100 of 100
3 hours of lovely trails around my favourite forest, showing a new friend around, the trails were in just about the best condition ever, dappled sunlight streaming through, dust kicking up and temperature just about perfect.
A splendid way to finish this little project, now lets see just how much good has been done next weekend, despite numerous doubts and negative thoughts I will be on the start line for the UK 24 hour solo championships, I want to finish and finish in the spirit of the event, fingers crossed.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Sunshine and lollipops
Ride 99 of 100
A lazy start meant local trails, and the nemesis bike, the bike that did the damage, the bike that I love to hate....
Anyway, dusty trails, the smell of freshly cut grass, few people around, and fantastic sunshine.
Two and a half hours of single speeding, just riding along minding my own business.
Bliss.
A lazy start meant local trails, and the nemesis bike, the bike that did the damage, the bike that I love to hate....
Anyway, dusty trails, the smell of freshly cut grass, few people around, and fantastic sunshine.
Two and a half hours of single speeding, just riding along minding my own business.
Bliss.
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Lost
Ride 98 of 100
Over a week now since I last rode a bike, resting my borked knee, I rode into work and then home from work, my knee is sore, my head is up my ass as I caused this by not paying attention, all my plans have gone out of the window because I did something dumb.
Tomorrow I will ride into work and back and then on Saturday I will do an exploratory ride around Delamere, I will ride my bike, just not for 24 hours
Over a week now since I last rode a bike, resting my borked knee, I rode into work and then home from work, my knee is sore, my head is up my ass as I caused this by not paying attention, all my plans have gone out of the window because I did something dumb.
Tomorrow I will ride into work and back and then on Saturday I will do an exploratory ride around Delamere, I will ride my bike, just not for 24 hours
Wednesday, 5 May 2010
Feeling poorly
Ride 97 of 100
some strange malaise came over me during the day so rode straight home, the chance to align some numbers lost forever....
some strange malaise came over me during the day so rode straight home, the chance to align some numbers lost forever....
69er
Ride 96 of 100
got the 69er from the cellar in homage to the 96th ride
was aiming to get up early and hit the river run this morning but rain stopped play and I went back to bed, then got up and went to work.
got the 69er from the cellar in homage to the 96th ride
was aiming to get up early and hit the river run this morning but rain stopped play and I went back to bed, then got up and went to work.
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Riding home
Ride 95 of 100
Home the short way, wind assisted, clean bike and annoyed that the sun is out but I need to rest my knee.
Home the short way, wind assisted, clean bike and annoyed that the sun is out but I need to rest my knee.
Concrete bike
Ride 94 of 100
The Trek had set solid with Dyfi concrete so I rode it to work and jet washed it down, my right knee still swollen from Sunday and sore to boot :-(
The real pain is at the top of my calf muscle, feels like something deep inside is stretched out, its ok when riding but I'm wondering about a 24 hour race and what damage that will do, all recent rides have been fine but the days after have been painful.
The doubts are setting in, I'm not sacrificing another summer for one race, one race for which I am utterly underprepared.
We'll see
The Trek had set solid with Dyfi concrete so I rode it to work and jet washed it down, my right knee still swollen from Sunday and sore to boot :-(
The real pain is at the top of my calf muscle, feels like something deep inside is stretched out, its ok when riding but I'm wondering about a 24 hour race and what damage that will do, all recent rides have been fine but the days after have been painful.
The doubts are setting in, I'm not sacrificing another summer for one race, one race for which I am utterly underprepared.
We'll see
Monday, 3 May 2010
Dyfi Enduro
Ride 93 of 100
its not a race, its a timed event.... and despite our best efforts we didn't manage DFL.
well whatever it was it was a whole heap of fun, trundling along, enjoying the scenery, enjoying the descents, realising that a good, well set up full suspension bike makes a huge difference to how well I can descend.
The company was great also, once or twice there was the threat of a sense of humour fail but it never happened, testament to a strong will :-).
Of course all of this would never happen without the will power of the folks who organise the Dyfi, much respect to those lovely people who open up their lovely trails to all comers, go out of their way to make you feel welcome and know just what it takes to make for a grand weekend.
its not a race, its a timed event.... and despite our best efforts we didn't manage DFL.
well whatever it was it was a whole heap of fun, trundling along, enjoying the scenery, enjoying the descents, realising that a good, well set up full suspension bike makes a huge difference to how well I can descend.
The company was great also, once or twice there was the threat of a sense of humour fail but it never happened, testament to a strong will :-).
Of course all of this would never happen without the will power of the folks who organise the Dyfi, much respect to those lovely people who open up their lovely trails to all comers, go out of their way to make you feel welcome and know just what it takes to make for a grand weekend.
Thursday, 29 April 2010
Things had better change
Ride 91 of 100
Home, on the road, dodging the lorries, dodging the rain (not very well), keeping a sharp eye out for that inspiration that I know is lurking out there, didn't see it :-(
Home, on the road, dodging the lorries, dodging the rain (not very well), keeping a sharp eye out for that inspiration that I know is lurking out there, didn't see it :-(
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
The Wrong Wind
Ride 89 of 100
Despite trying to get away early I was still late out, and to face a howling wind straight in my face, it evaporated my desire instantly, oh well I'll call this week a rest week then eh ?.
Despite trying to get away early I was still late out, and to face a howling wind straight in my face, it evaporated my desire instantly, oh well I'll call this week a rest week then eh ?.
Wet Tarmac
Ride 88 of 100
Road bike to work, too late to do anything other than straight there thanks to an errant teenage son.
