Okay so I am signed up to another charity bike ride to Hamm in Germany and back again.
Sunday 27th November was the first actual training ride and a special occasion as both the Leisure group and the Sports Group were meeting up at Guiseley station. We had had a social get together a few days before when we went to an Indian restaurant but when everyone turns up in Lycra, waterproofs, helmets and glasses you can't recognise who they all are.
When the excuses had come in (Deano you know who you are) for those who couldn't make it. We all mounted our steeds and the Sports group disappeared into the mist (proverbially).
I set off at the front of the pack but as soon as an incline appeared the pack slowly overtook me until Richard and I were at the back. Richard is the support rider so at the back by choice.
I've got to say that the weather was not the best. It was blowing a hoolie and was hard going so I was at a disadvantage as I am a big lass so there is more to blow about!
Up the first steepish hill Sean had bike trouble so I was no longer at the back. We had a rest at the top and waited until they caught up. Then we all trucked off again towards Bolton Abbey and the Cavendish Pavilion. A nice hot cuppa and a scone or a cake and then we set off for the return journey.
All was going well when we started the steepish climb up a hill that always creases me. Sean again had a problem with his bike and I wasn't therefore last to the top of the hill.
We waited around for a while but then Mike told us to go on as we were getting cold. We set off again without Mike and Richard and eventually bumped into some of the Sports group who had returned without the rest of the group. Someone had bike trouble hence they were stopped. Again I took the decision to carry on but I noticed there weren't many people following me. When I got to the bridge over the river I waited and most them caught up with me there. We then pedalled off in the direction of Burley in Wharfdale where we started the long climb up to Menston. Ok I was at the back again but I didn't need to stop so that was a bonus.
Back to Guiseley and everyone seemed in good spirits.
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cycling. Show all posts
Monday, 12 December 2011
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Sunday 12th June
Was up early this morning again. Peter and Isobel were going whitewater rafting again and I was going on a training ride.
As Peter needed the car I had sent a text to a friend who is our support rider, asking for a lift. Richard and his partner Jan and Richard's daughter turned up spot on time. Jan is our support driver. Becky was along for the ride.
It was a lovely sunny morning and I was looking forward to the ride. Only four of us turned out despite the fact that it was supposed to be the last 'dress rehearsal' before the actual ride. There was Richard and myself and the two boys we are supporting, Neil and David. Mike our long suffering leader was suffering from a dislocated toe which he tells us he did on the beach on holiday!
However the first hill we came to I felt like my legs were empty. Don't know if it was the aftermath of the shock of yesterday or what but I struggled up and then my chain fell off (for the second time today).
We got to Bolton Abbey in really good time and met up with Mike, Jan and Becky. A cup of coffee, a scone and a chat and we were off back again. By this time the sky had clouded over. I set off leading the group so that we kept the pace down to a reasonable level.
When we got to a fairly protracted hill I told the lads to overtake me as it was evident that I was going to be slower than them. I started losing ground after that and knew my muscles weren't playing ball with me. When we met up with the support crew again it was pouring with rain. I decided to bail out of the ride then, one, for myself and two, so that I didn't hold them up in the rain. Twenty miles done.
The lads did well and got back safely.
I got home and had a bath and felt better for it.
As Peter needed the car I had sent a text to a friend who is our support rider, asking for a lift. Richard and his partner Jan and Richard's daughter turned up spot on time. Jan is our support driver. Becky was along for the ride.
It was a lovely sunny morning and I was looking forward to the ride. Only four of us turned out despite the fact that it was supposed to be the last 'dress rehearsal' before the actual ride. There was Richard and myself and the two boys we are supporting, Neil and David. Mike our long suffering leader was suffering from a dislocated toe which he tells us he did on the beach on holiday!
However the first hill we came to I felt like my legs were empty. Don't know if it was the aftermath of the shock of yesterday or what but I struggled up and then my chain fell off (for the second time today).
We got to Bolton Abbey in really good time and met up with Mike, Jan and Becky. A cup of coffee, a scone and a chat and we were off back again. By this time the sky had clouded over. I set off leading the group so that we kept the pace down to a reasonable level.
When we got to a fairly protracted hill I told the lads to overtake me as it was evident that I was going to be slower than them. I started losing ground after that and knew my muscles weren't playing ball with me. When we met up with the support crew again it was pouring with rain. I decided to bail out of the ride then, one, for myself and two, so that I didn't hold them up in the rain. Twenty miles done.
