17/6/10 Sunny fast ride

Got home a bit early so on a sunny but breezy (NE) evening I jumped on belle & pushed hard around the Harrington loop setting a new time record in the process.
16.5m 57m08s @ 17.3mph

Wed 16th June London-Paris-Geneva starts

Envious of DooGood and 75 others who set out at 0700 this am from Greenwich.
Three years to the day Sam & I started our memeorable trip. Wish I was with them...maybe will do in 12 months...
FYI Doos blog:-
http://challengemenace.blogspot.com/

Sunday 13th June - St Edmunds Wheel No 2

Did this ride 12 months ago and was looking forward to the return.
Set off early & into Abbey Gardens to register by 0830. A friendly chap managed to fix my annoying rattle, which turned out to be a loose rear 'set. Once mended Belle felt taut, quiet & smooth and I knew I was in for a fast one!
We sped out of Bury and i got to the 12 mile corner averaging 17.1mph! Northawrds to the drink stop at Tuddenham we picked up the slight tail SW wind. feeling strong I pressed on without stopping. Then came one of the most exilerating cycling sessions I've ever ridden! At this point I was caught by the peleton and we sped on through the now flattish lanes. At one point I broke free but was reeled in by the pack. Again I didnt stop at the drinks areas & pressed on, drinking & stretching on the move, racing back to Bury with an incredible average speed!
I went round to my Brother Paul's for a shower & superb steak - thanks Bro!
terrific ride with great company and no serious hills - I shall try to return in 2011.
49.5m 2h44m @ 18mph!!! 1605ft climb

Saturday 5th June 2009 Derby Day in derby!

Went up to Ashbourne with Finn. Found a camspite & cycled a total of 21 miles up & down the Tissington Trail. A lovely stretch of old railway
First we descended down & through the tunnel into town - then ascendd from 200->1100ft up onto the dales.
Big fat steak in Tissington
Camped in Ruby as it rained++
On the way home on Sunday visitted Derby town centre and found the site of where Gt-Gt-Grandad James Shackleton had his drapers shop! We cycled the 400yds he would have walked everyday to his house in Wilmot St, now the site of a through Road & Mosque!
He had come to Derby from Manchester around 1850 and married a local girl.
21 miles on my old bike

3/6/10 Harrington again with Finley

A beautiful warm evening - Finn on the giant & me on Belle we sped out around the same 16m route in a light breeze.
This time we were 8 minute quicker - my legs feeling fresh & powerful, fully recovered from Monday's long cycle
16.5m 1h12m @ 13.7mph 600ft climb

31/5/10 London to Ireland & Kettering!!!

Ever since London to Paris in 2007 I've wanted to complete the 'loop'by cycling the Kettering to London route. In the event I thought it better to go by train & cycle back, so if any technical problems I didnt have a train to miss.
On a cool grey morning I was up early & down onto the 0705 to St Pancras. A pleasant journey clocking 110mph on my garmin!
Once off the train I left the Station at 0820 and followed my plannde route northawards long main thoroughfares, and quiet residential roads. Once past Cockfosters Underground station after 12 miles I was in open country...and Hertfordshire!
Soon I crossed the M25 and through Potters Bar - then my first problem! The bikeroutetoaster route wanted me to head straight through Hatfield House grounds...but the gate was locked. I had wanted to see if I could spot the old Oak tree that marks the spot where Princess Elizabeth was told she was to be the first Queen Elizabeth.
I decided to turn left and this was the right choice - soon I was through Welwyn & off the the halfway point at Hitchin. The was a dull unfriendly place under threatening grey skies with nowhere to stop for a much needed coffee... Leaving town I was led onto a narrow footpath, quite unsuitable for a road bike, but I could hear the main road & got through the brambles on foot!
Feeling tired I pushed on to Bedford leaving the main road to pass through the Hamlet of...Ireland! This is close to Old Warden. Soon I was pleased to spot the two massive buildings/warehouses south of Bedford
Once into Bedfors I was again taken off the road along a lovely river footpath into town. At the picturesque (!) bus station I spotted a cafe & enjoyed a big coffee & chicken pie whilst chatting to the local nutter ("I used to come here when this was areal cafe!!!")
Leaving Bedford I had planned a cross country route but decided, for speed reasons, to stick on the A6 to Rushded. This A6 is a really boring road but did it's job.
Once at Rushden I was in familier territory and, with a second wind, skirted Finedon, Burton Latimer, and was soon home.
An epic solo ride completed in 7 hours with 6 hrs pedalling, all into a NE wind (no 'angels breath' today!). I shadowed a few other cyclists on the way but not enough common route for any meaningful chatter.
79.5m 6h03m @13.1mph 3312ft climb

28/5/10 Harrington with Finley

Lovely evening - set off with Finn (on the Giant) and me on my old cast iron Raleigh!
Out thrugh Rothwell (fair set up but not open) and onto harrington, and back via farpoint.
Down past Thorpe Malser, whizzing past the tribute flowers to the chap who was killed last week in a hit & run.
Finn did very well & we made reasonable time
16.5m 1h21m @ 12.3mph 600ft climb