Road bike to work, too late to do anything other than straight there thanks to an errant teenage son.
Tuesday, 27 April 2010
Clean Bike
Ride 87 of 100
Spent an hour cleaning the bike after work, aiming to ride for a few hours in the sunshine, didn't happen as sitting on my arse all day appears to caused my sore knee to flare up, riding home was a painful soft pedaling exercise :-(
Spent an hour cleaning the bike after work, aiming to ride for a few hours in the sunshine, didn't happen as sitting on my arse all day appears to caused my sore knee to flare up, riding home was a painful soft pedaling exercise :-(
Sunday, 25 April 2010
Annual Bamford weekend
Ride 84 of 100
28 miles of the peak districts finest trails, in the sun, with friends and a skill compensator, and possibly the driest trails for a decade.
No more needed.
28 miles of the peak districts finest trails, in the sun, with friends and a skill compensator, and possibly the driest trails for a decade.
No more needed.
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Cheeky Singletrack
Ride 83 of 100
Out before the bell and round the back to pick up the cheeky singletrack, the trail is in such good condition that it begs you to go fast, so I did, as fast as I could
it was ace
even the dog shit had dried out !
Out before the bell and round the back to pick up the cheeky singletrack, the trail is in such good condition that it begs you to go fast, so I did, as fast as I could
it was ace
even the dog shit had dried out !
A short commute
Ride 82 of 100
Along the river and straight to work, sunshine warmth breaking through
Along the river and straight to work, sunshine warmth breaking through
The smell of soil
Ride 81 of 100
Must be national plough your field day today, all the way to Delamere farmers are out and ploughing, turning over the top soil to reveal the rich dark and damp soil that seagulls love for the worms !
Sunshine but a cold wind meant a hard ride out, buff trails in the forest meant a couple of hours exploring before turning back for home to be disappointed that the expected wind on my back had died down.
Never got warm all day.
Must be national plough your field day today, all the way to Delamere farmers are out and ploughing, turning over the top soil to reveal the rich dark and damp soil that seagulls love for the worms !
Sunshine but a cold wind meant a hard ride out, buff trails in the forest meant a couple of hours exploring before turning back for home to be disappointed that the expected wind on my back had died down.
Never got warm all day.
Tuesday, 20 April 2010
Sunday, 18 April 2010
Yorkshire Hills
Ride 78 of 100
Road ride, 5 person chain gang, hanging off the back, gritting my teeth, but still having a good time.
Yorkshire hills are bigger that Cheshire hills and that ain't no lie :-)
Road ride, 5 person chain gang, hanging off the back, gritting my teeth, but still having a good time.
Yorkshire hills are bigger that Cheshire hills and that ain't no lie :-)
Saturday, 17 April 2010
A grand day out
Ride 77 of 100
Rode to Delamere
Rode at Delamere
Rode from Delamere
and I saw a rough legged buzzard
Rode to Delamere
Rode at Delamere
Rode from Delamere
and I saw a rough legged buzzard
Friday, 16 April 2010
Skipping work
Ride 76 of 100
Not much to do today so left early, headed back along the canal and then down the empty lanes, after an hour I realised it was warm enough for just lycra so stopped and dropped my baggies and went (almost) commando, very liberating and satisfying looking down and seeing a pair of not so fat anymore legs, although the whiteness was a bit off putting :-)
Not much to do today so left early, headed back along the canal and then down the empty lanes, after an hour I realised it was warm enough for just lycra so stopped and dropped my baggies and went (almost) commando, very liberating and satisfying looking down and seeing a pair of not so fat anymore legs, although the whiteness was a bit off putting :-)
Late
Ride 75 of 100
Fell back asleep
Woke up with a start
Set off riding
Then realised I have nowt to rush for, so slowed down and enjoyed CS woods.
Fell back asleep
Woke up with a start
Set off riding
Then realised I have nowt to rush for, so slowed down and enjoyed CS woods.
Towpath pounding
Ride 74 of 100
Home via the canal, unbelievably all of the towpath was dry, bone dry and dusty, single scullers out in force enjoying the sunlight, not many fishermen to get annoyed, lots of joggers and cyclists, a very pleasant ride.
Home via the canal, unbelievably all of the towpath was dry, bone dry and dusty, single scullers out in force enjoying the sunlight, not many fishermen to get annoyed, lots of joggers and cyclists, a very pleasant ride.
Frozen Dew
Ride 73 of 100
Early morning commute, wondering what the day will bring, it brought yet more sunshine.
Early morning commute, wondering what the day will bring, it brought yet more sunshine.
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
Warm evening sun
Ride 72 of 100
I had to go tonight, two days of resting whilst the sun shone was trying to say the least, took the long way home and then some, consciously soft peddaling, all seems okay and now dosing up on supplesse.
I had to go tonight, two days of resting whilst the sun shone was trying to say the least, took the long way home and then some, consciously soft peddaling, all seems okay and now dosing up on supplesse.
Ride Fail
Ride 70 of 100
Tried to go with the group again, first hill and I knew my knee would fail, turn back, shower, jump in support vehicle.
heckle
Tried to go with the group again, first hill and I knew my knee would fail, turn back, shower, jump in support vehicle.
heckle
Hellofthenorthumberfest
Ride 69 of 100
Road ride in the some beautiful country side, little traffic, some good hills, lots of happy people :-)
Support vehicles make for a grand day out.
Road ride in the some beautiful country side, little traffic, some good hills, lots of happy people :-)
Support vehicles make for a grand day out.
