Commute with an old new tyre

Ok so the idea of documenting a whole year of rides seemed great in January and I have had a jolly good ride all over the county and as the original blog title suggested beyond! However finding things to write about on my 5 mile commute is becoming an increasing challenge. Yes I went up bunker hill, yes I had a go at finish hard and yes I braved the cycle routes of Kettering. What else can I say?

Well there's my tyre issue. This morning I swapped off that trashed GP 4 season for the perfectly good 23mm gatorskin it replaced. It took me no time at all and once again I got the tyre back on without a tyre lever. I'm getting way too much practice at that!

On my way home tonight I met Steve around Glendon, no idea what he shouted but I extended greetings in his general direction before a thought occurred to me...hang on I'm riding into a head wind the wrong way down finish hard and Steve has just thrashed his big ring down my obsession. Hang on...finish hard...tail wind? I'm having some of that. So I chucked a U-ey at blue bridge and had another crack at it. What a waste of time, I didn't make a dent on my previous best. Sometimes I wished I never discovered strava!

There have been concerns that there will be no blog whilst I'm in Oz (11 days!) Well fear not I have plans. Firstly there are bikes at my sisters I can take for a spin, so an explore is on the cards. Then when the queen of cakes and I have a few days to ourselves in Sydney w're planning on visiting these blokes:  http://bonzabiketours.com/sydney/home.php

As well as that I feel that C&DCYCLES really has no presence down under and that needs to change, never fear Emperor and Lord Vader I will spread the name of the greatest bike shop in the galaxy! Plus I have stiff competition for the best C&DCYCLES photo from a far away place. So Australia Zoo, the Gold Coast, Stradey Island, Sydney Opera House you name it, it's happening! Of course I've not talked about this before so you'll all be amazed about my holiday of a lifetime!

The only downer is my mates at C&DCYCLES CC will be riding in the biggest sportive going at Ride London. I do have some jealousy over this bit at the same time I really can't complain. Would I swap places with any of them? No! I do want to do this ride next year though. They have a team sponsor page. If you can contribute please do, it's a great cause they're riding for: https://www.justgiving.com/teams/CDCC

Happy pedalling 

C&DCYCLES CC Sunday ride: great ride, superbly led by Andy 'Mountain Goat,' Brown

On the way out of K town

Sundays are the clubs longer more challenging rides and as such this ride completely fitted the bill. Planned and led by Andy Brown we took in parts of Rutland we can't get to on a 30 miler and boy was it tough. Over 3000ft of climbing in 50 miles made this route worthy of a sportive. It was a route suited to Andy B as C&DCYCLES CC resident mountain goat. Less so the downhill specialists like me or Jonesy but due to the law 'what goes up must come down!' There was plenty to keep us interested.

The group comprised of Andy, Rob (with the beard,) Tony, Justin, Steve, Neil, Martin and me. Again we worked well together, lots of communication (although people are still pointing away from not towards obstacles,) and rule 1 was firmly observed.

Spanhoe war memorial

Explanatory sign

One of the points of interest was the war memorial at Spanhoe. It was also one of those catchup points after a series of hills. Plenty of other groups out today and lots to lust after as a group with Bianchi, Pinarello and Colnago's whipped past with that unique sound of expensive carbon. Still, no Boardman's or Forme's the classless buffoons!

The boys

Selfie

Welland Valley Viaduct

After another series of ups and downs we went under the viaduct, quite an impressive feature and just when I thought we'd have a few flat miles BOOM we were up a monster out of Seaton. At the top was the very inviting looking George and Dragon pub plus big Steve, who never switched out of big ring like the machine he is, found somewhere nice to sit down.

My goodness I could murder a pint

Look even Steve needed a sit down

We headed towards Uppingham up more hills. Were we in the Alps? Steve needed to stop at the garage aptly it was a jet because in addition to those legs of steel he was enjoying curry powered jet propulsion.

Steve was jet powered by last nights vindaloo

Not a shop we need

Out of Uppingham the view over the Welland valley was stunning at times. I stopped to take this snap shortly before a hairy experience! As I set off down the hill of a resurfaced road I encountered a tractor which took up the width of the road. Evasive action required, a bit of a skid plus some off road saved the day. The tractor carried on apparently undisturbed.

Amazing view

Suits you sir!

Steve, whose crown as the Prince of Profanity unearthed a gem. Hare pie anyone? Apparently that's popular at this farm! A few more hills and someone noticed my rear tyre. I'm not sure if the incident with the tractor caused the big gash or not I have to say this is par for the course for my 'upgraded' contis. I've never had this issue with gators. Lord Vader aka Andy at C&DCYCLES has already told me not to worry the shop will replace the tyre and then take it up with the company. Many thanks for this. Once again we are spoiled by excellent service.

