Ride Reports

cjcp

<Notes the uncordinated use of water bottles. Winces and sucks air through his teeth>



And WTH is that blue stuff in the Foska bottle? :shock: That will rot your teeth in a matter of seconds.

itboffin

cjcp wrote:

<Notes the uncordinated use of water bottles. Winces and sucks air through his teeth>



And WTH is that blue stuff in the Foska bottle? :shock: That will rot your teeth in a matter of seconds.

Yeh long ride necessitates but all those sports drinks hurt the hell out of my teeth, I actually never drink sugary drinks so it's doubly yuk! but what can you do, waters just not enough for long long rides.

itboffin

No ride yesterday and quite possibly nothing today as well, this weekend could very well be the last of my ride reports for some time

It's been fun (for me ) it's just a shame that for nearly six months i've been off work the weather has been totally ghey and now back to work just a summer approaches, where is the justice.

I might also add that jobs are like buses, nothing for ages then 3-4 all at once :evil:

itboffin

mmm just went to check my bike ready for tomorrow adventures in the west country and noticed the rear wheel sitting against my brake pad, did the usual checks making sure the wheel was straight in the drop out, which it was then I remembered that metallic ping I heard in the New Forest the one i'd assumed was a repeat of my last New Forest chain incident, nope nothing I proceeded to cycle home feeling the effects of the wind or so I thought, what had actually happened is one of my spokes broke at the hub massively pushing the wheel out of true which I then proceeded to MTFU and cycle the 40 miles home :?

Doh! I knew there should have been a tailwind at some point that day :oops:

il_principe

itboffin wrote:

mmm just went to check my bike ready for tomorrow adventures in the west country and noticed the rear wheel sitting against my brake pad, did the usual checks making sure the wheel was straight in the drop out, which it was then I remembered that metallic ping I heard in the New Forest the one i'd assumed was a repeat of my last New Forest chain incident, nope nothing I proceeded to cycle home feeling the effects of the wind or so I thought, what had actually happened is one of my spokes broke at the hub massively pushing the wheel out of true which I then proceeded to MTFU and cycle the 40 miles home :?

Doh! I knew there should have been a tailwind at some point that day :oops:

You have more mechanicals than anyone else on this forum. Are you sure someone isn't sabotaging your bikes at night...

itboffin

jashburnham wrote:

itboffin wrote:

mmm just went to check my bike ready for tomorrow adventures in the west country and noticed the rear wheel sitting against my brake pad, did the usual checks making sure the wheel was straight in the drop out, which it was then I remembered that metallic ping I heard in the New Forest the one i'd assumed was a repeat of my last New Forest chain incident, nope nothing I proceeded to cycle home feeling the effects of the wind or so I thought, what had actually happened is one of my spokes broke at the hub massively pushing the wheel out of true which I then proceeded to MTFU and cycle the 40 miles home :?

Doh! I knew there should have been a tailwind at some point that day :oops:

You have more mechanicals than anyone else on this forum. Are you sure someone isn't sabotaging your bikes at night...

I do dont I

Christophe3967

Pootled around RP with the GF who managed her first lap without stopping and recorded 27.32. Left her having coffee and put in another four 20 min ish laps, but it was very busy, with a new hazard - lollipop ladies shepherding runners across the road :evil: . Apologies if anyone on here shouted at me (two this morning) - I don't wear my glasses on the bike so its difficult to recognise anyone. :oops:

itboffin

These two are looking far too happy & relaxed considering the climb we'd just completed



Stopped here for ice cream, yummy



Sand plus greasy bike chain is not a good combo

Full report tomorrow all 67 miles 8)

I will just say that there were no mechanicals of any kind and my mysterious BB clicking noise has completely gone, nothing nard nil bleeding typical seeing as I spent a small fortune last night on ceramic replacements :roll:

tailwindhome

God I hope Jashburnham doesn't look at those photos, or G66 for that matter

Nothing Matches :shock:

Nothing :shock:

Not the bike, the water bottles, the shorts, the shirt, the mitts, the helmet.


Nothing :shock:

I mean what are you trying to do to him?

itboffin

WheezyMcChubby wrote:

God I hope Jashburnham doesn't look at those photos, or G66 for that matter

Nothing Matches :shock:

Nothing :shock:

Not the bike, the water bottles, the shorts, the shirt, the mitts, the helmet.


Nothing :shock:

I mean what are you trying to do to him?

