Briski cyclists?!

[Richard A Thackeray]

Not my tyres,

but a friend in Norway is putting them on his Commuting bike this morning.

 

You can get Schwalbe studed tyres over here, but in limited (wide-ish) sizes

http://www.spacycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m2b6s142p1942&tbv=SCHWALBE_Marathon_Winter_PARTS_&_ACCESSORIES_Tyres_-_Touring

I have a pair of Inov-8 shoes, sold as Orienteering shoes, but I use them for winter fell-races, these have tungsten carbide studs & are great in the ice

(mine are a different colour)

http://www.sportsshoes.com/product/ino260/inov~8-oroc-340-trail-running-shoes-(precision-fit)-~-aw14/

 

110 out of 230 sounds very good to me but then I'm not very competitive, sorry to hear about the damage to the heel - is it going to take a while to get better?

 

9 out of 19 also sounds good to me!

 

I had a go at the CX race at the weekend, after a lot of callouts at work both early and late over the last few days I was in no fit state for it, the weather was terrible but I thought why not since it's local and rolled up in 4in fat bike amongst the skinny little CX bikes and riders in team colours.  The course was in terrible condition as it had been badly waterlogged the previous few days and my race was the last one so it was well churned up and perfect for the fat bike which just ploughed on through most of the mud. Just getting ready for the Strathpuffer 24 hour MTB now this weekend :S

 

I was going to try three cameras but didn't have time to get the rear one fitted as planned on the seat stays but there was so much mud there it would have been a waste of time, the helmet camera slipped too far forward but worked not badly when embedded within the main one:

 

 

16th out of 17th which I was actually pleased with as my target was just to finish the race so not to get last (I lapped the 17th place rider who had a shiny FS bike, (no mechanical)

 

John

Thanks, but had been hoping for a top 60-ish placing, but that alteration to the course put paid to that

Oh well, always this year, for another crack at it

Heel may be another month or so

A friend has a 'fat-bike', & I had a look at one down at 'Planet X' a couple of weeks ago (the Barnsley store)

http://www.planetx.co.uk/c/q/bikes/mountain-bikes

Though, their road-bike attracted me more..........

 

 

Looks good. A nice amount of CX bikes there

There generally is, as the race is well-known amongst Yorkshire (& east Lancashire) riders, with some of the top local names appearing some years

I've been there in the past, when the Brownlees have stood on the start-line, Rob Jebb (who's won the '3P CX' 11 times, & the '3P FR' 4 times) also lines up

CX bikes are generally better (disc-brakes have evened it up now), as they're easier to carry on the bad sections, have closer gearing (no big steps), narrower tyres cut through the mud

 

[stever750]

Ugh. ridden about 5 hours in the last 3 months, really **** year last year with illness and then a lorry ran me over. I bought a new TT bike in September, so I have had to force myself back onto the turbo, jeez, it's hard, despite Dryathlon assistance! Still, got a week in Majorca in April, Tour of Pembroke, and Carten 100 sorted for training miles!

[Richard A Thackeray]

Matt
This race wasn't too far from you, to maybe follow round (partially on the bike), & it's a lot harder than it should be
That start up High Bank Lane(?) is too shallow to drop people, but too 'flat' to spread them out either

I ran it in 2012; 36th/94 @ 30:16


 http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races.php?id=3490
  http://pfrac.co.uk/club-races/thurlstone-chase/
 

 

http://www.walkjogrun.net/routes/current_route.cfm?rid=BD08E662-E4C2-70EE-2C25440C3C8EAC71
 

Mindst you, this one is far more fun!!!  (ran it twice)
You run higher than the top of Ewden Heights, & end up by the Trip-point, looking down at the road, then it's all down from t-h-e-r-e..........................


 

[Dan314]

First ride since November today, it was harder than it usually is, I need to work on my fitness! Good fun in the snow though. 

 

 

Llandegla in the snow

[Richard A Thackeray]

 

Mindst you, this one is far more fun!!!  (ran it twice)

You run higher than the top of Ewden Heights, & end up by the Trip-point, looking down at the road, then it's all down from t-h-e-r-e..........................

