Yet Another Cycling Forum
General Category => Rides and Touring => Topic started by: UKJim on 10 January, 2021, 12:39:08 pm
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Hi all, Has anyone been out on longish rides during the recent lockdown? Had any issues with the police? Would you advise not going for rides?
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I've been riding, there are plenty of people riding round here (Surrey), I've not had any issues.
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Hmm, wasn’t there a thread about this....?
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Hmm, wasn’t there a thread about this....?
I guess the thread owner decided to delete it (as is their prerogative).
I was going to start a similar thread about the law vs guidance and social responsibility and morals, but I'm not sure I can be bothered. If someone wants to start a thread like that then P&OBI is probably the place to start it.
I knew some cyclists are often funny (peculiar) but I didn't think they'd be quite so many with selfish and sociopathic tendencies on show from those who want to ignore the main tenets of the guidance in order to continue to do whatever they damn well please.
As others have said more eloquently than me, this is a time to think about minimising the things you do, and deciding whether it really is necessary, rather than trying to work out what the maximum you can do within some interpretation of the rules (and squinting to ignore the bits you don't like).
I think it'll all be a bit moot in the upcoming days as I'm guessing the Government are going to either add extra clarification and/or tighten the rules/law.
But that's just my opinion. Others will obviously disagree.
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Well said :thumbsup:
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It's the new hot-button topic, like religion or helmets. Some people just don't know when to quit.
Do what the fuck you like, within the rules as best as you can interpret them. Don't go on about it online, as there will always be someone who disagrees with you.
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Hmm, wasn’t there a thread about this....?
I guess the thread owner decided to delete it (as is their prerogative).
Ah, I thought once a thread had been replied to it couldn’t be deleted, so assumed the mods had. I stand corrected. Or maybe the mods were asked to. Whatever. As you say P&OBI is a better place.
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The thread starter can delete the entire thread.
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Still back to the original question, not had any issues with the police when riding, 60 miles today and only ever 15miles from home, can only remember seeing one police car, there could have been more as i wasn't really looking for them.
Interesting all the best local t spots for walking , mountain biking etc are really busy, car parks overflowing etc so lots of people driving to places to exercise. For information i live on the Hampshire/ Sussex border,.
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As I just wrote elsewhere - I give it less than a week before we're all under a blanket "Stay Indoors" order.
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Closing nurseries, places of worship and being stricter on key worker status for children attending schools is probably next.
Regarding exercise, the Welsh model of banning travel to exercise and no accompanying friend from outside your household would remove the transmission at crowded popular places and through ‘social’ exercising. I particularly like the Welsh “Q: Can I ride my horse for exercise. A: only if it lives in your house”
The main thing is stay away from other people when you need to leave home
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Closing nurseries, places of worship and being stricter on key worker status for children attending schools is probably next.
Agree on places of worship. Mrs + Mini GB are now attending online despite their local church being open for Sunday mass. It just doesn't seem like the right thing to do despite the number limits, lots of space, masks, no signing, no communion, doors open and everything else they are doing to make it as safe as possible (it's still inside after all).
Nurseries are a problem as I think the Government has realised that enough key workers (teachers included) would be stuffed for childcare if they had to close. Therefore closing nurseries would probably equal closing some/many schools and the knock-on effects that has on staffing problems (especially in the NHS).
Anecdotal but we bumped into an NHS Doctor we know on the way back from our daily exercise and 11yo entertainment outside. She said her kids had managed one day in school this week (as key workers children, their dad is a doctor too) before both were sent home due to cases related to their class bubbles. She and their dad have had to cancel shifts because of it. If the school closes (because of staff shortages) then they'll have to drastically reduce their shifts.
Key worker status is an interesting one. One of the local primary schools went from 25 (first lockdown) to ~70 now which is a ~1/3 attendance. There are schools in other parts of the country with 2/3 or more attending. Some of the people I know who have key worker status do boggle the mind as to why, but to counterbalance that I know a fair number of parents who have legitimate key worker status who don't have to use it.
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As I just wrote elsewhere - I give it less than a week before we're all under a blanket "Stay Indoors" order.
I have heard that from someone who may well be well informed.
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As I just wrote elsewhere - I give it less than a week before we're all under a blanket "Stay Indoors" order.
I have heard that from someone who may well be well informed.
Well, if people will continue to put self first we could end up with a system similar to what the French have had. 1km from home and carrying a form to show to police explaining exactly why you are out.
Don't think that it can never happen here.
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I was going to start a similar thread about the law vs guidance and social responsibility and morals,
There are two parallel threads about this, running into several pages on Cycling UK at the moment.
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We are expecting petrol stations to be closed very soon around here (Shropshire and West Midlands) except for key and NHS workers only. The roads around here are no less busy than normal.
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We are expecting petrol stations to be closed very soon around here (Shropshire and West Midlands) except for key and NHS workers only. The roads around here are no less busy than normal.
I would have thought closing non key business like construction would happen first. People still need to eat and go to the doctors.
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Nurseries are a problem as I think the Government has realised that enough key workers (teachers included) would be stuffed for childcare if they had to close. Therefore closing nurseries would probably equal closing some/many schools and the knock-on effects that has on staffing problems (especially in the NHS).
Nurseries should be closed, other than for key workers. That was what happened last spring.
it's crazy that they are open, given what we now know about how this gets transmitted.
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We went for a long walk to Leith and back today with Mrs Again, 21km all in.
Quite a few shops open that look less than essential and fuck knows where everybody is going by car ("going to somebody else's house illegally" would be top of my list).