Fast forward to Thursday
Ride 67 of 100
Singlespeed bike, 55 miles, seat too high (by a quarter of an inch) right knee pain, feeling stupid.
Singlespeed bike, 55 miles, seat too high (by a quarter of an inch) right knee pain, feeling stupid.
Sunday, 4 April 2010
Into the valley
Ride 66 of 100
First big group ride of the year today, Calderdale style, so big a group that we voluntarily split so as to keep things moving, trails were wet and muddy, slippy and testing and made me realise just how rubbish I really am in these conditions. Legs were just ok, again no zip but didn't drop to the granny gear and cleaned all the climbs so something must be happening down there.
By far the best thing was seeing some old friends whilst riding some old trails, a very welcome return to both.
First big group ride of the year today, Calderdale style, so big a group that we voluntarily split so as to keep things moving, trails were wet and muddy, slippy and testing and made me realise just how rubbish I really am in these conditions. Legs were just ok, again no zip but didn't drop to the granny gear and cleaned all the climbs so something must be happening down there.
By far the best thing was seeing some old friends whilst riding some old trails, a very welcome return to both.
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Blowout
Ride 65 of 100
Road ride today, no zip in my legs, mystery blowout on the front whilst cranking over for a turn that focused the mind just a bit, not many random thoughts after that, lots of roadies out today, lots of nice bikes on view and in particular an old restored Bianchi being ridden by a guy in baggy shorts, chapeau !
Road ride today, no zip in my legs, mystery blowout on the front whilst cranking over for a turn that focused the mind just a bit, not many random thoughts after that, lots of roadies out today, lots of nice bikes on view and in particular an old restored Bianchi being ridden by a guy in baggy shorts, chapeau !
Friday, 2 April 2010
Headwind
Ride 64 of 100
Road ride to be efficient, turned out to be anything but, strong headwind, rain, muddy broken lanes.
26 miles in just under 1 hour 30 minutes.
dangerous drivers all over the place
must be a bank holiday.
Road ride to be efficient, turned out to be anything but, strong headwind, rain, muddy broken lanes.
26 miles in just under 1 hour 30 minutes.
dangerous drivers all over the place
must be a bank holiday.
Thursday, 1 April 2010
No one around ?
Ride 63 of 100
Rain, hail and wind
re arrange those three words to make things better
Wind, rain and hail
Hail, Rain and wind
didn't really matter as I was as wet an otters ear already, just got on with it.
20 miles in exchange for disc pads and a new drive train.
Rain, hail and wind
re arrange those three words to make things better
Wind, rain and hail
Hail, Rain and wind
didn't really matter as I was as wet an otters ear already, just got on with it.
20 miles in exchange for disc pads and a new drive train.
Monday, 29 March 2010
Slightly hungover
Ride 61 of 100
Slow start to the day, unusually no fried breakfast to kick start the recovery process, lots of coffee did the trick though, another ride at CyB, this time with a few more folks, mash up trails, trying to link the best descents and miss the dragging climbs, more speed, more thrills, more fun than a man my age has a right too !
Stood in the forest with camera in hand my mind went back ten years to that time in Downieville when I was stood in a similar position waiting with camera in hand and I heard a bear growl, back to Wales and this time I could hear a woodpecker er pecking, kind of sums up the trail centre vibe :-)
Slow start to the day, unusually no fried breakfast to kick start the recovery process, lots of coffee did the trick though, another ride at CyB, this time with a few more folks, mash up trails, trying to link the best descents and miss the dragging climbs, more speed, more thrills, more fun than a man my age has a right too !
Stood in the forest with camera in hand my mind went back ten years to that time in Downieville when I was stood in a similar position waiting with camera in hand and I heard a bear growl, back to Wales and this time I could hear a woodpecker er pecking, kind of sums up the trail centre vibe :-)
Stag ride
Ride 60 of 100
Coed Y Brenin, first time since last years fall and injuries, first off road ride proper on new full suspension bike, nemesis descent conquered, riding down hill far too fast my my skills. I'd forgotten what adrenelin tastes like until today.
Man made trail centres can be a good thing, sometimes following trail markers is fun, today was both a good thing and lots of fun.
Coed Y Brenin, first time since last years fall and injuries, first off road ride proper on new full suspension bike, nemesis descent conquered, riding down hill far too fast my my skills. I'd forgotten what adrenelin tastes like until today.
Man made trail centres can be a good thing, sometimes following trail markers is fun, today was both a good thing and lots of fun.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Friday, 19 March 2010
New bike ride No 2
Ride 57 of 100
Suspension tweaked (thanks Travis)
Tyres pumped up
Seat post secured
Bars tipped just right
and away we go...
oh, its raining :-(
Suspension tweaked (thanks Travis)
Tyres pumped up
Seat post secured
Bars tipped just right
and away we go...
oh, its raining :-(
New bike day
Ride 56 of 100
Full suspension
First time in 6 years
Its strange
and good
and its gonna hurt
Full suspension
First time in 6 years
Its strange
and good
and its gonna hurt
Wednesday, 17 March 2010
You're only happy when your dancing
Ride 55 of 100
Retraced this morning route and added a bit on top, another lovely evening, the trails are bone dry now, even that bit under the trees that never dries out, must be the trees sucking it all up.
Rufus Wainwright in the headphones, birds singing their hearts out, grey wagtails roosting, dogs all over the bloody place.
Retraced this morning route and added a bit on top, another lovely evening, the trails are bone dry now, even that bit under the trees that never dries out, must be the trees sucking it all up.
Rufus Wainwright in the headphones, birds singing their hearts out, grey wagtails roosting, dogs all over the bloody place.
