Post by: Pancho on 02 March, 2016, 11:05:54 am
Today, I saw rain approaching and decided not to go shopping in town but to nip to the village and just buy milk instead. Wise choice as it started hammering down as I arrived home. Nothing of interest to report bar heavier traffic than one would expect at 1000. I suspect a main road is blocked/closed/slow somewhere and people are rat running.
Distance: 1 mile (total!)
Feel free to add utility ride reports. I'm not expecting many!
Post by: hatler on 02 March, 2016, 11:29:07 am
I do utility rides whenever I can though. Last one was Friday to Earlsfield to get some leccy bits. I'd forgotten what it's like to have cars randomly pull out in front of you, or pull alongside and then drift into your space with the full expectation that I will simply evaporate. I've sort of been missing that.
Total miles for that one - 10.
Post by: Pingu on 02 March, 2016, 12:02:20 pm
Post by: ian on 02 March, 2016, 12:51:52 pm
Post by: Guy on 02 March, 2016, 01:06:01 pm
Post by: trekker12 on 02 March, 2016, 01:39:16 pm
Post by: Guy on 02 March, 2016, 01:48:56 pm
Post by: Kim on 02 March, 2016, 01:56:08 pm
Post by: BrianI on 02 March, 2016, 02:10:37 pm
Post by: Kim on 02 March, 2016, 02:17:34 pm
Post by: Si S on 02 March, 2016, 02:39:33 pm
I may, in the spring, once my knee of gubbage is back to normal, cycle to my yoga class of an evening. Just need to figure out stowage of the yoga mat! My single wheel trailer would be a bit overkill though..... ;D
Friend has just had a similar requirement, his solution was like this
(http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5478892989_0e8da1f175.jpg)
Instructions here (http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/diy-tentsleeping-bag-handle-bar-attachment) It's an impressive use of drainpipe and bar bag mounts.
Post by: matthew on 02 March, 2016, 02:49:39 pm
Wait, does this mean we're going to have to come up with a new name for the geesey cut-through at the end of Raddlebarn Farm Drive?
You mean the one that used to be pretty much my drive?
(I used to live in one of the maisonettes at the very end of Raddlebarn Farm Drive and backed onto the canal.)
Post by: Kim on 02 March, 2016, 02:53:33 pm
Wait, does this mean we're going to have to come up with a new name for the geesey cut-through at the end of Raddlebarn Farm Drive?
You mean the one that used to be pretty much my drive?
(I used to live in one of the maisonettes at the very end of Raddlebarn Farm Drive and backed onto the canal.
That's the one. Known in this house as "Basil's Commute", on account of being the shortest route between, well, you can probably guess...
Post by: Dibdib on 02 March, 2016, 03:28:49 pm
Roll it up and strap it horizontally across the rack? Should get you loads of overtaking room (just watch out for anti-cyclist bollards).
That's what I do with mine, and I think I might have clipped a bollard with it once but didn't notice until I got to class and noticed it wasn't particularly horizontal any more.
Post by: Veloman on 02 March, 2016, 03:39:57 pm
....... However, I am reduced to reporting "utility" rides.
Far too harsh on yourself and the very useful role that such rides perform, particularly as we should be encouraging more cycling of this nature.
Monday was a good example for me: shall I just jump in the car to go to the nearest bank (3 miles away) or shall I get the bike out etc etc. Jumping in the car is so much easier and parking on a Monday is normally very easy. I chose the bike and felt all the smugger as I tucked into my beans on toast with poached egg after doing the banking stuff, photocopying, getting a couple of copies of that new newspaper for the café I subsequently visited and also popping in to check on the health and wellbeing of someone.
Elevate yourself to utility!
Post by: Pancho on 02 March, 2016, 05:00:24 pm
Today I was wearing Barbour jacket, flat cap, and non-bikie woolen gloves (cos I'd been gardening). Definitely a POB.
Post by: matthew on 02 March, 2016, 06:28:26 pm
Wait, does this mean we're going to have to come up with a new name for the geesey cut-through at the end of Raddlebarn Farm Drive?
You mean the one that used to be pretty much my drive?
(I used to live in one of the maisonettes at the very end of Raddlebarn Farm Drive and backed onto the canal.
That's the one. Known in this house as "Basil's Commute", on account of being the shortest route between, well, you can probably guess...
The thought that Basil would use the shortest route between home and work is laughable, the shortest route to his preferred watering hole though ...
Post by: cycleman on 02 March, 2016, 07:37:50 pm
Post by: Basil on 02 March, 2016, 07:43:10 pm
Post by: tom_e on 02 March, 2016, 08:13:36 pm
Though I might have to stay out if it's all retirees making me jealous!
Post by: Pancho on 03 March, 2016, 10:31:49 am
No bike parking at either destination but as I was being quick and it's hardly a high crime area, I just used the propstand and left it unlocked.
The mileage total for this week is looking a bit disappointing: 16 (town) + 1 (village) + 2 (garden centre) = 19 poxy miles and today is Thursday.
Usually, I'd be at 60ish on Thursday morning. Oh well, I shall go and dig the garden.
Post by: hatler on 03 March, 2016, 10:37:07 am
Ooo yes. On Sunday we cycled to little miss's tennis session to cycle back with her through leafy Wimbledon. Mini punctured at the top of the hill on the way there and the householder was out front pumping his family's tyres up so lent us his track pump. I don't know what came over me but all I did was replace the tube, didn't even to think to check for whatever it was that caused the puncture. I don't know what came over me. Anyway, we got away with it. Large lump of glass removed from tyre when we got home.
Post by: ian on 03 March, 2016, 11:35:56 am
Post by: Pancho on 03 March, 2016, 11:45:34 am
In my one mile round trip yesterday, I saw at least five people on bikes. They were, in the main a bit lycra-y but at least one was a POB doing utility stuff.
Today, I saw two old ladies on bikes in the village - with not a jot of lycra, helmets, or hi viz between them. Also, today I noticed the village square bike racks were full with rusty, utilitarian bikes and there was an MTB/tourer thing with mucho Altura parked up at the doc's.
Post by: ian on 03 March, 2016, 11:55:56 am
But it seems most people would rather drive and complain about parking spaces (there's actually no shortage, but they have to park right outside wherever they're going, not in the free supermarket carparks that bracket the town). I'll admit the roads are pretty horrible, the ones near me are very narrow, over-parked, with cars barreling down the middle. I can perfectly understand why people wouldn't want to cycle, to be honest, it takes a degree of devil-may-care enthusiasm.
I did complain at the health centre about a lack of bike parking the last time I was there (apparently I couldn't bring my bike inside because it would be health and safety hazard, which was odd considering the giant prams and buggies littering the place, but anyway). They seemed bemused by the very prospect that someone would cycle to the doctors.
Post by: Kim on 03 March, 2016, 08:29:14 pm
Post by: Basil on 03 March, 2016, 08:38:20 pm
Of we go then. :thumbsup:
Post by: Ruthie on 03 March, 2016, 09:26:35 pm
Less than a mile in total, I should think.
Post by: Pancho on 03 March, 2016, 09:28:11 pm
I'll just leave this here: http://chasingmailboxes.com/2016/02/25/the-errandonnee-ride-or-run-and-get-stuff-done/
I have a problem with the "controls" listed:
Quote
Personal Care
Personal Business
You carried WHAT on your bike (or back)?! (Thanks to Rachel C. for this suggestion!)
Arts and Entertainment
Non-Store Errand
Social Call (includes restaurants, coffee, and other social activities)
Work or Volunteering
Store (includes bike shop, running store, grocery store, etc. You know, a store.)
Wild Card (surprise me!)
My life isn't that exciting!
"Personal care" - er, what's that? I certainly don't go out for it!
"Personal business" - ditto
"You carried WHAT!?" - OK, I can probably do this (I haz trailer)
"Arts and Entertainment" - I can probably do this - we have a village theatre. Problem is, I'll be billy no-mates and going on my own. Maybe "library visit" will count.
"Non-store errand" - er, isn't that what the above are?
"Social call" - tricky
"Work or volunteering" - hah! lack thereof is why I'm here
"Store" - at last, an easy one
"Wildcard" - I'm sure I can come up with something.
OK, I'm nitpicking (sort of) - I love the concept!
Post by: Kim on 03 March, 2016, 09:32:06 pm
I'll just leave this here: http://chasingmailboxes.com/2016/02/25/the-errandonnee-ride-or-run-and-get-stuff-done/
I have a problem with the "controls" listed:
QuotePersonal Care
Personal Business
You carried WHAT on your bike (or back)?! (Thanks to Rachel C. for this suggestion!)
Arts and Entertainment
Non-Store Errand
Social Call (includes restaurants, coffee, and other social activities)
Work or Volunteering
Store (includes bike shop, running store, grocery store, etc. You know, a store.)
Wild Card (surprise me!)
My life isn't that exciting!
My thoughts exactly. Realistically I just don't do that much stuff. Or at least, not regularly enough to do them all back to back.
I do have a moving target[1] of a dentist appointment that should qualify for "personal care", so that's one of the tricky ones covered.
[1] They keep having to cancel it.
Post by: Pancho on 03 March, 2016, 09:37:56 pm
I did a utility trip to Church and back wivva floot anna music Stan on Sunday. Does that count?
Less than a mile in total, I should think.
Definitely counts. These are the rides of legends.
Post by: sg37409 on 03 March, 2016, 09:41:05 pm
Post by: Dibdib on 03 March, 2016, 11:09:10 pm
Post by: Kim on 03 March, 2016, 11:26:05 pm
Post by: dave r on 04 March, 2016, 08:48:04 am
Post by: cycleman on 04 March, 2016, 10:52:22 am
Post by: Oscar's dad on 04 March, 2016, 11:12:24 am
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-01/A238B632-3FA8-4795-AC05-4858141F37BA_zps2fabgnad.jpg)
Prior to getting Penelope I would often drive the mile into town as I considered it to be too much faff to take all the easily nickable bits off my nice bikes (pump, lights etc) and of course there is always the chance the whole bike will get pinched.
Now, I just jump on Penelope wearing whatever I happen to have on - easy!
I am logging all my rides on Strava, mainly for my own amusement. I add all manner of detail, such as yesterday I rode into town for some shopping which largely comprised of various types of bin bag ;D
Last week I got a friendly beep from a Braintree District Council bin lorry. I know it was friendly as the beep was accompanied by a cab full of bin men grinning and waving.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 04 March, 2016, 11:20:36 am
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zps5icj7vi0.jpg)
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2496_zps6g2xtksh.jpg)
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpsk104mmvm.jpg)
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpsshpbw55n.jpg)
Post by: Oscar's dad on 04 March, 2016, 11:24:13 am
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2547_zpsiyqhltyb.jpg)
Post by: Deano on 04 March, 2016, 12:44:57 pm
Post by: Pancho on 04 March, 2016, 12:58:30 pm
@Oscar's Dad: cool bike, cool pics. Despite sticking mega-capacity panniers on my mirror toting tourer, you've way outgunned me on the utility stakes.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 04 March, 2016, 01:04:18 pm
@Oscar's Dad: cool bike, cool pics. Despite sticking mega-capacity panniers on my mirror toting tourer, you've way outgunned me on the utility stakes.
;D
It's not a competition! Penelope started life as a works bike at the Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston but I bought her from a bloke in Goole. Anyone wanting something similar should Google "Elephant Bikes" as they have all the old Royal Mail Mailstars, a Pronto by another name.
I do love utility cycling. I've already been to the gym this morning (2 mile round trip) and was due to ride down to Tesco but The Current Mrs R is popping in on her way home - I feel cheated!
Post by: rr on 05 March, 2016, 03:11:39 pm
Post by: Ruthie on 06 March, 2016, 09:11:51 am
Post by: bumper on 06 March, 2016, 09:20:27 am
second ride of the morning, fatbike this time on 1" of snow :P
Post by: Veloman on 06 March, 2016, 10:55:27 am
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpsk104mmvm.jpg)
You need to contact fruitcake for some of those wonderful trouser straps. Far better than clips IME.
Post by: cycleman on 06 March, 2016, 07:33:32 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 07 March, 2016, 12:11:03 pm
In terms of utilitarian cycling I can only report a 2 mile round trip to the gym this morning, nothing over the weekend, in fact no cycling at all :(
Post by: Datameister on 07 March, 2016, 12:19:21 pm
The conference call I'm listening into is well dull so here are some photos from my recent utilitarian adventures ...
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zps5icj7vi0.jpg)
[img width=480
My first reaction (until I looked closer) was "How has he molished that Aldi trolley to use as a trailer?"
Post by: Oscar's dad on 07 March, 2016, 12:22:50 pm
Post by: Pancho on 07 March, 2016, 01:53:11 pm
Does going to the postbox count?
second ride of the morning, fatbike this time on 1" of snow :P
Snow! I'm so jealous. All I've had down here for several winters is brief morning ice to put the terror in my commute. Today, of course, I just waited for it to warm up before my adventure of the day.
Which was into town to visit the optician, buy some dollars, and pop into Aldi for two-panniers worth of groceries. Lovely sunny ride in at about 0930. Chilly headwind, though. Once again, benign and sparse traffic - I love this non-rush hour riding. No sign of ice, thankfully.
Counted other bikes approximately; at least 12 making way on the road and all the bike racks were full in town. Not bad for a cold day.
Did notice some rubbing, squeaking noises which I studiously ignored till I got home. Spin of the wheel shows a major rub somewhere - no wonder it was hard going! Will investigate more once feeling has returned to fingers and toes.
16 cold miles total (and wearing fruitcake's trouser clip things - well, one of them as I'm a no wasted effort, drive side only type of guy).
Post by: Guy on 07 March, 2016, 02:16:26 pm
Post by: fruitcake on 07 March, 2016, 02:44:30 pm
In January I bought a bike specifically for utility cycling, here is Penelope the Pashley Pronto (eBay - £135 :thumbsup: ) ...
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/2016-01/A238B632-3FA8-4795-AC05-4858141F37BA_zps2fabgnad.jpg)
I saw a red one of those at the local Sainsbury's and was impressed by the massive rack.
Post by: fruitcake on 07 March, 2016, 02:51:51 pm
You need to contact fruitcake for some of those wonderful trouser straps. Far better than clips IME.
Thanks for the tip. Oscar's Dad will soon be the owner of a pair of trouser straps. :thumbsup:
Post by: Oscar's dad on 07 March, 2016, 03:21:54 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 08 March, 2016, 02:17:07 pm
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2602_zpsc4zhrbwd.jpg)
Much fun :thumbsup:
Post by: Jakob W on 08 March, 2016, 04:25:13 pm
Post by: bumper on 08 March, 2016, 04:28:10 pm
Does going to the postbox count?
second ride of the morning, fatbike this time on 1" of snow :P
Snow! I'm so jealous.
Don't be, it only lasted until lunchtime.
Post by: Pancho on 08 March, 2016, 04:44:23 pm
My usual Tuesday trip to twins club in the bakfiets - really felt my lack of miles in the legs, and had to stop for a breather at the top of a couple of climbs.
Twins? As in a matching pair of offspring? Maybe they've got bigger. That's what ours (non-matching) did. I bought Mrs P an electric bike in the end so that she could still get up the hill and make it home. She loved it. So did sprogs.
Post by: Pancho on 09 March, 2016, 12:50:08 pm
Quick run in to collect prescription, buy milk, and buy more dollars from village travel agent (surely a dying breed).
Tried long Barbour coat, flat cap, and Shimano SPD walking boots in lieu of bikie waterproof jacket and trousers. Worked well. Only downside was cap not quite brimmy enough to keep rain totally off specs. Overall, a good solution for riding in rain in civvies.
Back wheel definitely wrong. I think I need to get my trueing spanner out again and try and fix the bodge I obviously managed last time :( It's not wonky (ie pringley) or lumpy (ie fifty pence coin) but I think the rim is shifted left in it's entirety. I know how to fix this. In theory. Maybe a job for tomorrow.
Post by: hatler on 09 March, 2016, 01:05:18 pm
Then up to the local school for a meeting with the Head and to deliver lmh for her day helping out.
About four miles total.
Post by: Jakob W on 09 March, 2016, 10:14:41 pm
*ha - if only...
Post by: Pancho on 10 March, 2016, 11:50:06 am
Back wheel definitely wrong. I think I need to get my trueing spanner out again and try and fix the bodge I obviously managed last time :( It's not wonky (ie pringley) or lumpy (ie fifty pence coin) but I think the rim is shifted left in it's entirety. I know how to fix this. In theory. Maybe a job for tomorrow.
Bicycle Maintenance Tip: before you dismantle your bike and stared wielding spoke keys, check that the apparent misalignment isn't, in fact, due to a shifted mudguard probably knocked about by your Great Big Utility Cycling Panniers. :thumbsup:
Everything works now.
Just need to remove bike, tools, dirt, and oily marks from the kitchen before anyone gets home ;D
Post by: trekker12 on 10 March, 2016, 12:20:21 pm
Bicycle Maintenance Tip: before you dismantle your bike and stared wielding spoke keys, check that the apparent misalignment isn't, in fact, due to a shifted mudguard probably knocked about by your Great Big Utility Cycling Panniers. :thumbsup:
Everything works now.
Just need to remove bike, tools, dirt, and oily marks from thekitchenindoor heated workshop before anyone gets home ;D
I've corrected it for you
Post by: CAMRAMan on 11 March, 2016, 04:17:10 pm
The fettling was done outside in the sunshine. So warm did I get that I had to shed layers. Lovely day here in Warwick.
Post by: slope on 13 March, 2016, 05:42:56 pm
Much much prefer it to all those previous years driving miles and miles, every weekend to do soft Audax (max 200k) rides with mudguards, printed route sheets and a wired speedo ;D
Today was 36 miles almost in shorts weather, for 2 cans of Spar lager.
Anything less feels shy of purposeful pleasure ;D
Post by: hatler on 15 March, 2016, 12:07:55 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 March, 2016, 09:02:00 pm
(click to show/hide)
Post by: hatler on 15 March, 2016, 09:04:38 pm
A run to Roehampton to drop a package off. Managed to include a lap of Richmond Park. It's nice out there, and no numpties.Ooo yes. And this was preceded by a run to the dentist to accompany mini-h there.
Post by: hatler on 16 March, 2016, 09:05:33 pm
Post by: Deano on 16 March, 2016, 09:46:48 pm
Into Wimbledon to buy a combination lock for the MiL.
Nah, I'd get a decent shackle - she'll guess the combination eventually.
Post by: Pancho on 16 March, 2016, 10:07:05 pm
Into Wimbledon to buy a combination lock for the MiL.
Nah, I'd get a decent shackle - she'll guess the combination eventually.
Nah. I think it's for the cellar door - just so no one accidentally lets her out.
Post by: hatler on 17 March, 2016, 07:17:06 am
How I wish we had a cellar though.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 17 March, 2016, 08:59:40 am
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2624_zpsxsh4q9lp.jpg)
Yesterday's jaunt also included a trip to Tesco and a ride through the park where I noticed some volunteers were planting trees. The world ain't such a bad place sometimes.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 March, 2016, 09:02:15 am
Post by: Oscar's dad on 17 March, 2016, 09:07:36 am
Does it count as utility if you're going out to chatter, eat biscuits and drink tea/coffee/beer with cycling bods, but there's no actual social riding involved?
I think if you were dressed as a cyclist it doesn't count. If you were in civvies it should be OK but I think you're pushing it. To make sure you don't fall foul of the rulz I'd do a bit of shopping whilst you're out ;D
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 March, 2016, 10:47:53 am
Post by: Oscar's dad on 17 March, 2016, 10:51:54 am
Buying beer counts as shopping, right? Wetherspoons is a supermarket chain, isn't it? :)
That's it, you've crossed the line. Buying beer in 'spoons is not shopping. Buying beer in a container (no, not your tummy / bladder) and taking it home to consume is shopping. Come along now, sort yourself out ;D
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 March, 2016, 11:04:25 am
*in a utilitarian fashion*
Post by: Oscar's dad on 17 March, 2016, 11:05:48 am
*cowers meekly*
*in a utilitarian fashion*
You're forgiven :thumbsup:
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 17 March, 2016, 02:23:45 pm
The machine is carrying my life jacket, windlass, litter picker, lunch, leaflets, first aid kit. It's about 3.5 miles from home to here. Here is Kings Lock just outside Leicester.
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 17 March, 2016, 02:24:29 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 17 March, 2016, 02:39:27 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 18 March, 2016, 04:29:59 pm
A Witham taxi driver, a sub-set of the human race not normally noted for their compassion towards cyclists, patiently sat behind me whilst I assumed the primary position to pass safe through a traffic calming installation - he was rewarded with a cheery wave of thanks. I had a chat with the chaps finishing a new traffic light controlled pedestrian / cycle crossing on Spa Road, it should be working next week and they've done a nice job. The new foot bridge over the River Brain looks to be nearing completion too.
We celebrated cresting over the 100 mile mark with a picture in the park on the way home:
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/IMG_2633_zpsw9hcbufd.jpg)
And we stopped by the river Gauging Station which has recently been painted by local school kids to commemorate those who fought in WW1:
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpsqppt2lcs.jpg)
Post by: Pancho on 18 March, 2016, 04:37:53 pm
BTW, cycling to the pub or other social event defo qualifies IMO. It would only be non utility of you then went for a ride together. And wearing civvies is essential to remove any doubt.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 18 March, 2016, 04:43:03 pm
Man, those murals are good. And terribly sad. Schoolkids, eh? Amazing. Hope the local Mayor gives them a good star or something.
Yep, talented school kids (http://www.maldonandburnhamstandard.co.uk/news/north_essex_news/14122733.Pupils_create_striking_World_War_One_mural_with_street_artist/)
BTW, cycling to the pub or other social event defo qualifies IMO. It would only be non utility of you then went for a ride together. And wearing civvies is essential to remove any doubt.
A useful clarification! Thank you. It would appear I owe Cudzoziemiec an apology ;D
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 March, 2016, 05:03:58 pm
Post by: hatler on 18 March, 2016, 05:14:41 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 18 March, 2016, 05:23:18 pm
... And I was def in civvies.
I will have to post a photo of my daft Utilitarin Adventures woolly hat. At the moment its in the wash as it got a bit sweaty. I fancy that soon it will be too warm to wear the aforementioned silly hat so I'm busy thinking about a warm weather alternative. I was wondering about a proper cycling cap, worn with civvies obviously, but I'm concerned it might be against the rules.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 March, 2016, 07:03:38 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 18 March, 2016, 07:26:12 pm
I was going to say I bet your daft woolly hat isn't as daft as mine, but then I remembered I was addressing the custodian of the Musky Reindeer Pelt of Destiny... :D
We'll need a "hat off"!
Post by: TheLurker on 19 March, 2016, 06:49:13 pm
Lots and lots and _lots_ of eastbound cyclists on the Saltway as I was westbound. Thought it was an Audax, but saw direction arrows being taken down on the return trip so must have been something else. Mebbe something for Sport Relief as there was a pretty wide age range.
Stopped to photograph* the cute baa lambs (hmmm Κλέφτικο) for MrsLurker on my way back and was also overtaken by a bloke on a soot bike. His jersey said, "Rocket". Not lying.
