd been doing fine with the cleat loosely attached apart from the fear of not being able to unfasten my right foot. But without the cleat, my foot kept slipping off the pedal. It was just about workable though so I kept going but cut across via Little Twycross and Bilstone to keep it short.

Half an hour later, the rain came down. I'd expected showers, but this was 15 minutes of persistent cold rain. Naturally this made the right cycling shoe even more slippery on the pedal.

Only 23.53 miles, but I wouldn't have gone out at all if I'd know it was going to rain like that. I've done 222 this month which I suppose is acceptable. And 1592 this year. This time last year I'd done 1800. Actually I've just noticed that I did a 120 mile ride a year ago today (http://betweenthewheels.net/index.php?msg=12574). It was the day I got two punctures near Bourne, a lovely warm day. How can that be a year ago already?

https://www.strava.com/activities/11204052764

Whilst I'm pondering the best way to attack the removal of my stuck disc pad retaining screw - I really don't want to get a Bike Shop involved as I don't want them to see how the front brake was down almost to metal on metal (my fault, I knew it wanted doing, but kept putting it off) - I got the Gravel bike out again for the first time since January. I need to put a new rear tyre on it, I've had one since December, but you know, I'll do it tomorrow...

Then again I'm only riding it on roads, so a minimal tread pattern will do. Had a nice ride on it, as fast an average speed as yesterday, faster even, but less climbing was involved.

I tightened my cleat bolts on Saturday, I'd been getting clicking from the cleats when walking so thought they might be loose. They were. Tightened up there's still a click. Arse. Maybe it's the bottom bracket...

31 miles done today, 345 for March and 1,926 for the year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11201919219

Still pondering and still on the gravel bike. Quite like the gravel bike, it's a bit more of relaxed geometry which is now nice at my age. Probably needs a new saddle, gets a bit hard feeling after 20 miles or so, might just shift it back a bit though, might help.

Strava tells me that I've ridden today's ride five times, all have been on the gravel bike, it goes up one bit of road which is probably best ridden on a gravel bike. I have been up on a road bike, but the state it's in now is atrocious. What I did like was the fact that today was the fastest I've ridden it, gives the old morale a bit of a boost.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11209190681

At long last, I've managed to get a 50 mile road ride in this year :) I was beginning to think I hadn't got it in me - and now I'm back I'm not sure that I have...

Didn't want it to be too taxing so I only took in one serious climb, then spent the rest of it up on the Moors. I thought I'd taken in some roads I'd not done before, but no and yes, some of them I had done before back in 2018, I noticed that Xandro Meurisse had one of the best segment times on the road, he was completing in the Fleche Wallone on Wednesday. Dylan van Baarle's name was up there too. from the tour of Britain back in 2015. Xandro turns up on quite a few local segments, presumably because he used to race for the An Post team.

Got to see - and hear - my first Curlew of the year up on Beeley Moor. I was beginning to think they hadn't returned this year, but I think the local farmers are doing different things in their fields this year.

I moved the saddle back on the gravel bike and it was much more comfortable, but I ended up with intense pain in my right foot when I got home. I'll bring it forward a couple of mm, but it could be that when I re-tightened my cleat bolts the cleat moved out of position. Another thing to check *sigh* still I;m over 2,000 miles for the year now :)

https://www.strava.com/activities/11225626574/

A beautiful dry day, and we haven't had many of those this year. Since I got up earlier than I expected I thought I'd do Buckminster and back, about 80 miles.

I went the "old" way through Rempstone since it's a bit shorter and I wanted to make sure I arrived at Buckminster's village shop before it closed at 1300. I got there at 1235, good timing. Had a bit of a feast on the bench outside - a cheese & onion slice, a packet of crisps and a Magnum ice-cream lolly.

On the way back just to make it more interesting I took a right turn at the crossroads at Waltham - to give myself an orienteering task. But I very soon found myself back on the usual path. Basically a three mile detour, partly consisting of a single-track lane.

Came back along Narrow Lane and through Wymeswold (where I took the pic) and Hoton on the way back, for a change. I have quite a few variations of the eastbound route now.  Noticed a number of tiny fish in the stream (the River Mantle apparently) at Wymeswold. Minnows?

