Today's Ride

[mk one]

Had thunderstorms here for the last few days, every night, but only minor, and nothing compared to the absolutely amazing lightning storms every night, never seen anything like it, the whole sky lighting up white and orange showing all the tops of the clouds as far as the eye can see. I can actually hear thunder as i type this but the lightning is obviously most visible at night and has lasts for hours, well into the early hours of the morning

Anyway, today was the first ride since i tore a muscle in the bottom of my back, rode my motorbike yesterday so figured i should be ok and decided to stick to easy trails.

Just a quck loop around Hardwick, didn't really stop and it was very warm out of the cool breeze.

Glad i made the effort now and no twinges in the back so looking good for now

 

[al-onestare]

Re:

Have a wild guess how many thunderstorms rolled in yesterday?

Yes, that's right. Zero At least the temperature had dropped to a more cosy 17 this morning rising to 18 by 08:30. Light breeze, thick grey cloud.

Back on the A'ha single speed I went back to Lullingstone but anti-clockwise making it more rideable and avoiding the 13-15% rises. That said, it's a steady slog with 10-12% in places; a good mix of pain and pleasure, as you rise up onto the Downs.

This is looking down into the valley, to the left you head to Shoreham and the right, through to Otford then Sevenoaks. The scent of dried lavender was superb. I even managed to snap the 07:something to London Victoria.

 

[al-onestare]

Much cooler 15 degrees rising to 18 at 08:15. Now I've finally sorted out the A'ha chainring challenge and whilst I wait for the Esatto to come back from the LBS, I'm exploring the outer edges of the borough, figuring out alternative routes out of suburbia off the main trunk roads. Today was a hop-skip through delightful (!) Swanley. The recce worked so I'll keep adjusting the routes so I can start to link things together.

I found a real-life @coldwarsteve back-drop before dropping down into the tunnel right under the A20.

Kinda puts Crested Bute to shame I reckon :mrgreen:

 

[al-onestare]

Re:

Are folks still riding bikes or on holiday?

Beautiful morning; clear and fresh 16 rising to 17 at 08:15. I combined 2 routes into 1 and came back home with a big grin on my face. Thoroughly enjoying the on/off road single speed adventures. This is looking back towards the back of Shooters hill on the far left, down and towards Dartford. I spotted 2 bridleways cutting through to Chelsfield which I currently go to on road, so fingers crossed there're decent on tomorrows recce.

 

[mk one]

Re: Re:

Are folks still riding bikes or on holiday?

Beautiful morning; clear and fresh 16 rising to 17 at 08:15. I combined 2 routes into 1 and came back home with a big grin on my face. Thoroughly enjoying the on/off road single speed adventures. This is looking back towards the back of Shooters hill on the far left, down and towards Dartford. I spotted 2 bridleways cutting through to Chelsfield which I currently go to on road, so fingers crossed there're decent on tomorrows recce.

Didn't realize there was so much countryside around there

Whilst my back was ok whilst riding the other day, it was not so good for the next few, so resting again, hopefully get out sometime this week though.

 

[K_50]

Saturday's ride (a retro mtb group event)

 

[Markybeau]

Re:

Folks are being treated for Labyrinthitis...

 

[K_50]

Re: Re:

Folks are being treated for Labyrinthitis...

?

 

[Pipmeister]

Re: Re:

Folks are being treated for Labyrinthitis...

The symptoms seem to be what you were describing back on the 9th August.

I know that you are one to always push yourself Mark, but do try to ease off a bit to help you recover.

Pip

 

[al-onestare]

Re:

No shots from Wednesday before the rain and yesterday morning I had other commitments. Now work has calmed down somewhat, I'm getting back to 2 rides a day.

This morning it's breezy out, warm 15 rising to 18 at 08:30. I dropped into Shoreham. I've been past it many times on the train but never been through. It's a proper little Kentish village with 3 pubs and a tea room. Perfect for a stop off if you're on a road bike.

Just in case you weren't sure which part of the world I'm in, this might help. What it doesn't show is the M25 behind making a racket!

This is right outside Lullingstone (behind me), before the final slog back over the Downs into suburbia. It's the least steep road which is essential on a single speed