Out today on the Arrow. This bike needs a bit of work soon. Mudguards are rubbing and the shifters are worn. Still, the gear change is good. There are rust spots on the frame below the top-tube.
The rude was okay considering that the Achilles is still sore. I stopped a few times to massage and stretch. It was, though, nice to finish in warm sunny weather.
Kona Jake, 9°C, light wind and thin cloud.
This is unfamiliar, those large jockey wheels and new adjustments to make. There’s even a clutch intended to make setup easier. The promise was realised to some extent.
Not long after this shit I rode towards the firing range and went over some thin branches. One got caught in the rear wheel. It bent the rear derailleur and pushed it into the spokes. The chain was looped and the cage turned more than 90° rendering the bike unrideable
With some convoluted bending, I got the bike ready to coast back to the carpark. Fortunately we is was mostly downhill. So that’s what I did.
Back at the car, I got dressed and packed the bike. Getting dressed outdoors can be tricky. The sun was out in full winter force. Besides. There is a good bike shop on Milford Common so there I went.
I got a replacement mech and asked about changing robes. They are an oversized smock to use on the beach to get dressed in decency. I bought one.
Arrow: 7°C, grey with sun at the end. Building W. Dry.
It’s been a troublesome week with my Achilles tendonitis. Today is noticeably freer. I still can’t and daren’t push hard so the average speed is low. There were lots of club rides out and the café was packed. There was a tandem club there from, I believe, Bury.
Arrow, 3°C, brisk SSE, clear with little ice left
Each gets slightly colder.y Achilles is showing little sign of improvement but when warmer days come…
Raleigh Mustang, 6°C, brisk W, showers becoming more frequent.
The Mustang is in its element. The only fine tuning would, ideally be to move the saddle back an inch. Anyway, it’s running nicely and feels good with these CX tyres. The Speedo still does not connect to the wheel sensor, even with its new battery.
Mustang, 9°C, mixed sun, v strong SW.
I’m actually enjoying riding the Mustang again. The difference is a change of to tyres, now it has Schwalbe CX 30s instead of Marathon+s. I hate those tyres, they’re horrible to ride on as well as heavy and slow. CXs are ideal for January, they’re quick enough and not phased by gravelly stretches.
11mph average! Blame the wind not me.
9°C, sun and a medium shower, medium S.
The Mustang is a much nicer ride with Schwalbe CX tyres than Marathon+. They’re slightly knobbly but make an aidea tread for January. I got rained on for a while but look at the drama in that sky.
12°C, moderate SW, dry later and warmer.
I started out with all these plans to do a loop approaching Preston but the drizzle turned to proper rain so I dove into my favourite café. The afternoon was far better and more mild at 12C.
The Mustang has Schwalbe CX 30c tyres which are actually rather good for January. I was too lazy to repair the puncture on the Marathon+ tyre.
6°C, light W, cold but clear and dry (mostly).
Set out in a morning of sun with a grey cloud looming. The forecast promised 0% chance of rain but there it was. A small cloud but slow moving. I turned back home to get a better raincoat. The rain was slow enough to stay in for lunch and then go back out. The rest of the day was very good. Also, I used the green machines.
Micycle 