April 2011 Summary

It's been fun people. I made the 1000 mile target with a few miles to spare.

Here are some stats for April 2011 :

Days ridden >> 30
Miles ridden >> 1092
Wet rides >> 0
Punctures >> 0

Day 30 : 52.8 miles

Last day of the #30DaysofBiking and the plan was to have a social ride with my riding buddy Jim. And contrary to what the experts had forecast, the weather was stunning (if a little windy).

On our weekend rides, I always ride more miles than Jim with us meeting at his house 10 miles away and then parting company afterwards somewhere along the route. And today was no different, but as the weather was so nice, decided on the longer 14 mile route to get to his house. This photo of the lane up through Bagnor taken at 9am.

On arrival at Jims, he made me his first ever proper coffee in his new shiny Bialetti Moka-pot. And it actually tasted good for a change (running joke).

As we hadn't ridden together in a few weeks (due to me selfishly holidaying in Wales) we decided on a mid-distance route with a cake-stop. Aldworth was the obvious choice. The route as always was on very quiet almost traffic-free narrow rural lanes. It's perfect cycling country. Most of the ride to the cake-stop involved the two of us trying to out-do one another initially with bursts of pace, and then to see how many of those horrible black flies we could swallow en route. I think I won on the insect front.

At the cake-stop, after a few home-made cakes and mugs of fresh coffee sat out on the village cricket pavilion, we noticed our roadbikes had been joined by a lovely Ridgeback Honey (the bike on the far left in the photo). The rider was just as cute.

Great route, with great company. The legs felt really good today, I'm guessing powered by yesterdays late night curry and Guinness in the pub.

Cheers Jim.

Total mileage for April = 1092 miles

1000 miles and counting

So there it is. I set myself a target of 1000 miles for the #30daysofbiking. I've done over 1000 in the past, but they have been with rest days. Not done a back-to-back month before, so I'm pleased with how me and the legs are feeling.

Day 29 : 62.3 miles

A work-free day today, thanks to a (now) Royal couple, so it was a good opportunity to get out on the bike. I didn't really have any route planned and sometimes I like that. Head out and follow the nose so to speak.

Went over to Curridge then looped back over Grimsbury fort and along to Bucklebury. Partly to see if there was any sign of Press or police, but nothing except this sign.

Then looped back from Bradfield and headed for Aldworth. Climbed up the lovely long drag up the Western side of four-points. From there went down Streatley Hill over the Thames to Goring. Apparently the best kept village in the South. It is pretty out that way.

As scenic as Goring is, it's always busy with traffic along the tight streets. Not today though. Really quiet and deserted this morning. I guess everyones either in work or watching the TV.

From there, it's a U-turn, back over the Thames, and head directly West for my Nemesis; Streatley Hill. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy climbing, but there's something about Streatley Hill that makes me try to avoid it. My cycling buddy and I will try to do the climb at least twice a year, and today was one of my opportunities. The hill is even mentioned in a 19th century poem:

" And when you’re here, I’m told that you
Should mount the hill and see the view;
And gaze and wonder, if you’d do
Its merits most completely:
The air is clear, the day is fine,
The prospect is, I know, divine –
But most distinctly I decline
To climb the hill at Streatley !
But from the Hill, I understand
You gaze across rich pasture-land;
And fancy you see Oxford and
P’r’aps Wallingford and Wheatley:
Upon the winding Thames you gaze,
And, though the view’s beyond all praise,
I’d rather much sit here and laze
Than scale the Hill at Streatley! "

I've shed over a stone since my last attempt (I'm 6'1" and now weigh 75kg) and it was noticeable. The climb today was still hard, but seemed a lot more manageable. And that was with legs that have ridden for the last 30days.
So with Streatley Hill done, it was back down through the quiet lanes of Upper Basildon and home. Really enjoyed todays ride. Quite hilly taking in over 3000ft of climbing, and it's taken me over the 1000 miles for April. All good.

As a side note, this was taken by and itchy trigger finger as I was fumbling with it to put the phone away on the climb up Hook End. Kind of thought it was cool, so it's blogged.