Mine does

linsen

WheezyMcChubby wrote:

God I hope Jashburnham doesn't look at those photos, or G66 for that matter

Nothing Matches :shock:

Nothing :shock:

Not the bike, the water bottles, the shorts, the shirt, the mitts, the helmet.


Nothing :shock:

I mean what are you trying to do to him?

Well, as I pointed out yesterday, if you wear every colour in the rainbow, then everything will match something on your outfit....

Attica was only missing a touch of green.....

itboffin

As punishment for yesterdays flat ride i'll be doing this



ouchy

prj45

I packed some fudge yesterday morning and headed off to the Malverns.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malvern_Hills

I did this ride, (sort of, my Edge 705 has a "feature" where if you go off route it recalculates the route and sends you a new way).

I'd highly recommend it.

www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=7506

I tell you, not one you'd want to be doing on a single speed or fixed; riding up to the pass along the side of the hills was nearly an hour of the front wheel lifting off the road in my highest gear. Satnav tells me this was a 51 to 867 foot climb.

Sadly I missed the "Kettle Sings" cafe and I didn't find any spring water to drink. but the views were cool and the countryside (which I normally find a bit of a bore to cycle through) is hilly and daley enough to be interesting.

Bassjunkieuk

Looks like an excellent route prj45, my father in law lives in that general area (Bromyard) and whenever we visit him I always have such a great time driving around on the lovely country roads, but what I really want to do is take the bike down there!

lost_in_thought

Bet that was hilly, prj45! If anyone's up that way, especially at Bromyard, BJUK, I can heartily recommend popping in to Epic cycles for some bike pr0n!

laughingboy

prj45 wrote:

I packed some fudge yesterday morning and headed off to the Malverns.

"I packed some fudge yesterday morning" :shock:

Urban Dictionary definition - 'to pack fudge'

First, DDD and his buckwild sex, and now you...

That's not the kind of 'Ride Report' that I was expecting

itboffin

GD that was hard work, I stuck to the planned route which basically took in ever big hill I could find, I lost all sense of humour after the 4-5th 1000ft ish climb :?

In fact £ for £ that may well have been my hardest ride this year, i'm going to reward myself with a lay down now and perhaps some gentle weeping :?

Plus my stupid NST only recorded parts of the route so I can't check the real ascent/descent still what did record is horrific enough

https://sportstracker.nokia.com/nts/wor ... ?id=975217

and i'm back in second place in the great mileage race, until tomorrow that is

stuaff

Friday night- well, the early hours of Saturday morning, a nice relaxing pootle (well, overall speed was a pootle) in the company of ninety or so others from London to Brighton. Yes, the famous/notorious/legendary (in places) Friday Night Ride to the Coast. Late train from Pompey, in the company for most of the journey of some fellow insomniac cyclists/enthusiasts/nutters, off in my case at Clapham to link up with a couple more for the run into Hyde Park Corner and le grand depart. A chance to make the formal acquaintance of some more online friends, a safety talk from Simon the organiser (basically, shout warnings for potholes etc, no RLJing..) and then we were off, pace usually conversational, Simon and helpers wayfinding for the rest, with regular pauses to gather the field (no-one gets left behind) and allow recovery for those visited by the PF and other mechanicals. And more socialising. My little bike proved an excellent icebreaker.

Through Clapham and the 'burbs, accompanied by the wit and wisdom of assorted drunks. Then through Chipstead, into the rural darkness, where I was grateful I'd stumped up for the powerful-yet-inexpensive Hope Vision 1. A few chain drops for me here and there failed to take the moonlit shine off the exhilarating evening. At Coulsden, one poor guy had to bail when his rear mech disintegrated, and while the rest were waiting in a lay-by, we witnessed a truck throwing a strop (I think we were in 'his spot', but he found one right there anyway, the numpty).

Onwards to a scout hut not long after Horley, where soup, bread, tea, coffee, and rock cakes awaited. Recharged, we progressed through Sussex. Turner's Hill proved a good little workout, but a mere prelude to what awaited. Sped through Ardingly, with sweeping downhill sections even a chicken descender like me rarely dropped below 20 mph, right until you hit another small-but-unwelcome climb.