Mr Positive
Ride 54 of 100
Set off at 7, nice warm(ish) morning, slightly hung over from last nights red wine but nothing that wont shift after a few head clearing spit and snots.
Over the canal and look down to see two dudes on cross bikes and baggies pedaling to work, next a mtb'r coming towards me, through the woods and over the motorway and two more lads on mtb's pass by me.
Up the river towards hanging bridge and a girl on a mtb, WTF is going on, normally I only see dead people on this route !, over the bridge and out towards Northenden, a couple of older guys on work bikes, a guy on a fixie complete with uniform of rolled up jeans and white T shirt, big grin as he passes me.
Turn to head for work and over the next 10 miles I must pass at least another dozen folks on bikes.
Sat at work now with toasted peanut buttur filled muffins, big glas of OJ and large mug of tea, best of all I have nowt to do all day and I get to leave early to do all that again.
:-)
Set off at 7, nice warm(ish) morning, slightly hung over from last nights red wine but nothing that wont shift after a few head clearing spit and snots.
Over the canal and look down to see two dudes on cross bikes and baggies pedaling to work, next a mtb'r coming towards me, through the woods and over the motorway and two more lads on mtb's pass by me.
Up the river towards hanging bridge and a girl on a mtb, WTF is going on, normally I only see dead people on this route !, over the bridge and out towards Northenden, a couple of older guys on work bikes, a guy on a fixie complete with uniform of rolled up jeans and white T shirt, big grin as he passes me.
Turn to head for work and over the next 10 miles I must pass at least another dozen folks on bikes.
Sat at work now with toasted peanut buttur filled muffins, big glas of OJ and large mug of tea, best of all I have nowt to do all day and I get to leave early to do all that again.
:-)
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Evens
Ride 53 of 100
Headed out into the headwind, a fast ten miles making my arse ache, then back with the wind for another 12 or so, trying to beat the darkness, a nod towards a future evening ten.
Headed out into the headwind, a fast ten miles making my arse ache, then back with the wind for another 12 or so, trying to beat the darkness, a nod towards a future evening ten.
Early sunshine
Ride 52 of 100
Early start to get to work for an important meeting, warm enough for summer gloves and sleeves, still got there sweating despite an easy pace.
Assos top and baggy bottoms on a cross bike, black socks for those who might take an interest in such things.
Early start to get to work for an important meeting, warm enough for summer gloves and sleeves, still got there sweating despite an easy pace.
Assos top and baggy bottoms on a cross bike, black socks for those who might take an interest in such things.
Bump
Ride 51 of 100
I knew Mike was back riding
I knew sooner or later I'd bump into him
I knew it would be tonight
It was
I knew Mike was back riding
I knew sooner or later I'd bump into him
I knew it would be tonight
It was
Monday, 15 March 2010
Echolon
Ride 50 of 100
30 road miles with pub stop, newbie road rider in baggies, uphill, downhill, trying to make some sense before he rides the Etape, I give him 20k's before a Frenchman puts him in a ditch :-)
30 road miles with pub stop, newbie road rider in baggies, uphill, downhill, trying to make some sense before he rides the Etape, I give him 20k's before a Frenchman puts him in a ditch :-)
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Imperial century - tick
Ride 49 of 100
A day off, a big ride planned and done, almost bailed out a few times but stuck with it.
Happy that its the first proper century I've ridden for at least 5 years.
More to come.
A day off, a big ride planned and done, almost bailed out a few times but stuck with it.
Happy that its the first proper century I've ridden for at least 5 years.
More to come.
Tuesday, 9 March 2010
Monday, 8 March 2010
Kingfisher, fox and a Jay
Ride 46 of 100
Out of work bang on the bell, heading west into the sun.
Turned at Warrington and headed back east.
Lights on, clear skies meant darkness soon came.
3 hours worth, legs pooped now.
Pizza and tea.
Happy.
Out of work bang on the bell, heading west into the sun.
Turned at Warrington and headed back east.
Lights on, clear skies meant darkness soon came.
3 hours worth, legs pooped now.
Pizza and tea.
Happy.
Chilly
Ride 45 of 100
-7c
straight to work, no dawdling
trails in great condition, tempting to carry straight on past the gates
had stuff to do, have to wait til tonight
-7c
straight to work, no dawdling
trails in great condition, tempting to carry straight on past the gates
had stuff to do, have to wait til tonight
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Change of plan
Ride 44 of 100
The planned road ride turned into a mud festival, down to the sea (not the seaside, just the sea) grinding through trails made into porridge filled with weetabix, gears clicking and clacking away, surprised I didn't snap the chain, got to Spike Island and the rain came.
Looking up at the sky and wondering where the others were by now, probably having tea and crumpets by now.... stuffed a gel down, starting to finally be able to swallow these things and feel the benefit, turned around and headed back, 50 miles of notalotofpleasure done.
The planned road ride turned into a mud festival, down to the sea (not the seaside, just the sea) grinding through trails made into porridge filled with weetabix, gears clicking and clacking away, surprised I didn't snap the chain, got to Spike Island and the rain came.
Looking up at the sky and wondering where the others were by now, probably having tea and crumpets by now.... stuffed a gel down, starting to finally be able to swallow these things and feel the benefit, turned around and headed back, 50 miles of notalotofpleasure done.
Friday, 5 March 2010
Squishy under tyre
Ride 43 of 100
The mud has come back, although the trails are already been sucked up by the trees, retraced this morning steps through the woods but didn't hang about as I took the underpants hanging from the trees as a warning !.
