16°C, moderate W breeze, dry and sunny
A familiar route including Bannister Hill.
Ride till sunset
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Category Archives: Cycling
Gloomy August 40
16°C, light S, dull, rain later,
The bridge at Solom is done now. It’s a small stone bridge not the big girder bridge that leaves your ears ringing with the noisy slats on top.
Old time.
Arrow, 20°C, sunny with brisk S.
England is a filthy country, there is rubbish dumped in a field.
50s getting easier.
18°C, light SW. some rain.
These 50 mile rides are definitely getting easier. I painted all morning while the rain poured.
This time, I took the hills from Ecclestone and descended Bannister just touching 40mph. There was no cafe stop but I did stock up on calories at a garage. Today, I rode the 900th mile on this bike, there is no sign of wear in the chain. Also, after checking the age of the wheels – 2014, 6 years! No sign of wear there either; not the bearings nor the brake surfaces.
Hot, damp and sunny 70.
A grand day out! Firstly, headed north along the farmland by the R Ribble. For miles and miles it was under a few inches of water. This low lying, flat land is only 6m above sea level, he water can’t drain anywhere. So far, it has stood there for two days. Humidity is very high and afternoons are punctuated by thunderstorms.
Further towards Penworthan, I checked out the Ribble Way, a potential gravel route. Then to Stoney lane near Parbold and a fast descent of Bannister Land. I touched 43mph. Next a coffee stop. The bit on the map in Formby was a second cafe stop where I met the other half. By the time I got home was almost 70 miles in all.
August sun
17°C, light W, sunny.
That felt easy after yesterday’s slog. This route has several long straights where you can settle into a pace with effort. Below a threshold, it felt easy but step up and muscle burn builds up.
Astbury hilly
17°C, light SW, bright & dry.
Rode the Arrow round the back of Astbury Monument for some hill intervals. This bike is showing its age (26 years) but the repairs it needs are minor (a new chain and some creaking sounds).
500th mile
17°C, white cloud, light SW, dry.
Rode the 500th mile on the Zing. That went by quickly. Another 500 and it will need a new chain.
This is only the 2nd ride this week with other exercise taken up with 3 days walking. The total calorie count is, therefore – high. I’m still not losing any weight though.
Zing: 27.
16°C, W wind, strong still. Drying out.
Arrow: cafe visit
16°C, strong W, gusts 40mph+, dry though.
The cafes are reopening. I went to my favourite, the Velo Café at Twin Lakes just as they were closing up. John let me in for an espresso.
Micycle 