Onward we went. And then, like the worst of bad pennies, the biggest climb right on the cusp of our final destination. Ditchling Beacon. We had another pause to catch our breath and refuel a little, then up. After doing Blackgang on Sunday, I was at least prepared for it. But it should be called Ditchling B'stard. I ended up in bottom gear (22") most of the way. I stopped to have a drink midway, regretted it when I couldn't get going again. I just couldn't get a run-up. But I walked for a couple of minutes, to the next flattish section, got back on again and made it up intact, to polite applause, which my aching muscles richly deserved. It was now 7 am or so- we would have been quicker but for the unfortunate mechanicals- apart from the abandonment, there had been quite a few punctures.
And then, speeding (mostly) down into Brighton- there was one more little climb after Ditchling- and breakfast on the front, swapping stories with more new friends, and then trains home. Apart from the few hardy souls who decided to ride home, and did.

It might still sound nuts...but it's brilliant fun. And there are easier runs (Southend's pretty much flat). I'll definitely be back for more, they're going to Bognor in August. On the morning of my birthday....can't wait!

linsen

Well I enjoyed my trip out west very much - thanks Attica for hosting a lovely ride - shame more of you weren't there to see me carrying the lanterne rouge with such panache......

Special thanks to ITB for nagging me to take painkillers instead of martyring myself unduly, and thanks also to Attica for remembering the invisible tow-rope just when I was beginning to flag.....

Of course bringing up the rear means you get to enjoy a good variety of views.....

itboffin

I've not been this tired after cycling ever, thankfully I drove to the parish Victorian fair at the local windmill, necked a burger and a bucket load of beer, now for curry and champagne

I is very very very tired :?

Kieran_Burns

Well, I finally got tired of just using the bike for commuting and takign advantage of this gorgeous weather I ditched the plan to declutter the house and went out instead.

I'm ashamed to say it was only a 25 miler, :oops: but I did take in a couple of bitch hills that I've never been able to climb before

I think I surprised myself... scratch that. I *know* I surprised myself, I'm fitter than I think I am and I was pushing in the gears rather than letting wheels turn (if that makes sense) and found myself much less out of breath than I would normally.

There's some gorgeous countryside on my doorstep, so I think I'm going to reward a hard days work this week with a longer circuit. I can amalgamate a couple and make a 40-50 miler if I choose. I wonder if I dare?

prj45

laughingboy wrote:

prj45 wrote:

I packed some fudge yesterday morning and headed off to the Malverns.

"I packed some fudge yesterday morning" :shock:

Urban Dictionary definition - 'to pack fudge'

First, DDD and his buckwild sex, and now you...

That's not the kind of 'Ride Report' that I was expecting

Trust you!

I literally did pack some fudge, down behind my space filling jacket in my rack pack.

It was about half a bag of this stuff



And it served me well.


But you have to bring it down to your level![/img]

itboffin

Kieran_Burns wrote:

Well, I finally got tired of just using the bike for commuting and takign advantage of this gorgeous weather I ditched the plan to declutter the house and went out instead.

I'm ashamed to say it was only a 25 miler, :oops: but I did take in a couple of ***** hills that I've never been able to climb before

I think I surprised myself... scratch that. I *know* I surprised myself, I'm fitter than I think I am and I was pushing in the gears rather than letting wheels turn (if that makes sense) and found myself much less out of breath than I would normally.

There's some gorgeous countryside on my doorstep, so I think I'm going to reward a hard days work this week with a longer circuit. I can amalgamate a couple and make a 40-50 miler if I choose. I wonder if I dare?

Chapeau sir, your damn right the countryside in your neck of the woods is stunning, I'm a huge fan of the hope valley, must get myself back up that way ASAP

laughingboy

prj45 wrote:

I literally did pack some fudge, down behind my space filling jacket in my rack pack... And it served me well.

But you have to bring it down to your level!

I feel suitably admonished.

One of these days I'll grow up. Maybe.

il_principe

WheezyMcChubby wrote:

God I hope Jashburnham doesn't look at those photos, or G66 for that matter

Nothing Matches :shock:

Nothing :shock:

Not the bike, the water bottles, the shorts, the shirt, the mitts, the helmet.


Nothing :shock:

I mean what are you trying to do to him?

Arrggghhhhh, my eyes, MY EYES!

Good god people, are you colour blind?

cjcp

Anyone know how Rich got on in the FWC?

Feltup's posted over in Sportive section and the photos of Hardknott are well worth a look.

Feltup

FRED WHITTON REPORT: Warning long!

Firstly congrats to Rich158 for putting in a really good time, I guess you passed me at some point.

I really didn't know what to expect as this was my first Sportive and haven't ridden in a group for over 20yrs. Andrew and I sorted out our kit nervously and changed our minds several times before going for 3/4 bibs and slightly warmer kit. We dibbed at the start and set off. Riders were all eyeing each other up to see if they were going too fast etc but it all settled down as soon as we got halfway up Hawkeshead Hill. So far so good!

