Damn wind

Nothing like as bad as yesterday but still very blustery this morning and I was pretty knackered after a 20 mile commute into the teeth of it. Came down Gleadless Road this morning and it was actually quite tricky staying upright and in a straight line going down the steep 1 in 6 bit. Scary. Also realised that my front brake blocks had somehow loosened a bit and had turned through about 30 degrees. Basically braking against the tyre sidewall!!! Lucky it didn't cause a blow out. All sorted now and looking forward to being blown home this evening.

Pannier racks with disc brakes

I've been under the misapprehension that fitting a rear rack to a bike with disc brakes is virtually impossible. I came across this adaptation on a bike locked up outside my work. Looks quite ingenious although I'd worry about it being a bit unstable with 2 well loaded panniers.

Seen near Waitrose

I recently saw this lad grinding along on his bike; grinding being the operative word here as it was making a horrible noise as he struggled along. He stopped and chained it up near Waitrose supermarket and walked off. Me being me, my curiosity got the better of me and so I wandered over to have a looksie.

Oh dear! Maybe I should have left a note.

Becoming a 'happier' cyclist.

Sometimes its easy to forget about enjoying cycling for cycling's sake. I do that too often so have come up with a (far from exhaustive) list of tips/stuff to do that might lead to happier cycling. I think we should all try to do at least some of these once in a while.

1. Don't attach a cycle computer to your bike.


2. Just pootle. What's wrong with doing a 15 mile ride that takes 3 hours because you've stopped at a cafe and a pub? Nothing.


3. Say 'hello' to people as you pass them/they pass you.


4. Ignore the temptation to chase down the cyclist 200 yards in front of you. Just chill.


5. Similarly, if you notice someone behind you who is trying to catch you, don't try and speed up.


6. Fit some cheap platform pedals to your bike and go for a ride in an ordinary pair of shoes.


7. Go for a ride on a good bike in 'non-cycling' gear.


8. Don't think that spending £200 on a particular component will make you go significantly faster (or even faster at all).


9. Stop and take photos regularly.


10. Go for a ride in a the pouring rain.


11. Own a bike that you don't mind riding in a downpour.


12. Learn how to build a wheel (it really isn't difficult).


13. Always take a pump, spare inner tube and repair kit on a ride.


14. Feel comfortable about mixing and matching stuff on your bike(s).


15. Always stop and ask if another cyclist is OK if they are stopped at the side of the road.


16. Do a time-trial on a touring bike with panniers attached :-) At least you'll beat your time next time out.


17. Vary your commuting route often.


18. Just GO for a ride one morning and don't come back til dusk. No planning. No maps. No GPS. Just follow your nose.


19. Go for a night ride.


20. Go cycle camping for a night.


21. Make sure you spend (much) more time riding your bike than cleaning/fettling it.


22. Never sneer at another person's bike.


23. Ride down a big hill with your feet off the pedals, shouting 'wheeeeeeee'.


24. Buy stuff in your local bike shop(s) rather than from t'interweb.


25. Resist the temptation to become obsessive and a 'cycle-bore'.

Love your backside

What makes a cycling tour comfortable?
Originally uploaded by rob.appleyard

Saddles are definitely personal but for me the Brooks B17 is the only thing I'm happy sticking my arse on. I can cope with other saddles up to about 50-60 miles but I can ride on one of these all day with NO problems whatsoever.

I'm lucky in that I find them comfortable straight away - even before they have moulded themselves properly to my backside. OK, they aren't light, they need a modicum of TLC and I HATE it when I get them wet but look after them and they last years. Why sit on anything else?

Photos from my tour

Can be found here.

Rob's Tour de North part 7

Spent the next day fishing and drinking. When I say fishing I actually mean sat relaxing at the edge of a lake with a few beers and sharing a bottle of brandy. In nearly 12 hours we caught nowt but put that down to the fact that the lake was still swollen after the recent heavy rain. Didn't mind one jot. Just happy to relax for a day and enjoy the wildlife.

The following day was back to Sheffield. Dad kindly gave me a lift back to near Dunham Bridge and I cycled back home from there on a lovely afternoon. Another 39.6 miles to finish off my trip.

392 miles this week and all but a few of them extremely enjoyable. Can't wait for my next tour.

Rob's Tour de North part 6 (27/07/07)

What a day! Longest day in the saddle. Furthest I've ever ridden in a day. First ever century ride. I was chuffed and knackered in equal measure at the end of it. Nearly 126 miles and that into a strong head/cross wind on a loaded touring bike.

The original plan was to stop in Hornsea/Withernsea area or Hull (if my old friend Martin was around for beer). He wasn't and I felt strong so I decided to keep going to my Dad's house in Horncastle, Lincolnshire.

A marvellous breakfast at the Youth Hostel prepared me for the long day and I was soon climbing up on to the edges of the North York Moors. Lots of ups and downs for the 1st 15 miles with some steep bits chucked in to keep you on your toes (or out of your saddle would be more apt). More of an issue was the traffic on the A171. Busy and not very nice. Lovely to see the heather in bloom though. Dropped into Scarborough (my fave seaside resort) for my 1st cuppa and a cake and then climbed out and stuck to the main road to Bridlington. Another stop for a drink and then onwards to Hornsea at which point I'd made my mind up to press on down into Lincolnshire. Stopped at Hornsea Mere (like going back in time) for lunch and topped up my water bottles.

Looking down towards Scarborough

North beach at Scarborough

Hornsea Mere cafe

Then on towards Hull into the teeth of the wind with no shelter. I was pleasantly surprised by the centre of Hull. Very nice indeed. It was the 'Wilberforce weekend' and lots going on but I wasn't stopping. On towards the Humber Bridge along the Hessle Road. The bridge is free for bikes of course and I took the west path so it didn't feel like I was going to be blown into the water below. And then it started to rain.