The lads did well and got back safely.
I got home and had a bath and felt better for it.
Sunday, 5 September 2010
Catch up!
I have been very sporadic where exercise is concerned for the last few weeks. Loads of things can be used as excuses but nothing serious so it's history.
A few weeks ago Peter, Isobel and myself decided to start walking the Calder and Hebble Navigation from it's beginning in Wakefield. Peter is still suffering with his back (slipped disc back in Feb) so we weren't going for a long walk.
We arrived at where we thought the start point was but couldn't find it. We found the river which the canal dips in and out of along the way but it took us a couple of miles of walking around Wakefield to actually find the canal. It was an inauspicious start as we had to walk down an industrial estate and climb over a bridge that spanned a wall. The path was very narrow and hardly looked like a path at all.
Fairly soon the path widened a bit and there were tons of big, beautiful blackberries just waiting to be picked. What a shame we hadn't taken anything with us that we could put them in.
We wandered on a bit further and came across a small pear tree. Again this was absolutely loaded with fruit but they were unripe. The branches were bending with the weight of them already though.
A little further along we came across a tree with yellow fruit on which we weren't sure about to begin with but them I realised they were yellow plums. We picked a few and ate them and they were sweet and juicy. Again there were loads of fruit on the tree. This was turning into a food trail.
The next thing we came across was a red plum tree. We tried them but they were quite sour but yet again there was a lot of fruit on the tree. There was another red plum tree further up.
We had walked about two miles along the canal and were surprised and delighted by the amount of free food that was available in such a short distance. We really enjoyed our little walk and the dogs did too. We will be following more of this canal when time permits.
Last Monday was a bank holiday so we went up to North Yorkshire with the canoes. There was a bit more water in the river this time but still not a lot. We just played in the water at the bottom mainly and did a bit of surfing on the small weirs. It's all good for exercise and practice.
Yesterday my friend rang me and asked if I fancied a short cycle ride on the Greenway today. I jumped at the chance.
When I got to her house I found there were going to be four of us in all and possible a fifth person too. Three of us had cycled to Hamm in Germany and back two years ago and the other lad was a mate of Graham's (there was Nin, Graham, Adam and myself). The other person didn't turn up. We cycled from Nin's house to the Greenway which isn't far away. Then we went the full length of the Greenway.
The Greenway has been closed for the best part of a year in parts due to a massive great new sewer pipe being put in. This is the first time I have been down it since it re-opened. A lot of the trees and shrubbery have been removed due to the scale of the work that has gone on.
Nin and Graham were quite speedy right from the start but Adam is an inexperienced cyclist and was lagging even behind me. The outward journey is gently downhill and very pleasant. It passes through urban, suburban and rural areas and is used by cyclists, walkers and horseriders (and the occasional skater and skier).
At the end of the Greenway is where the river joins with the canal and we had a short rest here before starting the return journey. This is when Nin and Graham seemed to take off and I felt sorry for Adam and used it as an excuse to ride more steadily with him. The other two waited for us further up the track and we carried on up the rest of the way. At the top we had a choice of routes via road. Whichever way we were to go it would be uphill. we eventually arrived back at Nin's house where her husband had laid on sandwiches, crisps, pork pie, iced water and coffee.
Adam's nether regions and legs were killing him, Graham's back was playing up and by the time I had cycled up another long hill to get home my quads were aching but at least I am back into the exercise and hopefully I will get back to losing a few pounds along the way.
Saturday, 19 June 2010
The good , the bad and the ugly (well not the ugly bit)
I've been a bit remiss at posting again!
Saturday June 12th
Isobel and I got up early and went to a car boot sale at Bramhope. It wasn't as big as we had expected so we didn'tbuy much. Isobel got a denim printed sleeping bag in really good condition for £2 and some pink hair spray for 20p. I got some pinking shears for £1.
On the way back we went into Otley and had a tootle round the charity shops there. We were talking about a friend called Gemma when not 10 minutes had passed and we bumped into her. She doesn't live anywhere near there so this was totally unexpected. Only things we bought there were for Isobel, a pair of denim shorts and a pair of board shorts.
We got home, got changed and sorted out our gear and went canoeing at Pugney's lake with the club. It was a lovely sunny day so there was a big turnout. Isobel played the game where you get out of the canoe and walk along a raft of other canoes, yes, she fell in! We really enjoyed ourselves today and it must have done the arms and core muscles good as we did plenty of actual paddling.
