No, not an Alf Garrent reference but the cows who stood and watched me cycle towards them earlier...have they never seen a fat bloke on a bike before???
Well, as I had only a few miles to go to make 300 this month, I decided to cycle to the Post Office... no, not the one a mile or so away, but the one in the next village...the long way. So, off as soon as it became light enough (7.30am!!!! I remember when I was young.......) and off down the Newport Road towards the disused railway line. Blimey... and I will say it again...blimey was I on fire or what as I did 25.9 on the flat! I made it to the track in only 7 minutes!
Well, this was the first and perhaps the last time I will use that track on Jordan as its bumpy as hell and really not suited for her. When you get over the rough start to the track, the surface turns to ash which grips like a grippy thing.
After a few miles I finally made my mind up to go follow the path to Gnosall and then, perhaps climb the main hill the other side of town before heading to the Post Office. Well that was the plan but the above mentioned cows had other ideas as they took ages to cross the track from their milking pallor to the field. Sigh. I got fed up of waiting so turned around and thought I would go by road instead.
You know the best laid plans etc...well it would have helped if I had had a map on me as I got lost and ended up in Ranton instead of Gnosall.... basically the wrong direction. So, double back on myself time and as the Post Office wasn't due to open for half an hour, I thought I would see if the cows had gone... they hadn't.
Anyway, after dropping my package off at the Post Office I headed back via the road out of Derrington....its becoming easier and back over Mount King Cod which didn't even need changing down for.
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=21650
Distance: 20.08. Total 305.75
Height Climbed: 457. Total 8898
Average speed: 11.8mph
Tuesday 29 September 2009
Sunday 27 September 2009
Some people
are just out to make a ride as unpleasant as possible. Take the arsehole in the Cleo who shouted abuse at me when I am turning right as I dont have my arm out signalling....er, I am in a right turn only lane...where the fuck do you think I am going????? Get a proper car, learn some manners and feck off and die. Horribily.
Then, about 2 miles later I am doing about 15 along a single track road when I see a long streak of p*ss on a sh*t bike doing about 5 miles an hour along side a women jogging.... I slow down and think I wont overtake as my right turn is just beyond then...well they move to the left so must be turning left eh....like f*ck. the f*cking moron swings right straight into my path. I manage to stop...she says sorry...he just says "where is your bell????!!!!" I decided I had two choices...remove his teeth and place them in the bag with my bell, or call him a moron and cycle on.
Then, at the Queensway roundabout...the traffic into town is stopped so I am let onto the roundabout to turn right... a f*cking moron women in some sh*t lump of green crap decides that as the traffic going the other way has stopped, there is no need to check to see if anyone is on the roundabout before she joins it....and promptly misses me by about 3 foot... Its lucky I think everybody who drives a car is a complete and utter tosser so had slowed down enough to break. Oh, and she didnt even see me when I waived at her or shouted abuse at her at the next set of lights.
Oh, and its not fair that I did 25 foot less than 1 000. Oh, failed to climb the main hill. Still not fit enough. Oh and my foot still hurts.
www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=21431
Distance: 21.16 Total 285.67
Height climbed 962 total 8441
Average speed....hilly so only 11mph.
Then, about 2 miles later I am doing about 15 along a single track road when I see a long streak of p*ss on a sh*t bike doing about 5 miles an hour along side a women jogging.... I slow down and think I wont overtake as my right turn is just beyond then...well they move to the left so must be turning left eh....like f*ck. the f*cking moron swings right straight into my path. I manage to stop...she says sorry...he just says "where is your bell????!!!!" I decided I had two choices...remove his teeth and place them in the bag with my bell, or call him a moron and cycle on.
Then, at the Queensway roundabout...the traffic into town is stopped so I am let onto the roundabout to turn right... a f*cking moron women in some sh*t lump of green crap decides that as the traffic going the other way has stopped, there is no need to check to see if anyone is on the roundabout before she joins it....and promptly misses me by about 3 foot... Its lucky I think everybody who drives a car is a complete and utter tosser so had slowed down enough to break. Oh, and she didnt even see me when I waived at her or shouted abuse at her at the next set of lights.
Oh, and its not fair that I did 25 foot less than 1 000. Oh, failed to climb the main hill. Still not fit enough. Oh and my foot still hurts.
www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=21431
Distance: 21.16 Total 285.67
Height climbed 962 total 8441
Average speed....hilly so only 11mph.
Friday 25 September 2009
Foot revisited.
Well after a couple of days not being able to walk due to this sore foot (points to left foot), I finally braved Jordan again and went out for a quick (well, slow actually) ride.