Day 28 : 33.9 miles

Working commutes again today, and the last commutes of the #30daysofbiking.

Very cool ride in this morning, something like 4C and breezy. First time I've used the leg-warmers in weeks.

The ride home was wonderful, and a great one to mark the last commute of April. Sunny and breezy, but this time a lovely tailwind. Stopped near Sulhamstead to take this photo.

Looking forward to getting out tomorrow for a solo ride without having to carry any rucksack. I'll probably not stray too far and might even go for a cake stop. Don't do that very often on a solo ride.

So anyway, two days left and the total is currently sitting at 977 miles for April.

Day 27 : 37.1 miles

Just the working commutes again today. It was forecast to be cooler today, so I just ended up being overdressed on both rides. Why do I listen to the experts? The Spring jacket ended up being packed away after setting off tonight. Summer jersey for the ride home.

Beautiful cloudless blue skies again tonight. April has really shot by doing the #30daysofbiking. And I'm so glad I blogged each day. As dull as they might be, its been a great log of the month on two wheels. And I'm creeping ever closer to the 1000 miles total.

30 Days of Baking

I feel like I'm on the home straight. Today I've passed the 900 mile mark, and I'm still on track for the 1000 miles for April. Just.

I may not be the first to mention this, but next year, how about we run another initiative alongside the #30daysofbiking ? Might just help to fuel the rides too.

Day 26 : 37.1 miles

Just the working commutes today.

And today marks a landmark commute in. First morning commute this year where it wasn't actually pitch black outside. This is the view from the from the cottage at 05:30am this morning when I set off. Early morning Spring rides. Love them. Slight headwind/crosswind on the ride in but still felt refreshingly strong. I think the legs have given up on a rest day. It's just not gonna happen in April.

Ride home took the Pang route. Rode through Bucklebury (where the Middletons live), and there were no signs of bunting, blacked-out 4x4s, nor paparazzi. Kind of disappointed. Do they not know about the piss-up on Friday?

I've only been away for the week, but things around the local area have really changed. Everything seems to have burst out in colour. This is the view going up Briff.

Seems a lot cooler tonight. Glad I had the arm-warmers from this mornings commute. Still sunny intervals though.

Day 25 : 37 miles

Two rides today.

First 25mile ride was early in the day. I wanted to leave MrsGreyPea to her marking and popped out for 90 minutes immediately after breakfast. The temperature was perfect. Sunny, blue skies and warm air. Although those bloody black flies were swarming all along the river Pang. Saw a load of individual cyclists out and about. And a posh couple taking photos of each other on a horse near the ford sign. Odd behaviour.

The second 12 mile ride was late in the afternoon with the family. We needed to get the boys some fresh air, so a ride was the obvious choice again.

The boys fancied a flatter route, so we rode out to Aldermaston Wharf and even had a cake stop. I reckon we spent longer at the Cafe than actually on the bikes. But that's not important. The important thing is that we all enjoyed it. And we did. Perfect weather again.

Day 24 - 73.5 miles

Today is my 42nd birthday, and MrsGreypea was head-down in marking coursework (poor lass) so I thought I'd offer to say out of her way allowing her to get her work done. So a solo ride over towards Combe was planned.

The day started very hazy, but the sun soon burnt that off, creating another hot glorious day of blue skies and sunshine. Decided as I was OK for time today, to walk up the track to the Gibbet itself.

Some very weird creatures out there today. Huge black flies, swarms of them. I know as a cyclist you learn to cycle with your mouth closed, but today there were so many of the critters, they were almost going up the nostrils. Probably down to the fact its been warm and sunny for over a month now.

From the ridge, went onto Marsh Benham.

Then a lovely evening bimble along the Pang again with MrsGreyPea and the boys. Great day outdoors enjoying the sunshine.

