Halfords own Boardman. I have had three Boardman bikes, currently an ADV, I know the mechanics at the Guiseley shop by name and have nothing but praise for how I have been dealt with there over the last decade and more. I cannot comment as favourably on the service in other Halfords branches.Originally Posted by mr brightside
I take the Bianchi to Woodrups in Kirkstall who specialise in Bianchi (and usually have around 20 bikes on display in the windows) and can work on Campagnolo.
Last edited by Graham Breeze; 26-01-2022 at 10:21 AM.
"...as dry as the Atacama desert".
Trespassing on Marco’s patch with an excursion from Derby to Stafford and back for an appointment. 110km, the headwind o the way meant an 25.5k/h average, being strong due to the yoga done with true wife and a two lattes, meant a 30.5k/h average on the way back (the tailwind had nothing to do with).
Nice to do a 4 hour ride for a 10 minute appointment.
There's plenty of room, and potholes, for everyone around here
Whilst the sun was nice, the wind was a bit on the strong side today so respect is due riding 110km in it. You didn't mention the route, but I'd be interested to know as it's pretty difficult to avoid the A50, (a 70mph dual carriageway which is busier than some motorways), going between those two places.
I did think about going out myself, but I'm riding fixed wheel at the moment and 44 x 16 is hard going when there's a decent wind against you.
Turbury, Hanbury Hill, Abbots Bromley, across the res (so windy) and then A513. Pretty much the same on the way back. Just passed over the A50 near Church Broughton/Hatton.
Stopped at White’s cafe for a coffee and bacon butty on the way back. Very nice.
44/16 fixed on those undulations today would have been tough. My commuter is 44/18 free and tough on a gentle hill with panniers after a day at the chalk-face (or touch-screen board!)
Reminds of when I cycled from Loughborough to Northampton and back for an appointment with a podiatrist who had been recommended to me by a physio. 50 miles out, then 44 miles back by a more direct route. A lovely June day, so no worries about it getting dark on the way back after the appointment at 5pm; and only slightly marred by the occasional pings from the back wheel, which remained remarkably circular despite six of the spokes having broken by the time I got home!
In his lifetime he suffered from unreality, as do so many Englishmen.
Jorge Luis Borges
Thanks for the route; looks like a sensible bit of dual carriageway dodging.
If you'd turned left, instead of right, after crossing Blithfield Reservoir and then followed the road in a clock-wise direction to Gorsty Hill you could have come via the attractively sounding Buttermilk Hill. It may sound attractive, but it's the steepest hill for miles. I did attempt it last summer, but found the surface had washed away to the hardcore below causing a lot of wheelspin. I'm not often accused of being sensible, but on this occasion I decided to walk it.
I do have a 17t fixed sprocket somewhere, but I haven't found it yet. It's a tough choice, if you're on single speed, getting the gear right. I did it for one winter with panniers, a long time ago, and I have the greatest of respect
As penance for missing Tarren Hendre with a sore calf I forced myself out on the Moda for a chilly ride into the Staffordshire Moorlands.
Nothing exciting to report other than cold extremities.
46 miles, 4,731 feet in 3hrs 31 min. Only 3 other cyclist seen.
Visibility good except in Hill Fog
That's a fast time for that amount of climb.
Luke Appleyard (Wharfedale)- quick on the dissent
Only an average speed of 13 mph. Nothing special.
I generally find that on my rides I get around 1'000 feet with every 10 miles I ride without even trying to find hills. Just the lie of the land on the quieter roads around here.
I must go for a decent ride on flat roads one day just to see what I can do. The only problem is that flat roads = more traffic and less scenery!
Edit. Less pleasing scenery!
Last edited by Llani Boy; 31-01-2022 at 12:05 PM.
Visibility good except in Hill Fog
Twenty eight miles through Bolton Abbey and over Bardon Moor so 2800 feet. I noticed my pulse was at 151bpm on the 20% bit!
I cycled on two "closed" roads today. Storith's Lane (the "back" hilly road beneath Simons's Seat) has been closed for months due to a "landslip". Meaning the very edge of the road is starting to slide down the valley towards the River Wharfe so one can see why highways would not want cars hurtling along it. Presumably until the Northern Powerhouse arrives the road will stay shut. But not to walkers and cyclists and presumably horses - not that the many Road Closed signs give any hint of that.
Also closed is several miles of the road from Embsay to Bardon Tower because for around 100 metres they are relaying a water main in Eastby and so one carriage way is dug up. But the other carriageway is open and accessible (apart from if a JCB is in place) and all the locals know this so I saw dozens of (local knowledge) vehicles zipping along and saving several miles of detour.
The one thing I didn't see was anyone working on the trench.
But perhaps the residents of Eastby have decided they like the short open trench because Road Closed signs stop all the through traffic.
Except me.
Last edited by Graham Breeze; 03-02-2022 at 11:38 PM.
"...as dry as the Atacama desert".
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