Between The Wheels

The last day of the Christmas hols and a dry, sunny and fairly mild one although the roads were still a bit wet from rain yesterday.

Hoped to do about 40 miles though I did think I might just stretch that to a fondo. With a light wind coming from the west I decided on the Lower Westbound Route, out through Lullington, Edingale and King's Bromley. Quite nice out there and I seemed to have plenty of energy despite hoovering a few Scotches last night so I kept going up through Abbots Bromley to Bagot's Wood, where I decided to turn back after 32 miles.

I took a wrong turn on the way back after Abbots Bromley but that was fine. I followed a sign to Yoxall and I knew that would take me back to the usual route eventually. Actually quite a fortuitous mistake. Hadn't done that stretch of road between Abbots and Yoxall before. I quite liked it.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230102bike.jpg)

What wasn't quite so fortuitous though was that, no doubt prompted by taking an unusual route into King's Bromley, I missed the turn there and went some way off course, to the south. With the sun due to go down before long I resorted to Google Maps. I plotted a route to get back on track that involved a two mile stretch of A38. I wasn't thrilled about that, but I reasoned that the Bank Holiday traffic would be light, and fortunately I didn't get killed. I did get beeped at a couple of times. But it's perfectly legal to ride a bike along there. It's just not particularly sensible.

Back the usual way after that and home on 67.79 miles.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230102measham.jpg)

I listened to Adrian Chiles on 5 Live, then Rangers v Celtic. Then LBC.

This year's target is 4540 miles, which would maintain my average of just over 20km per day since Jan 1st 2015.

I ticked two of the neighbouring counties boxes with this ride; Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8327391445

First ride of 2023 under my belt. I'm now jiggered. Reading around a lot of cyclists seem to be struggling with the after effects of some virus or other. It's certainly given me a good pasting.

Did more or less the same ride as last Thursday, but with a second ascent to Linacre Water. I must be improving a bit as I was a fait bit faster on the ride, but it could just be that it wasn't as strong a headwind.

20 miles done on the way to 7,500 but if I carry on feeling like this I'll settle for 5,000!

https://www.strava.com/activities/8325293238

This afternoon's mission, should I choose to accept it - was to do at least 33 miles, to tip the January total into treble figures. And with a strong wind coming from the west I decided to go up over Swarkestone Bridge and west along the Beloved A Road. The "Upper Westbound Route", as I call it.

I did that as far as Derby Airfield, then turned back. Dark by this time. I'd done about 18 miles. The headwind had been a real irritation, but it was a joy in tailwind mode. Very mild out there, as well. I do enjoy gliding along the A road in the dark.

Decided I wanted to do something a bit different on the way back down so I detoured through Wilson. Only ever done that two or three times and I didn't know the way back but I was less than 9 miles from home after Melbourne so I wasn't going to get seriously lost. I rolled through Breedon, then Worthington and Newbold. Hadn't been through those latter two locations for years. Used to do them quite often five or six years ago, on my old hybrid.

Bit spooky out there in the dark between Breedon and Worthington, mostly because I didn't really know where I was, I suppose. But I rejoined the usual route shortly after Newbold.

I used my Canmore GPS tracker, something I bought on a retail therapy whim years ago. Glad to see the internal battery's held up nicely. It has a rubbishy little LCD screen that's hard to read properly on the handlebars but apart from that, it works well. I also tested a new watch that I bought for night cycling. Nothing fancy, a cheap Timex, but it proved to be nicely legible in the dark thanks to its bright white dial and high contrast hands, even without using the 'Indiglo' electro-luminescent dial function.

It was a clear night with a very bright Moon. Definitely added to the experience. Very enjoyable run out, only slightly marred (once again) by a few idiots in oncoming cars with full beam on.

One odd thing - I put my rear light onto flashing mode, but I looked down to check it a few miles from home and it wasn't flashing. It was stuck in "on" mode fortunately, but it didn't respond to the power switch. Couldn't turn it off. I had to take the batteries out for ten minutes after I got home to get it working properly again. Its little processor must have crashed!

Back on 37.87 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8338637559

Second ride of 2023 and it's getting harder  :( I thought I was on the mend as my resting heart rate has started to drop back down to normal levels - it's been high 50s the last couple of weeks instead of high 40s, but was down at 49 last night - but once on the road it shot up! 53% of today's ride was Zone 5 maximum, my last ride before getting this lurgy had 0% in Zone 5. I don't like going into the red.

Anyway, I did extend the range today by going up to Linacre Water three times. It gets no easier. I just need a long dry spell to get a few regular 25-30 mile rides in to try and get back to "normal"

https://www.strava.com/activities/8347038662/

My cycling goals for today weren't overly ambitious, because rain was due over this afternoon and I was keen to avoid it, if possible. Also, the conditions weren't particularly nice - overcast and a little damp, with wet roads. With a stiff wind coming from the south, I thought I'd do 15 miles or so of the southbound route, then come back.

However - instead of turning right along Kirkby Lane after ten miles, I kept going as far as Desford. From there I found my way to Markfield, where I took this pic, along Altar Stones Lane.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230108asl.jpg)

I've only ever known Altar Stones Lane as a very quiet dead end; the location of a couple of farm houses and a cattery. There's no through road to anywhere else. But I've been nerding out over old OS maps recently, here: https://maps.nls.uk/os/6inch-england-and-wales/

It turns out that before the M1 was built, this road was the main road between Markfield and Coalville. Then when the M1 was opened in the '60s, Altar Stones Lane was connected directly to it. Traffic would have come barreling along here straight off (or toward) the motorway junction, about 200 metres from the bike in this pic. Then finally, some time in the '80s I think (certainly before I lived in Markfield in 1989/90) a bypass was built to take the M1 traffic out of the village, and the lane became the quiet, secluded little dead end that it is today.

I suppose the folks who lived along there must have been horrified when the M1 came along, then elated when the A50 bypass was built, after which their little corner of Leicestershire became quieter even than it was 100 years ago.

Came back home from Markfield an unusual way, through Stanton under Bardon. Very annoyingly, there was only one puddle of any significance along Stanton Lane, and I was overtaken by only one motor vehicle there, a white van. You can guess what happened. I should have stopped a reasonable distance from the puddle after I saw it in my mirror, but I thought I had enough momentum to take me past the puddle by the time the van passed me. I didn't. Of course it would have been nice if the van driver had tried to avoid the puddle, or slowed down a bit. Oh well.

As it happened a Biblical downpour was visited upon me about a mile from home, so in the end it didn't matter. I was soaked by the time I made it to the garage. But I gave the bike a good wipe down; I think it's cleaner than it's been for months now!

Back on 27.42 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8358707424

I don't often ride on consecutive days but I didn't do a great distance yesterday and I wasn't going to this evening, so - with the weather looking iffy tomorrow, I decided to see if I could crank out another 30 miles or so. I do want to get the year off to a good start with a decent tally for January, so I can get the remaining monthly totals down a bit. Currently they're higher than last year.

I set off with no particular plan other than to go roughly west, but I'd decided to do a Twycross Bypasser within half a mile of setting off. So I did.

Quite cold out there, a bit colder than yesterday although I set off later in the day.

Nice view of Mars just above the horizon along Sibson Road, about half an hour after sunset. Very dark by the time I was pedalling along Gibbet Lane. Spotty rain for a few minutes near Shackerstone, but I wasn't bothered.

Listened mostly to 5 Live, and the reaction to Gareth Bale's decision to retire.

Back on 32.82 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8364960689

Not been out yet this year.. when will it stop blowing a gale and bloody raining....

What with general post viral fatigue and the bloody weather I thought I wouldn't get out again.
The weather forecasts have been shit too, oh, it rains when forecast, but it bloody rains when not forecast.

Monday, forecast for a dry morning, started pissing it down well before I even thought of getting my kit on.
Tuesday, pissed it down as forecast.
Wednesday forecast to be a dry morning. Went upstairs to get kitted up, from kitchen to bedroom went from sunny to pissing it down.

I was so thinking I'd be stuck indoors for the foreseeable future that I even set up the bloody Turbo Trainer and tortured myself on that for 40 minutes. Bloody awful.

Today, forecast to be a dry morning, managed to get kitted up and go out :) It pissed it down. Twice.  >:( Still, I managed to get in 25 miles for the longest of my three rides this year. It's bloody hard work still, I'd better start picking up soon.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8379776004

Left work early, and with a strong wind coming from the west, decided on a Twycrosser. Wanted to do at least 34 miles, to get the January distance tally up to 200 miles. Did a fairly long version, with a detour to Orton and went all the way down to Fenny Drayton.

Really enjoyed gliding along Fenn Lanes with a tailwind in the dusk.

Just checked to see if I penetrated Warwickshire but nope, I merely flirted with it. I do believe I've still only done Derbyshire and Staffordshire.

Back on 38.86 miles, 205 done this year.

Hope the wind changes direction soon, I fancy a run out east.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8386379154

Weather looking a lot more favourable for the next few days..hoping to get out later

Down here it's going to be rather cold for a couple of days from tomorrow. On the more positive side, as of today we've got a full half hour of daylight back in the afternoon.

Finally managed out.. cold clear day slight breeze... stuck to tried and tested routes with a couple of roads that I had earmarked to try and see where they go at some point so today was the day..

33 miles was hoping for more but after about 25 I was pretty much done in.. next few days look to be ok so will try and get out again .. sunset at 16.21 tomorrow so might get an hour ...

Decent weather, not too cold but with a possibility of rain in the afternoon. I set off just before 1100 to do some of the Lower Westbound route through Lullington and Edingale.

I got as far as Hill Ridware having done 25 miles, then decided to come back.

I actually wrapped up a bit too warm. Milder than I expected. Mostly sunny on the way out but patchy light rain and drizzle on the way back.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230115bike.jpg)

I was followed by a learner driver between Heather and Measham. I had about half a mile of visibly clear road in front of me, but she spent about ten minutes deliberating whether to overtake, and holding up a queue of traffic behind her.

I started a new audiobook, Ian Fleming's The Man With The Golden Gun. I read most of the Bond novels in the '90s but I skipped that one, because I'd already read it in the '70s. Nice to be reacquainted with it, it's a cracking story. Then I listened to footy on 5 Live, Chelsea vs Palace.

I don't often do a 50 mile ride without doing a fondo, but today was one of those days. Perhaps I should have but given the weather I don't feel as though I've missed out.

Back on 51.70 miles. 256 done this month. If I can get that up to 400 before February kicks in I'll be happy.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8397364137

A very cold day, but the temperature was just about up above freezing by the time I set off in the afternoon and the wind from the west was fairly light. Wasn't sure what to do really. I thought of going up to Derby but I didn't. I went up over Swarkestone Bridge via Top Brand, west along the A road as far as Willington, then I decided to try a route I'd thought of while poring over old GPS tracks, down through Repton, Hartshorne and Ashby.

Unfortunately this didn't turn out to be a great idea. The road between Repton and Hartshorne is gross, really lumpy and badly surfaced. This evening it was wet, as well. Especially annoying in the dark, even with a powerful front light. I was very happy to make it to Hartshorne, which is more familiar territory.

(https://i.ibb.co/fSM3SBR/230117bike.jpg)

I think I may have done that road before, and made a mental note not to do it again. Unfortunately the cerebral ink with which I metaphorically scribble those reminders is prone to fading, these days.

Just checked and I did it two years ago tomorrow: "I don't think I'll do that route between Willington and Ashby again, or at least not between Willington and Hartshorne. It's very rural and quiet and almost reminiscent of the lake district, being lined by hills. But it's too climby", I wrote.

A few specks of snow near Swarkestone but otherwise no precipitation.

Back on 33.62 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8408185027

Would have been nice to get out today. Lovely and sunny. Bit cold though and I'd got the squits.

I set off with the firm intention of doing a Twycross Bypasser of roughly, but at least, 34 miles in distance - to get the January total up to the target (324 miles).

Cold out there, but bearable. Until I watched the sun disappear over the horizon while pushing along Kisses Barn Lane, at which point the temperature seemed to subside by a couple of degrees almost instantly. I decided there and then to keep it decently short although I didn't come back the very quickest way.

Beautiful clear night with a fantastic view of Orion especially, marred slightly by the fact that I'd come out of the house with my reading glasses instead of a pair of varifocals, so was having to make do with unadorned eyeballs.

I got back just in time, or so I hoped, to get a decent view of the ISS coming over at 6:20pm once I'd got the bike into the garage and grabbed a pair of distance specs, but nope - somehow I missed it. Oh well it's due back over tomorrow!

I took the Tricross out for the first time this year and I must say it's rolling really nicely at the moment. Responds really smoothly and the big tyres soak up road buzz very well.

I entered Warwickshire briefly on the western end of the route, so that's another neighbouring county box ticked.

Back on 29.34 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8419335493

Actually got out today for the first time in over a week :)

Cold, but not too cold out there and nice in the sun. I think I've finally shrugged off the effects of the virus I had over Christmas, but the old fitness levels have taken a plummet. However it did feel a bit easier today and my average speed had picked up a bit since the last time I did that - 23 mile - ride. That could be because the headwind was lighter today...

https://www.strava.com/activities/8422224143

Haven't been out for a couple of weeks - hopefully Sunday

Another very cold day but at least it was sunny. A light wind was blowing from the south. I'm on call today, but I thought I'd go down the southbound route for as long as my nerve held, then come back.

I got as far as Broughton Astley before turning for home. I wouldn't have had any qualms about going further probably except that our not-overly-talented sys admin team did some operating system patching for one of our customers early in the week, and the customer was due to reboot the servers in question today. Therefore there was a higher-than-usual probability that I'd get called. Although I wasn't.

(https://i.ibb.co/nRLQbZ0/230121bike.jpg)

I didn't regret turning back as soon as I did after sunset though - the temperature fell off a cliff. But it had been nice out there in the sun.

Listened to the remainder of The Man With The Golden Gun - so I've got through the whole thing in two rides, which surprised me. I guess it must be a lot shorter than the average Reacher novel.

Stopped at the Post Office at Broughton and bought a sausage roll, which was awful - very dry, and an Ice Cream Snickers Bar which even at 1C was delightful.

Back on 44.46 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8429041295

Another very cold, sunny, dry day. I mounted the Boardman and headed south again, into a light wind. I particularly wanted to do 36 miles, to get the January total up to 400.

But once I got to Earl Shilton I decided I didn't want to push up the hill there again. I only did it on Saturday. And it was uncomfortably cold, so I turned left instead, and along Leicester Road. Then I took a left along Peckleton Lane and looped back into Desford. I believe I did exactly this over the Christmas hols, except that I came out of Desford in a more coherent fashion. This time I got lost a bit in the suburbs.

I came back a different way just for a change, through Barlestone and Nailstone.

Beautiful sliver of a crescent Moon on display, with the rest of the sphere just visible in the ghostly Earthshine. Looked like artwork from a 1950s sci-fi comic strip.

Ended up on 30.67 miles, not quite as many as I wanted.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8440188043

Managed to get back out again a bit quicker this time. Thought it might have been a bit warmer, but the sides of lesser used roads were still frozen and/or had bits of snow left in them.

Seems to be getting a bit easier now, went higher uphill than I have done since mid December and unlike the rides since Christmas where over half my ride has seen my heart rate in the red, today it was only 3% Not getting much quicker though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8443885706

Managed an hour earlier just before dark.. good to get out.. just a quick scoot around Alloway.. the seafront out to the harbour and home.. very cold once the sun disappears.. a measly 12 miles

Almost forgot, made it out again today. Got in my first 30 miler of the year and first categorised climb. Was all a bit easier than I thought it would be, probably due to taking things a bit easier since Christmas and the short sharp Turbo Trainer sessions I've been doing.

Still struggling with a bad finger from my pre Christmas crash. Should have listened to Mrs S and immobilised it, instead I've just carried on as normally as possible and it's not let it heal. Doesn't help with all the clearing out I've got to do at my Dad's.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8460033986

Someone invited me to a meeting at 3:30pm so I couldn't get away as soon as I wanted to this afternoon, but I attended it in cycling clothes - not something I'd have done in the days when I worked in an actual office - and I was away and pedalling by about 4:05pm.

The wind was coming from the west as usual and I thought I'd do the time-honoured Upper Westbound Route, or about 20 miles of it - then come back. I always enjoy doing that one in the dark on the way back.

Just as well I took an abundance of spare front lights (I'm a bit paranoid about rechargeables) as I had two run out of juice along the Beloved A Road.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230127bike.jpg)

Not too cold out there. Very nice to get out, it's been a few days.

Back on 45.05 miles, which takes me to 440 this month and the tantalising possibility that I might get it up to 500, which I think would be a first for a January.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8462291095

Today's mission was a simple one - to do a fondo, which would get the January distance tally up over 500 miles. Not bad weather for it - mild, mostly sunny and dry - apart from a stiff wind from the west. So I decided on the Upper Westbound Fondo route, an extension of my usual trip along the Beloved A Road that takes a turn northward after Sudbury, toward a village called Marston Montgomery.

I did that, turning back after I'd reached the requisite half-fondo distance, to come back the same way. Or so I thought. Once I reached my 20-miles-to-go landmark in Hilton I noticed that I'd done fewer miles than I should have, and was due to arrive home short of the requisite fondo distance. Couldn't understand it, but on checking the track after I got home, it turned out that I'd turned back after 30.2 miles instead of 31.2. Must have been pure absent-mindedness.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230129bike.jpg)

Actually the road off the A515 that goes toward Marston Montgomery is a bit crappy, and worse still it involves a steep descent, which of course means a steep climb on the way back. It's brutal, but short. But it's very hard to get a viable fondo distance route over that way.

Anyway, I made up the distance by coming back detouring via Isley Walton after Melbourne.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230129ponies.jpg)

Listened to 6 Music, Cerys played some good stuff. Then Peel Acres with the actress Tamsin Greig; an odd choice since she seems to know next to nothing about music. But it was entertaining enough. Then FA Cup footy.

Pleasant run out and very happy to have done 500 miles in a January (502 in fact) - that's the first time I've done that.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8472797313

Didn't even manage 150 road miles in January, what with one thing and another.

Had a bit of a cold of late so haven't bothered with going out, but I seem to have sorted out my leg imbalance with a few Turbo Trainer sessions and what was 46%L/54%R in my last road ride has got to 50/50 on the trainer. Bet it won't work out like that on the road, too many other things to think about.

I wanted to do 25 or so, despite a fairly powerful wind blowing from the west. I was going to do a Twycrosser but shortly after setting off I got the urge to go up Top Brand. It's lovely along there when the sun's shining, as it was this afternoon.

Unfortunately that left me at a bit of a loss as to where to go after Top Brand. Usually from there I'd do Isley Walton, then Melbourne. But that would mean coming back up a steep hill, or a longer ride than I intended. So I turned left after Tonge, toward Breedon.

About three miles later I saw a sign for the Cloud Trail. This is a cycle and walking route based on an old railway line converted to a path. I've been meaning to try it for years, and I was on my gravel bike, so - I gave it a go.

Unfortunately even on the Tricross it was a bit too stony and rough, for me anyway. Not my sort of thing. So after a bit less than a mile, I turned back.

It does have a very nice view of a quarry, though. Would be a good walking route for sure.

Anyway from there I descended through Worthington and Newbold, much as I did a few weeks ago except that it was dark that time, then Coleorton and home the usual way. Back on 25.79 miles. 528 done this month. I'm sure Nick will have overtaken me by March.

Happy to have made a strong start to the year because I want to get my monthly targets down to the same as they were last year. They were based on a lower yearly target.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8483619568

Quite an eventful run out after work today (or yesterday; I'm typing this after midnight). I was going to do either a trip along the Lower Westbound Route and back or a Twycross Bypasser. I deferred the decision until I got to Gallows Lane, whereupon I decided on the Bypasser. Fifteen minutes later, I was nearly wiped out by a Roberts Travel coach (as I described here (http://betweenthewheels.net/index.php?msg=10566)).

Then about an hour later just as I was approaching Ratcliffe Culey, both pedals jammed up very tightly as if they'd been spot-welded to the frame. WTF? I freewheeled to a convenient grassy spot and inspected the bike. There was plenty of daylight at this point (but by the way, this is why you should always take a head torch if you're going to be cycling after dark - otherwise you might find yourself doing a narwhal impression with a torch sticking out of your mouth). A section of the chain had somehow got wrapped backward around one of the chainrings and jammed between it and the derailleur cage.

There was no play in the chain at all, no way to get it onto a smaller cog at the back to get a bit of slack to play with. I couldn't budge it with a tyre lever. But I turned the bike upside down and by the judicious application of brute force, managed to free it by turning the pedals backward with my hands.

The bike seemed OK - it was certainly rideable and I didn't have much trouble shifting gear at the front, but I did find I needed an extra nudge on the shifter to get it to change up once or twice. I think the cage might be slightly bent, or possibly the cable got stretched a tad. I'm sure it'll be fine with a bit of fettling.

Went down to Fenny Drayton and came back along Fenn Lanes. Then back up through Bosworth and much the usual way from there. Back on 39.93 miles.

Nice out there - mild. The temperature didn't seem to drop that much after dark. Windy, though.

I did enter Warwickshire briefly, not sure if I've done that already this year. Still haven't ventured into Staffordshire in 2022.

Saw the helicopter in the field along Gallows Lane again. I must find out what that's about some time.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8500098958

Managed a 30 miler earlier... some well cycled routes..out onto the Dunure road to the Carrick Hills up and over and thru Knockdon and Minishant then onto Dalrymple and heading home via Auchencruive..
Was hoping to miss the rain but the last 4 miles was just cycling into heavy soaking rain which was no fun at all...

A dry, sunny day with a light wind. I'd been looking forward to doing an eastbound fondo again for a while; I hadn't done one this year. The wind was actually forecast to change direction later in the day so that I'd have a headwind both ways, annoyingly. But I hoped it would be sufficiently light to put up with.

I set off just after 10:00. Would have been a few minutes sooner except that, for some reason, the mirror on the X needed adjustment. I hadn't been out on it since November; of course I could have checked it yesterday but I didn't. So I spent five minutes looking for the correct Allen key.

The headwind wasn't too irritating on the way out. I arrived at the bench at Eastwell at 13:00 exactly. I'm actually on call at the moment. Usually I wouldn't risk a "proper" fondo in which, at the furthermost point I'm a 31 mile bike ride from home. But it's been very quiet recently. I was so relaxed about the prospect of getting a call that rather than turning for home as soon as I reached Eastwell, I had lunch there. A cheese & onion pasty on the bench, anyway.

Sure enough about 25 minutes after I set off in a homeward direction, I was definitely riding into a headwind again. But it wasn't too bad and it seemed to die down a bit an hour later.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230205bike.jpg)

With 17 miles to go, I refuelled at Prestwold Park with two Christmas Cake slices that I had left over from the festivities in December. It definitely makes a big difference to get a sugar dose on the way home. The uphill stretch of Ashby Road just west of Zouch that runs under the M1 can be a drag but today it was a breeze.

Lovely ride. Cold when I set off (about 1C) but comfortable later. Sunny the whole way round. Back on 63.45 miles.

I passed through Nottinghamshire, so that's another neighbouring county box ticked for 2022.

Started a new Reacher novel, One Shot. The one the first film was based on. Good stuff so far. Then I listened to Forest vs Leeds. I've started to believe that Forest will stay up.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8510911591

Me and the wife got out on the road bikes this morning for the first time in ages. Dry roads, little to no wind and some nice sunshine. Bloody cold though! Two pairs of gloves and a sealskin beeny under my helmet. God knows where my mind was (see Alcohol thread) but I completely forgot about overshoes!

Stopped for a hot chocolate and carrot cake at Eynsham. Had to consume it on a bench in the square as the cafe was only serving takeaways due to a staff shortage (bloody Brexit)

Managed a respectable 30.5 miles. Took a while to warm up but both enjoyed a guilt-free roast dinner. Nice ride.

Egad! Managed to make it outdoors again! And once again, it's just like starting over. Still, it was a nice day for it, still a bit of frozen water at the roadside on country lanes even at midday but nothing that wasn't obvious.

Things will probably come to a juddering halt again now, as Mrs S has lots of clearing jobs lined up for me at my dad's. May be able to sneak out every now and again though.

All in all a nice little 25 mile spin and I'm not actually that far behind where I was this time last year, but then it was this time of the year that dad died.


https://www.strava.com/activities/8520525707

Another dry and sunny day so off out on the bike after work I went, once again. A very simple plan with a slight innovation - I wanted to do about 20 miles of the southbound route and come back, but approach Stoney Stanton via a different way. Last night while poring over a route planner I'd spotted a different route that would take a bypass round Earl Shilton then enter Stoney from the west.

Obviously the bypass is intended for heavy traffic and not really very rural, but it made a change from the uphill slog into and through Shilton. Nicely surfaced as well. And fortunately despite the time of day, the traffic was fairly light.

I stopped after about 20.5 miles, ate a Cornish pasty while propped against a farm gate, then came back the traditional way.

Listened to another few hours of the Reacher novel - it really is very good, I can see why they used it as the basis for the film. It's quite different from the film in some important respects though, and of course a lot more involved and detailed. Reacher doesn't even get mentioned in the first hour of the book. And there's a surprising twist after the first few chapters that the film doesn't have.

My rear light froze again - stopped flashing and wouldn't respond to the on/off button. At least it was stuck in "on" mode. I suppose I should chuck it.

Back on 40.32 miles, and that's 144 done this month - not bad for the first week of a February. Some questionable weather on the horizon, though. But the coming weekend looks good.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8523102864

Decent weather again - sunny and dry, though cold and a bit windy. The wind was coming from the west. I thought I'd go up to Isley Walton then over Swarkestone Bridge to do the Beloved A Road for a bit, but as I rolled up Top Brand, I had the idea to go up through Castle Donington and along to Shardlow. I decided to go all the way into Derby and round my old neighbourhood. Went up through Chaddesden, back down Acorn Way.

Just indulging my own sentimentality, really. Nice to be pedalling along Nottingham Road in the the rush hour. I miss Derby sometimes.

I was going to come back via Swosser Bridge and I took a turn to Aston with that in mind, but I changed my mind and looped back onto the main road to Shardlow. Back to Donington from there, and back home the usual way.

As I paused at the lights near the airport, I heard someone call "hey" to my left. A coach driver was trying to get my attention. "More lights!" he said, leaning out of his side window with a facial expression somewhere between concern and disapproval. I could see he was trying to be helpful so I gave him an appreciative thumbs up just before I pulled away at the green light, but I examined my rear light carefully and it was flashing away pretty flippin' brightly. Odd one.

Noticed a DHL plane on the tarmac with doors open and wingtip lights on, presumably ready to take off. What a life that must be, climbing into an aircraft on a quiet, dark runway a few miles from Derby then away into the night sky, off to another country.

I charged up my old smartwatch for the first time in a couple of years. Apparently Strava doesn't support versions of Wear OS older than 3.0, and this has 2.something. But I installed the ridewithgps app onto it so I could use it to track the ride. It did basically work but there's precious little info on the watch face - just pause, stop and resume buttons. I used it in "phone" mode, assuming it would use the phone's GPS but also assuming there'd be some sort of useful interface on the watch. I'll try "watch" mode next time. But it's not as useful for that as a Garmin anyway. Just playing really.

I also didn't set it up properly with Strava, so it didn't upload the route there. For now this is all I've got, from the ridewithgps app.

(https://i.ibb.co/QcfdLbC/ride230209.jpg)

But another 46.1 miles done, that's the main thing.

EDIT: managed to export the track as a GPX from the ridewithgps site, so I uploaded it to Strava manually.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8534887155

Managed to get again today :) Mrs S had gone into work and she hadn't given me a list of things to do in her absence so to the bike it was !

Been doing too much of the same really a lately so I rode out to the tops via Dronfield. It's uphill most of the way, but mainly shallow uphill so Strava doesn't categorise any of it as a proper climb. It's the only way to the Moors you can take without a classified hill. Still takes it out of me though. The wind didn't help though, seemingly from all westerly directions, not just the supposed South West.

Still good to get another 30 miles in and actually get over 200 miles for the year! Can't see another ride out before Tuesday though, Mrs S has three days of toil planned for me :(

https://www.strava.com/activities/8537129575

A mild, dry day with a light wind from the south was promised for today; ideal conditions to ride down to Northamptonshire and tick another neighbouring country box, I thought. Well not quite ideal. A bit of sunshine would have been nice.

Just for a change I thought I'd go down the old route, through Enderby, Blaby, Foston and Husbands Bosworth. It involves more climbing and busier roads, especially where it passes through the outskirts of Leicester. But the worst thing about it today was that I had to pass a "road closed" sign by mounting the pavement on Welford Road, and the first mile of road after that was covered in bits of mud and grit. No harm done, though.

After I got to Welford and the Northamptonshire border I decided to keep going for a bit. But I turned round after a couple of miles. I came back via the usual (newer) route.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230212bike.jpg)

I didn't get to the village shop at Gilmorton before it closed at 1pm, but there are plenty of shops and garages on this route, thankfully. I bought a bacon & stilton turnover and a Fry's Chocolate Cream at the little supermarket at Husbands Bosworth.

I stopped at a farm gate 15 miles from home on the way back, and two horses came trotting over. Perhaps they're used to being offered treats by passing strangers. I snapped off a chunk of oat bar and left it on top of the fence for the more persistent one, but he or she ignored it. So I threw it on the grass and it was hoovered up in about half a second.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230212horse.jpg)

I listened to another few hours of the Reacher novel. Possibly the best one so far.

Back on 70.64 miles, a very satisfying run out. Just Lincolnshire and Rutland remain of the seven neighboring counties and I can do those two in the same ride. Just needs a dry Saturday or Sunday with the wind coming from the east.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8550048534

Managed a 31 miler today.. dull cool.. little wind.. always wanted to try to get go Straiton.. nice to get on new roads.. anyway managed Straiton about 15 miles from Ayr then back thru Crosshill.. Maybole and up n over the Carrick Hills and dropping onto the seafront and home.. was in two minds whether to go out today but glad I did..

After three days of clearing my parent's house (How can people accumulate so much stuff?) I took the day off today - could do with three more days of clearing really - and had a ride. Sun was out, but still none too warm, the base layer was needed.

Rode last Friday's route again for a 30 miler. Did it marginally faster, probably due to a lighter headwind. The legs ran out of steam for the last couple of miles too.

Had a bloke in a white van shout "Get off the road!" at me on the tops, his young kids were hanging out of the window shouting abuse too, what sort of example is that setting them? I as a cyclist have every right to be on the road, I'd love to know if he could have answered yes to the following questions:

1. Do you have a valid driving licence?
2. Do you have insurance to cover driving this vehicle?
3. Seeing as your van is 7 years old, does it have a valid MOT?

Answering "No" to any of those questions means that YOU shouldn't be on the road. Tosser.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8559515264/

A persistent thin fog clung to NW Leicestershire until the early afternoon but by 15:25 when I was able to leave work, it had given way to bright sunshine. A moderate wind was coming from the south and I'd decided to do a Twycross Bypasser.

I wanted to do 40 miles, which would get the February mile count up to 300. But the temperature dipped a bit sharply after sunset and I came home a quicker way through Sibson, rather than right down to Fenn Lanes as I'd intended.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230214bike.jpg)

Despite the sunshine the landscape was shrouded in a filmy mist. Looked spectacular in the open. I listened to the Reacher novel the whole way round. Nearing the climax now.

I trialled a new torch that takes a single AA as my front light. Works well. Very compact. Very handy.

Back on 34.53 miles. 295 done this month, maybe I can get that up to 400.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8561622400

Didn't plan to go out on a bike today since the weather was a bit damp in the morning, but the sun came out in the afternoon so, since the weather looks grotty for the next couple of days, I thought I'd do 30 or so. Might have done a few more, but I wasn't able to leave work as early as I'd have liked.

Very mild out there, though a bit windy. I did a Twycrosser, with the detour to Orton.

Passed the little heliport (just a flat spot in the grass really) in the field along Gallows Lane just in time to see a helicopter take off from there. It took to the air in the rough direction of Birmingham.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230216bike.jpg)

Tried a different head torch, one that takes AAA batteries (and would therefore be useful potentially on a longer ride). I think I've tried it before. It was adequate, but only just.

Listened to the news on 5 Live, then Barcelona vs United.

Back on 31.68 miles, now over target this month at 327 miles. Looks like it'll be a 400+ mile February which is not unprecedented, but not that common either.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8572826856

Got up (relatively) early to do a fondo, and I'd set off by 08:45. With a moderate wind coming form the west, I'd decided to do the Lower Westbound route. Wasn't sure whether to go up to Abbots Bromley or keep on west through Rugeley, so I deferred that decision until I got to the appropriate road junction, 24 miles in. I opted to go up to Abbots Bromley.

Really lovely out there - sunny and mild. Despite only having had a couple of slices of toast before setting off, I seemed to have loads of energy - perhaps I was using carbs provided by last night's pasta and beer. I'd gone 29 miles before I ate any of the food I'd brought with me.

The first 30 miles seemed to fly by so I kept going past Bagot's Wood; further than I've been before along that route. Eventually I came to Uttoxeter, where I turned back at a round about. Interestingly I was only about a mile, at this point, from the western end of the Upper Westbound Route. But there's no sensible way to get to it from Uttoxeter, unless you count cycling along the A50 as sensible.

As soon as I turned back I hit a headwind, which was annoying. The wind direction must have changed so that it was coming from the SE. I was coming south at this point. Irksome, but I turned east again after Hill Ridware so I didn't have to put up with it for long.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230219bike.jpg)

Bought some Quavers and a Fry's Chocolate Cream at the Co-op at King's Bromley and had a very nice picnic in the sunshine on the grass verge near Alrewas on the way back. I took the pic at Abbots Bromley.

I listened to 6 Music, United vs Leicester, the first Rolling Stones album (I've set myself a task of listening to all of them in order this year) and the final Clash album, Cut the Crap.

Getting a bit too warm and spring-like in the afternoon and I had to stow away my woolly hat an cycling overtrousers in my backpack with about 10 to go.

Saw a rather large buzzard perched atop a dead badger near Measham. It looked quite proud of itself but I think a road vehicle had probably done the heavy lifting there.

Glorious ride out. Back on 71.49 miles. 398 this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8588466659

Got 33 miles in on the road bikes today. Not so bright when we set off just before 11:00am but not too cold (remembered my overshoes today!). After around 17 miles we stopped at The Fox, Great Barrington for some refreshment. A bowl of soup and two pints of Guinness, £27.50 😮. It was good soup though and the Guinness was good enough to persuade us into staying for a second!
By the time we set off again the sun was out and the ride back to Witney via Westwell, Shiton and Brize Norton was glorious. Our spirits were lifted to the extent that it seemed appropriate to call into our local, Drummers Bar for a final pint (Village Idiot - White Horse Brewery).
Got home with just enough time to wipe the bikes over before returning them to their wall brackets in the spare room.  A cracking day capped off perfectly with a beautiful home-cooked roast - splendid!

After another week off the bike, time to make another new start. It was actually quite warm today, didn't have to put on a base layer or shoe covers. Makes a nice change.

Did the same route as my last couple of rides, gets a decent amount of climbing in, but you it's mainlt quite shallow so nothing too onerous.

Don't know if I've forgotten how to position myself on the saddle, but the top of my thighs on the inside don't half ache. Never had that happen before.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8598052734

I wanted to do about 30 after work. With the wind coming from the south a Twycrosser or Bypasser seemed in order, but within a minute of setting off I'd decided not to do that again, and I pedalled up Top Brand instead. By the time I'd reached the roundabout at the top, I'd hatched a plan to go west to Ticknall through Melbourne then home through Hatshorne, Woodville, Ashby. And I stuck to it.

I'd been looking forward to this one because it would take me past the 400 mile point for February, and also over 940 for the year, which would mean that I'd made up the difference between last year's target (4200) and this year's (4540). 340 miles over target for the first two months, in other words.

Back on 27 miles exactly, not as many as I wanted but more than enough for today's purposes. 425 done this month.

A bit cold out there, and that was a substantially climbier route than a Twycrosser of similar distance would have been. But it's nice not to do the same thing all the time.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8600233969

Another dry, sunny day so inevitably, I decided to ride a bike after work. My right knee was a bit sore after the last ride and I didn't want to push my luck, so I decided that 25 miles would do. I taped it up before I set off, haven't done that for a year or two. I decided to go out through Coalville and up Ashby Road for a bit, which wouldn't involve any conspicuous climbing.

Took a left to Long Whatton from Ashby Road but rather than heading back I kept on from there to Zouch. Turned back homeward just over the Nottinghamshire border. Came back down Top Brand.

My knee didn't give me any trouble, happily. I think taping it up does help, I should do that more often, at least on long rides. I only wish I'd kept my legs properly shaved like a good cyclist, the tape was a bastard to get off.

Enjoyable run out and nice to get out after work and be back before sunset. Cold out there. Would have been worse if I'd stayed out another half hour.

Back on 25.06 miles, so that was a pretty good stab at a 25 miler. 450 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8610600389

Managed to make it out again today. Was thinking of just slumping and watching the Faun Drome Classic and Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne on TV, but watching them being blown about on the Drome Classic and riding into a headwind on K-B-K made me realise how much fun it is being out on a bike.

Made my first full ascent up through Cutthorpe today. I was going to turn round at Linacre water, but when I stopped to turn round I thought "No" I'll carry on up the next steeper pitch then turn round at what was the Gate Inn. However, when I got to what was the Gate Inn there as so much traffic going by I thought I may as well go to the top. So I did. Had to drop down to second gear to do so, but hey I;m getting older. Was surprised to find that even though I stopped for 50 seconds I was the quickest of nine on Strava today. maybe I'm fitter than I think.

A nice 27 miles in the sun then. Don't know if I'll get out again in Feb so I may just have done 143 miles. Not even at 300 for the year yet. Hopefully get out more now that I'm feeling a bit fitter and just about everything I brought back from my dad's has been sorted.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8627129368

With the wind blowing from the east again and a dry day promised, I couldn't pass up an opportunity to do my favourite fondo, along the eastbound route. I set off at about 10:35. I took the S Works. I inspected and relubed it last weekend after the chain skipped a couple of times on its previous ride, so I was keen to see if it would behave this time (and it did).

About a minute after I set off, I noticed that my Casio GPS watch wasn't recording elapsed distance. I realised that I'd left it on 'Airplane' mode. I stopped to fiddle with the menus and as I did so, an elderly gentleman strolled over for a chat. Lovely old bloke. Told me that he'd been a keen cyclist himself in his youth, and during "the year that peace was declared" (1945 of course) he'd cycled around Wales at the age of 14.

The headwind was pretty annoying on the outward leg of the trip, so I was very pleased to arrive at the crossroads at Eastwell, where I intended to turn back. I'd done slightly less than half a fondo distance and I intended to cut across to Wymeswold via Narrow Lane on the way back, which would cut about 0.3 miles off the trip, normally. But I also intended to make up the miles by detouring through Diseworth and down Top Brand once back over the Leicestershire border.

I had an impromptu picnic on the grass verge before I turned back.

As things turned out, I didn't have to make up any distance because I missed a turn at Wymeswold and continued on to Hoton. I had to consult Google Maps to get back on track. Fortuitous though because that stretch of road is really quiet. It was lovely in the sunshine. I really must go that way more often. It probably saves a bit of climbing as well (I'll check that).

I did detour through Diseworth and down Top Brand regardless.

I'd forgotten that my right cleat had slipped out of the pedal a few times on the last ride I did with the same shoes, and it slipped out even more often this time. Annoying. Just hope I remember to replace it before the same thing happens again.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230226bike.jpg)

Listened to 6 Music, then Spurs vs Chelsea. But I got bored with that fairly quickly so I listened to the second Rolling Stones album, the unimaginatively titled The Rolling Stones No. 2. Very similar to their debut, maybe a bit more light and shade. Definitely better recorded. But pretty basic R&B covers. It was released at the beginning of 1965. They were light years behind The Beatles in terms of imagination, songwriting, production, ambition, everything.

It was a real faff, yet again, to get the track off my Casio watch and onto Strava. I think I'll give up on using that watch for bike rides.

Anyway .. back on 65.76 miles.  That one takes me to 516 miles this month and 1044 this year. Don't think I've ever got to 1000 miles so early in the year before.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8627277298

Not a lot of time today, but I wanted to do 20 or so to get the March campaign off to a modest start. A cold wind was blowing from the NE. I went up through Coalville toward Zouch, then turned for Long Whatton and came back down via Diseworth, Top Brand, Coleorton.

I didn't wrap up warm enough and I was too cold. But at least it was dry. Back on 20.52 miles.

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

One thing I've noticed about the S Works is that it's much better geared, at least for me, than the X. I definitely find myself using a greater variety of gears over both chainrings, whereas on the X the big chainring doesn't get used that much. Something to think about if/when the time comes to replace the cassette.

Nice run out. The conditions weren't so hostile with a bit of a tailwind.

Note the flimsy-looking frame pack currently attached to the frame. It was very cheap, but it's very light. I had to truncate the velco straps with a hot paint scraper, they were far too long.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8648333268

Opened up March's account today. Could have got out yesterday, but couldn't be arsed to swap the power meter pedals over from the Turbo Trainer bike. Must get new batteries for them as they alerted me to low battery today. I had bought some spare, however I have now found that Mrs S used them in some of her Xmas decorations >:(

Did the same ride as I'd done in each of the previous weeks, each time has been quicker than the last. Am I getting back to fitness? Hard to say as today the wind had switched 180 degrees from the previous three and a tailwind seems to help more uphill.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8647165630

What? Out again? Only two days since I was last out? What is the world coming to? I nearly didn't bother today, because I'd spent too much time watching the Strade Bianche - must put riding those roads on my bucket list.

Just got 26.5 mile in today, but it felt OK - apart from the going uphill bit, that appears to be going downhill - and power levels were slightly up from where they have been. Thought the power might be zero as I had to change the batteries today and I normally bugger things up when doing something simple like that, but I managed. Hopefully didn't cross-thread the battery compartment covers.

A sedate 7 miler with the wife.. a short Alloway circuit with a coffee stop at the Burns Centre.. it was bloody cold out there I have to say...

Was hoping for a 20 miler today..only managed 16....just got too cold.....a nice circuit up n over the Carrick Hills and back into Ayr..nice to see a Rolls Royce stuck in a ditch on the way down the Carrick Hills..fucking idiot..

Was hoping and managed to do a 30 miler today. The one which now seems to be my weekly outdoor ride. Fifth time I've done it and I'm still getting quicker. Which is nice. Thought it would be colder than it was, but with my fitness levels not being what they were I'm having to put more effort in still so that warms me up :)

https://www.strava.com/activities/8674973740

And managed to get out again today, first time I've done consecutive days out for almost three months!
Glad I did get out as the forecast is not too promising for the next week or so. Typical, just as the legs start feeling OK again and my heart rate isn't going too far into the red uphill if at all.

