Lost a bolt.

Posted on 26th Jun 2016 by essiep

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

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.

Canal commute.

Posted on 21st Jun 2016 by essiep

Cyclocross Jake with MapMyRide+! Distance: 25.40km, time 1:23:17, pace: 3:17min/km, speed: 18.30km/h.

http://mapmyride.com/workout/1553902193

First trip mother route with the gravel tyres. They’re not as grippy in the muddy sections, but they’re fast on tarmac. I don’t mind, the slippy bits can only build my skills.

Next month is the last payment the Jake bike. Then it’s all mine.

Time for N+1?

Gravel lanes

Posted on 19th Jun 2016 by essiep

20°C, sunny start but building clouds and light S breeze.
I rode Cyclocross with MapMyRide+! Distance: 74.35km, time: 03:30:43, pace: 2:50min/km, speed: 21.17km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1548544646
Main feature- weaving through the gravel lanes behind Southport. There are many signs forbidding access to private roads, but they are not marked as such on the map. So, I pressed on. This time, I carried a 1:25k map which is suffering from the damp now. Note to self, it needs replacing.
The bike ran smoothly and the gravel tyres remain a good choice for days like this.

At the time of writing, heavy rain has set in.

Javelin.

Posted on 24th May 2016 by essiep

12°C, dry bright and light wind.
I rode with MapMyRide+! Distance: 25.42km, time: 01:18:02, pace: 3:04min/km, speed: 19.54km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1489635909
Before riding home today, I took part in an athletics session. Specifically, I went to try javelin. Along with archery, I have quite fancied this for years.
I was rubbish, but got better significantly during the time. There were too many things to coordinate. Steps cross over, twist, lunge and release angle. More practice required.

The ride back was okay. The rear wheel didn’t hold pressure very well. Changing the tyre seems to have disturbed the self sealing inner-tube.
Apart from that, I had less energy available than usual. My legs still feel tight from the weekend.
I need to taper towards the weekend too. In-Pinn plus 3-Peaks is soon upon us.

Looks like summer, but it’s cold.

Posted on 15th May 2016 by essiep

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.

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.

I’m going metric.

Posted on 14th May 2016 by essiep

I rode Cyclocross with MapMyRide+! Distance: 31.24km, time: 01:33:30, pace: 3:00min/km, speed: 20.05km/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1473311243
To tie in with hiking, I will try recording rides in metric. It’s going to take some getting used to.
Besides, the Jake has new tyres, a pair of gravel tyres, Schwalbe CX.

Somewhere in West Lancs.

For today’s conditions, they were perfect. Rolling is much better on tarmac and hard tracks. There are plenty of those this time of year. The only problem I had was a slow puncture caused by disturbing the slime inner-tube.
What a gorgeous day, not warm but blazing bright sun and fees blue.

50 miles cyclocross.

Posted on 8th May 2016 by essiep

24°C, light SE, bright sun very dry.
I rode The Jake with MapMyRide+! Distance: 49.43mi, time: 04:02:36, pace: 4:55min/mi, speed: 12.22mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1463746063
The route shows several diversions, they were to collect water. Today was hot, the speedo read 28°C and the Jake has only one water bottle mount. At least those canals have lots of places to stop and re-fill.
The ground is hard with all that mud dried out. It’s actually quite jarring on hands.
It’s certainly time to fit the summer gravel tyres. They should be faster, soother and probably more hard wearing.

Bosworth Battlefield.

Posted on 17th Apr 2016 by essiep

9°C, light NW breeze, sunny but looked warmer than it felt.
I rode Racelite-8 with MapMyRide+! Distance: 56.16mi, time: 03:42:25, pace: 3:58min/mi, speed: 15.15mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1432128283
April is a little cooler than average right now. It’s nice and sunny but the shadows are cold. Quite a contrast to the warmth of the direct sun. All this make choosing clothes for the ride rather tricky.

The is only the second outing om the racelite this year, and I forgot that it’s a bit of a strain to ride at times. The position isn’t right, I’m too stretched out at the front.

Review: Rocket Ron.

Posted on 16th Apr 2016 by essiep

I rode cyclocross with MapMyRide+! Distance: 16.10mi, time: 01:33:52, pace: 5:50min/mi, speed: 10.29mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/1429852881
New tyres: I’ve not ridden the ‘cross bike as much this year. More, recently, a cluster of difficult to fix punctures, and slippery conditions put me off more.
Today, I rode the Jake with new Schwalbe Rocket Rons. Suddenly, it was obvious, the Challenge Grifos were worn out.
What a difference, I have grip back even in deep slimey mud. There are some stretches of this favourite route that have quite deep mud. Next to a canal, you don’t want to loose control. Besides, that water is cold and would ruin my phone.

Rocket Ron 33c.

I shall definitely buy these again. The grip is excellent and with a lighter inner-tube, handling is much improved. I could power through the deeper mud and keep feet dry. Only once did I have to put a don’t down. In the past, I have got off and run alongside the deepest mud.

Summer wheels.

Posted on 10th Apr 2016 by essiep

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

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.

Micycle

Mike thinks b/hikes

Category Archives: Cycling