Gash horror!

I think we killed Jonesy

Was that the end of the hills? No of course not! I was a bit tentative for the last few miles because I felt the rear tyre was a bit of a risk. The icing on the cake as far as our overspun legs were concerned were the hills through Dingley, onto to Braybrooke, up to the Desborough Road and then Thorpe Malsor rather than the QOM hill into Harrington. They say a change is as good as a rest. Not for most of us. We were knackered. Even Andy looked out of breath as we joined Harrington Road. I left the lads at Rothwell and hope they survived Bunker Hill ok. I'd done it already getting to the shop and there's no way I was doing that beast again.

What a ride! Thanks Andy. That was a splendid route and you performed leader duties perfectly. I'm looking forward to your next ride but for now I really need a sit down!

Happy pedalling

Ps Steve I can't find 'go like the clappers' on you tube!

Soggy, flaccid rubber, cake and well studied wellys....it can only be the C&DCYCLES Saturday club ride!

Today it was hot, hot and wet. To quote a magnificent film : "that's nice if you're with a lady it ain't no good in the jungle!" For those not familiar with Robbin Williams at his very best click here:
http://youtu.be/DpktBGInl60

My day started as it meant to go on. I washed my gloves yesterday so they'd lost that gone off vinegar smell you get from repeated wearing and sweaty days. Instead of bringing them in with the rest of the washing I left them on the decking table to put with the rest of my kit for the morning! Then I forgot...what a fwit!

Soggy Gloves

On arrival at C&D Cycles, you know who asked me to lead the slow ride. I reminded him we don't have a slow ride and Mark, who made many excellent contributions to the day renamed it the 'banter' ride. Once the cavalcade of expensive lycra and Italian carbon had left we were left as the smaller of the two groups. My group was Mark, Rich, Rob, Rob, Paul, John and Simon. I have to say lads you were a pleasure to lead. Excellent communication, safe riding, helping each other and above all a good spirit.

Today's route is a corker. Out of Kettering on the crater filled Rockingham Road, Glendon, Rushton, Desborough, Braybrooke (over the river Jordan,) Market Harborough, East Farndon taking in the challenging climb that is East Farndon Hill, Clipston and then it should have been Kelmarsh but like last year the road was closed for the history event.

So we took in another good hill to Naesby past Fairfax's viewing platform and the obelisk on the site of the windmill. If you don't know about all that then check out a blog I did earlier this year. http://richardscyclingblog.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/roundheads-and-cavaliers.html

Going up Naesby Hill Mark noted that I was getting some funny noises from Clive, it was the dreaded hiss, hiss, hiss that indicates a puncture. However when we stopped my tyre seemed fine, until we moved again and pop my tyre was instantly flacid. Another puncture, good grief I'm seriously not impressed with these GP 4season tyres! What happened next was a total clown show. Without the aid of he who must not be named we really are a shambles. The first inner tube I tried was useless. It was one I'd repaired from before as I hadn't replaced the tube I used last week yet. As is our way Rich gave me a new inner tube to use and as is right I bought him one back when we got back to C&DCYCLES. Then we tried about five mini pumps before getting any success. .The ridiculous way that pumping mimics masturbation had Rich in stitches but then it appears he rivals Big Steve for the title of team filth monger. It reminded me of this:

http://youtu.be/UxWnQBbIDgQ

Swiss Tony

Look at that handsome young man

I'm disappointed you missed the wink Rich

When we eventually got going again it was off down boomshanka Lane past the Buddhist retreat, the Kelmarsh, Harrington, Rothwell and back to Kettering. On our way we encountered the short, sharp shock that is Bunker Hill. I ride this Hill most days and it's very hard. My best speed up the segment is 13.8mph. Bewilderingly David White has gone up it at 22mph. I have no idea how he did that!

Bunker Hill looking down

Back at the shop we were treated to my wife's magnificent Guinness cake. The queen of cakes surpasses herself with this one. Although all of her cakes are good and saying ones better than another is as futile as an argument about who's better: Ironman or Batman (it's Ironman though.) the cake was so well received I heard Ken swear for the first time ever as he expressed his gratitude. 

There was also the news that my Uncle and Cousin had been into buy road bikes. I'd like to see cuz join the club. Although it might be a bit early in the morning for him ;) love you Iain!

Amazing cake

Finally the banter reached gargantuan levels. Rich in particular became obsessed with a pair of wellys. These were quite new boots and didn't look overused. Really I think he should concentrate on something more seasoned. Never the less these were fine Wellys. Such was Rich's fervour for the 

rubber footwear I heard two words I thought would never issue from Steve's mouth. "Calm down," I nearly passed out from the shock!