Didn't get in the 30 miler I was hoping for, just started to head for the hills when the snow started. I say snow it was more like little bits of frozen rain which got in round the glasses and stung my eyes. Still I got to 23 miles which is over 50 for the week and gets me over 400 for the year.

Only managed one ride this month before I went on holiday and now I'm back the weather looks awful for the rest of March! Likely to be my lowest-scoring cycling month ever.

Didn't think I'd get an opportunity for a first ride back from my holiday today but the weather was relatively pleasant, so I took an extended lunch and did a Twycrosser. Didn't want to do more than 20 miles really as it was highly likely to rain later in the afternoon. I was half expecting to get rained on while I was out.

A bit windy. I ended up doing 26.36 miles. I picked up a very slight hail shower, and a few spots of rain but mostly it was sunny. I did see rain in the distance a couple of times, as captured in this pic at the Gibbet Post. But I dodged it successfully myself.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230314bike.jpg)

That's a mere 47 miles so far this month, and I think the March target (311) is a long shot given the weather outlook.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8713258111

Was rather hoping to get a couple of hours in before lunch. Forecast was for showers to start after lunch and rainfall radar appeared to show no precipitation in the vicinity.

Twenty minutes in a few wet snowflakes appeared - from the sky, not Lineker apologists - but it looked like I'd be able to skirt round it as I was at the outer edge of the clouds. Two minutes later the whole sky was black and shedding big wet snowy flakes.

Bollocks to this I thought, I don't have to put myself through this so I headed back home, but got an exceedingly wet and cold arse. Fifteen miles brings me to the grand total of 125 miles for March and apart from tomorrow morning - touches top of head - the forecast doesn't look good for much more.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8712393892

Today I did get my two hours in :) Could have done more if I so wished as the rain forecast to start between 1 and 2 in the afternoon didn't start until gone half three. Two hours is still enough though in my current not getting out much state.

Went up to the tops through Old Brampton and there was still drifted snow up against the field walls and looking out into the Peal District the ridge above Great Longstone was still covered as were the far moors above Buxton.

When I'll get out again I don't know as the forecast looks dodgy into the foreseeable future, although Sunday is now looking as it could be dry. Still today's 30.5 miles is my longest ride of the year so far!

https://www.strava.com/activities/8718265629

Frequent showers were touted to be likely this afternoon, so I sneaked out for a couple of hours at lunchtime in the hope of avoiding them. The wind was coming from the south, and the rainfall radar suggested I was more likely to avoid getting rained on down that way, so down south I went. I did the southbound route as far as Kirkby Lane and came back.

I didn't get rained on at all and actually it was really nice out there. Sunny and spring-like.  Back on 23.07 miles. That was only the third ride this month and they've all been short, but fingers crossed I'll get a fondo in on Sunday. 70 miles done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8729909077

I thought I really ought to get out today, as I had some new bits of kit to use - new bidons, cleat covers, rear light and cycle computer - however there was the small matter of 180+ miles of Milan-San Remo to watch, look I shelled out £30 for GCN+ and I'm going to maximise my use of it!

Luckily the race - well done MvDP by the way, winning it 62 years after your grandad Monsieur PouPou - finished ahead of schedule so I had a good couple of hours before sunset.

I could have had a couple of hours, but I went for a pre-ride dump and as soon as I sat on the throne I heard the sound of the Heavens opening :( I stared out of the window post dump watching it rain until the sun came out again. Hoorah. Into cycling gear I got and just as I was putting on my shoe covers it tipped it down again. Bollocks :(

Luckily it didn't last too long and out I went. I've gone from a Garmin Edge 520 to an Edge 1040 and it's an impressive bit of kit. Too good for my usage probably, but it gave me a warning straight away that I was approaching a heavy traffic road - I was - and it warns of upcoming sharp bends (tell me summat I don't know...) The ride was even uploaded to Strava by the time I'd taken the bidon from its cage. Hopefully its purported 35 hour battery life will last, I bought it because the Edge 520 will only do just over 2 hours now and that's now good with Summer approaching.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8736675783

A rain-free day was promised, not too cold and not overly windy. Clearly I had an opportunity to do the March fondo on my hands.

I'd intended to set off at about 1000 this morning but slept in until 0950. But I was off on the Roubaix by about 1040.

I did the Upper Westbound route, which has now been modified so that it doesn't take a left turn to Marston Montgomery at the north-western end, because that turned out to be a bit rubbish last time - gravelly and twisty. So I pushed up Ashbourne Road and turned back after about 31.5 miles.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230319bike.jpg)

On the way back, after Melbourne, I decided on a whim to take a left turn to Wilson instead of coming back the usual way. Partly because I couldn't be bothered with Rotter's Rise, but partly because I thought it would squeeze a bit of adventure out of the ride. I don't actually know the best way home from Wilson so I thought it would be fun to navigate my own way back. As it happens I took two really stupid turns that elongated my ride significantly, in both cases because I thought it would be the quickest way back.

I did come to regret my impromptu orienteering because I had to negotiate quite a lot of sharp climbs. Still - nice run out overall. Back on 66.06 miles.

Listened to the rest of the Reacher novel, The Hard Way. Very good. The story moves from downtown Manhattan to rural Norfolk, and I must say the voice actor who reads the audiobook doesn't come anywhere near getting the Norfolk accent right for the locals who speak in the book. They sound something like a cross between a slow-witted Irishman and an Eastern European.

I enjoyed being out on the Roubaix again for the first time since August but I think the saddle is set a bit lower than my other bikes. But I may acquire a carbon seat post for it soon.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8743139081

Cycling has been a bit hit and miss this year. I'd like to get out more but circumstances have not allowed me to.

I got out on both Saturday and Sunday this weekend for the first time since probably last autumn this weekend. Only short spins. The interesting thing about them is that I'm giving intermittent fasting a go. I'm trying the 16:8 method where you don't eat for 16 hours then you have an 8 hour window when you do eat. For me that means ensuring that I've eaten by 8pm and then skipping breakfast. It's going ok but since I started 3 weeks ago whenever I went out for a morning spin I always had something to eat beforehand.

Then I discovered that when you wake up you have something like 2000 easily available calories in your system. So I went out without breakfast to put it to the test. I brought a banana with me and knew there were a couple of garages and shops along the way if I bonked, but no all good. No need to stop or eat the banana and I went around in the sort of time I would expect.  Think I'll keep doing this for a while anyway.

I do 8:16 intermittent fasting. Don't eat for the 8 hours I'm asleep and then trough for the next 16!

Got out for a thirty miler today, which means I've had my cyclingest week of the year. Don't think I'll beat it next week. Even if I went on the Turbo every day I doubt I'd do 100 miles a week. The bedroom floorboards would rot too.

Tried the Garmin 1040's route feature today, not that I needed the directions, but thought I'd give the ClimbPro feature a test. It finds the hills on your route and tells you how much elevation gain there is and how far to the top. I think it demoralises me, I have a good idea how far I have to climb anyway, but when you can see the exact details it's disheartening.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8742960752

Bike in the shop for its annual MOT

Managed to get over 500 miles for the year today. This time last year I was off the bike for a fortnight with COVID so if I can do another 230 miles by 2nd April I'll be level with where I was last year. I was still at bloody work last year too.

Way I feel after today's ride it'll be a fortnight before I'm out again, it was bloody hard work uphill into the wind. Set my second slowest time out of 95 up to Barlow Grange and the slowest was only because of roadworks. At least I managed to overtake someone on the way up. Heard some Curlew and a Skylark once up on the tops. It must be spring :)

Got overtaken on the flat on the way back though and if I'm right it was someone older than me, but he was 6th in the Commonwealth Games in 1984

https://www.strava.com/activities/8757959345

One of the best days for a while and only realised this morning that the bike shop is shut today..so hopefully get back out tomorrow...

Got out again today for another 30 miler. Not too bad a day apart from a blustery wind and the occasional spot of rain. Looked like I missed the main body of rain though as the last three miles back home had very wet roads.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8763603340

Quote from: Fishy on March 20, 2023, 11:37:15 AMBike in the shop for its annual MOT

New chain ..chain cassette and few other adjustments.. back on the road👍

Mostly a pleasant day today, but just as I was thinking of defying the weather forecast to ride a bicycle, a brutal shower passed over.

But it was back to business as usual ten minutes later. Half an hour later I decided to risk it. I assumed I probably would get rained on, but I hoped it would be short-lived.

Very mild, mostly sunny. But very windy. I did a Twycross Bypasser. The headwind proved a struggle over the first half of the ride, but I enjoyed the tailwind when I looped back north and east.

I didn't get rained on.

Back on 30.10 miles, which brings the March total to a paltry 166 miles. The weather for the rest of the month looks poor but maybe I can get it up to 240 or so. Damage limitation really, but there's plenty of time to make up the distance later in the year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8770623422

Earlier this year, I cashed in a small pension. Now, what does one do when has a bit of spare cash? One gets an n+1 bicycle, obvs!

Now, it's long been on my wishlist to get a Titanium bicycle, they're supposed to be the n+1 killer and I had seen one I very much liked, a road bike with a bit of potential for off road riding, so what do I do? I get a full on carbon-framed Gravel bike instead. I've fallen for the gravel hype and this one's colour scheme caught my eye - am I a woman? - it's a Ridley Kanzo C adventure bike, capable of being set up for off road bikepacking trips - not that I'm going to go out on ultra-rides and sleep under hedges.

So, I took her out for a spin today. First observation, big knobbly tyres aren't half noisy, it sounds like an Underground train starting off. Second observation, big knobbly tyres are about 10% slower than skinny slick ones. But skinny slicks are no good for going off road. I just took in a few bridle paths today and I'm not so sure that big knobbly ones are that good! Think riding through mud and over big rocks is going to take a bit of getting used to

Went down one off road bit - which some cars use - and it was full of water filled bomb craters, or so it seemed, that I had to scoot myself round. Got a huge bramble caught in the chain rings too, that's scratched my nice new paintwork :( Still, that's got me out for my longest ride of the year so far, a paltry 34 miles, but new ways are now open up to me, onwards and upward!

https://www.strava.com/activities/8776160859

(https://scontent.fbhx4-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/337704434_1389351175198220_8637860388839687012_n.jpg?_nc_cat=110&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=vYwTMGu92lgAX9URmqO&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-1.fna&oh=00_AfA1icbXRIpM2NprqNyMhnryfFHPnI2oqeB-C7tusxFHiw&oe=642419CA)

A very similar day to yesterday - mostly sunny, too windy, occasional fierce showers. But with the likelihood that the precipitation had dried up by mid-afternoon, I set off at 1500 on the Lower Westbound route. Since I did 30 miles yesterday I only wanted to do 30 or so today. I got as far as Croxall then turned back to come home the same way.

Here's an odd thing. The last mile or so of the ride up to and including Croxall didn't seem familiar at all .. I'd started to think I must have missed a turn. But I hadn't, I was definitely on the same route I've done at least six or seven times.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230325bike.jpg)

Anyway .. back on 32.35 miles, and that's 198 this month.

I listened to Scotland vs Cyprus, then Gilles Peterson on 6 Music, then Steely Dan's Aja. Then, just because it was next in the alphabetic sequence, my music player app kicked off Chick Corea's Akoustic Band album unprompted. I hadn't heard it for years. My mum bought it for me as a Christmas present in 1993.

Really beautiful out there, perfect weather for that particular route with its lovely views. What had started as an initiative just to add a bit of distance to the monthly total turned out to be one of my favourite rides of the year so far.

Back ten minutes after sunset so I was cutting it fine; I didn't have a front light of any description with me.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8776554909

60km spin on Saturday, longest since Nov 21!  22 really was a start stop and never really got going. Hopefully 23 can be a bit better!

First run out since Mar 7th according to Strava... hoped to do at least 20 miles but managed home in just over 30... usual up n over Carrick Hills then various single track country roads bringing me back into Ayr dropping onto the seafront then home... some nice blue sky with some sunshine but still a very cool breeze... a very sore left nipple on returning ...
Couple of crazy drivers.. namely a Porsche overtaking me on the brow of a hill with a mini coming the other way and some dense cow in an Audi who raced to turn left in front of me forcing me to brake

A dry day was forecast for today, and we haven't had many of those this month.

One of those rare days when the wind was so light that I wouldn't get a substantial headwind whichever way I went. My first idea was to go down to Welford on the southbound route, but I checked the weather forecast and it was more likely to rain south of here. So I decided to head east. I left work indecently early to do a fondo to Eastwell and back.

I don't normally like to take a bike that's just had a new part fitted for more than a short run, but I was curious to see how the Roubaix rode with its new seat post. I took the appropriate Allen keys with me and crossed my fingers. It was fine. Actually I didn't even need to adjust anything, I seem to have got the setup pretty much spot on. Definitely seems to have improved the ride, as well.

A little bit cooler than I'd have liked, otherwise it was lovely out there - sunny most of the way there and back. I took Narrow Lane to come back via Rempstone and Wymeswold on the way back.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230327eastwell.jpg)

Listened to LBC and 5 Live mostly, but I also listened to Out Of Our Heads - the third Rolling Stones album. Mostly R&B covers again. No original tunes. Certainly no recognisable Stones classics. They certainly took a while to find their voice (although to be fair I think they'd already recorded Satisfaction by this time, but that was released only as a single).

Back well before sunset, which this evening took place at a very agreeable 7:31pm, on 63.02 miles. That was the second fondo this month and I've done 261 miles now in March, so it hasn't been a disaster. Just a disappointment.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8787575740

Being as I didn't get out yesterday - Saturday took it out of me and there was Gent-Wevelgem to watch - I made sure to get out today as it was forecast to be the best day of the week.

Took the new Gravel bike out again today. I'll have to get used to be being nowhere quick as on the road bike and being shit scared when things get the slightest bit gnarly! Went up a lane today which used to be open to traffic when I was a kid, but now it's just potholes with random lumps of tarmac sticking up at funny angles. Type 2 fun for sure.

Got lost later on down a lane which looked easy to follow on Google maps. Not so on the ground, ended up going down someone's "drive". so turned around and made my way to where I should have come out to try and get through the other way, but the bridle path ahead was in use by a full cavalry platoon so another about face.

Returned home by way of the Five Pits Trail, for some reason I thought this was an old railway line and would therefore be well graded. It isn't, it's up and down but the gravel surface is nicely compacted. I like this kind of gravel.

31 miles for the day takes me to 335 for March and for the first time since November the completion of a monthly Strava climbing challenge.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8785557530

I think that'll be March done for me now. A monthly total of 356 miles, not very good and a yearly total of 648 so far. Not been that low after three months since 2016 - and that was my first year of being a "serious" cyclist.

One of those days where the weather never seemed to know what it was going to do, but I eventually bit the bullet and got out. Just up and down the local lanes. They're not too far off being gravel and liberally strewn with potholes, so I got a good work out, even though I was going to take it steadily.

One day I'll put the road wheels on the gravel bike and see how much difference they make, but not whilst the roads are as filthy as they are. Had the bike less than a week and have washed it three times already!

https://www.strava.com/activities/8802390839

The weather forecasters threatened light showers for the afternoon but I was keen to do at least 39 miles, to get the March total up to 300. With the wind coming from the SW, I decided to do a longish version of the time-honoured Twycross Bypasser. So I did, going up to Packington at the top and down to Fenny Drayton at the bottom.

Apart from a couple of brief episodes of very light rain, the weather was lovely - spring-like and sunny. Very nice to go along Mythe Lane again, I haven't been down that way for a while.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230330bike.jpg)

I stopped for a wee and a cheese pasty at a regular off-road farm gate along Fenn Lanes and to amuse myself, I took stock of the various objects littering the ground around me. I saw wood screws, plastic wall plugs, an empty blister pack that once contained Nurofen or similar, a discarded latex glove and six tins of paint with black & yellow tape wrapped round them bearing the words ENVIRO CRIME HAZARD - DO NOT CROSS.

I was going to take Boardman II but noticed that the rear tyre is completely flat. Something else to do at the weekend, then. I took the X.

That was actually a lovely ride out and I wouldn't have done that route if I hadn't particularly wanted to do 39 miles. Happy I did. Back on 41.34 which takes me to 303 this month. Given the awful weather and having been out of the country for a week, I'm not displeased with that even if it is below target. I'm ahead of the game in the bigger picture, anyway.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8804464800

Don't usually plan my route usually just follow the force but today I knew exactly where I was going except for a wrong turn half way thru but then picked up the route again... so it was out to Dalrymple then out on a single track road from there to the lovely village of Kirkmichael then across to Crosshill then onwards to Maybole where I was looking for the route7 cycle network but picked it up again via the road to Culzean Castle.. up n over the Carrick Hills onto the Dunure Road into Ayr and then dropping down to the seafront out to the pier then home... a very satisfying 31 miles in pretty decent weather.. the odd spot of rain but definitely milder and sunnier and warmer

Had the gravel bike over a week now, still not done much gravel LOL! Mind all of today's ride was on road, but a good half of it sounded like gravel under the tyres - small country lanes which are crumbling to bits.

Went up a road that I've only ever been down before - and I've only been down it when other roads have been shut. Didn't enjoy the bits where my Garmin said it was 17% It's bad enough for me on 7% inclines. Must admit it doesn't seem that steep going down.

Forgot to eat my in ride snack today, the roads were so up and down that I didn't want to reach round and get my oat bar. By the time the roads had flattened out I was nearly home again. That's April's account opened with just over 32 miles. Hopefully I'll get out tomorrow, but might just watch the Ronde van Vlaanderen.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8814235301/

Clocked up a 32 miler earlier today.. out to Auchincruive then heading to coylton then dropping into Dalrymple then took a new single into the middle of nowhere .. followed the force that eventually brought me into the back end of Kirkmichael.. took the well trodden other single track back to Dalrymple so had essentially down a very big loop then headed back to Ayr..
Weather pretty decent fairly warm
Nice bottle of red waiting on my return🍷👍

A dry day with a decently late sunset and a moderate wind from the east. I promised myself I'd do at least 80 miles, with the thought that I might do 100 if I got up early enough - and if it wasn't too cold.

I got up at about 0700 and was away on a bike by 0756. I had a simple plan: to do the eastbound route for as long as I felt like it, then to come back roughly the same way.

Because I knew the temperature would improve later in the day and because I didn't want to carry clothing around in my backpack for most of the ride, I wrapped up relatively light. Intermediate level; a few layers on top and a pair of tights over cycling shorts.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230402rutland.jpg)

The temperature seemed bearable when I set off but five miles later, on lower ground, I was shivering. Very annoyingly I was uncomfortably cold for the first three hours of the ride. But the sun coming out later on made a big difference. So did the tailwind on the way back.

I took a minor diversion through Rutland and was in Lincolnshire fifteen minutes later, so that's the last two neighbouring counties boxes ticked for 2023. I'd decided I was going to do at least 100 miles by this time. I turned back after a bit less than 50 miles, because I was going to take a slightly longer route home (through Cotes and Stanford).

I realised when I got to my 21-miles-to-go point that I was still going to be a bit short, so I tweaked the route home by diverting through Wymeswold and Hoton. Actually a lovely quiet bit of road that, well worth doing in any case.

Sunday's not the best day for a long ride because the shops tend to be closed in the afternoon, but I stocked up at the village shop at Buckminster on the outbound leg. Very useful, well located (40 miles from home) and it has cyclist-friendly benches outside, but they tend to sell "lookalike" products - for example you can buy something that looks superficially like Lucozade Sport in a similar-styled bottle, but it's really just rather indifferent fizzy orange.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230402bike.jpg)

Anyway - that was a lovely ride out. I was especially pleased to be reunited with my Cycling Happy Place east of Waltham and in the end it was worth shivering for a few hours early on to make it over there.

Listened to footy chat mostly, plus commentary on West Ham vs Southampton and some of the first half of Newcastle vs Man United. Both entertaining games. For the first half hour of the ride, I listened to the end of the Australian Grand Prix. Farcical.

I also listened to the fourth Rolling Stones album, Aftermath. What an extraordinary creative breakthrough after their first three albums of R&B covers. Their previous album, released less than a year earlier, had consisted entirely of other peoples' tunes but everything on Aftermath is a Jagger / Richards original. Equally importantly it's a much more eclectic and interesting record than the first three, with some really strong songs. Reminds me of The Kinks in places.

With beautiful timing, the AA batteries in my DAB died two minutes after I arrived back at the garage.

Back on  100.43 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8820654439

Well, for the first time this year I managed 100 miles of road cycling in a week! Mind, if I'd not spent five hours watching the Ronde van Vlaanderen I might have had enough time in the day to get 100 miles in. Enough in the legs? Probably not, I'd be more than happy to fit a 50 miler in.

As it was just a 21 miler, but nice in the sunshine and nice that the roads were much drier and cleaner than yesterday. Didn't have to wash the bike down when I got back today.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8820765253

Ventured out on the mountain bikes late morning, primarily to assess whether either bike had any niggles to sort out before our trip to the Peak District next weekend.

Mine has had a lot of work done recently and Clare's Trek has just had a new 34-11 cassette fitted to help with the climbing. I've also mended slow punctures in the rear wheels of both bikes over the last few days, which, I'm pleased to say were still mended when we decided to go out.

We headed out just before midday with the promise of clearing skies and some sun from 2:00pm. We took in a couple of climbs to test our new 'granny gears'. My gears were the only ones to give trouble. Chain was slipping on the 7th, 8th and 9th cogs under load (very annoying after spending over £400 quid at the bike shop!). Clare was happy with her new cassette and showed a definite increase in her climbing rate today.

We stuck to the tarmac, it's much too wet around these parts to venture off-road at the moment. I didn't use an app so distance was a guess, probably somewhere between 15 and 20 miles.

For a lot of the ride I was considering what to do about getting my gears sorted and settled on Google when we got home. The general opinion suggested the chain tension was incorrect and the derailleur tension may require adjusting.

I found a really clear explanation of the role of the 'B-gap' adjustment screw and after two complete turns, I think I've sorted it....fingers crossed (I've never really got too involved in anything more than the most fundamental maintenance with bikes so it was great to increase my knowledge). It appears that, once the workshop had changed the 30-12 for the 32-12 cassette, the gears appeared to be working OK on the bike stand. Of course, things can be a whole lot different when the bike is ridden and the drivetrain is used under load. I think the technician left the chain tension as he found it. Anyway, after adjustment, I failed to reproduce the problem.

The new saddle appears to be comfortable enough, although the covering is a little slippery but that may well be the leggings I had on over my shorts.

We did get some sunshine but not warm at all out there. Hopefully the weekend will see some higher temperatures for us.

Nice day for it today, and getting out for a ride. If only the weather would settle down and be like this for a bit, well, say six months or so.

Managed to get in my longest ride of the year so far, managed to break the 35 mile barrier! Taken some time getting there. Even got in a bit of proper gravel too. I say gravel, but there were lots of bits the size of half bricks in the track and indeed some half bricks too. Even coming off none too smooth roads, gravel for me is a different kettle of fish. Maybe I'll get used to it one day, I'm feeling very much like an old dog. Perhaps I should take in more disused railway lines to break myself in.

(https://scontent.fbhx4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/339755224_3163164283983644_8636467700928918310_n.jpg?_nc_cat=101&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=730e14&_nc_ohc=prqZfeDOGoUAX8H2wWQ&_nc_ht=scontent.fbhx4-2.fna&oh=00_AfA4cvUwdswZ2IImc4coi1TKnNWMs2ubsx_SP_UPsS9aYA&oe=64306FDC)

Photograph is on one of the better gravelly bits.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8830307451

Another dry day. Sunnier than Sunday, a bit warmer and the wind was lighter as well, coming from the south. I got out of work indecently early with the intention of going down the southbound route for 20 miles or so, then back up.

When I got to Stoney Stanton after 18 miles I kept straight on over the roundabout - the usual route for down Fosse Way, although I wasn't going to do more than another couple of miles. Just messing around. Then at Sapcote I turned right on a whim. Turned for home after 20 miles, though I came back into Stoney Stanton on a different road and ended up taking a fairly busy road back to Earl Shilton, where I rejoined the usual route.

I think I did much the same thing on a ride over the Christmas holiday. A but unfortunate to be doing that busy road during the rush hour, would have been fine on a Sunday, albeit still a bit urban.

Really lovely out there, sunny and spring-like.

Back on 40.69 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8832280635

Quote from: Slim on October 23, 2022, 03:31:53 PM

Quote from: Slim on September 27, 2022, 10:06:53 PM

Quote from: Slim on September 23, 2022, 09:39:20 PMI stopped and examined it and the freehub was freely spinning both ways. I did manage to get it working briefly - but only very briefly; I got another half or mile or so out of it. So of course I called 'er indoors and she came out to collect me. I walked the bike some of the way back, and even managed to roll down a couple of descents on it.

This has given rise to a plan.
Instead of replacing the freehub body on the Cannondale rear wheel, I'm going to upgrade the Cannondale wheelset instead.
Then I'll upgrade Boardman II with the present Cannondale wheels - using the freehub body that was on the original Boardman I wheels, which I've been keeping as spares for years.

Rather than swap the old freehub in, which may not actually be possible anyway (the hub's probably incompatible though I didn't check) I decided to have a go at fixing the one already attached to the Fulcrum 5s that were on the Cannondale. So .. I bought some freehub springs from Amazon and fitted one to the freehub.
Actually a pretty simple job once you've taken the freehub off the wheel - you just wrap the spring, which looks like a slightly-oversized cheap keyring, around the groove in the freehub body. The pawls are designed so that the tension in the spring makes them stick out and engage the hub when not freewheeling. I'm no mechanical engineer but I reckon that using a single spring for this is a poor design.
The remaining springs in the pack are shown here:
(http://bikediary.uk/images/pawl_springs.jpg)
I gave the innards a good wipe round, and relubed the pawls and the hub. Fortunately the Fulcrum 5 rear wheel has sealed bearing units so I didn't have to bother with regreasing little steel balls.
Working nicely now.  Some freehubs have independently sprung pawls. like this:
(http://bikediary.uk/images/sram_freehub.jpg)
.. and that's surely a better design.
Still to do: swap the 8 speed cassette off Boardman II and put it onto the Fulcrum 5 rear wheel. It'll need spacers because the Fulcrum freehub is designed for a 10 speed cassette.

I get round to most things eventually, and today I got round to doing this. Removed the cassette from the rear Mavic onto Boardman II, cleaned it (WD40 degreaser shifted the grime very quickly), put it on the repaired rear Fulcrum 5. I had to use a 1.5mm spacer to get it to fit.

Put the rear Fulcrum 5 wheel on the Boardman, checked it was changing gears properly on the stand (seems fine), replaced the front Mavic with the front Fulcrum 5 as well.

Will it make a difference? Dunno. I must admit I'm slightly wary about riding a bike that I've repaired myself with generic freehub springs from Amazon. I may never do a fondo on it again! But I have other bikes better suited to that purpose anyway.

29 miles earlier in what looked like a perfect day but there was a really biting brisk cold wind out there... started off down the seafront picking up route 7 then onwards to Dalrymple Coylton Stair Auchencruive then back along the river and home..... quite happy to get home give the bike a quick clean and open a bottle of Nero D'avola

Ow! New shoes ended up giving me a painful right foot. Not surprised at this as I have a fallen arch on my right foot and need to get things set up well. I'll have a tinker, but maybe use another bike next time out.

It was a lovely day for it, sunny, not too warm but maybe just too much a wind up on the tops. Certainly too much traffic around, mostly driving too quickly and too close to cyclists. Lots of cyclists about too, got fed up of waving/saying hello to them.

Didn't bother venturing off road today as too many buggers are out walking. They tend to be just as unforgiving as drivers towards cyclists too. However, if you ride close to the kerb - not that you should - any ride can be turned into a gravel ride.

Managed to get in my first 40 miler as well today, taken a while to get there.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8847533441

Sunny day, light wind from the north-west. A bit cool when I got up, though. On a different day I might have attempted another 100 miler, but I may do a long ride on Sunday instead - so I decided a fondo would do.

The wind direction seemed to dictate the Upper Westbound route. Not the most imaginative or adventurous option but I decided to make it more interesting - slightly - by diverting through Wilson on the way back. Not only because it would be a bit different, but because I'd avoid Rotter's Rise after Melbourne.

Very nice out there and the roads were pleasantly quiet until the A515, going north toward Ashbourne. Bank holiday traffic, I assume. Eventually I got caught in a traffic jam going up a hill, possibly due to roadworks further ahead - but I'd done 30.8 miles by this time, so I turned back.

Stopped for some snacks at the petrol station near Scropton.

What will happen to all the petrol stations once there are no more diesel or petrol vehicles on the road? They're much handier for cyclists than village shops, because they tend to be open all the time.

Anyway - I came back through Wilson as intended, and unlike last time I didn't take two ridiculous left turns trying to find my way home. Back on 64.12 miles, and that's 205 this month already. That was this year's tenth fondo.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230407bike.jpg)

My personal DAB conked out after about 9 miles, just as I was coming into Melbourne. I was surprised, because I thought there was at least another five hours in the rechargeable AAs. So I put two new alkaline AAs in it (I always take spares). Those died after about 30 seconds. I did drop it in the garage but it only took a mild knock. Have I broken it? Will test it later.

I had a new phone with me, one I haven't installed BBC Sounds or other radio apps on yet, so I put its MP3 player app to work. I listened to

Talc: Licenced Premises Lifestyle
Earth, Wind & Fire: The Best Of, Vol 1
Judas Priest: Stained Class
Style Council: Confessions Of A Pop Group
The Beatles: Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

I doubt I've ever listened to five whole albums in the same day before! The Beatles album especially gave me goosebumps. Every time I listen to it, I try to imagine its impact on popular culture on its release. Some of the music journalists of the time had started to suggest that the Fab Four had run out of ideas, that the creative well had run dry, in the months leading to its release. Yet they followed even the brilliant Revolver in the most devastating manner possible by crafting the first progressive music masterpiece. Every single progressive music record, by King Crimson, Yes, Genesis, whoever has Sgt Pepper DNA in it.

I stopped for a bit of a picnic at a lovely spot next to the quarry near Breedon. By this time I was too warm so I removed and backpacked my fleece and cycling tights, making this the first legs-out ride of the year - albeit only about 10% of it was done in that mode.

And I spotted the first discarded knickers of the year, about a mile from Melbourne. Lacy, very brief and a sort of mahogany brown colour. Unusual colour for ladies' underwear, I thought.

Lovely run out. More on Sunday I hope.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8848732795

Nice ride out on the mtbs today in nice weather (in the sun..warm, out of it...not)
From Hope we headed up Eccles Lane to Bradwell. Took the long climb starting at Michlow Ln into Cresswellpart Ln turning south at the summit towards Little Hucklow. Crossed the A623 at The Anchor, down into Tideswell and then into Litton.
Lovely coffee and cake at Litton stores and returned the same route.
Back to the campsite at Hope just after 2:00pm.
Tomorrow, the legendary climb up to Mam Nick.

I'm spending too much time watching rather than doing at the moment. It was Paris-Roubaix Femmes today, won't get chance to watch much of the Hommes as Mrs S has invited Uncle Tom Cobbley [sic] and all for lunch tomorrow >:(

I did manage to get out for a couple of hours once it was all done and dusted though. Repeated what I did on Tuesday, but on the Bianchi, not the gravel bike. Missed out the gravel sector, but put in an extra lap of the Beeley Triangle to compensate. As I thought big knobbly tyres knock 10% off my average speed.

That was another 35 miles in the bag though, giving me 110 road miles for the week.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8855758186/

I didn't particularly want to do more than 40 miles. A few days ago I was entertaining the possibility of doing a long ride, but the wind was a bit strong for that - and apart from that, I just wanted to kick back and relax this afternoon.

With the wind coming from the south, I naturally set off down the southbound route. When I got to Stoney Stanton after 18 miles, I went straight over the crossroads rather than turning left. I did entertain the idea of going down Fosse Way for a few miles, briefly. But when I got to the main road I turned left to rejoin the southbound route and came back up.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230409bike.jpg)

Stopped at the petrol station on the main road to get a packet of Quavers and noticed that they are owned by Walkers, now. I did look for a different potato snack product, just out of a visceral loathing for Gary Lineker, but I couldn't find one. They all seem to be owned by Walkers now. Oh well.

I also bought a vanilla latte in a can. Turned out to be a bit yuck.

Anyway back home on 40.85 miles. I did feel a bit guilty on the way back not to be doing more in what were very pleasant conditions by then - nice and warm, though I didn't bother removing my tights - but I've done 246 miles this month now and that's not bad for nine days in. The weather looks a bit unsettled for the next couple of weeks, though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8860308873

With rain due over this afternoon I decided that a shortish ride over a long lunch break was the best plan today. About 20 miles would do. Just the right sort of distance to test the new (as in inherited from the Cannondale) wheels with newly-repaired freehub now attached to Boardman II.

I did a shortish Twycrosser, 22.50 miles. Sunny and pleasant when I set off, then cloudy later, then about 15 minutes of light rain. Then warm sunshine again. Quite an enjoyable run out, but more importantly - everything's working properly on the bike. Gear changes nice and slick, freehub engaging and disengaging properly. Very satisfying to do your own modifications, repairs and maintenance when it all works.

The bike does feel a bit different on the Fulcrum 5s. Not faster, not lighter, but a bit more solid. Could be psychological but it does feel like an upgrade.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8871705063

Nearly half way through bloody April and it's still a get out on an as and when basis. Still, I got out today and it was quite nice, a bit blowy at times, but that's not so bad on the gravel bike. Actually did a bit on proper gravel today, but you get too many bloody dog walkers out and about and when the bastards don't have their dogs on a lead  >:(

Was hoping to do a bit more gravel, but where I thought it was possible to get on the Silverhill trail it wasn't. Never mind, on my first excursion into Nottinghamshire this year, I found their roads were in even worse state than Derbyshire's so it made for an interesting ride.

Another 30 miles put into the bag before the rain started.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8871254835/

Took the gravel bike again today. As ever didn't go off road, but even though it was a dry day I knew some of the roads I would travel would be a mess and no fun at all on a road bike. Actually  just one road was a mess, but it was well messy.

Unthank Lane is there to serve a few farms and an equestrian centre. It shows. The road surface, such as it is, is hidden beneath a layer of gravel, mud, horse shit, straw and twigs. There as also a stream running down it today. Nice. Garmin reckons that it gets to 16% gradient, Strava says no more than 12%, it felt like 20%. I still need to get fitter.

Just the 35 miles today, as once again I watched too much cycling, bloody Tour du Jura today, some piss-poor French race in the pouring rain and mist. Was hoping to see some nice scenery. Amstel Gold race tomorrow, hope it's an early finish.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8896056917

I'd intended to go up toward Newark today, a ride I've only ever done a few times. But the weather forecast deteriorated overnight. My best bet for avoiding rain showers was to go south it seemed.

So I decided just to do the southbound route. Fortunately the wind was light enough that I wouldn't suffer a stiff headwind on the way back. Actually the wind direction was forecast to be unusually changeable today so it was a bit of a lottery in any case.

Cool and cloudy when I set off, but the sun came out intermittently later on. I'm on call at the moment but it's been very quiet, and I risked doing a half-fondo distance before turning back for home. I offered a conciliatory nod to being on call by turning back at Welford Road rather than going right down to Welford.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230415bike.jpg)

The weather was really nice later in the afternoon, making me think - again - that I should have stayed out longer. But at least I didn't get rained on.

I made a slight modification to the route by taking a longer way through Dunton Bassett. Makes the route a bit simpler and avoids a steepish hill.

Listened mostly to 5 Live, and the Beatles album Help!

Back on 63.68 miles, and that's a very satisfying 332 done this month so far.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8895914421

Wasn't too early a finish for the Amstel Gold Race - Pidcock 3rd, but only because WvA and MvdP gave it a miss and he was beaten by a fake (as most are) Irishman - so just had time for a couple of hours.

Would have been nice to get 35 miles in, but my legs felt a bit heavy even though I was using the lighter Bianchi. Need to get out on the road more regularly and 33 miles did get me to 100 road miles for the week and only 266 for the month. Also went to Beeley Moor from the North for the first time since last September. I also wish I'd stopped to photograph the Curlew standing on a wall, I'm sure it would have flown though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8902909442

The weather outlook for today was very promising on Friday, so I booked the day off work to do a long one. The forecast deteriorated a bit over the weekend, but I was undeterred.

I wanted to do at least 100. With the wind coming from the east and the sun due to come out earlier in the day over that way, I decided on the eastbound route. I was up early and I set off at 0745.

On recent long rides I'd suffered cold conditions earlier in the morning to avoid carrying extra clothing with me in a backpack, but I wasn't going to do that this time. Instead, I adopted a new tactic. I wore overtrousers and a nice warm fleece, but I removed them and hid them behind a hedge next to a public footpath after 30-odd miles. I wrapped them in a sealable plastic bag I'd brought with me for this purpose, then uprooted some long grass to make a sort of camouflage net. This worked very well; in fact when I picked them up on the way back I had trouble seeing the bag for a moment.

I went through Corby Glen and Grimsthorpe this time. Sometimes I take a lower route through Little Bytham and Witham, although I haven't been that far along the eastbound route many times. I went all the way to Bourne, then onto South Fen Road, onto the Fens. I was quite impressed with myself for finding my way through Bourne without consulting Google Maps or taking a wrong turn.

South Fen Road is an odd sort of place. You feel like you've left civilisation, on the normal, non-Fens part of England and crossed into the Cursed Earth. It's really badly surfaced in places, though not so bad where I took the pic below. It feels a bit desolate, though I quite like that.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230417bike.jpg)

I'd done more than 59 miles by this time. I decided I'd keep going until I'd clocked up 60, then turn back. However about two minutes after I took the pic, I noticed that the steering had become a little skittish .. yep, a puncture.

I stopped, upended the bike, removed the front wheel and wrestled off the tyre. Replaced the inner tube, wrestled the tyre back on, pumped it up. I was more than happy with the performance of my mini-pump - although it doesn't have a gauge I'm pretty sure I got at least 80PSI into the tyre. I didn't pick the best spot to get a puncture; the grassy area to the side of the road was in reality more heavily populated by nettles than grass, and I had the unwelcome tingle of stings induced by hostile vegetation all the way back home.

I decided to turn back there and then of course, but I was feeling quite pleased with myself until I got to Bourne, and noticed that the tyre was soft again.

What now? I didn't have another spare inner tube, of course. So I propped the bike up against Boots the Chemist, then did a search for "bike shop" in Google Maps. A bicycle repair business called All Geared Up was located only about a mile away. I pumped more air into the tyre and set off to find it.

As I neared the location, I realised that it wasn't a traditional bike shop but a regular house on a residential road. I arrived there and rang the doorbell. No answer. WTF was I going to do now?

But a minute later, a friendly chap emerged from a side gate. He explained that he'd been mowing the lawn. Could I buy a couple of inner tubes from him? No problem! He didn't take cards, but I managed to bank transfer the £12 payment from my NatWest app.

I asked if I could borrow a stirrup pump for 15 minutes, but he opened the door to his garage workshop, told me to put the bike on the stand and fitted one of the new inner tubes for me himself. I must say he managed it a lot quicker than I had, half an hour earler. What a lifesaver. I thanked him and he returned to his lawn-mowing duties.

Fortunately the new inner tube made it all the way home.

The weather was beautiful in the afternoon; warm and sunny. I had a feast at the bench outside village shop at Buckminster 39 miles from home and bought more fluids - my bidon had run dry by this point, so a cold Diet Coke was very well received. I bought myself some chocolate as well, to consume about 15 miles from home. Definitely helps with the gradual homeward climb over the last ten miles.

Back on 120.32 miles, seven minutes after sunset. And that's a very healthy shot in the arm for the April distance count, which now stands at 453 miles. 1800 done this year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8908853158

Over 38,000 miles of riding a bike, I've only had a puncture about four times. And yet two of them have been within a mile of the most distant point of unusually long rides, the other one being the first Wales and back trip. That's unfortunate, isn't it?

What, no puncture repair kit?  :-\

Quote from: David L on April 18, 2023, 12:13:55 AMWhat, no puncture repair kit?  :-\

Not sure how easy it is to identify a puncture in an inner tube by the side of the road. But it might have helped on this occasion, I must admit.

I've not yet managed 120 miles in a week and today's 42.78 miles was the greatest distance in one ride all year. I can feel it in my legs now.

Was a nice day, if a bit breezy and it was a headwind on the way back too, that's the bit I normally like as it's downhill and normally has a tail wind. Still at least it gave me my quickest ascent through Cutthorpe this year.

Up on Clodhall Lane, a single lane road, a car coming towards me slowed down and pulled in towards the side. I thought he was being nice to me, but on reaching where he was, I noticed a dead Deer at the side of the road. Something had been tucking into its ribs, so I didn't bother taking anything for me...

Dropped down to the Derwent Valley for the first time this year, which made me glad I'd not put Summer kit on as it was none too warm in the shade down there, but it was rather warm climbing back up to teh tops. One of those days that was hard to get right.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8912287287/

The weather forecast over the next week or so is a bit dismal so I wanted to do 30 or so after work today, while it was sunny and dry. Quite a strong wind coming from the east though. I set off on the eastbound route with no definite plan.

I did the eastbound route for eight miles, then turned left along Smithy Lane. But when I got to the T junction at Long Whatton I just turned right and joined the southbound route again.

I must say the headwind really was annoying, not only in that it made me work harder, but also in that it made the bike a bit unstable. Quite a stiff breeze.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230419bike.jpg)

At Stanford I took a left turn I'd been meaning to try for a while. Nice to do something a bit different I suppose but it was not a pleasant experience overall - an uphill climb combined with a poor road surface and a headwind, and surprisingly popular with the motoring community as well. That took me to Ashby road where I turned left for home. What a relief to have a smooth road and a strong tailwind.

I came back through Long Whatton and down Top Brand. Quite a nice run out in the sunshine over the second half.

I listened to 5 Live, then a Corduroy best-of album called In Mini. Some of their tunes sound a bit like game show theme tunes, but that's part of the fun.

Back on 32.52 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8920557106

Being as I can't get out to ride again until sunday afternoon at the earliest - going on a Riverside trip - thought I better get out today.

After feeling a bit spent after 42 miles yesterday- there were two big hills in it - I took the gravel bike out today to do some lower level stuff. I even managed my longest stretch of gravel - five miles - on the Clowne Greenway, I even ended up in some proper gravel, the sort you'd edge a garden path with when the line disgorged me into a new housing estate and gravel which had probably been put down as a gravel trap to catch boy racers.

The worst thing about these old railway lines is that you get too many bloody dog walkers with uncontrolled dogs. I say walkers, one cunt was on an e-scooter and had SEVEN bloody mutts with him all running free, thankfully the mutts were more clued up than him. Another drawback is e-bike riders. Spent ages trying to overtake one bloke on a long uphill drag and as soon as I went by he upped the power and got me back. Bastard.