*Shock! TheLurker has a camera again. Only 43 years after giving up photography as too bloody expensive.
Post by: sg37409 on 19 March, 2016, 07:58:34 pm
Post by: rr on 19 March, 2016, 10:22:20 pm
Post by: Pancho on 21 March, 2016, 09:27:37 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/6uqAjpo.jpg)
Will try again tomorrow.
Post by: Kim on 21 March, 2016, 10:36:53 pm
Post by: Deano on 21 March, 2016, 10:40:24 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 22 March, 2016, 05:27:49 am
Post by: hatler on 22 March, 2016, 07:18:35 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 March, 2016, 08:31:20 am
Post by: ian on 22 March, 2016, 08:36:36 am
Wow, that looks like Borneo or something. I thought you lived in Hampshire!
I find that many people from the north don't fully understand what the south of the country is like. Hampshire is mostly subtropical jungle. I remember when I came to London and the shock of seeing all that exotic fruit. Oranges, melons, you name it. The only fruit I had as a child was coal.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 22 March, 2016, 08:39:23 am
Post by: Mr Larrington on 22 March, 2016, 10:20:07 am
What!!! I'm going up north next week. You mean I have to take fruit with me? I can't just pluck it from trees?
Depending on where you're going, be advised that some parts of the North, that they have now, worship the aubergine.
Post by: Pancho on 22 March, 2016, 05:23:57 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/hN8JokF.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/FJntXOM.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/Zw1kChG.jpg)
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 March, 2016, 05:31:29 pm
*Footballing reference, m'lud.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 22 March, 2016, 05:33:31 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 March, 2016, 05:39:46 pm
Post by: Kim on 22 March, 2016, 06:09:01 pm
Post by: Pancho on 22 March, 2016, 06:26:05 pm
Cycling in this heat requires a whole new set of strategies. Basically, stay at about fast walking pace and seek shade - whichever part of the road this means riding on. The roads outside of town are absolutely awful to ride a bike. Alternating between washboard ripples (awful to ride on), rocks and holes (awful to ride on), and invisible sand traps (impossible to ride on).
But mainly it was the heat that got me on the first attempt. I just set off at my normal utility pace and pretty soon felt seriously unwell. Thus time I prepared: hat, water, and early morning. I would have done evening but Miss P warned me of bandits.
I can assure you I won't be getting back on a bike until I'm home in Blighty. It's horribly unpleasant here. I was tricked by the large number of locals I'd seen riding around and reckoned a short utility ride would be just like home (but with a few more falling coconuts to dodge).
Post by: ian on 23 March, 2016, 09:12:41 am
What!!! I'm going up north next week. You mean I have to take fruit with me? I can't just pluck it from trees?
Depending on where you're going, be advised that some parts of the North, that they have now, worship the aubergine.
In the deeper valleys, those older religions of turnip worship still persist.
I can assure you I won't be getting back on a bike until I'm home in Blighty. It's horribly unpleasant here. I was tricked by the large number of locals I'd seen riding around and reckoned a short utility ride would be just like home (but with a few more falling coconuts to dodge).
Heat is one of those things that takes (a) getting used to and (b) then avoiding. There's a good reason the locals sit around or go for a nap. That looks more like Costa Rica than Hampshire though. At least there are roads (and good god, is that a street light?) and you don't have to fight through a crowd of over-enthusiastically driven, under-maintained and overloaded geriatric minibuses.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 March, 2016, 09:21:45 am
As for chain oil, surely motor oil or sewing machine oil (do people have sewing machines out there?) would do. Or even cooking oil would be, at least, cheaper and more plentiful than skin lotion.
Mostly, though, a dozen house points for even trying. :thumbsup: 8)
Post by: Kim on 23 March, 2016, 12:18:29 pm
Post by: Basil on 23 March, 2016, 12:42:36 pm
Trick with sand is to use somebody else's mountain bike.
and make them ride it.
Post by: Pancho on 23 March, 2016, 12:48:18 pm
[1] It may have been more - the distance on the road sign may have been wrong.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 23 March, 2016, 01:19:29 pm
Post by: simonp on 27 March, 2016, 09:14:00 pm
Post by: mcshroom on 27 March, 2016, 09:19:00 pm
Post by: Asterix, the former Gaul. on 28 March, 2016, 06:45:52 pm
Post by: Kim on 28 March, 2016, 07:46:29 pm
Post by: slope on 28 March, 2016, 08:24:42 pm
But hey, it's good to get the drugs and extra miles in :thumbsup:
Post by: catsnapper on 28 March, 2016, 09:31:41 pm
A Dutch couple gently riding their traditional uprights down to the front, a Russian lady on a white bike, carrying her young child and a bored youngster on a BMX, looking for something to do.....
Nothing useful in the local Carrefour, so on to Lidl. The local Easter fair is on, but no activity at this time of day - then got held up at the barriers waiting for a tram full of visitors to pass by.
Success! Lidl had the 'right sort' of chocolate, so celebrated by having a coffee in the fish shop...pleasantly situated 50 yds from the Med 8)
A slightly faster pace back along the front, as plenty of local families were getting settled in the sun for a long, leisurely (and voluble!)lunch.
Just over 5km of easy riding on my handy little SS bike ::-)
Post by: Andrij on 29 March, 2016, 07:14:23 pm
Post by: Pancho on 05 April, 2016, 01:31:25 pm
Today's report: 1 mile (total) to the village and back. Two fellow utilitarian adventurers (unemployed pub goers, I suspect) and about seven "cyclists".
First ride of the month and some warm Spring sun albeit with a backdrop of dark cloud towering to the West.
Further observations of riding abroad: an awful lot of utility riders. Girls with sun brollies, chaps with kids in tow, and blokes with half a tonne of bananas precariously aboard. Everything rusty and unoiled and a variety of home constructed trailers. Impressed. Also, around the towns, a fair few lycra-d roadies and MTB-ers. I am awed at their ability to do climbs (or the flat, even) in that unbearable heat. I also saw the utility types riding in rush hour (and it is a rush - total whacky races) in darkness - it was unnerving to even watch. The only lights I saw were on a lycra-d, serious looking commuter - and those were both white fore and aft.
Anyway, I'm back in the saddle in the UK and loving both!
Post by: mcshroom on 05 April, 2016, 01:41:13 pm
I was very impressed with the amount of stuff that fitted in my new Osprey Flapjack messenger bag :)
Post by: Oscar's dad on 05 April, 2016, 06:21:49 pm
But it did! All that shopping amounted to Penelope's heaviest load to date which in turn compromised handling a bit due to frame flex but we both arrived home safe and sound as did the shopping!
Post by: Basil on 05 April, 2016, 06:37:31 pm
"Put your panniers on your bike and get down to the co-op"
Wine went in the bottle cages.
I always buy bog and kitchen roll at the garage Tesco Express opposite our house as the are light but voluminous.
I have to be more careful these days as I've taken the pannier racks off the front of the bike now.
Post by: Kim on 05 April, 2016, 06:46:04 pm
Where I tend to get caught out is long thing objects that almost but don't quite fit. But those can usually be bungeed to the rack directly.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 April, 2016, 07:05:44 pm
With the exception of my foray to foreign parts, my contributions to this thread are turning out to be as dull as I initially feared.I've seen exactly the same in Belgium. In Liege, in fact, which seemed a city I do not want to return to, but my opinion might be jaundiced by our having arrived there at the end of a long day driving and getting completely lost in the city.
Today's report: 1 mile (total) to the village and back. Two fellow utilitarian adventurers (unemployed pub goers, I suspect) and about seven "cyclists".
First ride of the month and some warm Spring sun albeit with a backdrop of dark cloud towering to the West.
Further observations of riding abroad: an awful lot of utility riders. Girls with sun brollies, chaps with kids in tow, and blokes with half a tonne of bananas precariously aboard. Everything rusty and unoiled and a variety of home constructed trailers. Impressed. Also, around the towns, a fair few lycra-d roadies and MTB-ers. I am awed at their ability to do climbs (or the flat, even) in that unbearable heat. I also saw the utility types riding in rush hour (and it is a rush - total whacky races) in darkness - it was unnerving to even watch. The only lights I saw were on a lycra-d, serious looking commuter - and those were both white fore and aft.
Anyway, I'm back in the saddle in the UK and loving both!
Post by: cycleman on 05 April, 2016, 08:38:11 pm
Post by: Pancho on 11 April, 2016, 08:24:44 am
I'll be riding the same roads as my old commute but utility riding really is a different kettle of fish. I can choose to miss the traffic. I can decide to wait out the rain. I could even head in the other direction to another cauliflower shop. Or go tomorrow. I sort of miss the "it's 0600 and you're going, come hell or high water" commute discipline. Sort of.
Post by: RibbleRouser on 11 April, 2016, 08:56:41 am
Today I need to acquire a cauliflower (http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/baked-cauliflower-pizzaiola).If you avoid morning rush hour and the school run, it's a whole new world out there.
I'll be riding the same roads as my old commute but utility riding really is a different kettle of fish. I can choose to miss the traffic. I can decide to wait out the rain. I could even head in the other direction to another cauliflower shop. Or go tomorrow. I sort of miss the "it's 0600 and you're going, come hell or high water" commute discipline. Sort of.
Don't do what I did t'other day though, and and take a Aldi shopping basket out of the door to take your groceries to your panniers.........unless you like the sound of alarm bells going off....
Post by: Basil on 11 April, 2016, 09:57:58 am
Don't do what I did t'other day though, and and take a Aldi shopping basket out of the door to take your groceries to your panniers.........unless you like the sound of alarm bells going off....
Ah yes. I did that once in Northfield. Luckily my bike was parked quite near the door, so I was able to take my basket back in and put it down just inside the door where I could keep an eye on it while I went to bring the bike in.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 April, 2016, 10:23:35 am
Today I need to acquire a cauliflower (http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/baked-cauliflower-pizzaiola).Somewhat disappointed. I always thought of you as the kind of chap who would just walk in to the garden and pick from the vast variety of veg growing there. Or at least pay the deputy under-gardener to do it.
Post by: Pancho on 11 April, 2016, 10:34:57 am
Today I need to acquire a cauliflower (http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/baked-cauliflower-pizzaiola).Somewhat disappointed. I always thought of you as the kind of chap who would just walk in to the garden and pick from the vast variety of veg growing there. Or at least pay the deputy under-gardener to do it.
I *am* the deputy under-gardener. Sadly, I've been otherwise engaged for the past couple of years and everything's returned to nature. Unless I get my arse into gear this year (go away, rain), my entire harvest will again consist of blackberries.
Post by: Pancho on 11 April, 2016, 03:12:28 pm
To town and back to buy cauliflower[1]: 16 miles.
Weather: fine (because I waited out the rain and used a rain radar to make sure I wasn't being suckered into a trap)
Roads: damp and puddly (was glad I'd decided to do overtrousers)
Other Cyclists: not many but a fair few bikes in racks in town and one POB memorable because she had a surprising turn of speed despite rusty BSO and guttersniping
[1] How much should one pay for a cauliflower? I reckoned I was being seen off by the £1.50 the market bloke wanted but Aldi was no better at 90p for a v small one. I thought somewhere between a quid and £1.20 should be a fair price. I suppose we must in that gap between winter and summer cauliflowers.
Post by: Pancho on 12 April, 2016, 03:10:08 pm
In the hazy distance I saw the French Navy invading Gosport. If my ship recog skills haven't faded too much, their amphibious support vessel, Dixmude and a frigate or two were sending their landing craft ashore. Fortunately, BULWARK and other RN vessels were keeping them company. I think it was an exercise of the UK-French rapid deployment force. They had a good day for it - flat calm and almost sunny.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 April, 2016, 03:14:46 pm
Oh, er, hang on... Moi, pour un, dit "Bienvenue" a nos nouveaux grenouille surlords. Ou qqc comme ca.
Post by: Ruthie on 12 April, 2016, 03:18:47 pm
Forget to mention Interesting Sights.
In the hazy distance I saw the French Navy invading Gosport. If my ship recog skills haven't faded too much, their amphibious support vessel, Dixmude and a frigate or two were sending their landing craft ashore. Fortunately, BULWARK and other RN vessels were keeping them company. I think it was an exercise of the UK-French rapid deployment force. They had a good day for it - flat calm and almost sunny.
My ex served on the previous Bulwark (R08). Somewhere I might have a bit of her decommissioning pennant. Most likely it went in the bin though.
Post by: hatler on 13 April, 2016, 02:43:16 pm
Post by: Pancho on 13 April, 2016, 03:08:54 pm
Forget to mention Interesting Sights.
In the hazy distance I saw the French Navy invading Gosport. If my ship recog skills haven't faded too much, their amphibious support vessel, Dixmude and a frigate or two were sending their landing craft ashore. Fortunately, BULWARK and other RN vessels were keeping them company. I think it was an exercise of the UK-French rapid deployment force. They had a good day for it - flat calm and almost sunny.
My ex served on the previous Bulwark (R08). Somewhere I might have a bit of her decommissioning pennant. Most likely it went in the bin though.
I'd not imagined you as Navy wife/girlfriend!
Post by: Pancho on 13 April, 2016, 03:12:42 pm
To village and back: 1 mile
Weather: awesome - sunny, not too hot, and no wind
Other Cyclists: village bike racks full with serious utility bikes (mudguards, Altura, etc). Plus one bloke haring down the hill "towing" a trailer with lawnmower in it.
Interesting sights: bumped into a pal and stopped for a chinwag.
Post by: Pancho on 13 April, 2016, 03:13:29 pm
Four mile round trip to drop some forgotten homework off at mini-h's school. When will he learn ??
Probably depends how often you bail him out!
Post by: hatler on 13 April, 2016, 03:43:47 pm
Very conscious of that effect.Four mile round trip to drop some forgotten homework off at mini-h's school. When will he learn ??
Probably depends how often you bail him out!
Post by: jsabine on 13 April, 2016, 04:45:30 pm
Very conscious of that effect.Four mile round trip to drop some forgotten homework off at mini-h's school. When will he learn ??
Probably depends how often you bail him out!
Possibly when you make it *his* four-mile round trip?
Post by: Jules on 13 April, 2016, 07:18:09 pm
My day off and the sun's shining so along the Thames to Kingston to buy a new shirt and job lot of tomatoes and peppers from the market. Back to build a Peperonata for dinner.
Post by: Ruthie on 15 April, 2016, 10:18:38 am
Forget to mention Interesting Sights.
In the hazy distance I saw the French Navy invading Gosport. If my ship recog skills haven't faded too much, their amphibious support vessel, Dixmude and a frigate or two were sending their landing craft ashore. Fortunately, BULWARK and other RN vessels were keeping them company. I think it was an exercise of the UK-French rapid deployment force. They had a good day for it - flat calm and almost sunny.
My ex served on the previous Bulwark (R08). Somewhere I might have a bit of her decommissioning pennant. Most likely it went in the bin though.
I'd not imagined you as Navy wife/girlfriend!
Okay, I'll bite!
I've moved on since then Pancho. It was a long, long time ago ;D
Post by: Ruthie on 15 April, 2016, 08:55:38 pm
The lake in my back alley has come back, with the slippery cobblestones underneath, that's always a bit of excitement.
Just a short trip to a fellowship meeting and back, but that was enough tonight!
Post by: Pingu on 16 April, 2016, 03:34:12 pm
Cycled to the Beach retail centre on Sunday to get some cat food. I was going to drive and pick up some cat litter (not urgent) at the same time but I'm glad I didn't - traffic mayhem :hand: 6.3km :thumbsup:
And again (plus a notverysupermarket visit), dodging the wintry showers.
Post by: cycleman on 16 April, 2016, 06:28:35 pm
I used the carry freedom trailer in its handcart mode and loaded it at the checkout process ;D
Post by: matthew on 16 April, 2016, 08:20:23 pm
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 16 April, 2016, 09:18:02 pm
Post by: Pingu on 18 April, 2016, 12:35:18 am
IMG_6495_02 (https://flic.kr/p/Fauozb) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 20 April, 2016, 09:21:57 pm
Still, any bike ride is better than no bike ride.
Sent from my Paris using Tapatalk
Post by: Feanor on 20 April, 2016, 09:26:53 pm
(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1451/25705301484_718a70d961_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Fauozb)
IMG_6495_02 (https://flic.kr/p/Fauozb) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Oh, oh!
I recognise that !
It's the bridge over the Gadie burn at Oyne, isn't it?
Post by: RibbleRouser on 26 April, 2016, 11:51:57 am
Post by: Jakob W on 26 April, 2016, 05:23:12 pm
Post by: sg37409 on 27 April, 2016, 02:38:08 pm
Post by: Pancho on 27 April, 2016, 03:06:10 pm
I've clocked 2 miles today ; garden centre and back. Just browsing but I may go back tomorrow with my trailer if I can work out a loading scheme for pots, trays, etc. I want to avoid resorting to motor transport ; it's almost 6 months since I last drove and I don't want to break the run.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 April, 2016, 03:15:09 pm
Post by: RibbleRouser on 27 April, 2016, 05:40:40 pm
Will have to actually drive the van there next week but at least I won't need a courtesy vehicle, hopefully I won' need waterproofs either.
Post by: SteveC on 27 April, 2016, 07:59:49 pm
Post by: jsabine on 27 April, 2016, 08:10:03 pm
popping home at lunchtime to get some weed
can ever be seen as strictly utilitarian.
Post by: SteveC on 27 April, 2016, 08:23:27 pm
You are welcome to try smoking the finest "Canadian pond" if you want. There's loads on the edge of the pond as I type
Post by: Pancho on 27 April, 2016, 08:26:48 pm
Does popping home at lunchtime to get some weed out of the pond count as commuting or utilitarian?
IIRC, Richard's Bicycle Book recommended that you keep your "stash" in the handlebar - not a pond.
Post by: Pancho on 28 April, 2016, 02:53:25 pm
Purpose of trip: to buy Mrs P a birthday pressie - inc ingredients for home made chocolate truffles. Also bank[1]
Destination: local town
Distance: 25.1 miles total (alternatives: yukky hilly A road route = 8 miles; "normal" quiet route = 16 miles)
Weather: fine to start, threatening to finish, windy throughout
Other bikies: crossed paths with 20 or so on the road but all bike racks full in town (I locked my bike to some "civic art" installation instead)
Interesting: nothing much.
Wind on my back most of the outward trip. Sea and harbour to my right pretty much all the way in. Smell of spring in the rural bits. Smell of low tide in the urban/harbour leg.
Loved it. But 25 miles seems to be the max I can ride in comfort at the moment. I'm sure I could double that without too much actual agony - but it'd be increasingly unfun as the mileage goes up.
[1] I'm old fashioned. I get "paid" in cheques and I spend cash. So once a month I ride to the bank to put cheques in and take out a month's T&S in Ye Olde Notes.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 April, 2016, 02:58:50 pm
As for comfort, what's the matter? Is it something that might be solved relatively easily by eg new saddle or playing around with bars?
Post by: Pancho on 28 April, 2016, 03:17:54 pm
As for comfort, what's the matter? Is it something that might be solved relatively easily by eg new saddle or playing around with bars?
Oh, I don't think there's much wrong with the bike. It's the rider. I need better legs, a more resilient bum, and stronger wrists. The cure is simple: more miles.
Post by: Tigerrr on 28 April, 2016, 04:51:11 pm
After some dog training work with whistle and commands we will adjourn for a well earned sharpener at one of the tables on the terrace. After 3 months I no longer need to make my order as Pancho brings my pint of chilled beer immediately with a bowl of crisps and some olives.
Thence back up the vertiginous climb by way of 500watts of e power and K9 assist unit to see about some bass on the BBQ and his bowl of grub.
Back in blight this time next week. That is going to be a shock if the weather doesn't buck up a bit.
Post by: RibbleRouser on 28 April, 2016, 05:00:28 pm
Colin
Post by: Pancho on 28 April, 2016, 05:15:50 pm
After 3 months I no longer need to make my order as Pancho brings my pint of chilled beer immediately with a bowl of crisps and some olives.
De nada, mi amigo.
Post by: Pancho on 30 April, 2016, 11:42:56 am
Lots of lycra types on bikes, no fellow Utes. Bike racks empty.
Post by: Basil on 30 April, 2016, 12:19:55 pm
Moment of my day so far: A cyclist stopped to ask me if I was OK. I thanked him and told him I was fine.
"Have you come far?" He asked.
"About 12 feet. Would you like a cup of tea?"
He didn't.
;D
Post by: Si S on 30 April, 2016, 02:44:42 pm
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 03 May, 2016, 04:00:00 pm
I often cycle down to Aldi, and occasionally towards the vet, but I don't think ive ever bolted the two together, so it was a bit of a different trip. About 10k in total on a mixture of paths and quiet suburban roads.
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Post by: Jakob W on 03 May, 2016, 06:56:21 pm
Was amused to see someone on a road bike coming up behind me as I got to the top of the hill in Sutton Coldfield; as I went into an aero tuck over the top, gravity (and the bakfiets's aero rain canopy) took over, and I dropped him like a stone.
Post by: Pancho on 04 May, 2016, 02:20:11 pm
Another 1 miler today - into the village again. I really must do something about this lack of miles! Pleased to see bike racks full and awheel I encountered one Old Lady complete with Ye Olde bike and basket. Going like the absolute clappers down the hill. I worried for her. And, in the other direction, a roadie - struggling.
And me? Well, I was on my folder. I studiously did not go like the clappers as I really don't trust it not to re-fold spontaneously. Test run ahead of Long Itch. Everything works. But it's v dusty and rusty and creaks alarmingly (but it's always done that). Just need to fathom how to affix luggage to it. I have a trailer but trains with bike+trailer may be a bit hassle prone - despite complying (just) with conditions of carriage.
And, joy of joys, my rat-run prone rural road is closed for six weeks of maintenance. Absolutely essential - it was getting impassable. The ride was motor traffic free and glorious.
Post by: Jakob W on 04 May, 2016, 02:35:56 pm
Fulfilling stereotypes, the reactions I get from other cyclists to my nod and wave seem to vary; generally those that don't respond are grim-faced roadies. From the occasional darksider I tend to get a full-on grin and thumbs-up (from a sample of two), which is also not uncommon from white van men and lorry drivers. The two cute toddlers help here, mind.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 May, 2016, 03:35:34 pm
Post by: Jakob W on 04 May, 2016, 03:55:18 pm
Post by: Kim on 04 May, 2016, 06:16:29 pm
What really amuses me about that is the idea of "an aero tuck" on a Bakfiets!
Having witnessed Phil doing one on a Yuba Mundo, I can imagine...
(Silliest bike I've ever done an aero tuck on is a Boris Bike. Must try harder.)
Post by: Jakob W on 04 May, 2016, 06:37:44 pm
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 04 May, 2016, 09:37:38 pm
Then in the afternoon I had an unexpectedly early delivery from cable monkey so I had the 2 rolls plus a 100m reel of Cat5e cable to get home. Which was fine apart from my bike fell over while I was trying to load it all up and I snapped one of the brake levers :(
Post by: Deano on 04 May, 2016, 10:23:03 pm
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/26786118926_d83026fa61_c.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/GNZRWE)
Post by: Si S on 07 May, 2016, 07:35:40 pm
Post by: matthew on 07 May, 2016, 10:56:54 pm
Into town for the weekly food shop (two Ortlieb panniers and a saddle bag + bottle cages for fruit juice)
To the neighbouring village to donate blood (found I was a week early for my appointment :-[ )
Back into town for a new kitchen mop and bucket. slide mop handle through spring clasp on the rack and alongside the top tube, toe strap the handle at the front of the top tube. toe strap the handle of the bucket onto the top of the saddle bag.