The rumour on Friday in Scotland was that click-and-collect, take aways & non essential construction would be next for the chop. At this stage it looks very much like a "do something - do anything" strategy.
Greater restrictions will only be effective if they are going to be enforced and there are too many people still flaunting the rules as they think the risk is worth it.
If we carry on our current trajectory I can see properly draconian measures - a maximum distance from home or suchlike, but bams are gonna bam.
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Someone, I forget who, said on the other thread something like that it might be good to turn this question on it’s head: spend less time looking for gaps in the rules and ways to evade being found out, and ask instead whether your exercise could be nearer to home, shorter duration and involve meeting fewer people while still maintaining fitness. I thought that was a helpful comment.
In my view, now probably isn’t the time to be building the kms, and it isn’t forever. I’m hoping to get away from home later this year and that feels more plausible if we don’t fuck this up any more now.
I’m not going to put numbers to that, but I don’t think that the spirit of caring for those around me and staying local involves me riding into the next town. Mostly I’m running, which naturally keeps me more local.
On the other hand, bear in mind that needing help far from home, having to check in at a cafe or posting public strava traces might all incriminate. It isn’t just police in beauty spot car parks that need could lead to a fine.
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Someone, I forget who, said on the other thread something like that it might be good to turn this question on it’s head: spend less time looking for gaps in the rules and ways to evade being found out, and ask instead whether your exercise could be nearer to home, shorter duration and involve meeting fewer people while still maintaining fitness. I thought that was a helpful comment.
Oh my. What good advice.
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ask instead whether your exercise could be nearer to home, shorter duration and involve meeting fewer people
Those could be mutually exclusive for anyone living in a dense urban area.
Rules aside, going where other people aren't is surely a sound principle in terms of reducing transmission, and cycling (assuming you don't insist on doing it in the local park or narrow towpath) makes that relatively straightforward, compared to other forms of exercise.
But ultimately, the vast majority of the population aren't confident road cyclists. We're an edge case, and the rules are for the more general case - walkers, short-distance runners, park pootlers, etc. Personally I'm for applying common sense while staying within the letter of the law. (Assuming you can determine what that happens to be, which is a non-trivial exercise in itself.)
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We're in for what could be several months of this. Deliberately making yourself more miserable than you have to be doesn't seem like a great plan.
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I’m with Dan on this. As our local hospital is overcrowded - “Hell” to quote a consultant there - and I’ve no which to burden them further or expose myself to COVID, I’ve decided to stick to the turbo for the time being.
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^^ that seems a decent plan to me at the moment, with all the various ways of making it less tedious than it used to be. I might take the odd spin around a 25km loop I use, but really can't see the point of doing much more.
The rumour on Friday in Scotland was that click-and-collect, take aways & non essential construction would be next for the chop. At this stage it looks very much like a "do something - do anything"
Was this in context of just buying general shit or groceries? I can't see it working in the latter case, as the home delivery capacity doesn't seem to be there.
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^^ that seems a decent plan to me at the moment, with all the various ways of making it less tedious than it used to be. I might take the odd spin around a 25km loop I use, but really can't see the point of doing much more.
The rumour on Friday in Scotland was that click-and-collect, take aways & non essential construction would be next for the chop. At this stage it looks very much like a "do something - do anything"
Was this in context of just buying general shit or groceries? I can't see it working in the latter case, as the home delivery capacity doesn't seem to be there.
Currently non essential shops can stay open for click and collect only. Stopping this could reduce road traffic. Apart from the minimal case of people using public transport, click and collect is about as safe as home delivery. Reducing road traffic per se does not stop spread but it does make i suppose it is easier to spot rule breakers.
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Personally I'm for applying common sense while staying within the letter of the law. (Assuming you can determine what that happens to be, which is a non-trivial exercise in itself.)
Non-trivial exercise should only be undertaken once per day.
During the last lockdown there was a discussion over whether too much cycling was occurring and time would be better spent perhaps on redecorating. My daughter, a research scientist based in a hospital and therefore must be obeyed, ruled that DIY would involve visits to DIY shops and A+E and therefore cycling was a better option.
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The rumour on Friday in Scotland was that click-and-collect, take aways & non essential construction would be next for the chop. At this stage it looks very much like a "do something - do anything" strategy.
Greater restrictions will only be effective if they are going to be enforced and there are too many people still flaunting the rules as they think the risk is worth it.
If we carry on our current trajectory I can see properly draconian measures - a maximum distance from home or suchlike, but bams are gonna bam.
Rumours around this morning that England will be going to Tier 6 mid-week as well. Likely to include ban on exercising with someone outside your household.
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People should stop advising to stick to the Turbo...
Some of us don't for a number of reasons
1) we don't own one and there aren't any available
2) We don't own one because we have no money to buy one or room to fit one
3) We cycle outdoors because it's good for our mental health, whereas sweating in a garage isn't
I am sure we can all do more to minimise the mileage, minimise contacts, maximise safety and all of that, but please, stop with this turbo nonsense, if we wanted/could spin on a turbo, we would be doing so already
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I realise that previously there was ( for me, surprisingly) some strong reactions to this.
I have no axe to grind ( except obviously to do everything possible to get back to riding and racing as usual).
For Government guidance on riding your bike ( except for essential commuting and shopping) look at the British Cycling web site. How much of the guidance is enforced by law remains to be seen.
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Those could be mutually exclusive for anyone living in a dense urban area.