32 miles means I finished just shy of 75 for the week, but meant I was back in time to see the Fleche Wallon.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8918296524

The colourful black / red bar tape on my S Works had started to look a bit frayed and tatty, so I have replaced it with some generic and cheap dark grey tape from Amazon.

I didn't do a perfect job and it doesn't look as good as the old tape did before it wore out. But it'll do for now. I used red insulating tape to finish it off as a sort of cursory nod to the colour scheme.

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

Please excuse the weeds, they belong to a neighbour.

The weather forecast for today improved quite a bit as the week progressed, to the point where the BBC were promising that it wouldn't rain until this evening.

I didn't want to use up too much of my Saturday cycling but since, at the moment, the next dry day looks to be Tues 25th, I thought a 30-odd miler was in order.

I did a Twycross Bypasser, coming back along Gibbet Lane - and with a little excursion down Grendon Road and Spon Lane (a short way down the old Dad's Army route, in other words).

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230422bike.jpg)

Actually very nice out there - cloudy but bright enough to cast shadows of the bike onto the road. Almost sunny. And not too cold. Very pleased with the way the second Boardman is running on the repaired wheels inherited from the Cannondale.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8936260382

Back on 35.14. That's 520 done this month, very satisfying after a disappointing March. I expect I can squeeze another 80 miles out of April.

Listened mostly to 5 Live, including most of the first half of Chelsea Ladies vs Barca.

My stop start season continues. After starting to get into a rhythm, things came to a halt with a stalking of Riverside. I had hoped for a Sunday afternoon spin, but I watched the end of Liege-Bastogne-Liege after I got home and then it rained. Felt a bit heavy in the legs too, walking and standing must use different muscle groups to cycling.

Today's forecast was a bit iffy, but the reality was different, no showers until I'd just got home. Not too long a ride at 22 miles, but it gets me up over 1,000 road miles for the year at last only 142 behind this time last year, so I may still have a chance of exceeding last year's tally, weather permitting of course, but a birthday break means I'll be missing three days at the end of this week.

A mix of road and beginners gravel (canal towpath) today and no great effort put in. I must stop trying to ride at almost top speed all the while, I'm getting old, so sticking in gravelly bits and dodgy surfaced roads helps with that.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8948001466

I had the first Boardman cleaned and serviced by the guy who did my Planet X. A bit of a shame in a way because I've always done any work it's needed myself (including new front and rear mech, new seat posts, various new cables, a couple of new cassettes, a new stem).

But I was adjusting the front mech a couple of weeks ago and noticed that one of the gear cables was frayed. And since it needed both a new cable and a good clean I thought I'd save myself the effort. Will give it a go tomorrow.

Managed to get it in my Volkswagen Up! with the front wheel off which I was quite pleased about.

I'll be treating it to some new bar tape soon.

Nice day for it today  :) Took the Bianchi out today, to maximise mileage in the time I had available to me. Nearly got taken out by a learner driver though, must have been with a family member not a driving school. They decided to overtake me even though someone was coming the other way and ended up getting closer in to me as they went by >:( Sure way to fail a driving test I'd have told them if the upcoming junction had delayed them, although judging by the way most people drive maybe not.

Apart from that and some roadworks which have sprung up it was a nice spin out, up to the tops and a rapid descent down Matlock Road. Nice.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8953810121

Not a bad day at all, very dry, cloudy but bright and very liight winds. Unreasonably cold for late April, but I wrapped up warm.

Today's mission, after work, was to do at least 40 miles, to bring me within plausible reach of getting to 600 miles in April on my next ride. I thought I'd go up into Derby for a change.

I took the Boardman, to give it a post-service check.

I went up Top Brand, past East Midlands Airport where I had a nice view of a Learjet 45 taking off, through Donington, over Cavendish Bridge, through Shardlow and up to Borrowash, where I took a left turn toward Derby.

I decided I'd go up to Oakwood via Spondon, but I took the wrong right turn the first time. I ended up with a choice of joining the A52 during the rush hour, or turning back. So I turned back to Derby Road and took the correct right turn, along Willowcroft Road.

Kept going until I saw Sancroft Road, which I recognised as being part of my way home to Oakwood when I lived there and had a girlfriend in Spondon, 32 years ago. I used to cycle that route sometimes on my old Raleigh Routier as well, so it was quite a trip down Memory Lane.

Got to Oakwood, came down Acorn Way. Then I came home via Aston-on-Trent and Weston-on-Trent, through Melbourne and home the usual way. I didn't enjoy Rotter's Rise but it wasn't too punishing.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230425bike.jpg)

I really enjoy my cycling visits to Derby and I'd do them more often if not for having to negotiate a busy roundabout over the A50, either at Swarkestone or Donington. Going through Aston and Weston avoids that to be fair, but it's a very indirect route.

The bike is running nicely following its service. I did tweak the front Disraeli thumbwheel a bit, but that's fine. But what did annoy me a little is that the stem hasn't quite been put on straight. The handlebars are angled at about 93 degrees from the line of the front wheel.

Still - it's an easy enough fix. And an excuse to swap out the old steel rear stem bolts, which have a bit of surface rust, for some titanium ones. The faceplate bolts have already been swapped out. I've got some new handlebar tape for it, as well.

Back on 46.17 miles - 566 done this month. Should be able to get another 34 miles in on Friday.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8956447948

Quote from: Slim on April 26, 2022, 10:25:31 PM420 this month, 1628 this year. This time last year I'd done 1378, and the year before, 1160.

.. and a year later exactly, I've done 1913 miles this year. Interesting. I'm not really trying to increase my overall distances.

Straightened the stem .. didn't replace the bolts because it turns out they're bigger than the (M5) faceplate bolts and I don't have any spare. Put new bar tape on. It looks and feels a bit cheap & nasty but it was only £5.59 for both rolls. It'll do.

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

Made it out today to make it put for three days in a row - for the first time since early last December. Now it's back off the bike again until at least Sunday, unless I manage to sneak one away with me to South Lakeland and the Yorkshire Dales...

Didn't do anything too strenuous, but took the Bianchi to make what I did do a bit quicker and the 32 miles I did got me over 400 miles for April. Starting to feel like a cyclist again.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8959887479

Probably the last rain free-day of the month so I left work a bit early to do 34 miles or a bit more, to get the April distance tally past 600 miles.

The forecast told me that a moderate wind was coming from the west. It also told me that the temperature would be 13C, so I went with the bare legs option. Possibly a little too cool for that in practice, at least early on.

I did the Upper Westbound Route as far as Willington, except that I went up along Top Brand and Isley Walton, and came back down through Wilson (to avoid Rotter's Rise).

Really a rather nice run out, especially later on when the temperature climbed a couple of notches and the sun came out.

Very pleased with the new handlebar tape on the S Works. Seems very comfy, if a bit drab-looking.
 
(http://bikediary.uk/images/230428bike.jpg)

I regretted stopping to take this pic on Swarkestone Bridge, because I had a long wait for the necessary gap in the oncoming river of traffic to get going again.

Back on 36.72 miles. 603 this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8973375796

A very leisurely ride out to Troon with the mrs.. just followed the national route 7 out of Ayr to Prestwick past the airport then onto Troon pretty much running parallel to the main railway line.. stopped off for some light lunch and a coffee @ Drift in Troon then back home reverse route .. an acceptable 21 miles..

Well, that was my first ride as a 60 year old. And it bloody felt like it! Think my Gourmet long weekend was weighing me down a bit. Not that it was a long gourmet weekend as I was back home on Saturday afternoon. Had hoped to get out then, but the torrential rain shower we passed through on the moors above Sheffield followed us home. Sunday afternoon ended up being rained off too.

For the first time this year, I showed bits of my legs to the sun. Still had a long-sleeved jersey, but wished I hadn't, especially when going uphill. I was hoping to get 25 miles in, just to get the legs going again, but ended up on 27. Legs felt fine, but I think my lungs have shrunk...

https://www.strava.com/activities/8991633705/

I had a tentative intention to ride to Wales and back today. I decided that if I woke up early enough and I felt like it, I'd do the necessary 140-odd miles to penetrate the land of dragons, leeks and Gareth Bale.

I did wake up at about 0400, but I only got as far as the bathroom before going back to bed. After all long bike rides are a lot of fun, but sleep's nice as well, isn't it?

I got up again at about 0830 though, and I'd set off on a bike by 0940 with the more modest goal of doing a fondo.

The weather forecast prompted me to go west, for two reasons - firstly, it wasn't going to rain over that way (whereas it was going to, supposedly, at home) and secondly the wind was coming from that direction.

I decided on my Upper Westbound Route, up over Swarkestone Bridge then west along the Beloved A Road.

Annoyingly I left my GPS bike computer in the house, so I tracked the ride using the RideWithGPS app on my phone. This meant of course that I wouldn't have a view of the distance I'd done without stopping to take out the phone, but I've memorised a few distance points on that route. I knew when I'd done ten miles, and fifteen, and twenty without checking the phone.

By the time I got to Sudbury after 25 miles, I'd decided to do something a bit different than just going back the same way. I decided I'd go south to join my Lower Westbund Route through King's Bromley, Edingale, Lullington and Measham. I've done this before a couple of times and was a bit reluctant to do it, because it involves a punishing rollercoaster of brutal hill climbs. But I resolved to grin and bear it.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230501bike.jpg)

The other problem is that the whole route doesn't quite add up to the requisite fondo distance. So to compensate, I opted to go a bit further west for a bit. Therefore, after about five miles of heading south down from Sudbury, I took a right turn for Hoar Cross. I knew I could get to Abbots Bromley easily from there, a few miles to the west. And that's a familiar destination from the Lower Westbound Route.

Unfortunately the road from the main road to Hoar Cross offered a fast, steep descent over a bumpy surface well furnished (today at least) with puddles, so the bike and I picked up a few splashes. I won't take that turn again. I stopped at a bus shelter when I got to the village to consume the food and tinned coffee I'd bought at a petrol station a few miles previously. Then I set off to Abbots Bromley, about three miles further on to the west. A much better road from that point on.

Wasn't sure if coming home my usual way from Abbots Bromley on the lower route would see me home on a fondo distance - so I kept going west through the village for a mile or two before turning for home. I didn't need to, as it turned out. I'd done 66.62 miles when I arrived back at the garage.

As I negotiated the right turn into Grangewood Road between Lullington and Acresford about ten miles from home, I took the trouble to return a smile and a wave to two cyclists coming the other way. A motorist at the junction took great offence at this. He beeped his horn and gesticulated aggressively, as if I was inconveniencing him. I hadn't even slowed down, but you'd think I'd parked my bike in front of his car. Unbelievable. I gave him a withering look and a slight shake of the head, intended to convey a sense of disbelief blended with pity.

Really a very nice run out. The Lower Westbound Route is a lovely proposition on a sunny day. Nice and warm as well, later on. I stopped after fifteen miles to remove my tights and an upper layer and stuff them in my back pack.

That's 2017 done this year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8991313378

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on April 26, 2023, 09:58:57 PMMade it out today to make it put for three days in a row - for the first time since early last December. Now it's back off the bike again until at least Sunday, unless I manage to sneak one away with me to South Lakeland and the Yorkshire Dales...

Didn't do anything too strenuous, but took the Bianchi to make what I did do a bit quicker and the 32 miles I did got me over 400 miles for April. Starting to feel like a cyclist again.

https://www.strava.com/activities/8959887479

Happy 60th!

For the second week in a row I've managed to get out on three consecutive days :) Might even make it four tomorrow with me not having a gourmet break ahead of me :( Must save up.

Managed my quickest ascent of the Col de Wigley of the year today, nice to be on an upwards trajectory, but the tailwind probably helped. Then again I was delayed by a Horse rider who was holding up the traffic. Then again that bit of a delay probably let me recover a bit after the steepest pitch of the bottom half of the climb.

Today's 31 miles leaves me at nearly 90 for the week. Not where I ought to be, but I'll take it.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9002139459/

A dry, sunny day today. With rain in the forecast for most of the next couple of weeks, clearly a decent run out after work was in order. Forty miles or so, I thought.

Quite an annoying moderate / strong wind coming from the east. I thought I'd do 20 miles or so of the Eastbound Route then come back. That's pretty much what I did, except that I detoured via Top Brand through Diseworth on the way out (I sometimes do that on the way back, but rarely going east). I got as far as Narrow Lane after 23 miles, then detoured through Wymeswold and Rempstone on the way back. A sort of figure-of-eight route.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230503bike.jpg)

A bit cooler than I'd have liked but I got away with bare legs. I took the Boardman to assess the performance of its new bar tape. Apart from looking cheap, it's not quite as comfy as the old tape. I may wrap some more tape directly over it, for a dual-ply super padded arrangement.

Back on 43.21 miles, that's 110 for the month already. I'm aiming to do 435 this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9004706609

And today I made it four days in a row. Four days of exposing the knees too, they've even taken on a bit of colour. Hopefully I'll soon get to working the tanlines on the arms :)

Bit of a gusty easterly today, but it didn't affect me too much and I managed to do last Wednesday's ride a whole minute quicker and I even managed to set a PR on a short uphill sprint. Don't think I'll get close to averaging the 47.5mph of the KOM though - even if I was in a car as it's a 30 limit.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9008601159

Two 30 milers . Fri and today... pretty much followed route 7 on Friday to Maybole then followed the force to Kirkmichael / Dalrymple then back to Ayr.... Did the coastal route this afternoon to Dunure then towards Culzean Castle.. picked up a single track along the Carrick Hills.. dropped into Minishant then took a country road I'd checked out on Google maps which joins a well travelled single track that I'd done a few times between Dalrymple and Kirkmichael....... Knackered when I got back as we'd been at friends last night and had had a right good bucketload of beer wine and whisky...

It's taken me until the end of the first week of May to expose both my arms and legs to the sun. Shows how dismal the weather's been so far. Nice to see signs of the tan lines coming back.

Today's 42.86 miles was marginally my longest ride of the year. Felt longer than that. Probably because it's been a dismal year and I've not been out enough.

Whilst going up the hill to Holmesfield I was overtaken by another cyclist and he absolutely flew by me. I tried upping my pace and for 10 seconds he stopped steaming away, but 10 seconds was enough. Ignorant bugger didn't even say "Hi" to me. I'm a misanthropic sociopath, but I always give a quick "Hiya" to those I overtake.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9029364134/

Longest spin of the year for me yesterday, just shy of 70kms. In fact the longest since October 2021 when I did my last fondo. Need to find a way of getting in more than 1 spin a week

We are spending the weekend in Milford On Sea, Hampshire. Yesterday looked far and away the best of this weekend's weather and we made the most of it.
It was my job to come up with a route that took us into the New Forest on some of the copious bridleways, as much as possible, taking in a couple of 'refreshment' stops en route. As always, I called upon the Komoot app to plan the route.
From Milford, we headed through the village of Everton to pick up the first short section of bridleway. Then a section of road brought us to the edge of the moorland  and followed the bridleway to the east of Sway. Unsurprisingly, it was very boggy in places which meant picking a line required the utmost concentration lest we ended up with wet feet!
After Blackhamsley hill (59m - no hill!) we found a nice 'fire road' which crossed the disused section of the Dorchester to Southampton railway at Hinchelsea. That was a really nice section through forest, rather than open moorland, much more interesting.
Continuing north we hit the Burley Road that took us into Brockenhurst. At this point, I noticed I'd picked up a front tyre puncture. I whipped out the tube and easily found the tiny hole (made easier as we were next to the ford in Brockenhurst!). It was a lovely spot to mend a puncture, next to a bike rack with a lovely flat bench (work area). Once patched, it was lunchtime and we found a garden table in the sun at The Snakecatcher. We both had a pint of Orchard Thieves cider to wash down pulled pork on toasted sourdough...yummy!
After around an hour, we set off again, the sun still shining brightly. Over the level crossing on the Lymington Road, immediately turning left down Mill Lane until we turned eastwards on the Beaulieu Road. The map showed countless off-road options heading south to take us back towards Lymington and, guess what, I took the wrong one! Turned out to be a footpath rather than a bridleway and very boggy. Anyway we turned back when I realised and found the next bridleway a couple of hundred yards further along the Beaulieu Road.
Some pretty sketchy including some fairly deep, boggy sections that took some getting around. We were forced to dismount a couple of times. Back on tarmac at the village of Boldre just outside Lymington.
Another refreshment stop at The Bosun's Chair (by the rail station). Lovely pub, poor beer (Wadworth's). We usually take the road past the marina and then Woodhouse Lane to pick up a short section of footpath followed by shingle track back to Keyhaven. It's been a while and I made my second mistake going through the wrong gate and picking a different path back. We'd never gone that way before but it took us along the top of the sea wall with nice views of the Isle of Wight and Hurst Castle. Probably an extra half mile or so.
The Gun Inn at Keyhaven is a gem so it seemed rude not to!
The last, short leg to return to the campsite is northwards along the single-track road, Lymore Lane. We left around 11:15am and returned at 6:30pm. Not sure of distance because I always forget to 'start tour' for some reason 🫤. I'm guessing we covered between 20 and 25 miles. Flat as a billiard table but a pretty stiff workout nevertheless. We were both knackered....slept well.

A dry day, warm in the afternoon with a light wind from the west was forecast for yesterday. Sunset at 8:44pm. A perfect day really for a Wales trip, especially on the sixth anniversary of my first ride there and back.

I set an alarm on Saturday night for 04:45, but woke at 04:30 and was out of bed a minute later. I set off at 05:48.

This was my third ride to Wales and back. I'd chosen a substantially different route this time. My destination point just to the west of Whitchurch was the same, but the last 30 miles to get there would take me through Eccleshall, Loggerheads and Market Drayton, to the south of the usual route. I'd also planned to go a different way for a short stretch of the route between Handsacre and Colton, to bypass Rugeley.

Cool for the first couple of hours after I set off, but I was wearing adequate clothing and was comfortable. All went very smoothly until I powered up my Garmin eTrex handlebar-mounted navigation unit to guide me through the new stretch past Rugeley.

The first problem was that its batteries were dead. I transferred the AAs from my DAB personal radio. The second problem was that the new route I'd transferred to it wasn't available from the GUI. Even in files of the same protocol there can be minor differences in format and I can only assume that the Garmin didn't like the particular GPX file that I'd generated in a route-planning app.

Of course, I should have checked the eTrex before I set off. Oh well - I only needed the assistance of a mapping tool for a relatively short part of the route and found my way easily enough using Google Maps, but it was a pain to have to stop and consult a phone. I did use the eTrex in its basic mapping mode and that was useful to a degree. So I left the batteries in it and bought some more AAs at a petrol station a few miles further on to power up the DAB again.

To be honest, a decent phone with a GPS navigation app is a much better proposition in most cases than an eTrex. The screen is always bigger and clearer on a modern phone and you can easily buy handlebar mounts for them. However - on a long ride, I like the fact that the eTrex takes conventional batteries, because you can buy them at any petrol station and they hold a longer charge than the rechargeable unit in a phone. But I'm starting to think that taking two phones, or perhaps a power bank might be a better bet.

The road through the village at Eccleshall had been closed for a Coronation street party, but I guided the bike carefully through the barriers and weaved a careful path through the celebrants. At Market Drayton, a road race was taking place and once again the road was closed. Once again I just ignored this, so I had to dodge oncoming athletes before finding a detour. Annoying.

Just outside Market Drayton there's a brand new housing estate, with the front doors of gleaming new properties bearing a sign saying "I could be your new dream home". But directly across the road, there's a site with a huge sign that announces "GYPSY / TRAVELLER SITE COMING SOON, PLANNING PERMISSION APPROVED". New nightmare home, more like. You couldn't pay me to live there.

By 1100 or so the sun was out and the temperature had climbed very nicely, so I removed a layer of clothes and sealed them in a plastic bag. I packed them into a camouflage pattern nylon drawstring bag which I then stashed in a hedge just off the road next to a farm gate. Much better than carrying them around in a backpack for the next 40-odd miles.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230507wales.jpg)

I arrived at my destination, the border between England and Wales, at around 1330. I pedalled across it for about 150 metres then turned back. Interestingly the sign on the other side of the road reads "Welcome to SHROPSHIRE" rather than "Welcome to ENGLAND".

On the whole I wasn't really that impressed with the new route. It was OK, but a little busier and less scenic than my traditional Wales route. I probably would have come back the old way if not for the need to pick up my clothes on the way back. I'd thought the traffic would be quiet on the middle day of a public holiday weekend but no, not really.

By the time I reached Eccleshall again the street party was in full swing, with a band belting out Cranberries covers from the side of a truck. A bit harder to weave through the revellers and I had to resort to riding along the pavement.

I didn't much like the detour I'd taken around Rugeley on the outbound part of the route, so I didn't bother with it on the way back. But I missed a turn for Kings Bromley and gave myself a few more miles to do.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230507bike.jpg)

Beautiful out there in the warm sunshine on the way back, especially with a light tailwind. Newcastle vs Arsenal kept me entertained for a couple of hours in the afternoon. I also listened to the Rolling Stones' ludicrous (if interesting) 1967 psychedelic bandwagon-jumping album Their Satanic Majesties Request. There are a couple of good songs on it. I like 2000 Man, which was covered by Kiss on Dynasty. But mostly it's terrible.

Back on 151.27 miles, a few minutes after sunset. 261 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9030329145

I'd be happy doing 150 miles in a week, let alone in one ride! Still, onwards and upwards.

Got 30 miles in today after yesterday's washout. I also felt like shit most of yesterday - probably because I had done 150 miles in the previous week - so would have probably stayed in anyway. Another four 30 mile rides will get another 150 in this week. I'll be happy with that.

On the gravel bike today, not much gravel, but plenty of shitty surfaced roads, both metaphorically and physically, there must be some seriously ill horses out there...

Tried to ride at Tempo today and for the most part managed it. Should do it more often really, then my Garmin wouldn't tell me off for going out when it recommends staying in for 72 hours after a stiff workout. Did manage to set some PRs on the way back without digging in too hard, maybe this is the way to go. When I ride with power pedals I spend too much time trying to keep the numbers up instead of resting.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9039034555/

I vainly hoped to get a 40 miler in today, but the weather forecast - and more importantly looking out of the window before I went out - changed all that. The beautiful start to the day had become increasingly sullied by dark clouds.

Therefore I set out hoping to get in as much as possible. As it turned out I did OK, a few drops of rain blew through, but the showers I could see were all well away from my roads. Got back home on 32 miles, changed out of the cycling gear and then RAIN, absolute stair rodding rain. Got drenched getting the washing in, if I'd stayed out to do 40 I'd have been a miserable little bunny for the last half an hour.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9045211578

Out yesterday hoping to do 30.. came back at just under 28.. very warm still a bit of a breeze... almost jumped on by a dog who was going for me but luckily the lead it was on stopped it.. gave the owner some choice words.. back out exploring Dalrymple single tracks roads which are pretty much traffic , walkers and dogs free.. bliss

After only managing 7 miles on Thursday - thanks Rain - I was hoping for substantially more today. However once again I watched much more mileage than I rode thanks to the Giro being on. Nice to see a Brit win, even if he's racing as a Plastic Paddy, I don't think Kingswinford in the West Midlands is any way related to Swinford in Mayo.

It wasn't until nearly half four that I got out, but at least by then the sun was well established and wasn't behind a veil of cloud. I thought the roads might have been quieter today, what with Chesterfield being at Wembley, but no, the senseless wankers in their Beemers, Audis and Wankpanzers were still out treating the noble cyclist with contempt. I pity them with their pathetic smoked 4D numberplates.

Anyway, got it up to 41 miles for the ride, which was nice. Garmin tells me I should have taken it easier, but it can feck right off. I'll do as I please.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9065421643/

Garmin told me I should rest again today. Do I listen to inanimate objects? Hell no! I did take it steadily though, aiming not to get the old heart rate up above 140 but even on a flatter ride round here there are still some uphill bits which force you to work. Unfortunately.

I didn't spend most of the afternoon watching the Giro today either. It was Time Trial day and even I draw the line at watching people ride round one by one, even if it is pissing it down and there's the chance of a spill on every corner. Instead I watched the Cross Country Mountain biking, it's over in a an hour and twenty and Thomas Pidcock won it, even after coming off a couple of times, better still, he beat a French man :)

Anyway, back to me - yes Mrs S it's all about me - I managed another 40 miler today, trying not to put too much effort in averaging 17 mph. I did the same ride last July at a 17.3 mph average and only briefly had my heart rate over 140. Guess I must have been fitter.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9071703100

Didn't think I'd much feel like cycling after 160 miles of driving today and I didn't really, but since the weather was nice and I hadn't been out on a bike for over a week, I thought I'd make the effort. About 90 minutes after parking the car on the drive following a weekend away in Norfolk, I was mounting Boardman II.

With the wind coming from the north-west, I decided that a trip up over Swarkestone Bridge and west along the Beloved A Road was in order. I wanted to do about 40 miles.

I went up via Top Brand and Isley Walton. I especially like to glide along Top Brand in the sunshine. Turned back a couple of miles after Hilton and came back via Wilson and Breedon on the Hill, to avoid Rotter's Rise after Melbourne.

Unusually cool for this time of year when I set off, I thought. So I wrapped up warm. Should have taken a backpack so I could remove the tights and a top layer, and possibly my woolly hat because the temperature had climbed quite a bit by 4pm.

The second Boardman has had new bar tape since last time it had a run out, and the new tape performs pretty much exactly like the old tape - which is fine. The important thing is that it's dark grey instead of a highly impractical shade of bright yellow.

Back on 45.36 miles, that's 306 this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9076476130

Being as the weather seems to be set fair, I thought I'd go out and do the same ride as I did four weeks ago to see if the old fitness levels are improving. Can't say for sure, as I put in a bit of road I use if I don't think I'm going to do enough in a ride, when I would have done enough in the ride. Ho-hum. It did mean that 43.5 miles was my longest of the year though :)

I think things are on the up as I averaged 16.4mph as against 16 last time, but there are a multiplicity of variables out there. The wind is one, today it was 13mph from the NW, four weeks ago 13mph from the NE, so today was slower going out and quicker coming back. I was a minute slower up the hill going out and a minute quicker up the hill coming back. Swings and roundabouts.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9081250936

Wanted to do about 40 after work. The wind was coming from the north-west again. Took the slightly longer route up to Swarkestone Bridge through Isley Walton, then instead of going left along the Beloved A Road, I turned right to go through Weston and Aston-on-Trent. Then west toward Derby.

Stopped when I got to the bypass roundabout - which I dislike, because it wasn't a feature of that road when I used to commute along it 30-odd years ago. Then I turned and came back home exactly the same way, except for a half-mile deviation in Coleorton.


(http://bikediary.uk/images/230517bike.jpg)

Nice out there, warmer than I expected and I slightly overclothed myself. Quite bright, but cloudy until the sun came out for the last mile. Back on 39.23.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9089507689

So got out both Saturday and Sunday and managed just shy of 100kms (60 miles) over the 2 days.

50kms on the Saturday which included 9kms on the newly opened Greenway which when complete will go from Navan to Kingscourt (approx 32kms). The weather was meant to be great but I woke up to fog and although it cleared the cloud didn't and it was considerably colder than expected.

The Sunday was even worse as it rained for much of the spin. The adage that there is no such thing as bad weather only bad clothing really applied to me that morning. I made the mistake of only wearing short fingered gloves. They had to come off half way round as they were completely sodden. By the time I got back my left hand was blue and it wouldn't release from the grip position. 5 minutes later it was getting back to normal. Anyway glad I got out on both Saturday and Sunday and hopeful of some modest midweek spins too (with the correct attire!)

Garmin was recommending a rest day again today - has Mrs S got hold of it and programmed it to day that? Whatever, I just listen to my inner voice(s) and off out again it was.

I decided to have a gentle spin though, so took the Gravel bike out, it won't go really quickly, so why bother. Even took it off-road today, still don't like it when it's too bumpy and I'm glad that it's been dry for a few days as the bridle path I went down would have been a bog where it had been chewed up by horse's hooves. I suppose practice will make perfect.

For the first time ever I rode up to Hardwick Hall, doable on the road bike, but too many cattle grids. There were also too many berks in Mercs coming by me with a foot to spare. In fact nearly all roads were full of Mercs today, was it "Drive like a Twat in a Merc Day"?  Three in a row came by me on the lane up to Stanley.

Also did a bit more of riding the Five Pits trail, that's my level of gravel, almost Strade Bianche like in places. Another 30 miles in the wheels and nearly at 400 for May.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9087344195

And out again today, Garmin said I could do an hour and twenty seven of base level riding. Fair enough then, that's two hours of whatever I can manage to do. Turns out that that's a shade under 31 miles at a bit slower pace than last time I did the ride, although I did an alternative route up part of the Cordwell Valley, just because I can.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9093563920/

Today I had fully intended to do my first 50 miler of the year. However, I had an awful night's sleep, waking up in sweats and feeling like chucking up. Luckily I kept my stomach contents inside, but I wasn't feeling good.

But, the day was nice and I picked up a bit so thought I'd see if I could get 40 miles in. Yes, I could and it didn't seem too strenuous either, although the Garmin says to rest for 72 hours now. It was certainly nice out, though the easterly breeze meant a headwind on the way home, but it's not bad when mainly downhill. Actually managed to get myself to a higher mileage for May so far than I did last year, although last year I was still "working"

https://www.strava.com/activities/9108049634/

Great day for cycling! Me and the Mrs did 23 miles on the road bikes with a stop at Lynwoods in Bampton for a sausage roll and a cappuccino. First ride in shorts and no overshoes!  Unable to go too far as we are looking after a family member's cocker spaniel at the moment.
Bit of a faff before we got going though. Lifted my bike down from the wall brackets to discover a rear flat. Unable to find a puncture so assumed that it was valve leakage. However, I didn't like the look of the perished tyre wall and some of the covering on the contact surface appears to be deteriorating. Anyways, it stayed up for our ride.
I've just ordered 2 Michelin Lithon 3 tyres from BikeInn for £44. I looked for exact replacements for my Pro Race 3s but no longer available. They've got good reviews and they were available in red to match the bike  8)   I hope the Lithons are going to be easy to fit, some road tyres can be an absolute pain to get on the rim.

Did a 25 miler earlier . Was all set to go and noticed the back tyre had lost some air.. checked the front and it was the same but not quite as bad.. decided to pump them up and give it 10 mins.. looked ok so tried a few miles checked and still ok.. bit more checked and still ok.. ended up doing a circular route thru Alloway towards Maybole joined up with route 7 up n over the Carrick Hills  back into Ayr along the seafront to the pier then home...

Quote from: David L on May 21, 2023, 05:42:12 PMI've just ordered 2 Michelin Lithon 3 tyres from BikeInn for £44. I looked for exact replacements for my Pro Race 3s but no longer available. They've got good reviews and they were available in red to match the bike  8)  I hope the Lithons are going to be easy to fit, some road tyres can be an absolute pain to get on the rim.

The tyres I bought for my S Works are Lithion 3s . Bought them for the same reason (red). They weren't too hard to get on. Seem to have lasted well, no problems so far.

I was going to do 80 or 90 today, but I woke up earlier than I expected and I was pedalling away from the garage by 0725. I did want to avoid leaving that early because I assumed it would be uncomfortably cold, but with tights and a fleece on I was fine.

Sunny from the moment I left the house. Really nice out there.

The wind was coming from the north-east. I did consider going up to Newartk today, because I haven't done that so far this year. But in the end I settled on the easy option, the eastbound route. The road surface would be better and I wouldn't have to faff around with my eTrex or a navigation app on a phone.

Stopped after 23 miles and stuffed my tights, fleece and rear light into my camo bag, which I then stashed in a hedge. It was very unlikely that I'd need a rear light on this ride, but even less so before the last 23 miles. Having said that, I've noticed that some riders do like a flashing rear light even in bright sunlight. But I don't bother with that myself.

There are two options after Buckminster; one involves dipping down into Rutland and going east through South Witham and Little Bytham. But I did the other one today; through Stainby, Corby Glen and Grimsthorpe. Got as far as Edenham, then turned back having done 53 miles.

Took the pic at the entrance to Grimsthorpe Castle.

UV levels were high today so I took a Zinc Stick with me and applied a coating of Zinc Oxide to my nose. Not the full Shane Warne; just a thin coat. This particular product is yellow rather than white. I did feel a bit self-conscious going into the village shop at Buckminster with a yellow hooter.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230521bike.jpg)

Sunday's not the best day for a long ride really because the shops tend to be closed in the afternoon and the only petrol station on this route is at Burton on the Wolds, 17 miles from home. So I had to stock up at Buckminster on the eastbound leg, early on.

Lovely out there and I wasn't too hot in the afternoon; the breeze kept me cool. But I must devise some new routes.

Started the next Reacher novel (Bad Luck and Trouble) but the wind noise made it hard to listen. I must get some wind noise absorbers. They are actually a thing. You attach them to cycle helmet straps. In my case I'd have to improvise something for those times I don't wear a helmet (most of the time to be honest).

Did manage to listen to West Ham vs Leeds on the DAB in the afternoon.

Back on 106.06 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9114647861

Bit of the other way round to yesterday, woke up feeling fine and got worse through the day. But hey, the sun was shining and a bike was waiting. It had to wait a while though as I was watching some nice Italian scenery at the Giro. I was told to have a rest day today - by Mrs S and the Garmin - but Mrs S wanted me to do some gardening. BYE!

Did a ride I last did in December 2020 on a freezing cold but sunny day, which was ridden on the Winter bike. I averaged 16.7mph that day and expected a good deal higher average today, but only got it to 17.3mph. Headwind going out was the main problem, which didn't seem to provide a tail wind on the way back. Normally with a tail wind you think you're "On It" but I never felt that, think it had moved to more of a NNE from a NE.

A nice couple of hours anyway for another 35 miles. I'd have done a mile and a half more if I'd realised it would have got me to 500 miles for May.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9114923959

Got the Bianchi fully summerised yesterday by refitting the Carbon front wheel, been using the back one since a spoke snapped in it. Was hoping for a huge increase in performance today - as you do.

As it happened there was an increase in average speed - I did the same ride as last Tuesday - it went from 16.3mph to 16.5mph, but there could be lots of factors at play. I did get held up by traffic lights on the Padley climb today, so last weeks' 14 minute climb became 14 and a half today, but I was held up for a minute at the lights, just failed to get there before the lights turn red. Yes car drivers, cyclists can and DO stop for red lights, wish all drivists did.

Anyway, today's 43 miles got me over 500 miles for May, should be over 600 by the end of the week.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9124783657

Been retired a year today. What could I do to celebrate? Ah yes, go out for a ride!

Not that I felt like riding after a couple of bad night's sleep and then a big sloppy shot (TMI!) this morning, but the sun was out.

Anyway, now I'm an old man and retired, I thought I'd ride like an old man. So, I took the gravel bike out and hit the local trails, doing the Five Pits trail, Silverhill trail and Teversal trail. I then got lost at the old Pleasley Colliery site. I'd meant to get off the trail earlier, but missed the way off, which I've found is very easy to do. I managed to get to the A617 eventually and suffered the traffic until I could get on to the lanes back through Ault Hucknall.

Must admit I enjoyed taking it steadily, but didn't enjoy shared use trails where walkers think it's only for them, I may not be the size I used to be, but I'm sure I'm still an obvious sight riding along on a bicycle SO GET OUT OF MY WAY YOU OLD TROLLOPS WALKING THREE ABREAST TOWARDS ME WITH YOUR NORDIC WALKING POLES!

https://www.strava.com/activities/9131278211

A dry, warm, sunny afternoon - exactly the sort of conditions you're dreaming about when you're chugging along in the cold and dark in January with more layers on than an astronaut, waiting for your toes and fingers to go numb.

Well - perhaps a little blowier than I'd have liked, with a moderate wind coming from the north-west. With that in mind I was going to do some sort of route up to Derby and back but just before the turn for Coleorton I reminded myself that the rush hour traffic would make it annoying, so I decided to do a Twycross Bypasser instead.

I did a longish version - right across to Kisses Barn Lane, along Mythe Lane and Atterton Lane to Fenny Drayton along the bottom then back up and across along Fenn Lanes.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230524bike.jpg)

Pedalling up through the villages north of Bosworth in late afternoon sunshine is one of life's great joys, and the headwind only compromised it slightly.

Witnessed a minor altercation between a silver Ferrari and an old Fiesta near Packington. The driver of the Ferrari, a blonde lady of a certain age, should have given way but didn't. The Fiesta driver wasn't having it, so they ended up facing off in the middle of the road until she pulled in. She looked a little put out as I passed her; perhaps her sense of entitlement needs to be moderated a little.

My right shoe didn't have any lateral adjustment in the pedal when I set off and twisting my foot to try to free it up didn't seem to help matters. I inspected the cleat at Witherley and removed some compacted dry mud with a stick. It was fine after that.

Back on 39.09 miles. Lovely run out. 491 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9133847872

Little fall today as I was on a supposed 20k homeward spin. On the newly opened greenway i took a sip of water. Not sure what happened but the next thing I was aware of was the tarmac heading towards me very fast. The flimsy plastic visor on the helmet seemed to take the majority of the impact but there is a bit of a gash below the bottom lip. Left elbow also bleeding. The blood thinners means that both wounds are still bleeding some 20 mins after the event!

There is a fall off to the side of the tarmac and its not very forgiving. I think I must have momentarily dropped off the tarmac even though that's where I landed. Teeth all appear intact and no harm to the bike.

Heading to Yorkshire first thing tomorrow to see mum and the family from that part of the World. Oh well. I may wear a mask underneath my mouth as was the trend for some during covid 

Sorry to hear that Dom, but glad the bike's OK...

Just take care now. First thing I check after coming off - after the bike - is: Are my teeth still there, then are my collarbones intact. Still suffering with a finger I can't straighten after coming off before Xmas, but my medical advisors at the time - Mrs S (qualified First Aider) and my Niece (Qualified Doctor) both said "Not a lot you can do with fingers". Ho-hum.

Fully intended to do some proper off road today, but the Bridle Path must have been well hidden as I ended up following Tractor tracks across a field which were festooned with rocks, bits of pipe and planks of wood. I turned round sharpish before I went over the handlebars.

Took it steadily again today, ended up being barely slower then when I did most of the same ride putting some effort into it. Maybe slow and steady is the way forward. anyway, now over 600 miles for May. Onwards and Upwards.

Thanks Nick! Was a bit disoriented to begin with. Spent a couple of minutes looking for my glasses until I realised I was still wearing them! Then checked teeth and realised they were still intact and nothing else was hurting. Bike ok bar the chain coming off. Fixed that then headed home to lick wounds (not literally)

Sorry to hear of your accident dom. Glad you're OK

Quote from: David L on May 26, 2023, 12:44:28 AMSorry to hear of your accident dom. Glad you're OK

Thanks David, just looking at the helmet and there's quite a dent where the visor sits. Glad that took the brunt of it and not my forehead!

I've used a helmet four or possibly five times this year, out of fifty rides. Statistically I'm on pretty safe ground but I must admit, tales of dented helmets do give me pause for thought!

Glad you're OK, Dom.

The helmet goes with the bike for me. I really don't find it an inconvenience at all. Just like the cycling shoes and gloves they go on when I go out for a spin. Need to order a new one now thanks to that moment's inattention. Stupid of me but I think the helmet probably saved me a trip to the hospital

Another dry, warm day - a little cloudier than Wednesday but more irritatingly, a fairly stiff breeze was coming from the east. I set off with the vague intention of doing some of the eastbound route, but after 9 miles or so I turned left for Long Whatton. The headwind was annoying me and I decided the rush hour traffic on the other side of the A6 would annoy me even more.

I went as far as the airport, then came back down a longer way than usual down through Belton, Griffydam and Coleorton. Much nicer with a bit of a tailwind.

I used a GPS tracking app on my phone, imaginatively titled 'GPS Logger' to record the ride. I'd thought I'd probably only managed about 23 miles, but once I uploaded the track, Strava claimed 30.38!

Oddly the app itself claims 27.4, so where Strava has got the additional three miles from, I have no idea. But even 27.4 seemed a bit suspect so I recreated the route as a track in RideWithGPS, and that claims 26.3. I'll take that. It seems a bit more likely.

Interestingly, the track that the phone app has recorded is bizarrely jagged and wonky. Technology, eh?

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

Actually I've just loaded the track into a GPX editor (GPSPrune) and smoothed out the kinks using a track compression algorithm, and now it measures as 26.5. So I think the RideWithGPS figure is close enough. I'll go with that.

517 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9145260631

Wasted today watching the Giro. Bloody Welsh choker >:( To be fair though G is 27 and he still came second in the Giro - barring accidents - and second on today's stage. It was a bit brutal, a time trial finishing with a 4.53 mile climb at an average of 11.8%, the first 2.72 miles averaging 15.6%. I start to whimper at 10%. Interesting that Roglic used a single 40T Chainring with a 10-44T rear cassette. Bonkers.

Anyhow, I managed a couple of hours out and had to put a bit of effort in to get the desired mileage in. Interesting that I averaged the same speed as on June 1st last year when I did the same ride. I'm happy with that. 35 miles gets me to 639 for May, should get to 700 now.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9152086287

Too windy to do a particularly long one today. I didn't want to get up early and I had other things to do this afternoon. I thought 40 or so would do.

I set off at about 10:20, on my usual eastbound route. After 23 miles I took a left turn along a road called Lawn Lane to Old Dalby. I thought I'd just explore for a mile or so then come back the same way, but it was a nice quiet road so I kept going. I came to a T junction with a sign to Wymeswold, so I took that. From this point I was on a road that runs parallel and to the north of the usual eastbound route. I have taken it a few times, but not for a couple of years. Must do it again some time soon. The only downer really is that the road surface is mostly poor.

Back the usual way from Wymeswold, except that I elongated the ride a bit by coming home through Griffydam and Coleorton.

I wore minimal clothing, shorts and a light short-sleeve top. Nice on the way back when conditions had warmed up a bit and I had a tailwind, but I was a bit too cool for the first hour or two, except when the sun came out.

Still - an enjoyable run out, particularly nice to do something a bit different. Will see if I can incorporate Lawn Lane into a new route.

I listened to Beggar's Banquet by the Rolling Stones, then my MP3 player app cued up the next album by alphabetical order. Beings by Lanterns on the Lake. I didn't recognise it at first, thought it might be some obscure Sinead O'Connor record I'd forgotten about. What a brilliant, intense record.

I used my Casio GPS watch to track the ride, something I don't do that often because although I really like the watch, the app it connects to and the Casio online service are crap. And although the app managed to register the activity, it hasn't uploaded it to Strava.

Would be nice if the Casio site offered the facility to export tracks to files, but it doesn't. So at the moment this is all I have to show for it:

(http://bikediary.uk/images/G-MOVE_20230528161232.jpg)

I didn't get the watch synced to the satellites until 0.39 miles into the ride so that's 47.37 miles, 565 this month.

Didn't watch the Giro today, after the Welsh choker messed up yesterday (but did watch some of the Boucles de Mayenne) and so missed Cav winning the final stage - and G even helped lead him out, there's sportsmanship.

