View Full Version : The Cycling Thread
Got a week off work, so thought I would make the most of it and get the pushbike out for a decent ride - normally only ride it 6 miles to work and back, with a rucksack on the back, so wanted to see what it could really do.
Wacked the tyres up to 120psi, cleaned and tightened my cleats to stop them creaking, checked and oiled the running gear and off I went.
Chose a 'hilly 25' route, which was actually 27.24 miles miles in total, including the bit to & from my house. Total time was 1:31:55, average 17.7 mph which I was quite please with, considering there were a couple of sets of lights I had to slow down & stop for.
Actually found the ride fairly easy, was out of the saddle on the hills on the way back, so next target is to get below 1:30, and then work towards getting my average to 20mph.
What sort of average speeds do you guys get?
chunkytfg
11-08-08, 12:06 PM
I average about 16.5mph over 30-50 miles and i'm 23stone
fizzwheel
11-08-08, 12:07 PM
Thats pretty good going Matt :cool:
My last few longer rides.
21 miles, 1hr 21 mins, 15.8mph average
22.9 miles 1hr 31 mins, 16.2 mph average
20.8 miles 1hr 17 mins, 16mph average
I can climb OK, just need work on pushing myself faster on the flats to push my average speed up.
Filipe M.
11-08-08, 01:32 PM
Usually 14 mph on a rigid tail mountain bike with huge knobblies on it (45 psi), so I guess that's not too bad. :cool:
Which reminds me I need to take a look at my rear axle, it's a bit wobbly at the moment...
No idea. 50 mins to do 11.3 miles.
No idea. 50 mins to do 11.3 miles.
About 13.5mph then :thumleft:
Jayneflakes
11-08-08, 03:30 PM
I have a Gorgeous Hardtail, upon which for general riding off road I average between 18 and 20 KMPH
On a good down hill run I have hit mid forties in KMPH again.
Don't really do MPH on the MTB because I use my computer to navigate on open moor, so have it set in KM to work with my OS map.
OK, I may not be fast, but I did break an expensive frame on my favourite down hill run on Dartmoor once, this must prove that I ride hard. That and the scars!
i go whoosh
gonna go whoosh on it tonight too. playing cards in the spokes, spokey dokeys, i'm gonna do bunny hops an everyfing init
Top speed is better! I managed 50mph on a downhill once. I used to average about 13.5 as a kid (14yr old) :d
Wideboy
11-08-08, 05:25 PM
12'ish mph i think
not sure, 6 miles in 35 mins to work, am i right?
andywilson460
11-08-08, 05:39 PM
I average 15mph in central london on a Brompton during the week... got rid of my road bike a while ago, but was about 17mph in London - a lot more on the open road.
Filipe M.
11-08-08, 07:24 PM
Went for a short ride in the rain today, was really looking forward to it (don't ask, it's a pet passion of mine), but didn't have any fun at all. Felt like crap all the way through, my climbing was awful, had to do an emergency brake / swerve to avoid another tw@ on a bicycle who decided to pull out his rear brake at the top of a climb only god knows why, and had to go through a curtain of cigar smoke to get into my building while gasping for air. The stupid bint didn't even move, just kept staring at me while puffing smoke in my direction. :rant: Oh, and it stopped raining as soon as I started riding...
[/rant]
Sorry, feeling better already, just had to get that out of my chest, already looking forward for a better day.
fizzwheel
11-08-08, 07:52 PM
Stats from ride home tonight
58 mins 28 secs, 16.9 miles, Avg speed 17.4. That was an average hilly route. 3 decent climbs in it and not much descending. 348ft of climbing done.
Good tool for mapping out rides is www.mapmyride.com (http://www.mapmyride.com) you can draw the route you've done and show you elevation, climbs etc, the new version of it has a tool for working out calories burnt and that kind of stuff if you dont have a HRM.
graham04
12-08-08, 10:44 AM
I would like to boast about my cycling ability at this time. However unfortunately I cant say that I was the fit bloke in the pic. I was photgraphing my old gsxf in the background. The amazing thing is he carried his camera up to the top of the Bonette which was used for the Tour this year. The highest bit of tarmac in Europe 2802m. There were loads of cyclists at the top, I was knackered riding the Suzi so how this lot did it is behond me. I have ridden over most of the big alpine passes during the last 10 years and it never ceases to amaze me the numbers of cyclists found on the top of them. All credit to everyone who ventures out. I might drag the old ped out of the shed myself but I wont look good in licra.
keep those legs pumping
Graham
Filipe M.