Not even dense urban. I live in a smallish market town, all the PROWs within a 2-3 mile radius are heaving every lunchtime/evening/weekend. Even my off-road rides now have to start and finish with a schelp down the (relatively quiet) roads in order to ride away from other people.
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Basically this is a really shit time isn’t it. For everybody. It’s encouraging to know that everyone is trying to do the right thing, even if that might look wildly diverse in its delivery.
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People should stop advising to stick to the Turbo...
Some of us don't for a number of reasons
1) we don't own one and there aren't any available
2) We don't own one because we have no money to buy one or room to fit one
3) We cycle outdoors because it's good for our mental health, whereas sweating in a garage isn't
I am sure we can all do more to minimise the mileage, minimise contacts, maximise safety and all of that, but please, stop with this turbo nonsense, if we wanted/could spin on a turbo, we would be doing so already
People can continue to advise whatever they wish, you are free to choose to follow it or not.
All anyone is doing here is giving their open an honest view on how they see a very difficult situation, and how they might handle it. Characterising indoor training as "nonsense" is hardly helpful
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I decided against going out this weekend, even a shakedown ride to test some fettling I'd attempted. Hospitals here are overwhelmed and Ian doesn't call it Wild West Croydon for nothing in terms of driving standards, near misses are incredibly common - I just can't trust that an idiot driver won't land me in hospital and I'd feel so guilty should I end up there even with a minor injury (needing intensive care doesn't bear thinking about). The roads are still busy, like someone else said I do wonder where the hell everyone is going.
This is utterly shit of course because we live in a really built up area so local walks are pretty urban too, with pockets of green that are rammed. I live next to a small park and on Saturday that was too busy to walk in a way that was at all relaxing so I went home after half an hour. I'm going to have to start getting up super early like in the first lockdown, I think, but I find that harder in winter.
I am lucky that this time round I have managed to procure a turbo and found some great groups on Zwift. It#s not the same but better than nothing.
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ask instead whether your exercise could be nearer to home, shorter duration and involve meeting fewer people
Those could be mutually exclusive for anyone living in a dense urban area.
Hence the question - as always when presented with three or more requirements there will be some balancing to be done. Like asking for cheap, light and strong. :)
Also, yes, as well as physical fitness I rate seeing plants, the sky and further than the end of my road as good for my mental health. I'm contemplating the turbo, but I think that involves buying a wheel and a new tyre!
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Yes been out riding alternate days, walking on the other days. Had conversations with police in previous lockdowns, when out on bike. Not about why I was out or anything like that. Just saying hello and quick chat whilst I passed. It being self evident I was out for exercise on my own. No questions about where I’m from, how far, how long.
Definitely keep riding your bike. Ride from your home to your home. Exercise and time in the outdoors is important for your mental and physical health right now. Don’t make it tougher on yourself, than it needs to be.
Goes without saying, make your bike as winter proof as possible and be self sufficient. It’s close contact / proximity to others that will continue to spread the virus, not solo bike rides. So avoid going into shops / busy areas, popular beauty spots etc.
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People should stop advising to stick to the Turbo...
It may have been me that Perpetual Dan kindly quoted, and that isn't what I was saying.
I'm suggesting that the challenge is to minimise. If you have space and a turbo at home, and you can stand any tedium, favour the turbo, or even use it exclusively. If you don't and you can't get one (and no-one can at the moment, from what I gather), the clear instruction from the government at the moment is that exercise and health are important enough to justify going out.
But the challenge is to do it while staying local. Again, what that means may depend on whether you're next to empty fields, a park full of other people also trying to exercise, or a dual carriageway. But not, "What am I allowed to do?", but "How can I do this within the limitations of where I live, and minimising possible contact?"
All that would mean that two people living next door to each other could still work to different solutions.
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People should stop advising to stick to the Turbo...
It may have been me that Perpetual Dan kindly quoted, and that isn't what I was saying.
I'm suggesting that the challenge is to minimise. If you have space and a turbo at home, and you can stand any tedium, favour the turbo, or even use it exclusively. If you don't and you can't get one (and no-one can at the moment, from what I gather), the clear instruction from the government at the moment is that exercise and health are important enough to justify going out.
But the challenge is to do it while staying local. Again, what that means may depend on whether you're next to empty fields, a park full of other people also trying to exercise, or a dual carriageway. But not, "What am I allowed to do?", but "How can I do this within the limitations of where I live, and minimising possible contact?"
All that would mean that two people living next door to each other could still work to different solutions.
Perhaps,
it was a generic rant about the many on social media who own thousands of pounds worth of indoor cycling entertainment (that's what it is), as well as houses large enough to accommodate all the shabang and keep going on that others should stop going out for exercise, because you can do it indoors...
I don't think there is a right or wrong set of questions to ask. We are all trying to do our best in very confusing times and I mean all, with very very few exceptions. If the Government is unhappy about people clicking and collecting, perhaps they should not allow shops to do it... or cafes to stay open... what's the point of allowing trade to go on, but telling people they should not go out to buy stuff? Lots of folks in my area queuing to get a takeaway coffee and genuinely thinking they are doing the right thing, supporting local businesses... otherwise they wouldn't be hash-tagging the all thing and posting it on Instagram, would they?
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It looks like the law as applied to cycling will get clarified soon: Johnson has been spotted by the press going for a ride!
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It looks like the law as applied to cycling will get clarified soon: Johnson has been spotted by the press going for a ride!
It's probably a waste of everybody's time, which could be used in a more meaningful way.
I am not sure what outcome would be achieved by limiting radius or duration, other than increasing non-compliance to yet a new rule, which leads to non compliance to more important rules too.