Day 23 : 17.7 miles

Back in England after the week away in Wales. Popped out for the hour this evening, after arriving home/unpacking/food-shopping etc. Nice to be out on the bike, but missing the mountains. Saw loads of cyclists out sharing the warm evening. The oil seed looked vibrant and smelt incredible tonight - amazing the difference a week away makes.

Day 22 : 31.7 miles - Black Mountain

Drove MrsGreyPea out past Llangadog with her bike and drove back to the farm to get on my bike. Rode the longer way via Myddfai to the Black Mountain road and started the climb.

Was a lot hotter today, but set off remembering and extra water for us both in case. We met lower down the climb today, and plodded on to the summit.

As it turns out, we were both cold on the higher slopes as it was a lot windier today up there.

I cycled ahead to check whether the ice-cream van was parked up at the top, as sometimes was the case. Luckily it was, and it provided a good excuse for a breather at the top.

The descent was a lot quicker today as MrsGreyPea began to trust the corners more, and we were soon back down on the lower sheltered warmer roads. Great ride together.

Day 21 : 24.4 miles - Bethlehem

Lovely late afternoon solo ride along the Towy river valley. Headed through Llangadog and decided to try to find Bethlehem that I'd seen signposted previously. The hills over that way reminded me of Devonshire countryside. Lots of very steep short climbs with short drops. Very tricky to get any rhythm going.

The temperature was perfect just like every other night over the past week. We've been so lucky with the weather. Beautiful views over the valley and arrived in the village of Bethlehem for a quick photo opportunity.

I met with a couple on horseback. Something we see frequently along the Berkshire lanes but not such a common sight here.

I then headed back towards Llandovery up the final long slog and back to the farm. Tried to keep the pace up tonight as I knew it was a short ride.

Hopefully get up the Black Mountain again for one last climb tomorrow.

Day 20 : 22.7 miles - Llandovery

Had a mad busy day with the family, so only managed a quick early evening bimble around the lanes near Llandovery. Really glad I did as it happened.

I was cycling along the quiet lanes and stopped for a quick photo of yet another beautiful piece of Welsh natural beauty, when a tandem whizzed by. I heard the female bark instructions to the poor male pilot to tell him to turn their bike around as she also wanted a photo. She calmly took her camera, snapped away and they set off again at speed. I quickly jumped on my bike and caught up. This gave me a great opportunity to spark up conversation with them.

It turns out, Stuart and Ruth, both nearing 80 years old were on a cycling tour of Wales on their tandem trike. They were heading for their B&B in Llandovery so I joined them for the ride back.

They were really belting along the lanes, and I was having to keep a good pace to match them.

It also turns out that the friendly couple used to race in their day, some races close to my home in Berkshire. As the conversation continued I begin to realise they were very committed racers back in their day, with Stuart having completed 504 miles in a 24-hour period on one occasion. You work out the maths. That's a bloody impressive achievement.

We chatted some more about cycling in general and soon we arrived at their B&B. I cheekily asked for their photograph, shook hands, and I wished them well for their onward journey. Not before I told them what a true inspiration they were. They almost seemed embarrassed by the attention, as I guess to them, what they were doing was entirely normal.

See, that's the thing i love about cycling. Tonight I have had the chance to meet two cyclists who are a true inspiration. Two (near) 80 year olds, happily taking on a trip that most people half their age would not even attempt. But more importantly, doing something that they both still love.

Stuart and Ruth, you are truly inspiring and I wish you both a happy and safe trip.

Day 19 : 29.2 miles - Black Mountain

Today MrsGreyPea and I decided on a ride together up the Black Mountain, but she didn't fancy the full 30miler with the climb. So we hit on a cunning plan where I drove her and her bike 7 miles to start of lower slopes of the climb. From there, she'd start upwards and I'd drive back to the farm to get on my bike. This would give her 7 miles headstart and the time it took me to drive back.

