BR traction instructor Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 …still on for Thursday or Friday Jim…let me know what works best for you. BeRTIe 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold big jim Posted August 23, 2022 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 23, 2022 Just now, BR traction instructor said: …still on for Thursday or Friday Jim…let me know what works best for you. BeRTIe probably Thursday as I might do a bit of rest day work on Friday! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR traction instructor Posted August 23, 2022 Share Posted August 23, 2022 (edited) …call round when you’re ready. Nice skyscape whilst cooking tea earlier… BeRTIe Edited August 23, 2022 by BR traction instructor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR traction instructor Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 With the GBRf contingent ducking the best cycling conditions this week, it was up to yours truly to get the Silloth cycling miles in today. Passing Beckfoot on NCN route 72… BeRTIe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold big jim Posted August 25, 2022 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 25, 2022 Sorry, Sarah wanted to head to Dumfries and Gretna today as we’ve not visited Scotland at all this summer, im going to to try and get a short hop out early evening/tea time if your up for a little extra ride im also available tomorrow now too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR traction instructor Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 …we’re heading for the Dales on Dawn’s day off tomorrow…might see you later. BeRTIe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR traction instructor Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 (edited) The continuation of todays ride after dropping in at The Lowther Arms for a pint & some crisps was along NCN route 72 as far as Allonby, then left for Westnewton. Continuing on to Langrigg to check out the remnants of the Solway junction railway as it approached the junction with the Carlisle to Barrow line nr Aspatria. On via Bromfield, Blencogo, Dundraw, Waverbridge and Lessonhall to Abbeytown. Pit stop at the village store for a pie then along NCN route 72 & unclassified roads to Causewayhead, back home via the Lido. Pictures below…empty molasses tanker leaving Silloth dock for the Mull of Galloway. The former Solway junction railway alignment as it approached its junction with the Carlisle to Barrow line nr Aspatria. The one time windmill stands on the hill behind the trackbed. Iron ore trains from Cumbria to Scottish customers used this route briefly…the main reason for its construction. Slightly closer to the junction the SJR route towards the masts at Anthorn & viaduct across the Solway firth can be seen heading between the left pair of pylons. Looking the other way the former railway embankment can be seen curving towards the A596 (adj. the house on the left) which indicates the line of the Carlisle to Barrow railway. BeRTIe Edited August 25, 2022 by BR traction instructor 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR traction instructor Posted August 25, 2022 Share Posted August 25, 2022 (edited) The quiet Greyhound pub adj St Mungo’s church, Bromfield is a surprising survivor…albeit with limited opening times. Total distance of todays ride is towards 40 miles. BeRTIe Edited August 25, 2022 by BR traction instructor 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graham108 Posted August 27, 2022 Share Posted August 27, 2022 On 19/08/2022 at 18:18, tractionman said: Typical cyclist - complete disregard for the rules! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold big jim Posted August 31, 2022 RMweb Gold Share Posted August 31, 2022 (edited) Decided to have a ride to Chester today to see Pete watermans layout at the cathedral and ended up going a bit further than planned as it was such a nice day, managed to complete 70 miles all the way to llandudno, caught the train back though! chester 50 mile in at Prestatyn, Ice lolly time! Rhyl Llandudno, I hit the wall around llandulas/colwyn bay, my legs began to lock up a bit so I stopped for a breather and a stretch, couldn’t make it up the short sharp climb to the sign but got further than I did last time I tried on the whyte hybrid llandudno pier Some well deserved chips before the train home! In all a nice run, a few scary bits on the coast road where you have to use the main carriageway but the Varia radar came into it’s own there, only got 3 1/2 hours out of it though before it died, looking at my starva stats for the bits I covered back in April I was considerably quicker in a lot of places (without trying) as I wanted this ride to be leisurely with lots of little stops, still a decent average speed though got another 2.5 mile to do when I get back to crewe, just charging the Varia up as it will be dark by the time I get home, I’ll be straight in a hot muscle soak bath too! Edited August 31, 2022 by big jim 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold big jim Posted September 2, 2022 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 2, 2022 Been a good week in the bike this week, the llandudno trip obviously counted to 3/4 of the miles but I’ve broke the 100 mile mark with a few more to do tomorrow and Sunday, currently at 108 miles had a ride into Oxford this afternoon to get a