Bit of a strange weekend this one.... I had planned a long ride for Saturday morning but woke feeling really weak and under the weather... talking about weather: where were the thunder storms we were promised yesterday? They didnt turn up here. So, instead of breaking my distance record (2009.... my record for 2008 was 32 miles or so), I kipped on the sofa all day. Sigh.
So...here comes Sunday. Now I need to go out as if I don't they I will get out of the routine and wont be fit enough to buy my Boardman.... well, guess what? Yes, I felt crap again. Sigh. But.... after a bit of a pep talk and after plenty of water, out I went with a plan to do somewhere over 15 miles... I did have a 20 mile and a 23 mile ride planned but given the time (1pm), I thought I would have some fall back positions.
Oh... and while we are at it (!), why do I print off maps to take with me and forget them??? Sigh.
Anyway, out I go and instead of heading up to Coppenhall I think...lets go across country..... Well, I would have but there was a chav out walking his dog who seemed to think I was looking at him in the wrong way and started getting aggressive when I got close. Well, what to do? Call him a wanker and offer him out? Or, turn off the path he is on and head back to the road.
Now, normally I would splat the twat, but it was too warm so, I turned off the path and headed back to the road.
Hummm.... Hyde Lea bank.... I guess it rises about 150 foot in about half a mile. I have never made it without stopping and guess what...still didn't but... it did feel a little easier than last time I tried.... but blimey, it was getting warm!
The ride from then on was okay...apart from the fact that it was up and down all the way.... the map seemed to suggest it was flat. No, it wasn't. I bottled out at Weaton Aston and thus, only did the 15 miles in around 2 hours. I think I stopped a few more times than normal as I needed to take quite a lot of water in.
And of the chav...well, lets hope someone with more of a temper than mine looks at him in the wrong way and he gets the kicking he needs....or better still, he gets a job.
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/running/route_194656.html
Sunday 28 June 2009
Tuesday 23 June 2009
A perfect day.......
This morning was perfect for cycling: Warm, little or no wind, NO rain and no moron’s with dogs getting in the way….so, why was I a little disappointed when I got back?
Well, not with the 17.4 miles I did in 2 hours….getting slightly quicker I think and he number of stops I need to take are decreasing (does that mean I am getting fitter???)
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_191570.html
or with the fact that I caught our postman up and almost overtook him….(I didn’t want to overtake him as he would have wanted to chat and I had better things to do…that sounds nasty but he can talk for England!) no, I was a little disappointed that our newly laid cycle path was covered from side to side in places with cow poo! Why are farmers allowed to use the cycle path to move their cattle? It just makes the track messy and no doubt when it rains they will dig it up with her hooves.
Anyway, moan off. On a more positive note, my manager is off on holiday on Friday meaning I can go out for a ride in the afternoon…. That’s unless the rain gets me first!!!
Well, not with the 17.4 miles I did in 2 hours….getting slightly quicker I think and he number of stops I need to take are decreasing (does that mean I am getting fitter???)
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_191570.html
or with the fact that I caught our postman up and almost overtook him….(I didn’t want to overtake him as he would have wanted to chat and I had better things to do…that sounds nasty but he can talk for England!) no, I was a little disappointed that our newly laid cycle path was covered from side to side in places with cow poo! Why are farmers allowed to use the cycle path to move their cattle? It just makes the track messy and no doubt when it rains they will dig it up with her hooves.
Anyway, moan off. On a more positive note, my manager is off on holiday on Friday meaning I can go out for a ride in the afternoon…. That’s unless the rain gets me first!!!
Monday 22 June 2009
The Meat Van Man
What’s that all about then? Wellllllll…………. I’ll explain.
I don’t know if you, dear reader (as if anyone is reading this dribble), watched Michael Macintyre comedy show on BBC1 last night…well it came from Birmingham and stared a comedian (forget his name) who told a story about a meat van at Bilston Market…well, I needed to pop down to Halfords (is that a swear word on this forum….it is on Bike Radar) to get a seat post clamp. Well, I had two choices for a return trip….either go straight back or head out along the disused railway line, then the ringroad before taking the canal back towards home….well, as the weather seemed okay and my legs felt okay, I thought I would take the slightly longer way back (about 7 miles against 3 miles… not great but it helps build up my monthly distance).