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240421wymeswold.jpg)

Listened to the first couple of hours of the next Reacher novel, Worth Dying For. Very good so far, classic Reacher. Flowing along nicely and so far not tripping over its own plot, as they sometimes tend to do. Reuses plot elements from Killing Floor and Echo Burning. Then I listened to football, including a highly entertaining FA Cup competition between Man United and Coventry at Wembley. As I was putting the bike away in the garage Coventry scored what I thought was a consolation goal to make it 3-1 to United, but later I discovered they'd pulled it back to 3-3!

Conditions seemed warmer than the advertised 11C in the afternoon. Mostly sunny, as well. I took off my overtrousers with about 13 miles to go. I was definitely too hot with about 4 to go but didn't bother to stop and part-unclothe.

Back on 80.69. Very enjoyable run out.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11233367980

Well I was up for just a gentle 25 miler today and that's just what I did. Got me over 170 miles for the week for the first time this year, which will do. I had thought about just doing 20 laps round Calow, but Calow's not the sort of place you want to draw attention to yourself and I don't want to end up as a pie filling in Wigan, so I bailed out after three.

Certainly felt warmer than 11C though, could have gotten away with shorts, but hey-ho.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11233604656

I don't want to moan about the weather - too much - but this year has seemed like it's been stuck in early March since day one. Mainly cool, wet and windy.

I had thought today was going to be a dry day, but there was a lot of drizzle early on. It had stopped when I set out with the intention of doing 40 miles, but after about 12 miles it picked up again and I thought it might only be 20. But after turning off it stopped and climbing up a bit I could see where it was coming from and managed to zig-zag around it.

So I got back on 31 miles, which will do. Wish I'd put my long fingered gloves on though, but glad I'd put on my winter merino socks. Of course once I'd got home the clouds parted and the sun came out. Such is life.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11245393705

A sunny, dry day but cool, with the wind coming from the north. So as soon as I could get out of work, I decided to go up toward Derby. I went up Top Brand, up through Castle Donington, west across Cavendish Bridge, through Shardlow, up to Borrowash and west again towards Derby. I stopped when I got to Spondon and picked up some food at a petrol station - which was very welcome as I'd brought none with me. I couldn't find anything suitable in the fridge before I set off, must go to Tesco tomorrow.

I came back the same way until the turn for Aston. I'd intended to come back down via Swarkestone and Melbourne, but ridiculously, and I think I've done this before, I missed the turn for Weston and just looped back onto the main road at Shardlow. So I came back pretty much exactly the same way and ended up doing 41.47 miles rather than the 37 or so I was aiming for. But that puts me within two easy rides or a fondo of 400 this month. Unfortunately there's rain in the forecast every day until May 6th, after tomorrow. I'm starting to take it personally.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240423bike.jpg)

Nice to come back that way in bright sunlight, the last time I did that ride or a close variation of it it was properly dark on the way back, at about the same time of day.

Listened to 5 Live and another hour or two of the Reacher novel. Unfolding nicely.

There's an inviting little coffee shop along Shardlow Road now; unfortunately it's always closed by the time I pedal past it after work. Makes me think that it would be nice not to have to work every day, so I could set off a bit earlier.

Nice out there, I overclothed and was a bit too warm.

Didn't get to achieve 40 miles today either. But I did get to wear my new Cycling glasses, I've treated myself to a pair of Oakley photochromic ones to replace the £2.50 pair Mrs S bought me from Wilkos, the rubber nose piece keeps coming off and they slip down my nose. I would bin them, but you need a reserve pair.

So I was a bit late out waiting for the Oakleys to come, but got to 32 miles for the day. Gets me over 500 miles for April thankfully. Be nice to get to 600 but the weather may not play ball and I don't play out in wet weather.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11253160918

Weather hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be, so have been out the last couple of days. Not done much, but it's something in the bag.

Yesterday just 21 miles, didn't want to stray too far from home as for once I'd hung out the washing for Mrs S. It kept threatening rain, but none really came. It did once I got home and I didn't notice, ho-hum...

Today just did 24 miles, but tried putting some effort in. Garmin said the tanks were empty after 18 miles, so I made it back on fumes. Up to 561 miles for April now.

The forecast was for showers but I really want to get to 400 miles this month if I can, so I decided to put up with it and do 30-odd miles after work. The wind was coming from the east so I headed over that way. Thought I'd probably do Rempstone or Wymeswold and back. After Zouch though I had the idea of taking a left off the main route, to try to loop back round to Sutton Bonington.