There's been a delay in writing this blog due to a killer attack of cramp. No sympathy please. After a two week break from beer I got back off the wagon in style. That plus he humid conditions and spinning up the hills contributed to the dreaded leg lock! Another lesson I need to learn. 

I'm hoping to get out again tomorrow for the Sunday ride. I loved cycling today, so much that I had a great big grin on my face when I got home.

Happy pedalling!

Ride to work will save the world!

So I did some research and it turns out that cycling to work has boosted the UK economy massively during the recession. Firstly cycle sales and repairs provides millions of pounds to the economy. Cyclists take less days off sick reducing staffing costs and burden on the NHS. Reduced pollution emissions is better for the environment AND means we spend less on reducing the impact. Sustrans have worked out that dedicated cycle tracks are the only transport link that makes money rather than adds pressure to local and national economies. So next time a fwit in a fiesta abuses you with some road tax nonsense the reply is simple: "desist you ridiculous buffoon and I'm endeavouring to
enhance your health and well being!"

Get lost filthy cars!

I'm loving the influence if the blog this week. Andy (Brown,) decided to ride to work after reading the blog and Olly came to vroom because of the Saturday blog. Two more cyclists saving the world!

Happy pedalling

Ps to make Andy from C&DCYCLES super happy Lee is making her famous Guinness cake for Saturday. If that doesn't get you out then nothing will!

Sources:

http://www.ctc.org.uk/sites/default/files/file_public/economybrf.pdf

http://www.sustrans.org.uk/sites/default/files/images/files/connect2/Getting%20Britain%20Cycling%20and%20Walking%20WEB.pdf

http://www.bikehub.co.uk/news/sustainability/1bn-benefit-to-the-economy-as-millions-more-journeys-take-place-on-national-cycle-network/

Vroom Wednesday - Pitsford Reverse

You can't beat a bit of Vroom Wednesday and 16 C&DCC members attending is a fantastic turnout. If you add the two routes together you get the full Pitsford reverse. As it was vroom we do expect to go quicker but at the same time the primary rule of C&DCC is observed "no one gets left behind."

Jonesy was our leader tonight but bless him he hasn't recovered from his ankle knock and wasn't up for it. So we all helped out a bit and as it's a well ridden route we did ok. I did a lot of hanging back and then catching up which means my average was down but I got 31 trophies. I'm very happy with
that.

On the ride tonight I was pleased to do some more catching up with old friends. Richard and Teresa were back and I tried not to drool over that Pinarello Dogma but wow just wow.  I still love Clive though. On that I'm disappointed no-one noticed the sponsor's name on my bike. Good to catch up with Ollie too and I don't think we've seen Phil 'the beast' Broxton for a while. He was of course at his athletic best. The rest of the group was a mix of regulars and relative newbies. All good people and no issues. So thanks all for coming along and enjoying the ride.

I felt the need to tell the KitKat story today so this seemed appropriate decoration

Action shot

Lovely to see peeping Tom back out with us!

Andy couldn't join us tonight which is a shame. He was out today on his own build 9.8. The bike just looks fast standing still, when he gets used to it all the KOM's for miles are at risk. I'm sure a tow behind that tonight would have been a real pleasure.

Finally kudos to Northampton for getting it's own version of the London Boris bikes. I wonder how long it will be before someone takes one on a crazy challenge. Rocky Hill anyone?

Northampton bikes

Happy pedalling

Commute, excellent service, lard and some twonkers

Ok so it was standard commute time again today. Well standard except I nibbled up another place on my target segment and now bewilderingly I'm 4th on the ridiculous sprint section that is finish hard. Hopefully I can find another notch and make a top three. That would be rare company indeed for me. I also better do it quick before those Boardman's unleash on the segment.

On arrival at work I crossed the number 14 off on my Oz countdown board and unbelievably there are just two more Mondays at work before we go to Brisbane. When we committed to save for this
holiday three years ago it didn't feel real. Now it's as real as Saints being the English champions.

A quick change and then I got Clive up to Andy at C&DCYCLES for some tinkering. Things were clicking and clunking so frankly he needed a once over. I dropped Clive off at 9:30 and picked him up at 4:30. My little longcliffe is now super smooth and good as new. Great work as ever Andy and by way of thanks Mrs Lindsley will provide cakes for the Saturday CLUB ride.