All through the ride all I could think about was tonights curry and tomorrows road ride.
The mud has come back, although the trails are already been sucked up by the trees, retraced this morning steps through the woods but didn't hang about as I took the underpants hanging from the trees as a warning !.
All through the ride all I could think about was tonights curry and tomorrows road ride.
Frosty under tyre
Ride 42 of 100
Long way to work, crunchy trails rocked, weak sun peeping over the trees, Gooseanders courting, new Singletrack jersey makes me smile all the way there.
Long way to work, crunchy trails rocked, weak sun peeping over the trees, Gooseanders courting, new Singletrack jersey makes me smile all the way there.
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
The evening sun
Ride 41 of 100
The long way home, in the fading sunlight, so pleasant to feel the warm rays on your face.
Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros on repeat
Spin, spin spin
each pedal stroke making me stronger
The long way home, in the fading sunlight, so pleasant to feel the warm rays on your face.
Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros on repeat
Spin, spin spin
each pedal stroke making me stronger
Cocteau Twins
Ride 40 of 100
Bluebeard, couldn't get the tune out of my head all ride, foggy, sunny foggy, muddy.
Are there some signs of spring happening ?
Bluebeard, couldn't get the tune out of my head all ride, foggy, sunny foggy, muddy.
Are there some signs of spring happening ?
Sunday, 28 February 2010
End of the month century
Ride 39 of 100
Thats 3 metric centuries for Feb done, Imperial sort for March required.
Anyway, another ugly ride, constant nagging headwind regardless of the direction I was riding, struggled to maintain 15mph average, its not getting any easier, I'm not going any faster, in fact its just getting harder and starting to knock my enthusiasm back.
On the positive side I got a real close up view of a Sparrowhawk.
Thats 3 metric centuries for Feb done, Imperial sort for March required.
Anyway, another ugly ride, constant nagging headwind regardless of the direction I was riding, struggled to maintain 15mph average, its not getting any easier, I'm not going any faster, in fact its just getting harder and starting to knock my enthusiasm back.
On the positive side I got a real close up view of a Sparrowhawk.
Saturday, 27 February 2010
A red bike
Ride 38 of 100
A new bike appeared in the house last night, mudguards fitted, computer fitted, saddle position tweaked, bars tipped up ( a bit), tyres pumped up.
Cold, grey, gloomy, not a day for riding...
But
A new red bike
40 miles in shattered back lanes, cold, wet and aching, my chest is showing signs of infection (again)
I enjoyed it but have no desire to do it again.
A new bike appeared in the house last night, mudguards fitted, computer fitted, saddle position tweaked, bars tipped up ( a bit), tyres pumped up.
Cold, grey, gloomy, not a day for riding...
But
A new red bike
40 miles in shattered back lanes, cold, wet and aching, my chest is showing signs of infection (again)
I enjoyed it but have no desire to do it again.
Thursday, 25 February 2010
Muddy happy daft
Ride 37 of 100
embrace the mud
enjoy the trail
energize the day
exhaust the demons
and don't forget to wash your gloves :-)
embrace the mud
enjoy the trail
energize the day
exhaust the demons
and don't forget to wash your gloves :-)
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
Bleak
Ride 36 of 100
Pedal pushing today, not much pleasure to be had, cold, rain, muddy damaged roads, new lambs, buzzards, kestrals, horses, cows, all looked as fed up as me.
A waste of a days holiday.
Pedal pushing today, not much pleasure to be had, cold, rain, muddy damaged roads, new lambs, buzzards, kestrals, horses, cows, all looked as fed up as me.
A waste of a days holiday.
Thursday, 18 February 2010
Sunday, 14 February 2010
Tunnels and Bridges
Ride 34 of 100
I lost count of the number of tunnels and bridges I rode under today, a longish ride with a 50/50 split of off and on road, upping the saddle time now in preparation for the summers races.
Lovely sunlight in me eyes for the first half, and for once the wind on my back for the second half, 2 bananas, a cliff bar (are they getting smaller ?) and 2 litres of Nuun helped me keep my legs spinning.
Lots of small hills to struggle up in memory of Marco, I didn't do him proud but its the thought that counts.
I pod makes life easier, a bell on the bars helps in the politeness stakes, new windstopper jacket works just great in these low temperatures.
7 Jays
3 Buzzards
a flock of long tailed tits
1 litre of Rego, 1 glass of beer, 1 glass of Prosecco (in keeping with the Italian theme for the day)
I lost count of the number of tunnels and bridges I rode under today, a longish ride with a 50/50 split of off and on road, upping the saddle time now in preparation for the summers races.
Lovely sunlight in me eyes for the first half, and for once the wind on my back for the second half, 2 bananas, a cliff bar (are they getting smaller ?) and 2 litres of Nuun helped me keep my legs spinning.
Lots of small hills to struggle up in memory of Marco, I didn't do him proud but its the thought that counts.
I pod makes life easier, a bell on the bars helps in the politeness stakes, new windstopper jacket works just great in these low temperatures.
7 Jays
3 Buzzards
a flock of long tailed tits
1 litre of Rego, 1 glass of beer, 1 glass of Prosecco (in keeping with the Italian theme for the day)
Friday, 12 February 2010
Thursday, 11 February 2010
Aimless
Ride 31 of 100
The sun came out again this afternoon and I had to ride despite needing to rest, so I just pootled along local trails, head full of Yo La Tengo seamlessly in tune with the trail, long soft instrumentals through the woods, sharp spikey bursts for the climbs, mellow harmonies for the sun trail.
