The Cycling Thread

[maviczap]

Here's a quick ride report from France

We managed to get out between torrential rain & thunderstorms for a quick 10 mile loop. It contained one 4th cat climb, which was more than enough to get the HR up!

On the descent I managed to get the bike sideways as I locked up on a wet patch of road, and according to my riding partner I showed great skill in recovering it. I didn't quite see it like that, but after that little episode I took the rest very cautiously, only to get a flat as I was slowing down at the end of the hill? Strange flat too, as it was on the inside of the inner tube, but I don't remember hitting any potholes to get a pinch flat.

Swapped to a new inner tube and pedalled off back to St Jean, when Gary Garmin decided to switch himself off, so only half the ride was recorded

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/372600562

Still I managed to make my riding partners legs hurt on the return to St Jean, which was a reversal of last year when he left me for dead on the climbs

The weather is meant to be much better tomorrow, so hopefully we'll get out a bit further than today.

[maviczap]

2nd overall on this Strava segment




Out of 2 that is.

Lol we've all got a couple of those Mavi, usually when the strava on my phone doesn't quite track me right.

Still 2nd, is 2nd... even when its last

[maviczap]

Blimey 103km today, and an unhelpful headwind on the last part of the ride.

Had an eagle follow us down the last descent, that was magnificent

The flat part



The top of the not flat part



Garmin data

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/373613915

Impressive profile!
I still feel like an imposter to the cycling world as I actively try to avoid doing hills.

[maviczap]

Here's Monday's Garmin activity data, which i hadn't posted the link.

Although today looks easier to some degree, the climb at the end of the ride was bleedy hard I can tell ya.

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/373059653

Going up hills makes to effort worthwhile for the downhill bit

[maviczap]

After yesterdays big ride, we decided on a slightly easier day. However it was in distance, but not on the body.

After climbing up the Col de la Machine, it got very cold, where I put my race jacket on, just to keep the wind off.

After descending from the top of the Col de la Portette, which was pretty good, both of us were chilled to the bone by the time we go back to St Jean, my American friend more so, because he didn't have any race jacket. So the idea of riding any further was put in the bin.

Still not a bad day, just bloomin cold. http://connect.garmin.com/activity/374003319



If only you could feel the wind that is blowing in this picture!!! Appearances are deceiving!

[pookie]

wonderful scenery and great effort up those climbs..if it make you feel any better the weather is rubbish here.

[maviczap]

I know, I called home to be told the heating was on

Just purchased myself a new steed.

Moda Bolero for a winter bike. RRP £999.99 Cycles UK have them up for £599.99 with a friend's staff discount picked it up for £549.99 - having read reviews on it (and he has one) I'm very pleased with it.

Now just waiting to pick it up and hope my foot heals up soon so I can get out more!

Got a ride with Dulwich Paragon CC on the 5th October as I'm thinking of joining - so I expect that will be one of my first outings.