I think the "meeting with another person outdoors" needs to be scrapped, that is obvious to see, the risk/benefit is way too high, but specifying how you should ride your bike seems one prescription too many
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It looks like the law as applied to cycling will get clarified soon: Johnson has been spotted by the press going for a ride!
In the Olympic Park, seven miles from no. 10
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I actually have a spare turbo trainer - Tacx Fortius - I can provide the model number if needed. Don't have the steerer frame any more - it never really worked. Was working as of about 18 months ago when I bought a StacZero. Brand new tyre also available.
I'd be happy for anyone to have it for £25, if there was a cost-effective way to get it to them
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It looks like the law as applied to cycling will get clarified soon: Johnson has been spotted by the press going for a ride!
In the Olympic Park, seven miles from no. 10
It seems he was spotted 7 miles from home - but you have to doubt whether he actually rode all the way.
This morning I rode 25 kms, approximately straight out (into the wind!) and home. And I posted the ride on Strava. If specific limits are imposed I might feel that I want to stop posting to Strava.
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And I posted the ride on Strava. If specific limits are imposed I might feel that I want to stop posting to Strava.
+1
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It looks like the law as applied to cycling will get clarified soon: Johnson has been spotted by the press going for a ride!
In the Olympic Park, seven miles from no. 10
It seems he was spotted 7 miles from home - but you have to doubt whether he actually rode all the way.
This morning I rode 25 kms, approximately straight out (into the wind!) and home. And I posted the ride on Strava. If specific limits are imposed I might feel that I want to stop posting to Strava.
Specific limits are in place , they’re on the Gov. guidance and on British Cycling’s website. Poorly communicated or made sufficiently clear and precise though.
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I went out this weekend. Short 20km from home on Saturday, drive out for a ride in Ae Forest Sunday - both solo, within guidelines and both far less mileage than I would usually do. This was my first ride outdoor since mid December. I may head out again this weekend if government guidelines still allow. No issues with police or public. Ae forest was very quiet cyclist wise - only a few other pairs. There were however a couple of large groups of male dog walkers and a few families.
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It looks like the law as applied to cycling will get clarified soon: Johnson has been spotted by the press going for a ride!
In the Olympic Park, seven miles from no. 10
It seems he was spotted 7 miles from home - but you have to doubt whether he actually rode all the way.
This morning I rode 25 kms, approximately straight out (into the wind!) and home. And I posted the ride on Strava. If specific limits are imposed I might feel that I want to stop posting to Strava.
Specific limits are in place , they’re on the Gov. guidance and on British Cycling’s website. Poorly communicated or made sufficiently clear and precise though.
If it were clear BC would not ask for clarification. Mr Hancock in his briefing this evening said it was ok to walk and end up seven miles from home (14 mile round trip c. 4 hours, certainly beyond the interpretation‘stay in your village’) and you should ‘stay local, not travel to other parts of the country’. Mr Whitty this morning said the critical thing was to stick to the spirit of the guidance which was to avoid as many contacts with people outside your home as possible . With that in mind I will now venture out of my village, avoid as many contacts with people outside my home and not travel to other parts of the country.
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I would use a roller if I could afford and get one. I managed 3 miles today needing to visit the bank, large tesco for a charging lead for my phone and local shop for food supplies. I am worried about my fitness as cycling is the only exercise I can do with any degree of comfort (other than swimming which is out at present anyway)
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With that in mind I will now venture out of my village, avoid as many contacts with people outside my home and not travel to other parts of the country.
totally legit, go for it
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Just as in the first wave the idiots in charge once again blunder and crash around flailing like idiots as they make up and break the rules as they go along.
We've had Barnard Castle, now we have The Olympic Park. Yet another nail in the coffin of any hope of possibility of absolute public cooperation. Perhaps somebody wants to do a perm between the two, and back. You might as well.
Bloody useless morons those tories.
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I would use a roller if I could afford and get one. I managed 3 miles today needing to visit the bank, large tesco for a charging lead for my phone and local shop for food supplies. I am worried about my fitness as cycling is the only exercise I can do with any degree of comfort (other than swimming which is out at present anyway)
Just do it, nobody's stopping you. Until they install snipers in the trees with a shoot on sight order, nobody is going to stop a solo cyclist.
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Passed two officers coming other way on patrol, whilst I was out on a ride today. The extent of the exchange was good afternoon from both sides. As it should be, if you’re solo.
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If it were clear BC would not ask for clarification. Mr Hancock in his briefing this evening said it was ok to walk and end up seven miles from home (14 mile round trip c. 4 hours, certainly beyond the interpretation‘stay in your village’) and you should ‘stay local, not travel to other parts of the country’. Mr Whitty this morning said the critical thing was to stick to the spirit of the guidance which was to avoid as many contacts with people outside your home as possible . With that in mind I will now venture out of my village, avoid as many contacts with people outside my home and not travel to other parts of the country.
If anyone's interested, Matt Hancock's statement on exercise, in answer to a question posed, is here:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000rnxn/bbc-news-special-coronavirus-update-11012021
Starts at: 1:01:50 (17:31hrs)
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I would use a roller if I could afford and get one. I managed 3 miles today needing to visit the bank, large tesco for a charging lead for my phone and local shop for food supplies. I am worried about my fitness as cycling is the only exercise I can do with any degree of comfort (other than swimming which is out at present anyway)
Chris, you have total justification for using your trike. Just be sensible with the social distancing and you will be just fine. Your need is many magnitudes more necessary than most.
