The Cycling Chat Thread

[DJWrongspeed]

Spent a week cycling in the Vercors Plateau nr Grenoble. Bit stupid really given all the quarantine rules changing but made it back oK.

Col du Rousset. 20km climb, not particularly steep but with a strong northerly wind that day I struggled far more than other long Alpine climbs.

Great region if you like to spend a few days cycling in sun on empty smooth roads with epic scenery. There are plenty of easy rides in the Isère valley if you're fed up with the climbing too. Plus you can get the train there all the way either changing at Paris or Lille.

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

Spent a week cycling in the Vercors Plateau nr Grenoble. Bit stupid really given all the quarantine rules changing but made it back oK.

Col du Rousset. 20km climb, not particularly steep but with a strong northerly wind that day I struggled far more than other long Alpine climbs.

Great region if you like to spend a few days cycling in sun on empty smooth roads with epic scenery. There are plenty of easy rides in the Isère valley if you're fed up with the climbing too. Plus you can get the train there all the way either changing at Paris or Lille.
View attachment 226847

Looks shit. Not jealous in any way shape or form. No. Not at all.

 

[mauvais]

Mech hangers came through today, fitted it all back together aaaand... the mech is bent.

Got a new one coming tomorrow but it means setting it up from scratch and on past experience I hate this job. LBS is busy/on holiday but I might call on a friendly mobile mechanic if DIY turns out to be a ballache too far.

However I did learn today that modern Shimano stuff is actually serviceable, with a manual and everything. In the past I'm pretty sure their mechs just went in the bin. So I might buy new plates for the cage and see if it can be rendered good as a spare.

 

[Cid]

Rear mech shouldn’t be too bad... fit, set limit screws, index.

 

[Sweet FA]

I've foolishly arranged to go on a couple of days ride with a friend next week. Basically the Kennet & Avon route but starting in Maidenhead rather than Reading. Having not been on my bike for 5 weeks (holiday & subsequent isolation) and never having ridden more than 20 miles ever, I'm pretty sure I'm physically prepared.

I'm getting the MTB road ready by putting road tyres and a rack on it plus it's getting the gears sorted properly. I've got padded shorts and panniers.

What else do I need? Should I get bar ends so I can have a different riding position?

 

[Cid]

I've foolishly arranged to go on a couple of days ride with a friend next week. Basically the Kennet & Avon route but starting in Maidenhead rather than Reading. Having not been on my bike for 5 weeks (holiday & subsequent isolation) and never having ridden more than 20 miles ever, I'm pretty sure I'm physically prepared.

I'm getting the MTB road ready by putting road tyres and a rack on it plus it's getting the gears sorted properly. I've got padded shorts and panniers.

What else do I need? Should I get bar ends so I can have a different riding position?

How far is it? Going both ways?

On the road repair stuff - tire levers, inner tubes, puncture kit (yes inner tubes and puncture kit), Allen keys, pump. Chain tool and quick link. Few cable ties might come in handy. Sun cream, lightweight waterproof. Make sure you have plenty of water capacity. Lights, emergency food (high carb - chocolate, sweets etc, plenty of it). chamois cream. For stuff like that and sun cream you can decant into small plastic bottles if you have any, to save on weight/space.

 

[nick]

fingerless gloves

 

[Sweet FA]

How far is it? Going both ways?

Christ no c.95 miles.

On the road repair stuff - tire levers, inner tubes, puncture kit (yes inner tubes and puncture kit), Allen keys, pump. Chain tool and quick link. Few cable ties might come in handy. Sun cream, lightweight waterproof. Make sure you have plenty of water capacity. Lights, emergency food (high carb - chocolate, sweets etc, plenty of it). chamois cream. For stuff like that and sun cream you can decant into small plastic bottles if you have any, to save on weight/space.

Thanks...adding to my list. I had never heard of chamois cream until now.

fingerless gloves

Good shout.

 

[Badgers]

Might interst some

The Big Bike Revival: Pop up repair service | Cycling UK

www.cyclinguk.org

The scheme, funded by the Department of Transport, aims to ensure that everyone who has been inspired by seeing more people out and about on two wheels in the streets and paths where they live has the chance to experience the joy of cycling, confident in the knowledge that their newly checked bike won’t let them down.

