Category Archives: fixed gear

Kona Paddywagon

Head noodles.

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7°C, moderate W wind, dry & sunny.

I rode the Paddy Wagon with MapMyRide+! Distance: 94.45km, time: 04:03:27, pace: 2:35min/km, speed: 23.28km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/2028737195

Hard work, just under 60 miles and I’m coming back from some loss of stamina this winter. Now the lighter mornings are here, and other stress has resolved, energy is coming back to me. Drinking both bottles twice still left me dehydrated though. I’m a little worried that my long distance stamina has started the year reduced compared to most years.

That’s it for 2016

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I rode with MapMyRide+! Distance: 63.29km, time: 02:52:05, pace: 2:43min/km, speed: 22.07km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/1927260194

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Last ride of the year. Adding up the odometers, the total is about 4,500 miles, down considerably on last year. However, I took weeks out for hiking. In the summer holiday, I barely rode at all.
Also, one of my cycle computers doesn’t record total milage so I will rely on the gps app Mapmyride for its summary to be released on New Year’s Day.

A change of wheels.

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9°C, grey with a light shower at the end.
I rode Paddy Wagon with MapMyRide+! Distance: 80.95km, time: 03:17:49, pace: 2:27min/km, speed: 24.55km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/1864452062​

Late start because of the time it takes to fit winter wheels. While doing that, I fitted the winter tyres to the cyclo-cross bike. Thanks are getting boggy and slippery now and will remain so until about April.
Today’s side felt good. Although I averaged 16mph, it was the feel that mattered. Over 50 miles, I had energy right to the end. I wasn’t left quivering at the top of each climb and I was happy to put on a burst out of the saddle to keep the pace up.
Better than last week then.

Lost a bolt.

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I rode Fixed with MapMyRide+! Distance: 83.86km, time: 03:22:42, pace: 2:25min/km, speed: 24.82km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/1564894565

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When did that bolt drop out? The two either side were loose too. Perhaps it’s been a while. The loss of support worked them undone. I picked up a new set on the ride.
As for the ride itself- quick, smooth and free flowing. It’s marvelous when when it feels like this. The route was typical, included Dalton and Bannister Lane climes. There was wind too, but it didn’t cause much discomfort.
On the approach to Bannister Lane, a guy on a bike set up for time-trials lay ahead. Strangely, however, his low gears were very low. Nonetheless, he was easy to pass.
A good day out. Rain arrived in the last few miles, but so what? The afternoon was very wet and relentless.
these Schwalbe Durano tyres are impressive. The running surface seems tough enough to resist local roads and their thorns. Meanwhile, those side-walls are supple. A good combination that seems to run well.

Looks like summer, but it’s cold.

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I rode fixed with MapMyRide+! Distance: 84.86km, time: 03:18:54, pace: 2:21min/km, speed: 25.60km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1474829699
That’s 52 miles to you.

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A field in Dalton, where an intimidating sign warned off trespassers. Looking left, the eye is drawn to the door of a sandstone church. Looking ahead, I could see all the way to Wales. It was that clear.
That was a very satisfying ride, it felt easy to life the pace as the bike felt light. That’s partly the summer wheels, partly the fine, energising sunshine.
It’s remarkable how quickly the summer takes hold.

Summer wheels.

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3~12°C, bright sun and moderate SE breeze.
I rode Fixed with MapMyRide+! Distance: 60.92mi, time: 03:55:28, pace: 3:52min/mi, speed: 15.52mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1421434561

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Near Hesketh Bank


Good ride, spring sunshine after a cold start. This is the first side on the summer wheels. Remember, this wheelset has a slightly taller gear, 16t instead of 15t. Anyway, I went up to Dalton and they Bannister Lane, same as the past few weeks.
Bannister was harder, but not like last year. I’m lighter now.

One hour’s blast.

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7°C, calm with thin broken cloud. Dry.
I rode Fixed with MapMyRide+! Distance: 16.21mi, time: 01:00:23, pace: 3:43min/mi, speed: 16.11mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1418899685
Early morning ride to set up for the day. I’m stuck in the house marking until teatime, so this should make it bearable. I saved the route as a favourite, it was ideal.
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Artificial lights: in a room that’s filled with sunshine, and you’re, say, watching TV. Why would you put the lights on?
I wouldn’t bother, but kids do every day and I’m baffled.
If you’ve experienced this, have you thought to ask ‘why?’?
Maybe, your experience tallies with mine. Unfortunately, the answer doesn’t clarify anything. In fact, over the years, I have never heard anything approaching an explanation.
Today, the reply was just to squirm and mutter ‘I don’t know’. That’s pretty much always the same answer, from different kids too.

I remain baffled. If you have any clues, please reply.

First bumbus.

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I rode fixed with MapMyRide+! Distance: 49.63mi, time: 03:17:30, pace: 3:59min/mi, speed: 15.08mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1393579517

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Perfect conditions for a spring ride. Both Dalton and Bannister hill were crested comfortably. The latter, slightly less so than last week. The rest of the day was at a decent pace.
With these light winds, a taller hear would work. Note to self: swap with summer wheels later in the month.