AS ever the Garmin was recommending a rest day, but hey, life's too short to rest, so headed out on the lower level rolling roads, which still lead to a fair amount of overall elevation gain. Took it steadily though spending more time at a moderate heart rate than any other. Makes a change.

Definitely a steady ride as my average speed was below yesterday's and at one point even the pavement cyclists were pulling away from me. 41.77 miles means I now stand at 681 for May.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9158175132

Today's Garmin recommendation was a 30 minute recovery ride. So that'll be a two and a quarter hour tempo ride then :) The legs aren't feeling that bad and hey, the sun's out and if I stay at home Mrs S will find jobs for me to do. Out we jolly well go.

Last couple of rides, I've been thinking I've got a front wheel puncture and sealant is jetting out, but it's just bits of fallen blossom that stick to the tyre and as it spins you see little white bits coming round on the tyre like sealant. All adds to the fun. Now I've got the Carbon fibre front wheel on I've been reminded how noisy the front disc rotor gets under heavy braking. Must try and remember to take a look and see if it's on tightly. Anyhoo, today's 35 miles gets me over 700 for May :)

https://www.strava.com/activities/9163878830

I set off at 15:44 with a simple mission in mind: to do at least 36 miles, to take the May total over 600 miles. A stiff wind was coming from the east which is awkward for a ride after work, because it usually leads to tangling with rush hour traffic near Zouch on the eastbound route. Nevertheless, I did head over that way regardless. Didn't want to face a headwind on the way back.

Cooler than I expected. I did wear a few more layers this time but over the first half of the ride I was a little uncomfortable. It was cloudy as well. But nice and dry.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230530bike.jpg)

I got as far as Cotes then decided to take the road to Hoton, to do something a bit different. From there I took the "Lost Road" to Wymeswold for about a mile. Then I came back.

Went out a longer way through Coleorton and Diseworth, but came back down the quick way through Belton. I was much happier with a tailwind and a bit less traffic to contend with.

Not the most enjoyable ride over the first half, but happy to have clocked up 603 miles for May. 2553 this year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9171863052

Took the Gravel bike out today to make sure I took it steady. Tried my best, but there's plenty of short sharp climbs out there on which you do have to put effort in.

I also did a reasonable amount of gravel out there too, a couple of bits were new to me. One of which finished on Postman's Lane, which I'm going to assume is named in honour of my GtGt Grandfather was the Postman who lived in the Post Office at the top of the lane. I'm still a big wuss on gravel when it goes downhill, afraid of locking up the back brake or taking to fast and skidding off on corners. It doesn't help when it's gnarly chunky gravel shaking you to bits either.

It's all fun when it ends though and today's 30 miles gets me to within 30 miles of doing 1,250km for May.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9170029961/

Once more to the wheels! Well I couldn't get so close to Strava's 1250km challenge and not actually complete it, so I did. May actually rest tomorrow, but Mrs S wants me to do some jobs, so it might be a case of sneaking out whilst her back's turned.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9176441118

Very similar conditions to my last couple of rides - dry, cloudy and cool with an annoying wind from the north-east. I didn't want to embark upon the eastbound route again so soon and I hadn't done any of the southbound for a while, so - I decided I'd suck up the headwind on the way back and go south.

I got as far as Kirkby Mallory then headed west to Sutton Cheney, then from there along Fenn Lanes. The idea was to do the first 20-odd miles of a Twycrosser from there, but in reverse. But rather than coming up through Twycross, Snarestone et al I veered eastward toward Market Bosworth and came up through Carlton and Barton.

The headwind was certainly annoying on the way back up but at least I only had myself to blame. Good run out regardless. 33.35 miles.

Listened to more of my current Reacher novel, Bad Luck and Trouble. Good one so far.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9183934606

I was a good boy and helped Mrs S with her jobs. She was a big help in clearing out my dad's house so I'm doing the odd little bit to help her clear her auntie's. If I'm as much help again as I was today she won't ask me to do it again :)

I ended up with a window of about an hour and a half to get out and ride and I used up nearly all of it to get in almost 24 miles. So that's June underway, Hopefully this nagging NE wind will drop for the Weekend and the skies will clear.

Quote from: Slim on May 21, 2023, 07:18:26 PM

Quote from: David L on May 21, 2023, 05:42:12 PMI've just ordered 2 Michelin Lithon 3 tyres from BikeInn for £44. I looked for exact replacements for my Pro Race 3s but no longer available. They've got good reviews and they were available in red to match the bike  8)  I hope the Lithons are going to be easy to fit, some road tyres can be an absolute pain to get on the rim.

The tyres I bought for my S Works are Lithion 3s . Bought them for the same reason (red). They weren't too hard to get on. Seem to have lasted well, no problems so far.

(https://i.imgur.com/XwnU54A.jpg)

New Michelin Lithion tyres fitted - ready to go! (strangely, the site I bought them from list them as 'Lithon'  :-\ )

Finally managed my first 50 mile ride of the year today. It's been a long time coming for one reason and another. Nearly didn't happen, I just drew level with our drive ready to go up when I saw it was still at 49.97 miles so rode a bit further. Also got over 4,000ft of climbing in for the first time this year.

Went up Horsleygate road to Owler Bar today, I'd forgotten how much I don't like it. Just when you think a steep bit is relenting it ramps up again. Seems I averaged 3 W/Kg going up, if I can double that I can think about entering the Tour de France...

Made my first ascent of the Abney Climb this year, it's a favourite of lots of people, yet I think it's a steep first part with a long slog followed by another steep part then more slog. Still I overtook two people on the way. So long suckers.

For the last 8 miles my Garmin reckoned I was virtually dead, my stamina levels were <1%, my potential stamina was <1% and I could do <1 mile. Bloody good job it was mainly downhill.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9196118678

I logged into Facebook late last night, and a photo that I'd posted from my most recent Norfolk-and-back ride, exactly a year previously came up in my "Facebook memories". My first thought was - how is that a year ago already? It was the Platinum Jubilee weekend, as it happens.

But my second thought was - I'd been looking forward to doing a long ride for a long time, but I'm not sure I've taken full advantage of the longer days now that they're finally here. Perhaps I should have planned Norfolk and back this weekend. I have done Wales and back this year to be fair, but I want to do a longer one than that this summer.

And for a moment I did contemplate getting up at 4AM this morning and doing a 180 mile ride out east. It wouldn't take much preparation. That was my third thought. My fourth thought was that having had a beer and a couple of vodka martinis, I didn't fancy my chances of getting out of bed at four in the morning.

But my fifth thought was that I could at least get up at 0830 and do at least 80 miles. So that's what I did.

Set off at about 0930. I'd thought I'd need a fleece for the first 20 miles or so but as soon as I opened the back door I realised I wouldn't need it. So I removed it and left it at home.

The idea was a very simple one, just to do the eastbound route for 40 miles and come back. But I went east via the "old" route through Rempstone and Wymeswold. I got as far as Colsterworth. I'd done 42 miles at that point. Came back through Burton on the Wolds and Stanford as usual.

I stopped at the Deli at Waltham after 33 miles. The lady behind the counter wanted to know how many miles I was doing and how often I did long rides. Always nice to have a bit of a chat with a stranger on a long ride. Bought a cornish pasty and a coffee. I asked for a strong one, but it wasn't.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230603bike.jpg)

I stopped and had a sandwich and a mint Magnum ice cream on a stick at the village shop at Buckminster on the way back. A bit of an indulgence but they definitely keep you going.

The headwind was annoying on the way out but I felt like I was being towed on the way back - really glorious to be gliding along in the warm sunshine coming south-west from Eastwell.

Listened to a few hours of the Reacher novel. I tuned into the FA Cup final 10 minutes late, hoping that nothing important had happened. But in fact if I'd tuned in 15 seconds late I would have missed a goal.

I trialled a new invention - DIY wind noise reducers.

It's possible to buy a sort of furry sleeve that goes round the strap of your cycling helmet, one on each side in front of your ears. These intercept and absorb the onrush of air to stop it interfering with your earbuds when you're trying to listen to an audiobook, or 5 Live or whatever.

However they cost more than £20, so I had the idea of making some myself. I bought a pair of sweatbands - the sort intended to go round your wrist - for £3.59. They came with a headband as well. I folded the wristbands in half and secured them round the strap of my helmet on each side using rubber cable ties. They're thick and fluffy and they work brilliantly - you can tell how much they mute the oncoming wind by pulling one of them away from your head for a moment - the difference is dramatic.

I did catch a glimpse of my reflection in the window of the Deli at Waltham just before I removed my helmet to go inside and they looked ridiculous, but I don't particularly care about that.

Back on 85.31 miles. Very enjoyable day out on the bike. However it's time to start thinking about a 170+ mile ride.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9196070597

Having racked up 170 miles in my previous rides in the week I thought it would be rude not to make it up to 200. So I did. First week since last October that I've gone over 200 miles for the week.

Spent lots of time mulling over where to ride. I was thinking of trying some new roads, but one looked as if it could be on the steepish side, so I binned that idea and just rode out to Tibshelf and back. As far as possible today - i.e. when I remembered - I tried to ride a gear lower than I normally would, this led to me spinning a faster cadence than normal and I ended up with an average of 94, never got it that high for a full ride before.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9202722018

Did just under 34 miles on the road bikes today. Absolutely lovely conditions out there. A modest wind kept us cool.
Stopped for a lunch of sausage roll and carrot cake from Lynwoods on Burford High Street. Managed to squeeze in a pint of Hawkstone cider at The Maytime, Asthall.
Set me up lovely for one of my wife's superb roast dinners (roast chicken). Fortunately, she still had enough energy left to knock it out of the park....again!

Been having problems shifting up to the big chain ring on the Bianchi a lately, so I took the time to have a look at it yesterday. On Ultegra shifters, there's a funny little adjustment you make on the front mech to bring two lines into alignment, I had a look and they were out of synch, so made the adjustment with a fiddly little Allen key. Success :)

No problems at all on today's 43 mile ride, not with the front mech anyway. I'll never get used to hills though, no matter how many times I do them. I find it easier to shrug off close passes. Almost. They still get a two fingered salute.

Had to change the batteries in the power meter pedals when I got back as I had a low power warning. That's 84 hours, when they reckon on 120, maybe I should have seen how long the batteries lasted before going completely flat. At least I'm now over 2,000 road miles for the year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9213088453

A disappointingly cold and cloudy day, today. Not cold by winter standards perhaps and it was certainly dry, but I wrapped up in several layers on top and a pair of cycling tights and I still felt the cold a bit.

A stiff wind was coming from the east, yet again. I don't mind that on a weekend but after work on a weekday the traffic near Zouch is a limiting factor. So I went over that way, but turned back to go west through Long Whatton, past Isley Walton and back down through Coleorton.

Lots of road signs, tents and big electronic displays up for the Download festival which presumably is this weekend coming at Donington Park.

I went up Heather Lane for a mile or so to get my distance up a bit. Still only did 25.41 miles. I must try to figure out a better option for weekday later afternoons with an easterly wind.

Listened to the Reacher novel for the whole ride. Nearing the climax now.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9216425051

Out for a nice relaxing 30 miler today, would have been more relaxing if it had been sunny, but hey, you can't have everything. Would have been nicer if people on shared use paths can hear you coming, but no, they are oblivious to the sound of tyres crunching on gravel. Would be nicer too if dog walkers could keep the bloody thing on leads, but hey-ho. As for the woman who must have had a dog, but was just carrying a bag of dog shit, dude WTF?

OK so it could have been a lot more relaxing - pricks in Beemers on the road - but I got out when I wa thinking of not doing so, but if I stop in Mrs S expects to see evidence of work being done around the house, so out I go.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9219458659/

Today's recommendation was to do an hour and twenty seven (Why not hour and a half?) of Base Level riding. OK, will two hours of tempo do? Whatever happens happens and so long as I get home and still walk then all is fine.

Did a few lanes I've only done once before today, which were nice - apart from the steep bits - and apart from all the Range Rovers coming the other way >:( It's the middle of nowhere with next to no people living there and not on the way to anywhere, but still the drivists come out and snarl up the roads. Ho-hum.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9225812407/

I've been frustrated recently by the limiting factor of having to contend with heavy traffic near Zouch on the eastbound route on late weekday afternoons, as I've mentioned here a few times.

The wind was due to come from the east again today so last night, using the RideWithGPS route planner, I devised an alternative eastbound route that would start by going south rather than north down to Bagworth, then east through Thornton, Markfield, Rothley, Ratcliffe and Thrussington before rejoining the original eastbound route near Six Hills, after about 25 miles.

I thought I'd do about 18 miles of this route - not all the way to Six Hills - then come back the same way.

So I set off at about 1535. I've been that way as far as Markfield quite a few times but after that, the route was mostly new to me. I had the route uploaded to my eTrex but I still managed to miss a turn near Cossington. I tracked back from the next roundabout.

After going down a long, steep hill bear Swithland Wood I decided I wasn't going to come back that way. I decided to continue all the way to Six Hills, then come back home via the traditional eastbound route. But I consulted Google Maps at Thrussington and took a short cut up to the old route from there, rejoining it near Cotes.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230608bike.jpg)

The new route that I'd intended was nice - nothing special but nice to be doing something a bit different. Especially nice to be pedalling along the roads near Bradgate Park, which I used to do 30-odd years ago on my  Raleigh Routier, usually on Sunday afternoons. But the short cut which I hadn't intended was perfect cycling territory - quiet, pleasant and well-surfaced. I snapped the pic along there. I can use some of it as an alternative section on the old eastbound route. I'll definitely do that.

Glorious weather out there, properly warm and sunny. Very enjoyable coming back westward with a tailwind. Happy to have done a decently long one today because the weather for the weekend looks iffy.

I finished Bad Luck and Trouble. Not sure if I've ever got through a Reacher novel so quickly. I can completely understand why it's been chosen as the basis for the next TV series adaptation.

Back on 49.04 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9228908887

Well, I beat last Saturday's ride by a mile. That's all that can be said in its favour. It was a slog today. Complete and utter no fun slog.

Suppose I should have gone out this morning when it was cooler. But no, I stopped in to watch the Criterium du Dauphiné. They were riding up mountains today, I Like watching people ride up mountains, it's more fun than doing it. I did watch some downhill Mountain Biking before the Dauphiné, now that's stupid.

When I looked at my time for the climb up Harewood Road, I was slowest in my age group, behind people I normally beat. Looking at their rides - and it was a group ride - they set out in the morning and the average temperature for them was 12C, for me it was 27C. Think that was the reason. Couldn't even average over 200W for the climb.

I got shat on by a bird as well today. It's good luck they say. Well, I suppose it was, can't understand how it only splattered both legs of my bib shorts and nothing else.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9240516846/

I'm on call at the moment. I wouldn't have let that stop me doing a decent bike ride, but what I did let stop me were temperatures in the high 20s and the threat of rain in the early afternoon. The rain didn't happen but it certainly was too hot to ride a bike for any distance. So I decided to wait for the late afternoon.

This was very fortunate because, very unusually, I was called at about 2pm for a high priority incident that required my attention. I can't tell you how many times I've been 20 or more miles away from home on a bike on an oncall Saturday afternoon and if I'd done that today, I'd have had some difficult explaining to do. I must have a guardian angel.

Regardless, I set off to do about 20 or 30, slightly hesitantly, at 1642. UV levels had dissipated nicely by this time (I assumed) and the temperature was a bit less fierce. I had a San Miguel first, for Dutch courage.

The plan was to go up to Melbourne, take a right to Isley Walton and come back down Top Brand. But I pressed my luck after Melbourne and carried right on up over Swarkestone Bridge. From there I went east through Weston and Aston to Shardlow, then down to Isley Walton through Castle Donington. Much the same ride, but substantially extended at the north.

The Download Festival is on at Donington Park at the moment but I didn't see any of the revellers around the town. Sometimes on a Download weekend the local pubs and streets are choked with stoner-looking deadbeats and kids in Motorhead t-shirts, but I saw none of that today.

Just as an aside, Metallica are claimed to have caused a noise nuisance on Thursday night for people living 15 miles away. We live less than 8 miles away to the south, and 'er indoors claims to have heard them when she was in the garden at the time, but it was very faint. They've been playing again tonight; I went outside half an hour ago and I couldn't hear anything.

Saw a Sunwing passenger jet taking off from the airport as I passed. I'd never heard of Sunwing. Apparently it's a low-cost airline based in Toronto. A minute later I saw a Lear Jet coming in to land. I very rarely see aircraft taking off or landing when I pass the airport so that was a nice change.

A layer of cloud rolled over at 7pm and the temperature receded a notch; I was grateful for that.

With about two miles to go, I developed a suspicion that my rear tyre was flat. It was certainly very soft. It had been a little bit softer than I'd have expected when I inspected it before setting off, to be fair. I pumped it up to 100PSI and assumed it would be fine. I got it up to about 50PSI (at a guess) with my mini pump in Coleorton but it was soft again a mile later. I gave it a couple more goes over the last mile and I got home OK. The rim looks fine. The tyre looks alright.

Oh well, something else to do tomorrow. Back on 31.02 miles, 224 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9241235086

First fondo since October '21 yesterday. Met up with my bike buddy in Bective and decided on a flattish south easterly route to Maynooth.

I'm still intermittent fasting so the first 45k was done without having had breakfast before or sustenance during the trip.  As a result I felt fully justified in going for the full McDonald's including strawberry milkshake when we arrived in Maynooth. Perhaps unsurprisingly I began to develop stomach pains on the homeward leg and had to stop in Summerhill to allow the American fast food to settle. I got back to Navan to find it backed up with traffic heading to the Harry Styles concert in Slane. With 97k on the clock, I had to keep going to get to 3 figures so I prolonged the journey a little. That's my stent's first fondo. I like to think it enjoyed it!

https://strava.app.link/Wxr5OBkAxAb

After being absolutely drained after Saturday, I didn't bother going out on Sunday and Monday is always a rest day - except when it's not - I made sure to get out today, trying to be as early as possible.

Not as early as I would have liked due to one thing and another, but I was still out before the full heat of the day set in and trying as far as possible to take it steady. I only took in one long climb today to keep things easier and managed to get caught at lots of unforeseen roadworks to get a bit of unexpected rest.

Really lovely in the sun today and for once the recent nagging easterly breeze actually made things more pleasant. I noticed quite a few really old blokes out cycling today, good on 'em, hope I'm still out there in my 80s - although knowing how people round here look they were probably in their 50s...

On the way back I saw a couple of crows attacking a Lapwing. Should have filmed it for Springwatch.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9257089237

Another warm, sunny day with a fairly strong wind coming from the east. I decided to do 15 or 20 miles of the southbound route, then come back.

I'd done about 17 when I got to the T junction just after Potters Marston. Rather than turn right toward Stoney Stanton as I normally would, I took a left toward Croft. I was only going to do another mile or two and I thought it would be easier than negotiating the crossroads at Stoney. A bit flatter and quieter as well.

Quite nice along there, but I only did another mile then turned back. Came a slightly different way home over the last few miles, along Wood Road then through Hugglescote. The Hugglescote way is a bit quicker, but the road is a bit lumpy and climby.

Back on 35.69 miles.

I listened to Let It Bleed by the Rolling Stones - I'm not a big fan of the countrified Americana they indulge themselves with on a few of the tunes, but they do it very well. Easily the best one so far, eight albums in.

I must admit I'm slightly concerned by the noise my DIY-rebuilt freehub is making, on the second Boardman. Not overly alarming but louder than I'd expect. Still working fine but maybe I used the wrong lube. Maybe I should grease it.

The wind is due to die down to 4 or 5mph by Friday, and the weather will remain warm and sunny, at least according to the forecast - definitely an invitation to do a long one.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9259394060

Sunny again today. Very sunny. A couple of degrees cooler and with a still refreshing Easterly. Took the gravel bike out for a day of steadiness. The riding was steady, but my mind kept skipping because that's what my gears were doing, well skipping a couple at a time or not changing at all. Something to be sorted when I got back. Hopefully sorted now, but we'll find out tomorrow. Gear changes on the bike stand never seem to be the same on the road.

Went out up the Clowne Greenway again today, thankfully not many dog walkers out today and the ones that were seemed to be responsible ones. Got off the trail a bit earlier than last time to avoid going through Cresswell, land of the Troglodytes.

Once in Elmton I headed off road down a recommended gravel route, started out a bit gnarly with a ramp up through stones like half bricks, but then it settled down to a nice gravel run until it became a narrow path with vegetation brushing both shoulders, probably get Lyme Disease now.

Then a run down Oxcroft lane to Bolsover- don't stop, keep pedalling - before running back through Hardwick Hall park then back home. A nice 36 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9263591143

And another nice day. Won't last, but you have to get out there whilst you can. Not tomorrow as my legs want to drop off and I've had too much sun on the top of my head...

Out on the Graveller again today. For weeks now I've been looking on Komoot for bits of gravel to ride and then just sticking to bits I know will be easy. Today I decided to incorporate at least one bit of unknown gravel into my ride.

So, after the regular start out I took a trip up Hey-Ho Way. Let's go baby. It started out fine, a nice compacted surface that the road bike would cope with, then it kicked uphill with baby's fist sized bits of gravel on it. I was then faced with two loose Border Collies which were thankfully called to one side by their owner. Then after a few open gates I came to a closed one which promised COWS. Luckily the promise wasn't delivered, but the way was now just a singletrack up the side of a field, possibly the furthest outside of my comfort zone I've yet done, but I survived. Onwards and Upwards.

(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/HX7onq518wztAL3MGjsOitOVeoAghvzhmkKSx171Pg0-2048x995.jpg)

I didn't bother with the other considered off-road option, as half the roads I used to get back to "civilisation" were gnarmac at best.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9269924157

Love Komoot!

Watched stage 3 of the Route D'Occitanie today before going out. On rider crashed on a descent, but got up OK, had to hit his brifters back into place though.

Thought I was on my way out today. Trying not to let the heart rate get too high today, but on the first climb I looked and it was over 170 and then 180. I wasn't putting that much effort in surely? I doubt if it can even get to about 165 these days anyway. So I stopped and it dropped straight back to what I would expect and I confirmed it with the pulse checker on my phone.

It was downhill and flat from then on for a bit so things were back to normal. Then at the next uphill it shot straight up again, yet dipped if I put a bit more effort in. By this time my Garmin told me I was functionally dead with respect to cycling. I didn't feel it so carried on.

Next hill heart rate went up to nearly 190. I don't think so. At Foolow I stopped and took the sensor off the strap and put it back in again. Success, things went back to how they should be. So even though I did another 30 miles when the Garmin said I could do less than one I felt fine.

Got to my longest ride of the year at 57 miles. Shame I couldn't get 6.2 more in.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9284272465/

Every time I ride to Norfolk and back, I tell myself, on my return, that I've had enough of that route. And yet each year, by the time the clocks go forward in March, I find that I've developed a nagging compulsion to do it again.

So I did it again yesterday. Sort of. I planned a route that would take me to Sutton Bridge at the edge of Lincolnshire without actually going over the border. Having done it four times already, the novelty of riding to Norfolk and back from North-West Leicestershire has worn off now. Interestingly I did actually visit Cambridgeshire for half a mile. I only realised I'd done that while poring over a map after I got back.

I set an alarm for 0245, but I didn't really sleep. I think I may have dozed for half an hour. I got up at 0155, which is earlier than I go to bed at the weekend sometimes. Exactly an hour later, I set off.

Last June when I did this ride, or a variation of it, I was shivering for the first couple of hours. This time the outdoor temperature wasn't quite so low. Nonetheless I did ride through a few patches of uncomfortably cold air over the first hour so I decided to detour via Wymeswold and Rempstone, to reach higher ground (and warmer conditions) more quickly.

As you'd expect, the roads were very quiet. Beautifully tranquil out there at that time of the morning. I saw a few bats darting through the air in the dark along Gracedieu Lane, a few miles from home. An owl flew over the road ahead of me near Rempstone. And just after sunrise, I saw two fox cubs playing in the road near Six Hills. There were quite a few juvenile rabbits out and about yesterday, as well.

I stopped after 50 miles to stash my outer layer of clothing into my camo pattern nylon bag and hide it in a hedge next to a farm gate. I also stashed my spare front light and batteries. I checked my tyres. The rear was just slightly less firm than I expected. Had I picked up a puncture? I decided to ignore it, keep on going but check it again ten miles later. I did, and it was exactly the same. I did have a CO2 inflator with me and I could have got a little bit more pressure into it. But I decided to leave well alone. Thou Shalt Not Fix That Which Is Not Broken is the holiest law of my profession. It works well for cycling, too.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230617bikesunrise.jpg)

I had two spare inner tubes, two CO2 canisters for the inflator and a mini-pump with me. I really hate taking additional weight when doing a significant distance - I've even been known to weigh AA batteries, to determine the most lightweight brand - but the risk of a puncture is always in the back of your mind on a long ride.

I stopped to refuel with a sandwich and a bottle of Lucozade at a shop at Sutton St James. I arrived at Sutton Bridge forty minutes later, at about 1115. I planned to take a different route back westward from this point over the next twenty miles before joining the outbound route south of Spalding.

I'd set myself a target of doing 180 miles. That was five more than my planned route, so I needed to improvise a little. I took a detour down toward a village called Deeping St Nicholas. After that I took an unintentional detour into the outskirts of Spalding when I missed a turn.

The weather forecast had promised dry, sunny weather with a few cloudy intervals in the afternoon. In fact it was cloudy the whole time until about 4pm. I had to put up with light rain, on and off, for a couple of hours in the early afternoon. But at least the easterly wind was light, as promised. And from the late afternoon on conditions were glorious - sunny, not too warm. I'd taken a small tub of sunscreen with me but ended up not using it. Annoying, as it weighs 36 grams.

I listened mostly to BBC 6 Music. In the afternoon I tuned into 5 Live just in time to hear Scotland score two very late goals against Norway, to overturn a 1-0 defeat. Irritating.

Forty miles from home I stopped to refuel at my favourite rest stop of all, the village shop at Buckminster. I bought a coffee, an egg mayonnaise roll and (of course) a chocolate-covered mint ice-cream on a stick. As I sat consuming them on one of the benches outside, the proprietor very kindly brought out a homemade samosa for me, free of charge.

I'd realised by this time that I still wasn't quite on course to do my intended 180 miles, so I took a brief detour through Long Whatton and came back the slightly longer way through Peggs Green and Coleorton. I'd done 181.40 miles when I arrived back at the garage door at about 2025. I'd made pretty good time - on a long ride like that I like to allow an hour for every 10 miles overall - it definitely pays to take it easy. So on that basis I was back more than half an hour earlier than I'd have expected.

That was definitely the most sensible route I've taken to get to Norfolk, or nearly-Norfolk and back. I chose less obscure, better-surfaced roads than the last couple of times. And I must say it was nice to ride through Long Sutton and Holbeach again - I went that way on my first Norfolk trip in 2017. But I'd avoided the quieter, narrow lanes that run in perfectly straight lines next to drainage channels in the Fenland part of Lincolnshire. They do have a distinctive desolate charm, and I missed that.

Still - that was definitely an enjoyable long day out on a bike. Very happy to have done a long run out east again this year.

441 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9284714668

I'm going to give up on road cycling. Starting to think it's not worth the hassle. I just wish I'd listened to my Garmin advising 87 hours rest when I got back yesterday, but then I know that figure was based on garbage information and should be more like 57 hours...

Today I decided to take it very steady, not go far and do a few laps round Hasland - birthplace of Philthy Animal Taylor Phact Phans - which I did, at no point did my HR go over 130. Then it started raining so I decided to head home.

This is where things went downhill. I set off down Calow Lane to be faced with stopped traffic as parked cars on the other side of the road were making it hard for cars to get through. So I pulled up behind a Blue Van to let things get sorted. Next minute the van's reversing lights came on and it started to shoot towards me "SSSSSSSHHHHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIITTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!!!" I managed to step on the pavement and tried dragging the bike up to me, but it got clipped. I asked the van driver if he checked his mirrors, he said he hadn't seen me, asked if I was OK, I said I was but wasn't too sure about the bike and he drove off.

The drivers of a van and a car coming the other way both stopped to see how I was. The van driver said he'd flashed the van in front of me to let him through and couldn't believe it when he backed up and could hear me scream. Of course flashing lights is meaningless, but that's by the by. I'd had more chance to check the bike out by now and the only damage I can see is that the derailleur adjustment barrel has been sheared off, but who knows if say the derailleur hanger is bent. The chaps who stopped both said to make sure I submitted a report to the Polis and the van driver - who gave his name and number - apologised for not having his dashcam on. Should Polis be interested there are CCTV cameras at the top of the road.

So that's the Bianchi needing checking over now. It needs to go in anyway as a couple of minutes before the front derailleur cable had snapped. The only good point is I could say my bike is Celeste coloured on the submission. Mrs S says I should have put light green, but DAMMIT WOMAN, IT'S A BIANCHI, IT'S CELESTE

https://www.strava.com/activities/9290059071

Oh man sorry to hear that. Sounds like it's probably not an expensive fix and at least you didn't get hurt.

Quote from: Slim on June 18, 2023, 10:09:49 PMOh man sorry to hear that. Sounds like it's probably not an expensive fix and at least you didn't get hurt.

Thanks James. Hopefully a cheap fix and as Mrs S said, I wasn't hurt.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on June 19, 2023, 10:19:55 AM

Quote from: Slim on June 18, 2023, 10:09:49 PMOh man sorry to hear that. Sounds like it's probably not an expensive fix and at least you didn't get hurt.

Thanks James. Hopefully a cheap fix and as Mrs S said, I wasn't hurt.

Glad to hear it was not more serious

Van drivers!! I'm sure they're not all bad, but there's a good proportion that are!

Another warm, sunny day except for a threat of rain showers at around 4pm. The wind has reverted to a more usual habit of blowing from the south-west; ideal for a Twycrosser or Bypasser. I hadn't done one for a while so I was very happy to be setting off on my time-honoured after-work route, or a variation of it, in the sunshine. I'd actually been feeling a sort of homesickness to return to those familiar roads.

Would have gone as far as Upper Packington Road at the top but that bit of Ashby Road has been covered in sharp, dusty gravel - so I took a left turn to Packington along Coleorton Lane. Really gross, literally dumped in bloody great heaps. I assume there's some sort of second phase where they come and sweep away the excess, but who knows?

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230621bike.jpg)

I avoided the rain, although I could see it troubling the horizon to the north from Norton Lane near Orton.

Detoured through Barton in the Beans after Gibbet Lane.

Nice run out, 34.25 miles and that takes me to 476 this month, 3028 this year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9309700341

So, I'm giving up on road cycling, why am I trying to get my road bikes done up then?

The Bianchi needs it with a snapped front derailleur cable, but my bicycle repair man isn't doing public work now, he's got better things on. He's got a mate who we've used before, but he's a dour Scot with a passionate hatred of internal cabling. Better find someone new.

The Giant TCR has needed a new rear tyre for nearly a year now. Thought I'd stick one on on Monday. Tried, but would the bugger get seated in the rim of the wheel? Would it buggery, no amount of air would shift it. It's bloody tubeless, well it was, it's tubed now. Put new sealant in the front tyre, that won't bloody stay up. Seemed seated well, but it keeps deflating, the rim tape has gone in it. Spent most of the afternoon removing the glue from the tape on the rim and all the dried sealant. On the plus side, I did fit some nice yellow bar tape yesterday.

I did get out on the Gravel bike though, a 40 miler although only about 3% was off the roads. I bloody hated that bit too. Tried a bit of Bridleway called Moss road on Totley Moor. It started OK, albeit covered in cow pats the size of dustbin lids, but then degenerated into a series of deep ruts which kept trying to throw me off my bike. Stuff this, so I turned to another bridleway to get back to the road and that was even worse, although some hikers coming towards me said "Well Done" for cycling up it. I tried not to offend with my reply...

(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/BorpKbIWCDfbnm7Wm9CZBRlyC-ZquO3Q1fz-I34zacE-2048x995.jpg)

https://www.strava.com/activities/9307124652/

Me and the wife took the road bikes out for a 20-miler this evening. A lesson was learned.
I had an unnerving experience with a driver who obviously has a beef with cyclists. I was a couple of hundred yards in front of the missus and this car passes me and immediately slowed down and cut off the space next to the verge so that I could not pass. At first I just thought it was strange and thought he may have a mechanical issue. Whilst forcing me to ride behind at walking pace he started putting his thumb up whilst smirking in the mirror. At that point the thought crossed my mind that it might be someone who knew me, although it would be very rare behaviour. I managed to pull alongside level with his open window, "enjoying yourself?", he asked.
"Yes", I replied, "and how are you?" (at that point I was unsure whether it was someone I'd encountered at some point in the past and couldn't place).
I dropped behind as he increased speed slightly, then as I was directly behind he put his brakes on. Luckily I reacted quick enough to avoid hitting his bumper. Satisfied he'd 'toyed' with me long enough, he drove off, making some form of hand gesture out if the window (which didn't really mean much to me but seemed to imply that he'd got the better of me, somehow.
Looking back, I wish I'd have taken my phone from my cycling top pocket and videoed the encounter but that may have enraged him to the point of violence. You never know how deep the hatred goes and what these sort of people are prepared to risk. I'm sure there were people in vehicles behind that could see what was happening.
I'm guessing we held him up for a few seconds on his drive home from work so he thought he'd repay the favour.
Lesson? Stay off the roads during evening rush (two)hour(s)
I've been riding for many years and I think that's the most aggressive motorist I've encountered. You can guess the make of car he was driving. What's German for arsehole?

Quote from: David L on June 22, 2023, 07:57:58 PMI've been riding for many years and I think that's the most aggressive motorist I've encountered. You can guess the make of car he was driving.

There's a choice of three German makes.
Range Rovers can be I mean are driven by pillocks.
Skodas can be dodgy.
But being as it was a bloke it won't be a young woman in a FIAT500.

I really do not know what goes on in the head of some drivers. I try to not even shake my head at their poor driving these days as that's an invitation to assault.

Anyway, I've given up on tubeless tyres. Retaped the rim, but now cannot get the tyre bac on even with  my air blaster. Mrs S thinks it's not as forceful as it used to be, but I think the tyre Gods have stopped smiling on us.

At least I got in a 36 mile "Gravel" ride today, mainly country lanes with a bit of old railway line, bridleways and Stately Home drives thrown in. Same ride as last week and I was hoping to average over 15 mph. I did, but only just, where I'd normally pick up speed down the hill from Hardwick hall I got stuck behind a lorry taking away a workman's cabin. >:(

https://www.strava.com/activities/9313218102

Cloudy, but warm. I was able to leave work early (albeit I knew I'd have to apply my nose to the grindstone for a bit when I got back, for a while) and I wanted to do at least 40. I could even have done a fondo; perhaps I should have, given the scarcity of this sort of weather over the cycling year as a whole. But I didn't.

I decided on another Twycross Bypasser. The wind was coming from the west again but I just didn't fancy doing either of the longer westbound routes. I'd decided that, to avoid the badly-resurfaced bit of Ashby Road, I'd go west to Packington via the road through Normanton le Heath, a route I very rarely take. However I ignored that turn on auto-pilot, so went west through Swepstone instead.

As I pedalled along Shelford Lane, I noticed a helicopter approaching. It seemed to be losing height. Furthermore it seemed to have seen me. It hovered for a moment about a hundred metres away, then turned toward me, still descending. I actually felt threatened! Then I noticed the words AIR AMBULANCE on the side. It came down to land in the grounds of Twycross Zoo. Then a minute later, I saw a second air ambulance coming down. Seconds later as I approached the entrance to the zoo I noticed an ambulance barrelling towards me, sirens going, lights flashing.

What the? Had an exotic animal escaped from its enclosure and mauled half a dozen paying customers? I put my foot down so I'd pass the entrance to the zoo before the ambulance turned in, but I mistimed it slightly. I think I did slow the ambulance down for half a second. Oops.

I've only ever been past the entrance to the zoo twice, on both occasions this week, due to a brief diversion to avoid road works.

Anyway .. I continued down to Warton then east to Ratcliffe Culey, down Burton Road into a headwind then a sharp left along Fenn Lanes. Very nice to get out of that headwind. I extended the ride by going east as far as Kirkby Mallory, then back the usual way from there.

Still haven't found out what happened at the zoo, but there doesn't seem to have been an atrocity.

42.76 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9320751039

It was a rare Friday outing today. I like to give the legs a bit of recovery time in a normal week and I had missed Tueday and Mrs S is making me go to some do on Sunday, so out it was.

The Garmin recommended an hour and twenty seven of Base level riding. Yeah right, not managed that yet, but today I did! And two hours of it too. Did the sort of ride I did at the start of Lockdown in 2020 and took it steadily. Things are on the up - yeah right!

Another plus, tried seating the tubeless tyre again today and success! It need the nozzle clamping more firmly over the valve stem. On the downside, air was pissing out of the drainholes in the wheel. Can't be taped properly, although putting sealant in might solve it. I'll cross that bridge another day.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9318950809

For some reason known only to myself, I decided to put my Carbon Fibre road wheels onto my gravel bike (OK, it was to see if it would go faster). Thought it would be a couple of minute's job. More like 40. Rear disc rotor on the gravel bike is 140mm on the road wheels it's 160mm, so I had to switch them. Could I undo the locking ring? Could I buggery, well not for a long while. Then the road wheel's disc rotor was loathe to come off, but eventually it did.

Was it quicker? How the hell do I know! Never done that ride on the gravel bike. Looking at some uphill segments, yes it probably was quicker. Overall my ride came in at a 16.7mph average, a very similar ride on my Bianchi a couple of years ago was an 18.3mph average. But the wind was different and even with road wheels the Gravel bike weighs more than the Bianchi.

Anyhoo, I got in my first Fondo of 2023, nearly half the bloody year gone, I need to get our more. Good job it was just the French women's road race championship on GCN+ or I might not have got out in time. Got in a hill I've never done before as well. Don't think I'll bother again, 0.73 miles @ 7.9% it felt a lot steeper. Think my climbing legs such as they were have gone.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9327189637

A little bit cooler than of late. Still very pleasant though - warm enough for bare legs and sunny. But with a fairly stiff wind coming from the south-west.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230626bike.jpg)

I did much the same ride as on Friday, except that I remembered to take the right turn through Normanton le Heath from Heather this time. I went right down to Mythe Lane. And I came back the more conventional way up from Market Bosworth.

Lovely out there. The headwind made the first half of the ride a bit of a slog in places. But what a joy to be gliding along Fenn Lanes with a tailwind in the sunshine.

Quite enjoyed listening to people's Glasto anecdotes on 5 Live.

Back on 40.96 miles. 559 this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9339654402

Managed to get out today. Thankfully. Bloody Heart Rate Monitor wasn't working though >:( That's what gives all the info as to whether I'm getting fitter or not and how long I should ride for. OK I ignore all these things, but ignoring them is all the sweeter when you know you're not doing what you're being told :)

Didn't venture too far from home today, but still got 40 miles and a couple of decent climbs in. It was a slog though, I think my fitness takes a dive after even three days off a bike. Nice to hear the Skylarks still out and about, but not much other wildlife action out and about.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9349905443

Tried putting a new battery in the HRM when I got back, but still no signs of life. Managed to lose one of the tiny screws from it as well. Luckily I still have the last HRM which failed so purloined a screw from there. On a whim I put the battery from today's failed HRM into it and it paired with the Garmin head unit. Who knows, maybe a couple of years in a box will cure the other one.

I then decided to take the Back Giant TCR out to see if the front tyre would keep the air in. It did, I only did 4 miles, but it still feels well inflated, sealant must be getting to work round the valve.
I must say that the Giant feels very responsive and wants you to push hard on the pedals, it's a thoroughbred. The Bianchi looks nice, but the Giant ride nice. The Gravel Bike plods, but that has it's place.

Did the same ride as yesterday. Only this time on a different bicycle. What a difference it made. A bit of one at least. Yesterday I averaged 15.7 mph today 16.6 mph. Similar sort of headwind just a lighter, stiffer bike that wants to be ridden, a weighted average power of 205W today as against 178W yesterday.

I think with it being more highly geared you just push down that bit harder, I ride the same rear sprocket at the same time on both bikes more or less but 52/36 chainrings are substantially larger than 46/30.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9355989985

I wanted to do about 40 after work - to get the monthly total up over 600. With the wind coming from the north-west, a trip up to and along the Beloved A Road seemed a good idea. Perfect conditions apart from the wind, although even that wasn't too bad. Dry and sunny, not too warm.

Normally a ride out on a bike after work helps me to destress and clear my head, but I hadn't been pedalling for more than three minutes before I was irate. The road out of the village has been resurfaced, if I can dignify what they've done with the term, by having a load of sharp, dusty gravel dumped on it. I assume there'll be some sort of second phase at some point where they come and take away the excess after it's bedded in but in the mean time it really bloody annoys me that I'm supposed to ride over a series of gravel dunes just to take that route out of the village.

Anyway. I took the road through Coleorton and up Top Brand, then Isley Walton before turning sharp left in the direction of Swarkestone Bridge. A bit longer that way but I do like Top Brand in the sunshine.

I'd done more than 24 miles before I turned back. Got stuck in a traffic jam near Willington ten minutes later. Long queue of traffic there for some reason. Only held me up for ten minutes, though.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230629bike.jpg)

The idea was to come back down through Ticknall, then take a right to Woodville to avoid Bastard Hill. I hadn't actually ascended Bastard Hill for over a year; not since I discovered the detour. But as I approached it, a voice in my head insisted that I give it a go. I felt a bit guilty about chickening out of it for so long. So I decided to man up and take it. And you know what? It really wasn't that bad at all.

Just checked and my previous ascent of that unlovely feature was in May 2021.

Fantastic view from the top of the hill just before Ticknall. You have to stop and turn round to see it, but there's a superb view of Derby and surrounding districts from there.

Sad to see though that the Wheel Inn at Ticknall which was a lovely, smart, modern little pub before the pandemic is still closed and starting to look slightly derelict.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230629wheel.jpg)

I came back down through Ashby, then detoured through Packington and Heather so I could approach the village from the south, and avoid the El Cheapo road resurfacing project.

Back on 51.19 miles, that's a wrap for June. 610 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9358989405

Being as I didn't get out on Tuesday and being as I'll struggle to get out tomorrow as my brother has invited himself over I went out today. Would have gone out this morning if my rescheduled delivery from yesterday had arrived on time, but it turned up two and a half hours late due to the van breaking down half a mile from my house >:(

This afternoon it was then to work off a few frustrations. Of course cycling brings up its own frustrations, constant drizzle and taxi driving twats and Beemer berks who fully pull into Advanced Stop Lines at traffic lights. I try my hardest to bite my tongue and say nothing, but I did utter a couple of "Funny looking bicycle you've got there cunt". Luckily the drivers concerned just stared straight ahead and didn't get out to twat me. At least the Beemer Berk let me set off before him - thanks a bunch Taxi Twat >:(

Well, that's June done with 731 miles, 180 less than last June and I wish I'd gone round the block again as my June climbing total was 52,725', 75' shy of 10 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9363098042/

I was going to do at least 40 today, but there was always a chance I'd stretch it to a fondo if I felt like it. With a strong and annoying wind coming from the west I decided to go up and west along the Beloved A Road again. This time though the plan was to go up via Heather, Ashby and Ticknall - the same way I came back on Thursday - to avoid the dusty gravel on the road on the northern route out of the village.