Followed NCN route 1 on quiet roads towards Caistor. Stopped for a pee at about 90 miles and it hurt like hell!! A shortish 10% climb approaching Caistor and then the computer ticks over to 100.00. Yeah. Feels good. But still another 25 miles to go and I'v e run out of water. Oh well. There'll be a garage on the way though. Or a pub. Or a late shop. Was there bollocks! Climbed up on to the Wolds and then its rural roads and nothing til Horncastle. Bloody puncture near the Belmont transmitter mast with only 10 miles to go. A thorn! Actually, my arms were aching more than my legs or arse and so it took a bit of effort to get sufficient pressure in the tyre before I could set off again. Very thirsty by now but not long to go.




A long day

Rolled into Dads at about 8.20pm and very ready for a drink, a shower and something to eat. Feel quite knackered. Dad had cooked a wonderful roast beef dinner and plied me with bottles of real ale so I was a happy bunny. Good on him.

Todays stats:

Mileage: 125.6 miles
Max speed: 43.9mph
Av speed: 13.1 mph
Soakings: 1
Mechanicals: 1 puncture

Rob's Tour de North part 5 (26/07/07)

Well today (from South Shields to Whitby) was a bit of a slog. Nearly 64 miles into a headwind and heavy rain for the last half. Oh, and some bloody steep hills chucked in for good measure as well.

A few spots of rain as I packed everything away and I took advantage of the hot shower facility then waited 20 mins to retrieve my bike from the locked laundry room. Open at 8.30am my arse!

Still, on the go fairly early but soon noticed the headwind as I made my way back to Sunderland. Followed NCN route 1 out of the place, grabbing a sarnie and a cake for brekkie on the way. The first part also constitutes route 7 (C2C route) so at least I can say I cycled the WHOLE of that route.

To be fair I was NOT sad to be leaving Sunderland. In my opinion it's dire (sorry any Wearsiders reading this). Can't think of ONE redeeming feature. And the route out to the South is crap. Convoluted, not that well signed and mostly strewn with broken glass or parked cars.

The route south took in Seaham, Easington (where they filmed Billy Elliot I think) and I can't remember much more. It was all a bit drab and depressing. Especially after the scenery of the Pennines.

I didn't trust myself to find my way through Hartlepool, Stockton and Middlesbrough so opted for the train from Hartlepool to Redcar. A good move I think. The guard was a bit of a miserable bugger but I'll give him his due - he managed to get 6 (yes SIX) bikes on a busy 2 carriage train. Well done that man.

At Redcar it started to rain and it just got heavier and heavier as the journey went on. You'll note that there are very few photos of today. This reflects the fact that there was bugger all worth photographing for the 1st half and too wet to get the camera out for the 2nd half!

The hills started from Saltburn. First a steep drag up to Brotton followed by a little descent into a tiny coastal village called Skinninggrove. The climb out of here on a minor road towards Staithes was a git! Very steep. In fact the steepest road so far on my trip. first part was half a mile or so of about 25% Ouch!! From Staithes to Whitby was up and down and quite depressing on the main A174 but it did include a 25% descent at Lythe Bank. Unfortunately I couldn't get too gung ho on it as it was very wet and there were lots of manhole covers that could have resulted in a nasty crash. Was getting really hungry now and didn'y fancy another 12 hilly miles to my planned stop so decided to go for the excellent Youth Hostel at Whitby Abbey and enjoy a dry night (at least in one sense of the word!). Ate fish and chips in a skanky Whitby bus shelter to avoid the torential rain. Blimey they were good fish and chips.

Later on the rain stopped and I wandered into Whitby for 3 pints at the Black Horse (very nice real ale pub) before collapsing in bed.

The STEEP hill back up top Whitby Abbey. Glad you are not allowed to cycle up here. I couldn't

Todays stats:

Mileage: 63.9
Max speed: 37.6 mph
Av speed: 11.0 mph (bloody headwind)
Pints: 3
Soakings: 1 very long one
Mechanicals: 0

Rob 's Tour de North part 4 (25/07/07)

Today was a much easier day and yet at the end of it I felt really quite tired?! Maybe yesterdays hills were catching up?

Didn't sleep brilliantly again either. Woken by a screeching owl at 2.00am and then again by the rain at 4.00am. Did manage to get a few hours after that though.

The kind and talkative lady at the Old Vicarage made me a bacon sandwich and a pot of tea which set me up a treat. £7.50 for camping and brekkie is great value I reckon. Again - I'd recommend this place very strongly.

Weather looked a bit ominous and so after packing away I donned the rain jacket and set off a bit later than I'd expected. I was straight into a climb out of Rookhope that dragged on for a bit up to the moors. I'm sure the views would have been lovely but the clouds were down. Nice descent into Stanhope and then Crawleyside Bank awaits. It isn't called CRAWLyside for nothing. 3 miles up to Parkhead and a long stretch of 17% that, on a loaded touring bike, you have to winch yourself up. Again, very desolate and beautiful on the North Pennine moors but surprisingly cold and windy!


Cafe at Parkhead

At Parkhead there is a fantastic cafe that is another cyclists' haven on the C2C. It was only a few miles into the days ride but I decided to escape the elements for a while and stopped for 2 pots of tea and a toasted teacake. The owners are very friendly and the whole place is set up for cyclists.