 

Didn't add the link

'Broomhead' Chase, from Broomhead Hall, off Mortimer Road

http://pfrac.co.uk/club-races/broomhead-chase/

 

[matt_theforce]

Matt

This race wasn't too far from you, to maybe follow round (partially on the bike), & it's a lot harder than it should be

That start up High Bank Lane(?) is too shallow to drop people, but too 'flat' to spread them out either

I ran it in 2012; 36th/94 @ 30:16

 http://www.fellrunner.org.uk/races.php?id=3490

  http://pfrac.co.uk/club-races/thurlstone-chase/

 

 

http://www.walkjogrun.net/routes/current_route.cfm?rid=BD08E662-E4C2-70EE-2C25440C3C8EAC71

 

Mindst you, this one is far more fun!!!  (ran it twice)

You run higher than the top of Ewden Heights, & end up by the Trip-point, looking down at the road, then it's all down from t-h-e-r-e..........................

 

Thurlstone Chase, right on my door step, If I'm going out for an off road ride I either start or finish with High Bank Lane, its great to get warmed up on when climbing and fantastic for a fast desent too

It's a shame the Thurlstone Chase doesn't go down Annat Royd Lane and then turn right down the Bridleway to the caravan park, then right again as that brings you back onto Ingbirchworth Lane, probably an extra 1/2 - 3/4 mile but on the plus side there are some fantastic views that way

[Norco]

First ride since November today, it was harder than it usually is, I need to work on my fitness! Good fun in the snow though. 

 

Love Llandegla, probably one of the best outside of Scotland.

[Gaz]

Ermaghaad, I am so unfit 

 

I haven't cycled for a few months now.  So much pressure at work and so much paperwork that it became very sedentary and I'd often sit down at 8am and not get up again until 3pm.  Exhausted by the time I got home and too tired to go out (yes I know if I just went out it'd improve).  Long story short I started to notice some ankle swelling at the end of my work day, and didn't like the effect my job was having on my health.  So I jacked it in just before Christmas.  Having worked without a break in employment for 34 years, it was a big step to take.

 

Anyhoos, I've started a regime of daily bike rides.  The first week I was getting out of breath after two miles   which just goes to show how quickly you (I) lose muscle strength.  I'm now up to eight to ten miles a day (one ride) according to which route I take (and how windy it is  ), so I'm heading in the right direction.

 

Got a puncture six miles from home yesterday, which was a useful reminder to be prepared in future  :wonder:  I might get some more puncture resistant tyres.

 

I'd almost forgotten how much I enjoy getting out on a bike.  I've no excuses as I live about 1/4 mile away from the Cuckoo Trail (about 11 miles of pedestrians and horse poo).

 

Gaz

[matt_theforce]

I didn't realise there were so many trails around Eastbourne. My grandparents used to live in Polegate(sadly both passed away) & my Auntie & Uncle live in Hailsham but I havent been down there for the best part of 10years. I really fancy cycling the South Downs Way one year, it looks like a great challenge (just need to find someone daft enough todo it with)

[samj2013]

Love Llandegla, probably one of the best outside of Scotland.

I disagree massively! But to each their own.

[Norco]

I disagree massively! But to each their own.

True tried the North Face Trail nearby and disappointed. Dalby Forest is my local and its good but prefer Llandegla. Cowed Brennin is also good.

[samj2013]

True tried the North Face Trail nearby and disappointed. Dalby Forest is my local and its good but prefer Llandegla. Coed Y Brenin is also good.

Fixed that for you

Coed Y Brenin is loads better, can't say I've been to Grizedale though. Degla is alright, can't say I'm overly fussed though.

[samj2013]

Sold the Saracen CX bike the other day to pay bills :( ah well, I'm earning again now so won't be too long until another is on the cards, hopefully.

Spent the evening stripping the mtb today for a big service. She's been knocking a bit for a while and haven't had time to sort it until now, so figured I would give some attention to a few other little niggles that need sorting.

Job 1 - change pivot bearings - done!

Job 2 - bleed brakes, this has needed doing for a while now

Job 3 - service reverb, again needed doing for a little while

Job 4 - general once over, clean and lube, new cables etc.

Job 5 - maybe a suspension service, not decided yet.

She's had a lot of abuse for a bike that's only 8 months old and certainly shows it, but has handled it all like a champ, should handle a lot more with a freshen up!

The most bits she's been in since I've owned her!

Edited 21 January, 2015 by samj2013

[pip_vrs]

What do people do when its freezing? I mean clothing wise. I went out the other night on my road bike and after 7 miles i could barely breath my throat was that cold.

I was really windy and about 0*C.

Once going i soon warmed up but the wind/cold wasnt pleasent.

Do i just need to man up? Lol

[samj2013]

A bit. Get a buff/snood.

I just stick more layers on. I do find road cycling makes me a lot colder than mtbing, as you're more exposed and travelling faster.

[Gaz]

What do people do when its freezing? I mean clothing wise. I went out the other night on my road bike and after 7 miles i could barely breath my throat was that cold.

