This blog used to just be about my cycling. In January 2021 my wife, Lee Lindsley got covid19 as bad as it gets... She spent 10 weeks in hospital including 4 weeks sedated and ventilated. A year later she is still not well enough to work. So the blog became a good way to update people. Cycling has kept me sane throughout this difficult time. I cycle for fitness, fun friendship and because it's good for my soul!
After a week off from riding I got back to it with a bang this weekend. We have also resumed coaching at KCC Cyclones due to restrictions lifting.
On Saturday we had a group road ride. So many of us met up in Kettering we had to organise into 3 groups. On the way in i bumped into the early birds who were having their first coffee stop of the day after 40 miles! That elite group used their early start to turn 100km into 100miles with Neil topping the distance charts with 117 miles for the day. I did 76 miles, which was more than enough!
The banter was flowing from the off as we headed south with a strong tailwind. Nothing chsnges really, despite posting the route barely anyone had it before we left!
We were discussing the weird and wonderful running and cycling atire that's been apparent since lockdown. That chat turned to vintage trainers and particularly Hi-Tec Silver Shadow and Dunlop Green Flash which Neil (two mentions already,) dubbed the: "Rab C Nesbitt of trainers!"
We made it to Kimbolton with ease but then turned into the stiff breeze! At Sharnbrook a prize plum in a blue Suzuki Swift decided to use his in car PA to shout "single file," at us continually.
Not long after that we made it to Emberton Park in Olney for the coffee stop. All three groups met back up but we made sure we kept to the 2m rule! We then reorganised and headed back towards K Town.
My legs felt very tight and the warning signs of cramp were coming! I was shattered by Earls Barton Hill and dribbled up there like slow Jack McSlow. Lots of people felt the same and the groups disintegrated to some extent. However two(ish) groups formed at Mears Ashby. Having said we wouldn't have a total tear up into Harrowden...we had a total tear up in Harrowden. The wind was now behind us on that fast stretch of road and we hit 30mph for a significant time. I felt excellent until the cramp warning signs came back to ruin my efforts! When we stopped in Harrowden my legs were shaking.
We set off again towards Orlingbury and my right leg was definitely going to cramp. So I tried just peddling with my left leg which Rob described as a very odd pedalling technique!
I couldn't keep up at all and was on my own at the top of the hill, where, boom...cramp hit. I just unclipped in time. I then waddled down the road a bit in a most undignified manner, still astride my bike. As cramp eased I was able to get fully off my bike. At this stage group 3 caught up with me.
From there I opted for the shortest flattest route back to Rothwell. Cramp stayed away until I was close to home and then decided to have one final attack.
None of this spoiled the ride. It was great to be out and even better to be out in company!
Strava tells me I'd burned an extra 4000kcal and it certainly felt that way. I weighed myself after the ride and I was 2lbs lighter than before I went out! So after a week of really disciplined eating I enjoyed a few beers and a homemade pizza before another great fun cycling quiz with the Corby Capers CX group.
On Sunday morning it was time for a change as we set out on an off road ride. I met with Andy P, Nat, Bob, Marcus and Rob at Grafton crossroads.
We headed into a fiercer wind than yesterday and were grateful to get into the fields and behind the hedges. The ground is currently rock hard and we were bumped about as a consequence.
We headed to Twywell and then over the fields to Stanwick Lakes. At Elinor trout fishery I suffered quite the embarrassment! My rear tyre went soft and it wouldn't reinflate! The usually very reliable tubeless system had failed! I'd also forgotten to bring a tube for the first time in ages. When I got the tyre off the problem was clear...there was no sealant fluid in the tyre! I can't remember the last time I topped up! Now I bang on about the benefits of tubeless endlessly. I'm a real tubeless bore. The Queen of Cakes will not allow me to talk about tyres in her company! So like I say...quite embarrassed!!!
The other thing was I had no chance of removing the tubeless valve. Luckily Andy was far more prepared. He had a spare tube, a decent pump and chain pliers which got the valve out. Tube in and pumped back up we could get going.
Marcus helped by eating a banana 🍌
It was a lovely ride through to Wadenhoe. More great trails followed and Rob proved he's a real off road rider by taking a tumble!
