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

23/5/10 Mission Foxton!

Well I've been up and around Corby, down & around Northampton & Wellingborough - so it was time for the circumnavigation of Market harborough!
So on the hottest day of the year so far I loaded up with 3 litres of drink, and headed north out through Pipwell & up through Ashley & Welham & Thorpe Langton before heading South across the busy A6 to Foxton! Quite a stiff climb up & over the canal swing bridge took me through Lubenham to Harborough. I had planned to go back via Braybrooke but opted to whizz down the A508 & left at Kelmarsh coming home via Haddington & 'far point'
I'd lowered the saddle 1.5cm and the L knee was more comfortable although did still niggle over the last few miles as I picked up the pace to race home. The old Iliotibial band syndrome rears it's ugly head again - despite my rest & gentle stretches.
In the scorching sun I drank & sweated freely - only really feeling the heat when I stopped for a breather - a good solid hot ride!
39.5m 2h34m @ 15.4mph 1640ft climb

16/5/10 Tour de Tendring again!

I remember this one from 2009 - it was on a Saturday the day before the Norwich 100. A very emotional time for me as my Mum was in hospital at the time & had just been given the terminal diagnosis, and died days later.
I contacted Will and he was up for it - so I left home at 0615 - meeting up with Will for the 0900 start at Dovercourt.
It started sunny but chilly with a westerly wind this year.
The run westward to Bradfield & Balls Green was into the wind but we made good speed. Again we had tea in Great Bentley (largest village green in the UK 43acres!) before heading down to Clacton-on-Sea.
This year we shot effortlessly along the seafront with a strong tail wind. Clouds were coming in so we flew on back to Harwich at great speed (the final 7 miles in just over 20 minutes @ >20mph) - to enjoy a nice pint of local real ale!
A good ride - nice flattish route & some lovely country lanes - I'll certainly try & get back in 2011
47.3m 2h54m @ 16.4mph 1118ft climb
14mins faster than in 2009!

9/5/10 test the old knee out....

Worked until 1430 Sat - was a nice afternoon so before I got stuck in a sofa & went out on 'Belle'
Decided to do the Rothwell/Harrington circuit. Was strange with an uncharacteristic NE wind - bloody cold one too.
Decided to take it easy & knee only played up slightly at the end.
Suprisisngly fast average speed!
16.5m 1h0m45s @ 16.3 589ft climb