Sunday 13th June
Got up early and went for a run on Tong St. Did 49 minutes of r2.5/w1 minute. Didn't feel too bad either.
Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th June
Both work days so the only exercise I did was walking 10 minutes to and from the car.
Wednesday 16th June
Lovely sunny day so after getting up at some unearthly hour by accident (I thought it was an hour later than it really was) I took the dogs out for a walk. You can't sneak out with Bear as he barks very loudly as soon as he knows and even out on the street. We were out for 6.25am and had a lovely walk and it was so warm.
Decided that I was going for a bike ride today. Took the mountain bike on the back of the car down to Apperley Bridge and joined the Leeds Liverpool canal there. It was such a lovely morning that I felt really happy. Most other people seemed in a good mood too.
I felt good physically as well. I wasn't struggling at all and it was lovely to see the swans with their cygnets and the geese with their goslings. Disn't see many ducklings though.
I went as far as what I call Kildwick (not sure if it is or not but it is 12.1 miles from Apperley Bridge. Stopped at my usual spot by a bridge and found two ladies sat there. They were walkers and we had a rather nice chat.
We said our goodbyes and I set off back again. This time I stopped at the Five Rise Locks cafe and had a coffee and a piece of strawberry shortcake (well I needed to fuel up!) before completing my journey back at Apperley Bridge. What a fabulous day.
Thursday 17th June
After taking Isobel to school I took Evie to the Spen Valley Greenway for a run. Decided to move it up a notch and do R3/W1. It was a hot day and Evie struggled a bit poor little dog, she is about 11 years old and a bit rotund although she is losing it a bit now.
Despite the heat we managed 50 minutes of this so I was really pleased with that. When I got back Peter had already walked Bear.
Usually a busy day exercise wise for me but today Peter wanted me to go to the property auctions with him. We had put in an offer on a house in Birkenshaw but they told us to go to the auction. We did all the necessary registration etc and then bumped into someone I know. Her dad was selling a commercial property but as he isn't well she had come instead of him.
It was interesting seeing the prices that some properties were (or weren't) making. Eventually it got to the one we were after. Two other people were bidding but we got it for £2k less than we had offered originally so that was okay. It is a one bed mid terrace with a sitting tenant so nothing to do with this one as yet.
Peter and I went for a carvery to celebrate and we phoned Chris (our partner) who is on holiday in Greece to let him know we now have another property in the portfolio.
The planned circuit training didn't happen this evening as I found out that it was induction evening for parents at Isobel's new school. She hadn't told me so it was a good job I bumped into Tania at the auctions as it was her that told me.
Friday 18th June.
Well the Juneathon went well and truly down the drain. Today I had to go and get Peter's Father's Day presents so it was a wander around Aldi and then I went across the road to the retail park. Bumped into Monika who I used to know years ago and we had a chat about Carol who used to be my best mate until she got into Spiritualism and became very odd. She is even odder still apparently.
We didn't go canoeing tonight as Peter's back isn't too good again and I was being lazy.
Must try harder as it used to say on my school report!
Saturday June 12th
Isobel and I got up early and went to a car boot sale at Bramhope. It wasn't as big as we had expected so we didn'tbuy much. Isobel got a denim printed sleeping bag in really good condition for £2 and some pink hair spray for 20p. I got some pinking shears for £1.
On the way back we went into Otley and had a tootle round the charity shops there. We were talking about a friend called Gemma when not 10 minutes had passed and we bumped into her. She doesn't live anywhere near there so this was totally unexpected. Only things we bought there were for Isobel, a pair of denim shorts and a pair of board shorts.
We got home, got changed and sorted out our gear and went canoeing at Pugney's lake with the club. It was a lovely sunny day so there was a big turnout. Isobel played the game where you get out of the canoe and walk along a raft of other canoes, yes, she fell in! We really enjoyed ourselves today and it must have done the arms and core muscles good as we did plenty of actual paddling.
Sunday 13th June
Got up early and went for a run on Tong St. Did 49 minutes of r2.5/w1 minute. Didn't feel too bad either.
Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th June
Both work days so the only exercise I did was walking 10 minutes to and from the car.
Wednesday 16th June
Lovely sunny day so after getting up at some unearthly hour by accident (I thought it was an hour later than it really was) I took the dogs out for a walk. You can't sneak out with Bear as he barks very loudly as soon as he knows and even out on the street. We were out for 6.25am and had a lovely walk and it was so warm.