The trained mechanics will be able to spend a maximum of 30 minutes per bike and carry out a full safety check and some minor repairs. If your bike requires more substantial repairs, they will be able to signpost you to the nearest independent bike shop participating in the Government’s £50 Repair Voucher scheme.

 

[Sweet FA]

Well that was a lark. Quite hard work in places but the weather was fantastic, scenery beautiful and had some adventures on the way.

Only fell off once due to getting foot stuck in the clips (luckily an audience-free, gentle topple onto a grassy verge).

 

[DJWrongspeed]

Launched recently. King Alfred's Way

220 miles of on road/off road cycling

 

[Badgers]

Sorted

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

Launched recently. King Alfred's Way

220 miles of on road/off road cycling

This is very cool. The bit near me (North Downs Way & Thursley) is already a bridlepath and part of the Cycle Surrey Hills route, but now it joins up with others to allow you to go off road all the way to Avebury. The ultimate aim is for an off road route from John O’Groats to Land’s End, with a link on to King Alfred’s way which would then take you to Dover. Most of it would be OK on a gravel bike, an mtb is needed to do it all though.

 

[Badgers]

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

View attachment 228764

I see Spymaster's released his election manifesto early.

 

[beesonthewhatnow]

I’ve not had a puncture for a very long time. Just realised I’ve forgotten to swap my mini pump back onto my commuter bike.

Today’s going to be the day, isn’t it?

 

[sovereignb]

Where's that final sculpture? Chase nature reserve is one of my favourite walking spots.

In case you were still wondering, I returned yesterday and its in Beam Country Park.

 

[maomao]

In case you were still wondering, I returned yesterday and its in Beam Country Park.

I was actually. No wonder I didn't know it, it's miles away.

Though I made it down almost that far today. Think I did about 12-13 miles. Will have to start using Strava rather than guessing. Starting to get a bit of confidence back though still very wary of traffic. Today I have been shouted at for riding in a bike lane and overtaken directly in front of one of those maximum width things so possibly right to be wary.

The commuter style helmet I had is so shit I've stopped wearing it and ordered another one. Actually felt a lot safer without that thing slipping over my eyes and stopping me from looking behind me. Consequantly I enjoyed my ride a lot today.

I have ordered some dangerous looking 90s style brake lever extensions and when they get here I'm going to butcher another 4-5cm off the handlebars.

 

[Leafster]

I was actually. No wonder I didn't know it, it's miles away.

Though I made it down almost that far today. Think I did about 12-13 miles. Will have to start using Strava rather than guessing. Starting to get a bit of confidence back though still very wary of traffic. Today I have been shouted at for riding in a bike lane and overtaken directly in front of one of those maximum width things so possibly right to be wary.

The commuter style helmet I had is so shit I've stopped wearing it and ordered another one. Actually felt a lot safer without that thing slipping over my eyes and stopping me from looking behind me. Consequantly I enjoyed my ride a lot today.

I have ordered some dangerous looking 90s style brake lever extensions and when they get here I'm going to butcher another 4-5cm off the handlebars.

I'm pleased with Strava. It's certainly a good way of keeping track of my mileage and improvements in stamina and speed. However, I'm a little surprised when look at the "leader boards" for some of the segments. The speeds some of the riders get up to on shared narrow pathways is staggering!

I'm still very wary of traffic too. I managed to cycle through the centre of a nearby town at the weekend which has boosted my confidence a bit but most of that was on cycle paths.

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

This is very cool. The bit near me (North Downs Way & Thursley) is already a bridlepath and part of the Cycle Surrey Hills route, but now it joins up with others to allow you to go off road all the way to Avebury. The ultimate aim is for an off road route from John O’Groats to Land’s End, with a link on to King Alfred’s way which would then take you to Dover. Most of it would be OK on a gravel bike, an mtb is needed to do it all though.