Post by: mcshroom on 08 May, 2016, 12:51:17 pm
Post by: Ruthie on 08 May, 2016, 05:52:42 pm
Post by: Kim on 08 May, 2016, 06:36:31 pm
Post by: Basil on 08 May, 2016, 08:04:46 pm
Yeahbut, you only left with one bike. Which was annoying. ;)
Post by: Pingu on 09 May, 2016, 10:31:41 am
Post by: Pancho on 09 May, 2016, 10:48:30 am
Post by: Guy on 10 May, 2016, 03:37:42 pm
In my defence I will say it was a beautiful morning. The air was cool and still, the sun hot on my knees, and the only car I saw was on the A6 between the Gravenhurst turn and the Barton roundabout, going the other way.
Post by: SoreTween on 14 May, 2016, 04:25:50 pm
Post by: Kim on 15 May, 2016, 08:15:33 pm
50km of heavily loaded touring to deliver some brake blocks. That counts, right? ;)
Similarly: 110km of heavily loaded touring to deliver a card. Again managed not to acquire any extra bikes.
Post by: SoreTween on 15 May, 2016, 08:45:51 pm
Again managed not to acquire any extra bikes.Is this a common problem? Its not one I have been warned (up to now) to watch out for.
I've returned home onna bike carrying excess rocks (thanks guys), bits of, and on one occasion a friends entire bike and, of course, half a gallon+ of
I've returned home on foot (back when Noah was beginning to feel his age) with rocks (thanks again guys), some other buggers entire climbing rack or half a gallon+ of
But thus far I have not been mugged by a klingon bike. Maybe I'm naturally bike-o-phobic. Wish I weren't because I could foster a folder and a 29HT before n pushes in an s direction.
Post by: Kim on 15 May, 2016, 09:07:48 pm
Post by: Pedaldog. on 15 May, 2016, 10:36:59 pm
I need better legs, a more resilient bum, and stronger wrists.My wife kicked me in the fork when I said that to her!
We' ve been divorced a fair few years now.
Post by: Guy on 16 May, 2016, 09:36:14 am
1) How much hard work it is until I find my rhythm
2) How much fun it is once in rhythm
c) How bloody slow it is (1.1 miles in 7 mins 32 secs!)
iv) How twitchy the steering is until I get used to it - I nearly suffered an unexpected dismount when signalling the first turn
Post by: ian on 23 May, 2016, 09:32:56 am
Then CS7. My wife, who doesn't like cycling on the roads, first experience of a 'superhighway', best summed up with the 'what the shit is this?' Yes dear, they just painted a blue stripe down the side of a nasty, busy road and yes, people can park in it.
Post by: Pancho on 23 May, 2016, 11:38:34 am
I think I now need to go and look at google images of Cycle Superhighways and dream for a bit.
Post by: ian on 23 May, 2016, 12:08:26 pm
At least we got to bumble along the Wandle eating flies afterwards and stopped for a beer in Carshalton.
Post by: hatler on 24 May, 2016, 11:21:12 pm
Post by: Si S on 29 May, 2016, 11:45:39 am
Post by: Pancho on 29 May, 2016, 05:26:05 pm
Return from abandoning the car in Eccles since some **** has cross threaded the wheel nut >:(
Do you always carry a bike, lifeboat-style?
Post by: Si S on 29 May, 2016, 07:36:23 pm
Return from abandoning the car in Eccles since some **** has cross threaded the wheel nut >:(
Do you always carry a bike, lifeboat-style?
;D
That was the point of this journey but I'm actually struggling to remember when I last time I drove the car without a bike on the roof
Post by: Pancho on 03 June, 2016, 06:18:02 pm
Am currently trying to persuade youngest daughter to cycle to her Cross Fit thing rather than expect Mrs P to drive her there. It's 5 miles away (and 50 meters of climbing) so should be easy. It's just a mind set thing.
Post by: Jakob W on 04 June, 2016, 10:00:21 am
Currently have not been doing any cycling because of twisted ankle, boo, but am hoping to take a load of cardboard etc to the tip this afternoon on the bakfiets. There are big signs at the entrance proclaiming no entry on foot, so am mildly curious what the reaction to a bike will be...
Post by: Jakob W on 05 June, 2016, 05:49:35 pm
Post by: mcshroom on 06 June, 2016, 01:11:36 pm
I grabbed some lunch at the same time and ate sat on a bench looking towards Wasdale. I might need to do this more often :D
Post by: Jakob W on 06 June, 2016, 01:51:07 pm
Post by: Samuel D on 06 June, 2016, 03:38:13 pm
I’m just back from a long weekend in Amsterdam, and those things were everywhere! As for the cycling infrastructure, wow. It takes the adventure clean out of utilitarian cycling. And now I want an opafiets badly.
Post by: Jakob W on 06 June, 2016, 05:31:52 pm
Post by: Pancho on 07 June, 2016, 04:37:31 pm
(http://i.imgur.com/eIlZyda.jpg)
Actually I'm on the beach right now. Got it all to myself due to falling in the intersect of the sets Not_At_Work, Don't_Need_Car_Access, and Disbelief_In_Forecasts_of_Rain.
Post by: Jakob W on 07 June, 2016, 05:08:49 pm
Post by: Pancho on 07 June, 2016, 06:21:17 pm
Ah, what a great, great day. Or, afternoon at least. The morning I spent finding a new computer (well, second hand refurbed) for my daughter as hers seems to have succumbed to an austere life in the jungle.
But, after lunch, I thought "sod it, I'm going swimming". And I thought I'd try the trailer out - I've switched the hitch to the tourer.
About 3, maybe 4 miles each way - 50% (in distance, more in time) of which is farm tracks or gravel paths. Some was a bit narrow:
(https://i.imgur.com/pZu6wpu.jpg)
On the way back, I managed to ride through - albeit very slowly!
And then I had the beach to myself:
(https://i.imgur.com/Crg5heE.jpg)
Then I lounged, read a book, had a swim, and generally enjoyed the solitude and the sun. I know it's a Health and Safety no-no, but I love swimming alone.
Then back on the bike to ride home. I was still a bit damp so am hoping that I haven't damaged the Brooks with a combo of salt water and sun.
(https://i.imgur.com/W5I8EEh.jpg)
Trailer was ace. I'd forgotten how much clearance drivers give you when you've got an ungainly contraption of Chinese metalwork behind you. Maybe I should keep it on permanently! Trailer even coped with narrow tracks with vegetation to either side. No idea where the wheels tracked, though. Was expecting to be pulled up short at any moment.
Brilliant utilitarian ride to the beach! A proper utilitarian adventure.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 June, 2016, 08:29:48 pm
Post by: jsabine on 07 June, 2016, 11:39:06 pm
Post by: Pancho on 08 June, 2016, 08:19:35 am
I'm not sure it counts as strictly utilitarian when you clearly took the trailer purely for the LOLs.
I think, if you look at the Thread Rules (specifically, Subsection 18 (Luggage), Paragraph 18.2, Clause 9b), this ride qualifies under "panniers, barbags, and other luggage related accoutrements are permitted regardless of utilisation of potential capacity".
;D
Post by: tom_e on 08 June, 2016, 09:05:22 am
Some people take an entire car with them everywhere you know.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 June, 2016, 10:28:10 am
Post by: Pancho on 08 June, 2016, 05:15:51 pm
Glorious ride with nothing much to report - except I possibly saw an adder slither across my path. But maybe it was just a shadow.
Slightly different route today - precisely 6 miles total. Which is perfect for a utility trip, IMO.
Had a super swim - just 20 minutes of up and down parallel with the water's edge. Pretty calm water but pretty chilly as well. But that's just me being unacclimatised - Bramblemet tells me it's 16.5 degrees today - which is higher than the seasonal average by a couple of degrees (but I don't know where averages are measured).
Didn't we have a thread about the stinking yuk that ships use as bunkers? Saw this en route which illustrates it rather well.
(https://i.imgur.com/sc0dsUP.jpg)
All, in all, another great utility ride.
Post by: Jakob W on 08 June, 2016, 06:14:57 pm
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 08 June, 2016, 09:00:03 pm
Post by: Pancho on 09 June, 2016, 04:08:53 pm
Sorry. Beach again. This time with Mrs P and a trailer full of beach stuff. Bit cooler today but still a nice day out and a nice ride.
Saw about six other cyclists - two on the beach and, on the road, only one lycra type.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 09 June, 2016, 04:40:17 pm
Or there are bicycles in the Sheds. TfL say it will take eleven minutes. Pump up tyres of Towpath Bike (unridden for nine months) and trundle off into the balmy oxides of nitrogen that pass for the atmostale in London Town Devine on a sunny day. Palmerston Road is gridlocked. Selborne Road is gridlocked. Hoe Street, to no-one's great surprise, is gridlocked. And, mirabile dictu, the Leyton High Road is, er, gridlocked.
And the same on the way back. If I'd gone on the bus, which takes the same route, I'd have been about an hour late for the appointment. OK, so it wouldn't have been a Proper Londonton Ride without the attempted left-hook by an indicator-free WVM, but I got to call him a fucknugget so honour was satisfied.
Post by: Pancho on 11 June, 2016, 09:01:10 pm
They are truely hideous machines. Or maybe the one I was riding was just a particularly knacked example. It was like pedalling through molasses - hot , sweaty, and not at all fast. Maybe the brakes were stuck on - which would have created a sort of symmetry as pulling the levers had caused very little additional stopping. But I made it in under 30 mins despite coming across every traffic light in Christendom. So, financially, it was a bargain.
(http://imgur.com/32RV1eg.jpg)
Route as above.
London riding was wonderful. The most benign and courteous drivers I've experienced in years of riding. I suppose they're just used to cyclists - whereas round here, when drivers see a bike on the road they think "What the fuck's that on the road? Is it dangerous? Hell, I'll run it over just to be on the safe side".
It was a great day at the cricket (and lots of wickets) but, TBH, it wasn't the greatest of cycling experiences despite the traffic. I'll take my own bike next time I want some London urban time. Maybe the Sightseer audax in September.
Post by: SoreTween on 12 June, 2016, 09:53:07 am
Post by: Pancho on 12 June, 2016, 11:09:35 am
Does this count? I got a lift into town yesterday to collect my commute/cross thingy from the LBS. Store owner absolutely loved it, raved about it the whole time I was there and has ordered a frame to build one for himself. Blimey.
I reckon that counts. It was an errand - returning with some shopping. Which just happened to be a bike.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 June, 2016, 11:11:30 am
London riding was wonderful. The most benign and courteous drivers I've experienced in years of riding. I suppose they're just used to cyclists - whereas round here, when drivers see a bike on the road they think "What the fuck's that on the road? Is it dangerous? Hell, I'll run it over just to be on the safe side".Curiously, a couple of days ago I was in a "community cycling cafe/workshop" in Bristol and got into conversation with someone who'd just moved to Bristol from London and was saying (in addition to the fact that a single-speed worked fine in London but is not so good for Bristol) that the drivers were much more considerate in central London. My only experience of cycling in London is a short time early on a Saturday morning, so probably not particularly representative even if it were long enough to form an opinion.
Post by: Ruthie on 12 June, 2016, 12:54:33 pm
The nearest bike to the door was the carbon road bike with the Speedplay pedals on. So I've just been to church and back, full sail, long pink raincoat flapping in the wind, earrings bashing me on the head, gingerly pedalling so I didn't do myself a damage if my shoes slipped off the pedals, skirt round my waist.
I really should organise my mornings better.
Post by: ian on 13 June, 2016, 11:31:54 am
London riding was wonderful. The most benign and courteous drivers I've experienced in years of riding. I suppose they're just used to cyclists - whereas round here, when drivers see a bike on the road they think "What the fuck's that on the road? Is it dangerous? Hell, I'll run it over just to be on the safe side".Curiously, a couple of days ago I was in a "community cycling cafe/workshop" in Bristol and got into conversation with someone who'd just moved to Bristol from London and was saying (in addition to the fact that a single-speed worked fine in London but is not so good for Bristol) that the drivers were much more considerate in central London. My only experience of cycling in London is a short time early on a Saturday morning, so probably not particularly representative even if it were long enough to form an opinion.
I wouldn't say they're more considerate, just more accepting.
Post by: hatler on 14 June, 2016, 11:34:42 am
Then back again for a meeting at the bank there. Got caught in a brief downpour.
Not an ounce of lycra in sight (at least on me).
Post by: matthew on 14 June, 2016, 11:55:58 am
London riding was wonderful. The most benign and courteous drivers I've experienced in years of riding. I suppose they're just used to cyclists - whereas round here, when drivers see a bike on the road they think "What the fuck's that on the road? Is it dangerous? Hell, I'll run it over just to be on the safe side".Curiously, a couple of days ago I was in a "community cycling cafe/workshop" in Bristol and got into conversation with someone who'd just moved to Bristol from London and was saying (in addition to the fact that a single-speed worked fine in London but is not so good for Bristol) that the drivers were much more considerate in central London. My only experience of cycling in London is a short time early on a Saturday morning, so probably not particularly representative even if it were long enough to form an opinion.
I wouldn't say they're more considerate, just more accepting.
And particularly when a Boris bike often means tourist and occasional cyclist, likely to wobble, not sure where they are going etc.
Post by: Jakob W on 14 June, 2016, 06:05:23 pm
Post by: Pancho on 14 June, 2016, 06:09:38 pm
Post by: Jakob W on 14 June, 2016, 06:55:55 pm
Thankfully I had the rain cover on today; the girls stayed dry in shirtsleeves (and had a nap while I was grinding up the hills, the ingrates...)
Post by: Pancho on 15 June, 2016, 11:51:27 am
(and had a nap while I was grinding up the hills, the ingrates...)
When mine were of trailerable age, they used to shout "Faster, Daddy! Catch that bike up! Go faster or that man'll overtake us! etc!" They were very demanding passengers. But I had great routes to nursery, beach, etc - lots of off road, gravelly stuff. Sometimes I'd pinch Mrs P's electric bike for Extra Fun. Good memories.
Post by: sg37409 on 15 June, 2016, 11:52:59 am
Much less cycle friendly than my commute.
Post by: Pancho on 15 June, 2016, 12:00:11 pm
Parked up (on double yellows[1]) directly outside the butcher. Who quizzed me about my Brooks saddle, Caradice panniers, and butterfly bars. I'd never had him down as a bikie before but he seemed pretty knowledgeable about such things. I'll ask him next time I'm there.
[1] I always do this but always wonder if a parking warden will ever chase me down the road waving his notebook. The alternatives would be to park on the pavement (which seems to be what most people on bikes visiting the butcher do) or use one of the heavily oversubscribed car parking spaces.
Post by: mcshroom on 15 June, 2016, 12:02:25 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 June, 2016, 12:05:27 pm
Parked up (on double yellows[1]) directly outside the butcher. Who quizzed me about my Brooks saddle, Caradice panniers, and butterfly bars. I'd never had him down as a bikie before but he seemed pretty knowledgeable about such things. I'll ask him next time I'm there.The butcher knows about Brooks saddles because they are made of beef!
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 June, 2016, 01:40:24 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 June, 2016, 02:05:28 pm
Post by: Mr Larrington on 17 June, 2016, 06:01:55 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 June, 2016, 07:42:15 pm
Post by: Mr Larrington on 18 June, 2016, 05:27:06 am
Post by: Pancho on 19 June, 2016, 12:01:45 pm
It wasn't a particularly epic ride - in fact, about as boringly utilitarian as it comes, and even the weather was unimpressively grey.
But en route, in both directions, I saw a real life demo of critical mass (small C, small M). There were so many people on bikes that no vehicles were travelling faster than slow cycling speed.
Result of Day: 10lbs of strawberries. Currently undergoing kitchen alchemy to become jam.
Post by: matthew on 20 June, 2016, 12:11:02 pm
The handling of the bike is also rather altered by strapping 8 litres of sparkling water onto the back. :smug:
Post by: Guy on 21 June, 2016, 11:19:10 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 June, 2016, 02:23:57 pm
Post by: Kim on 22 June, 2016, 05:42:43 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 June, 2016, 09:59:47 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 June, 2016, 01:28:38 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 June, 2016, 02:44:08 pm
On this trip, I forgot my mitts. I always, always ride with mitts, even the shortest distances and have done for years. Decades, in fact. But this time I forgot them and rode without. Felt fine. ;) I also discovered that a Carradice Super C rack pack can be made to hold a 12-pack of Walker's greasiest in addition to D-lock, tool kit, spare tube and whatever else lurks in there (not mitts!). Also, I parked opposite Painsbusy's next to a glossy black large-framed Pashley.
Post by: fuaran on 23 June, 2016, 02:49:07 pm
First time this year I've worn my SPD sandals.
Post by: L CC on 23 June, 2016, 07:38:32 pm
Boy the bike feels different without all my work stuff weighing it down.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 June, 2016, 01:29:40 pm
Post by: Pancho on 24 June, 2016, 04:09:33 pm
The supermarket and the council really don't want you using a bicycle trailer for shopping, do they? Anti-cycling barriers on the cycle path. Anti-cycling barriers at the entry to the supermarket car park. And, in amongst the acres and acres of car parking: precisely one (1) bike parking space. Fortunately bikies laugh in the face of The Powers That Be and the barriers now have usable "bypasses" around them and, in the car park acres, imaginative fly-parking reigns supreme.
Slight nightmare on the way back. On the way out, I came across a sunk lorry blocking the road. Apart from the road surface, it's a swamp round there. I think the lorry driver found what happens when you put even one wheel off the road when you're lugging 40 tonnes of gravel. Initially, there was one rescue truck present and I was able to sneak through. On the way back, they'd obviously phoned base "we're gunna need a bigger lorry" and the entire road was blocked. All the original truck had achieved was to scour great holes in the road.
Anyway, on the return the road was impassable. A detour would have been an additional 6 miles or so. Alternatively, I could lug bike + trailer + self (in shorts & sandals) over/through a hedge, along an stream, and back over/through another hedge ditch. It seemed so easy. It wasn't. Think brambles (shorts). Think nettles. Think a 'kin heavy trailer full of shopping.
Oh well, I made it home and got some exercise. Here's a pic of the initial truck:
(http://i.imgur.com/D1etvq4.jpg)
Post by: Peter on 25 June, 2016, 07:20:15 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 June, 2016, 08:34:05 pm
Post by: CrinklyLion on 26 June, 2016, 10:21:04 am
Got chatting to a chap waiting at the lights on Goodramgate, who was much quicker away than us. We reeled him in though, and sailed past him on the little rise over the river, just after the sainsbury's roundabout.
Post by: Pancho on 27 June, 2016, 08:04:14 pm
Then got told off by nurse, "well, there's no point in me measuring your blood pressure now, is there?".
Got to go back another day.
Post by: cycleman on 27 June, 2016, 09:02:33 pm
Post by: Pancho on 28 June, 2016, 06:16:19 pm
Took the trailer to Mr Sainsbury's emporium of toothy comestibles. Loaded it up with fruit juice, tins, jars, rice and other ballast. Noticed the trailer tyres now looking rather BSOish. Dug out the Cyclaire and started groping about for something to extract the thingy for conversion to Poxy Schrader Valve mode. Found a CO2 inflator lurking in the bag from the last MTB ride. Used that instead. Got laughed at by fellow cyclist for still being there when he returned from the shops. "You might as well have used the car." he said. "Yeahbut I can park this in my front room, rather than halfway up the street and have to carry everything." said I.
Kim (and other trailer-shoppers), how far is your shopping run and how much do you carry on the return? And how far do you go?
My rig is as below. I'm not hugely overloaded - trailer with food (which can be quite light if it's not tins) and bottles/breakables in panniers. But I'm finding it absolutely knackering. It's a total return journey of 16 to 18 miles usually (a couple of which are off roadish) but can be 20ish miles if I go to the market. I'm having to do this three times a week and am beginning to flag.
(http://i.imgur.com/svrBM1z.jpg)
Post by: Kim on 28 June, 2016, 07:55:43 pm
I suppose 40-50kg is typical if I've bulk-bought liquids and tins and things (which, along with bulky things like bogroll, is what I mostly use the trailer for - normal shopping trips are done with panniers). That's about half my bodyweight, and therefore okay effort-wise (about the same as a piloting a tandem with a non-cyclist stoker - hard work but achievable) - it's stability under braking that's the limiting factor, and I try to avoid doing that sort of thing in the wet.
I've hauled somewhat more than that when taking waste to the tip, though. It's about a 5 mile round trip and involves one short but steep bit of busy road, which is highly unpleasant with a heavy trailer. If I'm going to do something like that (or requiring multiple trailer loads) then I'll use barakta's ICE trike, which has the advantage of stability, lower gears, much better braking than a DF bike and - more recently - an electric motor. Only problem there is that you're into caravan territory - you can't see past the trailer box in the mirrors, and reversing doesn't really work. Getting the trike in and out of the house single-handed and adjusting the boom is a fair amount of work, so I'm not tempted to use it for the monthly bulk shop.
Post by: Pancho on 28 June, 2016, 08:28:30 pm
I'm hoping to get some touring in soon and will be pulling the trailer around. As the South Downs lie between me and, well, everywhere, I need to get some load lugging in my legs you see.
Post by: Kim on 28 June, 2016, 09:56:10 pm
40-50 kilos strikes me as a lot. But, I've never actually thought about it before.
I have a serious orange juice habit; your shopping may vary (drinkohol is the obvious dense thing that I don't buy). The great thing about litre cartons of mostly water is you know exactly what they weigh. Tins and jars add up quickly, too.
Quote
As I don't usually fill the trailer with low density bog roll but do usually fill it, I suppose I can't be far off. Particularly as the cheap Chinese gaspipe trailer itself weighs 17kg (well, that's what Amazon said - but, now I type it, it can't be true; can it?). Maybe I shouldn't be too disappointed that I'm wearing myself out despite lack of hills.
That sounds like a lot to me. The Carry Freedom Y-frame Large is supposed to weigh 7.5kg, and that includes a whopping great lump of plywood. ETA: And the 145litre plastic box I use with it weighs a bit more than 4kg.
I assume Amazon are quoting some all-up pessimistic weight including packaging for shipping purposes, but still...
Quote
I'm hoping to get some touring in soon and will be pulling the trailer around. As the South Downs lie between me and, well, everywhere, I need to get some load lugging in my legs you see.
I wonder how much the rolling resistance of the tyres (or indeed the hubs) is a factor. It's not something I worry about for infrequent utility trips, but it's the sort of thing that deserves proper scrutiny for touring.
If trikes are nominally 12% slower than bikes, then what does adding a trailer do?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 June, 2016, 09:32:45 am
Yesterday's utilitarian adventure was to the cinema. Except it wasn't the cinema, it was a bike shop. But it wasn't a bike shop, it was a bar. If utilitarianism is the philosophy of bringing the greatest happiness to the largest number of people, that counts!