I did this a few weeks ago but this time I took the left a bit later (through East Leake rather than West Leake). Followed a sign to Gotham, after a while I didn't have a good feel for where I was so I cheated and had a look at Google Maps. This suggested a nice easy way to Sutton Bonington through New Kingston and Kingston on Soar. So I did that.

Good to explore new roads. Quite liked the stretch between Gotham and Kingston. I'll make a note to go that way again.

Came back the longer way through Peggs Green and Coleorton. Listened to another couple of hours of the Reacher novel. Best one for quite a while. Familiar plot ideas, but nicely put together. I didn't get rained on at all.

Back on 34.85 miles and that's 379 this month, coincidentally the precise target for April. But I'd still like to end up with more than 400. At the moment Monday looks like a nice day and I've booked the day off work.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11269907774

All week the forecast for today was none too good, but it didn't turn out that way. There were a few drops of rain every now and then until about three o'clock, but nothing serious.

Anyway, if a man can't go out for a ride on his birthday when can he? It was a bit nippy out though, but it is still April and on my 18th birthday I wouldn't have gone out as there was four inches of snow on the ground and I had the more pressing matter of getting pissed as a fart  ;D

I told Mrs S I'd be out for a couple of hours and I was back in 2 hours 51 seconds, so I think I got away with it. After emptying the tanks yesterday I took it more steadily today. Still came close to pedal cycle emptiness, but not too close. For the first 30 miles I didn't even look at speed, cadence or power, just had a heart rate screen up and tried to keep the old ticker in zone 3, I about managed.

Almost got took out by a dog early on though, going up the lanes towards a 90 degree bend and I heard a woman walking along shout out what I thought was "Car!", a good samaritan I thought. I slowed down, went round the corner, no car, then a bloody Red Setter shot out of the undergrowth nearly taking me out. Now I hate dogs, but hate cretinous dog owners more. Dogs, according to the Highway Code should be on a short lead when on or by a road, but none of the ignorant fuckers who own dogs seem to know this  >:(

https://www.strava.com/activities/11277300051

Just under 90kms yesterday, longest spin since June last year. Struggled a bit on the normally fast and easy Longwood to Trim section.  Felt cool out there for the time of year (no snow Nick so I suppose I can't complain)

I booked today off work on Friday, after seeing a favourable weather forecast. In fact the forecast changed over the weekend with a likelihood of showers in the afternoon, but I intended to go south where I'd most likely avoid them.

The idea was to do either a fondo or a 100 miler, depending on the time I got up. And I got up at about 0715, so 100 miles it was! I thought I'd go down to Northampton and back. I set off at about 0805.

I had a change of plan after 36 miles and took a left to Naseby. I've been to Northampton a couple of times in recent months so I thought I'd give it a miss and do something different.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240429bike.jpg)

I'd been to Naseby before but this time I kept going, through places called Haselbech and Maidwell. About half a mile after Maidwell I found myself at the top of a long steep descent that I didn't fancy coming back up, so I turned back. I'd only done 43 miles so I'd have to improvise a bit on the way back. I did. I took a turn to a place called Cold Ashby and just followed my nose. Really, really nice cycling territory over the next ten miles or so through places called Stanford on Avon and Swinford. I rejoined the usual route at North Kilworth (after a bit of reassurance from Google Maps), but still needed to make up some distance. I went exploring again, through Ashby Parva and Frolesworth - basically a detour around Broughton Astley.

I was still a couple of miles short though (having distance landmarks memorised is handy for gauging this) so after Kirkby Mallory, I kept on to Cadeby, then Bosworth then back the usual way from there, or one of them. Made up the last bit of distance by coming back a long way through the village.

Terrific day out on the bike. Had two very pleasant stops at the village shop at Gilmorton. Nice weather, no showers. Very mild. And I listened to another few hours of the Reacher novel.

Back on 100.42 miles and that's a pleasing 479 done this month. Would have got the total over 400 even if I hadn't taken the day off, which is nice to know.

1850 done this year and 45,011 since January 2015.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11292403905

As a matter of course I don't ride Mondays, but having missed yesterday I made an exception. For me six miles would have been enough as that would have got me to 600 for April, but it wasn't raining, so I made it up to 31 miles. It was a bit blowy though.

Had another encounter with a female dog walker today, the mutts were on leads though. I was cycling up a road and she was on the pavement walking the same way. Then when I was about five feet away she stepped straight out into the road without looking. Thankfully I wasn't going fast as it was uphill into the wind, but roughly the following "conversation" happened.