12-08-08, 10:46 AM
I would like to boast about my cycling ability at this time. However unfortunately I cant say that I was the fit bloke in the pic. I was photgraphing my old gsxf in the background. The amazing thing is he carried his camera up to the top of the Bonette which was used for the Tour this year. The highest bit of tarmac in Europe 2802m. There were loads of cyclists at the top, I was knackered riding the Suzi so how this lot did it is behond me. I have ridden over most of the big alpine passes during the last 10 years and it never ceases to amaze me the numbers of cyclists found on the top of them. All credit to everyone who ventures out. I might drag the old ped out of the shed myself but I wont look good in licra.
keep those legs pumping
Graham
Frickin' heck :shock: I only went over 1000m once 11 years ago and found it bloody hard (started at 500m), can't imagine what it would be like to go that high :shock:
well finally after a bit of waiting and a bit of hassle I finally get my specialized xc fsr 09 on friday. halfords have been a proper pain in the ass with the cycle to work scheme, although they can source most makes and models they seem to 'run out of stock' but never mind I'm now getting the 09 model and after a final check of what halfords have done it'll get a blast round glentress this weekend hopefully!!
andywilson460
13-08-08, 05:37 PM
Did a tandem bike off-road yesterday with my gf. Did about 20 miles in total- not very fast but excellent fun. Highly recommend it
Well, i tackled 'the hill' this morning. From my house up and over Anerley Hill. According to the website that fizz posted up its 366ft at the top. (The stats for the whole route are climb of 228ft and a decent of 299ft) The actual steepest part of the hill is rated as a 1 in 4.5 (according to my calulations) and one of the steapest in london and is the last part. I would like to say that i did it in one go, but the lactose got the best of me and a had to stop and stretch. The route shaved 5 mins off my time though (Same distance as my other route). It may have had something to do with coming down the other side at 38mph :)
I'll get there. I may just train on anerley hill for a bit!
Filipe M.
14-08-08, 10:34 AM
Good, keep at it and you'll get there :D
fizzwheel
14-08-08, 10:39 AM
I'll get there. I may just train on anerley hill for a bit!
You're doing good Mr V, just keep banging the miles in and you'll be flying up that hill before you know it.
:cool:
I'll be doing that tomorrow on Doris :)
Filipe M.
14-08-08, 10:47 AM
Errr I'm sure that's not what Fizz meant ;)
My route to work is 7.6 miles and being in Norfolk the elevations will make you laugh!
Min 39ft and Max 161ft - massive hills round here! :lol:
My PB is 30 minutes - but thats on a road-tyred mountain bike with a top gear of 48t/14t!
Jayneflakes
14-08-08, 12:46 PM
I am going out to play in the mud in a minute, I have a fab down hill track to play on and it is full of ruts, rocks and roots...
What more could a girl ask for? Byeeeeeee for now.
What more could a girl ask for? Byeeeeeee for now.Chocolate and diamonds?
wheelnut
14-08-08, 05:56 PM
Well, it says "The Cycling Thread" so here goes.
I have just maxed the max out of the spare credit card and bought a very pretty Specialized Sirrus Hybrid today.
Apart from the number of wheels, that is about all I know about it. I am having it delivered tomorrow, but want to lose 2 stone before October and 4 stone befoe December.
How many miles should I aim for?:p
Jayneflakes
14-08-08, 09:34 PM
Chocolate and diamonds?
Would that be Chocolate, Diamonds and Mountain bikes or is it a case of Chocs and Diamonds or Mountain bikes?
If it is the former, then no worries, I will gladly accept chocs and rocks...
I am a long way from fully fit still, but today rocked my world. I was covered in mud and filth from head to foot, it was hard to see where I started and the XtC ended, we were one gloopy brown smudge of limbs and wheels.
Since moving to Weston from Dartmoor, I must say that I am missing the rocky trails, but today made up for it, even if the down hill was over in a couple of minutes instead of my favourite Dartmoor track which lasts about six minutes.
Well, it says "The Cycling Thread" so here goes.
I have just maxed the max out of the spare credit card and bought a very pretty Specialized Sirrus Hybrid today.
Apart from the number of wheels, that is about all I know about it. I am having it delivered tomorrow, but want to lose 2 stone before October and 4 stone befoe December.
How many miles should I aim for?:pLots
HTH
ps, nice bike by the way, and its not just the cycling, change your diet as well :)
Tim in Belgium
26-08-08, 10:03 AM
Did a 3 1/3 hour slog round the North York moors on Sunday on the mountain bike, some beautiful views with the heather in flower, but went up some bridleways which were way too steep/muddy for the bike. More route preparation required.