Post by: cycleman on 29 June, 2016, 07:33:46 pm
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 30 June, 2016, 09:33:36 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 June, 2016, 03:46:40 pm
Post by: HeltorChasca on 30 June, 2016, 08:39:27 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160630/8aa9be27474176eddd8549ded8f20344.jpg)(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160630/e5c2449fd402abd4a846480ab6e76685.jpg)
Post by: HeltorChasca on 30 June, 2016, 08:40:31 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160630/40b8e148b7a3d57701bb5890579fd530.jpg)
Post by: HeltorChasca on 30 June, 2016, 08:41:42 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160630/4b2b4e48d151f23251dde6c83785ab6d.jpg)
Post by: HeltorChasca on 30 June, 2016, 08:42:24 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160630/7f5b7cd182e6f8f89a14ec99193c7151.jpg)
Post by: Samuel D on 30 June, 2016, 10:07:20 pm
"Keep the receipt, it might look like a Snap On but it's not."
Ha ha!
Post by: HeltorChasca on 01 July, 2016, 07:28:59 am
Post by: Pancho on 01 July, 2016, 07:51:21 am
Fantastic stuff.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 July, 2016, 11:11:32 am
Post by: trekker12 on 01 July, 2016, 03:28:40 pm
Sustrans work
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160630/8aa9be27474176eddd8549ded8f20344.jpg)
Does the leaf blower count as mechanical doping? :P
Post by: Pancho on 01 July, 2016, 03:37:16 pm
Post by: trekker12 on 01 July, 2016, 03:39:49 pm
Welcome to the forum HC!
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 July, 2016, 03:54:28 pm
Post by: HeltorChasca on 01 July, 2016, 04:05:35 pm
Which Sustrans path is that, by the way?
Which one?
When I'm packing my chainsaw. It's MY NCN path. I don't share it's use.
Post by: HeltorChasca on 01 July, 2016, 04:10:58 pm
Either way, it has an engine and the exhaust is pointing in the right direction (psst I think he's cheating)
Welcome to the forum HC!
Thank you. And jokes aside it's the NCN 24. Beautiful. Bath, Bristol & Frome has some of the longest stretches of traffic free cycling in the South West. Trouble is, the trees keep dropping across them in all this recent rain. We've done 2 on the NCN 24 locally in the last 2 weeks.
For the Autumn, I will rig the blower sideways and rid along slowly, clearing all the leaves. Lazy!
Post by: cycleman on 01 July, 2016, 05:45:41 pm
Post by: HeltorChasca on 01 July, 2016, 05:54:05 pm
Rig the mower sideways and fall off :o ;D, or will you fit stabilisers :)
Cider will be used to compensate balance issues
Post by: cycleman on 01 July, 2016, 06:27:41 pm
Post by: HeltorChasca on 01 July, 2016, 07:36:15 pm
Scrumpy? :)
Not one to be fussy
The Apple has always done less damage to me than the grape.
Post by: Pancho on 02 July, 2016, 04:13:19 pm
Filled two panniers - one from the greengrocer and one from the butcher. It balanced well but was enough weight to sway the bike and remind me why I prefer to use a trailer for load lugging.
Saw a couple of recreational cyclists but no one obviously of the utility cult. There seem to be far more utility cyclists out on weekdays than weekends. Glad to see that the wreck-bikes that had been on the village bike racks have gone. I was worried they'd been abandoned. Not that I needed a Sheffield stand as I'm happy to leave the bike unlocked and on its propstand outside shops locally.
Missed the rain while cycling. But was caught later while mowing the lawn.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 July, 2016, 06:38:55 pm
Post by: Kim on 02 July, 2016, 07:40:16 pm
Post by: ian on 02 July, 2016, 08:43:28 pm
Oh and I fell off which I've not done for ages. Nothing to do with beer. I got the train a few stops from home to avoid some more rain and then, as I left the train station (Purley, more vampires per capita than Romania – fact!), I stopped at the bottom of the forecourt to let a car pass. There's a bit of an odd, steep camber at the junction so the ground evidently wasn't where my brain thought it was when I attempted to put my foot down. Hello sky! No blood fortunately, it's obviously not a place to bleed. Nice big bruise on my butticus maximus. The bike lived, the rack sacrificed its remaining paintwork. My pride is being kept in hospital overnight for observation.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 06 July, 2016, 03:10:10 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 July, 2016, 03:02:58 pm
Post by: Pancho on 13 July, 2016, 04:02:29 pm
A quickie to the village today. Just two panniers full of veg. But really glad to get out as I've not had a ride for about a week.
They're not very voluminous but I've come to like my Olde Worlde Carradice panniers (Kendal?). Just big enough for the essentials. Bigger loads than that are best in the trailer anyway.
Saw a bloke on an electric trike parking up outside the cafe when I came out of the greengrocer next door. Nice to know I'm not the only utility rider sometimes. Also v nice girly Pashley in the village bike stands.
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 13 July, 2016, 04:09:17 pm
Proper did my bad arm in, it did. Trouble with trailer hauling on a single speed is that it involves a bit of standing up and heaving on bars.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 July, 2016, 04:13:42 pm
I've heard of that one too. Seems like a lot of hard work and late hours unless it's a decent bike and your fence can handle bike bling.It was a very ordinary hybrid but almost brand new – thought I wouldn't have spotted that if she hadn't said so. But that's just the type of bike that's easy to dispose of through Gumtree or Cash Converters. >:(
Quote
But then I'm a fine upstanding pillar of the communitySplortle!
Post by: Hattyfatner on 13 July, 2016, 08:10:46 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 July, 2016, 03:25:24 pm
a) overtook an electric bike (more woah! this is in danger of becoming like silly commuter racing!). Downhill, mind. I was freewheeling, not sure about her. We then had a quick chat at the lights (she loves the leccy bike, works at uni, going to a ukulele recital).
b) when the lights changed and I joined the main road, not only did the impatient motorist behind me not manage to overtake me but instead I overtook the truck and car in front of me! All going slowly, of course; normal congestion caused by random parking.
Post by: Basil on 14 July, 2016, 07:25:10 pm
Post by: Jock Stewart on 15 July, 2016, 10:01:26 am
Post by: Pancho on 15 July, 2016, 04:35:40 pm
The posts from my Farewell thread should've been in here. I'll post my utilitarian rides here.
Welcome. We're not the hardened, grime streaked, warriors of the road that inhabit the commute thread. We're in recovery.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 15 July, 2016, 05:22:03 pm
Post by: Jock Stewart on 16 July, 2016, 06:53:10 pm
Not a nice route - cars all over, stuck in jams. Esp fast from Syon Corner to Hanwell but cars well behaved. Bloody hot. Made me wonder, again, why peeps spend there day off, on a sunny Saturday, sitting in a car jam. Most cars were sole occupancy. Saw a few other cyclists, but not many. Much work still needs to be done to Green the place.
24 miles round journey.
Post by: Exit Stage Left on 16 July, 2016, 10:26:41 pm
Onwards to Preston to look at nail polish. I'm 'renovating' a 1982 Raleigh Record Ace for the Semaine Federale, and the easiest way to get touch-up paint is to scour the beauty sections of the stores.
Boots was relatively pain-free, but no joy with a match. Debenhams was much too intimidating, with lots of those women in lab coats, made up like air hostesses. I settled for two nail varnishes from a Superdrug type outlet, which I'll have a go at mixing.
Post by: Jakob W on 17 July, 2016, 09:47:49 pm
Post by: Jock Stewart on 18 July, 2016, 06:05:46 pm
Post by: tonyh on 18 July, 2016, 06:09:19 pm
Offies are so damned hard to find.
And, it can be extremely difficult to find a way out of that Park!
Post by: Jock Stewart on 18 July, 2016, 06:41:54 pm
Post by: Pancho on 19 July, 2016, 10:36:14 am
(http://i.imgur.com/1XnwJUS.jpg)
And headed round to a pal's for a feast. Most of the ride is traffic free on gravel (is this what "gravel bikes" are for?) like this:
(http://i.imgur.com/bopKXch.jpg)
Where the roads are like this, the surface is fine. But where they've decayed a bit, there are deep pot holes; either sudden drop offs or filled with unstable stones or speed trap sand.
But, what a great utility ride in summer sun (at last). Just think; most people would have gone by car. And then they'd have also missed the return at sunrise over a blue sea.
Nine miles ish.
Post by: Pancho on 19 July, 2016, 03:26:41 pm
Mrs P and I. Six miles? 50-50 tarmac and gravel roads. I carried victuals, towels, suntan lotion, drinks, books, sunhats, swimming gear, and all the paraphernalia of the beach. And Mrs P carried herself.
Must do something about Mrs P's bike. It's worked faultlessly for 20 years with this much maintenance -><-. And she's had a lot of use out of it - by civilian, if not YACF, standards. I'd estimate 6000 miles of fair-weather utility riding. But it's rather rusty and rather noisy
A great trip. Weather superb. Beach lovely.
I get far more enjoyment out of using a bike to get places and do things than I do just going for a ride.
Post by: Jock Stewart on 19 July, 2016, 05:17:14 pm
Four hours in the Sun and happy now to be inside watching How I met Your Mother with the kid. Whiskey ad coke later after further parently duties completed.
Post by: Pancho on 19 July, 2016, 07:26:57 pm
Post by: Jakob W on 19 July, 2016, 07:42:38 pm
Post by: Jock Stewart on 19 July, 2016, 09:29:49 pm
Now, now, Jock - you've neglected to mention the objective of the trip. To qualify as a Utilitarian Adventure rather than a Frivolous Jolly, you need to have ridden on some humble errand or to have done something of great import along the way. We're fairly forgiving, however - a pint in the pub en route would probably do. Provided, of course, that any enjoyment whilst cycling was merely incidental and not sole purpose of outing!
Ok. I went Northside as I cycled to Twickenham to meet a potential partner for a self-employed biz prospect. We met in the Cabbage Patch but only had a coffee as I needed a clear head until, um, just now.
Post by: hatler on 19 July, 2016, 11:07:18 pm
Pootling on the way home I fell into a bit of SURR (Silly Utilitarian Rider Racing) with a chap on a road bike. Great fun. But I'm sitting at home now and the sweat us running off me.
Post by: Jock Stewart on 22 July, 2016, 10:27:51 am
Post by: hatler on 22 July, 2016, 12:26:15 pm
Post by: Pancho on 23 July, 2016, 12:13:33 pm
Loads of bikes. Unfortunately, mainly of the lycra and plastic hat variety. But there was a fair smattering of hybrids dusted off for the summer ridden by people probably on similar errands to our own. And there was one bloke who looked he was riding for transport - probably back from the pub to judge by his (lack of) speed and (lots of) wobble and weave.
Post by: Jock Stewart on 23 July, 2016, 03:42:35 pm
Post by: Kim on 23 July, 2016, 08:59:17 pm
Went into New Malden to buy a cheap toilet seat from the DIY place there. Awkard fun carrying it back.
I'm going to check the "I carried this on my bicycle" thread, and if there isn't a photo of you riding a bike with a toilet seat round your neck I'm going to be bitterly disappointed...
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 July, 2016, 09:15:51 pm
Went into New Malden to buy a cheap toilet seat from the DIY place there. Awkard fun carrying it back.
I'm going to check the "I carried this on my bicycle" thread, and if there isn't a photo of you riding a bike with a toilet seat round your neck I'm going to be bitterly disappointed...
Ah, but if it is round his neck then it isn't really being carried on his bicycle. It needs to be ingeniously attached to the bicycle itself in such a way that he sits on it as he rides along.
Post by: Jock Stewart on 23 July, 2016, 11:49:05 pm
Post by: Basil on 24 July, 2016, 04:27:30 pm
It was alright. I just carried it under my arm. Quicker than going by car. It was light, cheap and temporary as we're rebuilding bath next month.
Wot? The whole city?
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 July, 2016, 04:45:11 pm
Post by: Jock Stewart on 25 July, 2016, 07:36:32 am
It was alright. I just carried it under my arm. Quicker than going by car. It was light, cheap and temporary as we're rebuilding bath next month.
Wot? The whole city?
Ha! New bathroom.
Post by: Pingu on 25 July, 2016, 11:17:24 am
Post by: matthew on 25 July, 2016, 11:33:37 am
A short couple of miles round trip to homebase for a lawn mower and strimmer. The strimmer was required to replace the one i borrowed from my sister and then burnt out :-[.
Bungied two large boxes onto the top of the rack and rode home looking like I belonged in the far east. The weight was sufficiently high and far back to make fitting the bungies difficult as the front wheel lifted.
Post by: Jock Stewart on 29 July, 2016, 10:11:26 pm
Post by: Feanor on 29 July, 2016, 10:34:29 pm
Our pootle on Saturday turned into a visit to the cheese shop after a spectacular p*nc**re fairy visit.
And did they have Any Cheese *At All* ?
Post by: hatler on 01 August, 2016, 04:59:03 pm
Bike fitted in the back with the seats down and the front wheel removed.
Post by: Jock Stewart on 02 August, 2016, 08:06:01 am
I cycled the long way 928 miles) back home via the Thames towpath and Richmond Park.
It was spitting but warm.
Post by: Jurek on 02 August, 2016, 08:22:37 am
Yesterday I cycled two miles to Evans in Kingston to buy a new set of chainring bolts. Shop wasn't sure if the only set they had ins tock were the right size and asked me to bring a knackered one in for them to double-check. I said I would do this today.??? :o
I cycled the long way 928 miles) back home via the Thames towpath and Richmond Park.
It was spitting but warm.
Post by: Tim Hall on 02 August, 2016, 08:52:43 am
Yesterday I cycled two miles to Evans in Kingston to buy a new set of chainring bolts. Shop wasn't sure if the only set they had ins tock were the right size and asked me to bring a knackered one in for them to double-check. I said I would do this today.??? :o
I cycled the long way 928 miles) back home via the Thames towpath and Richmond Park.
It was spitting but warm.
That's fractals for you. Either that or sticky sHift Keys.
Post by: Pingu on 02 August, 2016, 09:44:26 am
Post by: Jock Stewart on 02 August, 2016, 10:25:42 am
Post by: Pancho on 03 August, 2016, 08:52:13 pm
Post by: Jock Stewart on 03 August, 2016, 09:59:56 pm
Post by: Pancho on 15 August, 2016, 12:15:36 pm
Fantastic weather. Must be summer hols as I saw families out on bikes amongst the dozen or so riders I saw en route. Only one other true utilitarian - lady with a Raleigh shopper at the Post Office.
Twiddled allen keys before departure and nipped up handlebar/stem bolts - fixed an annoying click/creak.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 15 August, 2016, 01:11:13 pm
To village. Still 1 mile total. Posted socks to Darkest Peru.
Do they not have socks in Peru? Made from lama hair or some such?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 August, 2016, 01:14:06 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 15 August, 2016, 01:30:16 pm
It's an exchange of essentials. Pancho sends socks, knitted by his own fair hands out of Good English Sheep's Wool, and receives marmalade, made out of Good Peruvian Oranges by Wowbagger's Aunt Lucy.
Which brings to mind a problem I always had with Paddington (the bear not the railway station). How did he get a taste for marmalade in Peru? As far as I am aware marmalade is only found in Britain and possibly countries that used to be part of the British Empire.
Post by: Pancho on 15 August, 2016, 01:37:11 pm
To village. Still 1 mile total. Posted socks to Darkest Peru.
Do they not have socks in Peru?
Not if you leave them out of your trunk before you go! With a bit of luck of they (may) arrive before Christmas. Post tends to either simply disappear, get permanently stuck in some customs depot, or take months to appear.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 August, 2016, 01:42:13 pm
The habit of making and eating marmalade in Peru was started by Wowbagger's Great Aunt Lucy who emigrated there for reasons which it's still not done to discuss (especially in the hearing of officers of the law, the inland revenue or the clergy) at a date so long ago it is lost in the mists of time.It's an exchange of essentials. Pancho sends socks, knitted by his own fair hands out of Good English Sheep's Wool, and receives marmalade, made out of Good Peruvian Oranges by Wowbagger's Aunt Lucy.
Which brings to mind a problem I always had with Paddington (the bear not the railway station). How did he get a taste for marmalade in Peru? As far as I am aware marmalade is only found in Britain and possibly countries that used to be part of the British Empire.
Or seriously, there was a strong British influence in parts of South America, particularly the "southern cone", which is why they play rugby (and sometimes even cricket) in Argentina and Uruguay and why British made ships and steam locomotives can be found rusting on Lake Titicaca, but whether this ever extended to marmalade in Peru, I doubt.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 15 August, 2016, 02:20:58 pm
So Wow and Paddington (the bear not the railway station) are genetically linked. Quite feasible when you think about it.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 August, 2016, 02:24:09 pm
Post by: clarion on 15 August, 2016, 04:44:53 pm
New skill: freewheeling with feet on the pedals :)
And (with a few small additions of impetus) he rode most of the way back up the hill. He was so comfortable riding that he was chatting away about the ancient trees in the park, and the other, younger trees along the road. He was so comfortable that he took his hands off the bars to point to one tree in particular :o :'(
But hey: New skill 2: Riding uphill :D
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 August, 2016, 05:47:11 pm
Also, I look forward to the day when Nye is old enough to have his own yacf account with which to tell us all about trees ancient and younger. :D
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 August, 2016, 07:39:43 pm
Post by: Ruthie on 20 August, 2016, 09:16:25 pm
A really strange feel on the streets of Darlo tonight, I was pleased to get home.
Post by: Phil W on 21 August, 2016, 01:35:51 pm
Post by: Kim on 21 August, 2016, 01:44:43 pm
But that's because I've got an upwrong that's good at hauling weight.
Post by: Ruthie on 22 August, 2016, 02:50:03 pm
Post by: cycleman on 22 August, 2016, 06:26:03 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 25 August, 2016, 05:05:13 pm
Post by: Pancho on 25 August, 2016, 07:41:13 pm
Did get out today though. 1 mile. Usual saga!
Post by: Pancho on 26 August, 2016, 12:13:59 pm
I'm getting better at judging volumes and pretty much filled the panniers without wasteful empty space or, worse, buying too much and resorting to carrier bags on handlebars.
Weather: Gorgeous.
Other cyclists: Loads. Lost count. OK, mainly lycra types (do they not have jobs?) but also many utilitarians. Six utility bikes chained up at Lidl. About 20 outside a coffee shop.
Events of note: Thought I was going to be crushed by some noisy engined behemoth - I could hear it behind me getting louder and louder but, however much I twisted and turned and examined mirrors, I could not see the bugger. It was getting louder and louder, closer and closer. Finally realised it was a combine in adjacent field!
Small panniers, fully loaded:
(http://i.imgur.com/WPt1q9j.jpg)
Post by: Ruthie on 26 August, 2016, 02:01:10 pm
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 26 August, 2016, 02:50:19 pm
Post by: Pancho on 26 August, 2016, 04:28:29 pm
A short, slow trundle near the university in Ratchaburi to check out the start of tomorrow's 300 brevet, to see the monkeys in the local park, check out the local market and to get a roadside dinner.
I guess you're on overseas deployment then! At the park here yesterday, we only had women sunbathing, tramps drinking, and magpies.
Do the monkeys keep themselves to themselves? Last time I was in monkey territory, they were nasty thieving little buggers.
Post by: Pancho on 26 August, 2016, 04:48:25 pm
Those panniers are very pretty.
Carradice Kendal.
http://www.carradice.co.uk/index.php?page_id=product&under=range&product_id=52
But I don't remember them being that expensive!
They're a bit small but are ruggedly utilitarian (a bit like me). I used to have huge, voluminous panniers that felt like they'd swallow up a VW Beetle or two. A bit too big really. I prefer my current arrangement of modest panniers for day-to-day loads coupled with a trailer I can hitch up for really big stuff.
Post by: Pancho on 26 August, 2016, 08:08:49 pm
And I had it all to myself.
Here's the bike:
(http://i.imgur.com/XIzpKpl.jpg)
and here's the view from the water:
(http://i.imgur.com/Z7gLhky.jpg)
That last pic is super colourful if you fill the screen with it http://i.imgur.com/Z7gLhky.jpg
It was taken from that point where the sound of breaking waves quietens and it's just you and the sea. Did 30 minutes in the water and headed back so I'd be out of the water before it got too dusky.
So, a few hundred metres swimming and 6 miles of riding (for a total of almost 25 miles for the day).
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 26 August, 2016, 11:42:44 pm
Post by: Pancho on 29 August, 2016, 05:17:15 pm
Tide was out - so a bloody long walk to the water. Followed by a bloody long wade until it was deep enough to swim.
Shared the beach with at least half a dozen other bike-people. Some of whom had crammed the entire world of British beach paraphernalia on board - windbreak, drinks cooler, parasol, lilo, etc, etc. I was impressed - I thought I was being extravagant with the loading by taking two paperbacks.
Post by: Pancho on 30 August, 2016, 12:56:09 pm
Anyway. Today was ASDA. 16 miles total. £30 worth of groceries. Weather wonderful. Many other bikies seen. Inc, parked next to me at ASDA, a v nice Kona Dew. A bit more upmarket than the usual utilitarian rack-mates in Gosport!
The roads near the beach were "ram packed" (genuinely!) with fly parked motor vehicles. And bikes, to be fair - but at least they don't block the road when chained to a fence. I'll bet that most of those car-ists live within 5 miles of the beach as well. Anyway, their problem not mine. Jammed up cars are slow cars which is my second favourite type of car.
Post by: Samuel D on 30 August, 2016, 01:59:00 pm
Post by: Pancho on 30 August, 2016, 02:49:04 pm
You live in a fairy tale, Pancho. Who can compete with that?
I've merely decided to have nothing but an outrageously positive outlook on life! Of course, it's easy in high Summer to convince oneself that cycling to Aldi is, in fact, the life of kings. I can only hope I think the same when I'm hacking through winter grime and gales into darkness and a headwind.
Anyway, I hope it's not a competition for the "best" utility experience. Then again, such a thread would make a good counterbalance for the "commute" thread - which tends to be a litany of woes and dire tales of traffic, kit, work, and weather nightmares.
Post by: Jurek on 30 August, 2016, 04:51:41 pm
Parked myself on Tankerton slopes and listened to the waves lapping for around an hour, before riding along the seafront in search of some breakfast.
Following breakfast the search was for some Allen keys. George's Mini Market delivered for £1.50 and the saddle on the Brompton was no longer loose.
I'm not sure that the 4mm key will be good for any other job. - That's £1.50 tools for you.
A bit more sea front riding, before catching the 10:20 back to The Great Wen.
Plan B - Avoiding trying to leave Whitstable by train on the evening of August Bank Holiday, was a 100% success.
Post by: Pancho on 31 August, 2016, 03:14:47 pm
My trip for the day was just to the butcher to pick up some goat. Which I will later rustle up into a North African style pot thing.
Was v impressed to see the bike racks full and at least half a dozen other bikes leaning on walls outside shops in the village. Yes, that's bunch of fresh flowers tied to the handlebars.
