The end of another good week cycling. The weather has, at last, turned seasonal with blue skies and warm, even hot, temperatures. Getting more familiar with the new bike, 'Sparky', that helps me get up hills and ergo, go places I haven't been before. I'm so confident now that I have entered the Great Western Ride, a 60 miler over the Mendips, which takes place on July 14th. I won't be alone, a few Old Gits have also signed up.
Looking over this past week, put in some good miles plus some good hills. Started the week with a 30+miler taking in Burnham and back along the side of the Mendips including Shiplake Hill going into Bleadon. Looking back through the Strava records I climbed this hill, with difficulty, in 2014 and it took nearly 7 mins. Last Monday, using the ebike, it was just under 2 1/2 mins with breath left to spare at the top. Hills don't put me off anymore, as long as the battery is charged up!
Tuesday was Old Gits day, the reverse route over Sand Bay. Myself and Andy did add a bit on at the end going over to Lympsham for a cup of tea at the community cafe there. Calamity, that is closed at the moment due to lack of volunteers. Still, clocked up another 29 miles. Had a day off Wednesday ready for some more climbing on Thursday.
After a cup of tea at the Mother Hen, took a trip into the Mendips climbing up to Shipham, 400 feet (not much ordinarily, but in my book, that is a good climb). It was quite warm out there, certainly didn't warrant undergarments, just the sun cream would have done.
Friday was another Old Gits outing, the Friday Riders were out,, training for the Great Western Ride. Below shows us waiting for the 'stragglers' at Lympsham before continuing to Sweets Cafe via Mudgely Hill and the wonderfully named Snake Lane back to the levels and the tea stop.
The Old Gits at Sweets, sensibly sitting in the shade out of the hot sun. Not a bad turn out, eight of us, plus Mrs Tim, a welcome guest on our Friday rides. Due to road works on an M5 overbridge, we diverted slightly through Burnham on Sea which forced us into having another cup of tea at the Reeds Hotel. A bit of a mistake really as it was lunch time and very busy. We had to queue for ages just for a drink.
Saturday, went out with a particular hill in mind, Canada Combe, one of the steepest in the area. There is a kick 3/4 way up that has beaten me since starting to climb it on a mountain bike in 2015. Walking that particular bit has been the only way until the ebike appeared. Now, straight up in one go, admittedlydoing the steepest point on the highest setting. Have to admit it was not a breeze! Today, Sunday, saw me on an easy route, the old faithful journey down to Burnham on Sea and back. Tea and a chunk of bread pudding went down well whilst sitting outside in the sun. On the way back took this shot of the Marina at Uphill with Brean Down on the left.
Well satisfied for the week, 179 miles with just over 3,600 feet of climbing. This bodes well for the Great Western ride in two weeks time.
No comments:
Post a Comment