The last few miles into the sun made my legs better, stopped to watch a Sparrowhawk for a while, looked for the Kingfisher, almost rode into a dog walker hidden in the glare.
Kitchen smells of mud.
The sun came out again this afternoon and I had to ride despite needing to rest, so I just pootled along local trails, head full of Yo La Tengo seamlessly in tune with the trail, long soft instrumentals through the woods, sharp spikey bursts for the climbs, mellow harmonies for the sun trail.
The last few miles into the sun made my legs better, stopped to watch a Sparrowhawk for a while, looked for the Kingfisher, almost rode into a dog walker hidden in the glare.
Kitchen smells of mud.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Tick
Ride 30 of 100
First milestone of the year ticked off today, a metric century of off road riding.
Sun - ooh thats nice
Snow - ha ha thats funny
Wind- please stop anytime soon
Snow - hmmm
Snow - thats not funny now
Sun and snow - huh ?
more snow - weakening now, 45 miles in and a gel is required
sun - gel kicked in just as the sun came out
warm sun - last ten miles now
wind - into the wind for the last 5 miles, final kick
and relax.
First milestone of the year ticked off today, a metric century of off road riding.
Sun - ooh thats nice
Snow - ha ha thats funny
Wind- please stop anytime soon
Snow - hmmm
Snow - thats not funny now
Sun and snow - huh ?
more snow - weakening now, 45 miles in and a gel is required
sun - gel kicked in just as the sun came out
warm sun - last ten miles now
wind - into the wind for the last 5 miles, final kick
and relax.
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Kingfisher
Ride 29 of 100
The sun came out just as I was leaving work, the trails were even drier after a days worth of wind, retraced my route from the morning ride only this time I stopped for ten minutes to watch a Kingfisher fishing in the dying light. This is the first one I've seen at this stream for over two years now.
Riding the perimeter singletrack into the sun was fun, being half blinded but feeling the warmth on my face was a pleasure I've not had the pleasure of for a good while now.
It was tempting to go on further but mindful of a big ride planed for tomorrow I headed home.
The sun came out just as I was leaving work, the trails were even drier after a days worth of wind, retraced my route from the morning ride only this time I stopped for ten minutes to watch a Kingfisher fishing in the dying light. This is the first one I've seen at this stream for over two years now.
Riding the perimeter singletrack into the sun was fun, being half blinded but feeling the warmth on my face was a pleasure I've not had the pleasure of for a good while now.
It was tempting to go on further but mindful of a big ride planed for tomorrow I headed home.
One week of sobriety
Ride 28 of 100
Woke up clear headed and wanting to ride, trails drying out now, sky "just" starting to lighten up, 45 mins of single speed spinning on the 69er, coffee, porridge with mamarlade to sweeten, work.
Woke up clear headed and wanting to ride, trails drying out now, sky "just" starting to lighten up, 45 mins of single speed spinning on the 69er, coffee, porridge with mamarlade to sweeten, work.
Monday, 8 February 2010
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Culture clash
Ride 26 of 100
Heavy legs and restless sleep caused me to rethink todays metric century ride, instead I spent the morning in town visiting the book shops, enjoying an expensive coffee, however I had an urge to ride and so I ventured out this afternoon for a casual stroll on the bike.
The snow prepped Trek 69er was refitted with spuds, the tyres pumped up and lights fitted, casual clothes, no helmet, Ipod and a smile and I was off down the TPT, just slowly spinning along, actually enjoying the cold and grey.
3 hours later and I was home, not at all sweaty for once, probably only 30 miles but enough to take the sting out of yesterdays legs, bath, cup of tea, bag of crisps and done.
Heavy legs and restless sleep caused me to rethink todays metric century ride, instead I spent the morning in town visiting the book shops, enjoying an expensive coffee, however I had an urge to ride and so I ventured out this afternoon for a casual stroll on the bike.
The snow prepped Trek 69er was refitted with spuds, the tyres pumped up and lights fitted, casual clothes, no helmet, Ipod and a smile and I was off down the TPT, just slowly spinning along, actually enjoying the cold and grey.
3 hours later and I was home, not at all sweaty for once, probably only 30 miles but enough to take the sting out of yesterdays legs, bath, cup of tea, bag of crisps and done.
Saturday, 6 February 2010
Mud, sweat and almost tears
Ride 25 of 100
A visit to the valley today saw six of us setting off into the fog, ground conditions were wet and slippy, before we even hit the off road section I knew I'd brought the wrong bike, can you ever be on the wrong bike ?, yes when you are setting off on a mild tech ride in slither conditions and you are on a cross country race bike with steep angles and dust tyres ! whoops !
Anyway, it was no matter and didn't spoil the day, even a near miss with a wall couldn't take the smile off my face.
Stoodley Pike, Great Rock, Mooch.
All good :-)
A visit to the valley today saw six of us setting off into the fog, ground conditions were wet and slippy, before we even hit the off road section I knew I'd brought the wrong bike, can you ever be on the wrong bike ?, yes when you are setting off on a mild tech ride in slither conditions and you are on a cross country race bike with steep angles and dust tyres ! whoops !
Anyway, it was no matter and didn't spoil the day, even a near miss with a wall couldn't take the smile off my face.
Stoodley Pike, Great Rock, Mooch.
All good :-)
Saturday, 30 January 2010
Bikes take you places V2
Ride 24 of 100
Up late today, not sure what the day would bring
It brung a ride
It made me happy
Half an imperial century, 90% off road
Sunshine
Seaside
Curlews and Buzzards
No Coffee today.
