Bank Holiday Major Mystery Tour Chip Shop Fiasco...

Have a good look at the screen shot above. As advertised an 86 mile ride with a chip shop stop...about halfway. It seemed perfect. I've not done as much riding as I'd like so far this year so another step towards my first century in 2016 seemed appropriate. Fish and Chips as an incentive and a flat route out in the fens all added up to a good idea. Then...we went wrong on the route a few miles in at Grafton Underwood. I'm uncertain if it was a Garmin error or a Steve error but hey ho. As we headed into the fens it became a bit of battle against the wind, so much so we might as well have been in the Alps. Never mind it was only 86 miles...oh hang on I'm home now and appear to have done 102 miles! To top it all the chip shop was closed! STEVE!!!!

The day started well (it ended well too and was bloody lovely in the middle, just so you know,) with a proper mug of tea and my new middle class breakfast of choice, granola and Greek yoghurt. A spin to the shop and I met up with a crowd of some of my favourite people. Steve of course. Andy P, Ian, Heather, Mark, Kev, Ken and someone I hadn't met before, Darren. Great I thought a newbie, perhaps I'll have some company at the back...no such luck, Darren who views himself as a bit of a beginner kicked all of our butts today. Further more Darren was fueled today by the little blobs of goodness pictured below. I have to get me some of those!

 

We waited at the shop for a few extra minutes to see if the Princess of Profanity or 'smut crumpet,' as she is known would join us but alas no. It appears that a taxi ride around some great places to ride had worn her right out. Poor poppet!

Can you see this pair of 'nana's? No Andy and Steve I don't mean you. Look at the pockets, it's like synchronised bananaring! On that I have to say I was riding with truly wonderful people. Darren wins the combativity award. Steve was well, you know his 'eloquent as fuck,' self. Andy P is definitely the second most quick witted in the club. Heather is a road warrior, humble about her abilities but my goodness how strong? Ken's snippets of sagacious wisdom. In the hardest part of the ride as I fell off the back in that despicable wind Kev and Ian dragged me along on a road that would have been hideously lonely. Finally Mark who disproves the spitting image song, because he really is a likable South African. I don't know if all cycling clubs are full of people like this but who cares, I know ours is!

There was a lot of great gear in the bunch today. Not least Marks new hoops. It's amazing how good these Chinese Campagnola copies are. They sound great on the roll and and also when braking. OH OK they're real no fakes, it was fun to tease him about it though.

This route, if indeed we were following a route, had a first for me. I've never had to wait at a level crossing on a bike before.

Next we need to address a most serious matter and Forgive me Father for I Hath Sinned! Socks are it's said an important factor in cycling. The Velominati have the following rule:

1. Rule #27//
   

   Shorts and socks should be like Goldilocks.
   Not too long and not too short. (Disclaimer: despite Sean Yates’ horrible choice in shorts length, he is a quintessential hard man of cycling and is deeply admired by the Velominati. Whereas Armstrong’s short and sock lengths are just plain wrong.) No socks is a no-no, as are those ankle-length ones that should only be worn by female tennis players.

   

As you will see below there was a lot of variety on show:

Acceptable sockage

Overshoes? Really I was boiling!!!

Steve was overdressed too

erm...oh...yes well I always wear ankle socks!

To hlep you out and so you don't mes it right up like me. Please access the following link.

Velominati Sock Height Calculator

Whilst we discussed sock length another thought occurred to me. Frankly I was very knackered and looking forward to Fish and Chips. Perhaps a bit late I decided to check with Steve if we knew the shop would actually be open? Steve assured me it would as he had checked. Now I'm naturally a bit curious so I thought I'd just drill down a bit. It turns out that Steve had checked in is own mind and concluded that they had to be open on bank holiday due to people coming back from the coast. I told Steve there and then it better be open because I didn't want a panini in some poncey coffee shop! Hmmm...I thought and we headed to Thorney, where as you know the chip shop was closed! It is however open at 5pm for people who may or not be heading back from the coast! No matter there was a tea room across the road...also closed!

We consoled ourselves with a quick look around the classic cars. The Cortina estate was a beaut and I hope either my Dad or Uncle get a look at the Rover because it reminded me of Granddad's car. 

Anyway we set off for Stamford which wasn't far apparently. After about an hour we found a sign that said Stamford 10 miles. This was made instantly longer by the Garmin boys taking us the wrong way again. However we did indeed make it to Stamford...

In Stamford we found a cafe, well new fangled coffee shop!