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=21209
Generally, the foot hurt at times: mostly on hills but as long as I unclipped now and again just to rest it, I survied the ride. Shamed to say however that my average speed at 11.8 wasnt that impressive. Sigh...when will I start riding at 13+?
Better was the climb up to Coppenhill as I at least had sufficient breath to say "hi" to the young lady on a road bike going the other way.
So....ride: 24.75 miles: Total done 264.51 To do: 14.59
Height climbed: 643 Total 7479
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=21209
Generally, the foot hurt at times: mostly on hills but as long as I unclipped now and again just to rest it, I survied the ride. Shamed to say however that my average speed at 11.8 wasnt that impressive. Sigh...when will I start riding at 13+?
Better was the climb up to Coppenhill as I at least had sufficient breath to say "hi" to the young lady on a road bike going the other way.
So....ride: 24.75 miles: Total done 264.51 To do: 14.59
Height climbed: 643 Total 7479
Tuesday 22 September 2009
Sore foot
Ouch....my left foot is painful still.... indeed, so much so I even took some painkillers before I went out for a ride today. Its bruised without really being bruised so hurts everytime I put my foot down...sigh.
Anyway, after adding some padding to my cycling shoes, I set off for a shortish ride...well that was the plan and after struggling for a few miles, I decided it was time to go home. However, after cycling for a few miles unclipped I thought why not carry on for a bit and thus, I ended up on the New Penkridge Road near Cannock.
Well, it did cross my mind that it would be worth cycling over the hill at Huntingdon and down to were we used to live but given my foot problem I decided it would be better to leave it until Sunday. Instead, I doubled back on myself and back to Penkridge along the country lanes which few cars seem to be aware of.
Oh, it was a bit of a shock a few miles from home when, whilst going up a hill, I was overtaken by a funeral car....empty....waiting for me perhaps???
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=20902
Distance: 25.01. Total for the month: 239.76 To do. 40.24
Height climbed: 576. Total for the month: 6836
Average speed (it was very windy) 12mph.
Anyway, after adding some padding to my cycling shoes, I set off for a shortish ride...well that was the plan and after struggling for a few miles, I decided it was time to go home. However, after cycling for a few miles unclipped I thought why not carry on for a bit and thus, I ended up on the New Penkridge Road near Cannock.
Well, it did cross my mind that it would be worth cycling over the hill at Huntingdon and down to were we used to live but given my foot problem I decided it would be better to leave it until Sunday. Instead, I doubled back on myself and back to Penkridge along the country lanes which few cars seem to be aware of.
Oh, it was a bit of a shock a few miles from home when, whilst going up a hill, I was overtaken by a funeral car....empty....waiting for me perhaps???
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=20902
Distance: 25.01. Total for the month: 239.76 To do. 40.24
Height climbed: 576. Total for the month: 6836
Average speed (it was very windy) 12mph.
Monday 21 September 2009
Weekend cycle report
A quick note regarding my weekend cycling then....
Well, Friday was spent trying Jordan out on the rollers and after a few problems clipping in and out a quick 5 miles was knocked out at an average of 15mph....strange how much quicker I am on rollers than on the road! I guess where are less inclines to bother with and no wind.
I think that 10 miles on the rollers this month overall.
On Saturday it was off down to London to see the Pro's do it during the final stage of the Tour of Britain. Some action but as with all crits, the race is normally settled in the last few hundred yards. I do wish the track had been shorter than the 8 miles or so so we would have seen more of the racing.
Yesterday...sunday... hummmm...it took me quite a bit of time to get the "get up and go" up to head out but I was pleased when I did as, for a change, things went well for me with a 10 mile time of 45 minutes or there abouts. The next 10 also took 45 minutes which I was very pleased about. I climbed the last hill into town on the road for the first time ever and "sprinted" up the back road at over 18mph! Oh...and this made me smile, I got wolf whisled when I climbed the last short hill by two young women.... yes yes, they were from the blind school no doubt.
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=20681
Distance: 23.75. Total 214.75 To do: 65.25
Height climbed: 544 Total 6260
Average speed 13.1
Well, Friday was spent trying Jordan out on the rollers and after a few problems clipping in and out a quick 5 miles was knocked out at an average of 15mph....strange how much quicker I am on rollers than on the road! I guess where are less inclines to bother with and no wind.
I think that 10 miles on the rollers this month overall.