Proposed off-road route:

 

[Cid]

Proposed off-road route:

View attachment 228981

Man that would be good. Always wanted to cycle all the way up to the west coast, specifically Achiltibuie/Achnahaird. And maybe onward to the islands.

I realise that doesn't go to the west coast, but I'm going to hazard a guess that the roads between Lairg and Ullapool are not that busy.

 

[Bahnhof Strasse]

Man that would be good. Always wanted to cycle all the way up to the west coast, specifically Achiltibuie/Achnahaird. And maybe onward to the islands.

I realise that doesn't go to the west coast, but I'm going to hazard a guess that the roads between Lairg and Ullapool are not that busy.

Obviously not all of it is going to be bridlepaths, but the tarmac that it will use will be very quiet, in the same way the North Downs Way is now. Would be a hell of a thing if they can pull it off.

 

[sovereignb]

I was actually. No wonder I didn't know it, it's miles away.

Though I made it down almost that far today. Think I did about 12-13 miles. Will have to start using Strava rather than guessing. Starting to get a bit of confidence back though still very wary of traffic. Today I have been shouted at for riding in a bike lane and overtaken directly in front of one of those maximum width things so possibly right to be wary.

The commuter style helmet I had is so shit I've stopped wearing it and ordered another one. Actually felt a lot safer without that thing slipping over my eyes and stopping me from looking behind me. Consequantly I enjoyed my ride a lot today.

I have ordered some dangerous looking 90s style brake lever extensions and when they get here I'm going to butcher another 4-5cm off the handlebars.

Since you seem to know Chase Nature reserve, i thought you'd know this...they are very close! Have I got the name wrong?

 

[sovereignb]

I'm pleased with Strava. It's certainly a good way of keeping track of my mileage and improvements in stamina and speed. However, I'm a little surprised when look at the "leader boards" for some of the segments. The speeds some of the riders get up to on shared narrow pathways is staggering!

I'm still very wary of traffic too. I managed to cycle through the centre of a nearby town at the weekend which has boosted my confidence a bit but most of that was on cycle paths.

I'm pleased with Strava. It's certainly a good way of keeping track of my mileage and improvements in stamina and speed. However, I'm a little surprised when look at the "leader boards" for some of the segments. The speeds some of the riders get up to on shared narrow pathways is staggering!

I'm still very wary of traffic too. I managed to cycle through the centre of a nearby town at the weekend which has boosted my confidence a bit but most of that was on cycle paths.

Are you a driver by any chance? I feel my experience in cars has made me very confident on the roads, possibly too confident.

 

[maomao]

Since you seem to know Chase Nature reserve, i thought you'd know this...they are very close! Have I got the name wrong?

No, not at all. I just didn't have a bike till recently and it's not really walking distance. I live north of Romford. Did you cycle all the way up the river Beam then? I'm trying to work out if it's rideable on a road bike. I hadn't actually realised I was that close to the Thames.

 

[sleaterkinney]

I was up around Inverness last week, you could do the great glen way but the roads south of Loch Ness are much nicer. Lovely Glens and countryside. Scottish drivers are way more civil than down here.

 

[Leafster]

Are you a driver by any chance? I feel my experience in cars has made me very confident on the roads, possibly too confident.

Yes, I’m a driver. Driving in traffic isn’t a problem. The issue with being on bike is being more vulnerable.

 

[Artaxerxes]

Proposed off-road route:

View attachment 228981

Nothing in Essex

 

[sovereignb]

No, not at all. I just didn't have a bike till recently and it's not really walking distance. I live north of Romford. Did you cycle all the way up the river Beam then? I'm trying to work out if it's rideable on a road bike. I hadn't actually realised I was that close to the Thames.

Na...took the train down to Dagenham from Woolwich and cycled from there. Guessing if you got stamina it would be bearable from Romford. I did end up cycling on the A12 on my return home so id guess its a pretty straight route.

I think a cycle up Lea Valley to Enfield is next for me. Despite missing driving, genuinely loving discovering this side of London (and eventually UK).

 

[waxoyl]

Just been for a nice run out.found a friendly a decent coffee stop.
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