Up late today, not sure what the day would bring
It brung a ride
It made me happy
Half an imperial century, 90% off road
Sunshine
Seaside
Curlews and Buzzards
No Coffee today.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Watery light
Ride 23 of 100
This mornings ride was done for pleasure, pure and simples, basically I took the scenic route to work, exploring some long forgotten back lanes prompted by Sundays rememberances. Some of the old lanes have been upgraded due to the expansion of Manchester Airport but I soon caught my bearings and had an enjoyable ride.
That is until I saw the state of the road, hedge cuttings all over the place, no attempt to clean up, inconsiderate bastard, of course despite riding in the middle of the road and trying to avoid the trimmings I soon picked up a thorn, luckily it was a very slow flat that lasted all the way to work.
Even this couldn't spoil my ride and I was actually feeling something like a cyclist again, legs spinning freely and with a small amount of souplese, must have been last nights red !
I didn't even notice that it had started raining until I heard the buzzing from the overhead power lines and even then I wasn't bothered, an hour and half after setting off I pulled into work happy with my day so far.
This mornings ride was done for pleasure, pure and simples, basically I took the scenic route to work, exploring some long forgotten back lanes prompted by Sundays rememberances. Some of the old lanes have been upgraded due to the expansion of Manchester Airport but I soon caught my bearings and had an enjoyable ride.
That is until I saw the state of the road, hedge cuttings all over the place, no attempt to clean up, inconsiderate bastard, of course despite riding in the middle of the road and trying to avoid the trimmings I soon picked up a thorn, luckily it was a very slow flat that lasted all the way to work.
Even this couldn't spoil my ride and I was actually feeling something like a cyclist again, legs spinning freely and with a small amount of souplese, must have been last nights red !
I didn't even notice that it had started raining until I heard the buzzing from the overhead power lines and even then I wasn't bothered, an hour and half after setting off I pulled into work happy with my day so far.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Sunday, 24 January 2010
Faux Belgian
Ride 21 of 100
Looking out of the window provided zero inspiration, cold, wet and grey, just like yesterday, difference today though is that I NEED to ride for mine and my families sanity, lots of stuff going on thats conspired to turn up the white noise in my head to eleven.
Mouth parched from last nights red wine, cup of tea and a muffin was all I could face before reluctantly heading out of the door into the drizzle, rain coat straight on and thankful for the mudguards I set off.
Uncomfortable seating posture, tight legs, cold hands already, not enjoying this, headed into the countryside to be faced by roads shattered from the frost, heaps of mud everywhere brought into the road by the snow, clouds closing in, its 1230 and I need lights.
Twenty five minutes later and I'm starting to relax, posture has found its default setting, legs are stretching a little, hands still cold, noise levels already down to seven. Head for the trail, spy the conditions from top of the bridge and note the very very muddy couple climbing the steps, smiling, not smiling enough to make me want to take that trail though. Carry on along the lanes and start to relax into my past, these are the lanes where I first started my cycling club days as a thirteen year old, I know them so well.
Feeling quite the Belgian, enjoying these conditions, allbeit a fat unfit Belgian !
Fred Minshull pops into my mind, one ride in particular where this renowned hard man of the cycling world drifted back from the bunch to offer some wind resistance to a struggling slip of a lad, not one for many words was Fred, and even I knew enough to stay out of is way when the wheels were turning. He startled me into action by telling me how he knew the wind and rain was on its way because of the way the sky looked, pointing out the dark clouds ahead, the rain falling to the north, and how we were going to have a tough few miles getting home. It was of course a rouse to take my mind off the pain and before long I was on the back. Probably the longest conversation I ever had with him but one that I remember today as I'm struggling for momentum.
This thought was enough to see me through the next two hours, Fred was also renowned for his 150 mile clubruns, he took great delight in just riding his bike for as long as possible, I used to be like that, before life caught up and changed things, in fact there was a gang of us, spending all summer riding, everywhere, because we could.
By the time I'd turned for home I was completely soaked through cold and hungry, but happy, happy that the white noise was now back at its usual level of 2, happy that I'd had a great rememberance and happy that I'd ridden a bike, just like I used to do.
However the past hadn't yet completely gone, coming up to the river crossing and I could see a bunch of old timers ahead of me, I caught them at the bridge and instantly recognised some old friends, ex time trial champions, ex road race champions, ex cyclo cross champions, all now in their late sixties and seventies.......... but still out in this rubbish weather riding their bikes, putting the miles in ready for another season of racing, planning a trip to the sun next week to get some serious miles in, talking about the old days, not with rose tinted glasses but with merciless piss taking, and happy to see me out on a bike.
Looking out of the window provided zero inspiration, cold, wet and grey, just like yesterday, difference today though is that I NEED to ride for mine and my families sanity, lots of stuff going on thats conspired to turn up the white noise in my head to eleven.
Mouth parched from last nights red wine, cup of tea and a muffin was all I could face before reluctantly heading out of the door into the drizzle, rain coat straight on and thankful for the mudguards I set off.
Uncomfortable seating posture, tight legs, cold hands already, not enjoying this, headed into the countryside to be faced by roads shattered from the frost, heaps of mud everywhere brought into the road by the snow, clouds closing in, its 1230 and I need lights.
Twenty five minutes later and I'm starting to relax, posture has found its default setting, legs are stretching a little, hands still cold, noise levels already down to seven. Head for the trail, spy the conditions from top of the bridge and note the very very muddy couple climbing the steps, smiling, not smiling enough to make me want to take that trail though. Carry on along the lanes and start to relax into my past, these are the lanes where I first started my cycling club days as a thirteen year old, I know them so well.