Me: 'Scuse me, look before stepping out into the road

Her: Don't talk to me like that

Me: I will if you step out without looking

Her: God, your [sic] ignorant

Me: You're the ignorant cow!

I then sped off as she was probably the moll of a local dealer. Shouldn't have stooped to her level, but it's the only language these people have a chance of understanding.

And out again on the last day of April, but what's this round yellow thing in the sky? Is it the Sun? It sure was, it shone all day and it was nice and warm. Warm enough to put my new cycling kit on to get some more work on the tanlines done. The arms have just started to shade to Latte.

Because I'm a lazy arse and haven't yet got round to sorting out the front brake on the Bianchi, or the rear derailleur cable on the Giant and because the rear tyre on the gravel bike needs its rear, now slick, tyre wants replacing with a knobbly one, I put the Bianchi's Winter wheels on the gravel bike.

Does it make it faster? Probably, but it's hard to tell as it was a blowy day again today and a SSE wind at that which is most unusual. It was beneficial - just - going uphill, but a bit of a pig most of the way back. Didn't help myself by coming down through Old Brampton either. Not done it and ages and so was wary of any potholes which may have formed. Not too many, but better safe than sorry.

Back on 31.62 miles which gives me 657 for April with 45,600 feet of elevation gain. Yearly total now stands at 2,238 miles, my best ever at this time of the year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11297981952

And got May underway today. Could have gone out yesterday, but was feeling jetlagged after next to no sleep on Tuesday night. Then kicked my big toe into a door and broke off a corner of the toenail,ouch.

Thought cycling shoes might inflame the toenail today, but they were comfier than my slippers, so that was nice. Still feeling a bit jetlagged after not sleeping well last night. Decided to do an easyish ride, more out of the fact that there are too many roadworks - some to fill in potholes! - going on at the moment. There was a nagging NE wind which I hoped would be a nice cross tailwind up to Marsh Lane from Eckington, but even heading West seemed to be a headwind.

I even gave a big cheery wave to a motorist today, they aren't all bad! She had right of way as there was a parked car on my side of the road, but she flashed me through. Probably just wanted to ogle my super fit body and buns of steel  ;D

https://www.strava.com/activities/11314637103

In 2020 I rode to historic Worcestershire and back, via a route which I've come to know as the "Dad's Army route" - simply because during the ride, I kept myself entertained by listening to radio adaptations of the BBC TV sitcom of the same name.

I've been meaning to do it again for a long time. I've been part-way down there quite a few times; the deterrent to doing the whole thing really is having to do a couple of miles of the A5.

So I thought I'd do it again today. The basic idea was to do a Twycross Bypasser, with the Dad's Army route as a there-and-back extension to the south-east.

After the first 15 miles or so I began to notice that my left cleat wasn't engaging properly with the pedal. It felt sloppy. So just before the A5, I stopped to check it. One bolt was missing and the other two were loose. Exactly the same thing that had happened to the right cleat a few weeks ago. I guess I didn't tighten the bolts down hard enough, or perhaps I over-greased them. Fortunately this time I had an Allen key on me and was able to secure the cleat adequately by tightening the two remaining bolts.

Well - the A5 episode wasn't too bad. Not too busy. I was pedalling through Kingsbury another three miles later. The route looks pretty direct easy on a map so I tried to memorise it rather than uploading it to a phone or an eTrex. So I just kept going. I passed a garage called Kingsbury Service Station. Weirdly, about twelve minutes later I passed another place called Kingsbury Service Station. It looked identical to the first one. Because it was. I'd somehow managed to loop round on myself.

So I took a different turn at the next roundabout this time. By now I was pretty sure I wasn't on the route I intended, so I gave up on that and decided just to follow my nose and explore. I took a road called Coventry Road and kept going for another ten miles or so. This was quite a nice stretch of B road apart from being a bit hilly, and not having any petrol stations or shops. I'd only brought two sausage rolls with me and I'd already eaten both of them.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240504coventry.jpg)


I stopped when I hit the outskirts of Coventry, and turned back. Two miles later I decided to take a right turn signposted to Nuneaton, rather than go back the same way. Just to do another stretch of hitherto-undiscovered road. Again this was really nice, until I hit Nuneaton. I hoped I wouldn't have to go right into the centre and I didn't, but the bit I did go through was pretty urban and partly a bit grim. I passed a few convenience shops but didn't particularly feel like leaving the bike outside any of them. I did stop and buy some food at a petrol station a bit further out. Then I followed a sign to Fenny Drayton which is at the south-west extremity of Fenn Lanes, part of my regular cycling territory. I took a left along Atterton Lane and up to Sheepy, then came back from there as if doing the second half of a Bypasser, up through Bilstone, Newton Burgoland and Swepstone.