Decided that I was going for a bike ride today. Took the mountain bike on the back of the car down to Apperley Bridge and joined the Leeds Liverpool canal there. It was such a lovely morning that I felt really happy. Most other people seemed in a good mood too.
I felt good physically as well. I wasn't struggling at all and it was lovely to see the swans with their cygnets and the geese with their goslings. Disn't see many ducklings though.
I went as far as what I call Kildwick (not sure if it is or not but it is 12.1 miles from Apperley Bridge. Stopped at my usual spot by a bridge and found two ladies sat there. They were walkers and we had a rather nice chat.
We said our goodbyes and I set off back again. This time I stopped at the Five Rise Locks cafe and had a coffee and a piece of strawberry shortcake (well I needed to fuel up!) before completing my journey back at Apperley Bridge. What a fabulous day.
Thursday 17th June
After taking Isobel to school I took Evie to the Spen Valley Greenway for a run. Decided to move it up a notch and do R3/W1. It was a hot day and Evie struggled a bit poor little dog, she is about 11 years old and a bit rotund although she is losing it a bit now.
Despite the heat we managed 50 minutes of this so I was really pleased with that. When I got back Peter had already walked Bear.
Usually a busy day exercise wise for me but today Peter wanted me to go to the property auctions with him. We had put in an offer on a house in Birkenshaw but they told us to go to the auction. We did all the necessary registration etc and then bumped into someone I know. Her dad was selling a commercial property but as he isn't well she had come instead of him.
It was interesting seeing the prices that some properties were (or weren't) making. Eventually it got to the one we were after. Two other people were bidding but we got it for £2k less than we had offered originally so that was okay. It is a one bed mid terrace with a sitting tenant so nothing to do with this one as yet.
Peter and I went for a carvery to celebrate and we phoned Chris (our partner) who is on holiday in Greece to let him know we now have another property in the portfolio.
The planned circuit training didn't happen this evening as I found out that it was induction evening for parents at Isobel's new school. She hadn't told me so it was a good job I bumped into Tania at the auctions as it was her that told me.
Friday 18th June.
Well the Juneathon went well and truly down the drain. Today I had to go and get Peter's Father's Day presents so it was a wander around Aldi and then I went across the road to the retail park. Bumped into Monika who I used to know years ago and we had a chat about Carol who used to be my best mate until she got into Spiritualism and became very odd. She is even odder still apparently.
We didn't go canoeing tonight as Peter's back isn't too good again and I was being lazy.
Must try harder as it used to say on my school report!
Sunday, 11 April 2010
OMG, I've been lazy!
A PRETTY SHEEP
The week before Easter I was feeling very down and quite penniless to be honest. I couldn't afford to go swimming on either of my usual days nor had I the money or the inclination to go circuit-training. Didn't feel like cycling either. Very unlike me on the whole.
On 3rd April we went to Somerset for a weeks holiday. I had won this at a comping day last year so we were going on a wing and a prayer and hoping we could keep costs down as much as possible. We were staying on a caravan site but weren't sure what sort of accommodation we were going to be in but were pleasantly surprised we had a bungalow that slept six (there were only three of us though). The downside was that it was very old-fashioned, as in outdated rather than cosy cottage type old-fashioned. Everything looked like it had been there since the 70's. Still I wasn't complaining when it hadn't cost us anything. It did have a decent washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave and fridge so that was good.
The swimming pool on site was about 200 yards from the bungalow. The first time we tried going it was full and they wouldn't let us in. 'Full' was about 20 people I think! We did manage to go every day after that though and at a £1 a time it wasn't bad at all. I didn't do my usual drills or full on length swimming but usually did about 10 lengths to warm up a bit and then we would challenge each other to underwater swimming or running the full length of the pool or side-stepping etc. So we were very active in the water.
I took my bike with me and was intending to do several rides but I got a chest infection and did a lot of coughing. On the Wednesday I did manage to don my cycling gear and found that the bike chain was a bit rusty from getting really rained on during the trip down to Somerset. It was about half a mile of winding tracK from the bungalow to the road and all uphill and mostly very steep so I walked up there. I was looking forward to the first bit as it was along winding road downhill. The bike was so bad that I had to pedal DOWN the hill. Several times I thought of giving up and going back but carried on a 'bit further' and then decided that I would go to the bike shop in Minehead and get some oil for the chain. (A lady in the pool had told me of this bike shop).