On Saturday it was off down to London to see the Pro's do it during the final stage of the Tour of Britain. Some action but as with all crits, the race is normally settled in the last few hundred yards. I do wish the track had been shorter than the 8 miles or so so we would have seen more of the racing.
Yesterday...sunday... hummmm...it took me quite a bit of time to get the "get up and go" up to head out but I was pleased when I did as, for a change, things went well for me with a 10 mile time of 45 minutes or there abouts. The next 10 also took 45 minutes which I was very pleased about. I climbed the last hill into town on the road for the first time ever and "sprinted" up the back road at over 18mph! Oh...and this made me smile, I got wolf whisled when I climbed the last short hill by two young women.... yes yes, they were from the blind school no doubt.
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=20681
Distance: 23.75. Total 214.75 To do: 65.25
Height climbed: 544 Total 6260
Average speed 13.1
Thursday 17 September 2009
Jordan part 3
Oh dear; oh dear; oh dear.
Todays ride, to say the least, was an unimpressive one. A right struggle actually.
The route was not that difficult and one I had done many times before, including the climb up Hyde Lea Bank but I just could not get any speed up; although it was better for me than for the old bloke laying in the road in Penkridge (outside Ian's Tackle....its a fishing shop) who had just been hit by a van. Luckily for him (if someone who has been hit by a van can be lucky) the first people on site were an army medic and the district nurse. I left them get on with it...nice pool of blood on the floor for someone to clear up however.
My loop around the backroads towards Cannock were not that impressive also, although coming backtowards Penkridge was slightly better.
Coming back home I decided to go via Acton Trussell and then over the railway bridge/ climb into Stafford; both were done without too much of a struggle, although my legs still weren't feeling good. Sigh.
So, a flat sort of ride (must check the tyres again) which I didnt really enjoy.
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=20311
Distance: 20.14 Total 191.00 To do 89 miles....looks like I will made the target this month :-)
Height climbed: 556 Total 5716
Average speed: 11.4mph... unimpressive.
Todays ride, to say the least, was an unimpressive one. A right struggle actually.
The route was not that difficult and one I had done many times before, including the climb up Hyde Lea Bank but I just could not get any speed up; although it was better for me than for the old bloke laying in the road in Penkridge (outside Ian's Tackle....its a fishing shop) who had just been hit by a van. Luckily for him (if someone who has been hit by a van can be lucky) the first people on site were an army medic and the district nurse. I left them get on with it...nice pool of blood on the floor for someone to clear up however.
My loop around the backroads towards Cannock were not that impressive also, although coming backtowards Penkridge was slightly better.
Coming back home I decided to go via Acton Trussell and then over the railway bridge/ climb into Stafford; both were done without too much of a struggle, although my legs still weren't feeling good. Sigh.
So, a flat sort of ride (must check the tyres again) which I didnt really enjoy.
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=20311
Distance: 20.14 Total 191.00 To do 89 miles....looks like I will made the target this month :-)
Height climbed: 556 Total 5716
Average speed: 11.4mph... unimpressive.
Fit young men in lyrca.
No, not a dream but the Tour of Britain. Yes, the TofB came close to Stafford yesterday so off out I went to watch the riders fly by and when I say fly by... blimey!
First off to Stone to watch the sprint point...strange place to have the spint on the road into town: I thoughtit would have been better if they had held it in the market street like they did last year during the Circuit De Stone.
My plan after that was to head to Gun Hill but looking at the map I didnt think I would make it in time, so instead I parked on the hill just outside Leek. Now I know this hill having driven up it a few times so thought it would be vantage point: oh, and its a Cat 3 hill. Well, the riders came flying up the hill about as fast as I can drive it making the hill look like the Somerset Flat Lands!
A quick drive into Stoke (following the British Cycle Team support car the whole way) for the finish: blimey I didnt realise how much a drop down from Cellarheads into Stoke it is! I would not like to climb that on a bike. The finish itself was quickly over with the tour leader outsprinting everyone to the line: blimey, its an impressive uphill finish which I would struggle to do not racing.
Overall, an enjoyable day out, although Stoke on Trent is a bit of a pit.
First off to Stone to watch the sprint point...strange place to have the spint on the road into town: I thoughtit would have been better if they had held it in the market street like they did last year during the Circuit De Stone.
My plan after that was to head to Gun Hill but looking at the map I didnt think I would make it in time, so instead I parked on the hill just outside Leek. Now I know this hill having driven up it a few times so thought it would be vantage point: oh, and its a Cat 3 hill. Well, the riders came flying up the hill about as fast as I can drive it making the hill look like the Somerset Flat Lands!