Quite an enjoyable ride overall. Nice to do quite a bit of new territory. I don't often venture the other side of the A5. Very nice sunny weather and I had to declothe after the first few miles; more than warm enough for bare legs.

One minor irritation apart from losing a cleat bolt was that my right contact lens was a bit uncomfortable, and I managed to lose it under my eyelid while rubbing my eye, about half-way through the ride. It's still up there, it'll work itself out in a couple of days.

Listened to the last couple of hours of the Reacher novel, then footy on 5 Live. Back on 68.77 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11331285002

Giro start day today, so I had to enter cycling couch potato mode. Could have gone out this morning I suppose, but the bike really did need its chain cleaning and lubeing, in fact the whole bike needed cleaning, hadn't been done in weeks.

Thankfully it's now May and the sun sets later, it's also warmer at last so I managed a couple of hours out. Nice to average over 16mph in ages, well a week, but last week was flat.

Today included the "giant" of the Col du Wigley, managed the second fastest time of the day up it, Mark Walsham was 4 seconds quicker than me, I'll let him off, he was a pro at one time, had two second places on the tour of Britain in his career, but he was riding with his wife today.

Good to get 35 miles in and I feel better for it.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11332325285

Thought I'd royally buggered up my bike today. Thought the bearing in the headset had gone. The roads round here are not in very good shape and I hit a bit today that was like a ploughed field which had set like concrete. Thought my teeth would fall out, but then a rattling started up that sounded like all the ball bearings in the headset had come loose and were jumping around in the steerer tube and front forks.

Logic eventually kicked in as the bike could still be steered, what it was was a CO2 canister and multi-tool in my frame bag were hitting against each other. A bit of a relief, but I wouldn't be surprised if something like that could happen.

I got 32 miles in anyway in the late afternoon sunshine.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11340524219/

I hadn't planned to go cycling today because the forecast for the afternoon was for rain. But when I checked again at lunchtime, the threat of precipitation had been withdrawn.

Ironically, my first thought was disappointment. Because despite all my complaining about rainy weather this last few months, I'd planned to spend an idle bank holiday indoors. But clearly, having bemoaned the absence of suitable cycling conditions so many times, the only decent thing to do was to go out and ride a bike.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/240505bike.jpg)

I thought I'd do at least 40 miles. A light wind was coming from the east. I did the eastbound route as far as Narrow Lane, then I came back a different way through Wymeswold and Rempstone, then Diseworth. I took a bit of a detour into East Leake as well, hoping to navigate from there to Sutton Bonington, but I missed a turn and was back on the usual road back from Rempstone within a couple of miles.

I listened to LBC. Then a Donny Hathaway compilation. Then The Who's Tommy.

It was actually warm and sunny out there. I forgot to bring a bidon out of the house with me, but I bought a bottle of Lucozade at the petrol station at Burton on the Wolds.

Back on 44.10, glad to have got the May tally up to 113 already.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11346594858

I may be retired, but today was still a Bank Holiday so it was time to ride to make the most of it. The fact that I've got seven nights away from home in the rest of May also means I have to get out whilst I can. The legs weren't really that interested but the ears weren't listening.

Nice to be out on a genuinely warm day too, the rainfall radar was showing a few showers out over the Peak District but I wasn't going out that far. I don't know why the legs were moaning either as I did the same ride as a couple of weeks back and averaged 1.3 mph quicker whilst outputting less power. Just shows the difference switching the Gravel bike from knobbly wide tyres to narrow(er) slicks makes. The windspeed and direction made some difference though.

It was bloody busy out there, I've never known so much traffic parked up on Clodhall lane and I do ride that way most Bank Holidays. Plenty of boy racers out and about too. Twats. Still not hitting those 40+ mile midweek rides though yet, just another 33 miles today, must get the decent road bikes sorted out.

https://www.strava.com/activities/11344788451