In the new fangled coffee shop I had a 'fucking panini!' I also had my favourite cappuccino with a shot of hazelnut syrup. The hipster barrista bloke was unimpressed by I like it so get lost. The banter flowed as we got a bit of our strength back. Leaving Stamford  we were able to appreciate the scenery fully as we left flat roads and entered the more lumpy and bumpy topography of the Welland Valley. Ken and Andy were particularly taken by it. After the fens it was nice to see something that wasn't flat!

The ride for me now was just a grind. The others had to wait for me continually and kept encouraging me with tows or any energy giving substance they had. Those cliff bloks are good! I'm always the slowest, I don't care though. What a great ride and what a great day!

Finally they tried to taunt me on Facebook by standing outside a closed chip shop in Kettering. Well the last laugh is on you! The most magnificent Lee Lindsley did a tour of chip shops and my tea is pictured below. If you're wondering the Werrington award winning chip shop was open!

Right I need a beer and to binge watch some TV. GoT already done, it's a cracker!

Happy Pedaling

Just ride!!! It's the answer to most of life's questions!

Lots of things have interfered with my riding lately and subsequently my blogging has been interfered with too. There's been overtime, the Queen of cakes  falling down the stairs accident and a host of other ride limiting factors. I have managed the odd morning ride but nothing that significant. Today however was different. Today was time to ride. Not many friends were available to ride with but I was joined for 46 very sociable miles by Kev.

The only downside to today's ride is that we found every single piece of recently resurfaced road in Northamptonshire. I hate riding on that gritty nonsense and at one point it gave Kev a phantom puncture. What's a phantom puncture you ask? Well we both heard a hissing noise come from his bike indicating instant deflation but neither of his tyres lost pressure! Very weird...stupid little stones!!!

That said we really did have a lovely ride on lovely roads. This was a route I've used before and I have to say I prefer going West or North from Kettering.

Highlights of today's ride include the hills into Spratton, East Farndon, Griffin Road out of Braybrooke and my regular training hill into Harrington. Two of those have been used as QOM segments in the Ladies Tour of Britain. Those are good for you mountain goats, for us downhill specialists a big shout goes out to Isaac Newton for inventing gravity because what goes up must come down. On this route was the wonderous downhill between Sibbertoft and Marston Trussel which was ruined by a van coming up the hill today. Also spoiled was downhill out of East Farndon due to horses on the road. I cant be too critical they're pursuing their hobby in the same way we pursue ours.

On that, there was a lot of fellow lycra loonies out today. We saw Nat out with a very serious looking group, They looked like great zipping past us! Also runners were everywhere. I do feel sorry for them and wonder if someone nicked their bike or if they just never learned to ride. I occasionally go for a ride myself but would never choose running over cycling.

There's a grand old smattering of history with Naesby being on the route. To sum up the importance of Naesby you could say this: The decisive battle of the English Civil War that led to England significantly influencing the establishment of modern democracy. So like big right! I like this website if you want to know more: http://naseby.com/ I just find it weird to imagine such a big old kerfuffle going on in sleepy Northants. 

OK not much else to say, Hopefully this is the start of a bit more regular riding. I know the club have special plans for |Bank Holiday Monday.

Happy Pedaling

St.Georges Saturday Shenanighans

Another Saturday another club ride. Today's route was requested by Andy Pendred as it was after-all St. George's Day and he also provided the cake. Andy P continued to be the man of the day by first providing the splendid name sticker for my Giant Propel. "Whanau," pronounced far-now and meaning 'extended family in Maori.

I opted for the banter bunch again this week and we were ably led by Ian with the novel idea of paper maps! Wow these contraptions require no power, are super light and conveniently fit in a jersey pocket. I wonder if they'll catch on? In the banter bunch was a lovely mix of riders with old, new and returning cyclists. It was especially to see the big lad Jonesy.

Jonesy and our leader Ian

Mark

Raunds!

Fast group riders going back the other way

More

More

Newbie Franco

The Banter Bunch

Same shot moments later

and again

and again

and again

A good ride was had by all in the banter bunch. Banter boy of the day accolade must go to Ashley, the lad dubbed 'Young Quintana,' by old Stuart. He feels the blog should emphasize the prowess of the banter bunch as a peloton magnifique. Hmmm...that might be stretching things Ash. We're certainly friendly, determined and inclusive.

Earlier in the week the forecast for today was light rain. That changed to sunshine by today but it was fiercely cold so I was kitted out in pretty much as much stuff as I wear on a bike. It was however stunningly beautiful out with Spring very much in evidence.

Due to that it took us considerably longer than the Fast Group to get back to the shop. We did see them at the little loop around Upper Dean and we also saw Justin who arrived late frantically trying to catch the quicks. 

As for my legs today they I felt great. Things are definitely getting better and my plan to ride in the fast group again in June looks on track.