A quick drive into Stoke (following the British Cycle Team support car the whole way) for the finish: blimey I didnt realise how much a drop down from Cellarheads into Stoke it is! I would not like to climb that on a bike. The finish itself was quickly over with the tour leader outsprinting everyone to the line: blimey, its an impressive uphill finish which I would struggle to do not racing.
Overall, an enjoyable day out, although Stoke on Trent is a bit of a pit.
Riding Jordan 2
Well went out for a ride on Jordan for the second time on Tuesday and...er it was better than the first ride, due in part to the fact that I pumped the tyres up first! I was somewhat disappointed to discover that they were only at 60psi.
The route was a reasonable one and surprisingly, despite not trying I made it to 10 miles in "only" 47 minutes. Whilst that isn't the quickest I have ever done the distance, it is certainly an improvement over the first ride I did on her. The second 10 miles took me along a quiet but quite wide country road down towards the A5 and then over to Four Ashes. The road from there to Cannock is quite busy but certainly not difficult.
Whilst I was enjoying the ride, there is always one arsehole who makes things difficult for you...this time it was a twat in a small lorry who thought it fun to overtake me on a 90 degree bend which was just wide enough for him and me. I did laugh seconds later when the twat had to head into some bushes to avoid an oncoming car. The car driver was not impressed either!
The last 10 miles were a bit of a drag but then the last four are mostly uphill including a 250 climb: I made it up the last 10% hill into Coppenhill without stopping so I must be getting fitter.... I must.
Overall, 31 miles... not bad.
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=20081
Distance: 31.53. Total 170.86 To do. 109.14
Height climbed: 843 Total 5160
Average. Around 11.5 mph...did slow down over the last few miles worse luck.
The route was a reasonable one and surprisingly, despite not trying I made it to 10 miles in "only" 47 minutes. Whilst that isn't the quickest I have ever done the distance, it is certainly an improvement over the first ride I did on her. The second 10 miles took me along a quiet but quite wide country road down towards the A5 and then over to Four Ashes. The road from there to Cannock is quite busy but certainly not difficult.
Whilst I was enjoying the ride, there is always one arsehole who makes things difficult for you...this time it was a twat in a small lorry who thought it fun to overtake me on a 90 degree bend which was just wide enough for him and me. I did laugh seconds later when the twat had to head into some bushes to avoid an oncoming car. The car driver was not impressed either!
The last 10 miles were a bit of a drag but then the last four are mostly uphill including a 250 climb: I made it up the last 10% hill into Coppenhill without stopping so I must be getting fitter.... I must.
Overall, 31 miles... not bad.
http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=20081
Distance: 31.53. Total 170.86 To do. 109.14
Height climbed: 843 Total 5160
Average. Around 11.5 mph...did slow down over the last few miles worse luck.
Monday 14 September 2009
Jordan
Went on for my first proper ride ever on my new bike "Jordan" yesterday....why Jordan??? Well, according to the current wife, the new bike is curvy and has plastic up front (the forks are carbon). The name seems to suit.
Anyway, up at half six so I can get out before the traffic picks up and out just after 7.30 only to find that there was thick fog on the main road out of town and all way to Penkridge. Sigh. As to the ride...er, this bike isn't that fast. It took me 31 minutes to do the 5.8miles against 21 minutes I did it the other day on the BSO....er?
I suppose it takes a bit of time to get used to a bike: a few things I noticed while out on the ride...
The gears....there are too many! 27 gears means that quite a few gears are only one or two teeth apart so to change to a suitable gear takes quite a few clicks.
The gears pt 2.... disappointingly, they seem to jump quite a bit which really they shouldnt do.
The granny... it might be 30:25 but was still a struggle getting up the hill into Coppenhill. Sigh. I thought it would be easier.
On the plus side...the bike fits me a lot better than the BSO and was a lot more comfortable to ride: I like the handlebars.
The second part of the ride was better than the first, although I did have my first unclipping moment when faced with a car coming towards me on a single track road, I forgot to do so...doh! Luckily I managed to get my right foot out so didnt go over.
Well the new bike didn't turn me into a pro.... I am still a fat bloke on a bike, but this time on a nicer bike. I am sure I will get used to it and it will increase my fitness and speed.
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=19812
Distance: 28.45 Total 139.33 To Do. 140.67
Height: 754 Total 4317
Average speed 11.2mph.
Anyway, up at half six so I can get out before the traffic picks up and out just after 7.30 only to find that there was thick fog on the main road out of town and all way to Penkridge. Sigh. As to the ride...er, this bike isn't that fast. It took me 31 minutes to do the 5.8miles against 21 minutes I did it the other day on the BSO....er?