(http://i.imgur.com/EiDh5HA.jpg)
You wouldn't believe the hassle I had getting those racks put in. Apparently no one cycles round here and the loss of one parking bay (of about 300) would kill local business. Our first and only bike racks!
Post by: Jurek on 31 August, 2016, 03:25:33 pm
A few days off, spent in Whitstable.
Boarding the train in London (Bromley) is ok - but by the time train had gone through the Medway towns it was rammed to the gunnels / standing room only - so anyone with a full size bike, push chair, windbreak etc was persona non grata.
Also on weekends like the one just gone, the main road through Whitstable is mostly a car park - so a bike makes a lot of sense - even to Whitstable residents, like my friend Clare, who has seen the value of having a serviceable bike to get around her car encumbered small town (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=99186.msg2072866#msg2072866).
I declined a lift from another friend's house to their beach hut while I was there - a distance of just over a mile. I took the keys to the hut, and was there on my own for about 45 minutes while they sat in their car - their 6yo son couldn't understand why anyone would want to cycle when they were being offered a lift in a car :(
Post by: Pancho on 31 August, 2016, 03:45:03 pm
I was.
A few days off, spent in Whitstable.
Boarding the train in London (Bromley) is ok - but by the time train had gone through the Medway towns it was rammed to the gunnels / standing room only - so anyone with a full size bike, push chair, windbreak etc was persona non grata.
Also on weekends like the one just gone, the main road through Whitstable is mostly a car park - so a bike makes a lot of sense - even to Whitstable residents, like my friend Clare, who has seen the value of having a serviceable bike to get around her car encumbered small town (https://yacf.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=99186.msg2072866#msg2072866).
I declined a lift from another friend's house to their beach hut while I was there - a distance of just over a mile. I took the keys to the hut, and was there on my own for about 45 minutes while they sat in their car - their 6yo son couldn't understand why anyone would want to cycle when they were being offered a lift in a car :(
Well, one would like to imagine that your demo of a superior mode of transport might have learned 'im.
Post by: cycleman on 31 August, 2016, 07:43:59 pm
Post by: Pancho on 01 September, 2016, 02:31:11 pm
Q: I need to go back and have a nurse measure my BP - will gentle riding to the appt bugger up the reading (and, if so, any more so than walking)? It's not far or hilly.
About 10 bikes parked around the village. I'm beginning to think that there are more cyclists out-and-about during office hours than at either weekends or commute times.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 03 September, 2016, 08:36:37 pm
Post by: Pancho on 04 September, 2016, 09:22:46 am
Does going to a bbq count? If so three bikes and the Burley trailer with team member number four in it did the about mile to mates bbc. Weather took a turn for worse so borrowed mates jacket and squeezed eldest into Burley bee ignored weight limit and appreciated tail wind and downhil.l
Definitely a utility trip.
Post by: Pancho on 04 September, 2016, 02:09:33 pm
I didn't need to go but am trying to do a supermarket run at least every other day as substitute for my old commute. Having only titchy panniers helps!
Post by: Jakob W on 04 September, 2016, 09:04:17 pm
Am quite tempted by a pair of the Carradice Royal Mail panniers - any users on here?
Post by: Jakob W on 07 September, 2016, 06:25:41 pm
From next week I will be doing a daily nursery run, so should start clocking up the utility miles again; or will that belong in the commuting thread?
Post by: Pancho on 08 September, 2016, 12:49:30 pm
Today it was Aldi again for me. And an East European bloke who runs a really good veg stall - where I picked up 5 massive red peppers for a quid. Much better than 85p for three red, yellow, green from the supermarkets.
It would have been great but for whatever is ailing me being particularly ail-full on this run. Had to stop twice for the pain to go away. I've got a doc's appt in a couple of weeks - hoping it's just the pills causing it and that he'll let me stop taking them.
Still, 10 miles is 10 miles. Only 10 as I came the short, A-road route home :(
And I see there's a Decathlon box outside the front door. Must be my front rack for extra veg carrying capacity.
Post by: Jakob W on 12 September, 2016, 04:33:19 pm
Post by: seraphina on 14 September, 2016, 01:25:31 pm
The bike and trailer set up could probably do with a bit of TLC - the Dawes is feeling a bit tired and I am wondering how bad it is to tow the trailer with one of the rubber bushes missing from the thingy where the axle goes....
Post by: Jakob W on 14 September, 2016, 04:09:46 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 September, 2016, 04:07:30 pm
Post by: Jakob W on 16 September, 2016, 05:19:48 pm
Post by: Pingu on 17 September, 2016, 07:13:50 pm
IMG_7515_01 (https://flic.kr/p/Mgfi7y) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Post by: Ruthie on 17 September, 2016, 07:19:32 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 September, 2016, 07:23:25 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8491/29708591136_b59b606ef1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Mgfi7y)What colour?
IMG_7515_01 (https://flic.kr/p/Mgfi7y) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Scrap that, I was thinking it was paint. :facepalm:
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 17 September, 2016, 08:31:10 pm
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 17 September, 2016, 08:32:33 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8491/29708591136_b59b606ef1_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/Mgfi7y)What colour?
IMG_7515_01 (https://flic.kr/p/Mgfi7y) by The Pingus (https://www.flickr.com/photos/the_pingus/), on Flickr
Scrap that, I was thinking it was paint. :facepalm:
It is paint - 'garden paint' in Sage. I would have had lavender but it appeared to be a really dark purple rather than a provençal lavender colour. I don't think I need a deep purple shed door.
Post by: Feanor on 17 September, 2016, 08:38:52 pm
I don't think I need a deep purple shed door.
<Drums fingers waiting for someone to post an image of a shed door with Deep Purple album cover artwork on it>
Post by: seraphina on 17 September, 2016, 09:33:03 pm
Cycled into Cambridge to pick up new spectacles and reminded myself just how pants the route is for cycles from Trumpington to the too-small bike park at the Grand Arcade. Consoled myself by imagining the running commentary of my bell.
And wasn't it chilly today? Had long sleeves and jacket on and was only mildly too warm.
Post by: Pingu on 17 September, 2016, 10:57:53 pm
I don't think I need a deep purple shed door.
You're more of a Led Zep kinda girl.
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 18 September, 2016, 07:34:04 pm
I don't think I need a deep purple shed door.
<Drums fingers waiting for someone to post an image of a shed door with Deep Purple album cover artwork on it>
<googles>
My word, they're mostly awful!
Post by: sg37409 on 18 September, 2016, 09:43:09 pm
I do like that purple handlebar tape, very fetching!
Same here.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 18 September, 2016, 09:50:05 pm
Post by: Pingu on 18 September, 2016, 09:56:06 pm
Purple bar tape is the One True Way. :thumbsup:
And tassles?
Post by: Mrs Pingu on 18 September, 2016, 10:02:52 pm
Purplebar tapeeverything is the One True Way. :thumbsup:
FTFY :thumbsup:
Post by: seraphina on 22 September, 2016, 07:32:12 pm
Post by: Jakob W on 24 September, 2016, 10:02:52 am
Post by: Ruthie on 25 September, 2016, 11:27:34 pm
Love playing out on bikes with my friends.
There was so much broken glass everywhere. Unbelievable. Amazed the faerie didn't show her face frankly.
Post by: seraphina on 27 September, 2016, 09:09:18 am
Took the elder to a party at the weekend in full princess regalia (her, not me). Fun riding a bike with balloons on the back seat.
Post by: Jakob W on 27 September, 2016, 04:21:52 pm
Post by: cycleman on 27 September, 2016, 06:38:08 pm
Post by: mike on 28 September, 2016, 09:07:44 am
Cycled into Cambridge to pick up new spectacles and reminded myself just how pants the route is for cycles from Trumpington to the too-small bike park at the Grand Arcade. Consoled myself by imagining the running commentary of my bell.
what??? the guided bus way to the railway station then backroads across mill road through to norfolk street, stop for a coffee at the deli (hot numbers' coffee seems to have taken a turn for the worse) then wiggle through to the bike racks outside the unspeakable cath kid5on shop. Do the shopping then get 250 grams of bliss from the coffee man, a bunch of flowers from the stall beside him then head home via hobsons conduit and the much better cycleway out of town to trumpton. Lovely adventure.
Post by: seraphina on 28 September, 2016, 09:38:23 am
Cycled into Cambridge to pick up new spectacles and reminded myself just how pants the route is for cycles from Trumpington to the too-small bike park at the Grand Arcade. Consoled myself by imagining the running commentary of my bell.
what??? the guided bus way to the railway station then backroads across mill road through to norfolk street, stop for a coffee at the deli (hot numbers' coffee seems to have taken a turn for the worse) then wiggle through to the bike racks outside the unspeakable cath kid5on shop. Do the shopping then get 250 grams of bliss from the coffee man, a bunch of flowers from the stall beside him then head home via hobsons conduit and the much better cycleway out of town to trumpton. Lovely adventure.
+1 to deli and coffee man at the market, but the route in is a disaster IMO...
Come over the M11 on the new cycleway - all fine. This dumps you out at the entry to park and ride. Cycleway signs to Shelfords and Addenbrooke's, no signs for City Centre. Take the bus road through the Park and Ride car park, use local knowledge to navigate roundabout (mainly used by coaches) to entry to guided busway (note: total absense of signage from new traffic lights with regards to how to get to station/city centre on bike). Or follow the cycle path (well, foothpath with token blue sign) up over the staggered ped/cycle crossings at the new development (maximum cycle inconvenience), past Waitrose (again, you either mix it with the traffic on the roads or spend ages waiting for pedestrians on the pavements), fight past the Shell garage until you finally get to the decent stretch of cycle way which does whisk you into town.
You're right that the guided busway to the station and then up across Parker's Piece is the better option though - I had been avoiding that because of the chaos at the station. What gets my goat is that the P&R,new housing and Guided Busway are all new developments and could/should have been planned to maximise cycle/pedestrian flowthrough; instead we have maximum inconveinence (staggered crossings so you have to wait for two sets of lights to cross a road, one for each lane), no signage and non-obvious routes.
On a totally unrelated note, do you know how the coffee is at Relevant Records?
Post by: mike on 28 September, 2016, 09:52:05 am
Cycled into Cambridge to pick up new spectacles and reminded myself just how pants the route is for cycles from Trumpington to the too-small bike park at the Grand Arcade. Consoled myself by imagining the running commentary of my bell.
what??? the guided bus way to the railway station then backroads across mill road through to norfolk street, stop for a coffee at the deli (hot numbers' coffee seems to have taken a turn for the worse) then wiggle through to the bike racks outside the unspeakable cath kid5on shop. Do the shopping then get 250 grams of bliss from the coffee man, a bunch of flowers from the stall beside him then head home via hobsons conduit and the much better cycleway out of town to trumpton. Lovely adventure.
+1 to deli and coffee man at the market, but the route in is a disaster IMO...
Come over the M11 on the new cycleway - all fine. This dumps you out at the entry to park and ride. Cycleway signs to Shelfords and Addenbrooke's, no signs for City Centre. Take the bus road through the Park and Ride car park, use local knowledge to navigate roundabout (mainly used by coaches) to entry to guided busway (note: total absense of signage from new traffic lights with regards to how to get to station/city centre on bike). Or follow the cycle path (well, foothpath with token blue sign) up over the staggered ped/cycle crossings at the new development (maximum cycle inconvenience), past Waitrose (again, you either mix it with the traffic on the roads or spend ages waiting for pedestrians on the pavements), fight past the Shell garage until you finally get to the decent stretch of cycle way which does whisk you into town.
You're right that the guided busway to the station and then up across Parker's Piece is the better option though - I had been avoiding that because of the chaos at the station. What gets my goat is that the P&R,new housing and Guided Busway are all new developments and could/should have been planned to maximise cycle/pedestrian flowthrough; instead we have maximum inconveinence (staggered crossings so you have to wait for two sets of lights to cross a road, one for each lane), no signage and non-obvious routes.
On a totally unrelated note, do you know how the coffee is at Relevant Records?
it's excellent! They're my favourite place on mill road, and their sausage sandwich is very good!! I had an awful coffee and something I thought was impossible - bad tiffin cake - from Garden Kitchen up near the new titchy sainsburys yesterday, not sure I'll rush back there. A new one called Toms cakes is about to open just upstream of there too.
and while we're on the subject, Black Cat cafe used to be great, now it's full of screaming kids and Urban Larder is trying a bit hard to be hipster. I had a lovely cup of tea at the one that looks like a piano shop opposite the co-op, and quite a good bacon sandwich at the slightly antiseptic-feeling cornerstone cafe.
All I want is a good breakfast place for those hungover mornings. None of the above opens early enough or does a good greasy breakfast. And don't get me started on Stir.
hey, don't judge. I live on mawson road and work from home a lot, so escaping for a coffee & cake is an important once-a-week treat!
Post by: seraphina on 28 September, 2016, 02:47:31 pm
My favourite place centrally is Savinos. And if I lived where you did, I'd make the most of it too!
Post by: Joe.B on 28 September, 2016, 10:36:08 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 October, 2016, 01:28:32 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 October, 2016, 02:50:36 pm
Post by: cycleman on 03 October, 2016, 06:39:52 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 October, 2016, 08:26:09 pm
All my shopping and stuff for the whole of September came to a grand total of... 61km! omigodhoweverdoistandthearduosityWhereas 50km in one week now, just cos of a few trips to ye pubbe and some different shoppes. Moste randome.
Post by: cycleman on 08 October, 2016, 08:14:01 am
Post by: ian on 09 October, 2016, 09:40:06 pm
Soggy Wandle Path navigation home. Should have been annoyed by the rain but quite enjoyed it. Bike was splashing through every puddle it could. Not even the fact the bridge was closed in Morden Hall Park could faze me (really, National Trust, a little diversion map as too much?). I've now been to Morden. I feel completed. It's a lot nicer than Mitcham, I suppose.
The rain did at least stop the annoying clicks and creaks my bike has been making lately, which is win, because they were starting to sound terminal.
Post by: Jakob W on 19 October, 2016, 11:37:48 am
Post by: hatler on 20 October, 2016, 08:39:12 pm
First off a run in to Wimbledon with the Bike Hod returning a whole bunch of stuff that was surplus to requirements. (I discovered that Bike Hods can capsize if you're out of the saddle and honking.)
Then to Putney to get some waterproof troos for mini-h in readiness for some Dartmoor walks we have planned.
Then to Kingston with mini himself (he's 5' 10" BTW) to get some more clothes.
And finally to Streatham to collect my just-MoTed vehicle.
I'm feeling quite virtuous.
Post by: mcshroom on 23 October, 2016, 12:44:36 pm
Post by: Jakob W on 24 October, 2016, 01:29:04 pm
Post by: mcshroom on 24 October, 2016, 09:59:47 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 October, 2016, 01:08:26 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 01 November, 2016, 01:06:11 pm
It's from Ikea, so bulky but light.
Post by: Jakob W on 02 November, 2016, 02:05:12 pm
Post by: HeltorChasca on 02 November, 2016, 09:03:29 pm
(https://c5.staticflickr.com/6/5719/30593538212_8d74944180_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/NBrT3L)
It's from Ikea, so bulky but light.
Let me guess: A giant Swedish brush hook? Similar to the billhook of Britain, but used for meatball preparation.
Go on. Tell us.
Post by: Kim on 02 November, 2016, 09:06:17 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 November, 2016, 09:30:23 pm
Post by: Kim on 02 November, 2016, 09:45:53 pm
Post by: HeltorChasca on 03 November, 2016, 09:20:34 pm
The pictures are only there to give a false sense of security to logical thinkers. It's actually a DIY ABBA kit. It's a lucky dip: you never know whether you're going to get Agnetha, Benny, Bjorn or Anni-Frid. In fact, this one turned out to be the drummer from Ace of Bass.
Damn. Still laughing a day later.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 07 November, 2016, 05:48:26 pm
Post by: MartinC on 08 November, 2016, 08:38:30 am
An 18-pack of toilet rolls will just about fit into a Super C pannier. Next time I'll try to remember the bungees.
Goodness! I admire your courage in riding whilst inner turmoil rages to that extent.
Post by: Jakob W on 10 November, 2016, 09:24:43 pm
Still haven't figured out clothing for this weather; I run hot and the run to nursery is mostly an uphill drag, so I tend to cook a bit - if not on the way, as soon as I get off the bike and have to herd toddlers inside. So far this week I've tried merino baselayer and old Aldi softshell - nice and warm but clammy (and is now a bit big); merino baselayer and merino zip-front sweater - breathes well but not windproof enough; baselayer, sweater, and windproof gilet - bit clammy; and baselayer, sweater, and windproof jacket - OK so long as it's unzipped on the climb.
Post by: HeltorChasca on 11 November, 2016, 08:02:46 pm
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161111/8ed70ec28ebbc83d8946389b27e45913.jpg)
Post by: tom_e on 14 November, 2016, 09:57:14 am
Post by: SoreTween on 14 November, 2016, 08:59:01 pm
Post by: Kim on 14 November, 2016, 09:14:15 pm
Post by: Phil W on 14 November, 2016, 09:22:28 pm
1.5 miles of local NCN leaf clearance today. Note the magical machine that made the shininess happen.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161111/8ed70ec28ebbc83d8946389b27e45913.jpg)
Is that cycle route 24?
Post by: HeltorChasca on 15 November, 2016, 03:07:20 pm
More importantly, what's the bike's cruising speed if you use the thing as a thruster?
It does roll you along slightly. I don't think I'll be 'leaf-doping' any of my bikes with it yet. The noise would take the fun out of it.
Post by: HeltorChasca on 15 November, 2016, 03:09:19 pm
1.5 miles of local NCN leaf clearance today. Note the magical machine that made the shininess happen.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161111/8ed70ec28ebbc83d8946389b27e45913.jpg)
Is that cycle route 24?
Superior observational skills
100% correct. Between the bridge at Black Batch and the little slope up to Paglinch Farm.
Post by: Jakob W on 15 November, 2016, 05:56:55 pm
Post by: Phil W on 17 November, 2016, 10:58:49 am
1.5 miles of local NCN leaf clearance today. Note the magical machine that made the shininess happen.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161111/8ed70ec28ebbc83d8946389b27e45913.jpg)
Is that cycle route 24?
Superior observational skills
Not super observation skills. Last Friday I rode past someone blowing the leaves with just your setup when riding to the Audax UK reunion in Taunton. Saw your post and thought what are the chances? I had a big red saddlebag on the bike and green bar tape.
Post by: HeltorChasca on 17 November, 2016, 01:38:02 pm
1.5 miles of local NCN leaf clearance today. Note the magical machine that made the shininess happen.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161111/8ed70ec28ebbc83d8946389b27e45913.jpg)
Is that cycle route 24?
Superior observational skills
Not super observation skills. Last Friday I rode past someone blowing the leaves with just your setup when riding to the Audax UK reunion in Taunton. Saw your post and thought what are the chances? I had a big red saddlebag on the bike and green bar tape.
Brilliant! I did clock you. What are the chances? I remember thinking, 'That chap looks grateful and I understands my mission.' I'm sorry we didn't get to chat. I had very nice biscuits on board. This has also made me decide to wrap my down bars on my tourer (and recently a virgin Audax bike) in green. Green goes with burgundy doesn't it? Course it does!
I hope you enjoyed this section of your ride.
Post by: Phil W on 17 November, 2016, 06:10:46 pm
Post by: mcshroom on 20 November, 2016, 01:47:17 pm
It was the first trip on my hybrid since I messed with the position of of the controls and I think I've finally cracked it. That was the most comfortable it's felt in ages.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 23 November, 2016, 08:00:27 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 23 November, 2016, 08:22:49 pm
Delivered turkey for host to cook for thanksgiving. Was mighty glad to get that out rucksack!
We celebrate Thanksgiving in Witham, mid-Essex :o Who knew?
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 24 November, 2016, 05:28:29 am
Post by: Oscar's dad on 24 November, 2016, 08:08:05 am
Post by: cycleman on 24 November, 2016, 08:48:53 am
Post by: Jakob W on 26 November, 2016, 09:01:48 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 December, 2016, 09:45:13 pm
Post by: Kim on 02 December, 2016, 11:36:57 pm
[1] 40mm Marathon Dureme. Seems to be a win compared to the previous 28mm Marathons on the local crumbling tarmac.
Post by: Jock Stewart on 06 December, 2016, 06:54:05 pm
"You ok?"
"Got a puncture." She was bedraggled but looked suddenly hopeful that I could help.
I looked at her wheel. It was a small hybrid.
"My tubes are too large. And I don't carry a repair kit as I just put in a new tube." I was disappointed not to help. "There's an Evans in Kingston, just a couple or so miles away. They'll fix it for you. You know where it is."
She had no kit.
"I live in Kingston." She replied.
"Ok." I said and prepared to carry on, not wanting to be patronising.
"But I'm only a student" she quickly said "I'm still getting to know the area."
She was sodden and her hands looked so cold. Otherwise she was pretty well wrapped up.
"Carry on and take the first left. At Kingston Gate - only a mile away - take the first right then keep going straight. About another mile and you'll be out on the main road to Richmond. Take a left and you'll be at Evans. Only about 40 minutes walking."
"Ok. Thanks. It just went by the cafe."
I thought she was going to cry, as she walked off.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 December, 2016, 05:31:57 pm
*Poppy is a fat cat, Alfie is very fat.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 December, 2016, 08:40:55 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 December, 2016, 08:51:08 pm
Went to buy some beer this morning. Offie only a 100 metres awayDefinitely utility
Quote
but route took me on a 31 mile detour via Thames towpath and Richmond Park....and adventure! :D
Post by: Jakob W on 20 December, 2016, 09:43:01 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 December, 2016, 02:33:12 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 27 December, 2016, 05:44:22 pm
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 27 December, 2016, 08:42:48 pm
Sent from my brain to my iPad using my fingers and Tapatalk
Post by: matthew on 30 December, 2016, 09:35:03 am
Post by: mrcharly-YHT on 02 January, 2017, 06:33:49 pm
Post by: Kim on 02 January, 2017, 06:44:06 pm
Many bags of christmas rubbish to the municipal tip, plus junk from clearing some boxes. Felt smug and sorry for the people queuing in cars for the tip; there is a special bit for bike/pedestrians, although they don't mean it for people with trailers like mine. I filled an entire bin with waste, then half a bin with electrical waste, then there was the cardboard . . .
Funnily enough, I gave CrinklyLion (along with her former microwave and some other stuff that wouldn't fit in a pannier) a lift to the municipal tip last week. We got to admire the special bit for bikes/pedestrians while we queued in the CAR along with all the people offloading Christmas decorations and excess packaging.
We don't have that sort of thing in Brum, as the motorists would just abandon ship and offload their stuff there the moment a queue developed.
Post by: sg37409 on 05 January, 2017, 04:17:06 pm
(100)
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 13 January, 2017, 02:57:49 pm
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 26 January, 2017, 09:10:54 am
"Are you going tonight"
"Yes, 6 isn't it?"
