Cold but nice in the sun. 5°C, moderate SW wind and sunny.
I rode Paddy Wagon with MapMyRide+! Distance: 45.75km, time: 02:17:58, pace: 3:01min/km, speed: 19.90km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/2685796417
At last, the wind has dropped enough to ride the single speed bike. I found enough strength in my legs to set a decent pace on some stretches. That was fun.
11°C strong SW, dry and grey.
I rode Mustang with MapMyRide+! Distance: 83.52km, time: 04:05:28, pace: 2:56min/km, speed: 20.41km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/2682240400
Rode without a great deal of energy in my legs. I tapped out the miles though. The route was chosen to allow a return leg with some shelter from hedgerows. Hedges are good at diffusing an annoying wind.
5°C, still with unbroken blue above.
I hiked with MapMyRide+! Distance: 7.48km, time: 01:37:45, pace: 13:04min/km, speed: 4.59km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/2678812423
Today’s trip is an exploration of my new hometown.
Dunes run dominantly in parallel to the rather distant shoreline. Looking out west, a wreck poked above sand flats. I should visit that next time, perhaps on the bike.
A big chunk of this area is a mature reserve. It’s mostly fenced off but is marked as Open Access land. Wavecut parts of the beach are low and smooth; I cycled on that part about a month ago. The dunes start immediately behind low cliffs.
The furthest end of the walk entered pine woodland. The going was tricky because so many trees were down. Trunks were smashed in places, doubtless by all the storms that roll in from the northern approaches.
Underfoot were some Puffballs, long past their prime but undisturbed nonetheless.
I’m going to like living here.
Bright winter sun 6°C, brisk S.
I rode The Jake with MapMyRide+! Distance: 26.48km, time: 01:51:48, pace: 4:13min/km, speed: 14.21km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/2676806983
A fine muddy, squelchy start along the canal into early low sun. At 6 or 7 miles, the squelching turned to a soggy back wheel. A puncture.
Since its a Slime inner-tube, I tried pumping it up in the hope it would seal itself. It soon went flat again and left me in the open with a heavy shower threatening. I decided to run for a while. At the next bridge, under shelter, I had a go at changing the tube. The new tube went flat in only 100m. No choice but to put the slime tube back in. That didn’t hold much pressure either. So onto the next bridge. Much further this time, well over a mile of running.
There are deeper puddles to wash wheel and hands. Then, a minibus from an autism charity pulled up. It had a trailer of bikes in tow. The driver lent me a track pump which is so much easier than a stupid little frame pump.
I got a good 2 miles on that 60psi. When it ran flat, I ran again. The last few miles was repeated re-inflations. Along the way was police looking for an abandoned railway’station and a friendly cyclist who offered a tube.
I arrived home, arms shaking from all that pumping (stop sniggering at the back).
Now the bike is in the garage cleaned and gears tuned, the tyre has decided to hold pressure now, how about doing that on the trail?. I don’t trust it though.
7°C, strong W, clear and sunny.
I rode Mustang with MapMyRide+! Distance: 37.64km, time: 01:41:54, pace: 2:42min/km, speed: 22.16km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/2675561395
Derelict house near Formby Golf Course. The sun made a spectacular exit over the sea tonight (night still happens in the afternoon but it’s getting much better). There is no spring colour yet, hedges are still very grey.
The ride was a blast.
Changing the washer in a tap is supposed to be easy. This one has small facets making the spanner slip. Inside the tap is all crusty with limescale buildup. You’re supposed ot be able to unscrew the collar by hand, no chance.
As I write, there is descale fluid soaking. Can you see the bubbles? That’s the limescale dissolving.
I’ll let you know how it goes.
11°C moderate SW wind, dry with some sun.
I rode The Jake with MapMyRide+! Distance: 30.02km, time: 01:32:11, pace: 3:04min/km, speed: 19.54km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/2673510304
Snowdrops are budding but not out yet. It’s not an early sign of spring, but is the sign winter’s end is approaching.
Pushed along by a tailwind, I did get a personal best for the run along Cheshire Lines cycle track.
Presumably, that’s only the leaderboard for this January.
2°C, end of rain, no wind and mist forming.
I rode Mustang with MapMyRide+! Distance: 46.03km, time: 02:08:55, pace: 2:48min/km, speed: 21.42km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/2668104400
One of those rides that were ‘needed‘. I set off in rain though it slowly lifted and even the sun got a look in. Charge on my phone was low so I dare not take any photos. Doing so could have killed off the battery and the gpx track would be lost. This afternoon was a very photogenic dusk.
5°C, strong W, dry with some sun.
I rode The Jake with MapMyRide+! Distance: 31.03km, time: 01:53:45, pace: 3:40min/km, speed: 16.37km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/2663183518
Very squelchy mud on the towpath today. These winter tyres coped well so I was glad I’d changed them.
The photo shows a reflection in one of the numerous puddles. As an image, it hasn’t worked too well so I’ll try again sometime soon.
5°C, white cloud and strong, cold SE wind.
I rode Mustang with MapMyRide+! Distance: 80.94km, time: 04:10:55, pace: 3:06min/km, speed: 19.36km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/2658177568
Today’s ride took me past my new house. I have much to look forward to this year. This photo was shot only half a mile from the house and I think it’s quite striking. As I pedalled along, I thought ‘I’m going to like living here‘.
To contrast: Southport will be cooler in summer; milder in winter; less pollen & hayfever and probably more windy.
Micycle 