I suppose it takes a bit of time to get used to a bike: a few things I noticed while out on the ride...
The gears....there are too many! 27 gears means that quite a few gears are only one or two teeth apart so to change to a suitable gear takes quite a few clicks.
The gears pt 2.... disappointingly, they seem to jump quite a bit which really they shouldnt do.
The granny... it might be 30:25 but was still a struggle getting up the hill into Coppenhill. Sigh. I thought it would be easier.
On the plus side...the bike fits me a lot better than the BSO and was a lot more comfortable to ride: I like the handlebars.
The second part of the ride was better than the first, although I did have my first unclipping moment when faced with a car coming towards me on a single track road, I forgot to do so...doh! Luckily I managed to get my right foot out so didnt go over.
Well the new bike didn't turn me into a pro.... I am still a fat bloke on a bike, but this time on a nicer bike. I am sure I will get used to it and it will increase my fitness and speed.
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=19812
Distance: 28.45 Total 139.33 To Do. 140.67
Height: 754 Total 4317
Average speed 11.2mph.
Saturday 12 September 2009
Add swear words here.
Well as the new bike isn't currently usable, I headed out on the good old BSO for a reasonable ride...perhaps 25 miles?
As I needed to go to the Vets on the way back, I headed out towards Stone along what will be the new cycle route but instead of climbing Yartley Bank like the other day, I decided to go down hill and then along to Salt and Weston.... a nice ride...well it was until I had a visit from the Pun*****re F******..... if I get hold of here, I will remove her wings and eat them.... grrrr.
So, after trying and failing to fix the tyre, a walk home was required meaning that a nice ride was ruined really.
Route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=19666
Distance: 21.36. Total 110.88 To do: 169.12
Height climbed: 625. Total: 2563
Average speed: 11.5 approx.
As I needed to go to the Vets on the way back, I headed out towards Stone along what will be the new cycle route but instead of climbing Yartley Bank like the other day, I decided to go down hill and then along to Salt and Weston.... a nice ride...well it was until I had a visit from the Pun*****re F******..... if I get hold of here, I will remove her wings and eat them.... grrrr.
So, after trying and failing to fix the tyre, a walk home was required meaning that a nice ride was ruined really.
Route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=19666
Distance: 21.36. Total 110.88 To do: 169.12
Height climbed: 625. Total: 2563
Average speed: 11.5 approx.
New Bike...
Well the new bike is here and looking pretty....shame I can't use it currently (as of Thursday)...
Why you may ask...well, stupidly I let the bloke in the shop talk me into buying some SPD pedals... not a problem as I can attach them to the shoes I have....or should be able to but not really knowing what I am doing , I failed to tighten the cleats sufficiently and ended up breaking on of the cleats trying to get my foot out. Sigh.
Nevermind, I have ordered some new cleats and some new shoes (with carbon soles and only £35) so as soon as they arrive, I'll be off like a rat up a drain pipe.
Why you may ask...well, stupidly I let the bloke in the shop talk me into buying some SPD pedals... not a problem as I can attach them to the shoes I have....or should be able to but not really knowing what I am doing , I failed to tighten the cleats sufficiently and ended up breaking on of the cleats trying to get my foot out. Sigh.
Nevermind, I have ordered some new cleats and some new shoes (with carbon soles and only £35) so as soon as they arrive, I'll be off like a rat up a drain pipe.
Dear Mrs School Run Mum
I really appreciate that your “Little Johnny” has done well getting a place in the Grammar School and of course he is far, far too important to walk home, or indeed take one of the many many coaches the school lays on to taken the gifted ones home but, please, be aware of what you are doing when pulling across oncoming traffic. I know for certain that my grand children would one day like to meet me. So, next time a fat bloke on a bike is coming down a 5% hill at about 20mph, please consider:
1) Whether instead of looking at the space which has just opened up on the school drive, its worth peaking up the road to see if anyone is coming down the lane you are about to cross.
2) Whether the fat bloke on the bike who has just shouted “Wwwwwwoooooohhh!!!! “ at the top of his voice and who is now going sideways on this bike trying to control a slide is actually talking to you.
3) Whether “little Johnny” would be better off walking to school or getting one of the coaches. I assume you would have had your excuses ready if said fat bloke had ploughed straight into the side of your car. I understand that: “Sorry Mate, I did not see you” and “you should be wearing a helmet” are acceptable in such cases.