I was really windy and about 0*C.

Once going i soon warmed up but the wind/cold wasnt pleasent.

Do i just need to man up? Lol

 

Layers. And a chuffing big coat.

 

I warm up very quickly at the moment.  Did ten miles yesterday all between 0c and 3c.  The last 5 miles were in to sleety rain.

 

I have waterproof's but find I condensate inside them more than wearing a big coat.  Yesterday was a big coat day.  The coat kept me dry inside so my core was warm.  However my jeans and footwear were soaked through and not far from home the sleet was really beginning to sting my thighs.  Couldn't feel my hands to get the keys to my garage out - can't get gloves that fit me.

 

It's not raining today, so I'll be wearing a tee shirt, thin (but good) fleece and windproof (but breathable) jacket.  in through the nose and out through the mouth breathing does help with the cold air.  Clears my sinuses too!

 

Gaz

[matt_theforce]

when its -2c - 3c I'll wear my altura nightvision gloves http://www.cyclesense.co.uk/m3b6s60p11688/ALTURA-Night-Vision-Glove-2013/PRINTMODE

colder than -2c I'll wear http://www.evanscycles.com/products/sealskinz/winter-cycle-glove-ec067299

Jacket is worn from 4c down  Altura http://www.evanscycles.com/products/altura/night-vision-jacket-ec050172

Winter bibs worn same as my jacket http://www.decathlon.co.uk/700-membrane-cycling-bib-tights-black-id_8282699.html#avantages

Base Layer worn same as my jacket http://www.decathlon.co.uk/techwool-50-ls-t-shirt-id_8316089.html

Socks worn same as my jacket http://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-winter-cycling-socks-twin-pack-black-blue-id_8315734.html

Boots worn same as my jacket http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-mw81-gore-tex-winter-spd-boots-2015/rp-prod66829

If its raining I'll wear some overshoes too http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/shimano-asphalt-h2o-overshoes/rp-prod121302

 

If the temperature drops I also carry x2 cheap buffs (from cycling magazines), I also have a couple of Lidl's skull caps which are excellent

 

That's my commuting wardrobe and commute 17miles on the road each way, leaving home at 5am and setting off home at 7pm all year round, I do vary my routes and regulate my speed to keep myself warm, when cycling up/down hills your body can go from warm to freezing very quickly.

 

Matthew

[Richard A Thackeray]

I've got a couple of pairs of (Roubaix) Club bib-tights, plus pairs of the Altura 'Night-Vision' (& odd others)
https://scontent-b-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xap1/t31.0-8/10474870_10204866862943641_999650074883411311_o.jpg

 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204796394261968&set=a.10203514434093765.1073741844.1601508436&type=3&theater
 

I'll wear a wicking t-shirt (plenty of running ones), with an old club-jersey over the top, then a jacket; be it one of the couple that I bought at 'Planet X', the other week(Worsbrough shop)https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204866862903640&set=a.10203514434093765.1073741844.1601508436&type=3&theatre

Overshoes, over my Sidis (wear MTB/CX shoes & SPDs for commuting - only logical choice)

I've not worn them yet, as it's not been cold enough, but one of my collegues gave me a pair of the 'Planet X' lobster gloves
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/PXLGWL/planet-x-100-waterproof-crab-hand-winter-glove

 

 

However...........

 

If I'm running to work, I'll still sometimes be in shorts, even in December!

Combined, with a long sleeve t-shirt (Helly Hanson, or similar), I'm warm enough, with a gilet & buff

There's still LOTS of fell-runners (male & female), who will have been out at the weekend (at the race I should have been running) in just vest & shorts!!!!
I can get away with a t-shirt, under the club vest, but not much less

This was Haworth, on Sunday (18th), the 'Stanbury Splash' (alterered route)

https://plus.google.com/photos/110439573756197443848/albums/6106105587423858193?banner=pwa



 

 

Edit @ 14:32

I want to go to the Decathlon store. fpr a look around, but it seems to be in an odd position
Granted the rents may be a lot lower than other parts of Sheffield??

I am surprised, however, that they've not opened a store in/around Leeds ('Xscape' near jct 32/M62 springs to mind)
I am on annual-leave all next week, so perhaps.............


 

 

Edited 21 January, 2015 by Richard A Thackeray

[samj2013]

Layers. And a chuffing big coat.

 

I warm up very quickly at the moment.  Did ten miles yesterday all between 0c and 3c.  The last 5 miles were in to sleety rain.