Ambleside came and went and just before Kirkstone we got our wheel sucker from the Pendle Club :evil: who sat in slip stream the whole way to Honister without doing a turn at the front and then proceeded to drop us on the climb, what a surprise!

Any way back to Kirskstone; the climb is pretty easy cadence work except my gears stuffed up and I had to adjust them. The descent is one of the most fun things I have done on a bike. We were early enough that there weren't many cars and so I could cut some of the corners only having to slow for the occasional bike. Swinging through corners at 45+mph is brilliant 52.5mph max but who knows where on that hill as it all flet that fast.

Just before Matterdale End we joined up with some great guys from Cotswold Mtn Bike Racing team. They were the only ones plus a lad in red who shared the load at the front to Honister. Good work boys!

Honister is a shock to the system as it is pretty relentless and involves a good few minutes of climbing out of the saddle to get up it. Quite a few walkers on this one some of them even had triples :? We kept the pace down after the first hard bit thinking it kicked again but before we knew it we were at the top and blasting past a couple of cars down the steep descent. Not as fast as Kirkstone but more technical and still nearly 45mph.

Buttermere was stunning. The lake was like a mirror and reflected all the hills perfectly; I should have brought the camera. Newlands was a nice climb and even managed a small sprint for the photographer 8) The drop was car free so brakes off and go!

Whinlatter felt like being in the TdeF there were so many people up there cheering and hooting horns etc. I felt a fraud!

The west side over Cold Fell drags on but the views are stunning (apart from Sellafield) but then came the drop in to Gosforth and nearly the end of my ride.

The main street is quite wide and we were doing 30ish when a lass decided to pull out on me. I hit the brakes back wheel skidding, modulated the front brake i.e. pulled harder! I was now getting very close and she had frozen with her car right across the road. My back wheel was now following my front wheel but a foot off the ground. This was going to be very close. My speed was now down to a level where it was not life threatening but the bike could still be totalled. I pulled a touch harder and the back wheel was climbing. Just as my front wheel got to an inch from her front wing I stopped but by now my back wheel was above head height and to save crashing in to her car I managed to hand plant on her bonnet :shock: I landed back down and toppled to my right and twisted my knee as I came out of the pedals but luckily the bike was OK. I moved out the way and regained my composure and she just drove off. Not a sorry nothing!

We carried on my knee aching but functioning and went to tackle Hardknott. Nothing can prepare you for the sight. I could see figures on the top and they looked miles up and tiny. The climb went fine until I hit the steepest section 33% and had to slot a gap between a BMW and a lady pushing her bike who did very well to get out the way. I so nearly had to stop but just kept the momentum going and that was it the crowd lifted me to the top after that. Thanks to the bloke who said "well done you've done the hardest part", I believed you!

My fiancee and my folks met me at the top and cheered me on then it was time for the hellish descent and what a time for it to start raining :roll: My arms almost cramped from holding the brakes on so hard.

Jackets on at the bottom and it started to hail. I was soaked through in seconds and we still had Wrynose to go. The road turned white from all the hail and the hillsides looked like a winter wonderland. Tyres crunched as we ploughed on through the hail and I really struggled on Wrynose to keep my head.

We both came in just under 8hrs which surprised me as I really had no idea how fit I was and Andrew had only done two training rides.

Brilliant day and great organisation. Hopefully I will get to do it again.

Feltup

cjcp wrote:

Anyone know how Rich got on in the FWC?

Feltup's posted over in Sportive section and the photos of Hardknott are well worth a look.

Rich did 7hrs17 or something like that. Really good time!

Kieran_Burns

Feltup - I cannot believe you did that ride. I know the roads you cycled very well and I am awestruck.

Truly speechless with admiration here. That circuit has been known to break cars, for you to cycle it..... :shock:


Mind you... Kirkstone....mmmmmmmm......

cjcp

Awesome efforts, lads. 8)

What gearing did you use in the end? And how long were you on Hardknott (those riders were miles up and tiny because they were in fact miles up!! )?

I've only ever ridden to the foot of it - the bit by the 'phone box - and remember thinking on the lovely approach to the base, "My goodness, that looks a jolly hard climb." Or words to that effect.

After speaking to a club mate a couple of years ago - he came off on one of the descents after rain - I honestly don't know which is worse: going up Hardknott or coming down in the wet.

Btw, who won? I see Jebb and Dobbin had the same time, but the results page only gives the time to the nearest minute (5:46).