Rear brake is fubared, after long descents it heats up and stays on.
punyXpress
26-08-08, 10:14 AM
Did a 3 1/3 hour slog round the North York moors on Sunday on the mountain bike, some beautiful views with the heather in flower, but went up some bridleways which were way too steep/muddy for the bike. More route preparation required.
Rear brake is fubared, after long descents it heats up and stays on.
Not much of THESE in Holland so make the most of it. :(
Just took delivery of Turbo Trainer to get my mountain bike on. I know a lot of people hate using a trainer, but im looking forward to putting it in front of the telly and pedalling away.
fizzwheel
26-08-08, 04:06 PM
Just took delivery of Turbo Trainer to get my mountain bike on. I know a lot of people hate using a trainer, but im looking forward to putting it in front of the telly and pedalling away.
Thats what I do to. I set it up in front of the TV and then off I go. It is boring but if theres a good program or film on its not so bad.
You might want to keep a towel handy as you'll sweat alot and also may want to think about sticking a fan in front of you for a cooling breeze...
Yup got the pedestal fan out of the loft and a supply of old towels to cover the bike and have at hand.
Picked up the Cycleops Fluid 2 for a very affordable £103 including the climbing block. Also got the Race Day DVD which might be more suited when my break heals
fizzwheel
26-08-08, 07:22 PM
Picked up the Cycleops Fluid 2 for a very affordable £103 including the climbing block.
thats the same turbo as I've got good choice. I'd be interested in how you get on with the climbing block as Liz keeps on at me to get one to.
I've entered another sportive at the end of September, I'm doing The Tour of Dartmoor. But the shorter route, going to be a hilly route.
Fizz when it arrives ill let you know. Didnt have any climbing blocks left so said they would send it on.
Im looking for a decent cycle computer now that'll measure cadence. I was thinking of going properly wireless with the ciclosport 8.2 rather than getting a Cateye Strada Cadence. Anyone got any recommendations?
fizzwheel
26-08-08, 07:44 PM
the cateyes have a very good reputation and deservedly so.
I've got a Polar CS200CAD which does what you want, plus its a heart rate monitor as well, which I find useful for training and also on long rides it helps me make sure I'm not pushing beyond my limit.
Might be worth having a look round on www.bikeradar.com (http://www.bikeradar.com) in the forum there'll be loads of info / threads on computers and what to buy, but you cant go wrong with a Cateye.
Tim in Belgium
26-08-08, 07:51 PM
I've put up some heather views in the photo section:
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?p=1605707#post1605707
Let us know how the turbo trainer goes Rob.
punyXpress
26-08-08, 07:54 PM
Just took delivery of Turbo Trainer to get my mountain bike on. I know a lot of people hate using a trainer, but im looking forward to putting it in front of the telly and pedalling away.
You did video all the Tour de France programmes this year? :confused:
Seriously, get yourself fit again.
No I didnt record the TDF, but there is plenty cycling on Eurosport at the moment so will record some of that.
Into cross-country style mountain biking myself. Nothing better than getting soaked through to the bone with mud up to your eyeballs!
I find road riding is far too boring and tedious, where as if you cycle for long enough through the countryside you're bound to come across some sort of single track etc!
I'm riding a Focus bike at the minute - no complaints from me so far, good build and the spec is incredible, all parts are high spec rather than most makes which just stick one good component on and leave the rest crap!
Tim in Belgium
26-08-08, 10:04 PM
This is what I ride off road, my carbon lovely (but it needs a new back brake :( )
http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/25626/2730683330084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2730683330084392296gsgRtZ)
http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/27820/2876119570084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2876119570084392296sbpSGT)
http://inlinethumb38.webshots.com/19813/2069526360084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2069526360084392296qrMgZT)
Into cross-country style mountain biking myself. Nothing better than getting soaked through to the bone with mud up to your eyeballs!
I find road riding is far too boring and tedious, where as if you cycle for long enough through the countryside you're bound to come across some sort of single track etc!
I'm riding a Focus bike at the minute - no complaints from me so far, good build and the spec is incredible, all parts are high spec rather than most makes which just stick one good component on and leave the rest crap!
I hate getting wet on a pushbike. Always have ever since being a youngster.
punyXpress
27-08-08, 10:39 AM
No I didnt record the TDF, but there is plenty cycling on Eurosport at the moment so will record some of that.
Start with slo-mo & work up to fast forward.
If the hills aren't steep enough, put a book under one side of screen!!
Filipe M.
27-08-08, 10:43 AM
This is what I ride off road, my carbon lovely (but it needs a new back brake :( )
http://inlinethumb45.webshots.com/27820/2876119570084392296S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2876119570084392296sbpSGT)
That's... sex... on... wheels... :shock:
Filipe M.
