16°C, brisk SW, some light showers.
I can’t tell whether this canal is tidal. We have seen a huge amount of rain this week but the water level does seem to vary dramatically. Another factor is we’re approaching spring tides.
12°C, fog.
Only the second trip out with the new bars fitted. You probably can’t see but they’re flared bars. It’s subtle but a definite improvement, there is a larger flat section behind the hoods to rest hands which is nice. The wider hooks section is not as dramatic as my Kona Jake’s but it still gives benefits. There is more leverage for times when the surface is poor, potholes or long grass.
The drop is more too. The original.bars we shallow such that riding on the hooks was not much lower defeating those fast descents when you want to get your head down.
20°C, clear blue with negligible SW.
Five day in a row I have ridden. I can feel it now so the average speed is down noticeably.
The photo is a dereluct house in Formby. Looks like it is a project now.
9°C, some sun, light S wind
This is turning into an regular route for me. Bannister Lane is a benchmark for my fitness. This year, I have only been up on 8 speed bikes, previously I rode up on the fixed gear.
I took no photos so here is some frogspawn in my pond. The frogs left last week but here is some promise for the spring. I say ‘left’ but there are plenty of herons round here.
8°C, strong NW with a few showers. mostly sunny.
Round the back of Dalton are some decent climbs and sweeping descents towards Parbold. The Mustang is good on hills despite being heavy. The weight is not noticeable unless you ride with somebody else on a lighter machine.
That return leg was hard in sections exposed to strong wind. Though the thermometer said 9°, it felt much colder.
The cafe was heaving (and quite noisy). Nevertheless, the service was still excellent. Mmm, espresso!
8°C, Storm force SW Mostly dry.
that was hard, riding into the wind with 50mph gusts. Along the sea wall, the wind blew lifting sand. Some of it rose above eye level. I had to ride on the footpath because I couldn’t open my eyes properly. The return ride would be fun after I used the green machines. I had the coast to myself.
8°C, sunny with a fresh SW breeze.
Climbed Bannister Hill after a stop at the favourite cafe. I like that climb, it leaves you with a refreshed feeling that lasts all day. Perhaps I will try it on the single-speed soon.
The Arrow bike is running well but it still needs an extra link in the chain.
9°C, misty start but the sun breaks through
I’m so slow to warm up. Beyond 8 miles I felt the long cranks flowing smoothly in time with the raised pace. The old bike is creaky though. It could be the bottom bracket or even the seat rails, it’s rather difficult to tell.
Best of all, my knees were free of any twinges. Old pedals should be a worry; they go out of alignment and it’s knees that hurt.
12°C brisk S breeze but brighter later.
That was a good day out. The route had plenty of variety, hills, flats and a good coffee stop. Later was a long slog on flat land exposed to the wind. My fitness is down on previous years to that last hour was wearing.
11°C, sunny and Spring like.
Those eBay cranks have arrived. the BB bolts are missing but at least they are in excellent condition. There is barely a blemish on the polish anywhere.
Oh, I managed to get a ride in too. 32 miles in fine conditions.
Micycle 