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It looks like the law as applied to cycling will get clarified soon: Johnson has been spotted by the press going for a ride!
In the Olympic Park, seven miles from no. 10
It seems he was spotted 7 miles from home - but you have to doubt whether he actually rode all the way.
It appears not - he was driven there, with his bike and security detail, and pedalled around the Olympic Park.
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It's the new hot-button topic, like religion or helmets. Some people just don't know when to quit.
Do what the fuck you like, within the rules as best as you can interpret them. Don't go on about it online, as there will always be someone who disagrees with you.
Amen.
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The Greenway around Letchworth is like the M25 on a busy Friday afternoon. Best avoided unless before 8am or after 6pm. Don't blame the cyclists, pedestrians and bog walkers as its a convenient place to get some fresh air. Makes sense to use an indoor trainer if you have one and if you don't I think its reasonable to solo cycle locally. I can't define local, ask Boris. My indoor trainer is being put to good use, not just for cycle specific fitness but also my mental arithmetic (poor) skills are being tested. Apart from watching metrics such as time, heart rate, power etc, the boredom occasionally compells me to work out fractions, percentages of a ride
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Thanks karla and pb . I'm worried about possible fines as much as anything. My motivation is as quite poor in winter anyway and the lockdown is not helping .
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Thanks karla and pb . I'm worried about possible fines as much as anything. My motivation is as quite poor in winter anyway and the lockdown is not helping .
You won't be fined for cycling on your own
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Following Doris’ Cummings action yesterday that drove a cart and horse through the “ local” message and the definition given, Kit Malthouse on BBC this morning set the bar even lower , wittering about Doris and that some people can go further because they are fitter etc.
Another guideline undermined by wobbly politicians.
I feel especially sorry for the police who have to try to keep people safe in the face of a constantly changing political message.
Led by donkeys!
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And I posted the ride on Strava. If specific limits are imposed I might feel that I want to stop posting to Strava.
+1
+2 Thus is what we did at the beginning of the first one as people have very different perspectives on this and we decided we could live without putting our rides on strava
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It really irritates me when Strava people attempt to justify their 2-up coffee ride to the mob in their ride descriptions. "Ride with Barry (socially distanced) to East Bumblef**k Garden Centre for Coffee (Takeaway/Outdoors)"
If you're afraid of the Strava Stasi, then don't post it. Also, it shows that you *think* you might be taking the piss but are doing it anyway. If you're confident in your own judgement of what's alright, then you shouldn't be afraid.
I admit, in the Spring Lockdown, I set myself some rather conservative limits of what I thought was right. To my shame, I recall seeing other peoples rides and raising my eyebrows or even *gasps* WITHELD KUDOS because they exceeded mine. I cringe thinking about it.
Ride your bike. Be safe. Ignore the curtain twitchers.
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Following Doris’ Cummings action yesterday that drove a cart and horse through the “ local” message and the definition given, Kit Malthouse on BBC this morning set the bar even lower , wittering about Doris and that some people can go further because they are fitter etc.
Another guideline undermined by wobbly politicians.
I feel especially sorry for the police who have to try to keep people safe in the face of a constantly changing political message.
Led by donkeys!
“Stay local” in the first lockdown meant do not travel long distance to find a place to exercise. This was to stop congestion at popular spots. The guidance this time could be interpreted in the same way, however it was not obvious whether the current guidance meant that, or “travel” meant during the exercise. BC asked for clarification (as did I). Members of the cabinet that came up with the guidance have clarified what they meant. That differs to what some people interpreted the rules to mean. That does not mean the politicians (or the civil servants who wrote it down) have wobbled. It is still poorly written, the sentence about personal trainers is particularly bad. If people want to impose more stringent rules on themselves that is fine too.
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You have to have a personal trainer now...?
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You have to have a personal trainer now...?
I prefer a pair. To limit the spread of fungal infections they should not be shared. If I limited myself to one I would have to hop and I would not get beyond the village boundary.
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Blimey. I thought one was expensive! And she didn't get me fit.
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Did anyone else hear the psychologist at the end of the Toady Programme this morning? Basically, curtain twitching is a dreadful idea and we should be concentrating on the 90% of people doing the right thing.
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I can understand that point of view except that the 10% doing the "wrong" thing are contributing far more to the continued spread of covid.
If bozo&co can really vaccinate all over 50's by the end of April then by the end of May it should be largely under control especially so given the usual annual cycle of respiratory viruses.
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Blimey. I thought one was expensive! And she didn't get me fit.
;D
Did she pose a threat of fungal infections?
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Blimey. I thought one was expensive! And she didn't get me fit.
;D
Did she pose a threat of fungal infections?
Stop now!
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Thanks karla and pb . I'm worried about possible fines as much as anything. My motivation is as quite poor in winter anyway and the lockdown is not helping .
You won't be fined for cycling on your own
What GD said. I've been riding throughout, most other people have too and there's never been any problem. Solo cyclists have not been bothered by the police.
Don't listen to the people who sit inside on their computers and tell tales of what the outside world is like. They don't represent reality
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Well put. ^
To put it in a political context, there's always a reason for why things are as they are.
It's not hard to set clearer rules. The government employs lots of clever psychologists into things like nudging and influencing behaviour. They could set a clear boundary for exercise if they wanted to.
But there is the small matter of who gets the blame for the 100,000+ deaths that we soon will have had. And the plan is for it to be the public, not the government. And that needs people, and the press, to keep talking about people not complying. Ambiguity is massively helpful here. And it's working: polls the other day said that more people blame each other than the government, and that the gap is widening.