From there it was through to Lyveden New Bield for our usual group photo!
The bridleway through to the Brigstock/Benefield Road is not a favourite of mine but once over the road the trails through to Bocase farm are lovely.
It was more good riding through to Brigstock and then up the chase the wrong way. After yesterday my legs were ruined at this point and I just dawdled up the trail. That big old oak tree at the top was a welcome sight!!!
I enjoyed the ride but I was also relieved to get back to the car in Grafton.
When I got in I checked my sealant stocks...this bottle of Stans is almost full. I have enough to do all my bikes!!! So there's no excuse. Lesson learned...as usual the hard way! Tomorrow I'll make sure every tyre is topped up.
My post ride refuel today was an absolute delight. With restrictions lifting we were able to go to Sunday lunch at Mum's for the first time since March.
I had a couple of weeks off from blogging due to a lack of material...this week though there is plenty to blog about. It's going to be the usual mix of running and cycling plus some big shout outs to cycling friends who have put massive rides in recently.
It's the five year anniversary of Dusk 2 Dawn, an epic 205 mile ride around the border of Northamptonshire. Here's my blog from back then:
I have to say it was a brilliant day but five years is still not long enough to tempt me back into another 200 miler. I'm happy to do 100km fondos and the occasional 100 mile ride!
I'm going to do the distance shout outs now because I think they're way more interesting than my activity! Firstly Phil Wilkinson has bashed out more centuries than Alistair Cook this year, last night in the Corby Capers quiz we learned that he completed eight 100 mile rides in May alone and has kept that going in June! All of this whilst working full time so it's not like its a Covid furlough thing! This weekend it would have been the MTB Epic Solstice 100 ride so Andy Pendred and Marcus Bird did a 100 mile MTB ride using some of the route provided and adding their own extras. Amy Bird should have also completed this but her Dad let her down by not making her bike tubeless! More on tubeless later!!! At the same time it should also be Mountain Mayhem this weekend so Adrian 'Kila,' Killworth also put in a massive 100 mile off road ride. Another thing I learned from the Corby Capers Quiz last night is that Adrian has completed the Three Peaks CX race 10 times and that Dean Barnett once came second in that event in 1994 (unless I've got the answer to that question wrong again!) If you don't know about the three peaks it's a 61 km race in the Yorkshire Dales. That 61 km has 1524m (5000ft) of climbing, 28km of road, 33km offroad and 8km which are described as unrideable! For those 8km, competitors mostly carry their bike uphill. The GCN video below gives you an idea of how tough it is!
The big rides by cycling friends don't stop there though! Another thing that hasn't happened this weekend is the Race the Sun coast to coast from The Isle of Sheppey to Burnham on Sea. Instead of that Ian aka Clint Boodhist did a 200mile ride with fellow BXV rider Emily, riding from Brixworth to the Norfolk coast. Rob Campbell also went big with a 135 mile unofficial, 'Another Taste of Rutland.' Lastly but not least of the cycling shout outs, Greta Crabtree did her first 100km. Really impressive stuff going on out there, chapeau all round!!! Also worthy of a shout out is Matthew Peleszok who yesterday attempted a 70 mile run! He fell short after falling sick at 34 miles but still pushed onto to nearly 50 miles before giving up. 50 miles is a bike ride not a run!
Not that exciting. This was a test to see if having something to eat before I went for a run helped with my pace...the answer is no! I ruined the experiment anyway as I chose this week to add a bit of strength training. After doing squats and lunges for the first time in a while I had a bad case of DOMS (delayed onset muscular strain,) and was never going to run faster like that! I'm glad I started the strength work again though. I take the DOMS as a sign that I need to do more of this!!!
I had a better run a few days later and ticked off the 10k for June. I only do this because of the Strava challenge. Funny what motivates us isn't it?
The next run I did was 'not a parkrun.' I'm really missing Parkrun, I hope it's either back by August the 1st or they announce it won't be soon! More self imposed pressure has me wanting to run my 50th Parkrun on my 50th birthday and August the first is the deadline for that being possible. I sandwiched this run with a run/walk warm up to Desborough Greenspace and walking home to Rothwell afterwards. The run itself was disappointing. The spring in my step is either there or it isn't and I can't explain the different days! Mrs Lindsley has a theory that I get pace motivation from Parkrun and without it I'm less able to push myself.