Well, the disused railway line goes by Stafford Common, the venue of Stafford’s weekly car boot sale. Not sure what you think about car boot sales, but I have only been to one once…and that was pants. Anyway, I wasn’t planning to stop but… a voice came floating over the airways…yes, there was a meat van!!!! And do’h, they were selling £85 worth of steak for £20…. I swear I saw a bloke around the back scrapping maggots off the meat…. And yes, I am a vegetarian.
So there I was at the car boot sale and as the weather was fine…said that already: Do’h, I thought I would take a wonder about. What a pile of poo. Why on earth would anyone want an K-tel album from 1973? Most of it belongs in the “recycling” centre.
I did however see a right scoundrel trying to sell a Raleigh rust bucket bike for £130!!! This bike wasn’t worth £20. I felt sorry for the bloke he was trying to rip off as obviously had no idea how much the “bike” (I use the word only loosely as it was a pile of poo) was worth, or what they could get new from say Argos or Halfords for the same money. Okay, the bike they will get from there for £130 will be basic but it would be new and not a pile of rust. Should I have said anything… not sure but at least the bloke said he would think about it and return with the money if he decided to buy.
Anyway, back to the ride….it was all going lovely until I got back to Radford Bank…about 2.5 miles from home, where the skies opened and it started to rain…and rain…and rain…sigh. At least it took me only 10 minutes to get back but it was nasty and unpleasant.
The ride….
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_190224.html
I don’t know if you, dear reader (as if anyone is reading this dribble), watched Michael Macintyre comedy show on BBC1 last night…well it came from Birmingham and stared a comedian (forget his name) who told a story about a meat van at Bilston Market…well, I needed to pop down to Halfords (is that a swear word on this forum….it is on Bike Radar) to get a seat post clamp. Well, I had two choices for a return trip….either go straight back or head out along the disused railway line, then the ringroad before taking the canal back towards home….well, as the weather seemed okay and my legs felt okay, I thought I would take the slightly longer way back (about 7 miles against 3 miles… not great but it helps build up my monthly distance).
Well, the disused railway line goes by Stafford Common, the venue of Stafford’s weekly car boot sale. Not sure what you think about car boot sales, but I have only been to one once…and that was pants. Anyway, I wasn’t planning to stop but… a voice came floating over the airways…yes, there was a meat van!!!! And do’h, they were selling £85 worth of steak for £20…. I swear I saw a bloke around the back scrapping maggots off the meat…. And yes, I am a vegetarian.
So there I was at the car boot sale and as the weather was fine…said that already: Do’h, I thought I would take a wonder about. What a pile of poo. Why on earth would anyone want an K-tel album from 1973? Most of it belongs in the “recycling” centre.
I did however see a right scoundrel trying to sell a Raleigh rust bucket bike for £130!!! This bike wasn’t worth £20. I felt sorry for the bloke he was trying to rip off as obviously had no idea how much the “bike” (I use the word only loosely as it was a pile of poo) was worth, or what they could get new from say Argos or Halfords for the same money. Okay, the bike they will get from there for £130 will be basic but it would be new and not a pile of rust. Should I have said anything… not sure but at least the bloke said he would think about it and return with the money if he decided to buy.
Anyway, back to the ride….it was all going lovely until I got back to Radford Bank…about 2.5 miles from home, where the skies opened and it started to rain…and rain…and rain…sigh. At least it took me only 10 minutes to get back but it was nasty and unpleasant.
The ride….
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_190224.html
Man without a plan
I was that man on Saturday…. No idea where I was going until I actually got there! I set off late as I had to fix the washing machine first….
Now, me and machines don’t normally go together. According to my wife, I invent at least two new swearwords each time I try to fix something as; to quote: “they fecking designed this crap….. whatever moron put this together did it wrong….. that’s a stupid place to put that bit….” Etc… You have to do that bit in a mockney voice to get somewhere close to how I sound…or at least sound to my wife. I personally think I sound normal and don’t have an access but, what would I know?