Unfortunately I missed a turn at Ashby. A couple of miles later though. I followed a sign for Blackfordby; I was pretty sure I could find my way to Ticknall from there. And I did, through Woodville and Hartshorne. The only downside was a brutal climb going through Blackfordby.

The headwind was very annoying going west along the A road. I tolerated it as far as the roundabout after Sudbury. I'd done 35 miles at this point and I calculated that I'd done enough for a fondo if I came back the more conventional (quicker) way. Which I did, except that to avoid the gravel I detoured along Wash Lane.

Actually part of the road down from Melbourne has also had the gravel treatment so there was no escaping it. A bit aggravating as that stretch was only resurfaced in luxuriant smooth tarmac about a year ago.

Pretty cool weather when I set off, but I was comfortable enough with three layers on top and a pair of tights. The sun came out later on after which I was too warm, even after I'd partially disrobed and stowed excess clothing in the backpack.

Treated myself to an almond-flavoured Magnum at the petrol station near Hatton.

I gor through a couple of hours of a new audiobook, Mick Herron's Slow Horses. About an unglamorous department of the Secret Service where intelligence operatives who have failed to make the grade or disgraced themselves are relegated to serve out their careers doing menial or clerical work.

Enjoyable ride on the whole, much more so with a tailwind in the sunshine on the way back. Back on 62.92 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9369201221

Finished June off with a 50k late Friday afternoon spin. A breezy day saw me exceed 500kms in a month for the first time since the Summer of 21.

A similar breezy spin yesterday got July off the mark with 65k.  The same sort of windy day in November, say, would have been very unpleasant but the ambient temperature made it bearable.

Tried something completely different today with a 16k hike from Navan to Slane. The first half was very comfortable with a gravel path between the canal and the river.  After reaching The Broadboyne bridge the path turned into a trail with more climbing, uneven ground etc.  Great day though finished nicely with a pint of Guinness in The Village Inn in Slane before getting the bus back to Navan.

Yesterday's cycle meant I reached 187kms for the week. I'll have to look back to see the last time I reached a similar amount.

Didn't get out for as much as I wanted today, due to being glued to the TdF. Sad, but true. Thankfully I managed to get over 150 miles for the week, but should be doing 200+ at this time of the year. I would have got there if little brother hadn't come over yesterday. I'll have to knuckle down in Augist as I've got a couple of weekends away.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9376389895/

Did my semi-regular Tuesday ride today. Didn't feel on it today. Headwind didn't help. Dropping the chain going uphill didn't help. Roadworks didn't help. Just feeling a bit under par generally didn't help.

Being held up by a Police motorcycle between Baslow and Calver didn't help. Wondered if there had been a crash, didn't think there could be a bike race, but it was for a couple of massive Tipper Trucks from a quarry being transported through. At least I got to see a Red Kite whilst I was waiting, which was nice.

Quite nice to do my best time of the year up the Padley climb, but so I should with a tail wind. After watching today's Tour stage think I'll write to the Bishop of Hallam to see if he'll approve the change of the Padley martyr's chapel to that of Notre Dame des Cyclistes.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9386114137/

And another 37 today. Low-level miles which were supposed to be low intensity, but which ended up medium intensity, hey, I'd got a bike race to get back and watch.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9392498276

I wanted to do about 35 after work. Not too many, because I might do a long one on Friday and wanted to conserve my energy. A breezy day with the wind coming from the west. Relatively cool. I clothed myself with three layers on top and a pair of tights and set off to do the Lower Westbound Route for a bit. Usually I'd probably opt for the Upper Westbound, but I've done that a couple of times in recent days.

I got as far as the left turn along Grangewood Road after 9 miles. Grangewood Road, or as much as it as I could see from there, had been liberally garnished with dusty grey gravel. Clearly, Leicestershire County Council has bought a very large quantity of the stuff. I avoided it by declining to turn left.

I thought this would take me to Coton in the Elms, along one of the other variations of that route but nope, it didn't. I just kept going regardless, through Overseal and eventually into the outskirts of Swadlincote. Unfamiliar territory and a bit urban, but it made a change. I saw a sign to Woodville, and made my way there. From there I went up through Ticknall to Swarkestone Bridge. Then onto the Beloved A Road. So in fact I did end up doing the Upper Westbound Route after all, or a bit of it, via a highly circuitous route.

I'd decided by this time that I was going to come back down via Weston, Aston, Shardlow, Donington et al. And I particularly wanted to stop to take a pic after 26 miles, because that would be the point at which I'd have clocked up 40,000 road miles since January 2015. I thought somewhere along Swarkestone Road near Weston might be a suitable spot for that.

That meant I needed to turn around fairly sharpish, but I didn't. The lure of the nicely surfaced, flat A road was just too much. Seemed a waste not to do another of mile or so. So I did, and I actually passed the 26 mile mark in busy traffic before the turn off to Weston.

I ended up taking this rather indifferent pic after 40,002 road miles. Close enough.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230705bike.jpg)

When I got to Castle Donington I was disgusted to find that it had had the same fucking awful grey gravel resurfacing treatment. I had to propel the bike through heaps of the stuff, with cars around me throwing up clouds of dust behind them, despite obeying the 10mph signs that had been left out every few hundred metres. Clearly, there's no escaping it at the moment. God knows how much additional wear it puts into a pair of bike tyres.

I decided to tolerate the long grisly climb through Swannington rather than face the gravel on the northern approach to the village. Swannington too had had a visit from the Gravel Fairy. But fortunately it seemed to be less recent and had bedded in a bit. I think they must come and take away the excess after a few days. Or do they just sweep it into the drains? Either way it seems a pathetic way to resurface a road.

Listened to LBC, then the tennis on 5 Live - a really superb first round match between Stefanos Tsitsipas and Dominic Thiem that went to a tiebreaker in the fifth set.

A fox cub ran across the road in front of me near Ticknall.

I stayed at home yesterday because rain was forecast. Today it wasn't, but I did have to put up with a heavy shower. Good run out anyway.

Back on 45.17 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9395090111

Out again for 38 miles. Was a give it some occasional welly easy paced ride, so I went up less steep hills to the tops and did further on the tops. Actually felt like not going out, but I'm glad I did. Lots of young lady cyclists out today, wonder if they're inspired by the Giro Donne - or the prospect of seeing me...

https://www.strava.com/activities/9398825411

Out again today, even though it's a Friday as tomorrow's forecast is none too good. Probably be fine all day now.

Wanted an easy day today, so just up the one categorised climb and then riding round and round in triangles and various polygons on flatter ground. Nearly got taken out by a motorcyclist on the way there though, he came onto a roundabout from the wrong lane. I noticed from his numberplates that he was from the Netherlands, so kind soul that I am I let him off without a two-fingered salute.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9405025937

Inclement weather was forecast for the weekend but with high temperatures and bright sunshine promised for today, I took the day off work to do a longish bike ride. The wind was coming pretty much exactly from the south, so I thought I'd have a go at Northampton and back. I haven't done that one for a few years now (2020 was the last time, I think).

I intended to set off at about 0800. But I woke at 0330 and didn't really get back to sleep. I lay in bed until 0445, then I got up. I set off at about 0630. It was cool out, but I was wearing three layers on top and leg warmers.

I was annoyed to find that the ubiquitous gravel resurfacing method had been employed between Ibstock and Ellistown, but fortunately I only had to put up with it for about 1.5 miles, and it wasn't that recent - The excess had been swept up and it had bedded in a bit.

By the time I was approaching Stoney Stanton, after only 17 miles or so I was starting to feel a bit drained - lack of sleep, I assumed. I decided I'd probably just go down as far as Welford then come back. However half an hour later I'd started to enjoy myself, and I was fine. I stopped at a farm gate just outside Gilmorton to stash my excess clothing in my camo bag in the nearby hedge. Conditions had warmed up quite a bit by this time. I was in minimal clothing now, short-sleeved jersey and shorts. But another half hour later I was quite warm. The temperature climbed quite quickly in the morning.

I stopped at the petrol station at Welford to buy some more food and a couple of cartons of Ribena. Handy size. Then I made my way down Welford Road, down through the villages north of Northampton. Spratton is the only one of them that offers a bench for the weary traveller, disappointingly. I made use of it to have a rest and refuel with some of the stuff I'd bought at Welford.

I seem to remember that I came through Spratton last year some time, though I definitely didn't go right down to Northampton. Must look that up and see what I was up to.

I arrived in Northampton not long after 1100, and continued in the direction of the guest house (probably not a guest house now) where I spent a six month "lost weekend" in 1984. To my shame I took a wrong turn from Kingsthorpe and ended up in Moulton Park. I had to consult Google Maps to find my way from there. This was annoying because the traffic was pretty heavy over that way and I got held up for ten minutes at a queue for a road junction.

When I got there, I parked my bike up against the old house and took a rather crappy and partly over-exposed pic.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230707bike.jpg)

Then I turned for home.

I must write about that odd episode in my life, some time. Perhaps we should have a memoir section on the site.

The first few miles coming up out of Northampton are a bit of an uphill slog, and the sun was fairly punishing by this time. I did bring some sunscreen with me but didn't use it. I reasoned that I'd have my back to the sun coming north when it was at its strongest, so I'd probably be OK. I'm already a bit tanned anyway which ought to give a bit of protection. And I seem to have got away with it. My tanlines have improved nicely, but no sunburn.

Stopped at the village shop at Gilmorton on the way back. I love this place, they always have a good selection of stuff and there are tables and chairs outside. Had a cheese and onion pasty and a Magnum, washed down with a bottle of Dr Pepper. Nice people there. The lady in the shop offered to fill my water bottle.

I nearly always buy too much food on a long ride, and end up carrying around stuff that I don't touch all day. Makes me laugh that I weigh mobile phones and use aluminium cage bolts to keep the weight down, but end up taking half a pound of ballast in the form of unwanted oat bars and pasties or similar.

I came back through Donington le Heath over the last few miles, to avoid the gravel surface near Ellistown. It probably isn't actually a better bet, to be fair. It involves a bumpy road surface and a bit of climbing. Actually the surface coming down Standard Hill is ridiculously uneven and I felt like the bike was going to rattle to bits. I'll just accept the gravel next time.

The homeward leg, after the climb coming out of Northampton, was mostly a breeze. Nice to have a tailwind of course.

Listened to a few more hours of my audiobook, Slow Horses. Unfolding nicely.

The thunderbugs are out in force at the moment - both arms were covered in the little beggars at one point.

Back on 100.10 miles. I wasn't actually intending to do 100 miles. The ride would have taken about 95 if I hadn't got lost in Northampton. But as I approached home I realised I'd end up doing about 99.5, so I did faff around a bit to get it up over 100, I admit.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9406496772

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 07, 2023, 09:26:23 PMOut again today, even though it's a Friday as tomorrow's forecast is none too good. Probably be fine all day now.

Wanted an easy day today, so just up the one categorised climb and then riding round and round in triangles and various polygons on flatter ground. Nearly got taken out by a motorcyclist on the way there though, he came onto a roundabout from the wrong lane. I noticed from his numberplates that he was from the Netherlands, so kind soul that I am I let him off without a two-fingered salute.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9405025937

Should've given him a more proper off putting. Dutch always have their mouth full of 'foreigners' but when we leave our own habitat we are useless and clueless.

Quote from: Thenop on July 08, 2023, 06:51:08 AM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 07, 2023, 09:26:23 PMOut again today, even though it's a Friday as tomorrow's forecast is none too good. Probably be fine all day now.

Wanted an easy day today, so just up the one categorised climb and then riding round and round in triangles and various polygons on flatter ground. Nearly got taken out by a motorcyclist on the way there though, he came onto a roundabout from the wrong lane. I noticed from his numberplates that he was from the Netherlands, so kind soul that I am I let him off without a two-fingered salute.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9405025937

Should've given him a more proper off putting. Dutch always have their mouth full of 'foreigners' but when we leave our own habitat we are useless and clueless.

I find that Dutch people generally speak English better than a very high proportion of British people. Very few British people can communicate in a foreign language.

Quote from: Thenop on July 08, 2023, 06:51:08 AM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 07, 2023, 09:26:23 PMOut again today, even though it's a Friday as tomorrow's forecast is none too good. Probably be fine all day now.

Wanted an easy day today, so just up the one categorised climb and then riding round and round in triangles and various polygons on flatter ground. Nearly got taken out by a motorcyclist on the way there though, he came onto a roundabout from the wrong lane. I noticed from his numberplates that he was from the Netherlands, so kind soul that I am I let him off without a two-fingered salute.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9405025937

Should've given him a more proper off putting. Dutch always have their mouth full of 'foreigners' but when we leave our own habitat we are useless and clueless.

I know from being in mixed British/Dutch Ski school classes that the Dutch do not take a blind bit of notice of the ski instructors and just point straight downhill causing carnage! They're very good and inventive at swearing in English though.

True, we swear like no other regardless of language.
I am no exception I'm afraid  ;)

Quote from: Slim on July 08, 2023, 10:36:34 AM

Quote from: Thenop on July 08, 2023, 06:51:08 AM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on July 07, 2023, 09:26:23 PMOut again today, even though it's a Friday as tomorrow's forecast is none too good. Probably be fine all day now.

Wanted an easy day today, so just up the one categorised climb and then riding round and round in triangles and various polygons on flatter ground. Nearly got taken out by a motorcyclist on the way there though, he came onto a roundabout from the wrong lane. I noticed from his numberplates that he was from the Netherlands, so kind soul that I am I let him off without a two-fingered salute.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9405025937

Should've given him a more proper off putting. Dutch always have their mouth full of 'foreigners' but when we leave our own habitat we are useless and clueless.

I find that Dutch people generally speak English better than a very high proportion of British people. Very few British people can communicate in a foreign language.

I work in an international company and you are 100% correct. It has a downside as well, no foreigner actually get a chance to learn the Dutch language. The minute we realize someone does not speak Dutch we auto switch to English.

Was a little nervous heading out this morning as 9am was slap bang in the middle of a yellow wind warning. I'm sure I've been out in worse without a Met Eireann warning. Nice spin although it was blustery, the sun came out for the second half and it got increasingly warm. Watch battery packed up after 37kms but I noticed within about 4km and switched to strava on the phone.

Not as many weekday spins this week so dropping off the pace a little compared to last month. Planning another 50k tomorrow so shouldn't be too far behind.

Eventually got round to checking out my slow puncture on the back wheel.. took a few attempts to actually trace where the leak was coming from.... The tiniest of holes.. nothing inside the wheel to indicate what caused it.. anyway repaired and pumped back up.. will leave for a couple of days before getting the wheel back on the bike just in case...

A grey day with a moderate breeze coming from the south. I thought I'd do a good old-fashioned Twycrosser. I rarely do that these days, usually preferring to take a detour that bypasses Twycross to the west.

Didn't think I'd get to go out today as the forecast was foreboding, even threatening thunderstorms at one point. But by the afternoon even the threat of rain had been withdrawn. Despite this, it was raining very lightly as I set off. I assumed it would pass and it did, although it came back intermittently, and a bit heavier, over the first hour.

I took the Tricross, partly because of the rain and partly because I was going to take the recently-resurfaced route out of the village. It is, after all, a gravel bike. Fortunately as I hoped the resurfaced bit of road out of the village has bedded down quite a bit, though it's still rough.

I was so engrossed in the tennis on 5 Live that I missed the turn for Packington and went right into Ashby. Did a U-turn and was back on track soon enough.

This was the first time since March that the Tricross had had a run out and the brakes were very ineffectual the first time I used them. Oxidation on the discs? It's the only disc brake bike I own and I've never noticed it before. But the brakes were fine after a few goes.

Very different conditions from my last ride. Grey, damp and not particularly warm. Still an enjoyable run out though.

Saw two pairs of discarded knickers along the main road down to Twycross (it's actually called Ashby Road, but so many roads around these parts are called Ashby Road that it's almost meaningless as an identifier). I don't see them so often these days, maybe the cost of living crisis is encouraging people to hang onto their underwear.

Listened to more of Slow Horses. Very intriguing. Lots of duplicity and counter-duplicity. I like it.

Back on 31.86 miles. 240 this month. I want to get that over 450 if I can, but I'll probably end up shower-dodging to get there.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9426527050

Don't know if I'll get much in this week. Weather forecast isn't up to much and I've got to help Mrs S clear out her late Aunt's bungalow before the sale completion on Friday. We'll see.

Managed a couple of hours and a bit before the rain came today. I am prepared to ride in the rain if it's warm, but these days it seems to come down more heavily, must be global warming.

Kept close to home today and did four ascents of Long Lane (0.61 miles @ 7%) I was very consistent in my times: three @ 3'49" and the other @ 3'51", nowhere near my best but nice to keep it steady. Good to get 33 miles in but at only 228 for the month so far might struggle to get to much over 500.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9430045769

Kept close to home again today in case of rain. Mrs S had put the washing out and has tasked me with bringing it in should it rain.

So I went out and did a few loops round Heath and Arkwright Town. Kept seeing showers in the distance, but could see they were missing the old ranch. Then from nowhere the rain came down so I set off home only for it to dry up in Hasland - a couple of miles from home - then just before turning up our road it started to absolutely hammer it down. Luckily Mrs S had just got home herself and got in the old washing.

Another 35 miles done, but how many more this week?

https://www.strava.com/activities/9436601597

Managed to wangle my way out of clearing out Mrs S' Aunt's bungalow today. She decided that she'd recruited enough hands to help and that I'm useless. Fair enough, sun's out I'm a cyclin' bitch :)

I was recommended to do a 30 minute recovery ride, but a couple of hours at tempo will do for me. I even set a PB on a climb today. Did not expect that as I thought I was taking it steadily. Perhaps I still had some adrenaline pumping through my system after nearly being taken out by a Shearings coach coming the other way. Luckily there was just enough room, I think the car following me lost a door mirror.

So, 32 miles gets me to 372 for July, might make 700, but maybe not looking at the weather forecast.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9442932171/

Dismal weather this last week or so. Yesterday I was deterred from cycling by a weather forecast that threatened frequent showers in the afternoon. In fact there was only one short shower and I was annoyed with myself for not taking the risk. So with a similar forecast for today, I decided I'd go out regardless.

I'd just wheeled the bike out of the garage when a biblical downpour occurred. So I wheeled it back in and waited it out in there. I was minded to give up, but once it stopped, I decided to take my chances.

I was going to do about 15 miles of the Lower Westbound Route then come back. But I went out along Alton Hill to give Heather Lane a miss, thinking that it might be excessively puddly and once I'd done that, I just did a Twycrosser on autopilot. I had a bit of an excursion at the bottom along Ratcliffe Road instead of turning left along Mythe Lane. I encountered a "Welcome to Warwickshire" sign not long after. I'd forgotten how close Warwickshire was. Not long after that I found myself on the outskirts of Atherstone. Not very interesting. So I turned back and resumed the usual route down Mythe Lane.

Instead of coming back up via Bosworth or Gibbet Lane in the usual Twycrosser circular-route fashion, I took a left from Sibson to come back up the way I'd came. But I took a shorter way back from Snarestone.

It mostly rained for the first couple of hours. But I didn't mind it so much; I had a rainproof cycling top and a helmet cover on. Nice and dry (and sunny) for the last hour.

Listened to another couple of hours of Slow Horses. Then tuned in to Wimbledon to catch a tie-break for the second set. Almost as enjoyable as hearing Djokovic lose it was the sound of the Centre Court crowd making clear their dislike of the odious Serb.

Back on 35.72, only 276 this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9463193297

No idea how I worked out I'd done 372 miles in July as it was only 296 on Thursday. I know that now because I'm at 311 after a paltry 15.5 miles today.

Spent way too much time watching cycling today, I could have gone out and watched the last couple of hours on catch-up, but every time I thought of doing so it started chucking it down.

Even when I'd got suited and booted and thought it looked set fair it chucked it down again. Luckily not for too long so I just rode up and down within a couple of miles of home for a shade over 50 minutes. Weather's not looking too good for this week, maybe I'll have to be happy with 600 miles this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9463764552/

Rain in the morning but a lovely sunny, dry afternoon with the wind coming from the west. Usually I don't ride on consecutive days but since I only did 35 yesterday I thought I'd take advantage of the weather to do a similar distance today. 

A simple plan, to do about 17 miles of the Lower Westbound Route then come back the same way.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230717bike.jpg)

Somehow, I missed the left turn for Lullington. I only realised I'd done this when the Twelve House failed to materialise after 12 miles. The Twelve House is a name I've given to a rather grand, white-painted colonial style house at Lullington that's exactly 12 miles from home by the usual route.

I wasn't bothered though. I was still on a familiar route that would take me to Walton on Trent. But I decided not to take the turn for Walton after Rosliston. I thought I'd keep going and go exploring for a bit. After about 16 miles I found myself in the outskirts of Burton upn Trent, so I turned back. Nice to do a new bit of road and it was quite pleasant, but possibly not that useful.

From Coton I followed a sign to Lullington, to reunite myself with the usual route. And after Measham, I decided to come back through Packington instead of Heather.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/270717road.jpg)

Listened to the last hour of Slow Horses. All the loose ends are tied up very neatly if a bit implausibly. And there's a nice cold little twist at the end. Then I continued my odyssey through the Rolling Stones' studio album catalogue with Goat's Head Soup - probably their best album.

Back on 35.12, 311 this month. Looking at the forecast, I'll be lucky to get that much higher than 400.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9470143213

So, today was our 'big' adventure. Catch the train at Whitstable, get off at Ramsgate and cycle back along the coast to Whitstable via Broadstairs, Margate and Herne Bay, taking in a number of (9, planned) micropubs.
Caught the train with no bother, had a lovely english breakfast at Ship-Shape by the harbour in Ramsgate. We were excited and fully charged for the day ahead. Then it went a little pear-shaped. Whilst tackling a climb out of the town, Clare's chain snapped.
Having located a small cycle shop (coincidentally close to where we ate breakfast) we were confident we could get going again with a new chain fitted. Alas, the shop was open but no mechanic in today. As luck would have it, a guy in the shop, who I assumed to be a customer, was a bit more experienced with chain issues than myself. He took a couple of links out to get us going but suggested we get a new chain asap (they didn't have a 7-speed chain in the shop). We found the nearest Halfords online about 3 miles away, towards Margate but inland somewhat. We headed for it.
No decent 7-speed chain available so we had to spend £19 for a cheap(!) one, just to get us back without issues. The old one was pretty shagged so I guess it was only a matter of time before it gave out.
Anyways, although it took about an hour to get it sorted, we made Margate around the time we were planning to. Very disappointed though to miss out Broadstairs and the coast route to Margate (didn't help that most of the people we spoke to during the day said "have you been to Broadstairs, it's lovely"!).
We still did some great little micropubs, even though we didn't visit them all. Finished the day with a lovely fish curry at The Star of Bengal in Whitstable. In the end, a great day but we must get to Broadstairs at some point, if not this time.
We probably covered around 25 miles. Clare's gears are slipping on one or two of the gears on the rear cassette but we'll get a decent chain before we go back to Hope for August bank holiday. She'll have to put up with it for now.
Another lesson learned. I bought a chain link tool and connector links for both bikes whilst at Halfords, so hopefully better prepared in the future.

Quote from: David L on July 19, 2023, 12:00:25 AMAnother lesson learned. I bought a chain link tool and connector links for both bikes whilst at Halfords, so hopefully better prepared in the future.

On my birthday 5 or 6 years ago my other half and I went cycling on a pair of hire bikes while on holiday in Wales. My chain snapped while going up a hill. This was the only time in my life that I'd ever had a chain snap, and yet by an eerie coincidence it was the only time I'd ever had a chain tool on me - because I'd unwrapped it as a birthday present that morning.

Took about ten minutes to remove a bent link and reconnect the chain and we were on our way again.

Another day in which rain in the morning was followed by a warm, sunny afternoon - which suited me very nicely. Got out of work as soon as I could and, with a moderate wind coming from the north-west, was on my up through Coleorton and Top Brand to Isley Walton - then Swarkestone Bridge and west along the Beloved A Road.

Got as far as Foston then turned back. Came back the quicker way through Melbourne and up Rotter's Rise.

This particular ride is usually something of a Game of Two Halves when performed after work, with heavier traffic and a headwind over the first half. But it's worth it to glide along the A road with a tailwind in lighter traffic on the way back. I stopped for a bottle of lucozade and a sandwich at the petrol station near Hatton.

Listened to the first eight chapters of Laurence Krauss' The Physics of Climate Change which is a brilliant, dispassionate explanation of the science of global warming and the greenhouse effect - the history of the science related to it, how the effects can be measured and correlated empirically to human activity, exactly how it works, the physics of radiative forcing and all that. Fascinating.

I noticed a ladybird on my sleeve near the railway crossing at Derby Airfield and it clung on for four miles. I did wonder whether I was doing it a disservice by transporting it miles away from its usual territory but apparently they can fly over 70 miles in one go at speeds upward of 30mph.

Back on 47.63, and that's 359 this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9483528528

Unbelievable! It's been a completely dry day today, so far, but I've got a ride in so I'm OK.

I did get rides in on Monday and Tuesday, on Tuesday getting home just as the rain started, on Monday not getting much rain, but getting soaked from wet roads following rain.

Thought I'd have a couple of hours of steady riding and I suppose I did. My average speed was maybe a bit down on what I'd expect, but it felt bloody hard work today. I was set on my HR not going over 140 but it soon went over 150 whenever I went uphill. Maybe I was putting in more effort than I realised as I set a PB on one climb today but the tailwind probably helped.

Nearly 37 miles which was enough for me. Looking at the forecast I'll have to get in a ride tomorrow as certainly Saturday's forecast is not good, still, it's the last good stage in the Tour de France through the Vosges.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9487087631

And I did indeed get a ride in today. Unlike yesterday I felt laboured where I should have felt laboured - up the 12% bits - and not so laboured where I should have been less laboured. I even kept the old Heart Rate at Tempo for most of the ride.

I didn't stay dry though. It looked like I would, then from out of nowhere down came the rain. Luckily it just clipped me so I just got uncomfortably wet instead of soaked. When I retraced my "steps" I saw that I had just missed getting soaked. Took the descent to Cutthorpe steadily with the wet roads and they dried instantly half way down. Luckily back home had stayed dry so the washing on the line hadn't got wet.

34.6 miles gets me to 120 for the week, pretty poor for July, but better than last week.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9493305240/

18 miles yesterday .. too soon after covid I think.. was knackered..

Quote from: Fishy on July 22, 2023, 07:46:22 PM18 miles yesterday .. too soon after covid I think.. was knackered..

Take it easy - might be long covid

Today's forecast was fairly dire with thunder showers forecast intermittently over the afternoon. But the weather has put a stop to a lot of cycling already this month, so I decided to man up, put a rainproof top on and take the consequences.

The wind was coming from the west, as it has done consistently for the last couple of weeks. I decided I'd do 15 miles or so of the Lower Westbound route and come back.

Within 100 metres of setting off I noticed a persistent, regular, bump.. bump.. bump from the rear tyre. Uh oh .. but on closer inspection it was just a small stone that had stuck to it. I removed it. End of problem.

The weather was kinder than I expected - just a couple of short, very light showers. It was surprisingly warm. So I kept going until I'd done 20 miles, then instead of turning back I took a left turn to go exploring for a bit. This took me to a place called Fradley Junction, a picturesque spot on the Trent and Mersey canal. A couple were operating a lock there to let their boat through as I arrived.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230723bike.jpg)

I turned back from this point. Came back home through Heather and Ibstock (I'd come out through Alton Hill and Packington on the way out).

Listened to the rest of Laurence Krauss' excellent book, The Physics of Climate Change. A very lucid and objective view of the climate crisis and a real eye-opener. Then I listened to The Yes Album. For some reason Bill Bruford's drumming stood out for me in a way it never has before, particularly. Brilliant.

Back on 43.51 miles. Very satisfying run out. And that takes me to 402 this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9508311399

First time out since last Friday and I can't believe how quickly I lose condition. Last Friday I was firm of thigh and steely of bun, but today they were soft and squishy. Perhaps I should try and ride every day no matter what the conditions, I'm sure I see the same old bloke - and he looks in his 80s - up on the tops no matter what day I go out, either he's out every day, or he's fair weather like me. Who can say.

For the first half of the ride it was a slog, did not feel good at all. Then the second half I was on it, vying with Vingegaard, processing with Pogacar. Funny what a difference a tailwind and mainly downhill ride can do  :)

Good to get 40 miles in anyway. Hopefully do another 40 tomorrow.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9517908072/

Another mostly dry afternoon, cooler than of late but eminently mild, carrying once again a risk of showers.  I was away on the Planet X by about 1545. The wind was coming from the west and I thought I'd do something a bit different. I went up Top Brand and hung a left at Isley Walton for Swarkestone Bridge, but rather than doing the A road I went eastward through Weston and Aston to Shardlow, then looped back down via Cavendish Bridge and Donington.

I also took a bit of an excursion along toward Derby from Shardlow. It's nice and flat along there and there's a certain nostalgic factor involved.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230725bike.jpg)

I must remember that one - without the little trip along London Road toward Derby it would be about 33 miles, similar to a typical Twycrosser or Bypasser but a nice change.

Back on 36.87 miles. I listened to the Rolling Stones' It's Only Rock'n'Roll - good record especially the last tune Fingerprint File which really surprised me - almost like jazz funk and very nice.

I did pick up a couple of very light showers.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9521376372

Got another 40 in :) A bit stop start with roadworks and people making strange reversing manoeuvres, One set of traffic lights at roadworks had a Range Rover parked bang in front of the "When Red Light Shows STOP HERE" sign. Twat. The car at the front of the queue couldn't see when it turned green. I could, because I could see it reflected in the window of the Audi parked on the footway next to the Range Rover. Twunt.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9524539114

A sunny and beautifully warm afternoon and unfortunately I made the mistake of putting two long sleeve tops on. Too hot. But at least I had my old legs out.

You know some years I get to cycle with bare legs about three or four times but this year it's been the norm for the last couple of months. Global warming, don't tell me it's all bad.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230727bike.jpg)

The wind was coming from the west as usual so I did the Lower Westbound for about 21 miles then came back. Went out a slightly longer way over the first few miles, through Packington.

I listened to the Rolling Stones' Black and Blue. Some good stuff on there but not much. Feels a bit languid and sloppy in the main.

Back on 42.45 miles. Very enjoyable. 481 this month which considering the weather, I'm fairly pleased with.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9533288650

Didn't get out yesterday as the morning was quite miserably wet, more than forecast. Afternoon was dry, but there was a Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift to watch.

Today was dry though, so out I went for a two hour base level ride. Of course this really means a two and a half hour tempo ride, it's the bike's fault, the Giant TCR does not like being dawdled. I can't fulfil its wish to be thrashed to its limit, but I try as hard as I can, almost. I did manage to average 600W for all of 20 seconds today, never done that before. Still not managed to hit over 750W, I'll get there.

Plenty of other cyclists out today, passed a few old blokes - in proper cycling club gear mind - and even saw a couple out on a tandem. Bloody Wasps were out and about too, got stung by one on my shin, didn't realise at first as I was concentrating on clearing a junction, but when I looked down the little beggar was there hanging out of my leg. Took a few flicks to dislodge it too. Didn't hurt as much as the bumblebee which stung me last year though, always look on the bright side.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9536789619/

The slow puncture is back.. just fitted a new inner to get me back up n running.. will see if the old inner already patched is worth salvaging

I'm not a true cyclist, you won't find me getting up at the crack of dawn on a Saturday ready for a long day in the saddle, you're lucky if I drag myself from my pit much before midday. Today however I resolved to be out there riding by half eleven, because today was the Queen stage of the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. There was also the small matter of trying out new cycling shoes! I'd managed to keep my old pair going after a Boa dial gave up the ghost, but new ones were required and new kit makes you go faster right?

Half eleven I was out there in bright sunshine. Twelve minutes later I was back home. Where the bloody hell had that rain come from? (The sky obvs) Mrs S was on the phone to her cousin, it was pissing down in Matlock too, great, that's still to come our way then :(

However, by half twelve things were much improved so out I went. Not far, because time wasn't on my side, but enough for 23 miles. I even managed my best ever time up the Barrowhill hill - all 79' of elevation gain - was that new shoes or the tailwind?

Opened up August's account with a 42 miler. Thought the weather was going to be alright as it had become sunny when I went for my pre-ride shit, it was raining when I finished my pre-ride shit. It was only light rain, so I manned up and went out. Thankfully, apart from a brief shower at my furthest point from home it stayed dry.

On the way back along Clodhall Lane, a fellow cyclist came the other way wearing a GBR jersey. Bearded fellow he was. Couldn't think of any bearded British racing cyclists apart from James Shaw and he's not on team GBR and would have been riding in his EF Procyling kit. Looking on Strava at who went the other way to me on Clodhall Lane and top of the list was Russ Downing. That'll be who it was. A selfie attached to his ride proved it. Winner of the Tour of Ireland in 2009 was Russ. He was also riding a Pinarello, which I didn't notice at the time. I can only assume he's on the British Cycling coaching staff.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9561640522

And got in August's second ride today. Somehow it stayed dry all ride, hard to comprehend, even the water run off onto the roads today wasn't as bad as expected. Wish I'd nipped round Sainsbury's roundabout at the end of my ride, I didn't bother as I thought my average speed had hit 17mph, turns out it was 16.96. Arse. That bugs me no end.

Hope I can find a dry hour tomorrow, just need 15 miles for 100 miles for the week. Weekend forecast not good, but I'm away anyway. Can't have an August week with less than 100 miles in.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9574788493

And 15 miles, plus a bit more were done. Mission accomplished. By the time I'm back on a bike again, hopefully next Tuesday, it'll feel like I've not ridden for years.

Realised when I swapped out the new inner that I'd knocked off a brake pad as was getting some nasty metal on metal noises from back wheel.. into the shop today and all sorted.. never realised I may have managed it myself after watching some how to vids..

After watching the men's race in Glasgow on Sunday I was well motivated to get out today, cycling is just so cool. Well them professional beggars just make it look too easy, I was floundering like, well, a beached Flounder. I think all you can eat breakfast buffets, Pizza (not deep fried) and red wine had done for me.

As ever the way back felt good, but downhill with a following wind will do that for you. I decided to do our local equivalent of Montrose Street on the way back. It took me 1'30" Alberto Bettiol did Montrose street in 17" on Sunday. My hill is twice as long though, although not quite as steep and I did have a DPD doing a three point turn ahead of me.

I must also stop gesticulating at drivers. I had a close pass from a Wankpanzer today as I was setting off from a hold up, so I gave him a two fingered salute. He slammed his brakes on and asked me what the hell my problem was. I explained quite rationally that my problem was his lack of care in failing to give me 1.5m instead of the 0.5m he gave me. He drove off a bit braked again and then said I was a dickhead for not cycling through a puddle. Well excuse me; one there was no puddle and two I wouldn't cycle through one any way as I neither know how deep it is and what lurks at the bottom of it. I had hoped he would be parked up on a side street up the road as they're the sort of place low-life, knuckle-dragging, fat, tattooed, Wankpanzer driving scum like him live so I could scrape a pedal down his car, but alas no.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9605707352

And out again today, flatter ride, taken more steadily. Garmin was advising a rest day, but I thought a Base Level ride would be beneficial and for only the second time ever I managed a base level ride.

After saying yesterday that I'd stop gesticulating at drivers I only lasted to the bottom of our road before giving a two-fingered salute. I was behind a car turning left and there was a constant stream of traffic coming from the right, the car behind me sat there with the driver endlessly revving it up, when a gap appeared I thought the car and front of me and my good self would get out, but he tarried so long I stopped, the car behind me just shot straight out round me. Twunt.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9612706967

Just back from a ten day holiday today and after a 167 mile drive this morning I wasn't planning to go cycling this afternoon. Just wanted to unpack and chill out. But the forecast for this afternoon promised just about the best cycling weather I can remember - warm, sunny, 0% chance of rain and a 3mph wind. So I decided I'd get the August campaign off to a start after all. I set off at about 4pm.

Wanted to do about 35 miles and thought a Twycross Bypasser would do nicely. But the road to Norton was closed, so I continued down through Twycross. I did the detour to Orton on the Hill from there. I came back a longer way in the latter half of the ride, through Shenton and later through Swepstone.

Beautiful out there in the warm sunshine. The wind did seem a bit stronger than 3mph to be fair but it didn't bother me. I was slightly concerned that ten days of restaurant food, usually including an unhealthy dessert and invariably preceded and / or followed by a couple of Scotches, a few beers or a cocktail or two might have taken a toll, but it was a breeze. I mean it was only 37.30 miles but interestingly I did clock up a higher average speed than I normally would, without trying to. Just the joy of being out there in warm sunshine with minimal clothing.

Noticed that the front derailleur (on the Cannondale) is rattling a bit on some gears. It can be rectified easily by using the trim and it's changing gears smoothly and quickly enough. Maybe just needs the cable to be tightened. I'll have a look at the weekend.

Listened to the Stones' Some Girls. Does have a couple of good tunes but it feels a bit half-baked and limp.

Very nice run out, very happy to be back in the saddle.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9615616166

Quote from: Slim on August 09, 2023, 10:40:53 PMI mean it was only 37.30 miles but interestingly I did clock up a higher average speed than I normally would, without trying to.

Fully Carb Loaded :)

Went out for another 40 miler today, being as the weekend sees me off to Glasgae again, so I've got to make hay whilst the sun shines. The sun did shine today. If anything it was a bit too warm and humid, not used to that these last few weeks.

At this time of year three back to back 40 milers should be run of the mill, but this year has been too stop/start. The Garmin recommended a 30 minute recovery ride, but two and a half hours at Tempo will have to do.

I did keep within myself today, couldn't do anything else really, but there was one point where I lit the afterburners, I could see a bloke ahead of me on an uphill segment, he was over half way up it and out of the saddle weaving around, so I just put the hammer down, got up to a 550W average flew by him giving him a cheery "Hiya!" Once round the next corner I slowed and started making noises like a Donkey...

Don't know whether it's a World Championships effect or not, but there seemed to be a lot of cyclists out today. I've got to the point where I recognise lots of people by sight, but today there seemed a lot of "new" faces. The more the merrier.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9619358175/

And I got a fourth consecutive 40 miler in today, gets me over 160 miles for the week in, oh, a fortnight, but it should be 200+ miles a week at this time of the year.

I could feel it was the fourth in a row, every ride this week has had a slower average speed as my old legs start wearing out. Got a hill in early, then just rode around at not random, but over three laps then came back home.

Not so many people out and about today, but that's because I picked a less scenic part of Derbyshire to ride around.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9625914141

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 10, 2023, 09:58:29 PMWent out for another 40 miler today, being as the weekend sees me off to Glasgae again, so I've got to make hay whilst the sun shines. The sun did shine today. If anything it was a bit too warm and humid, not used to that these last few weeks.

At this time of year three back to back 40 milers should be run of the mill, but this year has been too stop/start. The Garmin recommended a 30 minute recovery ride, but two and a half hours at Tempo will have to do.

I did keep within myself today, couldn't do anything else really, but there was one point where I lit the afterburners, I could see a bloke ahead of me on an uphill segment, he was over half way up it and out of the saddle weaving around, so I just put the hammer down, got up to a 550W average flew by him giving him a cheery "Hiya!" Once round the next corner I slowed and started making noises like a Donkey...

Don't know whether it's a World Championships effect or not, but there seemed to be a lot of cyclists out today. I've got to the point where I recognise lots of people by sight, but today there seemed a lot of "new" faces. The more the merrier.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9619358175/

Glaswegians much prefer Glesca rather than Glasgae, but it's mostly English accents up here these days so who cares?

It was a delightfully quiet work day - I sometimes suspect that most of our customers start their weekends on a Thursday night - so with another warm, dry afternoon forecast, I thought I'd risk an early exit and a post-work Fondo.

The wind was coming from the south-west and I decided on the southbound route. I didn't quite go all the way to Welford and the Northants border like I usually would; I just turned round after the requisite half fondo distance.

Stopped for a nice snack and a bottle of Lucozade at the village shop at Gilmorton on the way down. It's a very cyclist-friendly place with seats and tables outside and they always offer to fill your water bottle. It was open until 7pm so tactically, a stop on the way back would probably have been better.

Very nice out there. Very warm. The wind was quite strong but it was mostly a slightly hostile sidewind on the way down, and a more sympathetic sidewind on the way back.

Once again I clocked up a faster average speed than I usually would. I think my dodgy knees are the limiting factor and a break from cycling enforced by a holiday in Scotland has given them a welcome long recovery period. But - regular cycling definitely helps as well. A bit of a delicate balance.

Three dogs attempted to intercept me on the outskirts of Stoney Stanton. They just bolted out of a house on the right and came for me like I was a fox being pursued by hounds, yapping vigorously. I shouted NO! at them and pedalled hard to outrun them but for the first couple of seconds the yapping of the dog in front - obviously the ringleader - didn't seem to be receding into the distance behind me.

I don't think they were much older than puppies to be fair but on my very first spreadsheet-recorded ride in January 2015 I was bitten by a dog - so for it to happen again would have been an ominous portent.

Back on 63.35. Happy to have done a bit more than 100 miles since I came back from my hols.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9628443980

I was going to get up early and do at least a Fondo today, but in the event I didn't get up until 1000. I was annoyed about that until a downpour of rain at 1100, after which I considered that I'd dodged a bullet.

But the weather brightened up nicely in the afternoon and I had mounted a bicycle by 1245.

A fairly strong wind was coming from the west and the plan was to do the westbound route for 20 miles or so, then come back. I took a longer route than usual over the first ten miles, firstly by going up through Packington and secondly by taking, on a whim, a different right turn out of Measham. I guessed that I'd probably be able to navigate back onto the usual route a bit further along and I was right. Made a change I suppose but it was a bit of a rollercoaster ride and not that interesting, so I won't do that again.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230813bike.jpg)

After Kings Bromley I'd done 23 miles and only wanted to do another couple (I'd decided to try for 50 miles by this time). So I went exploring for a bit. I took a left along a road called Shaw Lane, then a right turn off that, also somehow called Shaw Lane. Both the Shaw Lanes had evidently been resurfaced fairly recently with the the sharp gravel which Leicestershire County Council (or was I in South Derbyshire at this point?) is keen to distribute on its public highways. So when I came to a T junction with a main road, I took a right onto that rather than turn back the same way.