From here it is nearly all downhill or flat to the coast!! Wow. The first section is the Waskerley Way (on which I saw no wascaley wabbits) - a long downhill on a smooth, well surfaced (compacted cinders) disused rail line. A highlight was Hownsgill Viaduct with great views across the surrounding countryside. It was also a site for potential suicides given the large notices with telephone numbers for The Samaritans. Unfortunately, flowers tied to the railing suggest that for at least one individual, these were ignored.


Hownsgill Viaduct

Onwards towards Consett and all around here were massive, magnificent sculptures; some constructed from remnants of the old steelworks. More amazing sculptures - this time grazing cows made from scrap iron, huge chains and bits of a JCB - near Beamish. Took a detour here ot visit the open air museum but was put off by the £16 admission.



Transformers. Robots in disguise!


Grazing cows at Beamish

Got chatting to a couple of local MTBers out for a spin and rode with them to the outskirts of Sunderland. Nice tracks alongside the Wear but then got lost in Sunderland itself. Must have missed a sign. Resorted to main roads to get to the marina and the coast where there were the obligatory photos.



Finished the C2C at Roker Pier

Followed NCN route 1 to South Shields to a campsite at Lizard Lane directly opposite the famous Marsden Rock, grotto and cliffs. After pitching the tent I cycled into South Shields for fish and chips which I ate far too quickly whilst enjoying the views across the sands to the sea. Then enjoyed a couple of cans of Stella sat atop the cliffs on a glorious evening. Got my bike locked up in the campsite laundry room and ready for an early night. A very noisy family 'next door' managed to keep me awake for a while though.

Old WW2 gun I tried to aim at a passing Ferry. I missed :-)


Marsden Rock. No longer with its iconic natural arch

Todays stats:

Mileage: 62.4
Max speed: 38.2 mph
Av speed: 11.2 mph (all those bloody access controls plus getting lost in Sunderland)
Pints: 2 cans Stella
Soakings: 0
Mechanicals: 0

Rob's Tour de North part 3 (24/07/07)

Today was quite a tough day in the saddle. Enjoyable - very - but a lot of hills and many of them hard. The scenery in the North Pennines is magnificent though and it was a fantastic day.

Up before 6, as couldn't sleep very well, on another overcast day and sat (feeling cold) drinking tea. On the road by about 8.30 and into Penrith. Cornish pasty and a Belgian bun for breakfast and sent a couple of postcards. Couldn't find Penrith Tea Rooms and so couldn't take the opportunity to order the finest wines known to humanity and have them NOW (won't mean a thing unless you've seen Withnail and I).

From Penrith the road starts to climb to Langwathby and then undulates with some sharp pitches to Renwick. Weather looking gloomy over Hartside and I was hoping it would clear. It did :-) Came across a massive dead badger on the roadside and it looked as though it had only just been hit :-(

Then hit the first big climb of the day up to Hartside Fell. Over 400m of climbing in about 4 miles. Its actually a nice gradient and you can get into a rhythm and keep spinning. Not really that difficult. Took me 36 minutes to get to the top. The cafe at the top is a welcoming sight and it was about lunchtime anyway. Stuffed down a huge plate of ham, egg and chips and lots of tea and off we go again. Nice long downhill followed by a short climb and then more downhill Garrigill and the 2nd major hill of the day. This one is a bastard though. No warning on the map and you are straight into a 25% climb that kills your legs before a really long drag to the top. I think the worst part of the climb was the bloody flies. Loads of them and you can't go fast enough to outrun the buggers! Anyway, managed to keep going fine and no need to stop for any breathers. A VERY fast descent into Nenthead with some blind corners that rush up at you and then straight into the 3rd big hill of the day up to Black Hill (the highest point of the route) and the border with Northumberland. Its fairly steep but not as bad as the last one.




From here ...


To here (4 miles later) took 36 minutes


Bloody right I'll be using a low gear.

Seen lots of C2C'ers today and haven't (yet) been passed by anyone. I am the King of the Mountains (I wish).



Top of Black Hill


Yes I do look a bit sweaty. There's a good reason

After enjoying the views from Black Hill another descent before climbing steeply again and then a fast descent into Allenheads. I imagine you get the picture for today :-) Couple of pints of Blacksheep and then the final big climb of the day up to Currick and the border with Co. Durham at 536m. From here it was an exhilarating and fast 4 mile downhill to Rookhope and my stop for the day. This descent through desolate but glorious moorland at 35-40mph was definitely the highlight of the day for me. I can honestly say I'll always remember it and the surrounding scenery. I'd love to live here but imagine any commute by bike would be challenging!

Crossing into Co. Durham

On the descent into Rookhope

As I rolled into the Old Vicarage at Rookhope, where they welcome C2C campers, I got a front wheel puncture. No worries. Fixed it whilst letting the tent dry off. Weather glorious by now. A shower at the site - bliss - and a chance to wash some cycling kit. Then walked back into Rookhope for food and beer. Walked back at 10.30 with just enough light to find my tent and get in. In doing so I must have let a small army of mozzies in as well. Bugger!

Overall, not a high mileage day but definitely one of my more memorable and challenging days on the bike.

Todays stats:

Mileage: 48.8
Max speed: 45.4 mph
Av speed: 10.9 mph (hey, I walked my bike round Penrith for ages)
Pints: 7!
Soakings: 0
Mechanicals: Puncture and minor gear cable adjustment

Rob's Tour de North part 2 (23/07/07)

Woke up to an overcast but dry morning and stocked up with unhealthy calories with a fantastic cooked breakfast. Rolled back into the harbour area for the obligatory photo next to the C2C artwork. An obliging old lady with a Jack Russell did the deed. The photo that is. I'm not suggesting that she got jiggy with her dog.