Please consider yourself lucky that said fat bloke has much more sense than you and had seen you and worked out that you were likely to be unaware of your surroundings; locked in a grey tin box as you are and had slowed to around 10mph. He will live to see another day where as, you and “little Johnny” are in incredible danger every time you spend more than a few moments together in a car.
Perhaps, next time you may not be as lucky.
Regards
Fat Bloke on a bike
Route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=19395
Distance: 21.09 Total 89.52 To go: 191.48
Height climbed: 593 Total: 2838
I really appreciate that your “Little Johnny” has done well getting a place in the Grammar School and of course he is far, far too important to walk home, or indeed take one of the many many coaches the school lays on to taken the gifted ones home but, please, be aware of what you are doing when pulling across oncoming traffic. I know for certain that my grand children would one day like to meet me. So, next time a fat bloke on a bike is coming down a 5% hill at about 20mph, please consider:
1) Whether instead of looking at the space which has just opened up on the school drive, its worth peaking up the road to see if anyone is coming down the lane you are about to cross.
2) Whether the fat bloke on the bike who has just shouted “Wwwwwwoooooohhh!!!! “ at the top of his voice and who is now going sideways on this bike trying to control a slide is actually talking to you.
3) Whether “little Johnny” would be better off walking to school or getting one of the coaches. I assume you would have had your excuses ready if said fat bloke had ploughed straight into the side of your car. I understand that: “Sorry Mate, I did not see you” and “you should be wearing a helmet” are acceptable in such cases.
Please consider yourself lucky that said fat bloke has much more sense than you and had seen you and worked out that you were likely to be unaware of your surroundings; locked in a grey tin box as you are and had slowed to around 10mph. He will live to see another day where as, you and “little Johnny” are in incredible danger every time you spend more than a few moments together in a car.
Perhaps, next time you may not be as lucky.
Regards
Fat Bloke on a bike
Route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=19395
Distance: 21.09 Total 89.52 To go: 191.48
Height climbed: 593 Total: 2838
Monday 7 September 2009
New cycle route
I was reading in the minutes of the Cycle Working Group…a council group whose job is to encourage cycling…yes, you would never have guessed it… that “they” are building a cycle route from Stafford to Stone along three country roads instead of along the canal as was first planned…so guess what, I decided to see what the roads were like; especially as it would allow me to try Yartley Bank…gulp.
Well, up I got at 5.45am thinking the sun would be up by then…but no, it was having a lay in. Oh, and thanks Mr Weatherman…it rained when you said it wouldn’t so I got wet! Finally, around half six it was light enough to go out, even with lights on my bike, so off I went along the disused railway line to RAF Stafford (or is it MOD Stafford now???). From there, the new route goes along Marston Road, turns right and then left. Overall, a nice ride with only two lorries and one car to take into account. The new route ends about a mile from Stone and according to the council minutes, the town will be accessed by a duel pavement/cycle path.
After a quick drink it was back up Yartley Bank…..I used to be worried about that hill but I did it without stopping. I make is a 95 foot climb at 2.9%. not over impressive but certainly more than I could do a couple of weeks ago.
When I finally got back into Stafford, I realised why I tend to cycle on country roads…the traffic with people going to work/ dropping brats off to school was terrible, as was the standard of driving. Sigh. I don’t ask for much but it would be nice if my grandchildren (!) could meet me one day.
Anyway, this is the route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=19039
Total distance 17.98 Total 68.43. 211.57 to go
Height climbed 522 feet Total 2245
Average speed (approx as I went to Tescos where the cycle computer goes mad) 11mph.
Well, up I got at 5.45am thinking the sun would be up by then…but no, it was having a lay in. Oh, and thanks Mr Weatherman…it rained when you said it wouldn’t so I got wet! Finally, around half six it was light enough to go out, even with lights on my bike, so off I went along the disused railway line to RAF Stafford (or is it MOD Stafford now???). From there, the new route goes along Marston Road, turns right and then left. Overall, a nice ride with only two lorries and one car to take into account. The new route ends about a mile from Stone and according to the council minutes, the town will be accessed by a duel pavement/cycle path.
After a quick drink it was back up Yartley Bank…..I used to be worried about that hill but I did it without stopping. I make is a 95 foot climb at 2.9%. not over impressive but certainly more than I could do a couple of weeks ago.
When I finally got back into Stafford, I realised why I tend to cycle on country roads…the traffic with people going to work/ dropping brats off to school was terrible, as was the standard of driving. Sigh. I don’t ask for much but it would be nice if my grandchildren (!) could meet me one day.