I found it a bit hard going as I was coughing all the way. A lot of the roads were quite narrow and quite busy so I was aware that at times I was holding traffic up but I tried not to do too much of that. Eventually at Carhampton there is a proper cycle track. It is shared with pedestrians but they are few and far between so that's okay. I passed about four other cyclists in all, going the other way. The track went past Dunster Castle and widened into what I assume was the original road just before Minehead.
Having acquired oil, and liberally doused the chain in it, I flew out of Minehead heading for Porlock. Somewhere I took a wrong turning as I found myself going up a smaller road than I remembered from a couple of days before. I tried various variations of road and eventually came to a very steep road. Oh well it felt like it was in the right direction so off I went. I had to stop twice up this hill. Little old grannies with zimmers could have passed me going up here!!! When I reached the top I recognised the road so carried on again. Blimey even slight inclines took it out of me but I plodded on. How far was Porlock? Had they moved it further on?
A WATERWAY IN ALLERFORD NOT FAR FROM PORLOCK
Seemingly a lifetime later I reached Porlock and had a think about where to stop, this end of the village or the other. Nowhere jumped out at me as a good place so I carried on a bit and then made the decision to carry on to Porlock Weir about 1.5 miles further on. I had decided that I couldn't face the hills on the return journey so rang Peter and asked him to pick me up. Thankfully he agreed, so I asked him to bring a change of clothes and we could go out for the rest of the day to Lynton and Lynmouth. The weather was glorious and I had a nice sit on the Weir and waited for them to come and find me.
THIS IS PETER IN LYNMOUTH
One of the days we tried to fly a kite but the wind wasn't strong enough so I wandered along the bay for a mile or so and then back again.
PETER AND ISOBEL ON THE BEACH TRYING TO FLY A KITE
I had got talking to another local person in the pool who told me about various walks and where to park etc. Isobel and I walked along the Mineral Line which is an old railway. It isn't much publicised and the main part you can walk along is only about 2-2.5 miles long. Peter dropped us off at Washford and we walked to Watchet.
ISOBEL WITH YANKEE JACK
Then in the evening this lady, Liz, came and picked us up from the bungalow and took Isobel and I for a walk and told us some history. She then drove us to another place to show us the deer and they are usually quite close to where we were walking. Oh deer, this particular evening they were only just visible on a far hillside. Never mind it was very pleasant still.
So although I haven't done anything hard and fast I have been reasonably active all week. Despite quite a few treats (Easter eggs and Somerset cream tea amongst them) I have come back a pound lighter than when I went so that is good.
BEAUTIFUL IRONWORK ON A CHURCH DOOR
The week before Easter I was feeling very down and quite penniless to be honest. I couldn't afford to go swimming on either of my usual days nor had I the money or the inclination to go circuit-training. Didn't feel like cycling either. Very unlike me on the whole.
On 3rd April we went to Somerset for a weeks holiday. I had won this at a comping day last year so we were going on a wing and a prayer and hoping we could keep costs down as much as possible. We were staying on a caravan site but weren't sure what sort of accommodation we were going to be in but were pleasantly surprised we had a bungalow that slept six (there were only three of us though). The downside was that it was very old-fashioned, as in outdated rather than cosy cottage type old-fashioned. Everything looked like it had been there since the 70's. Still I wasn't complaining when it hadn't cost us anything. It did have a decent washer/dryer, dishwasher, microwave and fridge so that was good.
The swimming pool on site was about 200 yards from the bungalow. The first time we tried going it was full and they wouldn't let us in. 'Full' was about 20 people I think! We did manage to go every day after that though and at a £1 a time it wasn't bad at all. I didn't do my usual drills or full on length swimming but usually did about 10 lengths to warm up a bit and then we would challenge each other to underwater swimming or running the full length of the pool or side-stepping etc. So we were very active in the water.
I took my bike with me and was intending to do several rides but I got a chest infection and did a lot of coughing. On the Wednesday I did manage to don my cycling gear and found that the bike chain was a bit rusty from getting really rained on during the trip down to Somerset. It was about half a mile of winding tracK from the bungalow to the road and all uphill and mostly very steep so I walked up there. I was looking forward to the first bit as it was along winding road downhill. The bike was so bad that I had to pedal DOWN the hill. Several times I thought of giving up and going back but carried on a 'bit further' and then decided that I would go to the bike shop in Minehead and get some oil for the chain. (A lady in the pool had told me of this bike shop).