Fortunately this led to the traditional route. I came back the usual way. Back on 50.69 miles.

The weather was lovely and the puddles had all dried up within about an hour of setting off. I suppose I should have made better use of it; I was back more than three hours before sunset.

Listened to football mostly; Brentford vs Spurs and the first half of Liverpool vs Chelsea. The latter game was the more interesting.

I also listened to the Rolling Stones' Emotional Rescue. Like its predecessor Some Girls, a bit flaccid. But it does have some interesting quirks.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9640867450

A nice sunny day, I think, my memory's fading rapidly. Maybe it was only not too cloudy, anyway it was dry, not too hot, not too cold and not too windy. Sort of a Goldilocks day.

Can't say as a weekend of Pizza and red wine perked me up any, but I "rattled" along at usual pace and didn't feel too off it. Even set a best time for me on an uphill bit. Who could ask for more?

https://www.strava.com/activities/9651952354

Another warm afternoon, another run out after work. I had every intention of doing a Twycrosser, but as soon as I began to absorb the warm sunshine I had an urge to go up Top Brand. So I did. I pretty much made it up as I went along but I went through Castle Donington after that, then west to Shardlow.

I looped back through Aston on Trent then came back the same way. Except that I used the cycle path that bypasses the roundabout over the A50. I saw another cyclist turn off to use it on the outbound trip so I thought I'd give it a go on the way back. It was fine actually. No bits of broken glass or excess of stones, or pedestrians.

Listened to the Rolling Stones' Tattoo You which is another poor record overall, but mainly put together from patched up outtake tracks. Does have a couple of decent moments, though. Hard not to like Start Me Up.

Back on 32.69 miles which is less than I intended, but I've done 184 this month now. Not bad considering I was away from a bike for the first 10 days.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9654049506

Another day, another ride, another 40 miles. Still well behind the cumulative distance tally of every year since 2017, but I'll take most any chance to get out.

Did the same ride as one I did four weeks ago and managed to do it more quickly, probably due to the lack of any appreciable headwind. Plenty of others out and about today, including a group of three young ladies who all gave me a nice smile :) It also appears that there's not just me out there who goes and rides aimless loops as there were a few folk I saw a couple of times the opposite way to what I was doing.

42.7 miles gets me to 356 for August. Not too bad for missing two weekends, but I've put extra week rides in.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9658855416

Yesterday looked like one of the last perfect cycling days of the summer - warm, very low winds, dry, sunny. But someone arranged for me to attend a meeting with Australian colleagues at 0800, so I took the day off today instead.

Conditions weren't quite as good with a stiff breeze coming from the east. I thought I'd do the eastbound route, maybe as far as Bourne. I thought I'd probably set off at about 0800 but in the event I woke up early and I was away by 0630.

I was going to wear a long-sleeved top over the first couple of hours and risk bare legs, but I changed my time at the last minute and put tights on. Glad I did because it was pretty cool until about 0845. I stashed the long-sleeved top and the tights near Waltham after 30-odd miles.

Stopped for food at the Deli at Waltham on the way out east.

I got as far as about half a mile from Bourne, then I took a right turn for Stamford to go exploring for a bit. This took me to a place called Essendine, in Rutland. Spent a while eating on a bench there, then turned back and came home exactly the same way. Bourne is where the flat bit of Lincolnshire starts so it would have been better, or at least flatter, just to keep going through Bourne rather than looping south into Rutland. But it made a change.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230817bike.jpg)

Stopped for food at the village shop at Buckminster on the way back. Remarkably, I was served by a young man of (at a guess) nine years of age. His mum was on the phone. Very professional though .. the lad scanned all the stuff I bought, presented the card machine, announced the cost, took the payment.

I got the food strategy about right for a change. Often I end up carrying around stuff I don't actually eat but today I consumed all the items I brought with me and bought.

Listened to R5 mostly - mostly anecdotes and clips from Michael Parkinson's old shows. Then I started another Reacher novel, Nothing to Lose. Seems a lot like Killing Floor so far, with a local capitalist who owns an entire town and has the local police in his pocket doing something nefarious.

That was a fun day out. I was back not long after 1800 so perhaps I could have stayed out longer, but I need to plan a new route for that really. Happy enough with 121.67 miles for today. The time flew past, felt more like a fondo.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9667888625

I go to 126 miles for the week over three rides today! Don't think I'll bother going for another 40 miler tomorrow, listening to the legs or the weather forecast?

Actually managed to set a PR on an uphill segment today, ah, the joys of a following wind! My previous best was back in April 2017, think that was a tailwind day too. Didn't think I'd put that much effort into it today as I was only supposed to be doing a 30 minute recovery ride.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9665625378

I wanted to dedicate most of my Saturday to idling around the house but with more delightful weather on offer, it seemed rude not to do at least 30. I set off on the S Works at about 1115. The wind was coming from the south-west, so I decided on a Twycross Bypasser

I got held up for a long time at the crossroads on Gallows Lane / Swepstone Road. There were temporary traffic lights there, for roadworks. The two cars ahead of me went through on a red light. I assumed the light had just changed. I stopped. Then about six minutes later I gave up and just went through. I'm pretty sure all of the lights were frozen on red. As I passed them I noticed a large queue of stationary motor vehicles in all four directions.

The road to Norton Juxta Twycross is still closed, so I continued down to Twycross - making today's outing a Twycrosser, rather than the intended Bypasser. I did do the detour to Orton though.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230819bike.jpg)

I went down to Ratcliffe Culey and across to Twycross Road, but rather than coming back up through Congerstone or Bosworth, I went west through Sibson back to Sheepy. I'd forgotten to bring a bidon with me so I decided some hydration (pictured) was in order.

I came back up the quick way from there, up the usual downward stretch. I did take a mild detour through Ibstock over the last couple of miles.

Really nice out there. I overclothed again, with two tops on. The temperature climbed pretty quickly after the first hour.

Listened to more of the Reacher novel - very entertaining so far.

Back on 34.40, 340 miles done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9679340246

Crikey, that was my first decent Saturday ride since the end of June! Too much inclement weather, Tour de France and buggering off to Glasgow for the World Championships are the cause of that.

First ride over 50 miles since the 24th June too, I thought I'd really pile on the miles in retirement, but hey-ho, there's still four months to go and then next year.

Didn't get out until 15:45 thanks to watching the Tour of Denmark. I envy Danish cyclists, plenty of decent infrastructure - although that isn't needed if drivers are sensible - and it's reasonably flat. Not too flat as that would be dull, but not Peak Districty hilly.

Was quite surprised to be quicker than my last couple of times up through Cutthorpe, being as there was an appreciable cross-headwind, maybe my fitness is building up. Then a decent time up the Fiddler's Elbow climb, my equal third fastest out of 21 attempts. The wind being a tailwind helped, if only I'd put pedal to the metal when it flattened out at the top I'd have set my best time. Doesn't look too much on my ride profile, but it's 1.6 miles @ 6.5%

50 miles gets me to 448 for the month. Going to Macclesfield on Monday to see my brother and nephews, if only Mrs S would drive on unfamiliar roads I could take the bike over and ride up the Cat and Fiddle, but she won't. *sigh*

https://www.strava.com/activities/9680609564/

Not quite another 40 miler today - 38 will do - but it means I get over 200 miles for the week for the first time since the week ending 4th June.

Took it nice and steadily today - ended up with a base level ride - yet averaged 17.5 mph for it, the best of any 35+ mile ride for me this year. Avoiding hills, that seems to do the trick.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9687168370/

Couldn't leave work as early as I wanted to but I'd set off not long after 1600. I intended to ignore the ROAD CLOSED sign forbidding the turn-off to Norton, and do a bypasser. When I got to the roadworks it was easy enough to get the bike through the traffic cones and past the big hole in the road.

I did a longish version, along Mythe Lane and Atterton Lane at the bottom. Unusually, I went through Upton and Shenton on the way back up.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230821petrol.jpg)

The road going east into Shenton is lovely - narrow, quiet, scenic but well surfaced. Every time I do it, I ask myself - why don't I do this more often? Then I forget about it.

Back up the usual way through Bosworth.

Warm and dry out there, but overcast. Unusually humid. I stopped at Heather, a couple of miles from home to take the pic at the derelict petrol station there. It must belong to someone so I assume I was on someone's private land but I was quick. I suppose some of the residents of Heather consider it an eyesore, but I quite like it. The following image is lifted from Google Street View.

(https://i.ibb.co/Pcn6Hg3/freedompetrol.jpg)

Listened to another couple of hours of the Reacher novel, Nothing to Lose. Definitely one of the better ones.

Back on 36.60 miles and that's 377 this month, 4012 this year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9694120244

Got it to over 500 miles for August today, yet still nowhere near 4,000 for the year yet. That could well have to wait until September.

Did managed my first ride up Froggatt today, been too many road closures so far this year, not too bad a climb as it's a consistent gradient so you can get a good rhythm going.

A couple of sets of roadworks I hadn't expected though. First one was uphill on a narrowish road. Once through the stopped traffic coming the other way combined with a narrow road led the van driver behind me to shout "OH FOR FUCK'S SAKE!". He got a two fingered salute. Once past me he had to stop twice because of oncoming traffic, wonder if he gave the motorists some shit? I went by the parked up van ten minutes later, hadn't left much room on a country lane to get by "OH FOR FUCK'S SAKE!"

https://www.strava.com/activities/9698029924

And another 40 miles in today. Boy, am I ever a creature of habit. Nice enough today, wind dropped, but warmer than I thought it would be, worked up a sweat.

Managed to plot a route which avoided all the roadworks which have recently popped up. Looking at the traffic on Google maps it appeared that some may have disappeared before their expected removal date, but I wasn't going to take a chance. Too many people take too many chances to pass cyclists whilst in roadworks when there isn't enough room.

https://youtu.be/J23OliBag5w

Yet another warm, dry day - we're being spoiled, aren't we? I was a bit tired today after a night in a Travelodge and a long drive up from Oxford, but I always seem to have enough energy for 30-odd miles. Almost as if it comes from a different internal power supply.

So I set off at about 1600. I went up to Swarkestone Bridge the long way via Isley Walton, went west as far as Willington, looped round the village there and came back the same way (barring very minor deviations over the last few miles).

Back on 37.63 which very pleasingly takes me to 414 this month. Will be happy with 450, but 500 seems likely. A decent enough figure given I was away for the first ten days.

Listened to another couple of hours of Reacher.

Very pleasant run out apart from jamming the transmission near Melbourne. The chain is too short on the X and there's a combination of big chainring / big cog at the back which will do that every time. I must put a longer chain on. I had to turn the bike upside down to free it up.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9708088239

Reviewing the local roadwork situation - some have gone, new ones have appeared, some are in for the duration - I went back to the sort of ride I was doing this time last year, but with a different beginning and a different ending.

Quite a nice ride out actually apart from the start involving back lanes which are more suited to gravel bikes. The Wessington climb isn't one of my favourites, not because of steepness, but the volume of traffic that uses it, thankfully today it was mostly coming the other way.

Yet another 40 miler takes me over 600 miles for August.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9711522417

Back in Hope for the weekend. Got a good route for a short mtb ride from a local at the pub last night.
Took Brough Lane up past Shatton mast to Abney and down into Hathersage town where where we enjoyed coffee and cake at Bank House.
Tommorrow...... Winnats Pass!

Quote from: David L on August 25, 2023, 02:27:19 PMTommorrow...... Winnats Pass!

Good luck!

Been down it, never up.

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 25, 2023, 09:09:25 PM

Quote from: David L on August 25, 2023, 02:27:19 PMTommorrow...... Winnats Pass!

Good luck!

Been down it, never up.

We came, we saw........we conquered! Might be a different story on a road bike though  ;D

Quote from: David L on August 26, 2023, 08:43:52 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on August 25, 2023, 09:09:25 PM

Quote from: David L on August 25, 2023, 02:27:19 PMTommorrow...... Winnats Pass!

Good luck!

Been down it, never up.

We came, we saw........we conquered! Might be a different story on a road bike though  ;D

Congrats :) I'll give it a go one day, but I'm waiting for an Easterly gale! I would use my 36x28 geared bike rather than a 34x32, higher geared but lighter. Years ago my mum and dad were walking down Winnats, the wind got up my mum's skirt and she took off! Winnats is a corruption of Wind Gates.

Thought today would be one of those days where I got suited and booted only to find the heaven's had opened. Nearly was, but the early afternoon saw it rain before I decided to get changed. It hammered down when I went for a pre-ride shit and did start up again when I changed, but it soon stopped again.

Didn't manage a 40 miler, but 32 will do. Heard it thunder and saw a bit of lightning over Totley way, but that's Sheffield so all was good. Managed a reasonable 17.4mph average and was back in time for the Vuelta.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9725687864/

'Wind Gates' - interesting. It was one of the most brutal road climbs I've done, probably because it is reasonably straight, rather than zig-zagging.
We had two roadies come past. First one towards the bottom responded enthusiastically to my greeting, "morning". The second, I could hear from behind, grunting like an agitated farm animal. My greeting was met with silence (apart from the animal noises) as he passed. Fair enough, it was on the steepest section (28%).
I had to wait for Mrs L at the top but after about 3 mins I saw her head bobbing above the road surface. I was surprised as I was sure she'd be pushing. She 'fessed-up' that she did have to briefly dismount at one point but did exceptionally well - a true heroine!
From the top we turned right and took the Edale Road over the top of Mam Tor, down Mam Nick (which we ascended last time we were here). A very fast free-wheeling descent into Edale to The Rambler Inn for a pint of Guinness. We then visited The Old Nags Head at the end of the village where we lunched on superb pulled-pork 'dirty fries' and pizza.
From Edale it's around five or six miles back to Hope but we'd decided to visit the Intrepid brewery open day at their premises at Brough as it's just a mile or so down the road from our campsite.
A couple of halves and some lovely conversation with a couple who've just moved to Bamford from Derby, to be close to their daughter who's expecting their first grandchild. As it happens, Richard was also a vinyl nut (we weren't stuck for things to talk about  ;) )
The rain started around 6:00pm which signalled time for us to make a mad dash back to the site to avoid a soaking. We managed to miss the rain earlier (in the pub) and we avoided it again.
Another great day in the Peak District. Roast dinner and beer fest at The Old Hall to round things off today before we return home tomorrow. Everyone says we must witness the drunken chaos that is the Tideswell silver Band today!

The bikes have performed without issue. It was unfortunate that after having Clare's Trek serviced a couple of weeks ago, the bottom bracket bearing proved faulty (grinding and clicking/too much play). I returned to the shop the day before we left for a replacement.......so far, so good

The forecast threatened showers until 2-3pm, but I took a chance and set off at 1325-ish. A fairly strong and rather annoying wind was coming from the west. I decided to go up over Swarkestone Bridge and west along the A road. I wanted to do at least 35, to get my monthly tally to 450. I was going to go to Hilton or thereabouts, then come back.

However, not long after Willington I decided to take a right turn and navigate my way into Derby. This took me to Etwall, and not long after that, a T junction - with both directions signposted to Derby, somewhat counter-intuitively. I took the right turn indicated by my sense of direction. Unfortunately after a couple of miles, this led me onto a stretch of the A38 that is a three lane motorway in all but name. I felt absolutely ridiculous pootling along there on a gravel bike. More embarrassed than unsafe. Fortunately the traffic wasn't heavy and I came off at Kingsway - a part of Derby that I used to frequent often in the early '90s. I used to go to the EnormoTesco there before one opened closer to my place in Oakwood, on The Wyvern.

From there, down Uttoxeter Old Road, past the place where I lodged with a colleague in 1990, right onto Friar Gate and right through the City Centre. Memory Lane.

Ideally I'd have liked to come back homeward via Alvaston and onto Shardlow Rd, but that would have involved negotiating Raynesway, a fast dual carriageway. So I played it safe and left Derby via Nottingham Rd, to Borrowash. About 16 years ago I used to cycle up Nottingham Rd regularly when I commuted to work via Derby Railway Station. It was a bit of an ordeal as I recall and yet today, even on a relatively heavy bike, it hardly seemed much of a climb at all.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230827bike.jpg)

I decided to come back down through Donington although I was in two minds about this, because of the high likelihood of annoying my other half by being late for dinner. Which in fact I was, but only by 15 minutes. I eat faster anyway, so I caught her up.

Looking at the track I did turn off Shardlow Road to go through Aston, and yet I looped back up onto Shardlow Road a mile later. Not sure what I was doing there. Perhaps I was thinking of going the Swarkestone Bridge way when I made the turn.

Came back the quickest way from Donington, down Top Brand. Back on 50.34 miles.

Cool and cloudy, but the Sun came out later in the afternoon. I snapped the pic at Shardlow in bright sunshine. Fortunately the wind was behind me at this time and the heavy clouds in the distance were moving away. I didn't get rained on.

Listened to a highly entertaining game of football between Man City and Sheffield Utd. Then more Reacher.

This ride was an odd experience in that I was wearing contact lenses - I'm wearing trial disposables at the moment, pending my proper prescription ones arriving some time next week. They're supposed to be varifocal but for me they don't seem to be. They're great for reading the bike computer, using a phone or checking a watch, but the view to the distance looks a lot like not wearing any sort of eyesight correction at all, ie blurry, but adequate. Still - they were comfortable enough. Nice not to have to wear glasses to ride a bike, not sure how often I'll wear them for cyclng though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9732439238

Just a 32 miler again today. Tapering things off a bit...

I was recommended to take a rest day, but where's the fun in that? SO I took things steadily. Although a different parcours to yesterday it was about the same distance with about the same elevation gain, but my average speed was down by 1.2mph, proof of taking it steadily.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9732599947

Back to a 40 miler today. Surprised the garmin recommended me to do an hour and twenty seven minute base level ride. Even more surprised that I managed two hours and twenty seven base level ride. Mind you, it has decided of its own volition that my max MR is about ten higher than it should be, that makes it easier to stay in a lower zone.

Didn't bother going up to the Peaks today with it being a Bank Holiday, was surprised to see that there were quite a few cyclists out on my non-scenic route. Even more surprised to not get a close pass until a couple of hundred yards from home! It was a bit of a stinker though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9736084609

And another 40 and a bit miler. Got to 760 miles for August now. Should be able to reach Strava's 1,250km distance challenge for August tomorrow. Provided none of the local motorists I've offended in the past few weeks try running me off the road...

Did my second ride up most of Froggatt this year - been coming in part way up due to roadworks - and it seemed as if the road's been stretched out longer since last week, yet I did it in exactly the same time. Felt slower, which it will be if the road's been stretched.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9742326059

A dry afternoon, though it rained heavily in the morning. Wanted to do at least 36 to get me to 500 for August, which I'm more than happy with having been away for the first ten days.

I did a Twycross Bypasser; the version that takes in Ratcliffe Culey and Fenn Lanes. I was a bit annoyed that the western end of Fenn Lanes has had the el-cheapo resurfacing treatment sometime in the last few weeks. But apart from that, a thoroughly pleasant run out.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230830bike.jpg)

Cool at first, warm when the sun came out later. I listened to more Reacher throughout and I have to say that it's gone a bit bizarre. The plot doesn't quite make sense.

40.29 miles, 505 done this month. And that'll be it for August.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9751511440

Got out for 30 miles this morning. The 11% chance of showers by 11:00 was a 100% chance of half an hour of pissing it down from 10 O'clock...

Dried off by 11:15 so went out and did the 16 miles to reach 1,250km for August and 14 more for good luck :) August now done on 791 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9748853905

With the wind coming from the east for a change and a light wind at that, I left work early in the hope of getting the September fondo in early. I'd been looking forward to doing the traditional eastbound route for a while. So I did. Went as far as Eastwell crossroads, came back exactly the same way.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230901bike.jpg)

I listened to the last few hours of the Reacher novel, Nothing to Lose. I'm afraid that this one, the twelfth in the series, didn't quite hit the mark. The plot is sillier than a Roger Moore Bond film, the ending is preposterous and the way that Reacher works out what the bad guys are up to is just not believable in the slightest. He'd have to be psychic. Having said that, it did maintain my interest and I enjoyed it. But it's well daft.

Then I listened to the Stones' Undercover, which as I expected is a weak record.

Nice out there, A bit too warm after the first twenty minutes but fortunately I'd thought to take a backpack so I stuffed a layer into it after 20 miles or so. I treated myself to a Magnum ice-cream lolly on the way back, from the petrol station at Burton on the Wolds.

Back about a minute after a beautiful sunset. I'd put my rear light on a few miles from home, coming through Thringstone. Yep, it's that time of the year when you have to start thinking about lights on a ride after work.

62.27 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9764056001

Just returned from a lovely ride on the road bikes. I'd go as far as to say the weather was the best we've experienced this summer, just glorious.
We decided to take in some hills today so headed out to Wychwood Forest and Chadlington. From Chad we took in Kingham, Idbury, Fifield, Shipton under Wychwood, Fulbrook and Burford. At Burford we enjoyed a lunch of sausage rolls and banana cake from our favourite shop, Lynwoods.
From Burford we followed the river Windrush through Swinbrook, Asthall Leigh and Minster Lovell. About a mile from home we stopped at The Lamb, Crawley, for a refreshing cider shandy. A really pleasant 37 miles.

Did a 38 miler earlier  today.. tried to come up with a route using all the single track roads I've discovered over the past few months.. worked out pretty well.. out to Dalrymple and Dalvennan Woods then onto
Coylton Trabbach and Stair then head back to Ayr to pick up National Route 7 along the seafront to the pier then home.. good fun and weather was very warm with quite a fresh breeze in places

A properly warm, sunny day with a light wind coming from the south. I was only going to do about 35-40 today having put a decent shift in on Friday, but by the time I was 20 miles down the southbound route, I'd decided to make another fondo of it.

I didn't go all the way down to Welford. I turned back after the half-fondo distance, at Welford Road. Bought some snacks and Lucozade at a petrol station on Gilmorton Road and stopped in Gilmorton to consume them. The village shop is closed on Sundays, but the bench on the opposite side of the road is always open.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230903bike.jpg)

As I sat there munching on a Ploughman's sandwich, I heard the growl of a vintage piston engine. Looked up to see a P51-D Mustang circling overhead. Obviously I wondered why so I did the necessary Google research when I got back; there was a "Victory Show" featuring an air display at Cosby, a few miles to the north.

Listened mostly to footy on 5 Live but also to the Stones' Dirty Work, which against my expectations is actually not bad at all.

I was on call but it's been so quiet this last few weeks that I didn't even think about it, let alone stress about it.

Back on 63.67 miles so already, it's a Double Fondo September! That was this year's 23rd fondo. I'm hoping to do 5776 miles this year to equal the 2016 distance tally, my second-highest.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9776872636

Opened September's account today on a beautiful late Summer's afternoon, the first time since June that the temperature has been over 23C, suppose it's a back to school thing.

Just a 33 miler as too much time was spent watching cycling - Bretagne Classique/Tour of Britain/Vuelta a Espana - but I could still feel Friday's cheese platter weighing heavily on my stomach.

Going up through Old Brampton I heard jet engines low overhead, but didn't catch sight of anything. Probably the Red Arrows as they were on at Chatsworth Country Fair today.

And I'm finally over 4,000 miles for the year. Don't think I'll equal last year's 7,150.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9777370973/

Crikey, it was nice out there today, probably too nice, what's left of my brain got a bit cooked with wearing a helmet. Spent all afternoon scraping salt crystals from my hair into the salt cellar.

Did the same ride as the last couple of Tuesdays - but slower. The heat didn't help and nor did the headwind on the way back. I was quicker up to the half way point, but the long mainly downhill run into home was held back by the Easterly.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9787679791

Another very warm day with light winds. I did a Bypasser. Unusually, I went right down to Atherstone - not done that for a couple of years - and I found a short cut to take me back northward without going right into the centre of town. I think I've done that once before. I suppose there must be a way to search the times you've done a particular segment on Strava.

On the way back up I decided to take a left to take me to San GIovanni at Sheepy, for a pit stop involving a margerita. However, embarrassingly, I somehow got lost and ended up looping back onto the main road, further down than when I'd taken the turn! I decided just to head for home at this point. I came back the quick way along Gibbet Lane.

That must have been the warmest ride since last summer and I wore my skimpiest cycling clothing. But the last 45 minutes or so was glorious with a cooler breeze and that beautiful pre-sunset light.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230906bike.jpg)

I listened to a highly entertaining feature about the Rolling Stones' new album on 5 Live Drive, in which they had the guitar player from a tribute band accompany listener's Rolling Stones anecdotes with classic Stones riffs played as background music. And they played a snippet from the new single - nothing special but remarkable energy.

Back on 37.89 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9797837816

Went out for my seemingly annual ride out to some Nottinghamshire backwater for a blink and you'll miss it passage of the Tour of Britain. I'd picked the top of a King of the Mountain's point as they tend to come over more slowly there. This was Nottinghamshire though.

It was nice and pleasant when I set off, the early morning mist and low cloud had burned off, but after an hour it was starting to cook the insides of my head. Nice to catch the breeze on downhill sections though. I managed to blow away a whole bunch of riders and take the victory at the intermediate sprint point, but that was my only success...

A lot of cycling clubs out today, I'll never join one as I won't fit in. I overtake all the Coffee and Cake riders and blown away by the wannabe racers. But I'm happy with what I do.

I tried for the King of the Mountains, but what I thought was the KoM point was a 500, to go sign. My legs blew up and the wannabe racers cruised by. There were some nice bikes out though, getting the n+1 juices flowing.

Had to wait best part of an hour for the peloton to come through, but I got given a flag from the St Piran cycling team. Cornwall's finest. They weren't in the three man break though, that was the usual Bolton Equities Black Spoke Rider and Harry Tanfield and chum from Unibet-TBT. JV and Movistar were pulling the peloton along. They were all significantly quicker than me up the hill.

Then it was time to turn tail and head home. It was hot. Could've done with an extra bottle, but I kept well fed, enough fuel to complete a Fondo. Just.

It's been interesting looking at Segments I've done today and seeing names like: Wout van Aert; Olav Kooij; Nils Pollitt; Ethan Vernon and Zeb Kyffin on the list. On the KoM segment I was at least quicker than any woman, including Dutch professional rider Marjolein van't Geloof, but it appears she's on a cycle touring holiday.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9795447563/

(https://dgtzuqphqg23d.cloudfront.net/_e7AwVznxbJhy_VrOgYLfpCZJHiO8riCtBCZO6VGzgI-998x2048.jpg)

Just the 30 miles today. Legs were feeling a bit leaden, but the sun was shining and it was still coolish at 10:30. Didn't stay cool for long and I was soon sweating like a pig, but good to get out.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9801061931

Well that was a bit different. I started work at 0600 so I left early, with the intention of maybe doing 20 miles of the Lower Westbound route, then coming back.

Unfortunately I somehow missed the turn for Lullington. Realised this when I found myself about to enter Coton in the Elms. Well, no matter - I've been that way dozens of times as well. But then I missed the turn for Walton. So I found myself entering a depressingly busy and urban Burton on Trent. I kept on keeping on though until I saw a sign for Abbotts Bromley, and I took that.

Went as far as Needwood, where I stopped for a very welcome cold can of Dr Pepper at a petrol station. Then I took a sign to Barton under Needwood, which is also familiar territory.

Quite enjoyed the new bits of road between Burton and Barton under Needwood though it would be tricky to get them into a regular route without negotiating Burton.

Later, trying to get back on the usual track on the way back I unnecessarily took a turn for Lullington that was no more than a pointless detour. Then bizarrely, later on again, I strangely missed the turn to Packington and continued right on to Ashby.

I can only think that the heat must have cooked my brain a bit. It was hot out there.

On the way into Ashby I overtook a lad on a BMX. Clearly he was affronted by this and he attempted to overtake back. He pulled alongside with a huge grin on his face, bless him. He was about 13. I'm sorry to confess that I did indulge him. He was never going to catch even an old man on a Roubaix with short legs and a BMX. I suppose I shouldn't have done that, he wasn't wearing a helmet and he gave it a good go. Then again, neither was I.

I think I probably missed an opportunity today .. should have taken the day off and done Wales and back or something. Probably not going to get another opportunity for a long day on the bike in weather like this in 2023.

Listened to Steely Dan's Aja and Radio 5. Back on 49.12 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9810382056

After a couple of days spent watching people ride bicycles over rather too many mountains - I'm not talking Tour of Britain - I thought I'd better get out again.

Was getting on for 17:00 before I hit the roads and it was rather warm, so I took the gentle route up to the tops, up through the delights of Dronfield. Managed to go by someone on an e-mountain bike up through Unstone, thankfully he can't have been running on full power or I might have exploded. Nothing worse than finding out the bike you've been following has been running with assistance.

Quite surprised to end up averaging 17.5 mph for the ride as I wasn't trying to go full gas in the heat, lack of wind may have helped, and a nice downhill section.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9816509011/

I really wanted to do at least a fondo today, maybe even 100+ miles - but then the weather forecast changed to threaten thunder and showers in the afternoon. I set off at 0850 hoping to do 30 or 40 before the rain came over.

Actually spots of rain were coming down as I wheeled the bike out, but they died off ten minutes later. Warm out there from the outset, even in minimal clothing. Conditions grew uncomfortably warmer and more humid ad the ride wore on.

I went eastbound as far as Narrow Lane, which I took to hook northward to Wymeswold, then came back via Hoton. After crossing the border back into Leicestershire I detoured via Diseworth. Came back down the longer way through Griffydam and Peggs Green.

Spots of rain again over the last couple of miles but it didn't get any worse.

Listened to the Stones' Steel Wheels, then Nai Palm's Needle Paw. Then (unusually) a bit of classical. Georg Solti and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Back on 45.44. 258 this month. Looking good for 500.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9821554782

Was hoping for a 30 miler to get to 200 miles for the week, but the rain which looked like we might escape decided to start just as I finished watching today's racing. It started up again when I put my bib shorts on. Waited a bit. Rain stopped. Put Jersey on, rain came down again. It stopped. Got out.

Got an hour and a half in for 25 miles, but was it ever humid out there! Sweat was dripping out of my helmet like rain. Got home to find Mrs S still slumped on the settee texting, just as she was when I left. She needs to get a bike.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9823729935

After yesterday's complete and utter wash out, today dawned bright and cloudy. Good. Didn't feel that good though, a bit "stomachey" but hey, a ride does you good.

I did do me good, a felt a lot better at the end of it and even managed to do the ride I did last Tuesday a bit quicker. Couldn't believe the roads were so dry after yesterday. Even the spots which seem to flood after a bit of drizzle only had small puddles. maybe yesterday was just wet over my house of misery.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9840739213

Nice day. Dry, much cooler. When I stepped out of the front door I was convinced I'd need tights and a fleece. However when I actually went to get the bike out, I realised I wouldn't need the tights so I removed them there and then. I put them in my backpack, think I might need them later. But I left the fleece on.

The intention was to perform a fondo based on the Southbound route. I set off a bit before 3pm. But when I got to the crossroads at Stoney Stanton, I decided to go straight on instead of left, to do the Fosse Way version of the route. I confess that this was mainly because I could see a cutie with a colourful pair of jogging pants receding into the distance, and I wanted to get a better look.

Well - I wasn't sure I'd remember the way. Superficially it's a straight line on the map thanks to the Romans, but when you zoom in there are some tricky turns and manouevres through villages.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230913bike.jpg)

But I only needed to do another 14 miles or so, and I did. I thoroughly enjoyed doing that one again, actually. I think I've done it six or seven times at the most. I really should do it more often; even at teatime on a weekday the Fosse Way part of the route is strangely quiet, despite being a wide, very well surfaced straight road. I stopped at Brinklow to get a very nice sausage and chutney sandwich on the way back. The last time I went through there was about three Reacher novels ago; I recall that I'd just started The Enemy. Just checked and it was October last year, thought it was longer ago than that.

Took a pic of the bike at the High Cross monument, built to mark the centre of Roman Britain at the intersection of two great Roman roads.

Sorry to objectify women twice in the same post but my God there was a fit but well built young lady strolling along the pavement at Kirkby Mallory wearing tiny - I mean tiny - pink running shorts that looked like they'd been applied from an aerosol.

Oh yes, haven't seen any discarded knickers recently but there was a discarded black stocking along Bumblebee Lane.

I listened to the Rolling Stones' Voodoo Lounge (not too bad, surprisingly) and 5 Live. The comically bad radio presenter Nihal Arthanayake had Clive Myrie on his show. It's hard not to like Clive, and I find him relatable as a well-spoken articulate Northerner of a similar age myself. Sadly, but perhaps predictably, Clive's interview consisted of non-stop race-baiting and wallowing in victimhood.

Back on 62.78 miles. Third fondo this month, 24th this year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9843608076

I particularly wanted to take advantage of a warm, dry day with light winds to do a long ride. The weather forecast looks poor from Sunday and other plans have been made for me tomorrow.

So I booked the afternoon off, with the idea of sneaking out of work at about 1130 and doing 80 miles or so. Alas - my participation was required at a meeting on the afternoon, so I unbooked my half day. I thought I'd be able to get away by 1430 and maybe get in another fondo but nope, I wasn't able to get out of it until 1500.

So I settled for a Twycrosser. It's a nice Friday afternoon tradition, to mark the end of the working week. I took the S Works, because I've just changed the rear inner tube (again). I think it was a valve fault. Just wanted to check all's well with the new tube on a relatively short ride.

I had to stop for a wee after only 11 miles because it's Urology Day, apparently. 5 Live had a piece on this, and they played some running water sounds as examples of aural stimuli likely to make people want to wee. It worked. But what if I'd been stuck in a car in heavy traffic on the M1?

Anyway I came back along Fenn Lanes but took a short cut past the Judith Birch bench near Shenton. Back up through Bosworth and the villages, but I looped through Burgoland and Swepstone to extend the ride a bit.

Back on 36.21, not as much as I'd have liked. But every 30 miles at this stage is 10 miles I don't have to do in each of the last three months.

357 this month, another 100 before October will do nicely.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9855291493

Yesterday was one of those days when I just didn't feel like going out, think I've been a bit under the weather. Mrs S's fault, she'll be bringing back a lurgy or two from working in a school. I did think the weather would stop me anyway, but it wasn't that bad. I still stayed in.

Today, after a dodgy shit, I won't go into greater detail, I made it out and decided that I'd just loop around a bit and see how it goes. I went well, I looped around more than I thought and made it up to 40 miles and got 3,000ft of climbing in too. I even managed the climb up to Sutton Scarsdale at an average of 310W, not that impressive for some, but it was for me. I was hoping for 275W.

One bit I didn't enjoy was the road down to Stainsby. A field worth of mud had been brought out onto the road and I ended up rather messy, the bike even more so. I didn't dare touch the brakes as I'm sure I would have been off. A road for the Gravel bike.

I'd almost come a cropper before I'd gone a mile, I took a left turn at speed and either I forgot to stop pedalling or I'd left my left pedal in the down position. It hit the road. Mu conscious brain thought "WTF I'm going to come off" my unconscious brain - the biggest bit - got me to wrench myself upright. It seems to have altered my pedalling imbalance though, since putting the power pedals on the Giant my power had been 47%L/53%R consistently. Today it came in the other way round  :-\

https://www.strava.com/activities/9853469219/

Looks like Autumn's on the way, so I made sure to get out into the dull late afternoon today. Wasn't quite on yesterday's form, but did set my best time up the Col de Wigley of the year and then by going back round and coming in at the bottom of it my best ever time for the top of the climb. Oh the joys of a tailwind.

Nearly got taken out by some ducks which waddled out into the road on the way back, wasn't sure which way to turn, but they got airborne just in time. Little blighters.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9862265482/

Today's weather forecast threatened rain from about 4-5pm, which gave me enough time for a fondo if I got up early enough - which I did.

With a stiff breeze coming from the east, the basic plan was to do the eastbound route. However I planned a diversion on the way back, to take in a road between Thrussington and Cotes that I discovered while exploring a month or two ago.

I set off at about 0915, did the usual route for a little over 28 miles, then turned back. I'd calculated that the detour would give me the necessary 100km if I turned back at that point and I didn't want to do more than that - every unnecessary mile was a hostage to fortune with the weather. It wouldn't be the first time the rain had turned up early.

I plunged south into the detour through Ragdale and Hoby about 6 or 7 miles later. The main route out east at that point is nice and flat, but it actually runs along a sort of ridge, or spine - if you go north or south from it, you end up going sharply downhill. As I approached Hoby I was overtaken by an old bloke in a powder blue 911 with the top down. Unfortunately he wanted to take the descent, and the curve into Hoby a bit more hesitantly than I did and I had to put the brakes on more than once, to avoid colliding with his rear bumper. Annoying because I never like to waste kinetic energy or brake pad material. If you can't outpace a bike in a Porsche, maybe you shouldn't have one. Either that or refrain from overtaking on a steep descent.

Well - the detour was a bit of a rollercoaster and while it was all quite pleasant, It's only really the last few miles through Walton on the Wolds that I'd want to repeat. There are more economical ways of doing that than going all the way down to Thrussington.

I added a couple of miles by taking a wrong turn after Walton; only realised when I found myself entering Barrow on Soar. I just turned back rather than rerouting.

Listened to the Stones' Bridges to Babylon - another thoroughly decent record. Then the Singapore Grand Prix.

I didn't get rained on.

Back on 64.05 miles; fourth fondo this month. Not sure if I've ever done five in a month before but it looks like I will this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9867764398

Next week's forecast threatens rain - and wind - so I made sure to get out today, managing to return before any rain started.

Just a 34 miler, good enough to stretch the legs a bit and get over 150 miles for the week. Never overtaken so many other cyclists, mainly kids on the pavement and people out on touring bikes...

https://www.strava.com/activities/9868767187/

Wasn't going to go cycling today. The forecast was for showers in the afternoon and early evening. But I had a look at the rainfall radar forecast, which suggested I'd get away with it. So I went at about 1530. I did a Bypasser; a medium length version I guess.

Some time I must work out how many possible versions of a "Bypasser" or "Twycrosser" there are but anyway, this one went up to Ashby and down through Packington at the top, and along Atterton Lane at the bottom.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230921bike.jpg)

I thought I was going to escape untouched by precipitation until I picked up a few sporadic spots of rain near Carlton. No great hardship I thought, but five minutes later it was properly coming down. Not heavy, but not light either. But it only lasted ten minutes. I was wearing contact lenses again. I guess one big advantage of them is that they don't get pebbled by rainwater.

Shortly after I made the right turn for Heather off Odstone Lane, I was confronted by the most gobsmacking rainbow I've ever seen, in the last of the late afternoon sunshine. It was unbroken, perfect, vivid. And hypnotic; I couldn't stop gawping at it as I cycled in to Heather. Like a fluorescent arch straddling a dozen miles of the NW Leicestershire landscape.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230921rainbow.jpg)

I did stop to take a pic but it had faded a little by then and I didn't do it justice. Every colour was individually distinguishable.

Had to give the bike a clean and wipe down back at the garage but that was quite therapeutic.

Back on 35.74.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9894527870

Got out for the first time this week today. Did a bit on the Turbo yesterday just to turn the legs over, but it was a bit sweaty and nasty.

Perhaps a bit sweaty because I'm ailing slightly, I was drenched in sweat in the night and this morning's motions were none too pleasant. The sun was shining though so I had to go out!

Managed to haul my way up to the tops, but didn't bother dropping down to the Derwent Valley as it would mean a long climb again, a climb with a tailwind, but I didn't want to risk it as I didn't want to end up doing a Tom Dumoulin.

Seemed to be more cyclists about than a normal Thursday, probably all fair weather cyclists like me and had been waiting for a chance to get out. Had one follow me all the way down to Cutthorpe, I kept flicking my elbow to tell him to come by, but no, he took the opportunity to follow my line. More fool him.

The weather forecast reckoned on showers between one and two, I thought there was no chance as it was bright and sunny all my ride, yet five minutes after I got home at 13:15 the heavens opened. An accurate forecast, now that's a rarity!

https://www.strava.com/activities/9892180232

Really, I wanted to spend  my Saturday lounging around the house, but a dry day was forecast so I got up (fairly) early to do a fondo. The wind was coming mostly from the south so I thought I'd do my underused Fosse Way route again. I set off at about 0915.

I'd decided to go down through Battram rather than Bagworth over the first few miles. Usually I only come back that way, and presumably that's why I missed the left turn toward Newbold Verdon. But I carried on to Nailstone and went south via the main road, picking up the route again at Kirkby Mallory, where I realised that my unintentional detour had added about a mile.

I really enjoyed the long stretch of Fosse Way after High Cross. I don't get why it's so quiet; it's a wide, well-surfaced road. I did have a scary moment along there, though. At one point I saw a guy standing next to a motorcycle at a lay-by in the distance. He was holding something in his right arm. He extended it, and slowly brought it up to eye level.

"'kin hell", I thought to myself. "He's got a gun!" He seemed to be aiming it at something on the other side of the road. I reckoned he was about 180 metres ahead. His chances of hitting me with a pistol at that range weren't good, but obviously they were improving with every pedal stroke. I was about to perform an emergency u-turn when I realised he was taking a selfie with a phone.

I did turn back eventually, having done the necessary half-fondo distance, just south of Bretford. Stopped at the post office at Brinklow on the way back for a cheese and tomato sandwich and a Magnum ice-cream. My other half won a massive bag of Cadburys mis-shapes from the chocolate tombola (sorry, the what?) at a charity event we attended last night, so I brought a few of those with me as well, to keep me fortified on the way back.

Listened to 5 Live, and the Stones' A Bigger Bang from 2005. Another surprisingly good record (mostly).

I think I got the clothing strategy pretty much spot on today. I wasn't too cold early on, and once I took a layer off later on, I wasn't too warm.

I was back over four hours before sunset, which given that it's a nice sunny day out there did make me think I should have done a longer one. Not many nice Saturdays left this year. It's the autumn equinox today apparently.

Still - glad to have achieved my first ever quintuple fondo month. Qute an enjoyable run out. I wonder if I can sneak in another fondo this month?

https://www.strava.com/activities/9905406290

Despite having a gippy tummy again this morning, I felt much better by the time I took the bike out. So good that I took off like a rocket, a slow one, but better than I normally do.

As a creature of habit I know how well I'm doing by average speed at various points or how long to do a certain distance and today I was at the 15 mile marker on this route in under an hour, never done that before. Can't understand it as the wind wasn't a particularly helpful one, if anything it was an adverse one going up Cutthorpe.

Just for my interest I checked on one segment time and found I was 3= out of 29 for the day, one second off second at 5'30". Best time of the day was 3'50" by Ineos pro rider Ben Swift. Really shows the difference between pros and plebs and at 35 he's no spring chicken now.

So, good to get 36 miles in, be nice to do it again tomorrow, let's hope I don't spend too much time watching cycling.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9906532527/

For Comparison, Ben Swift's century ride:

https://www.strava.com/activities/9904416233/

Didn't manage 36 miles, just the 32. It was enough, I think I put too much into yesterday so the tank was empty today.