Not quite me

As ever I'm thinking of ways to improve my equipment and on that score I've taken a look in the mirror and realise the best upgrade I can make is to me. I've been battling the lard since I realised trying to bulk up for Rugby really wasn't necessary anymore. At my heaviest I've been a shade under 16stone. Right now I'm 14st 5lbs under ideal conditions, I think most fellow fatties will realise I mean first thing, after my morning 'routine,' and before I've had anything to eat or drink. For the last few years, despite having cycling in my life I've yo- yo'd between 15 and 13 and a half stone. Like the rest
of the world I tried 5:2 and it does work but I didn't like it with cycling. The most effective thing I've done is My Fitness Pal and that's what I'm back on. It works for me because I monitor what I eat but also because anything I burn on the bike I can add to my daily allowance. So if I want a few beers and a pizza, I need to get some quality miles in. Anyway I think 13 is my magic number and I'm determined to get there.

On my return home I decided to try the Northfield Avenue cycle paths. They're not bad actually, quite a bit smoother than the roads. The total twonkers on cheap 'mountain' bikes I shared the path with were however a bit disappointing. These helmet less buffoons were weaving all over the place, kerb hoping and a menace to other vehicles. At one point they shot across the road with the last sliding sideways as he locked up in the path of an oncoming car. More candidates for Darwin awards.

There is however a highlight on this route in the rather amusing advice from KBC. It really could be a mantra to live by!

Happy pedalling

Bonus blog, saddle bag or not?

So rule #29 of velominati is that saddle bags have no place on road bikes. I've personally broken that rule a lot and more recently I've adhered to it. You'll see from this link that not even the velominati creator actually sticks to it. http://www.velominati.com/accessories-and-gear/breaking-the-rules-29/

So what's the issue? Bags are not cool. They spoil the beautiful lines of our bikes. They also rattle, or at least the bits in them do. We like our bikes to look good and we also like them to sound good. Like the Evans advert says, we're a weird bunch (local bike shops are available.)

Here's my very simple solution. It's one of Chris and Andy's little bags. The pictures tell you all you need to know. Now you'd think Andy would approve, as another back pocket man but apparently not. "What's that?" He said in a disgusted tone. Then Claire said it would give me a sweat rash to which Andy added "we're only thinking of you!"

Free jersey pack provided by my local bike shop

Nice pocket size, 50p added for scale

You can buy an official cycling jersey caddy sack for about a tenner. They're £6.84 in both Halfords and Wiggle so I guess two of the big three are playing price matching games. It's PVC so frankly it's just as sweaty as my carrier bag so they don't care about Andy and Claire's rash paranoia either!

Ooh caddy sack

Big Steve has a surprisingly elegant solution as he bought a pencil case from wilkos for £4.99. It's like the one below except it's more Everton blue like our C&DCYCLES jerseys. Andy was impressed with this and joked that they shoulda get a job lot and have C&DCYCLES embroidered on next door, then sell them for a tenner. If you think that's steep check out the Rapha link below!

Big Steve's solution

Perhaps putting this ridiculous argument to be we should turn to our most athletic rider, Phil 'the beast' Broxton. The beast is without doubt our most accomplished endurance rider. His specialism is Audax and he's been smashing the miles all year on monster rides. Have you seen the size of his saddlebag? It's as huge as his stamina.

Not Phil's actual bike or bag but it's like it and he also has a Brooks saddle

Not content with what goes on at our club I did some googling (other search engines are available but then I also Hoover with a Dyson so who cares.) The  very first link I followed was one about carrying your gun on a bike! I also found out how to carry a suit on a bike. Very important in that London apparently. There were arguments about what you should carry and the whole 'should you,' 'shouldn't you,' debate. There's a link to a Rapha pack more expensive than my tyres and some other bits and bobs. Have a click and see for yourself. 

http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2011/08/eric-nelson/the-truth-about-bicycle-carry/

http://www.londoncyclist.co.uk/how-to-carry-a-suit-on-your-bike/

http://www.womenscycling.ca/blog/bike-maintenance/what-do-you-carry-in-your-saddle-bag/

http://bikingtolive.com/the-bicycle-seat-bag-what-should-you-carry-in-it/

http://www.cyclingforums.com/t/488333/how-do-you-carry-your-spare-tube-and-tools-on-a-long-club-ride

http://www.rapha.cc/gb/en/shop/essentials-case/product/ECS01

http://www.bogear.com.au/packs/bike-gear/jersey-pocket-pouch

http://www.amazon.com/Sticky-Pod-Cycle-Bag-Small/dp/B006XP69QK

http://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/424377-jersey-pocket-bag.html

Right well I hope I haven't bored you all into thinking Grease II (currently infecting my telly,) is entertainment rather than a not so subtle form of torture. I'm sticking to my trusty placky bag and for rides where I want more stuff I'm going to use a saddle bag.

Happy pedalling.

Ps surely that was enough mentions Andy?