I found it a bit hard going as I was coughing all the way. A lot of the roads were quite narrow and quite busy so I was aware that at times I was holding traffic up but I tried not to do too much of that. Eventually at Carhampton there is a proper cycle track. It is shared with pedestrians but they are few and far between so that's okay. I passed about four other cyclists in all, going the other way. The track went past Dunster Castle and widened into what I assume was the original road just before Minehead.
Having acquired oil, and liberally doused the chain in it, I flew out of Minehead heading for Porlock. Somewhere I took a wrong turning as I found myself going up a smaller road than I remembered from a couple of days before. I tried various variations of road and eventually came to a very steep road. Oh well it felt like it was in the right direction so off I went. I had to stop twice up this hill. Little old grannies with zimmers could have passed me going up here!!! When I reached the top I recognised the road so carried on again. Blimey even slight inclines took it out of me but I plodded on. How far was Porlock? Had they moved it further on?
A WATERWAY IN ALLERFORD NOT FAR FROM PORLOCK
Seemingly a lifetime later I reached Porlock and had a think about where to stop, this end of the village or the other. Nowhere jumped out at me as a good place so I carried on a bit and then made the decision to carry on to Porlock Weir about 1.5 miles further on. I had decided that I couldn't face the hills on the return journey so rang Peter and asked him to pick me up. Thankfully he agreed, so I asked him to bring a change of clothes and we could go out for the rest of the day to Lynton and Lynmouth. The weather was glorious and I had a nice sit on the Weir and waited for them to come and find me.
THIS IS PETER IN LYNMOUTH
One of the days we tried to fly a kite but the wind wasn't strong enough so I wandered along the bay for a mile or so and then back again.
PETER AND ISOBEL ON THE BEACH TRYING TO FLY A KITE
I had got talking to another local person in the pool who told me about various walks and where to park etc. Isobel and I walked along the Mineral Line which is an old railway. It isn't much publicised and the main part you can walk along is only about 2-2.5 miles long. Peter dropped us off at Washford and we walked to Watchet.
ISOBEL WITH YANKEE JACK
Then in the evening this lady, Liz, came and picked us up from the bungalow and took Isobel and I for a walk and told us some history. She then drove us to another place to show us the deer and they are usually quite close to where we were walking. Oh deer, this particular evening they were only just visible on a far hillside. Never mind it was very pleasant still.
So although I haven't done anything hard and fast I have been reasonably active all week. Despite quite a few treats (Easter eggs and Somerset cream tea amongst them) I have come back a pound lighter than when I went so that is good.
BEAUTIFUL IRONWORK ON A CHURCH DOOR
Friday, 19 March 2010
A whole week!
I have been very remiss this week and haven't done any blogs this week.
So starting on Monday 15th, I went swimming at Tong Pool. It was fairly quiet as usual but I was in the end lane which is actually two lanes. There is a guy who trains hard who always swims along the wall side and I usually keep out of his way and we respect each other. The only trouble this week there were two of those women in who insist on swimming up and down talking to each other and taking up the space of three or four people. I still managed to do 70 lengths of intervals in 45 minutes though.
Thursday 18th. Weird day today. Woke up early thought I might go for a run then thought if I'm going for a long bike ride that might not be the best idea. The internet had gone down and I spent part of the morning getting it sorted out so decided it was too late for a long bike ride and I would go swimming as usual. Then I got an email asking me to come down to Centenary Square for a photo opportunity for the internal newspaper, Pride at Work. So I got my gear on and cycled into town.
I met up with Richard, Jan, John, Tom and Woody and we did a few photos and then they all went back to work. So I thought I might as well go for a ride. I srt off up Thornton Road out of Bradford. I got about 4 miles up the road when I spotted a phone on the grass verge. I stopped to pick it up and got my feet tangled in the pedal straps and fell off the bike.
Once I picked myself up I realised my bike chain had come off, I rang Peter for instructions. Once I was covered in oil and I had jammed the chain down the wrong side of the bike Peter decided to come and get me....my hero!
I started to walk down the road with the bike but it was difficult as I had to lift the rear of bike to move it. So I leaned up against a lamp-post and waited for Peter.
While I was waiting two lads jumped over the walll across the road, looking like they were bunking off school. They crossed to where I was and one asked me if I had a problem with the bike. I told him the chain had come off and he said he's sort it. Sure enough in a few minutes he had got it back in place and I thanked him and gave him a wet wipe to get the oil off his hands. He said 'no problem love' and went on his way. How kind!