Ready for the off



You're supposed to dip your back wheel in the Irish Sea on the slipway. What they don't tell you is that it isn't called a SLIPway for nowt! It was very greasy at the bottom and there was a danger that I'd be more submerging the whole bike AND me rather than dipping the wheel. Contented myself with the wheel touching the salty water and seagull shit on the slipway and off I went.

The first section through Whitehaven is a bit drab and the cycle paths are, typically, strewn with broken glass in places. However, I was soon on to a disused railway line that was well tarmaced and it was lovely. Lots of artwork on the route to enjoy and its not long before you can see the North Lakeland Fells in the distance.

Example of artwork on the early part of the route






Lakeland Fells loom

Lots of wildlife. Highlights included a buzzard flying very close by and a red squirrel.


Looking across to Grassmoor

The first 10 miles or so are all flat and then there are only a few short hills to contend with before a steeper, longer climb up Whinlatter pass. This gets me sweating a bit and breathing harder but its not that difficult and not steep enough to require the use of the granny ring. Passed a group of 3 doing the C2C. Two of them were carrying huge rucksacks on their backs. I bet that got sweaty and painful before too long. Stopped at Whinlatter visitor centre for tea and stodgy ginger cake (nice). Its a beautiful place inhabited by birdwatchers and for good reason. Handy tip number 1: don't park your bike under a tree with loads of birds heling themselves to nuts and seeds. Not if you don't want bird shit on your saddle that is!




Very welcoming but cover your saddle!

The road from the visitor centre was steep and rough (just as the map indicated) and I was on the brakes most of the way down. From the bottom it was secluded country lanes all the way to Keswick. Very picturesque and under the shadow of Skiddaw. Came across the 3 lads again who must have taken the road rather than the C2C track. Good call as the guy loaded up with panniers and a tent had wheels that were very sparsely spoked!! In Keswick I should have visited a cashpoint but forgot. From here it was another disused railway line that criss-crossed the river on its way to Threlkeld. It was fantastic. As was the pint of Jennings at the Horse and Farrier in Threlkeld! Then more cycle lanes and tracks avoiding the main A66.

About 8 miles before my campsite in Greystoke the Heavens opened dramatically. Took some shelter but carried on when it eased. Amazingly, 3 miles later the road went from wet ... to dry immediately. Thats the Lake District for you.

Greystoke cycling cafe is wonderful. A cyclists' oasis where you can make yourself tea and enjoy some excellent home made cake (blackberry and apple flapjack for me). There are towels to dry yourself off and even a radiator on which you can dry wet kit. Its not officially a campsite but the very friendly owner was more than happy to let me pitch my tent on the lawn. I'd strongly recommend it to anyone cycling in the area. Oh, and the cats are friendly too.




Squinty the cat gets friendly




Greystoke cycle cafe


Wandered a mile or so to 'The Crown' in the next village (Blencow). Huge portion of liver, bacon and onions and 3 pints of Black Sheep. Just what the Doctor ordered.

Todays stats:

Mileage: 51.8
Max speed: 36 mph
Av. speed: 11.5 mph
Pints: 4
Soakings: 1
Mechanicals: 0

Rob's Tour de North part 1 (22/07/07)

My plan for the week was to do the C2C (Whitehaven to Sunderland) and then carry on down the Yorkshire coast and in to Lincolnshire before heading back to Sheffield.

Caught the 10.54 Virgin train to Newcastle (and then connections to Carlisle and Whitehaven) and by golly it was on time. That boded well as Virgin trains are often tardier than a disorganised woman on her wedding day. And it was sunny for the first time in ages too. Wondered if I'd be leaving that behind.

Some of the countryside between Carlisle and Whitehaven was lovely. Firstly you could see Skiddaw in the distance on your left hand side and looking imposing, then the Irish sea with the Scottish coast across the Solway Firth. All bathed in glorious sunlight.

View from the train across the Irish Sea

From the station at Whitehaven I cycled a mile or so up a hill to the Glen Ard guest house which was to be my only planned B&B for the week (camping the rest). Proprietors very friendly and for £22 I had no complaints. After watching the final, exciting few holes of The Open at Carnoustie I wandered into town to find something to eat and drink as well as identifying the start of the C2C route itself. Whitehaven is an odd, mixed up sort of place. The waterfront/marina is lovely (save the tons of seagull shit everywhere) and has obviously had shedloads of cash spent on it. The centre of town, on the other hand, was a chav magnet and best avoided. Steak and chips and 3 pints of Jennings Cocker Hoop. Lovely.

Whitehaven Marina

Some nice artwork amongst the seagull shit

The start point

Looking forward to tomorrow.

Another Tuesday ride

It seemed that all my recent rides have been in heavy rain and so it was nice that the Pedalpushers outing last night enjoyed some glorious sunshine. Well it did rain when we arrived at Barkers Pool but it soon passed.

Plan A was for Simon to lead a ride out to Litton but this was abandoned. Plan B was to go up to Owler Bar, on to Fox House and then Ringinglow and Lodge Moor. 1st part of the ride took us up through Meersbrook Park, Warminster Road, Norton and on to Holmesfield. On the way up I noted a couple of Simon's 'rules of cycling': Never ride your touring bike without the panniers attached (unless they fall off whilst riding) and wear as many layers as possible!

At Meadowhead Simon's gut rot got the better of him and he left us to it. Took usual route out to Holmesfield and then Owler Bar where we met Alan and Matthew (who had joined a PP ride for the 1st time tonight. At this point 3 of the group decided to go to the Grouse for a pint or two whilst myself, Alan, Matthew and Edward wanted to get a few more miles in. So off we set for Chatsworth and Beeley with a return back over Beeley Moor, Pudding Pie Hill and Millthorpe.

