Today's Ride

[al-onestare]

Some superb shots folks, especially those with ice cream! Speaking of which, from tomorrow, I'll be able to pop down the local high street and purchase some decent ice cream thanks a new deli opening

I had too much fun on Friday for any stoke shots and went for runs Sunday and Monday, so good to be back in the saddle this morning. My arms are ripped to shreds but it's brilliant out there: bone dry and increasingly loose in places.

Here's one of the wide tracks that I use to cut back up to the "top" of the woods. Last week the air was thick with tree pollen.

 

[The History Man]

The boss is now well enough to walk the dog so......

Up and over then back over and down the cliff path.

 

[Peachy!]

Rape seed needs to be gone.....

 

[Markybeau]

Day before yesterday's ride

Wednesday, commute. The narrowest part of the tow path. Stopped waiting for oncoming cyclists, who haven't seen me, as they're not paying attention, instead having a conversation. They stop abruptly about 10 feet ahead, nearly wiping each other out.

First one moves off again, saying, 'Is it wider there?'
'No. Stay where you are.'
Number two rider follows. Number three sees sense and stays put.

I have to lean away from Number 1 to prevent her from colliding with me. As I lean my weight on to my left foot the grass underneath it turns out to be just that, nothing else, and gives way. (Either way) I end up falling into the canal still clipped in with my right foot.

I'm up pretty quick as the water is shallow and very cold. I don't like open water. I lift my bike on to the bank. Number 2 is reaching forward trying to pull me out. 'What are you doing? Get the hell away from me. Take my bike.'
I clamber up the bank, which is covered in stinging nettles that attack my knees, shins and ankles.

I'm halfway. 11 miles either way - home or work. There is no rescue plan. My partner has meetings all day and I have to get to work. I have to ride completely soaked and stinking. Take a shower at work fully clothed. Do the work I have to do, and then ride home in cold soaking wet clothes...Tough day.
Fortunately it was warm. Ironically I set a pb for the run in.

The fall destroys my work issue IPad (which slowly dies over the next 24 hours),rips a bottle boss raggedly out of the frame, the other has put a kink in the tube. My phone has now recovered.
The iPad is done for.

 

[widowmaker]

Re: Day before yesterday's ride

Wednesday, commute. The narrowest part of the tow path. Stopped waiting for oncoming cyclists, who haven't seen me, as they're not paying attention, instead having a conversation. They stop abruptly about 10 feet ahead, nearly wiping each other out.

First one moves off again, saying, 'Is it wider there?'
'No. Stay where you are.'
Number two rider follows. Number three sees sense and stays put.

I have to lean away from Number 1 to prevent her from colliding with me. As I lean my weight on to my left foot the grass underneath it turns out to be just that, nothing else, and gives way. (Either way) I end up falling into the canal still clipped in with my right foot.

I'm up pretty quick as the water is shallow and very cold. I don't like open water. I lift my bike on to the bank. Number 2 is reaching forward trying to pull me out. 'What are you doing? Get the hell away from me. Take my bike.'
I clamber up the bank, which is covered in stinging nettles that attack my knees, shins and ankles.

I'm halfway. 11 miles either way - home or work. There is no rescue plan. My partner has meetings all day and I have to get to work. I have to ride completely soaked and stinking. Take a shower at work fully clothed. Do the work I have to do, and then ride home in cold soaking wet clothes...Tough day.
Fortunately it was warm. Ironically I set a pb for the run in.

The fall destroys my work issue IPad (which slowly dies over the next 24 hours),rips a bottle boss raggedly out of the frame, the other has put a kink in the tube. My phone has now recovered.
The iPad is done for.

Damn :shock:

 

[The History Man]

Re:

Stuff. As long as you came out of it relatively unscathed.

 

[mk one]

Just had a quck look on utube, surely someone caught footage of it :?

 

[dazdc5]

Re:

I Hate passing people on the towpath especially if they 'coax' you to go on the wet side.

 

[rwm1962]

Damn - the perfect storm.

Took a ride down to the Tyne following the Blaydon Burn, then returned via the Derwent Valley & climb back home following the Spen Burn. Skirted the retail park by the Metro Centre to call into Evans Cycles see the lad & get some tyre levers on my his staff discount. Cycled past IKEA - massive queues even at 16:45. Just as well I didn't need a hotdog.

Scotswood Bridge




Even got a bit mucky


Swans & their cygnets. Site of an old ironworks.


Rest before the climb home

 

[Markybeau]

Re: Day before yesterday's ride again

Just ten miles. Didn't really feel 100%. Only had an hour. Went over the border, used a couple of new paths, and got distracted by a couple of dozen swallows wheeling, swooping and skimming over the top of the crops. Lost track of time enjoying the spectacle and taking photos.