Anyway, I digress, the washing machine was soooo easy to fit…the pump popped out when I pressed the restraining hub in and the new one went back in without a problem. It was up and running again within 3 minutes!!! Well, with that shock and surprise still flouting around, I needed a sleep to recover so didn’t go out for my ride until 3pm.
Well, where should I go??? No idea really, but I set off towards Acton Trustell and then back along the canal…. Do I come off as normal and then head along the ring road as I normally do??? Nah, boring…lets head toward Shugborough…so that’s what I did. Quite an enjoyable ride really but quite hard on the old bottom given the rough nature of the track. Got home at 5.45pm to find my tea on the table…. Life doesn’t get much better than that really ;-)
Here’s the route.
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_189884.html
Whilst its not much of a ride, this was my trip to the Post Office earlier in the day. I went on my road bike which I haven’t used much recently. It was interesting to note that I got up to 19mph on part of the ride….okay, it was downhill….sigh.
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_190051.html
Now, me and machines don’t normally go together. According to my wife, I invent at least two new swearwords each time I try to fix something as; to quote: “they fecking designed this crap….. whatever moron put this together did it wrong….. that’s a stupid place to put that bit….” Etc… You have to do that bit in a mockney voice to get somewhere close to how I sound…or at least sound to my wife. I personally think I sound normal and don’t have an access but, what would I know?
Anyway, I digress, the washing machine was soooo easy to fit…the pump popped out when I pressed the restraining hub in and the new one went back in without a problem. It was up and running again within 3 minutes!!! Well, with that shock and surprise still flouting around, I needed a sleep to recover so didn’t go out for my ride until 3pm.
Well, where should I go??? No idea really, but I set off towards Acton Trustell and then back along the canal…. Do I come off as normal and then head along the ring road as I normally do??? Nah, boring…lets head toward Shugborough…so that’s what I did. Quite an enjoyable ride really but quite hard on the old bottom given the rough nature of the track. Got home at 5.45pm to find my tea on the table…. Life doesn’t get much better than that really ;-)
Here’s the route.
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_189884.html
Whilst its not much of a ride, this was my trip to the Post Office earlier in the day. I went on my road bike which I haven’t used much recently. It was interesting to note that I got up to 19mph on part of the ride….okay, it was downhill….sigh.
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_190051.html
Tuesday 16 June 2009
The Downing Brothers.....
Yep, they sound like a dodgy East End “firm” from the 1960’s. You know the type…. Hard as nails but loved their mum. Oh, and there was never any bovver in the area as they would sort it…. You could leave your doors open…… Well, yes, they are hard but not that way. Instead, they are hard and fast on a bike with them perhaps being the fastest bothers on the professional cycling circuit.
What makes me say that? Well, tonight in Stoke they showed their speed by one of them winning the sprints, while the other one won the race overall.
The race itself was tight with no one managing more than a 15 second lead: indeed, unlike the race in Southport where four people broke away and the race completely fragmented, the pack stayed together for most of the race with only three or four riders being lapped. The course itself was highly technical with quite a few corners and a narrow climb up to the Start/Finish line.
Overall, quite a good race in front of the largest crowd of the series so far (IMHO). Not going to tell you which team is leading the race overall now.... but the ride in Gold and Black and I want a Broadman from there.
What makes me say that? Well, tonight in Stoke they showed their speed by one of them winning the sprints, while the other one won the race overall.
The race itself was tight with no one managing more than a 15 second lead: indeed, unlike the race in Southport where four people broke away and the race completely fragmented, the pack stayed together for most of the race with only three or four riders being lapped. The course itself was highly technical with quite a few corners and a narrow climb up to the Start/Finish line.
Overall, quite a good race in front of the largest crowd of the series so far (IMHO). Not going to tell you which team is leading the race overall now.... but the ride in Gold and Black and I want a Broadman from there.
Wildlife.
Seventeen rabbits (add own rude joke here), three squirrels, four dogs and three other fit looking cyclist (including one in Lyrca who had 10 years at least on me) seen on my early morning ride today. I like going out early as it’s lovely and quiet. As you might have guessed, I am a bit of a miserable b*stard at times and like to be on my own.