Hot air balloon low over Chatsworth estate. Although you wouldn't get me up in one of those, I always enjoy watching them. The ride back over Beeley Moor was truly beautiful. Bit of a tail wind all the way up the hill, sun out, minimal traffic and what looked like a Buzzard riding the thermals over the valley. Of all the climbs in the peaks I think I enjoy that one the most.

Took the narrow lane through Unthank down to Millthorpe. This was fun but caused Alan a bit of grief on his bling Gios with no mudguards as it was strewn in all kinds of large animal shit mixed with lots of rain water, grit and mud. He didn't look too happy at the bottom! Time was getting on and it looked like we wouldn't make it back to the Grouse to meet the others. Alan headed off back to Hope whilst we climbed Millthorpe Lane and Cartledge Lane to Holmesfield and back to Sheffield (stopping off for a pint on the way).

38 miles and very enjoyable it was too.

Altura Orkney Panniers

The 'dryline' technology in these (massive) rear panniers is supposed to ensure all your kit stays dry. This convinced me that there was no need to stick everything inside pastic bags in them.

Waterproof my arse! After a very wet trip from Derby last Friday some of my clothes in there were wet and a folder with the papers in there was almost ruined. Bah!

Rain, punctures and lots of miles

Cycled over to the Lincolnshire Wolds and back this weekend to go to my Brother-in-Law's 50th birthday do. Planned a route that avoided the A57 for all but crossing Dunham Bridge and stuck to minor roads and lanes.

Bit misty and drizzly when I set off at about 8.30am on Saturday but this soon cleared away. However, there was obviously a lot of crap on the roads as I only made it as far as Harthill before suffering a puncture (not the first of the day!). My humour was not helped by the fact that one of my tyre levers snapped. Damn. Oh well, weather starting to look a little better so off with the jacket and on we go. Good progress through Shireoaks, Worksop and Retford and then on to minor roads via Eaton and East Drayton to join the A57 for a short stretch over Dunham Bridge. Just before getting to the A57 I encountered the first flooded road of the day. Not deep but enough to get my feet wet. The Trent was VERY full as you can see from the picture.

From here it was back on to minor roads via quite picturesque little villages before crossing the A57 again at Saxilby. Going well so far. Averaging about 17mph and feeling good. More minor roads and a short climb up on to the ridge north of Lincoln. The clouds were starting to look a ominous now. So far, I'd been lucky but wasn't to last! Started to rain heavily near the vilage of Scothern and it just got worse and worse. Torrential would not begin to describe it. Twas nearly impossible to see through it and I've never experienced a cloudburst like it! Feet soaked now but I was loving it. Singing along to myself and laughing at the elements. Passed a couple of cars that had parked up on the side of the road (the rain really was too heavy to drive in) whose occupants looked at me like I was some sort of loon. Then heard the telltale pft, pft, pft from the rear wheel. Bollocks. Not another puncture and not in this downpour please. Found a bit of shelter and made my repairs. Thank goodness I put 2 spare innertubes in the saddlebag.

Off we go again and the sun comes out. Can see the water on the roads evaporating and the smell of the wet fields and verges was wonderful. Thats one of the best things about cycling in Lincolnshire. Soon come across another flooded road. This one was actually closed off but I ignored that. Hmmm. There was a good reason for those signs. It was deep and long. My feet were submersed as I pedalled. Never mind. They were wet anyway.

Approaching Horncastle (where I lived as a lad) and bugger, my front tyre starts to deflate. And it starts raining heavily again. Sod this I thought. I'll put the hammer down and get to the bike shop in Horncastle before its totally flat. Just get into the town as the last of the air goes. Its tricky trying to steer around corners in the rain, on the rim! Double bugger. The bike shop is no more. Its another bloody antique shop. Damn you Wiggle!!!! Oh well nothing for it. Couldn't really be arsed to sit there repairing a tube so resolve to put as much air as I can in and cycle up towards Louth. I'd have to stop and reinflate a few times but what the hell. Also resolved to source some new tyres from a LBS in the area and ceremoniously dance on the grave of these SHIT Schwalbe Blizzard Sports.

On the second 'reinflation stop' the valve of the tube comes away and I resign myself to defeat. Its only about 4 miles to my destination and so its easier to phone up the missus and get picked up rather than sit in the rain fixing a tube. After a quick shower I disappear off to a LBS in Alford (James's - nowt to do with JE James of course) who sell me some new conti's, new tubes and some better tyre levers!

Got completely rat-arsed in the evening which was probably not a good idea as I was planning to get up and go fairly early in the morning next day. I didn't leave until lunchtime!

The weather today was lovely. Sunny spells and light winds. What breeze there was, was in my face but it was OK. On some of Lincolnshire's flat, open roads even a modest headwind can be quite demoralising. There is often little shelter so its good to find lanes with high hedges. The lane in the picture is typical of the area. Narrow and big hedges where groups of Kamikaze sparrows and finches launch themselves across the road right in front of you. There are also lots of beautiful quiet places to stop and rest for a bit. I stopped at this small river with lush vegetation on the banks. Loads of wildlife to enjoy.

Anyway, retraced my route back to Sheffield, stopping for a pie and a pint on the way at Dunham. Started to get a bit tired around Worksop but plodded on and got back home just before 6.00pm. Not too bad. And stayed dry too.

158 miles in total (79 each way) in the two days. I'm feeling quite tired now.

Are you a cycling fashion victim?

A piss take aimed at those who have more money than sense. I love it.

Sorry Alan - I know you own some Rapha kit but honestly, some of the stuff they sell for silly money ... they are having a laugh. A Rapha race bag (whatever that bloody well is) for £250 (yes thats right !!!!!) that looks like Barbara Cartland's handbag.