"That's right, can you give me a lift"
"Sorry Pete, I was going to cycle there"
"But it's a smart do - suit and that"
"Yes, I know, smart"
"But you said you were cycling there"
"Yes Pete, I'm going on my bike, dressed smart"
"OK, if you say so"
"See you there then"
<Sound of phone being put down and heavy sighing>
So, I went to one of the annual national charity 'networking events' at the King Power Stadium, dressed smart. I do wonder how far we have to go to deal with this sort of attitude (and Pete has family in Amsterdam).
It's a long time since I've had the joy of 1) cycling in Leicester's evening rush hour traffic and 2) riding home in the dark along the deserted Great Central Way.
Sent from my brain to my iPad using my fingers and Tapatalk
Post by: Ruthie on 26 January, 2017, 09:01:43 pm
Tonight's earworm was 'when you live on an island, nothing ever falls in place, the winters are violent, and you can't even feel your face, you can't fucking feel your face'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1dQI4Gjt9I
When lightning strikes, I will be on my bike, I won't be stuck inside, I will be taking flight.
Post by: mcshroom on 26 January, 2017, 10:30:58 pm
As it was Icy I stuck to the A595(T) main road. It's not the most fun riding along but the traffic was playing nicely tonight mainly. There's new tarmac on the steep hill out of Whitehaven now which is much more pleasant to ride on. It's a shame the same can't be said about Clint's Hill out of Egremont which is still crater-strewn.
The other choir members thought I was mad ;D
Post by: Kim on 08 February, 2017, 08:40:36 pm
Post by: Jacomus on 14 February, 2017, 09:38:27 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 20 February, 2017, 12:13:27 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 February, 2017, 11:14:04 am
Post by: matthew on 05 March, 2017, 06:06:06 pm
Worse was to come when I got to Reading. The trains to Wokingham were badly hit by engineering works. Instead of the 4 an hour it was 2 an hour with a 40 minute wait for the first so I cycled home from Reading as it was dry in Reading. However I then got rather wet later when I wasn't dressed for the riding.
Soggy Jeans are not great for cold wet conditions.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 March, 2017, 06:53:12 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 06 March, 2017, 10:06:21 am
(http://i95.photobucket.com/albums/l160/stevenr_01/Mobile%20Uploads/FullSizeRender_zpsk4pznzq3.jpg)
Post by: Guy on 06 March, 2017, 12:40:00 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 06 March, 2017, 07:46:24 pm
Post by: rr on 06 March, 2017, 11:14:33 pm
Post by: Kim on 06 March, 2017, 11:20:28 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 07 March, 2017, 06:13:17 am
Post by: Jakob W on 21 March, 2017, 05:30:13 pm
Post by: Tim Hall on 23 April, 2017, 08:14:56 pm
Post by: Jurek on 23 April, 2017, 09:33:21 pm
I nipped into town for the Scouts' St George's Day parade, and thought of Pancho and his utilitarian adventures. Then I realised I was riding my bendy bike that I bought off Jogler and thought of him too.It is my sister's 60th tomorrow and amongst the cake and bubbles today we were trying to figure out why the Polak scouts always did a big thing on Big G's day - I reckoned it was because of patron saint-ness - it looks like I was right - and also I get to celebrate as Polaks generally do name days rather than birthdays and my name translates as..... George.
Post by: Tim Hall on 23 April, 2017, 09:59:41 pm
I nipped into town for the Scouts' St George's Day parade, and thought of Pancho and his utilitarian adventures. Then I realised I was riding my bendy bike that I bought off Jogler and thought of him too.It is my sister's 60th tomorrow and amongst the cake and bubbles today we were trying to figure out why the Polak scouts always did a big thing on Big G's day - I reckoned it was because of patron saint-ness - it looks like I was right - and also I get to celebrate as Polaks generally do name days rather than birthdays and my name translates as..... George.
Ooh, that reminds me. We've got a Polish troop in our town, but they're run separately to the regular scouts. Didn't see them at today's do, perhaps they cooked Polish sausages over their own fire.
Post by: Jurek on 23 April, 2017, 10:04:55 pm
Doubtless they'll have been doing their own ting, antisocial lot ;)I nipped into town for the Scouts' St George's Day parade, and thought of Pancho and his utilitarian adventures. Then I realised I was riding my bendy bike that I bought off Jogler and thought of him too.It is my sister's 60th tomorrow and amongst the cake and bubbles today we were trying to figure out why the Polak scouts always did a big thing on Big G's day - I reckoned it was because of patron saint-ness - it looks like I was right - and also I get to celebrate as Polaks generally do name days rather than birthdays and my name translates as..... George.
Ooh, that reminds me. We've got a Polish troop in our town, but they're run separately to the regular scouts. Didn't see them at today's do, perhaps they cooked Polish sausages over their own fire.
Prolly didn't want to share their gherkins with you (not a euph).
Post by: Si S on 06 May, 2017, 02:50:38 pm
Post by: ian on 06 May, 2017, 08:05:21 pm
At some point later I was forced to remember that 5.5 of those miles are practically vertical.
*let it not be said that this boy, when left unsupervised, doesn't know how to party.
Post by: menthel on 25 May, 2017, 11:34:47 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 May, 2017, 11:51:46 am
Post by: menthel on 25 May, 2017, 12:38:06 pm
Excellent. Let's hope this is the start of lifelong trend for small, talkative menthel – even when he's big, taciturn menthel! :D
He thinks of himself as a cyclist, always has- even before he could ride a bike! But then he was carried on Mrs menthel's bike from a very young age. And to be fair to him he managed the 12km each way to Barnes wetlands centre at the weekend, including some tricky (as in scared the hell out of me having to look after him!) road sections. I think he will do alright on his bike. ;)
Post by: Wowbagger on 23 June, 2017, 10:05:27 am
Post by: sg37409 on 23 June, 2017, 11:03:55 am
Excellent. Let's hope this is the start of lifelong trend for small, talkative menthel – even when he's big, taciturn menthel! :D
He thinks of himself as a cyclist, always has- even before he could ride a bike! But then he was carried on Mrs menthel's bike from a very young age. And to be fair to him he managed the 12km each way to Barnes wetlands centre at the weekend, including some tricky (as in scared the hell out of me having to look after him!) road sections. I think he will do alright on his bike. ;)
Cool. :thumbsup:
Post by: seraphina on 23 June, 2017, 11:22:26 am
Post by: hatler on 23 June, 2017, 10:35:46 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 24 June, 2017, 08:00:05 pm
Post by: Pingu on 24 June, 2017, 08:04:29 pm
Mile and a bit each way to the post office, with the boy in the seat. Took a bit of convincing to get him on after he pulled the bike on top of him whilst I was getting ready :-[
(https://tochristenaname.files.wordpress.com/2013/08/re-sized-calvin-hobbes.jpg)
Post by: seraphina on 25 June, 2017, 09:08:08 am
Post by: menthel on 27 June, 2017, 01:31:12 pm
Excellent. Let's hope this is the start of lifelong trend for small, talkative menthel – even when he's big, taciturn menthel! :D
He thinks of himself as a cyclist, always has- even before he could ride a bike! But then he was carried on Mrs menthel's bike from a very young age. And to be fair to him he managed the 12km each way to Barnes wetlands centre at the weekend, including some tricky (as in scared the hell out of me having to look after him!) road sections. I think he will do alright on his bike. ;)
Indeed! They have done it again a few times now. I also scoped out a potential route for when we move (hopefully!) so that he will have to go twice as far!
Cool. :thumbsup:
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 June, 2017, 04:19:45 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 02 July, 2017, 05:45:33 pm
Post by: rr on 05 July, 2017, 01:25:46 pm
Sent from my XT1072 using Tapatalk
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 July, 2017, 01:55:04 pm
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 14 July, 2017, 07:46:25 am
That was two of those London Pounds very well spent. A great blast along wide, not too busy, streets, with the occasional passing waft of music coming out of pubs, on a pleasantly warm evening.
I must say though that part of London has developed more inclines than when I last rode round there some 40+ years ago - I thing the Crossrail diggings are creating folds in the landscape.
Tapatalk puts this signature here, not me!
Post by: rr on 14 July, 2017, 12:55:24 pm
Inspection of what? Were you inspecting or being inspected?Inspecting a local construction site - my job.
Sent from my XT1562 using Tapatalk
Post by: menthel on 25 July, 2017, 11:11:17 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 August, 2017, 12:22:49 pm
Post by: Jacomus on 20 September, 2017, 04:51:17 pm
I needed to go to the shop for a few groceries, just the right amount to fit into a brommie bar bag. Off I toddled to the shop, which is where I realised that having a large bar bag, that is the perfect size to fit your shop into, only really works if the bag is attached to your bike and not still sitting at home near the front door. :facepalm:
I duly rode home, and I haven't quite learned the warren of cyclepaths around here yet... riding home took a little longer than planned :-[
No matter! It's my day off, it's sunny, and no time spent on a bicycle is wasted! Off I rode again, with barbag, to discover that sed shoppe isn't open anyway, for some reason. It's a Wednesday, equivalent to Sunday thanks to my shift pattern, so any reasoning is pretty much impenetrable at this point! So I rode home, got Mildly Lost again, then drove to the horriblemarket because by now I was sick of all this faffing and the need for loo roll was, by now, rather pressing.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 September, 2017, 05:58:28 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 October, 2017, 12:58:50 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 29 October, 2017, 06:53:45 pm
Post by: Joe.B on 05 November, 2017, 06:52:32 pm
Post by: Joe.B on 10 November, 2017, 04:36:36 pm
Post by: SoreTween on 10 November, 2017, 08:58:35 pm
Rode a Sadiq Cycle from Waterloo to King's Cross this afternoon. Not very economical as my rail ticket already included the tube, much more satisfying though.I did the same journey on Tuesday and the reverse on Wednesday also with a perfectly good drain ticket in my pocket. I was on a folder which is merely quite heavy and flexible rather than the depleted uranium hire option. Enjoyed it on the way north, encountered a couple of minor league MMs on the way south but still enjoyed it.
Post by: sojournermike on 15 November, 2017, 10:06:27 pm
Via the dark cycle path to check the light.
Post by: telstarbox on 15 November, 2017, 10:48:40 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 December, 2017, 04:36:11 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 23 December, 2017, 04:46:18 pm
Post by: matthew on 23 December, 2017, 09:17:38 pm
I was asked to collect my sister's present from the waitrose click and collect so not knowing how big it was I hooked the trailer onto the bike and locked it up at the station whilst I went to Reading.
Post by: Joe.B on 24 December, 2017, 04:33:45 pm
Post by: telstarbox on 24 December, 2017, 04:56:01 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 24 December, 2017, 08:39:04 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 03 February, 2018, 05:27:14 pm
Post by: Palinurus on 04 February, 2018, 04:06:41 pm
Post by: nikki on 23 February, 2018, 07:55:01 pm
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4765/40395853032_7533d0b662_z.jpg)
I had a hospital appointment this morning, which meant riding over to Sandwell General. [Insert small rant about state of the NHS here.]
I've been trying to keep mojo up and weight down over the winter months by extending my commutes; usually via the canals and various other cycle ways, as the constant close passes on the roads have been eroding my confidence and enthusiasm.
Thus it was that alarms went off at silly o'clock this morning and I set out on the long way around.
It was lighter than I was expecting, but quite cold. I join a river route by a ford and was thinking I'd better be on the lookout for ice in case the approach was frozefwipSLAM! ow
I didn't appear to be broken, so I picked myself off the tarmac, put the chain back where it was supposed to be, indulged in a bit of pavement cycling to get down to the river and then followed the river route at a slightly sedate pace.
The Cole Valley route goes through a number of little urban nature reserve bits, so every few minutes there are annoying barriers that are too narrow to fit handlebars through. These require a dismount and a wheelie to get passed and are a bit of a PITA.
How the heck did this get there then?!
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4701/26568574868_8a6c4956b8_z.jpg)
It was just about possible to get bike and panniers past, but by this stage I'm thinking a re-route is probably in order if I'm to get to my appointment in time. I rethought my plan to go via Spaghetti Junction and Sandwell Valley Park, and instead took the slightly more direct route along the Birmingham Canal Main Line and then the tramside path to West Brom.
Success! I got to the hospital reasonably early, got changed, found a human to deal with my check-in query and then got changed back into my cycling gear. I was a month early. :-[ ::-) :facepalm:
Deep breath, ate second breakfast and got back on the bike. Not sure what was going on with temperatures - maybe I'd been acclimatised to Birmingham's tropical microclimate or something - but I had shivers and chattering teeth riding through Sandwell Valley Park. Still, it was nice to be able to enjoy the scenery and not have to rush it as I would have had to do if I'd gone that way for my outward journey.
Oh. Hello.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4753/26567852278_46c8dbe606_z.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4767/38628304130_7d56f8f135_b.jpg)
The sign gave a map with an alternative road route to circumnavigate the closures.
You just had to get to the road first...
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4605/25567656367_09ecf23500_z.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4748/38628249090_58f568d5d3_z.jpg)
I opted for taking bike and pannier down separately and managed to avoid any mishaps. Which was nice. Especially given the broken glass at the bottom. :-/
The diversion did afford a good view of the first instalment of the Perry Bar locks from up on the road bridge:
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4708/26567626758_03d0733b26_z.jpg)
However things were looking a bit full by lock number 8.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4656/25567527187_9f2c8a6ee7_z.jpg)
I wasn't up for more re-routing, so I engaged Plucky Cyclist mode and chanced the flood not being too deep or extensive.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4716/25567271617_a799eb3587_z.jpg)
Bit disconcerting not quite being able to make out where the edge was. Basil, I thought of you, Sweetie ;D
This was the next lock gate down. I don't think they're supposed to do that. Or the water spurting out of the stonework at the side of the ramp down.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4606/40438520241_7df415d7cd_z.jpg)
Spaghetti Junction navigated without incident; the geeses were all talk but no trousers; canal infrastructure technical features all successfully cleared.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4678/40394132102_52646b3d9c_z.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4695/26566818758_20333ce572_z.jpg)
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4694/40438153711_768116abe6_z.jpg)
I found some off-road to do on an inappropriate bike, just to round things off!
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4656/26566643418_b37d5f065e_z.jpg)
Did the last bit of my return back along the Cole route, where the area around the ford was looking very much more defrosted than it had done four hours previously. Feeling I didn't want to push my luck, I got off and pushed my bike for the last couple of miles, so as to avoid the usual close passes on the narrow lanes of South West Birmingham.
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/5/4659/39541774545_ce50704619_z.jpg)
Looking forward to seeing what bruises appear tomorrow, and I also have to repair the mount for my rear light. On the whole I think I'm glad I didn't stick with my original plan for the outward route - can you imagine how stressful that would have been against the clock. Hoping my next attempt in a month's time goes a bit more smoothly...
Post by: Kim on 23 February, 2018, 08:08:21 pm
Even when I could breathe, I didn't have much nerve for that sort of exploration in cold conditions, and certainly not with an appointment to keep. Always seems to either become much more epic than anticipated (this would appear to qualify), or just take ages so you freeze.
Post by: Butterfly on 23 February, 2018, 08:28:59 pm
Post by: Samuel D on 23 February, 2018, 08:35:07 pm
The whole voyage including that close-pass road is an object lesson in why few people cycle to their hospital appointments. The photos made it fun to follow along.
Heal well.
Post by: Kim on 23 February, 2018, 09:00:19 pm
That was eventful then! I hope your bruises are minimal and heal quickly. I'm glad I'm not the only person with calendar confusion on occcasion.
I did it recently too, but living across the road from the surgery made it less embarrassing.
And for completeness, the GP also has calendar confusion, because they phoned this morning to tell me I'm massively overdue for the asthma review I did a couple of months ago (with my lovely GP who emits bogons and presumably failed to update the relevant wossname on the computer).
Post by: nikki on 24 February, 2018, 09:05:28 am
I was quite enjoying the ride towards the end - especially since the sun had come out and was starting to heat my bones up again.
Several of the approaches to home generally leave me in a bad mood because of the terrible attitude of some humans towards other humans, so sometimes I opt for walking a section rather than having it leave me stewing for the rest of the day.
The fun starts on Monday when I have to try and phone the hospital to rearrange my appointment, as I'm otherwise engaged on the 23rd of March. I tried yesterday and couldn't get through. Indeed the whole saga could have been averted if I'd have been able to get through initially when I thought it'd be good to shift the appointment to a later time!
Post by: andrewc on 24 February, 2018, 10:21:02 am
Hope there are not too many bruises.
Post by: Palinurus on 24 February, 2018, 11:37:01 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 February, 2018, 08:38:09 am
Post by: Kim on 26 February, 2018, 05:01:53 pm
A combination of lurgy and freezing conditions dictated the electron-assisted ICE trike for traction duty, which was definitely the right decision. I timed it well, with a blizzard starting soon after I set off. Evil wind, too. I actually tried using a buff to keep my nose and lower face warm. That works admirably well as long as I don't need to see. ???
List of things that don't work properly in the cold:
- Fingers
- Lungs
- Elastomer trailer hitches
- Phaart rear lights with dubious vintage 7dayshop NiMH cells
- Photochromic glasses
Minor shouty WVM entanglement, presumably on account of being the most seeable vehicle on the road. Managed to avoid most of the potholes, and the only skiddy stuff I saw was on a shared-use path that I was deliberately avoiding. The absence of a brake lever for the left hand to grab while indicating right remains low-level alarming.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 February, 2018, 05:55:47 pm
List of things that don't work properly in the cold:I'll add one to that list:
- Fingers
- Lungs
- Elastomer trailer hitches
- Phaart rear lights with dubious vintage 7dayshop NiMH cells
- Photochromic glasses
- Brain.
But that might be a personal one.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 March, 2018, 08:38:31 pm
And I'll add another after yesterday:List of things that don't work properly in the cold:I'll add one to that list:
- Fingers
- Lungs
- Elastomer trailer hitches
- Phaart rear lights with dubious vintage 7dayshop NiMH cells
- Photochromic glasses
- Brain.
But that might be a personal one.
- Lips. My top lip becomes frightfully British. Oddly, my lower lip and tongue are unaffected.
Post by: Kim on 18 March, 2018, 09:30:50 pm
Brompton ride up to King[']s Heath to collect a car club car: Took about 15 minutes, including a diversion through some Silly Sustrans Gates because there's diggy hole blocking the back entrance to Canon Hill Park, and taking it slowly on the hill to avoid dripping with sweat.
Car drive back to Silly Oak to fill said car with stuff: Took about 35 minutes, because I forgot that driving anywhere in Birmingham during morning rush hour is stupid.
Post by: Kim on 05 April, 2018, 05:02:11 pm
This time I brought a rear brake, which makes right turns less scary. Five wheels makes the proliferation of potholes a challenge.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 April, 2018, 04:02:27 pm
Post by: Si S on 21 April, 2018, 03:53:34 pm
Tube and boot deployed, coffee procured,back to Alstonefield. 17km
Post by: seraphina on 21 April, 2018, 07:09:13 pm
Post by: seraphina on 23 April, 2018, 12:34:06 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 April, 2018, 09:12:26 am
https://goo.gl/maps/hdMspWiXF7H2
They're rather nastier in reality than they look in the photo. Normally I'd either take care or use the shared pavement, but as I was riding the Utilitarian Adventure Bike with 42mm tyres, I reckoned some poxy lumpy half-bricks would not cause any problem. I hit them just fast enough and at just the right angle to have a Nasty Moment but not to actually come off. Perhaps I should measure the gap between the stones, I might find it's 43mm...
The other thing that casts doubt on the claim of this to be utilitarian is that it's simply such a lovely ride to Claverham, whatever reason you're going there for.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 30 April, 2018, 09:24:07 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 30 April, 2018, 10:48:27 am
Post by: Oscar's dad on 30 April, 2018, 12:06:33 pm
Yes. I am, as you will have realised, the epitome of fashion and sartorial elegance.
Much like myself. Even though we have never met I can't help thinking we might be twins separated at birth, there is mounting evidence ;D
Post by: Peter on 30 April, 2018, 12:24:27 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 May, 2018, 02:31:20 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 05 May, 2018, 08:26:17 pm
Highlights of the ride the BMW that sat behind me for around a minute till was safe to past and then gave it the beans but was completely over the white line by that point.
Secondly was the huge amount of other riders. Probably at least a hundred in several large groups. All friendly especially one of the rovers groups out near Wickham bishops who where appolgetic about me having to stay far left as they came past.
My thorn did good although would probably have wanted front panniers as well to spread weight a bit better.
Post by: rr on 09 May, 2018, 02:00:46 pm
Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 19 May, 2018, 04:15:19 pm
Post by: ian on 21 May, 2018, 08:23:25 am
This one was riding a penny farthing, phone attached to the bars, bag on his back.
Post by: orienteer on 21 May, 2018, 10:31:21 am
Post by: ian on 21 May, 2018, 11:22:59 am
Post by: Ham on 21 May, 2018, 11:53:56 am
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 15 June, 2018, 08:23:27 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 15 June, 2018, 08:34:04 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 16 June, 2018, 03:42:35 pm
Post by: Joe.B on 16 June, 2018, 10:16:53 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 26 June, 2018, 08:45:25 pm
At the moment Im struggling for motivation for going for a ride for the sake of it but apart from driving to work, have a work van and often out delivering pretty much avoid using the car if possible in favour of my bike.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 July, 2018, 05:05:58 pm
Post by: Kim on 17 July, 2018, 05:27:43 pm
On the basis of weary legs, I compromised and used the electron-assisted trike. Nice day for a ride, especially when you don't have to wear L-bone pads or an ant-infested helmet.
[1] Sunday trading laws.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 04 December, 2018, 07:36:43 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 December, 2018, 05:25:58 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 27 December, 2018, 09:44:13 am
Was used to collect Christmas presents that couldn't be carried home on Christmas day most notable a saw horse.
Post by: Kim on 27 December, 2018, 01:05:55 pm
Post by: T42 on 27 December, 2018, 01:20:36 pm
A horse made from saws? That's never going to work. First sight of a plastic bag flapping in a hedge and it's Texas Chainsaw Massacre time... :D
Wise saws, such as 'never look a gift-horse in the teeth'? Or a modern instance such as the throne in GOT?
Is there a fakir in the house?
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 January, 2019, 03:42:20 pm
Post by: diapsaon0 on 05 January, 2019, 12:24:55 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 12 January, 2019, 04:55:45 pm
Quite a bit of heavy shopping, potatoes and tins meant even though all fitted in was a fair bit of weight so wobbly on the start up.
Highlight of the ride was when a car a long way off coming towards me made it clear they were coming past the parked car on their side of the road by moving onto my side of road. I made it clear I had right of way by taking a central position and they pulled in behind parked car.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 February, 2019, 03:44:24 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 22 February, 2019, 07:09:52 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 March, 2019, 05:03:41 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 28 March, 2019, 02:40:51 pm
Post by: Jakob W on 27 April, 2019, 10:25:29 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 27 April, 2019, 11:15:16 am
Half a mile up the road to the local bread man for a loaf of sourdough, some Chelsea buns, and a pot of local honey. Windy and blooming freezing, though I dodged the rain.One of the best possible utilitarian adventures.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 22 May, 2019, 08:35:39 pm
Post by: hatler on 22 May, 2019, 09:26:42 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 23 May, 2019, 11:24:52 am
Post by: hatler on 23 May, 2019, 11:38:40 am
And original goggles were found 20 minutes laterBut of course !