When Peter arrived I remembered the phone I had picked up and looked through the numbers on it. 'Mum' seemed like the best option so I rang it. The woman at the other end was a bit stern at first. Then she realised she was getting the phone back and thanked me. She came down to Halfords where I said I now was and picked it up. She was very grateful and we had a lovely chat.
Friday 19th, this has been a long missive so I will try to shorten this one. I did the bike ride to Skipton like I did a fortnight ago but this time I didn't finish at Bingley but kept going back into Bradford so 49 miles done in all today. My nether regions are a bit sore and I have a group training ride on Sunday. Oh dear!
So starting on Monday 15th, I went swimming at Tong Pool. It was fairly quiet as usual but I was in the end lane which is actually two lanes. There is a guy who trains hard who always swims along the wall side and I usually keep out of his way and we respect each other. The only trouble this week there were two of those women in who insist on swimming up and down talking to each other and taking up the space of three or four people. I still managed to do 70 lengths of intervals in 45 minutes though.
Thursday 18th. Weird day today. Woke up early thought I might go for a run then thought if I'm going for a long bike ride that might not be the best idea. The internet had gone down and I spent part of the morning getting it sorted out so decided it was too late for a long bike ride and I would go swimming as usual. Then I got an email asking me to come down to Centenary Square for a photo opportunity for the internal newspaper, Pride at Work. So I got my gear on and cycled into town.
I met up with Richard, Jan, John, Tom and Woody and we did a few photos and then they all went back to work. So I thought I might as well go for a ride. I srt off up Thornton Road out of Bradford. I got about 4 miles up the road when I spotted a phone on the grass verge. I stopped to pick it up and got my feet tangled in the pedal straps and fell off the bike.
Once I picked myself up I realised my bike chain had come off, I rang Peter for instructions. Once I was covered in oil and I had jammed the chain down the wrong side of the bike Peter decided to come and get me....my hero!
I started to walk down the road with the bike but it was difficult as I had to lift the rear of bike to move it. So I leaned up against a lamp-post and waited for Peter.
While I was waiting two lads jumped over the walll across the road, looking like they were bunking off school. They crossed to where I was and one asked me if I had a problem with the bike. I told him the chain had come off and he said he's sort it. Sure enough in a few minutes he had got it back in place and I thanked him and gave him a wet wipe to get the oil off his hands. He said 'no problem love' and went on his way. How kind!
When Peter arrived I remembered the phone I had picked up and looked through the numbers on it. 'Mum' seemed like the best option so I rang it. The woman at the other end was a bit stern at first. Then she realised she was getting the phone back and thanked me. She came down to Halfords where I said I now was and picked it up. She was very grateful and we had a lovely chat.
Friday 19th, this has been a long missive so I will try to shorten this one. I did the bike ride to Skipton like I did a fortnight ago but this time I didn't finish at Bingley but kept going back into Bradford so 49 miles done in all today. My nether regions are a bit sore and I have a group training ride on Sunday. Oh dear!
Saturday, 6 March 2010
A bumpy solo ride.
Needed to do a solo long ride yesterday as I wasn't able to join the group training ride today. After some debating with myself and looking at maps I couldn't make up my mind where to go and nearly decided not to bother. Thankfully the voice of reason aka Peter, my partner, suggested a route and encouraged me to go.
I set off in bright sunshine and cycled from home up to Shelf. First obstacle was Pepper Hill a very steep and twisty road. Sadly I didn't make it up there. I had to get off, get my breath and get a drink. HAving pushed the bike to the top of this first hill I climbed back on and pedalled the flat bit until I got to the second climb. Amazed myself by getting up this one without getting off.
Got on the Brighouse and Denholme Road up to the Queensbury traffic lights where I got stuck in traffic. I walked across the lights and was climbed aboard once more. Having negotiated the rise to the highest point in Bradford it was a pleasure to have a drop past The Raggalds Inn and down to the lights at Thornton Road where a sharp left took me up to Denholme Gate lights and then a delightful whizz down into Denholme village.
A bit of a climb out of the village and I was out into more open country. Past The Flappits and then a long downward ride into Keighley. Only problem going downhill at speed is that you don't have time to inspect the potholes and get out of the way of them. Ouch! Encountered a few stupid drivers along the way but on the whole most were patient.