This is more like it for the cycling blog. I decided to put the fun back into my activity and just go for a fun spin on my mountain bike. No pace or distance expectations, just a roll in the countryside. So I headed out to the old favourite that is Geddington Chase.
First stop Prologis Park
I had nice spin through Prologis Park and onto Weekly Woods. Those woods are under threat from planning to expand the industrial estate. That's a great shame as it's a good public space. However they made such a good job of Prologis perhaps we should just trust the planners to do the right thing. Those big sheds exist because we all like our consumer items!
As is typical these days, lots of cyclists, walkers and runners were out and about. I was so used to routinely saying hello to everyone I didn't notice at first when I greeted Harriet from work out on her bike. Afterwards we both contacted each other to say, sorry only realised it was you afterwards! The chase itself was in good condition and made for good riding, if anything it was getting a little too hard and dry.
I then headed through Brigstock and up Old Dry Lane. I wasn't sure how much more I wanted to do but thought that at least I'd pop to see the sculptures at Bocase Farm.
What you looking at?
Don't mess with this geezer
This is where I needed Lord Pendred. I would have liked to double back round to Fermyn Woods but just wasn't sure of the way...so I just headed back the way I came!
On the way back through I spotted this on the Boughton Estate before Geddington and Weekly Woods. I'm not sure if it's art or just an abandoned old bike. I'd like to think it's deliberate. I headed home via Rushton on what will always be on.e of my favourite tracks.
I decided to give myself a few days off before trying another run on Friday. This time I headed back to Desborough Greenspace to see if I could improve my time. I did, just about, but I'm still far from happy with my running. I think the best thing I could do is to try to ignore my pace and just get back to enjoying a run.
On Saturday I joined a group ride for the first time since March. The lockdown is lifting and restrictions are easing. Technically we are allowed to ride in groups of six with social distancing. So I'm going to tell you that we rode in groups of six!
Always wonky!
This blog used to be about cycling routes, it just grew into something else...that's a good thing because since I got Wahoo I have not paid attention at all. All I can tell you is we headed East into Cambridegshire. We went into Stilton and then headed back towards K town.
On the way back we headed up Morborne Hill, which as you can imagine is as impressive as a hill gets in Cambridgeshire, it certainly didn't take much wattage.
Tower thing
Trek Madone...I think I'm in love!!!
It has clever flaps!!!
During the banana break I noticed Graham was not on his usual Specialised...frankly his new steed, a Trek Madone is a thing of beauty. Graham did not know that Madone is a climb in the Giro...I think I've been doing too many quizes! My goodness though what a beautiful bike. Until yesterday I hadn't seen nicer aero rim brake than the ones on my Giant Propel...well I have now! I must also praise Graham on not spoiling the aesthetics with a saddle bag! I think we were the only ones on the ride without one. Pockets!!! That's why they're on cycling jerseys!!!
Rule 29 // No European Posterior Man-Satchels.Saddle bags have no place on a road bike, and are only acceptable on mountain bikes in extreme cases.
As we headed down the hill there was a scary pop and hiss. I watched Steve's bike like a hawk which was foolish because it was in fact Justin who'd punctured. He is a sensible man and therefore has embraced tubeless. Unfortunately he whipped out a tube and cracked the seal on his rim before I had the chance to offer one of my worm plugs. Then we tried to plug and reinflate with CO2 which doesn't ever seem to work with sealant. Then we had to turn to Ken to remove the tubeless valve. Our weedy hands are no match for Ken's plumber grip. Tube in and off we go...at the same time Nat was also changing her tube!
A few miles on and we were dropping Ken! He announced feeling unwell and that he, a type 1 diabetic was experiencing low blood sugar. Ken wanted us to go on without him as he felt he could manage the situation. Well none of us were having that and we kept him in the group to Benefield where Nat broke a spoke! Ken the legend who we were all supposed to be looking after, stopped to help! We then drafted them back to Brigstock where Ken got some more sugar in him via a chocolate bar. He went from looking like death to his normal self in just a few minutes much to our relief.