Anyway, after my “epic” trip to the “mountains” on Saturday, I decided to stay local and head along the Greenway from Stafford to Gnosall and back. It’s a nice, mostly flat route along a disused railway line which recently has been extended from Haughton to Gnosall at the cost of about £150 000…..for three miles of track! Blimey, I am in the wrong trade. I am quite hoping that “they” will extend the path to Newport as this would make a nice 20+ mile round trip.
This is the route:
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_187043.html
What pleased me most about the ride today was that it “only” took 1 hour 54 mins. Yes, I know that works out as “only” 8,4mph but I used to struggle to maintain such speeds over a distance like this. I feel a lot fitter than I did a month ago. Perhaps this weekend I might try a 25 mile ride to see if I am up to it?
Talking about 25 miles…. I am off to see the Tour Series race tonight in Stoke on Trent. The riders there average more than that over an hour I would guess but then they are half my age, half my weight and ride a bike which costs half my annual salary! Should be good. If I can work out how to, I might post a few pictures tomorrow.
Anyway, after my “epic” trip to the “mountains” on Saturday, I decided to stay local and head along the Greenway from Stafford to Gnosall and back. It’s a nice, mostly flat route along a disused railway line which recently has been extended from Haughton to Gnosall at the cost of about £150 000…..for three miles of track! Blimey, I am in the wrong trade. I am quite hoping that “they” will extend the path to Newport as this would make a nice 20+ mile round trip.
This is the route:
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_187043.html
What pleased me most about the ride today was that it “only” took 1 hour 54 mins. Yes, I know that works out as “only” 8,4mph but I used to struggle to maintain such speeds over a distance like this. I feel a lot fitter than I did a month ago. Perhaps this weekend I might try a 25 mile ride to see if I am up to it?
Talking about 25 miles…. I am off to see the Tour Series race tonight in Stoke on Trent. The riders there average more than that over an hour I would guess but then they are half my age, half my weight and ride a bike which costs half my annual salary! Should be good. If I can work out how to, I might post a few pictures tomorrow.
Saturday 13 June 2009
Spit or swallow?
Just thought I would ask. What would you do if you got a fly caught in the back of your throat? Me, being a vegetarian, I spat of course leaving the poor thing looking dazed laying on the path. I checked on the way back and he had gone, so being deep in my mouth didn't have any major effect on him....thankfully! You see, apart from their love of getting into my mouth, I think fly's are under rated as an member of the animal kingdom as without them....well think how high the world would be in shit.....hummmm...... thinking about it somewhat, its a shame “they” can't invent a fly which eats politicians; celebrities and boy racers. One day eh, one day.
Sorry, I have just realised that this is a blog about cycling and my efforts to get fit but I wondered off to talk about fly's. Sorry about that! Anyway, what have I been up to today then I hear you ask..... well, I went off to the Tissington Trail near Ashbourne in Derbyshire.
The Tissington Trail is a long distance (well about 14 miles) cycling path built on the route of a disused railway (sort of glad its disused... don't think I would fancy my chances against a 100 ton loco!) which winds its way towards Buxton through some pretty English countryside....yes, I've been reading the Peak District Website....a website which also calls the route “flat...” Like feck! Do you call a 700 foot plus climb in about 8 miles flat???? Okay, okay, I know that works out at around 4% (or 1 in 25 if you are old like me), but after a while it takes its toil!
So, off this morning I went to Ashbourne after taking my bike apart and hanging it on the back of the car...always worried about covering the lights and thus, giving the police a reason to stop me and “fine” me (remind me to rant about the police being able to “fine” people one day!). Anyway, (sorry, digressing again!), how comes when ever I go towards Ashbourne I get caught behind a slow moving vehicle?.... today it was a bloody road roller! Sigh. My planned arrival time (8am), slipped somewhat to 8.30am
Why do I like to cycle that early? Well, I don't like getting too hot and today was quite a warm day with light winds (although the Peaks do have a micro climate and it can rain on you when the rest of the country is dry) and I hate riding with other people...they tend to go faster than me and have better bikes than my BSO.