Anyway, this is the route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=19039
Total distance 17.98 Total 68.43. 211.57 to go
Height climbed 522 feet Total 2245
Average speed (approx as I went to Tescos where the cycle computer goes mad) 11mph.
Sunday
Well, despite the day being quite nice weather wise, Alfie cat kept me awake most of the night with his moaning, so I didn't feel like a ride in the morning. Sadly, when I did feel like a ride, the lawn needed mowing and we just had to take a trip to the DIY shops to buy her some plant pots. Sigh
Anyway, come the evening, I managed to do a quick 5 miles on the rollers averaging 12.5mph.
So: Rollers 5 miles. Total 5 miles.
Anyway, come the evening, I managed to do a quick 5 miles on the rollers averaging 12.5mph.
So: Rollers 5 miles. Total 5 miles.
Woooooooo....
Just discovered my new bike has arrived in the shop and will be collectable from Thursday!!!!!
The sad news... the current wife insists that I get rid of some of the bikes I don't use, so off down the recycling bike centre with them...sigh...A man needs as many bikes as he can get his hands on...he does...honest.
The sad news... the current wife insists that I get rid of some of the bikes I don't use, so off down the recycling bike centre with them...sigh...A man needs as many bikes as he can get his hands on...he does...honest.
Saturday 5 September 2009
Newport and back
Not really had much chance to go out on the bike this week, what with work, wind and a general feeling of tiredness but hey ho, its Saturday, the sun was shining and the wind had dropped.
The plan…to cycle to Newport Shropshire and back doing as much climbing as I could. I know, I know, I am not that good on hills but unless I practice I will never improve.
So, off I go up Mont King Cod (which strangely didn’t seem that bad) and then over the back road to Bradley. Now, it’s the sort of road which can’t be called flat and indeed, within about 5 miles I must have climbed over 300 foot. Past Church Aston my knowledge of the road ended, but I had remembered to bring maps which were useful: the road continued to be “lumpy” but nothing I couldn’t handle.
So, after 14 miles or so, I arrive in Newport, find Greggs the bakers and get myself a donut…yes, yes, diet and all that but I think I deserved one….and very nice it was too.
I went a slightly different way back on my return heading up and over what seemed to be quite a major climb on the way back to Gnosall. However, strangely it didn’t seem that much of a bother and soon I was descending down to Gnosall at 28mph.
At Gnosall I picked up the disused railway line…. I had to laugh watching two women climb along the farm gate to save themselves from walking through the puddle of cow shit which covers the path at one point. A little further along the path, I saw an eagle (?) carrying away a fully grown rabbit. Luckily for the rabbit, the eagle dropped it so didn’t end up as bird lunch.
Once back in Stafford instead of heading straight back, I decided to try to climb the bank up past the castle and then head down the Westway….well I was trying to make 30 miles but sadly failed by half a mile.
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=18816
Did 29.49 Total 50.45 To do: 229.55
Height climbed: 1090 Total: 1723
Average speed: 11mph
The plan…to cycle to Newport Shropshire and back doing as much climbing as I could. I know, I know, I am not that good on hills but unless I practice I will never improve.
So, off I go up Mont King Cod (which strangely didn’t seem that bad) and then over the back road to Bradley. Now, it’s the sort of road which can’t be called flat and indeed, within about 5 miles I must have climbed over 300 foot. Past Church Aston my knowledge of the road ended, but I had remembered to bring maps which were useful: the road continued to be “lumpy” but nothing I couldn’t handle.
So, after 14 miles or so, I arrive in Newport, find Greggs the bakers and get myself a donut…yes, yes, diet and all that but I think I deserved one….and very nice it was too.
I went a slightly different way back on my return heading up and over what seemed to be quite a major climb on the way back to Gnosall. However, strangely it didn’t seem that much of a bother and soon I was descending down to Gnosall at 28mph.
At Gnosall I picked up the disused railway line…. I had to laugh watching two women climb along the farm gate to save themselves from walking through the puddle of cow shit which covers the path at one point. A little further along the path, I saw an eagle (?) carrying away a fully grown rabbit. Luckily for the rabbit, the eagle dropped it so didn’t end up as bird lunch.
Once back in Stafford instead of heading straight back, I decided to try to climb the bank up past the castle and then head down the Westway….well I was trying to make 30 miles but sadly failed by half a mile.
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=18816
Did 29.49 Total 50.45 To do: 229.55
Height climbed: 1090 Total: 1723
Average speed: 11mph
Wednesday 2 September 2009
Cold!