I left Keighley and headed up to Steeton. There were some climbs but not as bad as my memory tried to tell me. Then it was more downhill into Eastburn and joined the end of the bypass and headed for Skipton. The last mile or so into Skipton seemed quite a hard one despite there not being any real hills. It just seemed to go on forever.
When I got into the town centre I decided to park the bike up near the church and castle. Chained it to some railings and went for a pleasant wander around the market. Bought some jelly babies and then went to my fave cafe and got a scone and a hot chocolate with marshmallows.
A quick phonecall with Peter and the decision was made that he would pick me up at Keighley. I set off back and took the road past the bottom of Bradley and re-joined the bypass. A fast flat road got me to Keighley quicker than expected despite a few potholes that tried to slow me down or stop me altogether.
Another phone call to establish where Peter was and I found he was some way off so we agreed that I would take the Riddlesden road and meet somewhere along there. So I set off again. A good pace and I was soon up the hill and on the level again. The villages flew past, Riddlesden, East Morton, Crossflatts and I was nearly in Bingley. Through the town centre and another phone call to Peter clarified that he wasn't too far off. We arranged to meet in the car park.
Got into the car park and I nearly fell of the bike as I caught my foot in the pedal. Blow me if the chain didn't come off. Thank goodness that didn't happen earlier. So that was 43 miles done and dusted.
Peter picked me up and I got home, had a shower, an hour or so on the computer and then I got ready to go canoeing. Not quite as busy this week but still nearly capacity. Did quite a bit of paddling up and down and then Mike asked me what I was tring to do. I wasn't actually tring to do anything in particular just tipping the canoe at an angle. So we went through high brace. I did this so many times that my arms ached.
I think I had quite a good workout today.
I set off in bright sunshine and cycled from home up to Shelf. First obstacle was Pepper Hill a very steep and twisty road. Sadly I didn't make it up there. I had to get off, get my breath and get a drink. HAving pushed the bike to the top of this first hill I climbed back on and pedalled the flat bit until I got to the second climb. Amazed myself by getting up this one without getting off.
Got on the Brighouse and Denholme Road up to the Queensbury traffic lights where I got stuck in traffic. I walked across the lights and was climbed aboard once more. Having negotiated the rise to the highest point in Bradford it was a pleasure to have a drop past The Raggalds Inn and down to the lights at Thornton Road where a sharp left took me up to Denholme Gate lights and then a delightful whizz down into Denholme village.
A bit of a climb out of the village and I was out into more open country. Past The Flappits and then a long downward ride into Keighley. Only problem going downhill at speed is that you don't have time to inspect the potholes and get out of the way of them. Ouch! Encountered a few stupid drivers along the way but on the whole most were patient.
I left Keighley and headed up to Steeton. There were some climbs but not as bad as my memory tried to tell me. Then it was more downhill into Eastburn and joined the end of the bypass and headed for Skipton. The last mile or so into Skipton seemed quite a hard one despite there not being any real hills. It just seemed to go on forever.
When I got into the town centre I decided to park the bike up near the church and castle. Chained it to some railings and went for a pleasant wander around the market. Bought some jelly babies and then went to my fave cafe and got a scone and a hot chocolate with marshmallows.
A quick phonecall with Peter and the decision was made that he would pick me up at Keighley. I set off back and took the road past the bottom of Bradley and re-joined the bypass. A fast flat road got me to Keighley quicker than expected despite a few potholes that tried to slow me down or stop me altogether.
Another phone call to establish where Peter was and I found he was some way off so we agreed that I would take the Riddlesden road and meet somewhere along there. So I set off again. A good pace and I was soon up the hill and on the level again. The villages flew past, Riddlesden, East Morton, Crossflatts and I was nearly in Bingley. Through the town centre and another phone call to Peter clarified that he wasn't too far off. We arranged to meet in the car park.
Got into the car park and I nearly fell of the bike as I caught my foot in the pedal. Blow me if the chain didn't come off. Thank goodness that didn't happen earlier. So that was 43 miles done and dusted.
Peter picked me up and I got home, had a shower, an hour or so on the computer and then I got ready to go canoeing. Not quite as busy this week but still nearly capacity. Did quite a bit of paddling up and down and then Mike asked me what I was tring to do. I wasn't actually tring to do anything in particular just tipping the canoe at an angle. So we went through high brace. I did this so many times that my arms ached.
I think I had quite a good workout today.
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