This discussion is a small part in the masterplan of that policy!
Please, just ride your bike if you want to. Don't waste your time and energy worrying about what other people do.
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Don't listen to the peeple who sit inside on their computers and tell tales of what the outside world is like. They don't represent reality
Very true
Is this the turning point, when we start to agree on things? ;D
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Thanks karla and pb . I'm worried about possible fines as much as anything. My motivation is as quite poor in winter anyway and the lockdown is not helping .
You won't be fined for cycling on your own
What GD said. I've been riding throughout, most other people have too and there's never been any problem. Solo cyclists have not been bothered by the police.
Don't listen to the people who sit inside on their computers and tell tales of what the outside world is like. They don't represent reality
And why, in your opinion do they not represent reality? Or is it more that they represent a reality different to yours?
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Well put. ^
To put it in a political context, there's always a reason for why things are as they are.
It's not hard to set clearer rules. The government employs lots of clever psychologists into things like nudging and influencing behaviour. They could set a clear boundary for exercise if they wanted to.
But there is the small matter of who gets the blame for the 100,000+ deaths that we soon will have had. And the plan is for it to be the public, not the government. And that needs people, and the press, to keep talking about people not complying. Ambiguity is massively helpful here. And it's working: polls the other day said that more people blame each other than the government, and that the gap is widening.
This discussion is a small part in the masterplan of that policy!
Please, just ride your bike if you want to. Don't waste your time and energy worrying about what other people do.
Absolutely. We've been subject to lies, distortions and selective information for years now. It's sad that it seems to work so well. And back on topic, I've found that getting outdoors for some fresh air is essential at times like this. Because long bike rides are out, walks work well for more of a workout over short distances.
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It may prove accedemic as the sun ez3 is in the cycle shop needing new axle bearings and axle and the bafang motors bearings seem to be on the way out and it seems like that means that the whole motor will need replacing. I may give up on e assist as it seems to be not very reliable and expensive to repair :'(
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Don't listen to the peeple who sit inside on their computers and tell tales of what the outside world is like. They don't represent reality
Very true
Is this the turning point, when we start to agree on things? ;D
Keep your enemies closer, they say.
Don't worry; I've been agreeing with her on most things COVID - doesn't mean I have to like her. And it doesn't mean I can't disown the bu99er at any time.
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Don't listen to the peeple who sit inside on their computers and tell tales of what the outside world is like. They don't represent reality
Very true
Is this the turning point, when we start to agree on things? ;D
Keep your enemies closer, they say.
Don't worry; I've been agreeing with her on most things COVID - doesn't mean I have to like her. And it doesn't mean I can't disown the bu99er at any time.
Her?
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This weekend I will be mainly doing circuits of Chineham. (returns to shed with grimace on face).
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(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pQ8Y4nMBZTmh63CYc-ayyQzekqPquLp76n3tLE5bFftsvRS4f9eZmX-RNpRtNl_ZY-07bWSzuUmeGB83JNNNuJcBr4gCAguErVrj6U7fdFnGIooz8T8oUMRk79N_43ofh13Y8faluA=w2400)
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...
Her?
I always thought Karla was a girl's* name. The cyclist in question has never clarified the situation, so I'm still open-minded.
*although not in Le Carre books, but what does he know eh?
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I always thought Karla was a girl's* name. The cyclist in question has never clarified the situation, so I'm still open-minded.
How does it affect your responses to said person?
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I always thought Karla was a girl's* name. The cyclist in question has never clarified the situation, so I'm still open-minded.
How does it affect your responses to said person?
Sorry Ian - it's late, that's gone completely over my head :-\
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...
Her?
I always thought Karla was a girl's* name. The cyclist in question has never clarified the situation, so I'm still open-minded.
*although not in Le Carre books, but what does he know eh?
The trauma of discovering the girl you have been chatting to online has a moustache and beard.
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Kindly don't start posting real names on the forum ::-)
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Kindly don't start posting real names on the forum ::-)
Apologies, removed. Having said that, it can't be that hard to find out if I knew it (and I didn't go looking for it).
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Well no it isn't that hard to find out, I'm not relying on this pseudonym to hide my identity, but having my real and forum names discussed side by side is a step too far.
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Well no it isn't that hard to find out, I'm not relying on this pseudonym to hide my identity, but having my real and forum names discussed side by side is a step too far.
A website with your name on in your forum profile would get you thrown out of secret agent school.
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Well no it isn't that hard to find out, I'm not relying on this pseudonym to hide my identity, but having my real and forum names discussed side by side is a step too far.
A website with your name on in your forum profile would get you thrown out of secret agent school.
They really won't like it when they find out at Moscow Centre.
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Do you still have the lighter?
Le Carre-fest at the moment - reading A Perfect Spy and watched TTSS at the weekend
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Of interest following recent events and reports
https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/cycling-uk-calls-clarity-english-exercise-rules
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This weekend I will be mainly doing circuits of Chineham. (returns to shed with grimace on face).
I thought it was acceptable to admit you lived in Basingrad Amazingstoke these days?
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A couple of great wee runs at the weekend. A spin on the tandem up round Killearn, where we tried the church hall coffee hatch and we had tattie scone and scrambled egg bagels in the bus shelter.
An extended campsies loop with eldest son on the Sunday and got back home just as the rain came on properly.
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Went out for the first time this year yesterday, riding solo, not comfortable meeting up with anyone. Didn't stop anywhere, seems like unnecessary risk. Took snacks, but not viable to eat them with the big winter gloves on.