27-08-08, 10:44 AM
I hate getting wet on a pushbike. Always have ever since being a youngster.
I quite like it myself, it's a bit uncomfortable in the first few miles but then I find it actually helps me focus on my riding. Weird, me.
I'm quite into cycling as well, got a Giant SCR 1.0 road bike and a Spesh Stumpy FSR.
The SV has distracted me from my riding lately, but I'm trying to do more again!
I've entered another sportive at the end of September, I'm doing The Tour of Dartmoor. But the shorter route, going to be a hilly route.
I did the Dartmoor classic 100m in May, in 7hrs 40 mins all in. So thats 13.5mph average, but I did stop twice to eat, and pushed her up the last killer hill! 11000 ft of climbing!
Did the North Cornwall Tor 110km in April, in, erm, 5hrs 50mins I think.
The Dartmoor one was flat compared to the Cornish one!
I normally average around 15mph, but I dare say its hillier than average around here, and I'm no superman.
fizzwheel
29-08-08, 06:38 PM
I did the Dartmoor classic 100m in May, in 7hrs 40 mins all in. So thats 13.5mph average, but I did stop twice to eat, and pushed her up the last
killer hill! 11000 ft of climbing!
Cool thats pretty good going I think.
I've just changed my gearing so my smallest gear is now a 34 x 27 so I'm hoping thats going to mean I dont have to walk up the hills...
Yeah, I wanted to do it in less than 8 hours so was very pleased. Its a bronze medal time.
I've said next year I will do a silver medal time, and the 100 mile North Cornwall Tor. Losing a stone will help. Fancy doing Lands End to John O Groats but it will probably be too much and I dont fancy the training!!
I've got 34 x 27 as well. I hoped it would save me but my legs just couldn't do it after 85 hard miles.
They are hills I'd riden up before; I was just too tired, and everyone else was pushing as well! The heat (up to 33 degs apparently!) didn't help!
When is the Tour of Dartmoor? How long is the short version?
fizzwheel
29-08-08, 07:07 PM
I hope I'll be OK I am a reasonable climber anyway. I was getting up nasty climbs local to me on a 39 x 25 previously, but like you say after a long ride, you get really really really tired legs.
I did day one of the Tour of Wessex this year, got my self a bronze time for that 95 miles, 6hrs 55 so I was quite pleased with that.
When is the Tour of Dartmoor? How long is the short version?
27th September and IIRC the short version is 80 miles and thats what I'm doing with another guy from my work who is into his cycling to.
andywilson460
29-08-08, 07:21 PM
Myself and my team at work are entering the Brompton World Championships at the end of september : http://www.brompton.co.uk/bwc/?l=1
Apparently there could be up to 500 racers - I think there will be a lot of ringers in there, but we are starting the team training now - getting the brompton pelaton moving looks hilarious, but we want a decent time - even though you have to race in a suit and tie
Started using the trainer this week, first impressions are that its a very well made piece of kit. Sturdy, rock solid with the bike on and the feel is good. Anyone thinking of spending more than £120 on an exercise bike really should be looking at one of these as they are far and away a better investment. Theyre more comfortable as you're using your own bike and theyre more realistic as theyre not jerky at all. I havent tried putting the power down through it as I physically cant at the moment, however for spinning up they seem like really good pieces of kit.
Im now looking to get a cycle computer for it (thinking of buying the Cateye Strada as it runs from the rear wheel and is fairly cheap) so I can keep an eye on what im doing.
well had my new bike a couple of weeks now. absolutely loving having my first full sus bike. not had a chance to properly use it out on some proper trails. but instead went out locally and had a splash around in some puddles and got myself covered in mud. made me smile though.
anyone fancy an org day out to glentress or somewhere like that??
oh and here is the new bike!
Well as I am now completely without the engined variety, it was either public transport or cycling, no contest a bus takes 1 hour 45 minutes and I just did the 11.4 miles in 45 mins 15 secs...........just cooling down before my shower.
That's London traffic too, although admitedly not central london.
I just did the 11.4 miles in 45 mins 15 secs...........just cooling down before my shower.
That is good going! I dont have the luxury of a shower here so I take a steady 35 minutes to go 7.6 miles so I dont arrive all sweaty!
Anyone been watching the Tour of Britain? Passes nearby me tomorrow so might head out to see it
Warthog
11-09-08, 07:59 PM
I am officially joining this thread! Just bought a bicycle. 18 speed, lights and helmet for £25 :-P. I think the rest of you are getting ripped off :-P
Also wish to ask Fizz what kind of figures you get on your TT? How long you riding it for, and what kind of avg speeds are you getting? I dont know whether or not its comparable with the road. Trying to keep my cadence above 80 though.