It was then up the bumps to Grafton before heading separate ways. A few of us went to the tea rooms in Geddington for my new favourite thing. A croque monsieur! Here's a recipe which I might just try https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/perfect-croque-monsieur
I was on 58 miles when we left Geddington which was perfect. The ride home took me to 63 and I completed my 100km Fondo for June!
Saturday night was a complete treat. It started with a Thai Gardens take away. Then it was Corby Capers quiz time. This week Huw hosted which meant that splendid young man couldn't win for a change. He did a great job with a mix of local questions, questions about all of us and questions from professional cycling. As I said above I enjoyed learning about Dean and Kila at the 3 peaks and also about Sean's highest climb, Phil's centuries, David's KOMs. The question about me asked who is my favourite from: Sven Nys, Pauline Ferrand-Prevot, Mrs Lindsley and Phil Wilkinson? Huw allowed two answers so obviously I picked Mrs Lindsley and Pauline, sorry Phil! I then got the flipping Sven Nys question wrong...that's karma for you!!!
After I got these magnificent Father's Day gifts I headed out for a ride on my mountain bike! Not before I had listened to my good friend Nigel's Sunday morning facebook gig. We should have been riding the Dartmoor Classic today. Something else 2020 ruined!
My plan was to head out to Harrington, then Arthingworth, along the Brampton Valley Way, up to Maidwell out towards Haselbech and then back through Lamport and then I was just going to see how much more I wanted to do...none of that happened. I didn't make it to Harrington...
I was heading along this track looking for the bridleway that comes out on the Harrington Road, I've only been this way once before. I followed the track round the corner and then down a nice little dip into a stable yard. Oh I thought, that's not right so I went back through the dip. Then I heard a lady scream stop as dog charged towards me. I stopped and the dog bit me on the leg, when it let go I got off my bike and put it between me and the dog. The lady was really upset and I had claret streaming down my leg. She told me I was on private land and she wasn't wrong! I had missed the bridleway gate. She told me the dog was a rescue and only acted like this around bikes. She quickly got it under control and it was clear this wasn't a normally aggressive animal.
I went through this gateway...the bridleway is to the left of it!
There it is!!!
To my mind I am mostly at fault here. If I wasn't on her land the lady's dog would not have bitten me. Some people would see this differently but I assured her that I would not be reporting the dog. I would be absolutely gutted if a dog had to be destroyed because of my actions. I'm also assuming from now on she will close her gate so that others are less likely to make the mistake.
For me it was a quick trip home and then a drive to Corby urgent care for dressing, a tetanus jab and anti-biotics...which I'll start tomorrow so I can enjoy my father's day booze!
Another week of these bizarre times has passed and it seems we may be able to meet friends and family a bit more from tomorrow. This week for me though has been much like last week. I have been for a run on my own, been out on my bike alone, had another ride with Sam and we've had another Corby Capers quiz.
Things are also progressing at home as the Queen of Cakes continues to use her 12 weeks of enforced shielding to work on the house. The garden is her latest project and this is my favourite addition so far!
Nothing unusual about this route, it's my regular morning spin. However I'm quite please with a 17.6 mph average. It might not be fast for some but for me it's a sign that my fitness is starting to get there.
The next day I went for my standard 5k run. Unlike my ride the day before this was a slow run for me. I'm really not sure what happened but I have theory to test next week. I tend to run fasted in the morning. I'm going to experiment with a small breakfast to see if that gives me more spring in my step because I'd never dream of doing parkrun without eating.
On Friday evening Sam asked to go for another ride with me and as he thinks my standard route is fun we did that again!!!
It was lovely to be out on a bike with him and this shows the last ride wasn't a one off. Just need to keep this going. Hilariously Sam just wanted a chilled ride and no KOMs were under threat!
I was a very lucky boy in other ways on Friday. My box of Belgian beers arrived including the stunning Wipers Times. I also had an early Father's Day present; my new barbecue. I have already bought high quality Pipewell charcoal and we will fire it up later today.