Blimey, it was cold out there this morning!! So much so, I went out with my coat and trackie bottoms on! I wonder how I am going to cope when winter actually arrives.
The ride… well I did Hyde Lea Bank to start the ride; something which is coming a little easier than it was a couple of months ago, while the rest of the ride to Penkridge was okay. Its quite hilly that way so takes a bit longer than the other three more direct routes but was achieved in 31 mins.
After a quick ride through Penkridge I ended up on the back road towards Cannock…strangely however after 10 miles I was feeling horrible and sore: my back was hurting and I couldn’t get my soft bits comfortable (add blush here).
The next couple of miles are along a slightly sloping road which wasn’t that much of an effort…its strange how giving yourself a good talking too when you want to give up helps! Then the horror of the “main” road back to Penkridge. Sigh.
Now the road is mostly down hill so its not difficult to average 18mph or more but blimey, its busier than I am used to. Can’t say I enjoyed it. The rest of the ride back was over well known routes so aren’t worth telling you about.
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=18429
So: Done 20.96 To Do: 259.04
Height climbed: 633 feet
Average speed 12.0 mph.
The ride… well I did Hyde Lea Bank to start the ride; something which is coming a little easier than it was a couple of months ago, while the rest of the ride to Penkridge was okay. Its quite hilly that way so takes a bit longer than the other three more direct routes but was achieved in 31 mins.
After a quick ride through Penkridge I ended up on the back road towards Cannock…strangely however after 10 miles I was feeling horrible and sore: my back was hurting and I couldn’t get my soft bits comfortable (add blush here).
The next couple of miles are along a slightly sloping road which wasn’t that much of an effort…its strange how giving yourself a good talking too when you want to give up helps! Then the horror of the “main” road back to Penkridge. Sigh.
Now the road is mostly down hill so its not difficult to average 18mph or more but blimey, its busier than I am used to. Can’t say I enjoyed it. The rest of the ride back was over well known routes so aren’t worth telling you about.
The route: http://www.bikehike.co.uk/mapview.php?id=18429
So: Done 20.96 To Do: 259.04
Height climbed: 633 feet
Average speed 12.0 mph.
September Targets.
After achieving only three of the six targets I sent last month…sigh, I was wondering whether I should be less ambitious? Should I just not bother setting targets and get on with riding? There is some benefit from this but, knowing me, I will not bother so lets set some eh.
Well, distance…. Over the last couple of months I have gone up from 228 miles in July to 252 miles in August so perhaps another 10% increase seems in order. Target 280 miles.
Average speed… not sure if I have done this one before but lets set myself a target of 13.5 miles an hour for rides over 20 miles, unless they are very hilly. Currently I am averaging 12.5mph. Target 13.5mph
Rollers…. Here is one where I don’t think I will set a target. Why you may ask…well I think I spent too long on them last month meaning I had to cram a lot of road work into the last week. I did 40 miles last month; lets see what I can do this month.
Weight loss…… Lets see if I can lose another 7lb. I am 269lb at the moment. Target 7lb.
Hills….. another target I missed last month… Sigh. So, at least a couple of 1 000 plus rides this month please. Target 1 000 foot plus rides.
Length….well, I would like to do at least a couple of 35 mile plus rides. I seem to be able to do 32 miles without a bother, so this must be possible….please. Target 35 mile plus ride.
Finally, the average distance… I would like this to be over 22 miles. I failed last month but let’s see what I can do. Target Average 22 miles.
Well, distance…. Over the last couple of months I have gone up from 228 miles in July to 252 miles in August so perhaps another 10% increase seems in order. Target 280 miles.
Average speed… not sure if I have done this one before but lets set myself a target of 13.5 miles an hour for rides over 20 miles, unless they are very hilly. Currently I am averaging 12.5mph. Target 13.5mph
Rollers…. Here is one where I don’t think I will set a target. Why you may ask…well I think I spent too long on them last month meaning I had to cram a lot of road work into the last week. I did 40 miles last month; lets see what I can do this month.
Weight loss…… Lets see if I can lose another 7lb. I am 269lb at the moment. Target 7lb.
Hills….. another target I missed last month… Sigh. So, at least a couple of 1 000 plus rides this month please. Target 1 000 foot plus rides.
Length….well, I would like to do at least a couple of 35 mile plus rides. I seem to be able to do 32 miles without a bother, so this must be possible….please. Target 35 mile plus ride.
Finally, the average distance… I would like this to be over 22 miles. I failed last month but let’s see what I can do. Target Average 22 miles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)