A spin on the Scott Solace road bike today after the mist lifted around midday. A surprisingly strong headwind out to Brierlow Bar and then to Glutton Bridge, Longnor and Hollinsclough. I had forgotten how steep Hollinsclough Wall is, the warning triangle say's 20% but over the half mile distance it is nearer 25% in places, my front wheel lifting as I had to stay seated because of patches of hardpacked ice, which made me twitch a bit.
Anyway, safely up to Flash Bar stores and on to Flash where on the descent to Flash Bottom it started to rain and suddenly went very cold. Fortunately I was quickly past the Bald Stone and climbing up to The Winking Man which warmed me up a bit. Across the A53 and coldly downhill in the rain taking a right to Newtown where the rain stopped and the sun came out again.
Along to Warslow, Hartington and Long Dale to Earl Sterndale and then home via Flagg and Monyash. An enjoyable ride on the Scott but I wished I had taken my Moda with its mudguards as there was far more running and standing water about than I was expecting.
A total of 50 miles, 5,338 feet in 3hrs 39 min.
This cycling seems to be keeping my running legs injury free at the moment, which is why I do it, as I was able to get three 6 mile runs in last week without any after effects. The trick now is to up my running and reduce the bike miles.
No other cyclist seen, which surprised me.
Reply With Quote