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.
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.
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.
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.
16°C, W wind, strong still. Drying out.
20°C, brisk S, dry humid and dull.
A warm humid air dominates today’s mood. Warm and heavy, the rain was an empty threat. He gears are still indexing badly.
16°C, light NW-N breeze, cloudy and clearing.
A multi-bike ride again. Arrow-Zing-Arrow. 30 mile son the Zing in a loop. 2x 16 mile rides on the Arrow to my place and the rest on the new bike on a flat route. The gear change is still not perfect, one factor could be that the chain is too long.
The return included an amusing incident.On the long flat return from the coast along The Moss, I spotted a car partly blocking the single track road. It’s inside wheels were off the edge and two young women were there in a flap. The driver agreed to try when I offered a push. The younger looking one went slightly down the bank to push from the side. I warned her that it wasn’t safe, the car could slide down the bank on top of her. The car was solid with the inside front wheel spinning in clear air. The car was probably lifted on its suspension without any grip on the front wheel.
They asked whether I though it was recoverable- I thought so. Her boyfriend was on his way so I suggested he bring a plank to use ass a ramp. The worst that could happen is that te rope may break. If it does, I suggested and pointed towards a farm, try asking if they had a tractor to pull it out.
There wasn’t much I couold do, so I set off home. They were grateful though.
23°C, light NE, no cloud.
I don’t know how this can happen, it’s not what I call ‘Parked‘. Clearly, there is a gouge where the car skidded off the road but no rubber on the road.
Anyway, I rode on the fixed to get my new Zing bike for a loop. It’s running well apart from sticky gears. The upshift is worst which suggests a snagging cable. The fit is good now too.
16°C, light breeze and no cloud
I put more effort in this time. The bike is still waiting for a longer stem, Speedo and bar-tape. They are all due tomorrow
15°C, light NW breeze, light cloud and dry.
First outing on the Zing. There are some changes due melon – a new saddle, stem and bar tape are in the post. It should be more comfortable after that. This afternoon I went out with a Raleigh saddle which was murder. Apart from that, it handled well, especially on corners; I came home happy.
Micycle 