Much lower risk than going for a run in my local park.
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Went out for the first time this year yesterday, riding solo, not comfortable meeting up with anyone. Didn't stop anywhere, seems like unnecessary risk. Took snacks, but not viable to eat them with the big winter gloves on.
Much lower risk than going for a run in my local park.
Gloves off, open the packaging on your snack. Gloves back on. Eat snack.
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Went out for the first time this year yesterday, riding solo, not comfortable meeting up with anyone. Didn't stop anywhere, seems like unnecessary risk. Took snacks, but not viable to eat them with the big winter gloves on.
Much lower risk than going for a run in my local park.
Gloves off, open the packaging on your snack. Gloves back on. Eat snack.
But if I stop is it a picnic?
More seriously with thinner gloves or mitts i would have eaten while riding, but by the time I was hungry it seemed so close to the end it wasn't worth stopping.
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Went out for the first time this year yesterday, riding solo, not comfortable meeting up with anyone. Didn't stop anywhere, seems like unnecessary risk. Took snacks, but not viable to eat them with the big winter gloves on.
Much lower risk than going for a run in my local park.
Gloves off, open the packaging on your snack. Gloves back on. Eat snack.
But if I stop is it a picnic?
More seriously with thinner gloves or mitts i would have eaten while riding, but by the time I was hungry it seemed so close to the end it wasn't worth stopping.
The police will not care if you are sat on your bike and on your own.
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I would use a roller if I could afford and get one. I managed 3 miles today needing to visit the bank, large tesco for a charging lead for my phone and local shop for food supplies. I am worried about my fitness as cycling is the only exercise I can do with any degree of comfort (other than swimming which is out at present anyway)
I have some rollers up in my loft that are yours for the price of postage, if you would like them. I'd need to have a look to remind me what make they are - nothing special, certainly, but they did the job. Just let me know.
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If they are "real" rollers, they take a fair bit of balance and skill to ride. It isn't like riding a bike!
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Especially on board ship.
(http://www.lepetitbraquet.fr/images/imag_coup_chapeau/Opperman/opperman_04.jpg)
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Oppy on his way to the Tour de France. Do you know the after-dinner story associated with that picture?
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While Nicholson continued to race at country track events, Malvern Star was planning to send a team to the Tour de France. Eventually four riders were chosen - Hubert Opperman, H. W. “Fatty” Lamb, Frankie Thomas and Ossie Nicholson.
Travelling from Australia to France involved a month-long sea voyage. Keeping fit during that time was difficult, although the riders tried to use rollers on deck. A lady passenger saw Opperman riding on the rollers and asked a crew member: “What is that young fellow doing down there?” to which the crew member replied, “He’s producing the electricity for the ship, madam.”
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If they are "real" rollers, they take a fair bit of balance and skill to ride. It isn't like riding a bike!
Not if you put a tricycle on them.
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...Malvern Star was planning to send a team to the Tour de France. Eventually four riders were chosen - Hubert Opperman, H. W. “Fatty” Lamb, Frankie Thomas and Ossie Nicholson.
I was wondering how to place Ossie Nicholson in my memory
Twice holder of the year record!! (Wot Teethgrinder OTP had a go at)
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Roller offer excepted. I will make good use of them :thumbsup:
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Roller offer excepted. I will make good use of them :thumbsup:
:thumbsup:
Now I need to work out how to pack them up and get them from York down to you. ??? ;D
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If it's falling off and loading the NHS that you're worried about, I reckon going out for a ride is going to be less dangerous than learning to ride rollers!
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If it's falling off and loading the NHS that you're worried about, I reckon going out for a ride is going to be less dangerous than learning to ride rollers!
Place two chairs either side of the rollers for balance, or use a wall and a chair,
or place rollers between a doorframe.
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Rollers almost seem a bit like starting to use clipless pedals - a 'comedy' off is not unexpected. Had one on rollers in the garden spring 2020, wobbled, tried to steady, missed a concrete block 'step', fell over a 'supporting' garden chair. No harm done fortunately.
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I was thoroughly hoisted by my own petard on Tuesday when out with my bubble person. He rode through a big puddle of meltwater near Houghton-le-Side, hit a huge pothole, recovered without dismounting, turned his head to say ‘Ouff!’ then hit a ridge of ice, landing heavily on his (73-year-old) hip.
Thankfully, nasty cuts and bruises and a red face were the only damage 🙄
I honestly thought he’d broken his hip when he went down.
Conditions look much better today.
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Black ice around here today.
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I managed to get out today for 35-ish km, Garmin indicating -1.6C, but the roads were absolutely fine if a bit muddy
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I am hoping that the trice will keep me upright
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If it's falling off and loading the NHS that you're worried about, I reckon going out for a ride is going to be less dangerous than learning to ride rollers!
Doesn’t look that hard https://youtu.be/aav7J_S9ji0
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Here's a small group of cyclists who traveled to the next county and got a fine. https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/19072585.covid-fines-group-mountain-bikes-lewes/ (https://www.theargus.co.uk/news/19072585.covid-fines-group-mountain-bikes-lewes/)
I think this is more about coming together in one place (and getting noticed for it) than distance or cycling, but felt like it fits this thread.
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Indeed the fine was for mixing households. Where they’d come from was irrelevant.
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Indeed the fine was for mixing households. Where they’d come from was irrelevant.
Other than they'd probably driven there, hence the "unnecessary journey".
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Were they even cyclists?
In our area "off-road bikers" would mean motor bikes in a press release.