Esteli ride recce

I've done the Esteli ride before but thought I'd ride the route this morning before doing it again on 1st July. It really is a lovely ride but hilly. No flat bits, just hills, lumps and bumps all the way. I seem to recall its well over 5500 feet of climbing but might be wrong. Anyway I was quite knackered and my cap was soaked with sweat when I got back home at lunchtime. The climb back from Bamford in particular is a bugger. In parts its a fairly gentle hill that you can spin up easily, in parts it is bastard steep and there are false summits where you lose altitude before you need to regain it all before Burbage. Its also near the end of an already hilly ride. The climb up to Abney Gliding Club from Hathersage seems to go on as well. I'd forgotten about that.

Plenty of cyclists around today. What might have been a race (it looked bigger than a club ride and they were going like shit off a shovel) near Peak Forest and a Calder Clarion club run near Yorkshire Bridge.

The only annoyance was the creaking and groaning from my bottom bracket (at least I think thats where its coming from). Its definitely getting worse. Hold on. It might be my knees!

A south yorks and north notts pootle

Weather forecast for Sunday is terrible so decided to make the most of todays weather instead. Headed up to Old Moor wetlands centre for a start following a combination of the TPT and the minor roads. The cafe was empty when I got there at about 9.50ish. Big pot of tea and a hunk of fantastic spiced apple cake. Lovely. Still cloudy and grey at 10.15.

Followed main roads to Mexborough and Conisbrough. Consibrough is actually quite nice and of course you've got the castle there. Mexborough, however, is really quite depressing. Apologies to any natives of there reading this. Obligatory photo of the castle and then on through Braithwell and Maltby. Sun makes an appearance and out come the shades.

From Maltby its on to the quiet rural roads through Hooton Levitt and Slade Hooton towards Laughton. There is quite a sharp climb up to Laughton. Its not long but it was about the first time I'd been out of the saddle. More lovely rural roads now through Firbeck, Gildingwells and Woodsetts. This area reminds me of cycling on the Lincolnshire Wolds. Undulating roads, never what you would describe as hilly and nothing but skylarks for company.

Then its back on to route 67 through Shireoaks, Thorpe Salvin and Harthill. Tempted by a pint at the Beehive but press on. Its getting quite hot now as well. From Harthill take my usual route via Killamarsh and Mosborough back to Sheffield. Start to hear annoying creaking from bottom bracket area. Its only there when I pedal hard and not when I coast. Methinks the bottom bracket is giving up the ghost. Thankfully Campag BB's are relatively cheap.

61.5 miles at 15.1 mph.

Speedy wheel build

Wheel building is NOT a dark art as some would have you believe. I've built up about 6 or 7 wheels now. Most of them are not dished as they are either fronts or fixed rear wheels. I have built some dished rear wheels though and as long as you get the spoke lengths correct and remember to use the right length spokes on the appropriate side its no more difficult than a front.

Anyway, I was replacing the front wheel on the touring bike as the rim was as concave as Mr Magoo's glasses and the hub was never that clever anyhow. Used a Deore XT hub and a Mavic A119 rim. The rim is fairly cheap and cheerful but perfectly sound AND double eyeletted. They are more or less disposable items anyway.

It took me 15 minutes to lace it all up, 10 minutes to get the spokes to tension and do an initial stress relieve and then only 5 minutes to true it, stress relieve it again and do a final true. All true to within less than 0.5 mm and all in only half an hour. Not bad!!

One reason why I don't like the TPT around Manor/Handsworth

Is this. Sadly, a common sight along that part of the route. Shame really.

Cycling caps

I'm a recent convert to the old style cotton caps. Not simply for aesthetic reasons (although they DO look good) but because they are practical. They keep the sun off your head and stop the sweat running into your eyes. They do the latter very effectively too - much more so than the pads inside a h*lm*t. A good example of this was on the Winnats ride the other evening. In the past I've been stopping on long or hilly rides to wipe dripping sweat from my sunglasses but with the cap on - not a problem at all.

Winnats ride

Simon made an interesting point about what sort of rides people were interested in. Most Tuesdays they arrange an easy pootle and perhaps 4 turn up; then, obviously under the influence of 8.5% cider, Ian plans another bastard of a ride and 12 turn up. And we were all treated to a fantastic ride on a lovely evening.

A few of us left Barkers Pool at 6 and made good speed up Ecclesall and Hathersage Road towards Fox House where we rendezvoused with a few more. There was a quick stop on the way up there near Blacka Moor where some wanted to look at the CTC centenary tree. I certainly didn't fancy walking on gravelly paths and through undergrowth in shoes with Look cleats so left that delight for another day. Beautiful and quick descent into Hathersage and then motored along to Bamford where we waited a while for Ian to turn up. Ian was wearing his helmet cam. Hope he got some footage.

12 of us now and off we go towards Castleton and Winnats. Wondered if a few might 'wimp out and take the old road but all but one of the group took the left fork and up we go on the right bastard of a climb that is Winnats Pass. Last time I rode up Winnats I was on my touring bike with uber-low gears. This evening I'm on the audax bike with a compact double and a low gear of something like 35". Still low enough though. Manage to keep a gear or 2 in reserve until about 50m after the bend and then I need them all! Grind up OK and even manage to chat with Alan for some of it. It is bloody hard though. On the way up Alan was telling a story about a bloke who lived next door to him in Hope who commuted to Stockport by bike and rode up Winnats EVERY day. Bloody Hell! Chapeau. Mike looks fresh as a daisy at the top and turns back to descend. Surely, he doesn't want to do it again! Yes I think he does!!! We wait for everyone to regroup at the top of Mam Nick and enjoy the rest and also the view of a gorgeous setting sun.

