Today's Ride

[Markybeau]

Mid-week and the green machine is still doing the business. Apart a little rear mech tweaking it's been bulletproof. I'm liking the springy bit of flex in the frame, the reassuring calmness over ruts and roots. It rides like bikes used to ride - (I'd like to think. I've no idea, I can't remember if I'm honest).

This morning was fresh and grey, light breeze making 5°c seem colder, and damp patches. No kingfisher so far this week.

Riding home, a wandering urge gripped me. I attempted to find a way across some wasteland between Roundwood and Kilnhurst. Lots of gulleys, tree roots, and deep ruts created by quads and mx bikes.

Popped out on the edge of a farmyard to be greeted by, 'where ya goan?' In a surly Irish accent.
'How do I get out of here?'
'Back da way ya cum', the reply. He points towards the trees behind me.
I can hear the booming voice of a large dog nearby. Time to skedaddle.

Got a bit lost as the trail petered out. Had to turn around and retrace.
Bloody flytippers!

Manage to escape the Stream of Tremendous Smells, find my way back to the road, and continued on my way home.

Riding home was quite blustery. About 11°c. Took me ages to warm up.
16 miles today.
Tomorrow I have a dentist appointment. No riding. Bummer.

 

[K_50]

Sunday's ride

 

[Markybeau]

Reasons to be cheerful:

It's Friday!
And a bank holiday weekend.

We made it to the end of the week. My commuter fulfilling it's role admirably. No fuss, no drama.
This morning was bloody cold and wet in patches. A dismal 3°c again.

Mist rising off the canal, or steam rising off the shit floating in it, whichever you prefer.

I was late this morning. I had to hurry. The Ridgeback doesn't like to hurry. I think the 'Competition' decal was added ironically. There's nothing competitive about it. My best Yorkshire pace so far, which is not saying much.

The ride home was accompanied by a shower that seemed to know which way i was going. The pace more leisurely. 11°c, blustery at times.
Enjoy your weekend!

 

[CassidyAce]

At about ten degrees, with a pleasant breeze rather than last weekend's icy blast, today's ride was cloudier but clement. Good riding weather. I decided to ride to the village of Wye.

Farmland near Chartham:


I'd decided that as I approached Wye, I would take a detour to see if I could spot an ancient burial mound from the time of the Jutes in nearby Juniper Wood. The Jutes came to Britain at the same time as the Angles and Saxons but are less well known and only settled in Hampshire, the Isle of Wight and East Kent. Anyway, I couldn't see it from the road and didn't feel like exploring the woods - perhaps another time - but I appreciated the views. Juniper Wood is at the top of a hill and you can see for miles. Most of the woodland was cleared by neolithic farmers, so the views would have been similar for the Jutes. I might not have found the mound but I left with the feeling that some of those ancient Jutes appreciated the same views as me. A burial up on those heights was probably a mark of respect or even love.

The view from about halfway up:


A view from the top:


Heading towards Wye; the Wye Crown on the hilltop was carved in 1902 to commemorate the coronation of Edward VII.


I stopped off for cake and a drink in Wye, then headed for home.

 

[Markybeau]

Late this morning. I could have done with more time, as always.

Weather was poor - intermittent showers, strong breeze: like an invisible hand pushing against my forehead. The mind willing, the legs uncooperative. The canal and the river, as expected, were populated with puddles.
Arrived in the nick of time.

Got into trouble on the way home. Got collared by, I'm presuming, the 'farmer', and bollocked for trespassing. Fair doos, bang to rights. Won't be going that way again.


17 miles in total.

 

[Markybeau]

The ground has softened but not my resolve.

After being told off yesterday the Ridgeback had a bit of a sulk, loosening its headset over the ruts along the river. It's neither an involved nor a time-consuming job to tighten up, and I have to admit, I just couldn't be arsed to do it. It's such a plus having more than one bike.

The route I take in a morning is functional, keeping me away from traffic as much as possible. What let's it down is there is no opportunity to build a rhythm. My mum, who can't even ride a bike, passed comment to that effect - which caught me off-guard for sure. I might need to have a rethink.

Anyway. This morning was stunning and I wanted to stop and drink it in, but needs must. Pace was better than yesterday, although not by much.

The day's predicted showers had passed. The ride home calm and warm. Nice day, beautiful day, riding day.

 

[mk one]

Well, its been a while, injuries and other things getting in the way have resulted in me not getting out on a bicycle for quite a while. Today as i had to wait in i found myself feeling a bit more up for it and with some spare time headed out for a quick ride.

The sun was out, it was quite warm again today with a cool breeze now and again when the wind changed. At one point it started snowing again, yesterday while up the Peak on the Triumph it snowed very heavy, then turned into giant hail stones, luckily i was near Alpkit and as i know the guys that own it and who work there i invited myself in for a quick coffee while the snow passed over. Today no such luck, the sky was blue everywhere apart from where i was, and the snow cloud followed me, like a cartoon character, just long enough so i was wet, while everyone around me was dry and looking at me like i had fallen in a river.

The ride itself was pleasant, short but scenic, and for the most part in the sun. Headed down a trail that has been resurfaced, defaced, by the council, it had some nice sections of twisty rooty singletrack, now it is just a wide gravel track, the gravel is soft enough to sap all forward momentum if you coast, so a constant slog, shame.

Anyway, happy i got out, and back without any issues, hopefully i will find time again to head out more.

 

[Markybeau]

A tale of the seasons. All of them.
The morning a clone of many recent days. Fresh, cool and sunny. An unremarkable journey, so I won't.

Dragged my heels leaving the office. Couldn't decide on Route 1 or wander. Sky in the distance noticeably overcast, Route 1 it was.

About 2/3 of the way the grey clouds were now near and far. Reaching Kilnhurst and the first spots of rain fell. Suddenly light shower became heavy became hail. Stopped only to put waterproof jacket on. Took a couple of pictures and carried on. The rain and the hail stopped, but only once I'd had a good soaking. Checked out a spur along the canal. To be investigated further another day.

3°c this morning
11°c this afternoon.
About 15 miles

By rail, by water, by gum
One way, then t'other

 

[Markybeau]

Friday. The groundhog cometh.

Mist rising from the water. 3°c and cool.
Good pace. No nde's.

Home: have an appointment to keep.
Chewy punched it on the way.

Big blue skies
Lots of cotton wool
No predicted showers.
12°c.

Week is over. Enjoy!

 

[doctor-bond]

Late this morning. I could have done with more time, as always.

Weather was poor - intermittent showers, strong breeze: like an invisible hand pushing against my forehead. The mind willing, the legs uncooperative. The canal and the river, as expected, were populated with puddles.
Arrived in the nick of time.

Got into trouble on the way home. Got collared by, I'm presuming, the 'farmer', and bollocked for trespassing. Fair doos, bang to rights. Won't be going that way again.

I have a soft spot for going where I’m not supposed to, too. A scold from the farmer or gamekeeper is a badge of honour. What’s the story behind the fire? Did he go too far and need .... reminding?