Lastly, anyone know how to achieve the proper seated position? I think ive got seat height correct as im not rolling on the saddle but fore/aft position im not so sure of...
punyXpress
11-09-08, 08:14 PM
Anyone been watching the Tour of Britain? Passes nearby me tomorrow so might head out to see it
Went for a stroll to Dalby ( after the stage finish.
There were 30+ Police bikes there from as far afield as Devon & Cornwall and Scotland.
If they're there, we should be safe to play on the Queen's Highway!
fizzwheel
11-09-08, 08:39 PM
Also wish to ask Fizz what kind of figures you get on your TT? How long you riding it for, and what kind of avg speeds are you getting? I dont know whether or not its comparable with the road. Trying to keep my cadence above 80 though.
Depends what I'm doing...
Sometimes I use it to build speed so I'll do
10 Minute warmup
20 minute flat out as hard as I can go
10 minute recovery
20 minute flat out as hard as I can go
10 - 15 minute recovery / warmdown
Otherwise if I'm trying to build endurance its pull the trainer in front of the TV and stick a DVD on and then just pedal till the film has ended, this could be 1 1/2 hrs or sometimes up to 3 really depends on how I feel. Over the winter I mix the endurance with the intervals and the try and mix that with some road rides to.
If you're trying to build up your strength again then I'd just do some gentle spins 80 or so on your cadence is good you should be trying to keep that up, anywhere in the 70 - 80 range is a good place to be from what I've read. On the road I'm a bit higher 85 - 90 but thats because I prefer to spin than push a big gear round.
Best I've done is an average of 20mph over a 30 minute session, Its normally around the 17 - 19 mph range. I'm not really looking at speed on the Turbo. I'm using my heartrate monitor to try and maintain a pulse rate of about 80 - 85% of my theoretical max heart beat.
It really depends what you're trying to do. If you're not sure probably best to ask an expert because I'm not one and I dont know what your aim is and I dont wanna give you duff advice and mess up what you're doing :D
Remember you'll sweat like a b*stard on the turbo so make sure you drink plenty of fluids before, during and after.
Lastly, anyone know how to achieve the proper seated position? I think ive got seat height correct as im not rolling on the saddle but fore/aft position im not so sure of...
OK this is a bit easier, put the heel of your foot on the pedal and then set the seat height so that your leg is straight with your heel like that. Then you should find with the ball of your foot on the pedal, ( which is where it should be for maximum pedalling efficency ) your knee should have a slight bend in it at the bottom of the stroke. Dont let your leg go dead straight you'll loose power and over extend your knee which will make it sore.
As for seat position, common theory is to have the nose of the saddle in a line with the bottom bracket. So if you can aim for that it should see you right. Its all approximate I just set mine up so I feel comfortable on it when I ride. Looking at both my bikes at the mo, the nose of the saddle is pretty much as I said, in line with the bottom bracket. Set it like that and then adjust it so you sit roughly in the middle of the saddle. Just have a tweak with it till you get it comfortable, using the Turbo is handy for bike setup though so you should get a pretty good fit as long as the frame is the right size for you.
Sorry for the ramble, hope that helps :D
yeah thanks for that. Ive got a TT tyre on the MTB so ive got little rolling resistance, but I dont have SPD pedals and shoes, something which I think I might eventually invest in. Ive built my time upto 20 minutes at the moment as I didnt want to aggrevate any issues with my knee, and its more about building strength and endurance. Ive just been putting the laptop on a table and watching dvd on there. I might actually put a TV & DVD in the garage so I can just put it on there. Alternatively bring the bike into the lounge. Im determined to increase my avg speed (lowly 13.5mph) and increase my cadence so that im doing about 85-90. I havent got a HRM and have thought about getting one of those too as they do tell a lot about how much you're pushing yourself but just need to buy bits at a time.
Once back at work, I might even look into the cycle to work scheme to pick up a road bike, or put some road tyres on my MTB.
fizzwheel
11-09-08, 08:57 PM
It seems like to me you're doing the right thing, spinning is definately less harsh on your knees so keep working on that.
SPD's will make a difference you'll find you'll go a bit faster for a bit less effort as you push and pull on each pedal stroke. A definate benefit IMHO.