 

I have waterproof's but find I condensate inside them more than wearing a big coat.  Yesterday was a big coat day.  The coat kept me dry inside so my core was warm.  However my jeans and footwear were soaked through and not far from home the sleet was really beginning to sting my thighs.  Couldn't feel my hands to get the keys to my garage out - can't get gloves that fit me.

 

It's not raining today, so I'll be wearing a tee shirt, thin (but good) fleece and windproof (but breathable) jacket.  in through the nose and out through the mouth breathing does help with the cold air.  Clears my sinuses too!

 

Gaz

Why were you wearing jeans?!

[Gaz]

Why were you wearing jeans?!

 

I'm not a dedicated enough cyclist any more to have all the pucker gear, and strangely enough I'm quite comfortable cycling in jeans.  I did a 40 mile charity ride last year, in jeans, and was quite surprised at the number of people on very expensive bikes with very expensive looking clothing. It was a leisurely ride and not a race.  I think having B17 saddles (comfort is important to me) makes jeans slip easy.

 

I haven't looked recently, but a few years ago I gave up trying to find legwear that I liked which also catered for my 36" inside leg.  Size 14 feet was also problematic, although things seem to be getting easier of late.

 

I also have a pronounced physical disability and the difference in muscle mass between my left and right sides is considerable.  Even now, older and belligerent as I am, anything tight-ish fitting, which draws attention to this is a no-no for me.

 

Anyway, as we all know, 'The word is Levi's'  :sun:

 

Gaz

[samj2013]

I'm not a dedicated enough cyclist any more to have all the pucker gear, and strangely enough I'm quite comfortable cycling in jeans.  I did a 40 mile charity ride last year, in jeans, and was quite surprised at the number of people on very expensive bikes with very expensive looking clothing. It was a leisurely ride and not a race.  I think having B17 saddles (comfort is important to me) makes jeans slip easy.

 

I haven't looked recently, but a few years ago I gave up trying to find legwear that I liked which also catered for my 36" inside leg.  Size 14 feet was also problematic, although things seem to be getting easier of late.

 

I also have a pronounced physical disability and the difference in muscle mass between my left and right sides is considerable.  Even now, older and belligerent as I am, anything tight-ish fitting, which draws attention to this is a no-no for me.

 

Anyway, as we all know, 'The word is Levi's'  :sun:

 

Gaz

Fair enough. Reason I asked was because in the sort of weather that british winters (and summers) throw our way, jeans will get soaked through and freezing cold very quickly. I find that tights help keep my legs warm, even when wet. But they're not for everyone, as you say. I hate cycling in jeans!

[matt_theforce]

 I think having B17 saddles (comfort is important to me) makes jeans slip easy.

 

 

I also have a pronounced physical disability and the difference in muscle mass between my left and right sides is considerable.  

 

Anyway, as we all know, 'The word is Levi's'  :sun:

 

Gaz

 

I've got a B17 saddle to, I really should dig it out and use it again.

 

I too have a large difference in size of calf muscles, my right muscle is over 3" larger in circumference

[stever750]

What do people do when its freezing? I mean clothing wise. I went out the other night on my road bike and after 7 miles i could barely breath my throat was that cold.

I was really windy and about 0*C.

Once going i soon warmed up but the wind/cold wasnt pleasent.

Do i just need to man up? Lol

Rule #5, come on man!

 

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

[Richard A Thackeray]

And, of course, the route for the Yorkshire Tour has been released today (includes full maps - zoomable)
 

 

http://letour.yorkshire.com/

 

What do people do when its freezing? I mean clothing wise. I went out the other night on my road bike and after 7 miles i could barely breath my throat was that cold.
I was really windy and about 0*C.
Once going i soon warmed up but the wind/cold wasnt pleasent.

Do i just need to man up? Lol

Just have 2 thoughts........

1. 'What Would Eddy Merckx Do?'

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. "Shut Up Legs!" (as Jens Voight, would say)

 

 

[Gaz]

I've got a B17 saddle to, I really should dig it out and use it again.

 

I too have a large difference in size of calf muscles, my right muscle is over 3" larger in circumference

 

At my local bike shops, they shake their heads about my three B17's, but I really like the way they shape to you.  Have had other saddles and tried many more, but I've found what I like.

 

Interestingly I've just got the tape measure out: Left calf 17", right calf 14". Whadd'ya know! 

 

 

....jeans will get soaked through and freezing cold very quickly.

 

 

Yep, couldn't agree more.  Hard to get off at that point too.  Totally unsuited to riding at this time of year  :no:

 

Gaz