Category Archives: Cycling

Bannister hill: fail less.

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12°C, grey start but warm sun later.

Cycle Kona (fixed): Distance: 60.4mi, time: 03:44:44, pace: 3:43min/mi, speed: 16.1mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/501668581
Who knows why, but the GPS recorded 88 miles for today. Maybe some interference on route. Could overhanging trees do that?
The route took in my favourite measure- Bannister Hill. Like last time, I didn’t make it to the top, but I did get twice as far this week before walking. I weigh 4lbs less than last time and there was no wind, so nothing to blame.
Later, I happened upon the Ormskirk club in a layby so I joined them for some chaingang miles to Southport. That was tremendous, but my legs burnt up with lactic acid and I dropped off along the sea-front. That’s where the anomalous GPS position was recorded (I found later).
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I stopped for a snack and to ease my sore legs. It was so much fun though. They are a good group whom I feel safe riding close with.
The day finished in warm spring sunshine smelling sweet.

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1,030 done.

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Cycling CK55 miles, 10°C, rain wind SW.

Distance: 54.8 mi, time: 03:44:10, pace: 4:06min/mi, speed: 14.6mi/h. http://mapmyride.com/workout/496245393
That was quite good, despite the wind and rain. Legs felt good, tendon pain was not noticeable. I am working on re-building symmetrical strength.
That 1,000th mile was near Ibstock, in Leics. It was then that the rain started.

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Gales. Soft Drizzle

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9°C, light showers on a strong S wind. Grey. CK:40.1

Ride- Distance: 39.97mi, time: 02:48:11, speed: 14.3mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/490717905
fought the strong south gale all the way home. All that time and miles to regret leaving the 16t on the bike. I failed to make Bannister Hill without getting off. I can blame the headwind and 4lbs extra I have about me.

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Moors and ditches.

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Cycle: CK Distance: 36.12mi, time: 02:24:15, pace: 4:00min/mi, speed: 15.02mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/489195599
Windswept moors offered little shelter near Southport today. It’s a lovely area near Churchtown, but there was litter everywhere. One of the ditches had a light brown sofa and armchair at the bottom. That and other jetsome will block the drainage if left.

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Coastal ride, with punctures.

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9C, light SSW, dry, fine day.
Ride- CK: Distance: 40.60mi, time: 02:32:34, pace: 3:45min/mi, speed: 15.97mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/487826633
That didn’t go as planned! Decided on a coast ride, along the sea-front at Southport. Near Formby, the first puncture was dramatic, loud and deflated quickly. There was a car crash nearby and traffic was very slow.
The real problem was the crappy pump which broke the valve on one inner-tube.
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Fortune was on my ride today- hidden in a holiday centre was a bike shop. Not only did they sell me replacement inner-tubes but view fitted it. The Tyre was obviously split so the guy found a usable Tyre from out the back.
I will call in tomorrow and buy some kit. It looks like an excellent shop.
Gratefull.

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Creaky ride.

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CA-ride: Distance: 63.43mi, time: 04:14:13, speed: 14.97mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/485205951
Dry, though there were still floods to ride through. The sun shone, and little wind blew. The only blemish was a distracting creaking sound from either the saddle or maybe, the bottom-bracket. Those Campag brackets have a habit of un-screwing themselves, slowly and slightly. Just enough to make quite a noise.
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Not the coldest day.

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CA: Distance: 56.88mi, time: 03:52:18, speed: 14.7mph.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/466133843
On average, today is the coldest day in the Northern Hemisphere. So far this winter has been mikd and wet, characterised by frequent storms and heavy rainfall. This coming week is forecast to be a cold one. The recent floods are god’s revenge for the legalisation of same-sex marriage says a UKIP mp. Such a disfunctional mind in that man, David Silvester.
Today’s ride was mild, sunny with light winds. If only I had eaten better, it would have been more enjoyable in the second half. I set out averaging over 16mph, but that dropped after 30 miles.
I am aiming to get over 1,000 done by Easter, and Easter is an early one this year.

Windowsil

Rosie practised her calligraphy on the glass.

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Sent home.

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rode home with MapMyRide! Distance: 37.98mi, time: 02:48:08, speed: 13.55mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/459607041
Slow ride with floods, rain and sorrow. I was in no state to consider work, sympathetic colleagues sent me home. They even suggested a bike ride, if that helps.
It did.
Near Elford, a large horse wandered up and down in the inundated flood-plain. It seemed to be exploring and sploshing its hooves in the shallow water. It was like a child playing out after a storm in its Wellingtons.
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The horse is just visible, right of centre.

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Angry green van.

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CK- Distance: 44.37mi, time: 02:57:05, speed: 15.03mi/h.
http://mapmyride.com/workout/452001445
Wet roads; overnight rain has washed off problem mud, so the roads were good today.
Southport has advanced stop lines (for bikes). The first one, on the southern approach to Southport has a left filter lane so I stood on the left edge of the middle lane, ready to in straight on. Behind me was a small metallic green van. When the lights changed, I clipped in and rode on pulling left for traffic. The van hovered threateningly only a yard behind. Next, he overtook and swerved in twice before driving away. All the while, he was staring at me, shouting and gesturing. I could not hear any of it. Very strange, I puzzled over this for the rest of the ride- 45 miles.

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