Yep a heartrate monitor is a definate advantage in this kind of situation. Mine is built into my cycle computer so it does everything, but you dont need it like that go into boots or somewhere and have a look at what they have, you can pick up a basic one for £10 - £20 IIRC Or wiggle have a sale on at the moment with 20% off of all running type heart rate monitors that you wear on your wrist, alot of people use them.
Have a look here
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/c/Cycle/7/Heart_Rate_Monitors/
Cheapest Polar one I found was £30.
I bought the Cateye Strada Cadence which while its ideal for TT work, I doubt itll be any good on the trails so might have to remove it.
fizzwheel
11-09-08, 09:27 PM
that Cateye gets storming reviews on the cycling website.
I've got a Polar very pleased with it. Also I think Lidl or Aldi were doing Heart rate monitors a while back so you might keep an eye out for those to...
Will do. The Strada seems to do what it says on the tin so far.
Set of pedals and shoes probably next.
fizzwheel
11-09-08, 09:54 PM
Set of pedals and shoes probably next.
Good plan, I know alot of people who dont think they make any difference but they do. IMHO its one of the best upgrades you can make.
Seen a few Shimano options so will probably go for those. Will have to go down to the LBS to try the shoes on though.
Good idea to try the shoes first - cycling shoes for some reason always seem to be a size smaller than normal shoes :rolleyes:
fizzwheel
12-09-08, 07:43 AM
And the Shimano shoes are quite narrow so if you have wide fit, they wont feel comfy on your feet. remember when you get hot you feet swell so dont buy anything to tight or you'll be uncomfortable.
timwilky
12-09-08, 08:09 AM
OK cycling from a non cyclists perspective. You pushbikers please answer.
1) Why do some idiots insist on riding on the pavement. Get aggressive at pedestrians and refuse to use the marked cycle lane that runs along the side of the road?
2) Why when two or more cyclists (not kids/families, but the lycra clad brigade) ride on the road do they ride alongside each other instead of behind eqach other. Nice on the single lane country roads with a rolling roadblock doing 20-30 and refusing to let you past?
I have no problem with cycling. I have a problem with the attitude of some cyclists.
fizzwheel
12-09-08, 08:34 AM
1) Why do some idiots insist on riding on the pavement. Get aggressive at pedestrians and refuse to use the marked cycle lane that runs along the side of the road?
Because they are idiots.
I sometimes cycle on the road even though theres a cycle lane though, the etiquette of some other cyclists is rubbish and I'd rather take my chances in amongst the cages.
2) Why when two or more cyclists (not kids/families, but the lycra clad brigade) ride on the road do they ride alongside each other instead of behind eqach other. Nice on the single lane country roads with a rolling roadblock doing 20-30 and refusing to let you past?
I cycle two abreast if I'm out with a mate, but we only do it on quiet country lanes and we keep a good look out for cars, if we see one approaching we go back into single file in plenty of time for the car to get past.
Personally I think some people loose their common sense we they get onto a pushbike. I also think that some people are just damn selfish and to pay any thought to over people around them.
Bollox
Bit of a big off this morning - doing about 20mph, hit a lump of concrete with the front wheel which punctured the tyre and threw my hands off the bars.
Went down on my right hand side, took all the skin of my elbow and lots of other grazing to leg/hips/chest/arm.
Been to hospital and got myself cleaned up - luckily looks like no breaks, however I think I will have a lot of bruising!
Bike looks a bit of a mess now however I think a new rear mech hanger is the only part that needs replacing - won't know for definite until I have fitted it and then see if the rear mech is ok.
Ouch sounds painfull Matt :( GWS!
I often think about what little I am wearing when hurtling down a hill at 35mph - could end up in bad shape if you come off at that speed!
Cheers Skip - just ordered some new parts for the bike, treated myself to a carbon bottle cage at the same time :D
Have also just been to Aldi - spent less than seventy five quid and bought:-
Winter bib leggings - fleece lined and padded - two pairs
SPD shoes
2* winter jerseys
A winter jacket
2 pairs of socks
Bargain - less than I used to spend on just a pair of shorts and a tshirt!
Details here:-
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/offers_week38thursday08.htm
Didnt know their cycling offer was on at the moment - would have popped out at lunch if I had known! Damn!
Up pops the thread again.
Well Ive been picking up the pace on the bike and my leg is getting much stronger. Managed to get myself upto 20 mins on the trainer which works out at 5 miles dead as I can maintain a speed of 15mph on it.
Shows how unfit I am though when you've got pro's doing twice the distance in the same time!
I've managed 100 miles this week of traffic dodging cycling hell. Got all the way to works car park slowly coming to a halt outside reception and pulled a bit too much front brake then - bye bye straight over the bars with my feet still clipped in - what a prat!