Get the fun bit now and 'wheeee' all the way down to Edale and everyone keeps up a good speed back to Hope where Simon hands out chocolate biscuits. Good man. They don't last long! Back through Hathersage, where the local youth come out with a new one ... "Get off and milk it!". Hmmm, not heard that one before. And then we're climbing again on the road back up to Fox House. I get into a really good rhythm and keep spinning at about 10-11 MPH all the way up with a guy on a Litespeed MTB (think his name was Frank?). A slight tail breeze really helps. Thats not that fast but its not bad going for me. Lights on now. Get to the top of the hill and whizz back down, turning off up Sheephill Road towards Ringinglow. Descend back to the Rising Sun in Nether Green for a couple of pints before making my way home and suffering a bit of a clipless moment on the way!! Oh well.

What a great ride. 46 miles on my computer when I get back at an average of 14.1 MPH. Not bad. According to Ian the ride itself (42 miles) included 4500 ft of ascending. Want to do it again!

Clumber not slumber

Option 1: Stay in bed on a Sunday morning until kids wake you up and demand food/X-Box/drink/demands to call on friends at some ungodly hour/ ... well you name it. Or,


Option 2: Get up before them and bugger off on the bike for a few hours.


Its no contest on a warm and tranquil day and I'm out of the house by 7.00 Wake up 'Blue Vernon' and off we go with a bit of AC/DC on the MP3 player to get the blood pumping. I could take NCN route 67 (is it 67? I can't remember) but I really don't like the section between Sheaf Square and Beighton so stick to the roads via Mosborough and Killamarsh and join the NCN route at Harthill and then onwards to Worksop and Clumber.


Its a mainly beautiful morning with hardly a breath of wind. Skylarks starting to chirp over the fields. Well I would have heard them if it wasn't for Bon Scott belting out some classic tunes. No traffic and I'm loving it.


Get to Clumber and make my way to cafe to try and get some tea. I'm easily the youngest person around! Dog walkers at the moment. I've beat the rush. Not even any other cyclists. Anyway, quick pootle the roads and tracks around the park before making my way back. I'd heard that Clumber had become a bit of a mecca for 'dogging' but no evidence of that. Don't suppose there would be at 9ish on a Sunday morning though. That, of course, was NOT my reason for riding here!





Could choose a different route back but decide that I enjoyed the route here so much I'll retrace it. Lovely along the Chesterfield Canal although need to take it steady and avoid the many dogs that are being walked without a lead. Everything is great until get to White Lane and you have to contend with the tram tracks and then the ring road. Stopped in Graves Park to watch Norton Lees Juniors play a friendly match and then home.


Really enjoyed that and felt like I could have ridden all day. Just over 52 miles on the clock.

Great morning, Shit afternoon

Set off at 7.30am with plenty of cycling time ahead of me before a rendezvous with family at Linacre Reservoirs (just west of Chesterfield). Weather forecast wasn't great but it wasn't raining (yet!). Got passed by the most miserable bastard of a slim roadie on the climb up to Whirlow from Abbey Lane. Sensed someone behind; quick look over the shoulder and a breezy 'Morning!' leaves my lips. Not a flicker as he drifted past. He definitely heard me though. Defintely saw my raised hand. Not the remotest sign of an acknowledgement. Not a nod. Not the merest raising of a finger from the handlebars. Not the slightest indication that the person on the bike was anything more than some sort of staring, cyclomaton. Now, given another comment along similar lines in a recent post I wouldn't want anyone to think I was a 'single issue cyclist' or that I supported compulsory extravagent waving. Rudeness and ignorance does bother me though. Oh well, matey boy was the only example of this today. I shall mention this issue no more!

Anyway, after climbing and then descending into Hathersage decided to go via Grindleford to Bakewell and then Chatsworth. Sadly saw a dead badger on the roadside en route to Grindleford. Its surprising how BIG they are. Apparently there is a 'Badger Group' somewhere around Sheffield that will recover any dead badgers reported to them. Didn't have number though. This isn't the first time I have come across one though and so I should find the number and stick it in my phone.

As I got close to Chatsworth I heard some godawful rattling and scraping coming from behind me. No difficulty in identifying the cause - the 'Bagman' rack holding up my Carradice Barley saddlebag had come away from the bracket holding it to the underside of the saddle. There are only a couple of poxy grubscrews holding the rack part on (see photo) and you can't really tighten them. A crap design fault in an otherwise excellent product. Maybe I should use some loctite though.

Chatsworth was already busy as the international horse trials were on. Lots of big Landrovers, shiny 4x4's and horsey looking people in expensive clothes. I am the only one within the Chatworth grounds on a bicycle. In fact I am the only one inside the grounds with transport that is smaller than some terraced houses in Huddersfield. Cafe not bloody open though so make use of facilities and decide to wait for a bit to see if it does open as I really fancy some tea. No chance so off we go. Enjoy the climb up to Beeley Moor (translated this means I rode up there very slowly) and onwards to Linacre Reservoirs. Sit and wait for family to arrive. Crave tea and cake now. Family arrive and I dive into a packet of biscuits before remembering to say hello. Mental note - I really must remember to eat breakfast before these early rides. First time I've been to Linacre. Its very nice. Lovely walks around the reservoirs and kids had a whale of a time for a couple of hours or so. You can ride around some of it too although you'd need a sturdy touring bike at the very least. MTB's would be the order of the day.

Finish walk and it starts raining (a lot) as soon as I change from walking boots to cycling shoes. Bugger. Was going to ride home on quite a circuitous route but can't be bothered now. Quick check of map and decide on shortest way back to Sheffield and in spite of rain do it bloody quickly as well. Beat family home although to be fair they did stop at the supermarket in Dronfield on the way :-)

47 miles (intended to do more) but very enjoyable morning and lunchtime.