Saturday was about exploring and working out what else was possible in terms of off road routes.The ground is now rock hard and I was glad I chose my MTB and not a CX bike.
Lovely Day!
I wanted to work out where I'd gone wrong from Pipewell a few weeks ago and...Failed miserably! This lovely gravel road is not the bridleway and apparently not a public right of way! A farmer kindly pointed out where I'd gone wrong. A shame because this was a nice bit of gravel riding.
Back on track and I once again enjoyed the bridleway through to Cottingham and then onto the Jurassic Way that runs at the bottom of East Carlton Park.
The horses were getting a lot of attention from the many visitors to the park and I had to take it easy through this bit.
I found the bridleway to Ashley and in these conditions it was a real treat. It's mostly ploughed field without ridges so it rode well. However I would not want to attempt this on soft ground.
The bridleway out of Ashley is okay but quite rutted. Again CX wheels would have struggled. It was good riding though and very hilly!
Often on rides like this it's difficult to be confident on trails you don't know. If only there was a sign like this more often! I followed the sign for Brampton Ash and it wasn't the easiest to ride on. After a few ploughed hills and steep hills which were too bumpy to enjoy it opened up into some parkland. I was hoping to find a way from the A427 across to Desborough airfield. However I couldn't make out the track and there were lots of cows in the fields...I've mentioned before I don't trust them! So I just took the A427 to Stoke Albany and the road back to Desborough. A quick spin through the woods and then home via Shotwell Mill Lane. It was hot, dry, dusty and that's the most tired I have felt from a 20 mile bike ride in a very long time! It was good though. Next time I might go a different way at that 5 way sign.
In the evening we had the Capers quiz hosted by me. I was actually quite nervous because I wanted people to enjoy the quiz. If anyone else would like go here's the link to the My Quiz web page https://myQuiz.org/q/13ede017-a039-44bc-a243-dfc2d11ccef3. It's a mixture of Tour de France, Giro, CX, Tour of Britain, Women's Tour, Hill Climbing and virtual rides during Covid. Everyone said they enjoyed it and they're not the sort of blokes to say it if they don't mean it. What struck me is that the good folk of Capers have amazing knowledge and even more than that have ridden alongside a lot top riders. It makes me wish I'd taken cycling seriously as a younger man.
Today I was looking for a few hours on the road and once again Brixworth Velo provided me with the perfect route. I hope they carry on creating routes that pass close to Rothwell! This time I decided to go clockwise. I wanted to head to Brixworth first as a kind of psychological trick. Weird things go through your head cycling. For me, if I'd ridden the other way it would feel like a second bike ride home when I got to Brixworth. Judging by the amount of BXV riders I saw, most of them did the route the other way. No idea who gave me the thumbs up from a car or who said hello way back at Foxhall, I'm hoping to find that out at some point!
With the wind behind me and possibly the flatter part of the route I made it through to Cottersbrooke in no time. Then it changed a little. As I approached Haselbech hill my legs tightened and half way up I was not enjoying the climb. However, as is often the case, once I'd done it I felt great and got back to enjoying the ride.
I love the road from Naseby to Sibbertoft and today it was as nice as usual. After Sibbertoft I usually head to Theddingworth down that very steep hill. As my speed record is 52mph down there, it's probably a good thing I went the other way to Marston Trussell.
On the hill out of Lubenham I saw these contraptions
Stunning views
Weston-on-Welland
Dingley water tower
There was a real test of the legs at the end of the ride for me. From Sutton Bassett it was uphill to Dingley, then uphill again to Braybrooke and then two more good hills through to Harrington! This would be another good hill training section. As I started that last hill I could see what looked like a recumbent in the distance with something else. I caught them at the top of the hill to find it was a lady on a hand bike and a child on a small horse. No idea who the lady was but I guess she has to be local. Kudos to her on that hill on a hand bike!
I really enjoyed that route and may do that again if I want something that's around 3 hours.
So next week we can start riding in small groups again although the 2m rule remains so no tight bunches! I have enjoyed the solo rides but I'm also really missing cycling mates. Maybe next weekend it will start to get a little better for us lycra loonies.