A bike for the Queen of Cakes?

Back at the shop we had he usual coffee and cakes provided by Andy P. We also saw a masterclass in salesmanship as Andy F sold a super excited little girl her very first bike. I also spied the little beauty above and thought Mrs Lindsley would love that, especially the floral paniers!

Clive gets his D2D sticker

When I got home it was Clive's turn to get the Andy P treatment with this commemorative D2D sticker. Looks great Andy thanks! 

A quick shower and a bowl of soup I'd made before the ride this morning and I was out again.  Sam and I joined the Scouts in their annual litter pick around Rothwell. It's great to be part of a community project and I hope we inspire others to take more care of their environment.

That's it.

Happy Peddling

Guest Blog: Heather Rides the Heart of England 300km Audax

I'm massively pleased to announce that Heather did in fact agree to writing a guest blog following her epic ride this weekend. I'll let her tell you all about it...

An account of my first 300km (plus a bit) Audax ride.

This being my first 300, it was with a little trepidation that I set out everything on Friday night, ready for a super-early departure on Saturday morning. At least the setting out is getting to be a routine now. There were a few new bits for the longer ride- a small 'lipstick-sized' mobile charger (at least that's how the ad described it), and my new 6l Carradice Carradura Maxi seatbag- ready to carry all I might need on my longer rides, although maybe not a sleeping bag.

The lipstick charger

Alarm went off at 2.15am, quick first breakfast of  oatbran porridge and coffee, load the car, and away by 3.15am for the drive to Cirencester. Lovely quiet roads at that time of the morning. The forecast was for some light rain and snow in the morning. Cold initially, but improving steadily, with moderate northerly winds!

Heather's trusty Forme

Arrived in good time at the church hall that was our base. A few people had taken up the offer of spending the Friday night there, and there was a lively atmosphere on registration. This being a longer event, there were several yellow vests sporting a discrete PBP logo (Paris- Brest- Paris). Time enough for a second breakfast of a large pain-au-chocolate, toast and honey, and coffee; before setting off at 6am with lights on in the murk.

The all carrying saddle bag

The first few miles are always hard as the body warms up, but a nice rhythm ensued, and I was happy with my pace. I took up with a more experienced radonneur, Martin, who was peddling at about the same pace and had ridden the route before. As we hit the Cotswolds, a light drizzle started, which quickly turned to snow, which became heavy enough to settle with quite poor visibility. What were the forecasters thinking!! At this point we passed a couple of people who had decided to call it. We decided to continue, as he thought we were not far from our last descent, and I knew the forecast was for better weather later, at least they got that right. There was about an inch of snow on the road at this time and a few bits were slippy. Photos were a thought, but getting out in time was more pressing. Starting the descent, we were lucky enough to have a 4x4 with large tyres pass us, so we rode in his tyre tracks- why walk when you can ride! We passed a one or two walking down, and our average downhill speed of 8.9mph probably says it all! Bottom on seat, weight hard on back wheel, and numb hands holding brakes- another pair of pads grinding! The snow did stop as we exited the Cotswolds en-route to our first stop at Alcester at 41m. With a temp of -2.7 gradually rising, we peddled the remaining 15m with snow clinging persistently to our jackets and boots- which did prove that they were actually waterproof- no wet feet or body.

Useful bag from another angle

It was good to get into the warmth- hot chocolate and beans on toast followed. Halfway through food I finally started shivering, which continued into our next leg for a few miles. The last person to arrive before we set off looked absolutely perished. Martin and I parted company not far into the second leg. The only tandem on the ride also peddled past. My legs were still dead, and it was a very slow leg indeed, as everything gradually slid up to operating temperature. I was conscious of needing to try to drink more-the last leg was too cold to have had more than a few mouthfuls. Gently rolling country followed, passing east of Solihull and Birmingham, through Balsall Common and up to our second checkpoint in Atherstone 78m, near Tamworth. The roads were well chosen and remarkably traffic free, no indication that we were so close to an urban hub. The greasy spoon known as 'Winnie's Cafe'- for egg on toast and coffee. At this point the last 5 riders who had made it through gradually trickled in.

We all set off together for our 3^rd stop in Daventry at 121m. We quickly split into two and I continued in company with John- a PBP veteran on a fixed wheel bike, and another rider who's name I don't remember. Good weather, a cross-tail wind and a fairly flat route made for a pleasant ride. The conversation turning to gadgets- dynamo hubs, charging devices, and the merits and glitches of the various Garmin models. It's good to know I'm not the only one who curses the darn things!. 'Roso Cafe' had really good food and great coffee, and ginger beer. Having had a lurking lurgy since Thursday (courtesy of two hectic weeks at work) I was feeling a little under the weather.  So soup was the order of the day, not really enough food.