Still 100 miles in a week from minimal cycling is quiate an achievement - but I do need a faster bike or faster legs.
Ouch - could have been nasty!
I usually cycle my 75 miles a week on a converted mountain bike on pleasant Norfolk C-roads but this Wednesday decided to use the circa 1980s Raleigh racing bike I had been leant by a colleague - I hated it! Just couldnt get on with the drop handlebars at all - probably because its just so different - back on the old faithful mountain bike now and its like slipping into a comfy old pair of slippers!
Every dude on a bike with skinny tyres seems to fly past me effortlessly.
One thing I have noticed which has really surprised me is that my back hasn't hurt at all since cycling to and from work.
I have decided that if I don't get into the marathon I'm going to apply for the London to brighton bike ride!
Every dude on a bike with skinny tyres seems to fly past me effortlessly.
One thing I have noticed which has really surprised me is that my back hasn't hurt at all since cycling to and from work.
I have decided that if I don't get into the marathon I'm going to apply for the London to brighton bike ride!
Yup I see a couple of those occassionally - but there is so much sand/gravel/mud etc etc on the back roads I use a bike with 700x20 tyres is just not practical!
Good luck with that :)
I've managed 100 miles this week of traffic dodging cycling hell. Got all the way to works car park slowly coming to a halt outside reception and pulled a bit too much front brake then - bye bye straight over the bars with my feet still clipped in - what a prat!
Still 100 miles in a week from minimal cycling is quiate an achievement - but I do need a faster bike or faster legs.Find the cycle route, or at least part of it. Check out the TFL website. I must admit that i use the cycle route every now and again, but its soooo quiet going down all the back roads. I like to dice with death evey now and again, it keeps you awake.
As for falling over outside work! Muppet!! ;)
Cheers Skip - just ordered some new parts for the bike, treated myself to a carbon bottle cage at the same time :D
Have also just been to Aldi - spent less than seventy five quid and bought:-
Winter bib leggings - fleece lined and padded - two pairs
SPD shoes
2* winter jerseys
A winter jacket
2 pairs of socks
Bargain - less than I used to spend on just a pair of shorts and a tshirt!
Details here:-
http://www.aldi.co.uk/uk/html/offers/offers_week38thursday08.htmWill drop by my local branch on the way home, no hang on, probably tomorrow to pick up one of the jackets. Im still not convinced by the shoes thing.
Not a good friday.
Got on the bike, thought, oo, the front tyre is a bit soft. So get off, pump up[ the tyre. Pull the pump off and snap the top of the presta valve off :( Had to push the bike from work to the nearest bike shop for a new tube.
Must get a better pump.
northwind
22-09-08, 01:05 PM
1) Why do some idiots insist on riding on the pavement. Get aggressive at pedestrians and refuse to use the marked cycle lane that runs along the side of the road?
2) Why when two or more cyclists (not kids/families, but the lycra clad brigade) ride on the road do they ride alongside each other instead of behind eqach other. Nice on the single lane country roads with a rolling roadblock doing 20-30 and refusing to let you past?
1) Sometimes cycle lanes aren't safe to use, they're often very badly planned or positioned. I use a wide pavement on my commute instead of the cycle lane because I've seen too many cyclists hit while using it, and it's too narrow and has a terrible surface. Also, it deposits you into a left-turning lane and it's almost impossible to safely cross the traffic and stay on the main road.
But, I would never get aggressive at pedestrians, if I'm on the pavement I'm just borrowing it, and I go round them not the other way round.
2) It's defensive riding, often. Cars often try to squeeze past a single cyclist in the same lane, and get far too close, so riding in pairs forces them to give cyclists the space that they should. The highway code says that when you pass a cyclist you should give them the space you would a small car- who does that? Very few people.
Other times, it's just bad riding, but it's not always a wrong thing to do. But if you're doing it you should be aware of what's behind you, just like any other slow traffic.
2) It's defensive riding, often. Cars often try to squeeze past a single cyclist in the same lane, so riding in pairs forces them to give cyclists the space that they should. The highway code says that when you pass a cyclist you should give them the space you would a small car- who does that? Very few people.
Other times, it's just bad riding, but it's not always a wrong thing to do
I thought it was a social thing.
After no serious rides since May I put in 35 hilly miles in 2.5 hours on Sat which I was quite pleased with. Also sent off my entry to the Dartmoor Devil today, 100km.
northwind
22-09-08, 06:04 PM
anyone fancy an org day out to glentress or somewhere like that??
Definately, but not this year, still much too rubbish :D
fizzwheel
27-09-08, 06:22 PM
Another Sportive completed. Did The Tour of Dartmoor today. Ouch very hard ride. very challenging.