The ride then....well, the first few miles up the trail (I have done it 4 times before I think) are always a struggle as your legs (actually, I wish I could use your legs instead of mine as you could deal with the pain later!)... sorry, my legs take a bit of time to warm up. They soon did but then came the fly problem...see above. Yuk. How comes they always fly into your mouth when you are breathing hard? As I said about, its a gentle slope but does go on, and on, and on, and on and, yes on! Finally, just about 3 miles after Alsop, it flattens out and in fact for a short while, goes down hill. Finally, 1hr 50 minutes later I arrive at the signal box at Harrington (I think) and decide that I have had enough and won't go all the way.
Now you would think that coming back would be fun; I mean, about 8 miles going down hill....well, they would without the morons who come out on a Saturday morning either to walk their dogs (a unfit bunch of half wolves they were too. Oh, and if that mutt tries to bite me again, its going to get my bike up its arse) or to “teach” their children how to cycle. Why, oh why, oh why do “they” pollute the cycle paths of the country? Look, a crash helmet and a bike two sizes too big for them will not make them a cyclist! The one I almost knocked off should have been on the other side of the path AND should have been looking at where he was going. Twat! While I am moaning... “OI fat man, get out of the way!!” Why stop in the middle of the path to have a chat to your wife without being aware of the cyclist bearing down on you?!
Yes, by 10.30 all the world and its arsehole were out on the trail meaning that the ride back down was full of stops and starts. Sigh. I did however, manage to overtake someone (she was about 4! I hope that improves my FCN!)
Anyway (which you will no doubt discover is one of my favourite words), 3 hours on my bike and 22.5 miles covered. Not world beating but enjoyable neither the less.
Oh, you want the route.... here goes.
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_185162.html
Sorry for ranting.
Sorry, I have just realised that this is a blog about cycling and my efforts to get fit but I wondered off to talk about fly's. Sorry about that! Anyway, what have I been up to today then I hear you ask..... well, I went off to the Tissington Trail near Ashbourne in Derbyshire.
The Tissington Trail is a long distance (well about 14 miles) cycling path built on the route of a disused railway (sort of glad its disused... don't think I would fancy my chances against a 100 ton loco!) which winds its way towards Buxton through some pretty English countryside....yes, I've been reading the Peak District Website....a website which also calls the route “flat...” Like feck! Do you call a 700 foot plus climb in about 8 miles flat???? Okay, okay, I know that works out at around 4% (or 1 in 25 if you are old like me), but after a while it takes its toil!
So, off this morning I went to Ashbourne after taking my bike apart and hanging it on the back of the car...always worried about covering the lights and thus, giving the police a reason to stop me and “fine” me (remind me to rant about the police being able to “fine” people one day!). Anyway, (sorry, digressing again!), how comes when ever I go towards Ashbourne I get caught behind a slow moving vehicle?.... today it was a bloody road roller! Sigh. My planned arrival time (8am), slipped somewhat to 8.30am
Why do I like to cycle that early? Well, I don't like getting too hot and today was quite a warm day with light winds (although the Peaks do have a micro climate and it can rain on you when the rest of the country is dry) and I hate riding with other people...they tend to go faster than me and have better bikes than my BSO.
The ride then....well, the first few miles up the trail (I have done it 4 times before I think) are always a struggle as your legs (actually, I wish I could use your legs instead of mine as you could deal with the pain later!)... sorry, my legs take a bit of time to warm up. They soon did but then came the fly problem...see above. Yuk. How comes they always fly into your mouth when you are breathing hard? As I said about, its a gentle slope but does go on, and on, and on, and on and, yes on! Finally, just about 3 miles after Alsop, it flattens out and in fact for a short while, goes down hill. Finally, 1hr 50 minutes later I arrive at the signal box at Harrington (I think) and decide that I have had enough and won't go all the way.