By this stage, it must be obvious that food is enormously important to the Audax community. There is even an app with all convenient Weatherspoon's Pubs (cheap and cheerful) available for download, as is the 'cafe network'. We also love Travelodges. I have to admire the ability of more experienced riders to consume a large amount in a short space of time and then get back on the bike. Still working at that one.

Stage 4 took us back around the eastern edge of the Cotswolds en-route to Tackley, and the 'Sturdy Castle Pub' at 155m. The countryside was again gently rolling with a few steeper bits as we headed through Canon's Ashby and then the various Astons. There was the odd rain spot, but it was peaceful and beautiful as the sun gradually settled, and we arrived just before nightfall. Some of the organisers were there to stamp our Brevet cards and we settled for quick snacks and puddings- the wait for food being at least 20min.

Stage 5 was back to Cirencester. Via Witney, Brize Norton and Southrop. Fairly flat with all the potholes saved for the dark! Lots of flashys and lights. We were a company of four and John, on his single speed, set off as though he was on a time trial with the rest of us trying to hang on. David and I lost the other two at Witney and continued at a more sedate pace, arriving at HQ just after 23h30. 192m down and 15 hrs of bike time. Very tired and feeling too ill to eat by that time- unusual for me- and not great for ride recovery. We had one further arrival and that was all the band of 18 in safe just after midnight.

The local travelodge was a favourite for that night. A few were B&Bing and a few of us bunked down in the hall for the remainder of the night- it's amazing how well you can sleep with a blanket and a camping mat when you're tired!. Home the next morning- able to appreciate the beautiful countryside I hadn't seen in the dark the night before. Everyone found it a challenging ride due to the weather at the start. Sadly 32 decided not to continue as the snow had got to about 3 inches in places with ice by the time they got up to the top of the Cotswolds, and it wasn't safe. For the remainder, it proved to be a good day, with beautiful country, good company and, of course, food.

What's next!?



Back to Richard: That's epic Heather truly epic! Massive kudos and I think Mr Pendred should make you up a commemorative sticker. Heather also wins the award for the first guest blogger to provide the HTML code to embed her Strava route on the blog.

Happy Peddling

  

Soulful Sunday and some other rides...

Having had four seasons in one day yesterday, starting and ending with snow, today was a much nicer day. I decided I just needed a ride,  a lovely gentle soon in the Spring sunshine. So I set off with no intention of looking at either my cadence or speed.

Soon in the journey I got to Harrington where the conditions made me feel a bit twitchy. I have form for coming off on ice and I suddenly wondered if the best bike was a good idea.

Ubiquitous phonebox shot

I really didn't need to worry because the rest of the ride looked like the picture above.  A beautiful
day.  Perfect for cycling.

It's a Gainsborough Sky Ted

Holcot causeway - Pitsford Reservoir

Plenty of other Lycra loonies out today and I spotted Bruce from C&D Cycles CC. He was getting a gel down him so I decided I'd have one too. I've never bought gels but I had one left over from a Sportive so I thought - why not?

I've been out a few times this week on the theory that several short rides are better than a couple of longer ones. It's been a case of 'up with the larks,' which if you haven't tried it, you're massively missing out. I love that time of day and couldn't resist the picture below. 

"Up with the sun and out with the larks,

The best time to ride is just after dark!"

Last Sunday I had a spin on the 29r. A completely unremarkable ride in itself but one that means a lot to me. The picture below shows where SuperSam and I used to stop to watch the trains. It's changed a lot in just a few years. The fence is new and there are now wind turbines in the distance. The biggest difference are the red kites and buzzards. It seems weird but they weren't there when we first rode that way.

Lots of change

The llamas are still there

I was amused in the week by an article "You know you're a cyclist when..." cycling weekly link

I can add a few to those as I wave at fellow cyclist whilst I'm driving my car, I plan routes based on wind direction and Strava segments and shock of shock when I see an attractive young lady on a bike my first thought is always "what bike are they on?"

I need to give a big shout out to the club riders who went out in the snow yesterday. Massive rule #9 kudos. I would've been one of those lycra loonies but my wife was on court duty. You'll be pleased to know that whilst you rode SuperSam was sailing at Pitsford. 

Finally the biggest kudos of the week goes to Heather Perry who not only braved the weather yesterday she completed a 192 mile Audax in it! GCN have their #wattagebazooka I'm going to award Heather the Richard's Cycling Blog #legsofsteel. Heather if you're reading this would make an excellent guest blog and if you took a year off work I'm sure you'd smash the record Kajsa Tylen is currently trying to set.

Happy Peddling