Stats if you're interested
Ride Time : 6hrs 53 minutes
Max Heart Rate : 189
Average Heart Rate : 149
Kcals Burned : 6009
Distance : 83 miles
Avg Speed : 12mph
Max Speed : 44.7mph
Avg Cadence : 74
Max Cadence : 107
Sounds slow, but factor in the ride was not at all flat, and had 10,869 ft of climbing in it.
Well done. What was your total time? I didn't realise that was happening today.
What device do you measure all that on? Seems like a very posh bit of kit!
That calorie burn seems high, I've always assumed about 4/600 calories an hour. But I dont know enough to know whats right or wrong.
I never get my HR that high, goes to about 175 before I need to slow down or get off! My legs go before my lungs though, so maybe I'm not strong enough to push harder.
Are you doing the Dartmoor Devil next month?
fizzwheel
28-09-08, 07:47 AM
Ah my total tiime is not quite as good. We spent a lot of time in the feed stations topping up rolls and stretching so I ended up with a time of 7hrs 40 mins and 7 seconds, which got me a Bronze certificate.
As for the stats. I've got a Polar CS200CAD which its a cycling computer and a HRM monitor so thats why I get the heartrate and calorie stuff to.
I rode alot of the climbs not far off my theorectical max 175 - 180 all the time. Ride was hard much harder than I expected and I havent done any proper training for the last 5 months. TBH I was just pleased to get round !!
I'm the same as you my legs go before my heart / lungs do.
Nope not doing the Dartmoor Devil, me and my mate are talking about doing he Beast of Exmoor in November though.
I did this yesterday.*
Ride Time : 3hrs 15 minutes
Max Heart Rate : 180
Average Heart Rate : 152
Kcals Burned : 1550
Distance : 44 miles
Avg Speed : 13.4mph
Max Speed : 49.4mph
Route here: http://www.mapmyride.com/route/gb/saltash/476575830083
I'm on a mission now to break the 50mph barrier!
*Figures aren't exact because I'm at work and working from memory.
Anyone looking for a deal on inner tubes - Cycle World are doing Bontrager Tubes 3 for the price of £4.99!
clicky (https://cycleworld.securetill.com/page/95/CycleWorld_3_for_1_on_inner_tubes)
I think there is a delivery charge of £4.99 as well, however if you live near a store (like I do :D) you can order to collect at the store and not pay delivery.
Have ordered 3 for the road bike and 3 for the mountain bike, which should keep me going for a while.
northwind
24-11-08, 08:32 PM
I buy my tubes from Tesco, 97p each :smt003 At that price they're hardly worth patching (though I do anyway. With a patch kit from Tesco, which also cost 97p)
Tim in Belgium
11-01-09, 11:32 AM
Off out on the road bike, went out for the first time last weekend and got a puncture after 10km in Zandvoort, going to try and give it another go today, just fitted some Scwalbe Blizzard tyres, with a kevlar puncture protection layer so maybe more luck. Had a bit of booze this weekend so going to take it steady, training for a team 24hr race (cycle!) at the 'Ring.
Tim in Belgium
11-01-09, 03:06 PM
Just did 43 kms through the dunes on a cycle path, a nice bright sunny day, a bit of a headwind on the way out, averaged 25.7 km/h, nothing amazing but an enjoyable steady ride.
northwind
11-01-09, 03:18 PM
I was out yesterday but the wind here's terrible, I really wanted to get out again today but tbh I think I'd hate it :mrgreen:
Tim is it a team from work or something you've just looked into?
Tim in Belgium
12-01-09, 07:55 AM
It's a team from the Northloop forum, basically a bunch of UK Nurburgring enthusiasts, not taking it too seriously, but want to have a fair crack at it, my only worry is on the long uphill sections as I only have a double front chain ring on my road bike.
I've just done my first spin class this afternoon. That was 2 hours ago, i still feel like i'm about to have a heart attack...
*Thudd, falls over and dies*
Putting the feelers out, thinking of flogging my turbo trainer (Cycleops Magneto +). Only bought it in the summer to get the rehab going, but now find Im not using it. Available with the Cycleops riser block and a race days DVD. Also have a Conti Trainer tyre but fit for a 26" MTB.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/CycleOps_Magneto_Trainer/5360019996/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/CycleOps_Riser_Block/5360014942/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/Cycle/7/Continental_Ultra_Sport_Home_Trainer_Folding_Tyre/5360017042/
£170 quids worth there. If anyone is interested, let me know and ill sort out a price.
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