Smelt like Autumn today. Looked like Autumn today, strong wind blowing leaves off the trees, felt pleasurably warm though, even without any sun. It's those subtropical winds.

The coming week's forecast now looks a bit iffy. We shall see.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9913377279/

I started work unreasonably early this morning with a view to downing tools at about 2pm to take advantage of more decent weather. Very mild, intermittently sunny with a stiff wind coming from the south.

I set off at 2:10pm with a fragile intention of doing a southbound fondo. I'll probably get another fondo in at the weekend, so if I'd done one today, I'd end up having done seven fondos in September.

But after 15 miles or so, common sense kicked in. There's a balance to be struck, isn't there? I do have other things to do with my life than riding a bike all the time. So I decided to turn back after 22 miles. I came home the slightly longer way through Battram and was back on 44.71.

I listened to the Stones' album of blues covers from 2016, their most recent to date, Blue and Lonesome. Not bad at all. Not great.

Nice out there, enjoyable run out. 565 done this month and I think I can squeeze another 100 out before October is upon us.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9918778384

Well, that's September all done and dusted. From last week's forecast for this week I thought I'd get over 600 miles in, but alas it was not to be.

Tuesday was rained off. Yesterday I got out hoping for a 40 miler, but rain put paid to that and I ended up on 23 miles.

Today I completed what I intended to do yesterday and got 41 miles in. Just stayed locally and did four circuits from Barrowhill. On the climb up Long Lane my times were all within 4s of each other, which was pleasing as I felt knackered up the last one. Slower than yesterday due to a switch from a South East to South West wind.

Jut the 555 miles in September, leaving me over 1,000 miles behind last year's end of September tally and that's with being fully retired for a year and not just for four months like last year!

Once again I started work at a preposterous hour - working from home allows you to spring out of bed and start at 0530 if you wake up early and feel like it - so I was able to leave early with a view to getting a fondo in. I'm unlikely to be able to do one at the weekend now due to another commitment on Sunday, and dodgy weather on Saturday afternoon.

The wind was coming from the south so I did the regular southbound route. Once I again I didn't bother going right down to Welford, I just turned back on the half fondo distance.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/230928bike.jpg)

The headwind was a bit stiff on the way down, but I see I managed a few PRs (as usual, without trying to) on the way back.

The animals in the photo are, I believe, bulls rather than cows. One of them tried to mount one of the other ones while I was taking a wee. They all came right up to the fence. Last time I parked a bike against a fence next to some cows a few years ago one of them started to lick the saddle, so I withdrew the bike to a safe distance this time.

Stopped at the bench at Gilmorton for a quick snack on the way back, but didn't use the village shop this time.

Listened to Cockney Rebel's The Best Years Of Our Lives which I hadn't played since I was 16. It really is a great record, just as I remembered. What a shame it took me the best part of 50 years to revisit it.

Also listened to an interview with Michael Palin on 5 Live. Michael is 80 now.

Back on 62.44. 628 this month and 4777 this year, so 6000 looks doable.

Six fondos this month! Pleased with that.

A decent weather day for a change and certainly mild enough, so I left work early to kick off the October cycling month. I had half a mind to do a fondo and had taken food and lights, but a strong suspicion that I'd end up doing 40 or so instead.

I chose the Lower Westbound route, with a slight modification in that I went via Packington. Unusually, I came back that way as well, normally I avoid it due to the long climb from Measham.

Stiff wind coming from the west, but it wasn't too bothersome. The BBC promised 0% chance of rain, but I did get a few spots of rain for te n minutes near Lullington.

Got as far as Kings Bromley, by which time I'd decided I wasn't going to do a fondo. I'd done 21.5 miles. I turned right at the T junction there (always turned left before, toward Abbots Bromley) to go exploring. But there wasn't much to see. I turned for home half a mile later. Should manage a long one at the weekend, the weather looks good.

Listened to an interview with Adrian Edmonson on 5 Live. Then I listened to the Kiss debut album. Back on 45.5 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9977043649

Finally made it out in October and it's still warm enough for short sleeves and bib-tights :)

Could probably have got out yesterday but it kept threatening to rain so I kept putting it off. Decided to hop on the Turbo Trainer for an hour and it cleared up beautifully. Hey-ho.

Actually did the recommended by the garmin sprint training on the Turbo. It was awful. Twenty minute warm up, then twenty repeats of trying to average 550-650W for 10s then cool down for 20s. Five minutes of low wattage then repeat the twenty again. Bloody resistance on the trainer increased massively for the 10s bits and I could barely turn the pedals round. Hit the target once out of forty.

Recommend session on the road today was sprint training again. Bollocks to that I don't want to be Cav. Just stayed locally but tried my own sprint intervals. I can do 550W for 10s on the road when it's flat. Wouldn't conceive of doing it on a busy road though.

So, I managed almost 36 miles and managed to get back my preferred way today now bloody roadworks have cleared up.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9974590106

Got another 35 miler in today. Still warm enough to bare the old arms and legs, but a good job it didn't start raining until I got home.

Did three laps of a circuit setting consistent times up hilly bits. Which was nice.

https://www.strava.com/activities/9980928768

Didn't leave work particularly early, but I didn't want to do a particularly long one. Will probably do a 100 miler on Sunday, all being well. A powerful wind was coming from the south-west, so I did a bypasser.

Listened to Kiss' Hotter Than Hell and Greg Howe's Wheelhouse. Very nice out there early on, sunny and warm enough to have the old legs out. Cloudy later. Then dark. Back about 50 minutes after sunset.

Normally I like to include the bike in a scenic pic, but there was nothing useful to lean it against for this one. From Orton Lane looking west into Warwickshire.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231006bike.jpg)

Back on 40.45 miles.
https://www.strava.com/activities/9989344679

If, and it's a big if, if I have a failing in life then it's procrastination. Back in June the front derailleur cable went on my Bianchi broke and I still haven't got round to fixing it. Hey, I have more bikes. Then yesterday the rear derailleur cable on the Giant showed signs of giving up the ghost - won't work across all the rear cassette.

Still, I've got the gravel bike, but I don't fancy riding off road at the moment, the weather's still good. so I swapped out the chunky tyre wheels and stuck the Bianchi's decent set of road wheels on. The power pedals too.

Even though the gravel bike is low geared I find it slower uphill, I think because I ride in the same gear on the rear cassette which with the smaller chainrings makes it a much lower gear than I'd normally be in. Then again there was a stiff wind today, looking at the figures I was putting out the same power which has got me up the hill through Cutthorpe over a minute quicker.

It sure was nice out there for October - apart from the wind - and apart from close passing berks in mercs. This Global warming lark has a lot going for it :)

https://www.strava.com/activities/9995357137/

Warm sunshine was forecast for today with a light wind coming from the south, so I decided a run down to Northampton and back was in order. I'd planned to set off at about 0830 but as usual I woke up early and decided to get up and get on with it. I was away just after sunrise at 0720.

Cool at that time of day, but I'd applied several layers. I stashed my fleece, long-sleeved tunic and leg warmers into my camo bag and hid it in a hedge after the first 37 miles. The temperature had climbed very quickly over the preceding half hour. I should have stashed it earlier really, it was annoying having a stuffed camo bag in my backpack on the last 37 miles home.

I arrived at Northampton before noon having done 46 miles. I first visited the town 40 years ago this year. My girlfriend at the time was studying for a degree at Nene College, which is the reason I went there in the first place. So I thought I'd see I could find the old campus where she studied, and lived in Halls for her first year. But I couldn't find it. Maybe it's been closed down now.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231008bike.jpg)

On the way back, wanting to add a few miles I took a left for a place called Ravensthorpe to go exploring but I turned back to the usual route after about a mile when I found myself about to go down a steep-ish hill. Later on I took a right to go past the gliding club near Husbands Bosworth. Didn't see any gliders taking off this time, but there were three parked on the grass. My excursion added about three miles, enough to see me home on triple figures.

Stopped at the Co-op at Stoney Stanton after 18 miles for two warm croissants, then later at the petrol station at Welford on the way back for a bit of a feast including a Magnum ice cream, which I consumed on the bench opposite.

Just lovely out there, like a warm summer's day. I don't think there've been many October days when I've been out cycling in shorts and a short-sleeved top.

I listened mostly to Talk Radio, a bit of footy on 5 Live and the Kiss album Dressed to Kill. Then I started the next Reacher novel, Gone Tomorrow.

Back on 100.44.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10001634689

Got a near 35 miler in today to get me to 140 road miles for the week. Would have been a shame to miss this nice weather and having watched the Tour of Turkey, the World Gravel championships (gravellier than last year) and Fem van Empel pulverising the rest of the field in the women's CX I thought I out to get out there and put rubber to tarmac.

It was just a case of meandering around today to reach a suitable total. Did Thursday's 3x loop backwards just the once today. Funny how different it seems in reverse. Then went up past the Hardwick Halls, nice to have no traffic coming up behind me on the way up with it being late in the afternoon, so no need to flog it trying not to hold up my Lords and Masters in their vehicles of entitlement.

Feels funny working up so much of a sweat in October and a pity the sun sets before 18:30 now.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10002234912/

Absolutely gorgeous cycling day today. We took the road bikes out for a 35-miler. It felt like mid-summer out there. A fairly regular flat route out to Charney Bassett. After 25 miles we stopped off for a light lunch of sausage roll, carrot cake and cappuccino at Lynwoods in Bampton. Back to Witney for a relaxing four pints sat in the sunshine outside The Fleece and The Horseshoes.
A belter of a day and probably the last hurrah of summer

A temperature of 20C was forecast for the afternoon, so I donned minimal cycling clothing for probably the last time until March or so and left work early to take advantage of the last gasp of summer.

I wanted to do about 40 miles, but realised half way through the ride that I hadn't brought a mount for the front light, so I decided to keep it fairly short. I did do 38.71 in the end.

Listened to 5 Live for as much as I could stomach - Labour's media wing can be intolerable during their party conference. Then the Kiss album Destroyer.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231010flag.jpg)

Wore contact lenses again, they're great for cycling except that for some reason, although my left eye is unaffected, my right eye goes very teary. I must look like I'm in some sort of asymmetric emotional distress.

I took the pic at Newton Burgoland, a few miles from home. For full disclosure, I have digitally removed the Flag of St George and replaced it with the Union Flag.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10014259413

Before today's ride, I had a look back to see what sort of ride I did on this Tuesday last year. Found out it was a 42 miler with a temperature of 11C. Today's ride was over a similar parcours and ended up at a shade over 40 miles in a temperature of 18C.

What I also noticed, from my ride title was that I had a rear wheel spoke break. Guess what? I had a rear wheel spoke break again today! Lightning strikes twice! It was on one of my good wheels today though, snapped off right against the wheel rim. All down to hitting a pothole. I  know its there, but today I was concentrating on watching what the van in front of me was doing, he kept speeding up and slowing down and was showing signs of turning right, but no indicators on. Forgot where I was on the road and BANG! hit the hole. Checked all my teeth first as they got well rattled, then the front wheel, that seemed OK, the rear wheel though looked out of true. I stopped found the broken spoke and was glad I was only a mile from home so took it steadily back.

Doubt the council would be bothered with the pothole as it's not big enough to worry car drivers, but is just the right size - 8" x 2" - to trouble cyclists.

Apart from that it was a nice ride, good views up the Hope Valley and over to Kinder Scout and the chance of fast descents with a tail wind.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10011992041

I've just noticed that my last ride was my 100th of this year, and took me over 5,000 miles done in 2023. I'm now 2 miles short of the 2017 total (5004) and 38 short of the 2021 total (5040).

It's Autumn. Had to put on bib-tights and a long sleeved jersey today. Well, I didn't have to, I think I would have coped going uphill but got a bit chilly on the downhills.

Gravel bike is now in full gravel set up, but I kept to the roads today, although most are in such a state that they're not far off being gravel tracks. I'd then barely gone a mile when I found the way blocked by a couple of fallen trees. If only I could bunny-hop. Although there's a chance they could have been big branches dropped there by the builders truck filled with car tyres and old car seats which had potentially been disturbed by me and a car coming the other way.

After that it was a nice ride out, didn't go the route I'd planned in my head, but there's always the weekend for that. Didn't fancy too steep a hill today. So I ended up on 36 miles for the day instead of 40, but then I'm not sure the planned ride would have been 40 anyway. Maybe I'll find out one day.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10024721465/

A day that I probably would have called "mild" this time last year, but because we've been spoiled recently it didn't really feel like it.

Still - I wrapped up in a few layers and was comfortable enough. A light wind was coming from the south-west so I thought I'd do 20 or so miles of the Lower Westbound route, then come back. In fact I realised - again - that I'd forgotten to bring a front light mount, so I cut it a bit shorter than I wanted again. Turned back after about 18 miles. On a whim though I continued along Acresford Road on the way back instead of turning for Measham, and I came through Appleby Magna and Starestone on the way back.

I listened to Kiss' Rock and Roll Over and 5 Live.

Back on 36.96, and that's 262 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10027265625

I was going to do a fondo today, so I was a little dismayed to find this morning that the forecast had changed to threaten rain in the afternoon. But I decided I'd just suck it up.

It was cold. I had to put a few layers on.

The wind was coming from the north-west so I decided on the Upper Westbound route - up through Coleorton, over Swarkestone Bridge and west along the A road. I'd done 24 miles when I hit a snag, in the form of a flood along Leathersley Lane. Judging by the road vehicles that were ploughing through it, it was at least seven inches deep and the complete width of the road. So - I turned back.

When I came to the main road again (Uttoxeter Road) I turned left to go west, in the hope that I'd be able to loop round the flood from the north. But I ended up in the same place, right in front of it again. When I got to Uttoxter Road again I turned westward again, but this time went as far as Foston, then turned back. Foston is a bit of a dead end unless you want to go on the A50. So I turned for home.

I only had a few miles to make up by this time. I did a brief excursion to Etwall, and a detour into Coalville on the way back. I stopped for a sausage roll and a Fry's Chocolate Cream at the petrol station near Hatton.

I listened to a range of opinions on the Israel / Palestine conflict on LBC, some more of the Reacher novel (Gone Tomorrow) and the Kiss album Love Gun.

The threatened rain didn't materialise until a minute after I'd put the bike back in the garage. Nice timing. Actually it was mostly sunny in the afternoon.

As an experiment I used the phone to track the ride. Even after more than 60 miles of tracking and a couple of hours of audiobook playback, I still had 75% battery power when I got back. I used my old Soleus GPS watch as a sort of simple mileometer. It will track rides of course but you need a Windows PC to get the data off it, which I can't be bothered with. Its other annoying foible is that it exaggerates distances - it was claiming more than 60 miles done when I'd only just done 59 according to the phone.

Back on 62.79.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10037716452

I was going to do 40 miles today. Weather was sunny until I got suited and booted, then it rained. Soon cleared though as did the skies so I set off.

I was on my Ridley today and overtook a bloke who was also riding one, not that I noticed. He made sure to catch up with me and talk Ridley's because you don't see many of them on the road. I think he was riding the previous year's iteration of my bike.

Went out up the Birkin Lane climb today. It was awful. Strava reckons on it being 0.7 miles at an average of 9%. It felt an awful lot more than 9%, my Garmin seemed to be showing 14% for ages. I've never enjoyed going up it but today was a trial. Maybe the headwind didn't help. Then when I got to the top the clouds rolled over and it started raining/hailing. Lovely.

I ploughed on manfully though and managed to ride through it into the sunshine. Cold sunshine, but sunshine, I was regretting having fingerless gloves on, icy fingers dropped my oat bar onto the road. At the point where I could have turned off to make sure I got 40 miles in I didn't bother as dark clouds had returned, couldn't face more rain, so I dropped down to home, managing to outpace the inclement elements.

Finished just shy of 36 miles and was quite pleased to find I had set my highest average power output over 2 hours and now have a VO2 max of 55. Made up for feeling like an empty husk.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10038188208/

Think I suffered for yesterday's power output. The legs were nearly empty today, still at least it was wall to wall sunshine for my 30 miles and long fingered gloves kept my digits toasty.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10044939296

I woke up early this morning which is not unusual, but instead of dozing and going back to sleep as usual I let my mind wander, and I was wide awake by 0630. So I got up and started work there and then. Very handy having a two minute commute.

That meant I was able to leave work early of course, but instead of having an afternoon nap, I decided I'd do a fondo. A light wind was coming from the east and the conditions were nice and dry, if a bit cold. So I did the usual eastbound route, except that I experimented a bit with a detour near Burton on the Wolds.

I only wanted to do the regulation 62.14 miles and my detour threw my mental arithmetic out a bit, but I made up the distance with a bit of faffing around over the last couple of miles.

Listened to LBC, Dynasty by Kiss and more of the Reacher novel. Nice out there, quite bright. Back about an hour after sunset, but I had lights.

Back on 62.48. That was this year's 30th fondo.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10050577919

Didn't really feel like going out this morning. Had an awful night's sleep and felt like I was coming down with a cold. It was bit misty and grim too. If the almighty Garmin had advised a rest day or 30 minute recovery ride then I'd have put my feet up. However, it recommended an hour and fifty two minutes base level ride and the sun came out. Off I went.

Not far though. Just out through the delights of Calow and doing a few circuits based around Cock Alley. Surprised at how much elevation gain I managed to pack in and surprised to find a Hulley's bus coming round a 90 degree bend on Back Lane. Can't for the life of me think why that would be a bus route. Maybe people want to go and buy potatoes from Calow Green farm.

Went a minute over the recommended time, but managed a Base level ride. Only 27 miles though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10054429776/

Sun was out from the word go today, so I felt more like going out. After three cold rides I could have been back to summer garb today as it had warmed up considerably, would probably have got chilled in the wind though, whilst it was sweaty work going uphill, once in the wind it cooled you off rapidly.

Did a ride I'd last done at the end of May, did it marginally quicker - on the same bike and set up - which I suppose is good. Would have been quicker if I hadn't had to come back into a headwind. Had to put out 450W to get up to 30 mph on a downhill bit. Not good. Although it still feels easier than doing 450W uphill. Don't think I can put out 450W uphill...

Got the Bianchi in for a service now. Can't say as I'm keen on the bloke putting up pictures of it on his Facebook page, but at least I can see some of the work he's been doing. Mind he's also got a Cervélo bike in, their cheapest bike costs more than my Bianchi as far as I can see.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10060707577

Managed to find an hour and a half dry slot before lunch. If I'd waited until after lunch I could have got two and a half hours in, but how am I to know the weather forecast would be wrong?

Just 22 miles, but it's 22 miles better than nothing and better than going on the Turbo Trainer. The only good thing about the Turbo is that you don't get Squirrels running out in front of you all the time! There were hundreds of the furry blighters about today, they can be a real menace. Thankfully I avoided them all. Didn't avoid sweating like a pig though, it was well warm today.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10066676595

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 19, 2023, 09:51:37 PMManaged to find an hour and a half dry slot before lunch. If I'd waited until after lunch I could have got two and a half hours in, but how am I to know the weather forecast would be wrong?

Just 22 miles, but it's 22 miles better than nothing and better than going on the Turbo Trainer. The only good thing about the Turbo is that you don't get Squirrels running out in front of you all the time! There were hundreds of the furry blighters about today, they can be a real menace. Thankfully I avoided them all. Didn't avoid sweating like a pig though, it was well warm today.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10066676595

One of those furry blighters broke my pal's clavicle by trying to run through his front wheel!

Quote from: David L on October 19, 2023, 10:40:30 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 19, 2023, 09:51:37 PMManaged to find an hour and a half dry slot before lunch. If I'd waited until after lunch I could have got two and a half hours in, but how am I to know the weather forecast would be wrong?

Just 22 miles, but it's 22 miles better than nothing and better than going on the Turbo Trainer. The only good thing about the Turbo is that you don't get Squirrels running out in front of you all the time! There were hundreds of the furry blighters about today, they can be a real menace. Thankfully I avoided them all. Didn't avoid sweating like a pig though, it was well warm today.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10066676595

One of those furry blighters broke my pal's clavicle by trying to run through his front wheel!

Bloke smashed his face in when one ran through his front wheel a couple of years back. can't stand it when I see them dash out in front of me, I like having teeth!

https://metro.co.uk/2021/06/01/cyclist-fractures-face-after-hitting-squirrel-while-hurtling-down-hill-at-35mph-14685250/

I do see them quite often but they haven't caused me any grief so far. I do see a lot of dead ones. Best kind, probably.

Quote from: Slim on October 20, 2023, 12:09:01 PMI do see them quite often but they haven't caused me any grief so far. I do see a lot of dead ones. Best kind, probably.

There seem to be far more grey squirrels around than ever before. I think we should start eating them - 'nutty', I suspect

Quote from: Slim on October 20, 2023, 04:22:17 PM

Mmmmm, Tamsin Greig. I bet she tastes nice too!

Glorious day today so went out and managed a 34 miler.. not been out since sept 5th which is not good ...

Also managed a 34-miler today. Lovely ride. First time in leggings, gloves and overshoes for months. Nice when the sun came out later. 15.5mph average. Wife rode like a beast today 😁

A dry day today, the first for a while, with a light wind coming from the south. I'd hoped to be away by 0900 or so, but slept in until 0945. I set off, eventually, at 1040. Still plenty of time for a fondo.

I did the southbound route, once again taking a detour past the gliding club over the last few miles. Nice out there on the whole. Intermittently sunny. Warmer after the first couple of hours.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231022bike.jpg)

There were reports on the news this morning of flooding near Derby and Leicester, but I didn't see anything worse than deep puddles.

Didn't see any gliders taking off or landing either, just a few parked on the grass,

Listened to another couple of hours of the Reacher novel, and the Kiss album Music from The Elder. Nice few hours out on a bike.

Back on 66.01. 453 this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10086534658

Went out and got 35 miles in today.

Didn't make it out yesterday as my brother came over and most of the roads I make my way out of town on were still flooded and those which weren't were very busy.

Consulted Google Maps and Derbyshire Roadwork websites before setting off and saw lots of roads were still closed, but if I went out along Newbridge Lane I should then be able to fit in an uninterupted ride.

Wrong. Up in Holmesfield there was a "Police Road Closed" sign on the brow of a hill. Rubbish, I thought and crested it. It was right. Run off from the fields had left a two foot deep lake at the bottom of a dip and everyone - bar a Land Rover - was turning round. Bum. Nothing to do but turn round.

Hopes of getting 40 miles in now receded and thankfully waters had receded where a road was still closed yesterday, there was still a decent depth across the road but shallow enough in the middle and certainly no threat to the Bottom Bracket. Had a smile at the BMW left just after the flood which had obviously conked out there on Friday or Saturday on an attempt to get through. LOL. Funnily enough most the flooded roads which were photographed round Chesterfield on Friday had a Beemer adrift in the middle of them :) Should make the roads safer for cyclists for a few days.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10085736127

A couple of days ago there was nothing but rain in the forecast for the coming week, but in practice the weather always gives you a bit of unexpected respite. And so it proved this afternoon - nice and dry, very low winds and fairly mild. The sun even came out for a while.

No clear intention on where I was going to go or what I was going to do. I made it up as I went along. But I definitely wanted to go up Top Brand. I did that then went round to Diseworth, through Castle Donington and west to Shardlow.

I got as far as the very outskirts of Derby, then turned back. I took a road off toward Aston, intending to come back down over Swarkestone Bridge, but somehow ended up back in Shardlow. I was happy with that though because I didn't really fancy Rotter's Rise on the way back.

Somehow, without actually trying to, I came back exactly the same way after Shardlow. I was quite surprised when I saw the track on Strava. Hadn't even realised I'd done that.

Wanted to do at least 40 really, but - it was an enjoyable ride. Back on 37.30, a minute after sunset.

I listened to the Reacher novel for the entire ride. Some really grim content. But gripping.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10097666989

Had my Bianchi in for its service and repairs last week, got it back on Friday, but of course it's pissed it down immensely since then, so I kept it indoors.

However, today was sunny, sunshine's nice, so out we went, once I'd put the power pedals back on. Bike seems fine now, but I think I need servicing now. Heart rate went up much higher than recently and the power read out was way down on what I'd expect. Maybe it was the back of my mind just holding me back a bit as the roads were well covered in gravel and mud in places and there's still water streaming over the roads in places.

No floods left thankfully, but looking before I went out I saw most of my regular roads have roadworks on them, probably sorting out flood damage.

Nice in the sun for 32 miles, even if I wasn't as quick as I would have hoped. Looks like more rain is incoming, so may not even get in 450 miles in October, let alone 500 - unless I man up and get wet...

https://www.strava.com/activities/10101642341

Well that was an odd one. With a light wind coming from the south I thought I'd do a bit of the southbound route and come back. I took a bit of a detour after Ellistown. After 14 miles I couldn't be bothered with the climb into Earl Shilton so I turned back to Kirkby Mallory and took the road from there to Sutton Cheney.

After that I took a road I've only done a few times, to Market Bosworth. From there I had the idea to go to Sheepy Magna but I couldn't for the life of me work out how to do that in my head - so after a bit of faffing around I gave up and came back northward to home, albeit via a rather circuitous route up the main road then left to Barton in the Beans.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231026bike.jpg)

A remarkable sight confronted me coming down the last hill before the turn for Heather - the ground ahead and below me was swathed in a ghostly fog. I took a pic but didn't quite manage to capture it. It was a while after sunset though, so actually it's a testament to the low light capability of my phone that I got a decent image at all.

For some reason at about the same time, a helicopter was lurking a few hundred feet up about half a mile to the east. Police helicopter maybe?

Fortunately I was through the ground-hugging fog after a couple of minutes.

The roads were a bit wet after a lot of rain overnight and this morning. For days the BBC had been forecasting showers for this afternoon. They withdrew their threat this morning. However it turns out they were right all along. But I only had to put up with light rain for ten minutes. The sun was shining nicely at the same time.

Finished the Reacher novel.

That one was more about getting another 30-odd miles in than the experience, but it was quite enjoyable nonetheless.

Back on 38.21 which leaves me on 5306 this year. Just 694 to do to hit 6,000 for 2023.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10109452090

I got out eventually. I know it's grim up North, but Chesterfield has been under a cloud of dismality for far to long a lately. It didn't clear up today until two hours later than forecast and then the rain came again.

But not for long, the sun did come out, precipitating a bit more rain for a while, but it came out. Even though the roads were wet and still muddy, I took the Bianchi out again. Need to get reacquainted with it. It may well have been serviced, but on Wednesday the rear cassette was all over the place. Whenever I have a bike serviced the rear cassette indexing seems to go to pot. I've used several bike mechanics, but it always seems to happen. Why I don't know, but I got it working nicely on Friday.

Managed to get up to the tops today. Took it steadilyish, plenty of others out and about too. Maybe they'd been waiting for the weather to clear or maybe like me they'd been watching the Cyclo Cross. Probably the former, can't see there being too many CX saddos in these here parts.

Got back with 35 miles in bang on the stroke of sunset. If I spend too long watching CX tomorrow be lucky to get 20 miles in with the clocks going back. Finally though, I'm over 5,000 miles for the year. Longest it's taken me to get there since 2017.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10120250564/

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 28, 2023, 09:40:59 PMI got out eventually. I know it's grim up North...

You're not up North, you're in.........Chesterfield  ;)

Quote from: David L on October 28, 2023, 10:40:33 PM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on October 28, 2023, 09:40:59 PMI got out eventually. I know it's grim up North...

You're not up North, you're in.........Chesterfield  ;)

the North begins at Clay Cross. The "Trve" Northerners may not like it, but there you go. Back in the day watching things like Coronation Street, I didn't know you cared and Last of the Summer Wine, Chesterfield was always the furthest South people could go and still feel comfortable.

Mansfield *spits*, which is roughly the same latitude as Chesterfield is very much a Midlands town. Funny old world.

When I was young I knew I'd reached the North when you could start to smell coal fires. Coming up the A1 that would be Nottingham for sure

A dry, reasonably mild, sunny day with a moderate wind coming from the south. I thought I'd go down Fosse Way. No firm intention to do a fondo though I thought it was likely. So I did that but, after 29 miles, when I came to the crossroads a few miles north of Brinklow, I turned right instead of going straight over. The right turn was signposted to Nuneaton. Certainly I could find my way home from there, and I guessed it was probably five or six miles away (actually it was about seven).

I hoped I'd find an opportune moment to turn off the road before going all the way into Nuneaton but I didn't, so I ended up going right into the town. Unfortunate, because it was remarkably busy for a Sunday and at one point I took the wrong lane at a roundabout and ended up in an Asda car park.

Anyway I found my way to the railway station. I've driven home from there many a time so I was on familiar territory now. I wanted to go to Sheepy Magna on the way back though for a pit stop at San Giovanni, so I took a left onto Atterton Lane, then Myth Lane from the main road.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231029bike.jpg)

Unfortunately, Myth Lane was flooded and there was no way round it so I had to backtrack. I found my way to Sheepy eventually through Atherstone. I stopped at a Greggs there for a sandwich and a sticky bun. For some reason I missed my usual route out of the town (I've probably only cycled through there about ten times) and I ended up on the A5. Scary, but the turn off for Sheepy came up quickly, thankfully. A quick half Peroni at San G then I came back via Gibbet Lane.

Nice to go adventuring and do something a bit different. I quite enjoyed the stretch between Fosse Lane and Nuneaton. Perhaps I'll plan a route that uses most of it but doesn't go right into the town.

Back on 66.88, 595 in October so far. Might be able to squeeze in a few more October miles on Tuesday, looking at the forecast.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10126607919

Managed to get out today eventually. Watched the women's CX race, but thought I'd better watch the men's on catch up now that sunset's early.

For some reason I thought I needed to do 50 miles to get to 500 for October. Why I don't know as today's 35 got me there with 4 miles to spare. I had planned to ride a flatter route than normal in the vain hope of averaging 25mph for a couple of hours. Good job I didn't try flogging myself.

Even with a flatter route I still got in over 2,000' of climbing in 35 miles, been three years since I went out that way too, used to be a good way of getting in some quick miles by going up and down the Markham Vale road, but since all the distribution depots opened up down there I don't bother as it's full of juggernauts heading too or from the M1. Even on a Sunday afternoon there was a bit too much Gist activity.

That's it for October as I'm off for another Epicurean Escape in the genuinely grim Northlands of Yorkshire.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10126562136/

I was very happy to see the forecast change to offer a respite from the rain today, although the roads were still wet. I started work early, downed tools early and, with a stiff wind coming from the west, was off on the old Lower Westbound trail by 1330.

I did about 25 miles, then came back. Fairly sunny for the first couple of hours, then dark. As usual when cycling after dark I had to put up with a few oncoming cars with full beam on, but carefully aiming a head torch into the driver's eyes for a moment seems to do the trick.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231103bike.jpg)

Listened to 5 Live. Back on 52.26. I feel I should have done another 10 really to make it a fondo, but I'm glad to have an entry in the spreadsheet for November. More on Sunday I hope unless the forecast changes.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10154528466

Wish I'd got going in November. Nice day for it, but I've been feeling grotty. Got back from my Gourmet Getaway to find the boy barking like a seal with his coughing and the budgie's wheezing like a punctured accordion, think I'm coming down with it now.

Hopefully Sunday...

Wife is away with a pal on a couple of pamper days so woke up this morning around 7. couldn't get back to sleep so thought I'd get up n organised and try a ride.. never done early morning before..

Have to say thoroughly enjoyable.  Was on 30 miles when I had some chain trouble.. chain back on but not working thru the gears..mmmm annoying will need to check it out later...

Wanted to do the time-honoured Upper Westbound Fondo today. Sunny, no rain, fairly mild and not too windy - but there's a lot of standing water around at the moment.

I took this image of Ferry Lane, off the Beloved A Road as I passed it - fortunately I had no intention of going that way, but thought it was worth a pic.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231105flood.jpg)

So I wasn't surprised when, about nine miles later, my path was blocked by a flood near Scropton. A couple out cycling were coming the other way so I let them try it first so I could gauge the depth. At the deepest point their chainrings were part-submerged.

So I gave it a miss and turned back. I headed down through Tutbury instead. I didn't have that far to go to make up the necessary mileage for a fondo before heading homeward, so I went exploring. I followed a sign out of Tutbury for a place called Rolleston on Dove and that was really a very pleasant stretch of road. But ultimately, a couple of miles after Rolleston, it ended in a T junction with the A50. After turning back I followed a sign for a place called Stretton. That took me to Burton on Trent, ultimately. I turned back at a roundabout near the Burton Albion ground before going too far into the centre.

Back the same way to Tutbury, then the A road, then homeward. I realised at my 20-miles-from-home point that I was going to be short of a fondo. I didn't fancy the hill south of Melbourne (aka Rotter's Rise) anyway so I detoured home via Shardlow and Castle Donington.

I also took a detour into Donington via a place called Hemington. I'd noticed this opportunity while perusing maps a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately this involved a brutal climb up a narrow, twisty, but inexplicably beautifully-surfaced road that was far worse than Rotter's Rise. This led to a sphincter-tightening steep descent to the main road in Donington which had me jamming the brakes on tight, and I hate to waste kinetic energy.

Saw two Airbuses taking off just as I was passing the airport. One going to Antalya, the other going to Lanzarote. I checked when I got home.

Listened to 5 Live and 6 Music. Very entertaining game between Forest and Villa.

Anyway, back the usual way from Donington and home on 69.37, about half an hour after sunset. That's 122 this month despite the weather, pleased with that. And 5495 this year, which takes me past last year's total (5477). More on Tuesday hopefully.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10166607425

Finally made it out for November. Thankfully what ever I was coming down with on Friday didn't really kick in and was back to my general state of semi out off fitness by today.

Took a while to get out though, too much Cyclocross to watch, yesterday's day in the European was postponed so there were two days worth today - well done Zoe Backstedt for winning the U23 for GB - and I still have the elite men to watch.

Ended up riding what I would have done a fortnight ago if there hadn't been any floods. It looked like the traffic lights in Unstone had gone. Wrong. I was at the front of the Queue when they turned red which meant I had to really gun it when they turned green as it was an uphill ride. Had to stick out over 500W until I got through to the other side then still had to keep going until there was enough room for following traffic to get safely by. I then collapsed over my handlebars for a bit, a week off the bike buggers me...

Plenty of other people out today, I expect they were making the most of a dry day. Couldn't believe how many didn't have lights fitted though, this was not long before sunset and I was still up on the Moors and not many people live out that way. I did get a bit fed up of people overtaking me - in cars - when traffic was coming the other way. Why can't people wait five seconds?

Still, I got out and did 15 minutes after sunset to get to 33 miles for the day.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10166197523/

Thought I was going to regret not going out in yesterday's sunshine as today's forecast of a dry morning looked distinctly off whenever I looked out of the window. But I took a punt on it staying dry - but didn't hang out the washing for Mrs S, just in case - and headed out on the highway.

Didn't stray too far from home so as to be able to make a quick return should it turn inclement and started off doing a few laps of Cock Alley. All done on the gravel bike as I didn't want to risk Schwalbe Pro Ones being shredded on damp gravelly roads. Unlike some I don't consider them to be made out of Moth wings, but they aren't the most substantial of tyres.

Managed to stick with it for a couple of hours and get 30 miles in, which was enough. Tomorrow looks like being damp, then on Thursday morning when it's looking sunny. Mrs S has booked me in for a haircut, I only had one back in February >:(

https://www.strava.com/activities/10176100104

The weather forecast held a threat of showers at around 5pm, although this had been withdrawn by midday. I left work early and set off at 1500 to do a Twycrosser (I thought Orton Lane might be a bt too waterlogged for a Bypasser).

About a quarter hour later, rain. Cold, persistent and somewhat unpleasant. About 45 minutes later though as I approached Twycross, the rain died away to be replaced by blue skies, yellowy fluffy clouds and sunshine, and the roads were dry. Looks like if I'd set off an hour earlier I'd have missed the rain. It was actually really nice out there by this time in the last of the afternoon light. I mostly dried out except for my feet, which were in woolly hiking socks.

Back on to the wet roads as I approached Bosworth coming back up north. Pretty horrible in the dark. I enjoy cycling in the dark mostly but wet roads are annoying even with a bright front light.

Came back up through Newton Burgoland and Ibstock. Quite an enjoyable run out on the whole. Back on 37.35. 159 done this month, I hope to get that up to about 400.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10178439021

I set off on a Bypasser at about 1500.

Twice in the last week, the weather forecast has changed from rain to dry in the afternoon, but it rained anyway. And today, once more, by midday the BBC had replaced the rain cloud symbol in the forecast for the afternoon to a harmless-looking white one without the raindrops coming out of it.

It didn't take the wisdom of Nadine Dorries to work out that it would probably rain regardless. And it did, but it was very light and only lasted half an hour.

I was going to go down to Kisses Barn Lane at the bottom end, but Orton Road was closed off near Warton, so I backtracked and took Sheepy Lane instead.

Mostly listened to liberal conspiracy theories about the Home Secretary on LBC.

I had the bright idea of using the Strava app on my phone to record the ride since I have an old-fashioned magnet-driven bike computer on the Tricross handlebars. Unfortunately the app (or the GPS chip on the phone) seems to have gone into some sort of weird minimalist mode. It only saved a couple of dozen track points then claimed I'd done 32.20 miles. But the bike computer recorded 34.75, and a route planner agrees with that very closely. So: back on 34.75, although I haven't fixed the track on Strava.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10189832357

Managed to drag myself out today. Sun was shining, so no excuses. Decided that I would try and get serious and do a Zone 2 ride, they're supposed to be good for conditioning, supposed to encourage the mitochondria. Winter miles, summer smiles, yadayadayada...

A ready reckoner for Zone 2 heart rate is 180 less your age, so that's a maximum of 120 for me. My Garmin in its infinite wisdom puts it at 114. Bugger. I can't do that! Well I can, but it has to be perfectly flat and no headwind. I'll keep trying though.

Mostly listened to the sound of screeching tyres as people slammed on their brakes to avoid hitting vehicles coming the other way - and the sound of oncoming vehicles blaring their horns. Why can't people just wait a few seconds to make sure it's clear? Why can't I remember haulier's names to send them ranty emails?

https://www.strava.com/activities/10193633610

I hoped to do at least 80 today, originally. Very light winds were forecast. It was going to be sunny. But the forecast changed to threaten mist after sunset, so I decided to keep it down to fondo distance or thereabouts.

The wind was coming from the west, but I decided to go east anyway. It was only supposed to be 4 mph, not enough to worry about. The wind direction was due to do a 180° turn later in the afternoon interestingly, although not until after sunset so I wouldn't have been able to take advantage of that.

I put too many layers on, unfortunately. I ended up stashing a pair of overtrousers and a winter cycling tunic in my backpack after about 17 miles and I didn't need them again during the ride. I guess I hadn't taken the direct sunshine into account, it does make a big difference.

Got to the Eastwell crossroads at about 1150 (I'd set off at 0905) but decided to press on. I went right past the left turn to Belvoir Castle and kept going, something I hadn't done before. This led to a long, steep descent. My curiosity to visit the village of Knipton overcame my instinct not to go down the hill. Happily it had a (very small) village shop with a table outside, so at least I was able to take a break for lunch before slogging back up and homeward.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231111bike.jpg)

Took a different way home after Six Hills, through Wymeswold and Hoton. And after Belton, I came back through Peggs Green and Coleorton.

I took the pic near Cotes. Very impressed with the multi-exposure capture function on my phone; even with the camera facing the Sun directly, the bike was exposed nicely.

Listened to LBC,  the British Sea Power album Do You Like Rock Music? and 5 Live, including some of United v Luton.

Back on 74.05, about half an hour before sunset. I could have done a bit more. But the lure of a coffee and a couple of digestive biscuits is strong.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10200952416

I really ought to get up early on a Saturday morning and get out on the bike, but even in retirement Saturday morning's a still there for a lie-in, especially after a bottle of 15% Cotes du Rhone...

Then there's Cyclocross on GCN+. After watching the women's race today I won't moan about the state of the roads again. Well, not until later in this post  ;) I know Cyclocross isn't raced on roads, but the mud today, it was nearly hub deep in places, no surprise that they "ran" through that. I shouldn't have done, but I did chuckle when Maria Schrieber did a face plant into the gloopy mud after coming down a steep bank  :)

By the time I got out I was off into a low sun. Not nice. I tend to drift out into the centre of the road when that happens and have to pray that following drivers can somehow see me silhouetted against the sun. It's always good to turn away from it.

Today saw the reappearance of a base layer too, it was warmer than when I set out yesterday, but that was in the morning and the day was warming up, today the heat was ebbing away and I was grateful for it eventually. Could have done with my warmer gloves too.

Could have done with fewer people out riding horses too, great lumps of horsey shit all over the roads, even then main ones. Fuckers. Put the bloody things in nappies.

Still, now I've forgotten about riding uphill it was good to get out for a couple of hours and 32 miles. Finally over 100 miles for November. Must try harder.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10200732433

Cold one this morning. Was bright when I got up and it was a little frosty. By the time I set off fog had started to descend. I was a little concerned but not overly as I had purchased an extra set of lights for Winter cycling.

Just as well as the fog got thicker and thicker. And despite the full fingered gloves, hands were cold. I met my fellow cyclist 10kms away in Bective and he suggested giving the hands a good shake. Sure enough, that increased circulation to the hands and warmed them up. As the morning went on, the fog began to lift and by the time we reached Kells it was a bright (if still cold) morning.

Pleased to get in approx 60kms as I thought the lack of visibility and cold would force me home sooner. That brings up 3 figures for the month and 2800 for the year. Touch and go as to whether I'll make 3000 for the year. The cycled journey to work is so short that I don't measure it.

Flat back tyre .. which I noticed last week.. just got around to repairing.. took me ages to get the bloody wheel back on.. I hate back wheels..

Very windy out there today, 40+ mph in the early afternoon, but conditions had improved markedly by the time I mounted the X at 1550-ish. Still pretty windy though. But unusually mild, about 12C I think.

I did a Bypasser. I only had half an hour before sunset but it was lovely out there in the dark. Especially in the open between Norton and Orton. Listened to the commentary about David Cameron returning to government and Suella leaving it, on 5 Live.

Unbelievably, yet again this morning the weather forecast had warned of rain later in the afternoon, then later claimed that it wouldn't rain. And of course the rain did come down, for the last half hour. Still - it was worth it for a very enjoyable run out.

(https://i.ibb.co/SBc6CnR/metoffice.jpg)

Back on 35.45 miles. 5677 done this year now, so 6,000 miles in 2023 looks nailed down.

In 2020 I set myself a target of doing 6214 miles, or 10,000km. I could well do the same this year without particularly having tried to. Not sure why it's been such a high-scoring year really.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10212897533

No wind. No rain. No Sun. No power in the legs. But I git out, that's the main thing. Checking up on the Derbyshire roadworks website not many ways out either. One of my "escape" routes is now closed until mid-December and most of the rest have traffic lights at roadworks just in the places where you don't want them to be. I stayed local. I can still get climbs of 4-500 feet in even if they are a bit shallower than those to the Peak District, but it still gives the legs and lungs a work out.