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 15 June, 2019, 03:40:30 pm
Then today a trip to get webbing and buckles to make replacement straps for the girls buoyancy aids then to get some gardening vouchers then to a 1st birthday drop in picnic thing
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 June, 2019, 04:42:36 pm
Post by: Joe.B on 07 July, 2019, 01:55:02 pm
Post by: andrewc on 13 July, 2019, 05:52:32 pm
A mixed load of old wheels , tyres, a crap frame, old stools & chairs, a knackered record player, old duvet, pillows & bedding, 2(!) vacuum cleaners. All had to be dragged out of the loft & carried down 8 flights of stairs.
That meant 4 trips to the dump with the Carry Freedom trailer. I'm a bit knackered now.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 26 July, 2019, 07:45:00 am
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 07 August, 2019, 06:39:50 am
This meant last night a trip to brothers to help him carry a chest of drawers up stairs and then a cycle to one of t'wifes middle class friends to pick up some eco washing liquid.
Today will. Involve seeing how much of aldis finest can be fitted onto my bike, answer will be a fair bit but will again make me consider butterfly/touring bars on the tourer rathe then drops
Tomorrow will involve the kids cycling round to my mother's so the wife can have a few hours without them
Lots of utilitarianism
Post by: Pingu on 13 September, 2019, 08:33:13 am
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 28 September, 2019, 03:35:45 pm
Once that was done we cycled to our friends for dinner. Probably 1 1/2 miles on majority cycle paths and then obviously home after. They thought we were very adventurous for having the audacity not to drive.
Then today around 7 miles with the wife and kids to go scrumping. Got around 8kg of apples including one that was a pound on its own (yes I know mixing metric and imperial)
Post by: fd3 on 28 September, 2019, 07:06:08 pm
.You live in a castle?
All had to be dragged out of the loft & carried down 8 flights of stairs.
Post by: jsabine on 29 September, 2019, 11:42:45 pm
.You live in a castle?
All had to be dragged out of the loft & carried down 8 flights of stairs.
Or a top floor flat
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 16 November, 2019, 04:10:19 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 16 November, 2019, 05:32:04 pm
The wife and kids were out for afternoon and the wife is going out afterwards so a lovely 25km amble to get the girls and the car. Added in a visit to the local zero waste store to get our washing liquid refilled. I try to cycle there or make sure its included in a route someone else as the irony of burning diesel/petrol to save a bit of packing isn't lost on me.
Where is this "local zero waste store" of which you speak???
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 16 November, 2019, 05:51:34 pm
Post by: Kim on 16 November, 2019, 05:55:20 pm
Where is this "local zero waste store" of which you speak???
Moseley, obviously...
Post by: Oscar's dad on 16 November, 2019, 06:02:17 pm
The one I went to is at Tiptree. Google reco Tiptree. Apparently there is also one in Maldon
:thumbsup:
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 02 December, 2019, 02:23:53 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 December, 2019, 01:34:36 pm
Quote
Quaxinghttps://road.cc/content/news/269499-live-blog-freeman-lawyer-loses-attempt-have-case-thrown-out-quaxing-work-starts
For those who don’t know, ‘to quax’ means to shop by means of walking, cycling or public transit.
The word comes from the spectacularly-named Dick Quax, who won a silver medal for New Zealand in the 5,000m at the 1976 Olympics and who later became a politician.
In January 2015, Quax tweeted his disbelief that anyone in the Western world would go shopping by means of "walking, cycling, or public transit."
Post by: Kim on 14 December, 2019, 01:38:40 pm
Cor, it's still going: https://twitter.com/search?q=%23quaxing
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 14 December, 2019, 03:22:30 pm
Post by: mattc on 14 December, 2019, 06:58:39 pm
It was a hastag on the twitterwebs for a while. Many pleasing photos of bikes carrying Stuff.Oh wow. I haven't read this thread for ages, and I come back to find this:
Cor, it's still going: https://twitter.com/search?q=%23quaxing
https://twitter.com/colvilleandersn/status/1205226516700901378
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 15 December, 2019, 09:59:23 am
Post by: Oscar's dad on 15 December, 2019, 12:21:04 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 15 December, 2019, 05:36:03 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 20 January, 2020, 06:36:36 pm
Drop off and home this morning
Back to pick up youngest and home
Home for about 20 minutes then back for the eldest who had a club. I'd have stayed and read outside if it wasn't so chuffing cold
Post by: ElyDave on 21 January, 2020, 07:44:13 am
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 19 February, 2020, 08:41:26 pm
Post by: SoreTween on 18 March, 2020, 11:42:18 am
Since I'm out anyway added a couple of reps of the Parkend, Bream & Whitecroft loop.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 28 March, 2020, 10:11:54 am
Post by: Kim on 17 April, 2020, 07:12:14 pm
When I returned home and came to unhitch it, I discovered the absence of the hitch pin. It's never so much as come undone before.
Thinking back, I realise that my bike fell over while I was attempting to lock it to a trolley corral (the space around the bike racks being occupied by the socially distanced queueueue), so I suppose it must have come undone then (either that or somebody undid it). Glad the trailer didn't decide to go its own way on the bypass :o
Replacement pin ordered from SJS, because I'm in no mood for riding around looking for it.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 17 April, 2020, 07:23:07 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 20 April, 2020, 12:35:51 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 May, 2020, 12:10:08 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 11 May, 2020, 02:09:01 pm
I inwardly bristled and had Penelope heard she'd of been outraged as well >:( From memory we came home with the following (NB I only had one Ortlieb Back Roller pannier with me):
2 x 4 pints of milk
2 x pack of sausages
1 x pack ready made polenta (I should have purchased the unready made stuff ::-) )
1 x bunch of flowers
1 x pack of grapes
6 x teaspoons
4 x plants (some multi plug trays)
1 x bag of compost
Potentially a few other small items I can't recall
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49883004567_412abf864d_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iZZrmT)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49883004527_3f7815f2da_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iZZrmc)
Smug we were ;D
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 11 May, 2020, 02:45:40 pm
Forgot I did get a wee bit of shimmy at one point, but I think that was more down to the under-inflated front tyre than the heavy single pannier.
Post by: Oscar's dad on 11 May, 2020, 03:10:58 pm
Digging that saddle! :thumbsup:
It's a Cath Kidston saddle cover. I fancy if she's focused more on accessories for the style conscious Pashley about town she might not have gone bust ;D
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 21 May, 2020, 11:35:34 am
Post by: hatler on 22 May, 2020, 02:50:59 pm
What a glorious day, even if the headwind was a bit stiff on the way back.
As Richmond Park is closed to cyclists I was left with no option but to use the A3 from Robin Hood Gate up to the junction at the top of the hill which leads down to Priory Lane. I took the lane all the way both ways and not a single one of the drivers did anything untoward (and there were a lot of them).
Post by: SoreTween on 24 May, 2020, 06:20:02 pm
Post by: hatler on 26 May, 2020, 03:56:04 pm
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 26 May, 2020, 07:14:27 pm
It was a splendid ride there (mostly dowhill) and a bit sweaty coming back.
Not much traffic about adding to the joy.
Post by: diapsaon0 on 04 June, 2020, 04:50:59 pm
Post by: Kim on 04 June, 2020, 05:55:26 pm
Just had a short ride in the teeth of a gale to the local tip with a load of tree clippings. When I 'phoned yesterday to ask if it was ok to come by bike, they were a bit bolshy, but today, all very friendly and helpful. They seemed amazed to see someone on a bike with a car load of rubbish on a trailer! Oh, the excitement we find in small things after two months of lockdown!
Always better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission.
Well done for a trip to the local tip being a 'short ride'. Mine would be audax duration, if not distance.
Post by: rr on 05 June, 2020, 07:31:58 am
On Friday myself and Penelope the Pashley Pronto were dispatched to Morrisons for polenta, flowers and other lockdown staples. Whilst queuing to get into the shop I noticed they had some nice looking plants so I telephoned The Current Mrs R to describe what was available and seek advice on what to buy. TCMR furnished me with her views but then said "But you can't buy any plants cos we don't have any compost and you're on your bike."I'll raise you:
I inwardly bristled and had Penelope heard she'd of been outraged as well >:( From memory we came home with the following (NB I only had one Ortlieb Back Roller pannier with me):
2 x 4 pints of milk
2 x pack of sausages
1 x pack ready made polenta (I should have purchased the unready made stuff ::-) )
1 x bunch of flowers
1 x pack of grapes
6 x teaspoons
4 x plants (some multi plug trays)
1 x bag of compost
Potentially a few other small items I can't recall
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49883004567_412abf864d_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iZZrmT)
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49883004527_3f7815f2da_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2iZZrmc)
Smug we were ;D
12.6kg bird seed
12.6kg bird peanuts
6kg assorted flour
(https://photos.app.goo.gl/Mogi4jdnLgqFkfm58)
Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk
Post by: Oscar's dad on 05 June, 2020, 09:21:38 am
Post by: diapsaon0 on 05 June, 2020, 07:47:26 pm
Just had a short ride in the teeth of a gale to the local tip with a load of tree clippings. When I 'phoned yesterday to ask if it was ok to come by bike, they were a bit bolshy, but today, all very friendly and helpful. They seemed amazed to see someone on a bike with a car load of rubbish on a trailer! Oh, the excitement we find in small things after two months of lockdown!
Always better to beg forgiveness than to ask permission.
Well done for a trip to the local tip being a 'short ride'. Mine would be audax duration, if not distance.
I'm, lucky - small town. Only a mile or so away.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 13 June, 2020, 04:55:19 pm
Post by: fd3 on 07 July, 2020, 04:40:54 pm
Lifford lane are now booking time slots. Might even be worth it.
Well done for a trip to the local tip being a 'short ride'. Mine would be audax duration, if not distance.
Today I did the charity shop run. A boot-full of bags o' stuff, too much to carry so I put them in the Christiana Trike. Turns out it's a much better ride when loaded down. Though only a very short hop it involved a double right off the Cotteridge
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 14 July, 2020, 09:24:43 pm
Post by: Kim on 14 July, 2020, 09:35:00 pm
The wife tonight. It's the excitement of our weekly shop and she had an after dinner baileys so hitched the burley bee onto her bike and she took the very short ride to lidl. Probably takes as long to get bike out through the strange shared access to our garden with the added width of the trailer then it did to actually cycle there but too much to carry in panniers or walking
In the general spirit of this thread, I routinely (or did, before the current unpleasantness[1]) cycle to a shop that's about half a kilometre away because it means I have a knee-friendly way to carry the shopping home.
[1] Instead I've been doing one big trailer load at Mr Sainsbury's Emporium of Sporadically-Stocked Comestibles every couple of weeks, to minimise exposure.
Post by: SoreTween on 18 August, 2020, 02:15:41 pm
Post by: Oscar's dad on 18 August, 2020, 02:41:42 pm
Post by: davelodwig on 19 August, 2020, 12:04:18 pm
The wife tonight. It's the excitement of our weekly shop and she had an after dinner baileys so hitched the burley bee onto her bike and she took the very short ride to lidl. Probably takes as long to get bike out through the strange shared access to our garden with the added width of the trailer then it did to actually cycle there but too much to carry in panniers or walking
Which has reminded me I ought to order a trailer hitch for Mary's bike along with the new brake pads she needs (and probably some less knobbly tyres).
I cycled to my MRI (to look at an injury caused by other comedy adventures*) however they didn't have a locker big enough to put my bag in, most people drive so it's not something they considered.
Post by: Jakob W on 23 August, 2020, 10:17:17 pm
Due to lack of space and lack of use I'm considering selling Penelope the Pashley Pronto so potentially no more utility cycling for me :'(
I've sold the cream chariot that was my bakfiets, as my girls have outgrown it, so I've been considering a pint-sized shopping replacement...
Post by: Oscar's dad on 24 August, 2020, 08:34:48 am
Due to lack of space and lack of use I'm considering selling Penelope the Pashley Pronto so potentially no more utility cycling for me :'(
I've sold the cream chariot that was my bakfiets, as my girls have outgrown it, so I've been considering a pint-sized shopping replacement...
Penelope is up for sale and will be going on eBay shortly. She's a Pashley Pronto, full working order and ready to ride. Allegedly started life as a works bike at The Atomic Weapons Establishment, Aldermaston. I'm looking for offers in the region of £150 but might be willing to take less if no eBay charges needed to be paid...
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50261423983_902d9d133a_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2jzqWgz)IMG_0228 (https://flic.kr/p/2jzqWgz) by Steve Rowley (https://www.flickr.com/photos/50089483@N04/), on Flickr
If you're interested let me know, I have loads more pictures.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 August, 2020, 03:34:47 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 August, 2020, 06:01:22 pm
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 26 August, 2020, 12:33:43 pm
..... pump positioning; it's under the top tube at the moment, which is fine while riding but a pain when lifting the bike, for instance to spin the front wheel ....Also has to be removed when the bike goes on the stand (e.g. for fitting mudguards) leading to me leaving it at home, only realised after 200kms, 70 to go and shops now shut, so no acquiring alternative..... luckily I got away with it.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 29 August, 2020, 02:34:38 pm
Then this afternoon to the localish refill shop for a few bits. Did think they were being a little odd asking if I was going into their shop when I was locking my bike to fence outside, was already a bit grumpy from the generally crap standard of driving but realised it was because the shop was empty so they had taken their face mask visor thingys off so needed to get them back on
Tomorrow will be a cycle to allotment and hopefully Monday will be a cycle to pick rosehips to make apple and rosehip jelly or if it fails to set syrup
Post by: Wowbagger on 31 August, 2020, 08:20:46 pm
Due to lack of space and lack of use I'm considering selling Penelope the Pashley Pronto so potentially no more utility cycling for me :'(
You can go to the supermarket on any bike. My record is 31kg shopping on my Thorn. Its luggage carrying capacity is rated to (IIRC) 12kg on the back, 5kg on the front. Oh, and a rider of not more than 100kg.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 31 August, 2020, 08:24:34 pm
Wife cycled to shops for weekly shop using the burley kiddie trailer. I then used it and her bike which was a giggle as its very upright to what I'm used to. Used it to go round Oscars Dad to grab some old gardening tools he no longer needs and I can store at my allotment.
Then cycled to and from the allotment with the wife which was good and found a few cut through as she's not comfortable with the busy roads and she also realised its not far to cycle
Post by: Oscar's dad on 01 September, 2020, 09:04:27 am
Due to lack of space and lack of use I'm considering selling Penelope the Pashley Pronto so potentially no more utility cycling for me :'(
You can go to the supermarket on any bike. My record is 31kg shopping on my Thorn. Its luggage carrying capacity is rated to (IIRC) 12kg on the back, 5kg on the front. Oh, and a rider of not more than 100kg.
This is true.
Post by: Joe.B on 31 October, 2020, 10:30:04 am
The previous evenings visit to see a pal who’s ship was visiting the Tyne was more successful, even if the wrong side of midnight 10 mile ride home was a bit wobbly.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 10 November, 2020, 11:44:03 am
Was an absolutely beautiful day for it and was going faster then the traffic on the A12 I was cycling alongside. Discovered the reason as was getting a little marked at a lady with her dog stood right in the middle of the shared use path till saw a car sat in the outside lane. Stopped to check in her having assertained it was her car but she had done the right thing in ringing the police already so wasn't really anything I could do
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 23 December, 2020, 08:25:13 pm
Post by: Joe.B on 28 December, 2020, 09:41:36 pm
Post by: cycleman on 29 December, 2020, 06:50:57 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 06 February, 2021, 08:55:46 pm
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 02 March, 2021, 06:06:19 pm
I was astonished at how many people were about (driving and walking) at 7:45 this morning.
I'm sure the road from the school used to be a gentle incline - the plague seems to have made it into a bloomin' great hill.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 05 March, 2021, 11:39:17 am
One of these is not like the others:
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EvtoC2eWEAEyq7r?format=jpg&name=large)
J
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 05 March, 2021, 12:16:07 pm
(Bet there's a photo of your bike on some Dutch "parking like a fud" site, followed by phlegmy spittle in green ink)
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 08 March, 2021, 10:13:44 am
The littlest monkey had also been a bit wobbly about going back so offered the tandem as an incentive so this morning one tandem and two bikes headed off with loaded panniers and the project strapped to the top. Lots of surprised looks on the way and more on the way home as was cycling the tandem solo by this point as the wife needs her bike for shopping later
Post by: CrinklyLion on 09 March, 2021, 10:12:26 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 12 March, 2021, 10:28:09 pm
Post by: rr on 13 March, 2021, 09:41:36 am
Sent from my moto x4 using Tapatalk
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 01 April, 2021, 04:33:00 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 12 May, 2021, 07:38:21 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 May, 2021, 06:33:58 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 28 May, 2021, 05:11:47 pm
*I think I'm getting towards the capacity limit of my Junior saddlebag (Barley without side pockets): lunch box, large thermos flask, two(!!) maps, tools, headtorch, and one of those folding foam mats for sitting on wet grass and mud. A larger lunch box (it was dal) would require the Cadet.And today I exceeded the capacity of one Super C pannier in a visit to Lidl. Had to strap the bread (I hate supermarket bread but the boy likes it for toast) and one or two other items on top of the rack. £20, 16kg, "Lidl is the best" he said (he rates their "ChocoNussa" brand above Nutella). Traffic on the Gloucester Rd on the way back was such that literally nothing with more than two wheels was moving, which was its own brand of satisfying.
Post by: ravenbait on 28 May, 2021, 05:25:16 pm
Today, discretion proved the better part of valour, so I walked the 2 and change miles to the farm shop and back.
Sam
Post by: Lightning Phil on 28 May, 2021, 05:50:45 pm
:P
Post by: Butterfly on 28 May, 2021, 06:39:37 pm
Post by: fd3 on 28 May, 2021, 07:04:20 pm
Did shopping on the fixed yesterday. Pretty sure my lungs will just give up, submit to my iron will, and start working properly again if I keep forcing the issue. Hauling two panniers full of ice cream and various other sundries back home into a headwind will do me the world of good, I'm sure.Last time I had two panniers of shopping on the fixed the rear brake decided that ... no, that's it, f- you. With the start/stop and messing about with pedal orientation I never fixed the rear rack.
Today, discretion proved the better part of valour, so I walked the 2 and change miles to the farm shop and back.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 29 May, 2021, 09:34:39 pm
I have to say Lidl bread is several leagues ahead of any other supermarket bread I've ever had. Yes, that includes Waitrose and M&S. Even the sliced stuff is edible.*I think I'm getting towards the capacity limit of my Junior saddlebag (Barley without side pockets): lunch box, large thermos flask, two(!!) maps, tools, headtorch, and one of those folding foam mats for sitting on wet grass and mud. A larger lunch box (it was dal) would require the Cadet.And today I exceeded the capacity of one Super C pannier in a visit to Lidl. Had to strap the bread (I hate supermarket bread but the boy likes it for toast) and one or two other items on top of the rack. £20, 16kg, "Lidl is the best" he said (he rates their "ChocoNussa" brand above Nutella). Traffic on the Gloucester Rd on the way back was such that literally nothing with more than two wheels was moving, which was its own brand of satisfying.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 31 May, 2021, 11:14:34 am
Therefore its become quite a regular ride. Normally included in a longer ride but got lots on today so a quick 10km each way today. Absolutely gorgeous weather and apart from a twat AA driver who close passed me while towing really considerate drivers.
For those in the know went up Market Hill in Maldon but peeled off onto a side road called Cromwell Road I think which feels even steeper than the main Hill, earnt a well done from some people walking up it.
Three books purchased and same again on way home.
Later on we are picking my niece up and will be using the Burley Bee which I did lend them but don't think got used much.
I know I'm largely preaching to the converted but I just can't understand why you would choose to drive when you don't need to.
Post by: ravenbait on 31 May, 2021, 11:24:06 am
Last time I had two panniers of shopping on the fixed the rear brake decided that ... no, that's it, f- you. With the start/stop and messing about with pedal orientation I never fixed the rear rack.
Rear brake?
That's what legs are for. I gave up with my rear brake. It never worked properly and was basically little more than storage for spare brake blocks for the front.
Sam
Post by: Kim on 31 May, 2021, 08:32:06 pm
(https://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/trailer/2021_05_31_16_04_06.sized.jpg)
(https://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/trailer/2021_05_31_16_04_29.sized.jpg)
On the basis of weight and the current standards of driver patience, I opted to avoid the main road route. This was a mistake, as potholeman has been neglecting Basil's Commute™...
Post by: Joe.B on 14 June, 2021, 09:41:01 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51248096829_db3670ec4f_k.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2m5BTJn)IMG_20210614_190638011 (https://flic.kr/p/2m5BTJn) by Joe B (https://www.flickr.com/photos/84858164@N02/), on Flickr
Post by: Kim on 14 June, 2021, 10:13:47 pm
Post by: Joe.B on 16 June, 2021, 09:58:20 pm
With the wicker basket, it does kind of look like you've got a very small hot air balloon...
Ha, yes, it does now you mention it.
I tagged to journey on Strava with the same photo and someone said it looked like the openning scene in an episode of Casualty.
Post by: Kim on 17 June, 2021, 04:30:25 pm
I tagged to journey on Strava with the same photo and someone said it looked like the openning scene in an episode of Casualty.
There's something we can all aspire to...
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 June, 2021, 09:25:58 pm
*24 actually.
Post by: Kim on 25 June, 2021, 10:51:03 pm
My tools and pump[1] live in the pannier, so I don't have to worry about them. Dynamo lights mean they stay on the bike. Years ago I realised that the chances of someone nicking a bike computer were vanishingly small compared to the chances of me dropping one while wandering round a shop, so that stays attached too.
This has reminded me of a folding bike (Dahon shaped object) I saw last week secured by wrapping it round a signpost, with no obvious sign of any lock. I suppose it might slow them down.
[1] The no longer made Cyclaire Plus is ideal for this, as it has a box-shaped bag with a pocket for your puncture kit, rather than being an awkward long thin thing.
Post by: Peter on 26 June, 2021, 02:35:12 pm
But at least having both panniers provides a more stable platform for the 100-pack* of bog roll lashed to the top of the rack.
*24 actually.
Get well soon, Cudzo.
Post by: Peter on 26 June, 2021, 02:37:43 pm
Re your building supplies photo, did you take the clamps with you, or were they a cunning afterthought? Terrific picture!
Post by: Kim on 26 June, 2021, 02:40:01 pm
Re your building supplies photo, did you take the clamps with you, or were they a cunning afterthought? Terrific picture!
I took them with me, but I bought the clamps under similar circumstances and realised they were a really good way to secure wood to the trailer (well, the Aldi ones can be a bit iffy if you go over too many bumps).
Post by: Peter on 26 June, 2021, 02:42:27 pm
Post by: mmmmartin on 26 June, 2021, 02:45:05 pm
its slightly mad when people drive (normally big middle class SUV type vehicles) to refill/zero waste shops burning way more unprocessed plastic then they will saveFile under the same logic as those who vote Green Party then drive home in a two ton four-wheel drive then fly to Barbados for a holiday.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 June, 2021, 02:51:58 pm
lol ;DBut at least having both panniers provides a more stable platform for the 100-pack* of bog roll lashed to the top of the rack.