Now you would think that coming back would be fun; I mean, about 8 miles going down hill....well, they would without the morons who come out on a Saturday morning either to walk their dogs (a unfit bunch of half wolves they were too. Oh, and if that mutt tries to bite me again, its going to get my bike up its arse) or to “teach” their children how to cycle. Why, oh why, oh why do “they” pollute the cycle paths of the country? Look, a crash helmet and a bike two sizes too big for them will not make them a cyclist! The one I almost knocked off should have been on the other side of the path AND should have been looking at where he was going. Twat! While I am moaning... “OI fat man, get out of the way!!” Why stop in the middle of the path to have a chat to your wife without being aware of the cyclist bearing down on you?!
Yes, by 10.30 all the world and its arsehole were out on the trail meaning that the ride back down was full of stops and starts. Sigh. I did however, manage to overtake someone (she was about 4! I hope that improves my FCN!)
Anyway (which you will no doubt discover is one of my favourite words), 3 hours on my bike and 22.5 miles covered. Not world beating but enjoyable neither the less.
Oh, you want the route.... here goes.
http://gb.mapometer.com/en/cycling/route_185162.html
Sorry for ranting.
Friday 12 June 2009
Yesterdays cycle ride
I thought I would see if this works.... This is the ride I did yesterday morning on my MTB (nothing special as bikes go, indeed, the more "professional" riders out there would more than likely call it a BSO as: It cost only about £120 eight years ago and was brought from a catalogue!!!!)
Map your cycle in UK - route184084:
The ride was "only" 17 miles which I know some of you do before breakfast but as I am lugging around half a house on my gut, it a good distance for me. Also, it took just over 2 hours which again isn't anywhere as fast as most people, but then some of it was on very damp canal path where speeds are lower than on the road.
I enjoyed the ride, apart from where I came off my bike....stupid of me to think I could cycle across a slope on semi slicks. Doh! Anyway, the weather was okay: about 14c with light winds.
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Map your cycle in UK - route184084:
The ride was "only" 17 miles which I know some of you do before breakfast but as I am lugging around half a house on my gut, it a good distance for me. Also, it took just over 2 hours which again isn't anywhere as fast as most people, but then some of it was on very damp canal path where speeds are lower than on the road.
I enjoyed the ride, apart from where I came off my bike....stupid of me to think I could cycle across a slope on semi slicks. Doh! Anyway, the weather was okay: about 14c with light winds.
Shared via AddThis
I thought it was about....
time I actually wrote something in this blog....so here I go................................er.
Yep, don't really know what to say or do in these things as to be honest, I hardly ever read them and doubt anyone would be interested in reading what I have to say. So, why do this?
Well, I suppose its more for me than for you.... if there is a you....wouldn't it be horrible if I was the only person in the world.... hummmmm.... no traffic queues, no morons moaning (I know I am moaning here...sorry)... anyway, back on thread... as I could do with a bit of a diary to record my actions over the next few months.
Why, I hear myself ask on your behalf... well (and sorry for all these "..."... trying to add effect) I am trying to get fit by riding a bike for two; er three...actually for many reasons including the fact that I am a bit of a "lard arse" (although I actually have a small bum according to "the wife"), I am getting old (47 coming on 48), I like riding a bike; I want to do something special for my 50th and that sort of thing.
Soooooooo, what I think I will do when I work out how, is post a few blogs on my training rides and everything else which takes my fancy. Hope you enjoy reading them (like, anyone is going to read this lump of rubbish!)
Yep, don't really know what to say or do in these things as to be honest, I hardly ever read them and doubt anyone would be interested in reading what I have to say. So, why do this?
Well, I suppose its more for me than for you.... if there is a you....wouldn't it be horrible if I was the only person in the world.... hummmmm.... no traffic queues, no morons moaning (I know I am moaning here...sorry)... anyway, back on thread... as I could do with a bit of a diary to record my actions over the next few months.
Why, I hear myself ask on your behalf... well (and sorry for all these "..."... trying to add effect) I am trying to get fit by riding a bike for two; er three...actually for many reasons including the fact that I am a bit of a "lard arse" (although I actually have a small bum according to "the wife"), I am getting old (47 coming on 48), I like riding a bike; I want to do something special for my 50th and that sort of thing.
Soooooooo, what I think I will do when I work out how, is post a few blogs on my training rides and everything else which takes my fancy. Hope you enjoy reading them (like, anyone is going to read this lump of rubbish!)
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