Oh yes. Nearly forgot. The afternoon. Blades relegated. Bollocks! Don't want to talk about that.

Out early

It might be unseasonably warm but it didn't feel it at 7.00am this morning as I set out on a 25 mile loop. In fact my fingers and toes were really cold for the first half of the ride. Anyway, despite it being chilly I certainly built up a sweat - particularly on a quick blast up Millthorpe Lane to Holmesfield on the way back.

Love riding this early in the morning on a Sunday as the roads are mostly empty and I really appreciate the different 'headspace' I find myself in. Its also quite good for blowing away a few cobwebs/hangover (delete as appropriate). Plenty of other cyclists out as well this morning - in fact I've got a crick in my neck from so much nodding of acknowledgement :-) Its a slightly strange thing that - acknowledging other cyclists when you are riding a bike. I always nod or wave whoever they are; roadies, MTBers, utility cyclists. Its clearly a politeness thing but also a camaraderie aspect to it as well. In fact I feel quite aggrieved if I don't get a nod in return.

Bluebells

Did a 9 mile loop with Isaac yesterday mainly off the roads. Only a short little ride but probably like a stage of the TDF for his little 8 year old legs. He seemed to manage it easily (apart from walking up the steeper bit of Meersbrook Park near the end) and I was impressed with his road sense - able to confidently look behind, signal clearly etc. Wouldn't be confident about letting him ride on the roads without me yet but he's getting there and obviously enjoying it. Might take him cycle camping this year or next. Shame the nearest campsites involve a trek over to the Peaks (which he won't manage yet) or a longer, more urban ride, to Thrybergh.

Some of the ride was through Graves Park where the bluebells are fantastic. Could have stopped and had a picnic but it was a typical "Come on Dad, stop taking photos of flowers!".

Bastards

Road safety minister Stephen Ladyman has laid the new Highway Code before Parliament. If not contested by MPs or Lords, it will be approved within 40 days.

The new Code will require cyclists to use cycle facilities 'wherever possible', irrespective of the consequences for their safety. A recent study in London has shown that female cyclists are more likely to be involved in collisions with heavy goods vehicles as a result of their tendency to "trust" cycle facilities.

Similarly cyclists will continue to be recommended to ride around the outside of roundabouts, in the place where conflict is most likely. The rule that they 'should' wear a cycle helmet is also retained.

70% of the 4,000 public responses to the draft Code came from cyclists, and there were as many responses from cycling organisations (41 responses)as from local authorities and road safety organisations together. Despite this, the Government has chosen to ignore completely the clear concerns expressed about the impact of the new rules on cycling safety, and the almost certain increase in counter-claims of contributory negligence that will arise when cyclists are injured.

From the outset Ladyman has refused to meet with the cycling organisations to discuss the draft document. However, there were more promising 'leaks' from civil servants that there would be changes. We were also told that the new Code would not be ready before 2008. Cyclists can now rightly feel aggrieved that they have been deceived and that prejudices and ignorance have ridden rough-shod over considerations about their safety.

CCN, CTC and other cycling organisations are now considering their options, but will need the support of cyclists throughout the UK to overturn this travesty, as we must. In the meantime, please encourage cyclists once more to contribute to the Cyclists' Defence Fund and if you are likely to meet with your MP for other reasons, please make him or her aware of your concerns.

Cyclists Defence Fund

Fixers of Sheffield

Coming along Abbeydale Road South this morning (heading towards the city) catching up with another cyclist and recognised, from quite a way off, that fluidity of pedalling and simplicity of chainline that immediately shouts out 'another fixer ahead'. I am not alone. I've got a lot of momentum and so sail by but he catches me up at the lights at the junction of London Road and Abbeydale Road and we chat on the way down towards town. Mutual positive comments about bikes and fixed gear riding. We both ride similar gearing (him 48x18, me 42x16). He hasn't seen many others on fixed in Sheffield but has seen more recently. I know Ian rides fixed sometimes and I've seen 2 other strangers plus another 3 fixies locked up in and around town. Its getting a bit more popular.

I recall a comment from another 'PedalPusher' on the list recently about Sheffield not being that hilly and how it is possible to get around without encountering anything too mountainous. He's right. You might have to choose your routes carefully and ride further as a result but thats no bad thing. Those that reckon utility fixed gear riding in and around Sheffield is for the marginally insane are just wrong. They are missing out on a whole lot of fun and lots less maintenance. Its NOT a fashion statement but who can fail to appreciate the beautiful, simplistic minimalism of a fixed gear bicycle.

Sunburn and speed

Easter Sunday saw me cycling out to Rother Valley Country Park to meet rest of family there. I can't recall such warm, sunny weather over an Easter weekend and I was unprepared for it. Quite sunburnt afterwards!

I didn't fancy the TPT and so stuck to the tarmac via ring road, White Lane, Mosborough and Killamarsh. Was amazed the see my average speed when I arrived (after nearly 12 miles) as 21.7 MPH. Bloody Hell!! I usually potter around the 13-14 MPH mark. Was obviously going well.

The stiff headwind on the return journey quickly brought me back down to Earth :-)

Cycling in North Carolina

I've just returned from a conference in N. Carolina and very nice it was too but I was slightly amazed at how few students got around on bikes at the Universities we visited. A good example is Duke University which is probably one of the US's more respected HE institutions. I probably saw less than 20 bikes around what is a VERY big campus. Compare that with just about any Uni in the UK!! What I did see was lots of privileged 18-21 year olds driving ENORMOUS 4x4's But then at under 25p per litre for unleaded what is there to stop them?