pannier rack for the SL, got a proper cube one as it has an unusual single mount point on the rear as opposed to the normal pair of mounts on the rear forks, had to improvise the mudguard! i can get cube mudguards for it that attach to the pannier rack but they come as a pair and I only want the rear one as fitting the front one will prevent me getting the bike onto the loco as I need to turn the handlebars to get it through the door and the mudguard would catch while I was there I was looking at some nice ortlieb waterproof saddlebags but there were £130 a pair so I trundled to the other end of Oxford and had a look in decathalon instead where I got a singular similar style bag for £35 Decent clips and brackets on it, solid once in place, I’ll most likely end up with another one in time! I also picked up a rather nifty backpack for £60 which unzips in the centre to reveal pannier clips It then simply clips onto the rack, just need to make sure the straps are clipped back and tight so they don’t flap about on the move even has a waterproof cover I now have the option to use it as a pannier bag on my commute then convert it to a backpack when actually in work, the waterproof bag will be useful for lodge turns as I can put my clothes, boots and helmet etc in it rather than cramming what I can into my backpack (which is what I’ve done today) Weather dependent I’m going out for a ride tomorrow somewhere, quite fancy didcot but I’ve got to be in work for 18:00 so may not have time, might look at a shorter circuit at the north end of Oxford (I’m staying in peartree) 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kernowtim Posted September 2, 2022 Share Posted September 2, 2022 Been up visiting family in Bedfordshire and managed a few rides out alongside the grand Union canal, longest being 25 miles south from Bletchley , also done 10 miles through Milton Keynes, one puncture and a collision with a fellow cyclist who emerged suddenly just in front of me through a gap in the hedge alongside the towpath, neither of us went in the canal through, A novelty not having any hills too! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Premium Ian Smeeton Posted September 2, 2022 RMweb Premium Share Posted September 2, 2022 After a few hiccups with the first electric bike, I have managed just over 500 miles in the 2 months since I took delivery. Just commuting to and from work and to Rocks by Rail, but I feel better for it. We'll have to see how my resolve holds up over the winter, but, As the fella said when he jumped off the Empire State Building as he passed every 10 floors, "So far so good" I am not up there with the likes of @big jim and @BR traction instructor for distance. I am certainly not in the MAMIL mould but I may invest some more money in pedal power in due course. Regards Ian 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR traction instructor Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 …everyone’s cycling regime is different for many reasons Ian. I am a natural outdoors type and cycling is a perfect way to be there…longer distances just prolong the pleasure. All that matters is that you find what you do pleasurable and rewarding. Rgds BeRTIe 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nearholmer Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 (edited) 9 hours ago, kernowtim said: Been up visiting family in Bedfordshire You’ve been cycling past my back hedge! I hope the collision and puncture didn’t put you off. If you want modest hills, go to the Three Locks, then up to the east, through the Brickhills, or up onto the Chilterns from the Tring area. TBH, I mostly avoid the towpath, because it’s often busy with walkers, anglers etc, and you can never “get steam up”. Edited September 3, 2022 by Nearholmer 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nearholmer Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 I didn’t do any cycling from mid-August until this week because we were away on family visits/holidays, and I’m glad the temperature has now calmed down a bit. When it was stupidly hot, I made the not totally wise decision to follow the river from just over the road, all the way to the sea, keeping off road as much as possible. Day 1 was c65 miles to Cambridge, actually diverting away from the river a fair bitp, and was stoopidly hot. Day 2 was supposed to be an easy c55 miles across the fens to Kings Lynn and the sea, but it was even stoopider hot. There was absolutely no shade at all out on the fens, and I gave-up part way and caught the train some of the way back to Cambridge, then along the river in the shade of the trees, only c40 miles done. Day 3 the forecast was hotter still, so I got up at the crack of dawn and made a run for home before the sun really got going, c50 miles circuitous route to Bedford, by which time it was 30+ degrees in the shade, so I hopped on the train for the final bit. So, not a total success, but did I enjoy it? Massively! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold big jim Posted September 3, 2022 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 3, 2022 That last pics look like you could be in Australia with the scorched grass! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nearholmer Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 That’s Graffham Water near St Neots. Heres another one to give you a feel for how shockingly dry it has been, a couple of miles from the previous. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Killybegs Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 Miserable wet day so between watching the downhill from Italy I took a ride on the exercise bike. The view isn't too bad. 4 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nearholmer Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 Brilliant idea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BR traction instructor Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 4 hours ago, Nearholmer said: That’s Graffham Water near St Neots. Heres another one to give you a feel for how shockingly dry it has been, a couple of miles from the previous. We’ve managed 65% of our average August rainfall in Cumbria…we have the golden brown grasses that you might expect but there is still plenty of green. BeRTIe 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold big jim Posted September 3, 2022 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 3, 2022 I ended up going to Witney and Woodstock this morning, never been to Witney before, or so I thought, I was walking round for a bit thinking ‘these Cotswold towns look very similar’ then I turned a corner and realised I’d been there about 6 years ago when I worked for colas and was lodging down there! Made use of the pannier bag as I got myself some decent hiking boots from the trespass shop as @BR traction instructor has offered to take me fell walking at some point came back via Woodstock, thought about going to Blenheim palace gardens for a look round but didn’t bother in the end as I needed to get back to get some dinner and get changed for work, can’t decide whether to ride to hinksey later but it means I’ve got to ride back at 03:30! saw an 820 unit in hanborough station but didn’t get a pic but I did get one of a 165 at wolvercote a nice ride in general, 95% of it in dedicated cycle paths which is very nice, struggled a bit for the first 8 mile of so toward Witney, just couldn’t seem to get a full lungs worth of breath and was sweating cobs but after a break in the town the rest of the ride was alright, I had only just had my hearty breakfast so it may have been down to that! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcredfer Posted September 3, 2022 Share Posted September 3, 2022 1 hour ago, Killybegs said: Miserable wet day so between watching the downhill from Italy I took a ride on the exercise bike. The view isn't too bad. I don't suppose you have yet got around to connecting a small dynamo to the power input on the Layout and run from suitably geared drive from the pedals? Set the controller, climb on the bike, pedal until fast enough to set the train{s} in motion. To make alterations, simply dismount, reset and climb back, to get the voltage back up again. {You could just fix the controller to the handlebars, but that wouldn't require the same amount of exercise and possibly amount to cheating. 😲} Good pedalling 😁 J 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold big jim Posted September 6, 2022 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 6, 2022 Did the Ravenglass & Eskdale earlier then when I got back from the train trip I did the route (as close as I could) on my bike a nice gentle ride, out via the back roads and back via the Eskdale trail, I tried to avoid part of the Eskdale trail as it was a big climb on gravel so I opted for the main road for a short distance near muncaster, unfortunately it was the steeped part of the ride, thankfully it was fairly quiet, only one wagon passed by but it was a slow climb with a couple of bends and I just wanted to get off and back on to the quiet roads again! crossing the river at ravenglass at the start of the ride On the way back I discovered the Eskdale trail is a gravel track so I’m glad I was on the tourer bike, had I been on the road bike I’d have gone back the same way I went to keep on the tarmac! ravenglass Roman baths End of the trip on the beach looking toward millom 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold big jim Posted September 7, 2022 RMweb Gold Share Posted September 7, 2022 Todays ride was from Edinburgh Waverley to the forth bridge and back taking In Some old trackbeds en route, more pics will be added to my on the tracks thread It gave a rainy forcast but i only got caught in a short shower after leaving Edinburgh park, I went that way to go to decathalon to get another pannier back and a bell as I broke mine yesterday, I actually missed the retail park it was on so had to double back to it! leaving Waverley the bike nav sent me on ‘quiet route’ which was a lovely cycle route ride for most of the day with a couple of gravel tracks thrown in murryfield the cycle path Followed the tram line right the way to the airport I then took an old trackbed from ratho station toward dalmeny Which after dalmeny became tarmac, quite a drop down toward queensferry With lovely views Queensferry Bike colour matches the bridge! Another gravel track away from the bridge before taking to a few roads the. picking up an old trackbed again all the way into haymarket and joining the roads again at the end of princes street Great great uncle walters monument! going to have a day off it tomorrow unless I do something short around the silloth area 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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