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Were they even cyclists?
In our area "off-road bikers" would mean motor bikes in a press release.
Indeed https://road.cc/content/news/covid-fines-mountain-bikers-road-motorbikes-280755
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Thanks. I read the Argos story without even looking at the words in the link...
But typical sloppy journalism
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I would use a roller if I could afford and get one. I managed 3 miles today needing to visit the bank, large tesco for a charging lead for my phone and local shop for food supplies. I am worried about my fitness as cycling is the only exercise I can do with any degree of comfort (other than swimming which is out at present anyway)
I have some rollers up in my loft that are yours for the price of postage, if you would like them. I'd need to have a look to remind me what make they are - nothing special, certainly, but they did the job. Just let me know.
Arminius many thanks again. Now I get some exercise in the warm and dry :thumbsup:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/QPi3JQSeRN3HDQrP8
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Thanks. I read the Argos story without even looking at the words in the link...
But typical sloppy journalism
In fairness the headline was probably on purpose. The Argus really really don't (doesn't?) like cyclists.
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I would use a roller if I could afford and get one. I managed 3 miles today needing to visit the bank, large tesco for a charging lead for my phone and local shop for food supplies. I am worried about my fitness as cycling is the only exercise I can do with any degree of comfort (other than swimming which is out at present anyway)
I have some rollers up in my loft that are yours for the price of postage, if you would like them. I'd need to have a look to remind me what make they are - nothing special, certainly, but they did the job. Just let me know.
Arminius many thanks again. Now I get some exercise in the warm and dry :thumbsup:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/QPi3JQSeRN3HDQrP8
You're welcome! Glad to see they're going to get some use. :)
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If it's falling off and loading the NHS that you're worried about, I reckon going out for a ride is going to be less dangerous than learning to ride rollers!
Doesn’t look that hard https://youtu.be/aav7J_S9ji0
That's pretty impressive.
See also https://youtu.be/ybFvomdhW2Y (https://youtu.be/ybFvomdhW2Y)
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If it's falling off and loading the NHS that you're worried about, I reckon going out for a ride is going to be less dangerous than learning to ride rollers!
Doesn’t look that hard https://youtu.be/aav7J_S9ji0
That's pretty impressive.
See also https://youtu.be/ybFvomdhW2Y (https://youtu.be/ybFvomdhW2Y)
Riding no-hands on rollers is the only way in which my cycling has improved during covid. I can now just about pick up a towel (from the handle of the lawnmower to my right in the garage) and wipe the sweat from my face. At first I did worry about falling off and loading the NHS.
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British Cycling 'local' update:
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/about/article/20200512-about-bc-news-British-Cycling-Updated-Coronavirus-Guidance-0
https://twitter.com/BritishCycling/status/1361722282574565376?s=20
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British Cycling 'local' update:
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/about/article/20200512-about-bc-news-British-Cycling-Updated-Coronavirus-Guidance-0
https://twitter.com/BritishCycling/status/1361722282574565376?s=20
It basically says to start from home, stay within yourself and be prepared , and it recognises that this means different things for different riders.
Good. I was worried that BC's question might cause the government to set a hard limit but it seems the government want to preserve the grey area :thumbsup:
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Thanks Andy for the links, and thanks Karla for the useful summary.
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Well done to BC for getting some clarity, away from staying in your Parish.
This seems eminently pragmatic.
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Yes, well done CyclingUk and their colleagues at British Triathlon and British Cycling.
https://road.cc/content/news/cycling-uk-asks-government-how-local-local-281005
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So several weeks to get a answer from government and guess what?
Carry on as i have been and so far without issue.
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And here's we arecyclingUK's take on it: https://www.cyclinguk.org/news/what-does-staying-local-mean-sport-minister-responds-cycling-uks-call-clarity
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Roadmap for easing of cycling restrictions ( subject to review regarding the Covid situation in England)
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/about/article/20210309-about-bc-news-British-Cycling-update--The-Way-Forward-0
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When in the 'Roadmap out of Lockdown' will starting rides away home on non local roads be allowed?
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29th March.
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When in the 'Roadmap out of Lockdown' will starting rides away home on non local roads be allowed?
In England, the 'Stay Local' restriction was lifted on 29 March (27th March in Wales, and it applies FROM 2 April in Scotland, having been raised from 'Stay at Home').
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
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But no overnight stays until the 12th.
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OK thanks. CyclingUK guidance updated 1 April still has 'stay local'. https://www.cyclinguk.org/article/coronavirus-qa-cycling-guidance
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This is the Gov.uk summary of what changed on 29 March:
The ‘stay at home’ rule will end on 29 March but many restrictions will remain in place. People should continue to work from home where they can and minimise the number of journeys they make where possible, avoiding travel at the busiest times and routes. Travel abroad will continue to be prohibited, other than for a small number of permitted reasons. Holidays abroad will not be allowed, given it will remain important to manage the risk of imported variants and protect the vaccination programme. The government has launched a new taskforce to review global travel which will report on 12 April.
The British Cycling guidance (which is negotiated with the Dept for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport) is here:
https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/about/article/20200512-about-bc-news-British-Cycling-Updated-Coronavirus-Guidance-0
I think Cycling UK's guidance about 'stay local' is slightly misleading. While you aren't allowed to stay away overnight, and you shouldn't travel a long distance in order to carry out a ride, there's no limit on how far from home you can go while exercising, so long as you don't cross into another jurisdiction with different rules.
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In England, "Stay Home" was a legal requirement. "Stay Local" is a vague encouragement.