Feeling quite the Belgian, enjoying these conditions, allbeit a fat unfit Belgian !
Fred Minshull pops into my mind, one ride in particular where this renowned hard man of the cycling world drifted back from the bunch to offer some wind resistance to a struggling slip of a lad, not one for many words was Fred, and even I knew enough to stay out of is way when the wheels were turning. He startled me into action by telling me how he knew the wind and rain was on its way because of the way the sky looked, pointing out the dark clouds ahead, the rain falling to the north, and how we were going to have a tough few miles getting home. It was of course a rouse to take my mind off the pain and before long I was on the back. Probably the longest conversation I ever had with him but one that I remember today as I'm struggling for momentum.
This thought was enough to see me through the next two hours, Fred was also renowned for his 150 mile clubruns, he took great delight in just riding his bike for as long as possible, I used to be like that, before life caught up and changed things, in fact there was a gang of us, spending all summer riding, everywhere, because we could.
By the time I'd turned for home I was completely soaked through cold and hungry, but happy, happy that the white noise was now back at its usual level of 2, happy that I'd had a great rememberance and happy that I'd ridden a bike, just like I used to do.
However the past hadn't yet completely gone, coming up to the river crossing and I could see a bunch of old timers ahead of me, I caught them at the bridge and instantly recognised some old friends, ex time trial champions, ex road race champions, ex cyclo cross champions, all now in their late sixties and seventies.......... but still out in this rubbish weather riding their bikes, putting the miles in ready for another season of racing, planning a trip to the sun next week to get some serious miles in, talking about the old days, not with rose tinted glasses but with merciless piss taking, and happy to see me out on a bike.
Thursday, 21 January 2010
A good year is needed this year
Ride 20 of 100
Actually two rides, but both so short that I can only count them as one, road ride into work, legs feeling surprisingly fresh ?, then coming home I found out why, the slow invisible wind.
Its yet another start to getting some fitness back before the summer and long days in the saddle, lots of plans forming, lots of stuff to do, its gonna be a good year this year.
Actually two rides, but both so short that I can only count them as one, road ride into work, legs feeling surprisingly fresh ?, then coming home I found out why, the slow invisible wind.
Its yet another start to getting some fitness back before the summer and long days in the saddle, lots of plans forming, lots of stuff to do, its gonna be a good year this year.
Losing fatness
Ride 19 of 100
Riding home in the dark is fun again, the roads feel safe as they are dry, the trails are far too wet to contemplate, even went the long way as it was so nice
ouch !
too fast for my fatness.
Riding home in the dark is fun again, the roads feel safe as they are dry, the trails are far too wet to contemplate, even went the long way as it was so nice
ouch !
too fast for my fatness.
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Trying to get home
Ride 17 0f 100
Decided to try an exclusive off road way home as I'd had enough of car issues by the end of the day, started out just fine but after a mile or so of slogging away at the 2-1 ratio my back was breaking, got off to push and sunk to my shins in powder again, ah, thats why its so hard.
More snow falling, almost a blizzard now and I'm starting to get disorientated, decided to head for the trees to try and get some shelter, this is ridiculous, I'm less that three miles from home on the outskirts of a major suburban city and I'm getting lost !.
I see a dog walker coming towards me and my bearings are restored, minor panic over and I'm away again, looking for the shortest route home now as this isn't actually much fun, I've been outside for 45 minutes and now I'm getting cold.
Everywhere is monochrome.
Decided to try an exclusive off road way home as I'd had enough of car issues by the end of the day, started out just fine but after a mile or so of slogging away at the 2-1 ratio my back was breaking, got off to push and sunk to my shins in powder again, ah, thats why its so hard.
More snow falling, almost a blizzard now and I'm starting to get disorientated, decided to head for the trees to try and get some shelter, this is ridiculous, I'm less that three miles from home on the outskirts of a major suburban city and I'm getting lost !.
I see a dog walker coming towards me and my bearings are restored, minor panic over and I'm away again, looking for the shortest route home now as this isn't actually much fun, I've been outside for 45 minutes and now I'm getting cold.
Everywhere is monochrome.
8 inches of snow
Ride 16 of 100
Like much of the rest of the north west the predicted snow came, a full 8 inches of it, most in living memory and very unusual for the north of cheshire, I'd fitted the flat pedals to the 69er the night before, dropped the seat an inch and taken the tyres down to 25 psi.
Riding in virgin snow is one of life's little pleasures usually, but this was just hard work, a powder day that would have been ace on skies in the hills.
Ride 400 yards, get off and push 400 yards, stop for breath and to ease my back, take photograph, laugh at the snow still coming down and then repeat, a 5 mile commute that normally takes twenty minutes took a hour and a half, not another soul around.
4 cars needed help, rear wheel drive wasn't working for them, cars pushed to the road side and abandoned, feeling smug as I rode away on to work.
Like much of the rest of the north west the predicted snow came, a full 8 inches of it, most in living memory and very unusual for the north of cheshire, I'd fitted the flat pedals to the 69er the night before, dropped the seat an inch and taken the tyres down to 25 psi.
Riding in virgin snow is one of life's little pleasures usually, but this was just hard work, a powder day that would have been ace on skies in the hills.
Ride 400 yards, get off and push 400 yards, stop for breath and to ease my back, take photograph, laugh at the snow still coming down and then repeat, a 5 mile commute that normally takes twenty minutes took a hour and a half, not another soul around.
4 cars needed help, rear wheel drive wasn't working for them, cars pushed to the road side and abandoned, feeling smug as I rode away on to work.
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