Changed the batteries in the Power Pedals on Sunday. Got 193 hours out of them, Garmin reckon on 120 so I was chuffed with that. Hope the new set last as long. I hope they are as good as the last lot as my average power was 10W down on what I'd expect, but that could just be jaded legs, although why they're jaded on my current weekly mileage I knoweth not. It was a decent couple of hurs and 32 miles, it'll do.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10216629293

Quote from: Slim on November 13, 2023, 10:33:46 PMUnbelievably, yet again this morning the weather forecast had warned of rain later in the afternoon, then later claimed that it wouldn't rain.

BBC weather is currently showing 0% chance of rain until 14:00. Looking at my window says it has been raining, albeit fitfully since 10:00 :(

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on November 15, 2023, 10:39:35 AM

Quote from: Slim on November 13, 2023, 10:33:46 PMUnbelievably, yet again this morning the weather forecast had warned of rain later in the afternoon, then later claimed that it wouldn't rain.

BBC weather is currently showing 0% chance of rain until 14:00. Looking at my window says it has been raining, albeit fitfully since 10:00 :(

0% all day here supposedly. I'll find out later!

Quote from: Slim on November 15, 2023, 11:24:44 AM

Quote from: Nickslikk2112 on November 15, 2023, 10:39:35 AM

Quote from: Slim on November 13, 2023, 10:33:46 PMUnbelievably, yet again this morning the weather forecast had warned of rain later in the afternoon, then later claimed that it wouldn't rain.

BBC weather is currently showing 0% chance of rain until 14:00. Looking at my window says it has been raining, albeit fitfully since 10:00 :(

0% all day here supposedly. I'll find out later!

The forecasted dry afternoon looks like its happening, but I'm on parcel receiving duty now :(

Bit of a strange one. Nice dry day, colder than of late but still reasonably mild. I sneaked out not long after 1430 with the intention of doing some of the Lower Westbound route and coming back on 45 miles or so.

But - I was so engrossed in the audiobook I was listening to (Geddy Lee's My Effin' Life) that I took the turn down Gallows Lane, as if doing a Twycrosser or Bypasser, on auto-pilot. So my options for doing more than 40 miles or so were a bit limited. I did a bit of the old Dad's Army route down as far as the A5, then went down toward Atherstone, through Ratcliffe then west to Sheepy, after which I came home via a part-reverse Twycrosser.

Home on 43.15.

Nice run out on the whole, the only really annoying thing was having to cope with copious quantities of mud in great big chunks along Sibson Road. It was fine last time I went along there a few days ago; clearly some large farm vehicles have come and done their stuff. It was so bad that my own road bike tyres were flinging off chunks of mud like tractor tyres, and the wheels were slipping. Not what you want in the dark. I stopped a couple of miles later and was pulling huge clumps of earth out of the front fork, jammed under the front brake.

More on Friday I hope, might take the afternoon off work.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10225175704

It was dry today. Well there was no precipitation, but still plenty of evidence of it out on the roads. Lots of mud appeared down some of the lanes too, the newly ploughed field look nice though...

Today I actually decided to do my Garmin recommended bit of training and go for an hour and twenty seven minutes of base level riding. This entailed riding at between 107-155W. I succeeded, after the time was up I was averaging 153W. I still got told off because even though I was in the correct range with my average most of the time was spent either side of the target range. There were too many "hills" in the first bit of the ride so power levels shot up, only to plummet going down the other side. Even the flat 12 miles I found were hard to keep within limits when the road rose upwards and when I was accelerating away from the two roundabouts I kept riding between.

Didn't quite manage two hours or 30 miles out, but hopefully tomorrow looks like being a better day weatherwise so should manage it then. Unless I'm being put on parcel receiving duty again.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10228391999

Hallelujah! Sunshine! Not too cold! Almost dry roads! Yes, it was time to ignore the Garmin's suggestion of a rest day and get out there!

Wish I'd paid notice to the Garmin, it felt bloody hard work out there today. Maybe it does know something. I was trying to take it easy and indeed was taking it easier than I normally would, but I feel trying to take it easier uphill just makes it feel harder, I need more momentum. Perhaps I should just have bitten the bullet and dropped down to the lowest gear. Not that that would have helped because on cleaning up the drive chain this afternoon I found it wasn't dropping down to the lowest cog anyway.

Did manage to overtake someone going uphill, but he was older and more decrepit than me. Then got well overtaken by someone else, he looked to be my age but fitter. Bastard.

Might get out again tomorrow afternoon if the forecast is right, LOL, then today's 34 miles should let me get over 100 for the week.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10233878702/

And get out I did, albeit not for long. Another rest day was recommended and maybe it would be a good idea, there's very little juice left in the legs when the road goes up. Maybe age is catching up with me, but one uphill segment saw me record my 296/303 best time and that was with a tailwind :(

A ride's a ride though and 18 miles was enough to burn off enough calories to eat six plain chocolate digestive biscuits and what more can you ask for?

https://www.strava.com/activities/10240471868

Left work early. Wanted to do at least 45, having been robbed of a pretty good cycling day on Friday by illness. Fortunately I seem to have recovered now.

I did a Twycross Bypasser, with a long detour south-west down to Old Grendon and back. The roads were a bit damp but there was no rain apart from a bit of drizzle over the last half hour. Mild out there, which is always welcome in the dark.

Listened to Geddy Lee's My Effin' Life throughout. Some really eye-opening insights.

Back on 46.17 miles. 5766 this year, and if I can do another 545 before January, I'll have equalled my 2020 (all time) record, 6311. So I'll try and do another 130 this month if I can.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10253384565

Well, I'd have to do 1,850 miles by the end of the year to surpass my best yearly total. I thought with full time retirement  I'd do it easily. What do I know.

Certainly with just 25 miles done this week I doubt I'll reach 5,500 for the year, we'll see. Yesterday was a bit dull and drizzly so I decided to hop on the Turbo. Of course the weather then turned instantly, but I did manage the 97 minutes of base level riding.

Today it kept looking as if it might rain at any minute, but I manned up and went out. Eventually. It kept on looking like rain, but it kept off. I failed on the Tempo riding exercise I attempted though. You need flat roads for that, there aren't many round here. Overall my wattage was on target, but only for 23% of the time.

I did keep riding up and down the same piece of flattish road and saw the same female jogger four times. First couple of times she smiled at me, next couple she gave me a funny look. As Mrs S said she might have thought I was stalking her and it was only a couple of miles from where Gracie Spinks was murdered.

I could kill the twat I came across down a single track lane on the way back. The car in front of me stopped and I could see why, someone on a mountain bike was coming up the other way. In his hand he had a blue stick, attached to the stick were five leads with dogs on the end. Big bloody dogs. Prick.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10262356115

Another mild, dry afternoon. With the wind coming from the south-west, I decided to do some of the Lower Westbound route. Again, I wanted to do at least 45 miles. Usually I'd be happy with 35 or so on a dark evening after work, but I'm determined now to equal my 2020 distance tally so I need to put a bit of an effort in.

Went out through Packington on the way out. I'd forgotten to bring water with me so I stopped at the petrol station at Measham to get a bottle of Fanta. And just out of sheer indulgence, I brought a sandwich and a flapjack as well. Just as well I did, because on arriving home I noticed my cheese pasty and oat bar still on a kitchen surface! I'd forgotten to pack them.

I took the customary left turn at Kings Bromley, but rather than take the right turn after that, to Rugeley or Abbots, I decided to keep going straight on. Nothing particularly interesting, but it was a nice, well-surfaced flat road and not too busy. I turned homeward a couple of miles after that anyway.

Saw a large owl near Croxall and was buzzed by a bat near Alrewas.

I listened to 5 Live for a bit, then another three hours or so of My Effin' Life, which has proved to be a very absorbing listen.

I was bothered several times by drivers with full beam headlights. Fortunately I was sporting my most punishing, dual-lithium-rechargeable powered head torch and a quick blast of that to the offender's windscreen works wonders.

Back on 49.28. 5815 done this year now, which is more than my previous second-best year (2016).

https://www.strava.com/activities/10264785257

Just another 25 miles today. Weather looked more promising though, broken cloud and a bit of sun, although there had been a rainbow to the North West for a good twenty minutes before I went out.

Certainly no gold at the end of the rainbow. Tried taking it steadily as a 30 minute recovery ride had been recommended. Suppose it was quite steady, but still more effort than I'd have liked. Probably because the wind was getting up somewhat, then it started raining, not much more than drizzle really but the wind made it feel like little bullets. Still, tomorrow and Saturday are supposed - supposed - to be sunny, cold, but sunny. I'll try taping over the air vents in my shoes.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10267748308

Certainly got more chilly today, waited for it to "warm" up a bit. It did cloud over so I waited for it to break again. Didn't tape over the air vents in the shoes, but with overshoes my little toes stayed toasty enough. A couple of fingers got a bit chilly, but then I'm wearing the gloves I was wearing when I came off last December and they're a bit thin in parts...

Not overly on it today, but more on it than last Friday even though the wind was much stronger but not as in your face as last week. Fun once up on the tops when I had to put in as much effort to go downhill as I had uphill because of the headwind.

Ended up doing a bit over the 25 miles I'd set out to do as I put in an extra lap on the tops to avoid getting embedded in a group cycle ride. Nice to see the field of maize up on East Moor was finally being harvested, it's been lagging behind the lower fields all year. Not so nice to see the clods of earth coming from the tractor leaving the adjacent field though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10273401717/

I booked today off work. A sunny, dry day was promised, albeit it was likely to be cold, with a stiff wind from the north. The plan was to set off at about 0930 and do 75 miles or so. A nice big bite out of the remaining distance requirement.

However at 0845 as I lay in bed pondering the day ahead, I received a phone call from work. Would I please take part in a Teams meeting with a customer? Now? Please?

So in the end I didn't pedal away from my garage door until 1055. I decided to make do with the fondo distance. I was tempted to try a route I worked out last night which would take me up north-east of Derby, but in the end I plumped for the easy familiarity of the time-honoured Upper Westbound route.

That all went very well. Very nice out there in the sunshine. I'd wrapped myself up a bit too warm but I stuffed a layer into my backpack. I turned back near Cubley to come back the same way.

I stopped at the petrol station at Hatton for a sausage roll and a Fry's Chocolate Cream. But just as I was about to rejoin the road, I went over the handlebars. I'm not completely sure what happened but I think the front wheel had got caught in a drain grille. The bike and I both smacked the road. I was OK - I banged my right knee but it's very superficial. I also hurt the wedding ring finger of my left hand somehow and it's a bit swollen, unfortunate from a guitar-playing perspective but I think it'll be OK in a few days.

I inspected the bike carefully. The rear mech was bent inward and fouling the spokes. Uh oh. But I bent the rear mech back outward, very gingerly. Clearly it was still out of alignment but it looked rideable. The right hand shifter / brake assembly was also banged out of alignment, but it was working OK. I got back on the bike and rode homeward. Fortunately the gears were still changing fine. But I made a mental note not to downshift too far at the back, in case I fouled the spokes with the rear mech.

All in all I wasn't too unhappy. I could easily realign the shifter and I probably just needed to give the rear hanger a careful bend, perhaps with the mech removed, to get it back to spec.

I made it up Rotter's Rise without shifting onto the bottom gear at the back. Alas - at Newbold, with about four miles to go, my concentration must have slipped. I operated the shifter incautiously and the rear pulleys went right into the spokes, bending the rear hanger quite emphatically and breaking the pulley assembly. All the tension went out of it and the bracket that the pulley wheels connect to was snapped.

I took a quick look by the roadside with the bike upside down but it was clear that I was walking the remaining four miles. I managed to pull the rear mech away from the back wheel again at least. But there was no way the pedals were going to make it spin round.

So I pushed it home from there, wheeling the bike in the road while I clogged along the pavement or the grass verge in cleats. To be fair I did mount the bike and freewheel down some of the descents.

I'm not sure what the extent of the damage is. I'm hopeful that a new alloy hanger can be attached to the frame. It's the Planet X, so it's carbon but as long as the frame itself is OK the hanger can be replaced, I think. And I'll need a new rear mech, assuming the frame isn't a write-off.

Ah well! At least I'm not short of bikes.

58.78 miles, then.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10274784919

Sorry to hear that James. You can never have too many bikes. I hurt my left hand ring finger last year and it's not right now. Movement is slowing returning to normal, but can't get my wedding ring back over the bottom knuckle. Should have had it checked out, but both Mrs S (a qualified first aider) and my niece )fully qualified Doctor) said there's not a lot you can do with fingers.

Might be worth getting your finger checked out, but then again I wouldn't if the same thing happened again.

Pity about the fall but at least both the bike and more importantly you were both able to get back home. I imagine you were going quite slowly as you were just leaving the garage when it happened.

Had a closer look at the bike this morning and I've taken the rear mech and hanger (pictured below) off.

I was worried I'd deformed the frame or ruined some threads in it but the threads for the hanger are in the hanger itself, and the frame is unscathed. The spokes in the wheel that the mech collided with all seem fine, as well.

The hanger definitely needs replacing. Although it's not obvious from the pic, it's properly bent out of shape. Fortunately I've found one here https://www.rearmechhanger.com

£13 including delivery. I don't know what a new mech will cost yet! But at least I'm not going to have to convert the X to a fixie.

(https://i.ibb.co/VW8MrgC/x-hanger.jpg)

And yet another 25 miler. Not as much as I'd like, but it's a ride and I was recommended a rest day, but with the sun shining and not wanting to leave it until it cools off in the afternoon I popped out before lunch, safe in the knowledge I could catch up on the Cyclocross later (How good is Fem van Empel?)

Tried to take it as steadily as I could yet still managed to get in a 500'+ climb in, albeit at an average of under 3% making sure to avoid patches of frozen slush where people had been driving through run off from the fields. I'd forgotten all about the frozen slush you can get at this time of year.

Even saw a few other cyclists on these roads less travelled. Most people seem to like heading out to the Peaks or Sherwood forest rather than the desolate wastelands between Chesterfield and Sheffield.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10278885220

Very cold night led me to delay the spin this morning 'til 11. Still very cold even though the sun was shining brightly. Was a beautiful morning/early afternoon. 2 pairs of socks and overshoes ensured that my feet didn't become blocks of ice. The same couldn't be said of my hands. They suffered and towards the end even breaking was tough. Thankfully I didn't need to repair a puncture!

Came home on 40kms. The legs were able for more but the hands were adamant in their need to return home. Any recommendations for winter gloves?

Quote from: dom on November 25, 2023, 04:48:04 PMCame home on 40kms. The legs were able for more but the hands were adamant in their need to return home. Any recommendations for winter gloves?

I use these ones - they aren't "cycling gloves" per se, just regular thermal gloves. But no problem operating brakes, shifters, even bike light buttons (usually)  with them on.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Karrimor-Unisex-Thermal-Gloves-Black/dp/B0C4SXHFYS/

Bought mine on a whim at a JD Sports in Chelmsford for about the same price.

Thanks! Just what I'm looking for!

Got called from work early this morning, went back to bed then got up later than I wanted. I'd hoped to get going by about 1030 but in the end I set off an hour later than that. But I didn't want to do a long one anyway. Too cold, and rain was threatened by about 4pm.

A light wind was coming from the south. I decided I'd do maybe 15 miles down the southbound route, then come back.

On the way down I took a large detour toward Bardon from Ellistown. After Newbold Verdon, I decided I'd take the "old"southbound route that goes through Desford, for a change. Then after 16 miles when I came to the crossroads with Hinckley Road, I decided to turn left rather than going straight on to Enderby. That was quite useful; a nice, flat, well-surfaced road that helped me clock up a bit of distance.

Two miles later though, I decided to come back. Having suffered a mechanical failure on my previous ride, I'd started to consider the consequences of another one in the freezing cold, 15 miles from home with 'er indoors in Thailand. And in any case I'd started to penetrate the outskirts of Leicester by this time; the traffic was getting heavier and the surroundings were growing distinctly more urban.

The purpose of the exercise was mainly to accumulate some more distance to bring the target for December down a bit, but I did quite enjoy myself apart from the last couple of miles, when a very cold drizzle descended more than an hour before it was supposed to.

Listened to football and tributes to Terry Venables on 5 Live.

Back on 34.92 miles. 536 done this month.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10285434568

New rear mech arrived. It looks exactly like the old one, got to be a good sign!

(https://i.ibb.co/80SYRdY/sram-mech.jpg)

The new hanger should arrive tomorrow. I'll leave it until temperatures in the garage are more accommodating before I sort it out, though. March or April, maybe.

Sorry to hear of that unfortunate incident Slim. I hope the finger is OK (?)

Yep it's a lot better now thanks David. Still a bit stiff and swollen but getting there.

Decent cycling weather today, if a bit cold. So, with a few days annual leave still to take before the end of December, I took the afternoon off with the intention of doing a fondo. Actually I wanted to do a bit more than 64 miles, to take me to 600 for November.

A very light wind was coming from the west but contrary to my usual protocol, I decided on the eastbound route. I extended it though by taking a detour up Top Brand and past the airport on the way out - which added 4.6 miles (I noticed that I'd done 14.6 miles at my usual 10 mile point, the crossroads with the A6 near Zouch).

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231128bike.jpg)

Went the usual way after that, and turned back at about 38 miles - more than enough, my mental arithmetic told me, to see me back on 64 miles. I came back the usual way and I'd done 64.92 by the time I got back.

Nice out there in the sun but as soon as I turned homeward I realised the headwind was going to be a bit more annoying than I expected. It didn't really impede progress but it was cold, noisy and a bit in-yer-face.

The temperature dropped quite sharply about half an hour before sunset. I was glad to get home.

I listened to Can's debut album Monster Movie, a Benny Sings album called City Melody and LBC.

601 done this month. Just 338 to reach my target now and I think I should be able to bag another 25 miles or so on Thursday, although the temperature is forecast to peak at 2C.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10296437659

Took the Bianchi with its new wheels out for a spin today. They're OK, they go round, what more do you want from a wheel? Probably a bit slower than the Carbon ones, but they're 400g heavier.

Lovely sunny day, not too cold, going to get colder though, could do with a long sleeve base layer just to keep the arms a bit warmer. I'm getting old.

The road up the Cordwell valley was still incredibly wet after yesterday's rain, good job there wasn't a real hard frost last night or it could have been a skating rink, although as a bus route it should be OK. Don't like the old spray of cold water up the bum though.

When I got home I noticed some purple gunk at the top of the seat stays, looked a bit chewing gum like, but a lot softer. This encouraged me to give the bike a clean, there was also a chunk up on the front wheel arch and a big chunk on the back wheel. Can't really think what it was. Kept some on a cloth to show Mrs S, she sniffed it and said it smelt of Blackcurrants. Wonder if I'd run over some sort of energy gel. My fear the worst head wondered if it were grease from the wheel bearings, but I do like to over dramatise.

Managed to escape last weeks run of 25 mile rides and got in the grand total of 33 miles! Need 4 more to get to 400 for November.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10294989645

New / old rear mech hanger. I chose a black one, just to be a bit different.

(https://i.ibb.co/PDy3Wfd/mech-hanger.jpg)

Another sunny day, but the coldness levels were ratcheted up a bit, my toes still haven't warmed up so I'm wondering whether to call it a day for November now, or try to get to 450 miles for the month. We'll see.

With it being so cold I stuck more to the main roads and lower levels today. Even ended up setting some best times - for me - on some segments, but I'd not done them since 2018. Either I'm fitter now than then or was just putting in some effort to keep warm.

Came back through the park at Hardwick Hall, loads of horse shit down the Duke's Drive, but I also think someone's had a Rhino out because there was one huge dollop of a turd at the edge of the road. Huge. Took it steadily on the hill down in case of black ice, but bloody dog walkers are more of a menace. Plenty of icy bits on the road back to Heath, but they were obvious and easy to negotiate.

Once through Heath I thought I could see a pigeon on the other side of the road, but when it took off I saw it was a Sparrowhawk which was sitting on a roadkill Partridge. Thankfully a French (Red Legged) Partridge and not an English (Grey) Partridge.

So that was a chilly 34 miles. If I go out tomorrow I'll dig out the deep winter gloves.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10300711093/

Today's mission, should I choose to accept it - and of course, I did - was to squeeze another 30 miles out of November at the last gasp. This would see me over the 6,000 mile mark for the year, and make this month the highest-scoring of 2023 (beating September's total, 628).

I was pretty much ready to go by the time an afternoon meeting reached its welcome conclusion, and I was away by about 1505. With the wind coming from the north-east, the plan was to do the Eastbound route, with the same detour I did last time through Isley Walton, across to Rempstone or thereabouts, then come back the usual way (sans detour).

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231130bike.jpg)

However the traffic was really heavy on the A6 before I crossed it and I knew some of it would be turning off through Zouch, so I decided to turn back there and then, and come back using the same detour. I did that.

I wasn't completely sure I'd come back the same way. I don't navigate well backwards. And I couldn't see the bike computer in the dark, so I did a bit of a run along Ashby Road and back to add a couple of miles when I got to the crossroads at the bottom of Top Brand.

Really cold out there, about 3C. Colder than that after dark and a bit uncomfortable.

For some reason I forgot to take a head torch. Not a big problem I thought, as I had a decent torch mounted on the handlebars and a flashy blinker. But the torch ran out of juice about four miles from home so I had to make do with the blinker! It does actually spill a bit of light on the road though so it wasn't too bad.

Listened mainly to Matt Hancock's evidence to the COVID enquiry, then tributes to Shane McGowan.

Back on 31.16. 6005 done this year and only 308 to do in December.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10307698099

I didn't go out yesterday. I never warmed up. Just sat shivering and throwing logs into the log burner. Might have helped if I'd lit them...

Anyway, today I forced myself out, new month and the Garmin was recommending a 1hour 27minute base ride. Okey Dokey. I ignored that and just rode as I felt, Base would have entailed averaging 154W a the most, yet in the hour and twenty seven I averaged 184W and didn't feel bad for it. Rode eight miles in single speed mode, trying to work out what I could hear rattling. Turns out the locking ring on the rear brake rotor wasn't on tight enough. Must get the right tool to tighten it, I am a right tool, but the wrong one.

Cold again and some of the lanes were still covered in a layer of snow, manageable, but I plotted better routes to avoid too much. Nice to get a couple of hours in and start December off with 30 miles.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10311050860

Went out today, but not for long. Think I need some new gloves, done about four miles and my fingers were froze, could barely operate the gears, so I turned round, of course just before I got home they started to come back to life, so I just did a trip to town and back but then they started to freeze again. It certainly doesn't help having Raynauds either. Still, it got 12 miles in and burnt off just enough calories for some plain chocolate digestives...

A bit of a break in the weather this afternoon although the roads were very wet. I set off determined to do 45 at least, since I hadn't been out on a bike at all this month.

The wind was coming from the north. It was reasonably mild. I did the Eastbound route. Decided to go the old way through Rempstone, as I guessed that the roads might be running with water on the usual way (through Stanford and Soar and Burton on the Wolds) since it runs a bit close to the River Soar.

I turned back after 23.5 miles, but decided to come back the usual way. I was right about the state of the roads. Some of them were flooded in parts. Since I was on the Tricross, a bike which is designed for this sort of thing ostensibly, I ploughed through. The worst of it was only about three inches deep, and only over a few metres.

Back on 47.96. Relieved to have got December off to a decent start. I need to do roughly 10 miles per day on average this month so despite all the awful weather, I'm only a couple of miles behind the curve.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10334186856

Wish I could get the best part of 50 miles done in one ride. Barely had enough in the legs for 30 today, although I have had a bit of a dicky tummy the last couple of days so that might play a role in things.

The sun was shining though and if the sun shines, then you go out and ride - unless of course you don't. Yesterday had been much too wet, which after last night's frost caused a few problems. Knowing it could be icy under tyre I took the gravel bike out, but it was much icier than expected down the lanes, I don't know how I safely rounded a corner at the bottom of one hill, apart from the fact I managed to get onto the thin strip of gravel poking through the ice!

Going up to Calow Green was a bit dodgy as well, the whole road surface was glazed with ice. If it's well frozen then it can be not much different from the normal surface. It was well frozen, but a Tesco van coming the other way forced me to stop - going downhill you should give way to those going up - and there was no way I'd get going again, so I took the walk of shame, walking on the grassy bank at the side as the road surface was now too slippery. Caution got me up the next bit of hill in good shape.

Back to the main roads after that. Still had to look out for icy patches but it was nice in the sun and thankfully nowhere near as cold as Saturday.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10337525693/

It wasn't raining this morning! Now there's a surprise. Even a bit of sunshine! What does sunshine mean? Bike Ride! Even the Garmin said I could go out - so long as it was a 30 minute recovery ride, how on earth do you do one of those?

How's about 2 hours of VO2max? That's more like it! Wasn't trying for it, but that's how it ended up, too many hills got in the way.

Headed out to Heath to start with, taking in some very wet lanes, like rivers in places, did a loop round Heath, then headed back the way I'd done and over to the back road between Duckmanton and Staveley. Got overtaken by someone on a Titanium bike going up a hill, gah! Nearly caught him up on the flat, then got dropped up the next hill, before eating into his lead on the downhill, then he disappeared. The Ghost Rider?

Then uphill to Apperknowle, a quick circuit up the top and back home for 31.7 miles in a couple of hours. That'll do.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10347697669

The forecast for today changed to suggest that a rain-free day was on the cards. So, to take advantage of the weather and to soak up another of my annual leave days (I'm not allowed to carry them over), I took an impulsive day off.

The idea was to set off at about 0900 and do 70 or 80 miles down the southbound route. But I woke up early and I was away at about 0715, 48 minutes before sunrise. I wouldn't have set off so early but I knew conditions were decently mild out there (about 6C) even at that time. And certainly I was comfortable enough without overdoing the clothing. The temperature climbed a few degrees after the first couple of hours, and I stuffed a layer in a backpack.

I encountered a Road Closed sign near Potters Marson but defied it. The roadworks there hadn't started in earnest. Very easy to ride round them, though I guessed it might be more difficult later on in the day (ie on the way back).

Stopped for a second breakfast at the Co-op at Stoney Stanton - two warm croissants. Lovely.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231208bike.jpg)

I went all the way down to Northampton. The usual way down into the town was blocked by roadworks for a new housing development so I followed a detour. Pootled around for a bit and came back. Didn't visit any of my old haunts, but I did find a nice farm shop with a coffee shop coming back north. Sat outside with a turkey sandwich and a large Americano. Very civilised.

I'd done about 47 miles by the time I turned for home, so I decided to bump the ride distance up to 100 miles. To this end I had an excursion to Naseby on the way back. Nice little village. I visited the monument erected to commemorate the battle that took there on June 14th 1645 during the English Civil War.

To avoid the roadworks near Potters, I came back up the 'old' way through Husbands Bosworth, Foston, Blaby. I hadn't done that for years. Wasn't completely sure I'd remember the way and for a while I thought I'd neglected a turn, so I was relieved to see a sign for Foston at the left turn I thought I'd missed. I was starting to feel a bit knackered by the time I reached Desford, about 12 miles from home. But I gulped down a bottled milkshake I'd bought at the farm shop and a Cornish pasty and was fine after that. The Tricross is my heaviest bike, that was definitely the longest ride I've done on it so far.

Listened mostly to 5 Live which is quite entertaining on a Friday.

Back more than two hours after sunset. Nice to spend a whole solar day outside. 100.64 miles.

That was this year's 36th fondo, nine of them 100+ milers. Quite pleased with that.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10349640889

Another rain-free day in the forecast. I might have taken the whole day off work, but I'd agreed to take part in a meeting at midday and anyway, I only wanted to do a fondo. Plenty of time for that. So I settled for half a day. I escaped from the meeting at 1230 and was away on the Tricross about twenty minutes later.

The plan was to do the Lower Westbound route, with a slightly immoderate breeze coming from the west. I'd done about 26 miles though when the road (Uttoxeter Road, going up to Abbots Bromley) seemed to degenerate into a muddy track. It's fine usually. I suppose a combination of the weather and abnormally high farm vehicle traffic have taken their toll.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231211bike.jpg)

So - I turned back.  I took a road signposted to Blithbury, but after a half mile that one presented me with exactly the same problem. I turned for home, but resolved to make up the mileage some other way closer to base. I did that by detouring up through to Ashby then performing a quick excursion into Coalville over the last few miles.

I took the pic near Edingale. The lovely lake you can see in the background is usually a field.

Listened to the PM at the COVID enquiry mostly, then the Can album Ege Bamyasi.

Back on 62.50 miles, which takes me to 6216 this year, or 10004 km. Only the second time I've done 10000 km in a year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10365172642

My cycling year is fizzling out like a damp squib. Not that it ever really got going. I'll finish up at under 6,000 miles for the year for the first time since 2017, yet I've been fully retired all year. I think it could be retirement that's done for me, in the past cycling was away of escaping the horrors of work. It looks like the horrors of living with Mrs S and the boy aren't as bad...

Yesterday looking at the weather I just set out to do a few local loops and then hopefully go further afield as the weather improved. The weather didn't improve. I got wet and came in. Seven bloody miles.

Today I went out a bit further to do a few loops and get in the way of all the local filthmobiles driving round with their blues and twos on. Today I was trying my best to keep it easy and not go above 250W but it's impossible for me when I get to a 6% gradient, think my lowest uphill max was about 271W. I'm aiming for those slow winter miles to bring summer smiles. And missing. Still it was 20 miles. Better than seven.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10373637258

Another afternoon off work, another fondo. I did the Upper Westbound route but took the long way going upward, through Isley Walton.

I turned back at the roundabout near Sudbury, thinking that if I took the even-longer way back through Weston, Ashton and Shardlow I'd probably end up on the requisite 100km. And I was right. Back on 64.82 miles.

Encountered a bit of drizzle near Swarkestone Bridge, which wasn't forecast - but it only lasted 20 minutes or so. The roads were pretty wet anyway.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231214bike.jpg)

I listened to Adrian Chiles' show on 5 Live as I usually do. Toward the end of his show, Adrian started to introduce a guest that he was clearly very excited to have on his show. Who could this be? I wondered. It was none other than Geddy Lee!

Will post a link in the 'Effin thread.

Back on 64.82, which puts me within a Twycrosser of hitting a new annual distance record. 276 done this month, I'll aim for 400. Nice and easy with more than two weeks left.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10380377714

How do you manage with lights when you're away from conurbations? What sort of lumens do you need to find your way and avoid potholes and the like? Do you have to turn them down when traffic approaches? Sorry for all the questions but I'm genuinely interested. I only cycle in the town when it's dark so it's more about being seen than seeing.

Wish the BBC would go back to the Met Office for their forecasts, BBC website today had 0% chance of rain in Chesterfield with sunny spells. Whoever supplies Samsung with their weather is better as my phone said 60% chance of rain.

Just about to set off looked out of the window and it was sunny, but the drizzle had started. Set off towards a double rainbow, didn't last long as I turned away from it and the clouds then covered the whole sky and the drizzle set in. Drizzle's OK, but going up through Cutthorpe towards the moors it started with full on rain. I turned back, Mrs S had out a load of washing on the line, thought I'd better rescue it as it's the first load she's done since the washer packed in last week and she got a new one yesterday. Ho-hum. Good job she's got a new washing machine as my kit is filthy...

Tried riding more at my normal pace today, need to get back to doing it more slowly again, not being getting the miles in. Went along a closed road too, closed roads don't apply to bicycles. This one barely applied to motorised vehicles with whatever work was being done only taking up half the carriageway. Another nearly half fondo done though.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10378880470

 

Quote from: dom on December 14, 2023, 08:44:10 PMHow do you manage with lights when you're away from conurbations? What sort of lumens do you need to find your way and avoid potholes and the like? Do you have to turn them down when traffic approaches? Sorry for all the questions but I'm genuinely interested. I only cycle in the town when it's dark so it's more about being seen than seeing.

You definitely need something that will light up the road ahead of you and at the moment I'm using one of these, in conjunction with a handlebar mount intended for torches.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Energizer-Rechargeable-Resistant-Aluminium-E303253300/

It's claimed to be 500 lumens.

I also use a head torch sometimes. I have loads of them to be honest, due to my fondness for retail therapy and trying new things. These ones are very good:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/SuperFire-Bright-Lumens-Rechargeable-Ultralight/dp/B08D6HK675/

You can turn them on and off with a wave in front of a built-in motion detector which is handy.

I like the idea of AAA battery head torches in principle because I assume they will run for longer and you can take spare batteries. But in practice they aren't as bright.

But you can get head torches powered by the big lithium removable / rechargeable batteries (18650s) that are very bright, like this one.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lepro-PR320018-Head-Torch/dp/B0BGRD2B3J/

Some of them even use two 18650s for even better longevity / brightness.

For dusk, and for going through well-lit areas for more than a few minutes I use what I call a "flashy blinker" - these have a little white LED built into a silicone strap that wraps round your handlebar. They run for ages on a CR2032. But they won't light up the road.

These are good as well:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rechargeable-Bicycle-Waterproof-Mountain-Cycling

The front light is rechargeable and as well as flashing away on your handlebar will give a little bit of illumination to the road too.

There's no need to adjust lights for approaching traffic, you just need to make sure they're pointed at the road (like dipped headlights).

Thanks for the reply. A couple of those links weren't working but no matter, I'm not planning on heading out to the far unlit unknown any time soon.  And of course it makes sense to have the lights pointed toward the ground

Sorry about that, I'll fix the links anyway in case someone comes across the post at some point in the future.

No chance of rain today but I only wanted to do 40 or so. Enough to see me past my 2020 yearly total (6311 miles). The wind was coming from the south-west, so I thought I'd go down the Southbound route for a bit. I would have done a Twycrosser, but I wanted to stop at a village shop or petrol station and treat myself a bit.

After Bagworth though, I turned left instead of right. I've done this a couple of times in the past. Makes quite a pleasant change, but you do run out of options after a while. However, I was sure I could make up the miles somehow. So I kept on keepin' on through Merry Lees, Botcheston, Newtown Unthank, Ratby and eventually Groby. I don't believe I'd ever gone right into Groby before. The traffic there was a little irritating. But I found a terrific little deli where I had a coffee, a slice of cherry & apple pie and a sausage roll (not in that order). I took the pic there. I was wearing my distance prescription contacts and I didn't notice how shaky it was. I've tried to clean it up a bit with a bit of AI image sharpening, but not particularly successfully.

By the way although it looks like I've unhygienically placed an unprotected slice of cherry & apple pie straight onto the table surface, I can assure you that it was wrapped in clingfilm.

(https://i.ibb.co/H752mgb/231216deli.jpg)

I kept going straight through Groby and came, unfortunately, to an uphill part of the A50. My Talbot Sunbeam used to struggle up there 34 years ago and unsurprisingly, my bike didn't do much better. But I made it to Markfield a couple of miles later, where I turned off.

I often cycle to Markfield at this time of year. I'd had no intention of doing so today but since I did, I pedalled round to my old house for a wistful look.

I came home the usual way from there, through Thornton and Bagworth. Except that once I got to Bagworth, I detoured down the southbound route for a bit to make up the miles.

Listened mostly to 6 Music.

Back on 43.36 miles. 6324 done this year! It's all gravy between now and January.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10389315115

Over the last couple of days managed to get my weekly (weakly?) tally over 100 road miles, 115 to be exact. Nice sunny day today, but the roads are still piss wet and populated with the downright clueless - drivers, walkers and fellow cyclists. Why can't they all be like me and pick a section of the Highway Code to read each night before going to bed?

I was hoping to complete the Strava climbing challenge in December to get a full set for the year, but looking back I failed in January and February so once again I'll fall short for the year. Last year I did it in November for the first time, but injury and illness in December put paid to it. Still, always next year - onwards and upwards!

https://www.strava.com/activities/10389139699

It was a very gloomy, damp morning and I thought I probably wouldn't ride a bike today but conditions brightened nicely in the afternoon, so I did. Bit windy, not too cold. Only felt a need to do 35 or so. Went up over Swarkestone Bridge and left to Willington, taking the longer way via Isley Walton. But I came back the even longer way through Shardlow so I ended up on 40.48.

Quite enjoyable but the roads were a bit wet and I'm tired of having to wipe down the nether regions of a bike on returning to the garage. 360 this month but looking at the weather I think I can squeeze another couple of rides out of December.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10406221825

Looking at the weather I don't think I'll squeeze any more rides in, not with my social life as well...

Haven't ridden a bike in nearly four weeks, and that was indoors  :( Perhaps get a short ride in this coming weekend. Managed 3km on the treadmill yesterday - feeling about 95% now

First ride out in a week, and not much of one at that. I suppose I could have manned up during the week, but rain and strong winds aren't my idea of fun and I'm nowhere near man enough to keep presenting Mrs S with muddy and wet kit to wash - yet she'll willingly wash my indoor cycling kit, probably because it sits on a radiator next to the PC she uses when she works from home...

Once again the weather wasn't as good as forecast, should have been dry, but there was a relentless drizzle in the air, at least it was quite warm, could have gotten away without a base layer. Only had time for an hour, I'd got the women's CX to watch and an M&S order to pick up, tried to do the sort of ride I'd done on the Turbo yesterday, putting a bit of effort in, with a few short sharp climbs. Managed more power output on the road and it's much better with scenery, but then you have to contend with traffic too. Swings and roundabouts.

Still at 64 miles less than last December and I'd been laid up with injury and illness since 15th December last year, tomorrow looks like being a bit windy again too. Might be next year before I get out again :( But there's five consecutive days of cyclocross next week!

https://www.strava.com/activities/10424469307

A dry, bright day out there and I hoped I was sufficiently recovered from my latest round of COVID to do 40 miles or so; enough to get the monthly total to 400.

I set off at midday with the intention of doing about 20 down the southbound route, then turning back. I did feel a bit unstable just after setting off - I don't know if the virus has affected my inner ear or something? I was getting flashbacks to learning to ride my first bike! But I was OK after 15 minutes or so.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/231226bike.jpg)

I kept going south for 23 miles, and took a left up Lutterworth Road to explore a little. I'd started to ponder the idea of doing a fondo at this point. But I definitely wasn't 100% and I decided to play it safe and turn back.

Back on 48.82 miles. Looking at the weather, that might be a wrap for 2023. 409 this month, 6413 this year.

Really nice out there today. Quiet.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10440608721

Heading to the UK tomorrow and not coming back until NYE so that's my cycling year done and dusted.

3070kms equates to 59kms a week which is reasonable enough, but I hope to improve on that next year.

I really want to improve on the single fondo I managed this year. Considering I did it as early as May shows that I could have done a few more. 1 a month between May and September perhaps for 2024?

I incorporated Intermittent Fasting into cycling this year. Quite nervous to begin with I started with a 10km spin which seems ridiculous now looking back. I now comfortably can go for 50kms without having eaten since the evening before.  Hopefully I'm benefiting from the endeavour. I have lost weight (7.5kg since I started in March) although that was never the principal aim, more to ensure that I look after my heart health and have no need for any more interventions from heart surgeons.

Managed a grand total of 8 miles today. It was enough, especially as after yesterday's troughing, I still felt like I'd had the contents of a cement mixer tipped into my stomach...

Finally got a short ride in today, the first for around a month. Decided to use the MTBs as the roads were still a little damp, although figured it was far too wet to venture off-road.
Noticed my front tyre was a little soft when I came to get the bikes out so gave it a top-up. Not particularly surprised when it was virtually flat around halfway through our 16 mile ride. Found a thorn in the tyre and, luckily managed to pull it out quite easily. New tube fitted but noticed the valve had settled at a bit of an angle. Couldn't be bothered to straighten it up so cracked on.
Definitely not warm today, a good few degrees lower than yesterday. Nice and sunny when we got up this morning but by the time we set off, we'd had the best part of the day. Enjoyable, all the same. Just nice to finally get a ride in.
Once home I decided to straighten the tube I'd fitted. Once happy, I pumped it up fairly hard but couldn't quite believe it when it had gone flat after a couple of minutes. So, now had two tubes to fix! After fitting a brand new tube, I decided to mend the punctures immediately. Damn if there wasn't two thorn punctures in the first! I checked the inside of the tyre so hopefully that second little blighter is no longer there. The second tube had a small tear, as if I'd pinched it. Anyway both sorted now. Frustrating but pleased with the new patches I recently purchased.
Hopefully get out again at the weekend or on New Years Day.

Managed to get out on the roads between rain, wind and guests. Roads were surprisingly dry where the wind had got to them, but piss wet everywhere else. Luckily I'd noticed a road closure due to flooding before I'd set out. It certainly looked deep when I passed by on my avoidance route.

The roads were bloody busy though today, where's everyone going? I spent the best part of five minutes waiting to get out of junctions. An old bloke turning right at one junction waved me out, but was oblivious to the fact that the 100 cars behind him were now coming by on his inside and that there was a constant stream of traffic coming from my right, together with a gusty wind. I had to wave him through when the traffic to the right got a gap in it.

Got 25 miles in, which still leaves me nearly 30 miles behind last December and the weather's not looking promising for the weekend.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10455804399/

I thought I might get out today but rain came down in the afternoon, so I didn't. The forecast tells me I won't be going out again before January, so the 2023 cycling campaign is complete.

Although I hadn't intended to, I covered more distance this year than ever. I managed 6413 miles, beating my 2020 tally by 102 (and last year's total by 936). September was my highest-scoring month (628 miles), March the lowest (303).

I did 38 fondos this year, 9 of them covering more than 100 miles. My longest ride was Sutton Bridge and back in June, 181 miles. Pleased to have done Northampton and back a couple of times as well, and Wales and back. I'd taken in all of Leicestershire's neighbouring counties by March.

Didn't do Newark and back this year which is a shame, will make it a target for next year.

I did 127 rides in all (120 last year).  My average ride distance this year was 50.5 miles which I find amazing really. The median distance was 43.2.

(http://bikediary.uk/images/2023pie.png)

My Roubaix came top of the distance league with 1461 miles done. My least-used bike, despite getting a new pair of wheels in 2022, was the Cannondale (313 miles). Probably because it needs a bit of fine tuning and I haven't got round to it. I'm pleased to have got 1094 miles out of the second Boardman, because I replaced a broken freehub spring myself in late 2022 with a generic freehub spring purchased from Amazon, and I don't completely trust it. Perhaps I should.

Managed to drag myself out for an hour this afternoon, which was nice. Good to finish off the year with a ride, I'll treat myself to a nice Chimay and good Scotch to let in the New Year.

Just a 17 miler, but it'll do. Brings my annual mileage to 5,756 with 419,475 feet of climbing at an average of 16mph.

That's my lowest annual tally since 2017 and the first time in 4 years I haven't managed 100 miles of elevation gain, it's also my slowest ever year, could be age, more likely to be the Gravel bike I bought this year.

https://www.strava.com/activities/10469169472