*24 actually.
Get well soon, Cudzo.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 29 June, 2021, 07:55:15 pm
Last night was the usual weekly shop with the burley bee trailer. Shows how dull my life currently is when the cashier said she thinks she knows my wife as I'm always there on the Mondays she isn't. Also there can't be (m)any others who use a kids cycle trailer
Had a visitation in the burley which I think is the first and its done thousands of miles over the years. That may be linked to the fact i think I put oko sealant in the tubes several years back, possibly when nearly new so over 9 yeara. Gonna attempt to fix in a minute
Update. Tube fixed and if there was any sealant in there it hadn't worked but did appear to be some liquid in the air bubble so may have just turned to liquid after all those years
Post by: Diver300 on 01 July, 2021, 07:33:20 pm
Local council made sure that I had a 5 minute punishment delay for keeping out of the car and out of the way of other cars:-
(https://mtrak.co.uk/pictures/accessible.JPG)
Post by: Kim on 01 July, 2021, 10:19:34 pm
On the trip out yesterday I bought milk, plumbing fittings and 40 litres of Diesel.
Local council made sure that I had a 5 minute punishment delay for keeping out of the car and out of the way of other cars:-
(https://mtrak.co.uk/pictures/accessible.JPG)
It's like a low-budget remake of Mad Max 2...
Post by: ian on 02 July, 2021, 09:48:56 am
Come to think of it, it's probably more Indiana Jones, you get through and a giant rock comes tumbling after you.
Post by: fd3 on 02 July, 2021, 07:19:06 pm
On the trip out yesterday I bought milk, plumbing fittings and 40 litres of Diesel.Couldn't get a double pram through there. Probably struggle with a wheelchair too.
Local council made sure that I had a 5 minute punishment delay for keeping out of the car and out of the way of other cars:-
(https://mtrak.co.uk/pictures/accessible.JPG)
Post by: Diver300 on 03 July, 2021, 02:02:41 pm
https://www.mtrak.co.uk/show/RAZg393Xn2
A 1.2 mile ride down a 50 mph limit dual carriageway to get to, and escape from, a shop.
Because of the 4 m high steel fence all round the industrial estate.
Luckily I travelled it at rush hour, so it was nose-to-tail cars, and my 10 - 15 mph was faster than the cars.
Post by: fd3 on 03 July, 2021, 05:38:42 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 05 July, 2021, 09:27:47 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 09 July, 2021, 09:53:20 am
Post by: Kim on 09 July, 2021, 11:21:43 am
Those A-gate barriers are another reason people prefer e-scooters.
...And recumbents :demon:
Post by: quixoticgeek on 09 July, 2021, 11:23:43 am
Riding back from the post office with this was a fun challenge. Amount of movement in the steering was limited. But I managed it. Was only 3km in the end anyway.
J
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 July, 2021, 02:51:42 pm
I usually bring the panniers into the supermarket in order to have something to pack the shopping into. That said, I do occasionally leave one pannier with nothing in it (well, maybe a couple of bungees and an inner tube) attached to the bike when visiting shops that don't have trolleys, so as not to have my hands full.On Friday, outside Lidl again, I had a conversation with a bod from Bristol City Council about this! Although he was just in the role of fellow cycle-borne shopper (I've no idea what his job is but he had a BCC badge around his neck). He was of the "take panniers into the shop" persuasion, but said this was because he had "other items" in them. I don't exactly what, but he implied it was something more than just tools (laptop? top secret council documents? key to the mayor's personal toilet?)
My tools and pump[1] live in the pannier, so I don't have to worry about them. Dynamo lights mean they stay on the bike. Years ago I realised that the chances of someone nicking a bike computer were vanishingly small compared to the chances of me dropping one while wandering round a shop, so that stays attached too.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 July, 2021, 02:53:25 pm
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/E5xb1mqXIAU8TXT?format=jpg&name=large)They pictogram second from right: fish or flying bomb?
Riding back from the post office with this was a fun challenge. Amount of movement in the steering was limited. But I managed it. Was only 3km in the end anyway.
J
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 13 September, 2021, 11:37:16 am
To the brothers yesterday with my niece in our burley bee, she really liked it so may lend it to them but I did previously and didn't get used. Obviously then home less the niece
Then took the kids to school today. They usually walk but I needed to go onwards from drop off. Haven't done the school run solo for ages so couldn't actually remember what time and with cycling we were there ridiculously early bit they didn't mind and played for a bit
Then off to the allotment to water and harvest. Came back with panniers full of various squashes. Having had a bat hit me in the face Thursday while cycling today I came across a dead and rather smelly bat on the cycle path. Being several of miles from the one i chinned I don't think I'm responsible for this ones demise
Only downside to ride was a slow visitation I found once had got home and had a brew. At least the offending staple was easy to spot
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 20 November, 2021, 11:00:20 am
Local economy supported and some weight in the panniers headed home. Mostly good overtakes and a lorry held back as I signalled early I was going down a small lane and gave me a honk and wave as went past after I turned off
Also managed to drop a car down the hill as was tailgating me, should that be saddlebagging me so got a wriggle on down the hill. Lovely to be out, stupidly mild for late November and appaled at my current fitness level
Post by: Mr Larrington on 29 November, 2021, 03:15:41 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 04 February, 2022, 04:09:50 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 14 February, 2022, 05:33:30 pm
And then I rode back in rain so heavy it was running down the inside of my trousers along the backs of my thighs. So today I had a dry, rusty chain.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 02 March, 2022, 02:28:36 pm
https://twitter.com/sternenko/status/1498917893446287360
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FM054FzWUAI1LAx?format=jpg&name=small)
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 17 March, 2022, 09:29:40 am
Get a phone call from t'wife which made my heart drop as she virtually never rings me unless somethings gone wrong or needs me to do something. She had locked her bike up to a fence round the corner from the school as due to covid one way system the only bike shed involves walking through the school entrance, locking your bike, going out and back in to drop kids and picking bike up on way out
She then thought she didn't have keys so was walking to work. Thankfully local and she was earlier then usual as I'd hearded them out the door. Unfortunately she was well past her bike as guaranteed the keys were in the bag as I put them in yesterday when found them on the table
At least I got a walk in the sun and a ride home. Hers being an upright hybrid with comparatively fat tyres compared to my bikes was a different riding experience. The jumps between gears was also a lot bigger then used to but upright does have its advantages avoiding dogs/kids/adults not paying attention on the cycle path home.
Post by: fd3 on 30 April, 2022, 12:42:06 pm
Post by: Mr Larrington on 30 April, 2022, 01:46:53 pm
Post by: Kim on 30 April, 2022, 05:58:34 pm
Trip to kings Norton tip on the Catrike. Recycling tetrapacks, two panniers full and then a full bin bag bungeed to the top of the rack. No worries on the ride and no bag emptying on my head. My one worry was that I had none of the id required (no driving license and all my bills are online paperless, so no proof of address) but they don’t check you when you go to recycling.
They've never asked me. Probably no need, because how far can anyone go on a bicycle?
Post by: diapsaon0 on 01 May, 2022, 09:03:28 am
Post by: fd3 on 01 May, 2022, 12:11:32 pm
I thought that, but asking an employee to use common sense is always risky business.Trip to kings Norton tip on the Catrike. Recycling tetrapacks, two panniers full and then a full bin bag bungeed to the top of the rack. No worries on the ride and no bag emptying on my head. My one worry was that I had none of the id required (no driving license and all my bills are online paperless, so no proof of address) but they don’t check you when you go to recycling.
They've never asked me. Probably no need, because how far can anyone go on a bicycle?
Post by: hatler on 10 May, 2022, 08:43:09 pm
Anyhow, progress has been enough that I felt able to cycle to the appointment today. First time on a bike in what feels like months.
Especially delicious carving my way through the evening traffic gathering all the way from SW19 to SW20.
Post by: fd3 on 15 May, 2022, 11:07:31 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52076552980_788d49453e.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nkPWT7)
I had planned to drop off at t' beer show and buy a growler, but the towel was for wrapping that.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 16 May, 2022, 09:27:56 am
Post by: hatler on 12 June, 2022, 08:08:43 pm
Only a 5 minute cycle, so we only bothered with the bikes because walking that far would have meant I was o/s for the rest of the day.
It was however notable for one reason Mrs hatler used the gift from a recently departed uncle, an as-new Bickerton.
Post by: Jurek on 12 June, 2022, 08:38:13 pm
Cycled not very far last night from our Air BnB to a friend's Big Birthday Party at the Science Oxford Centre.OOh! I was responsible for the installation of an exhibition at the SOC a few years ago .
Only a 5 minute cycle, so we only bothered with the bikes because walking that far would have meant I was o/s for the rest of the day.
It was however notable for one reason Mrs hatler used the gift from a recently departed uncle, an as-new Bickerton.
Post by: hatler on 12 June, 2022, 08:56:16 pm
V cool. How long ago ? The sciencey bit of the centre is currently set up as an education centre for local primary schools. Was that you ?Cycled not very far last night from our Air BnB to a friend's Big Birthday Party at the Science Oxford Centre.OOh! I was responsible for the installation of an exhibition at the SOC a few years ago .
Only a 5 minute cycle, so we only bothered with the bikes because walking that far would have meant I was o/s for the rest of the day.
It was however notable for one reason Mrs hatler used the gift from a recently departed uncle, an as-new Bickerton.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 19 July, 2022, 11:16:37 am
Off this morning for eldest monkeys leaving assembly at school. Walk there pushing bikes as wife had to get to work after and I didn't fancy the walk back with nattering women
Good job really as the monkey realised she's forgotten her shirt to be signed so after managing not to cry during the assembly shot home grabbed shirt and shot back before a much slower ride home. Even at 10:30 wad getting uncomfortable to be out in sun
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 08 September, 2022, 06:06:56 pm
I then repeated the second journey with an even rustier "sit up and beg" step-through. The gears on this one also worked, until I wanted to get a higher one! It also had V brakes and they were a bit crap. But it was fun because the bolt upright position and very quick steering are a contrast to what I normally ride. There was also a pleasing circularity because it had originally come from BBP many years ago.
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 09 October, 2022, 07:44:38 pm
It being warmer than I expected I took the opportunity to extend the ride a bit. I went up through an old bridle road - it was a gated road when I first moved here (suburban Leicester) over 20 years ago, but when the Sat Navs discovered it the lane became a single track death trap. Now it's slowly being swallowed up by a massive housing development (New Lubbesthorpe) but the lane has been securely gated at both ends - there's still some farm traffic - and it's a jolly pleasant ride once again.
I'm glad I went although my knees know about it (but then there were also consequences due to my IBS which I won't go into here). :thumbsup:
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 26 November, 2022, 11:03:48 am
So a trip to Maldon to the aptly named Maldon books become thr reason for the ride. Was quite chilly to start but quiet roads and courteous drivers. Didn't fancy Market Hill so took the cheats way which involves a little pushing along a very narrow footpath.
Slight panic as couldn't find padlock for bike lock but had accidentally locked round the cable not the end loops so was on it just not where I expected
Visited the refill shop as well so had a bit of a load for the ride home by which time had warmed up a fair bit but I'd say the lad in shorts and t shirt going the other way was a tad optimistic
Home just as the kids were finishing a movie so ready to help heard them into action
Post by: MikeFromLFE on 21 December, 2022, 02:30:03 pm
Delivered a parcel to a local supermarket for "next day" delivery (I live in hope) as well as a couple of local Christmas cards.
I then went to my favourite canal-side tea room for a turkey & stuffing burger and coffee before trundling even slower up to my allotment for sprouts, carrots and leeks.
Managed to see a kingfisher by the river; the dog-emptyers on the towpath were unusually cheerful. A good bit of flooding on the meadows - certainly not possible to cycle through.
A good morning was had by all - and I'm still 3km short of exceeding last year's pathetic mileage total.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 07 January, 2023, 12:47:32 pm
A rather loud trip to the tip, the trailers pretty rattly and with the metal microwave and the bits I'd removed while attempting to repair chucked in it made a lot of noise. Took a wring turning in way to tip so ended up on a disused railway like which is now a trail rather then the road to the tip. Not really an issue but being off road made even more noise.
Tip workers did wander over as pulled bike into what they seem to use for carpark but I think we're just checking I wasn't in a van or similar which are banned and your not allowed to park one outside and carry in.
Then had a much quieter and faster ride home as wasn't dragging a Christmas tree into 35mph gusts as was on way. The highlight other then the looks i got from dog walkers was the hotpogs my mum got my wife for Christmas under my direction. Didn't have any gloves on but hands were toasty warm and dry
Post by: matthew on 08 January, 2023, 09:07:42 pm
Had the added benefit of surprising the whole family as they saw me on the bike for the first time in ages.
Post by: cycleman on 09 January, 2023, 08:15:28 pm
Post by: Kim on 09 January, 2023, 09:48:13 pm
Still, at least you had an adventure...
Post by: cycleman on 10 January, 2023, 08:15:48 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 January, 2023, 11:49:56 am
Post by: Ham on 10 January, 2023, 01:11:36 pm
However, Mr Google tells me that my total cycled was over 500 miles for the year, which under the circumstances I think is a (minor) win, and at least is more than a mile a day.
Post by: fd3 on 10 January, 2023, 06:08:27 pm
Post by: cycleman on 10 January, 2023, 06:12:43 pm
Interestingly the security guard at boots in Slough let me ride the tricon gr around the store this afternoon. Twas rather fun. 😀
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 10 January, 2023, 06:46:18 pm
It's amazing how the little trips add up. Shame I only tend note.the longer rides :)Bloody lycra louts tearing round Boots for their EPO!
Interestingly the security guard at boots in Slough let me ride the tricon gr around the store this afternoon. Twas rather fun. 😀
Post by: cycleman on 11 January, 2023, 08:07:21 am
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 28 January, 2023, 05:26:06 pm
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 28 January, 2023, 06:20:43 pm
Post by: cycleman on 28 January, 2023, 07:19:04 pm
Post by: LittleWheelsandBig on 29 January, 2023, 07:32:51 am
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 29 January, 2023, 08:41:13 pm
Post by: Kim on 30 January, 2023, 05:00:37 pm
This turned out to be due to construction workers associated with the Precision Health Technologies Accelerator™ digging up the shared-use bollocks, which neatly scuppered my plan of sailing past the traffic jam at a heady 8mph. The diversion involved waiting for the man in hi-vis countermanding the instructions from the (presumably malfunctioning) temporary traffic lights to give the nod, and then proceeding up the bypass towards the wall-o-death roundabout with nothing but a couple of slightly faster[1] displaced cyclists for company before teh men in hi-vis released the hoardes of frustrated motorists.
For the return trip, I opted to simplify the required manoeuvres by eschewing the cyclepath and performing a right turn into the gridlock on the wall-o-death roundabout. This took ages, too, but not as long as it would have done in a car.
At least it wasn't properly cold, for a change.
[1] One was electrified, the other just wasn't hauling a trailer on Marathon Winters.
Post by: Marco Stefano on 10 February, 2023, 12:31:15 pm
Post by: sojournermike on 11 February, 2023, 10:37:20 am
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 15 March, 2023, 04:29:10 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 22 May, 2023, 09:45:10 am
Post by: Joe.B on 25 May, 2023, 09:19:33 am
Despite not looking like such a big haul once lashed down on the rack I don’t believe I’ve ever had so much weight on the bike, extreme care was taken over the speed humps.
Post by: smileydave on 01 June, 2023, 09:58:21 am
But I actually enjoyed the riding for the first time in ages, particularly on the way home, with no timings to keep - possibly enhanced by the tailwind, but the average speed was noticeably higher than for a very long time.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 11 June, 2023, 07:43:16 am
Did have an odd contraption overtake me. Was an e something but couldn't tell you if was a bike, scooter or neither as the hoodlum on it was crouched over it for extra speed or which was plenty. At least double my probably 15mph. Only heard it from tyre noise of which again was plenty as back tyre was probably as wide as my old 125 motorbike
Rest of the ride was lovely and after soaking allotment headed home. Thankfully I was paying attention as was passing a junction and was obvious the driver wasn't looking at junction but up road to right so I put in a spurt to get clear before she pulled out and then saw me
Was also glad someone had put about the tree jizz on the roads as thought had a puncture as tyre noise went up suddenly but guess weeks without rain means the roads are covered in the stuff
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 11 June, 2023, 07:53:27 pm
This worked out well for the guy cycling with his daughter who caught my eye because had bike layed down and attempting fettle. Swung round and asked if needed any help, which did as had no tools and on first ride since having his bike serviced the cable had pulled out the rear derailleur suggesting it hadn't been done up. Soon fixed as carry an folding Allen key set
Reckon clocked up over 20km today just using bike for errands
Post by: teamerchant on 12 June, 2023, 10:51:22 am
Post by: andyoxon on 23 June, 2023, 11:48:39 am
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52995821248_d63db04e7f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oK4rj1)PXL_saracen226 (https://flic.kr/p/2oK4rj1) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/145942400@N06/), on Flickr
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 23 June, 2023, 03:40:34 pm
Trip to the new-ish local Aldi. Probably heaviest shop load to date. Old panniers a decent size - new lease of life, though they'd probably tell me they preferred cycle touring. Let's see how long they last.Bloody ungrateful cyclists, you install a nice row of bike racks (pretty ones too) and they go and lean their bikes against the wall!
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52995821248_d63db04e7f_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oK4rj1)PXL_saracen226 (https://flic.kr/p/2oK4rj1) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/145942400@N06/), on Flickr
Post by: andyoxon on 23 June, 2023, 08:47:38 pm
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52996833353_38a85a6c47.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2oK9Cb6)PXL_M-APB (https://flic.kr/p/2oK9Cb6) by ao (https://www.flickr.com/photos/145942400@N06/), on Flickr
Post by: Mr Larrington on 24 July, 2023, 04:39:16 pm
Also managed to avoid the conical turd that some specimen of the local fauna has left next to the bins with both shoes and tyres :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Post by: smileydave on 09 August, 2023, 08:30:42 am
Post by: ian on 12 August, 2023, 09:38:23 pm
I opted not to go all the way to Greece for my souvlaki, but it took in 60 km. The gods, as is their will, arranged a nostalgic headwind for the homeward league. I swallowed a mouth of finest Wandle midges. It's the terroir, I tell you. The souvlaki on the other hand wasn't that great, I should have gone to the shawarma place, but the garlic sauce makes me burp, another unnecessary source of headwind.
I had to pedal hard again to get the hourly train home from East Croydon, which worked out fine, and I'm sure a karma I'll have to repay. I was wondering if I'd make it back up the hill to the driveway, but I still got it (to be fair, I do use the exercise bike once a week). My wrists though, oh my wrists. I feel like I've got wankers block. There's not a single road or path in London that isn't templated on the far side of the moon. Beer is god's anaesthetic.
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 20 August, 2023, 08:42:29 am
The Family has been away for a fortnight and we only have one car so apart from work (company van) my transports been my bike
As usual should have clocked it but racked up a fair mileage with trips to allotment, shops, to people's houses
Yesterday spotted a straw bale that had come off a trailer and split. This morning grabbed the cycle trailer (and the wife's bike as has the hitch) and went and piled a load onto the bike.
Did get a few double takes and funny looks from the mini peletons who passed me
Post by: Kim on 21 August, 2023, 01:24:27 am
Where we spent an hour or so getting gnarly with the gravel, squinting at invisible[1] laser beams and performing advanced feats of cable management in the interests of software testing.
(https://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/BHPC/5RyE48mcjcUxa32Nth6HhdnfP5tIOvnLrqT3iSEWxKQ_1536x2048.sized.jpg)
(https://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/BHPC/K4AdXttw_OWsPTwHtaFDeypRX0iGVPDg3Cx2RvL_t3o_2048x1536.sized.jpg)
(https://www.ductilebiscuit.net/gallery_albums/BHPC/Screenshot_2023_08_20_184827.sized.png)
Having concluded that the software is at least as reliable[2] as the beam sensors (which I'm hoping we won't need to use anyway), and that 20mph is far too fast for gravelly corners onna upwrong, we packed it all up and came home, where we proceeded to spend a further two hours cursing dog owners and cleaning shit out of awkward parts of the trike. >:(
[1] Don't have protanopia, it makes lasers a lot less fun than they should be.
[2] The whole plan hinges on violating the BHPC uncertainty principle, whereby it's impossible to determine with any degree of certainty a rider's identity and velocity at the same time.
Post by: Mr Larrington on 21 August, 2023, 01:05:59 pm
Just realised in my witlessness that I neglected to buy certain things I need for my upcoming holibobs while at Mr Sainsbury’s House of Toothy Comestibles just now, so it's either another trip there or try the Co-op wot is a lot nearer.
Post by: Kim on 21 August, 2023, 09:49:36 pm
[1] ©2023 barakta.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 03 September, 2023, 07:49:31 pm
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 04 September, 2023, 11:42:15 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 18 September, 2023, 08:20:59 pm
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 19 September, 2023, 07:06:02 pm
Post by: cycleman on 20 September, 2023, 07:41:38 am
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 September, 2023, 10:12:32 am
Sandals with socks :oI'm aiming for the cover of Vogue. I'm not stylish enough for Arrivee.
Post by: Kim on 20 September, 2023, 02:17:06 pm
Sandals with socks :o
#Rule37 (https://recumbinati.nl/en/#37)
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 September, 2023, 02:54:16 pm
Post by: Kim on 20 September, 2023, 03:16:18 pm
I'm not sure what a ring beard is. As I don't have a beard or wear a ring, it probably doesn't apply.
A bit of googling suggests it's a literal translation of what we'd call a Van Dyke (ie. moustache + goatee).
Disclaimer: Beards were only covered briefly on my CS degree, so it's entirely possible that this is completely wrong, and I should hand in my SPD sandals immediately.
Anyway, if you're following the rules correctly (debatable, due to lack of recumbent) the beard should be magically created in the minds of bystanders.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 20 September, 2023, 03:41:40 pm
Post by: chrisbainbridge on 29 September, 2023, 11:25:20 am
Post by: MattH on 30 September, 2023, 03:42:49 pm
Nowadays, as I tend to be a bit less hard core and more fair weather, the sandals are pretty much permanently attached to the trike, which sits upstairs in the pain cave on the trainer most of the time.
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 30 September, 2023, 08:55:30 pm
Post by: teamerchant on 02 October, 2023, 04:39:19 pm
Girlchild and I cycled to the pet shop to get some more kibble for the guinea pigs.
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 23 October, 2023, 06:11:07 pm
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 27 November, 2023, 12:29:19 pm
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 19 December, 2023, 10:54:58 am
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 23 December, 2023, 09:16:55 pm
Then the return with 37.5kg of feed in the trailer, wasn't too bad really apart from the lower bag kept slipping so rubbed on tyres so kept having to stop and adjust.
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 25 January, 2024, 06:18:11 pm
Post by: CrazyEnglishTriathlete on 04 February, 2024, 05:52:09 pm
Commuting 3244 miles (37%)
Other Utility Rides 1190 miles (14%)
Events (e.g. Audax, time trials) 2191 miles (25%)
Leisure rides (club runs and others) 2166 miles (24%)