This was an excellent plan. All the time I was cycling back to the drop-off point to try to catch her, it felt like I was somehow chasing down an escapee. Pace was high (by my standards) and when I started the climb I was rolling along at 19-20mph. Further up the climb I was expecting to see her ahead, but as every corner revealed an open road ahead, I was starting to think that she'd thumbed a lift to the top. I was slowing in the heat, and soon reached the cattle grid which marked the open roads over the top section. And luckily for me, there she was, pulled over having a rest roadside. I reckon she was thoughtfully waiting for her old man to catch up, but still insists she was taking a well earned breather under the hot sun. It was bloody hot up there today.

My average was 16.5mph when we met (or when she graciously allowed me to catch up) and I was starting to burn up. I was really grateful of the slower pace from there on up. We reached the summit, stopped for a few photos and then headed for home. I've noticed her descending speeds have improved too after the trip down the mountain :)

So there you are. If you're gonna give your wife a head-start, never underestimate the power of a little pair of legs.

Day 18 : 29.4 miles - Black Mountain

Another busy day with the family, which left a window for a quick late afternoon ride. The route through Myddfai was lovely yesterday so decided to use that to get to Llangadog for the start of the Black Mountain ride.

It felt a tad cooler today, so set off with arm-warmers and gillet in the rear pocket to wear on the descent. It's amazing how cold you can get on a long descent especially after a long climb.

I felt a lot slower on the climb today, stiff legs not helping from yesterdays climb. This trip up the Mountain was partly planned as a photo trip, but thought I'd still leave the photos for the descent rather than the climb. It's just not right stopping on a climb :)

The wind was a lot stronger today, something which I didn't notice lower down the slopes, but the last few miles on the open face were hard climbing into the wind.

The views today at the 493m (1617ft) summit were very hazy. Seemed a lot more humid at the top too.

Day 17 : 42.3 miles - Black Mountain

Two rides today. First was over my favourite route, over the Black Mountain. This road feels very continental in it's profile, with a solid 7.5 mile climb followed by a 7.5 mile descent. The temperature change over the top was noticeable too. I was in my gillet so was plenty warm enough on the descent. I'll do this route a few more times this week no doubt. Need to take more photos, but don't want to stop on the descent, it's too much fun.

The second ride was a late afternoon bimble with MrsGreyPea. Only a short one, but found a lovely route towards Myddfai. Great day today.

Day 16 : 21.5 miles - Llangadog

Arrived, unpacked and went food shopping. This left a small window before dinner for a sneaky ride up the mountain road. This is one of my favourite roads in the UK. And I've just discovered tonight that it's been freshly resurfaced. Lovely to be out on the bike after the long drive today. Feel free again. Gonna drag MrsGreyPea's ass up the mountain at some point this week.

Blogger Black-out

I may struggle to get any blogging done over the next week or so. Don't worry, I'll log all my rides done over the next week or so using old fashioned pen and paper, and update the blog when I'm near a PC.

I do have Blogpress on the iPhone, but again, I may not get a 3G signal nor be near a Wi-Fi spot. So if any blog updates do appear it will probably be from my phone, and the formatting and layout will probably be boned :)

I will still be riding daily for the #30daysofbiking. I'll try to update via Twitter.

Safe riding.

Laters taters.

Day 15 : 37.6 miles

This one was the last day of commuting for a while. Work is now officially done and dusted for the next week or so. So no more commutes.

The pre-dawn ride to the station is still dark when I set off at 05:30am but it's getting lighter by the day. I've been seeing some gorgeous sun-rises over the past few weeks. This morning was cloudy, but very mild and it really felt like a Spring morning.

The ride home was hazy and very humid. I had to stop at one point and strip off a layer.

There was a bit of traffic coming home through Standford Dingley. Two ducks decided to take their chances and do a Harry Hill verge emerge. I had to stop and take a snapshot.

The route was fairly undulating going up and over the ridge.

So, I'm really looking forward to the time off work. We always seem to be busy, and it'll be a good chance for me to catch up on some family time, and some sleep. It will also be nice to have more freedom over where I ride over the next week or so. Instead of the daily commutes :)

Day 14 : 41.1 miles

Just the working commutes again today but I knew I'd go for an extended route home to make the 500 mile mark. Another dry day and it's becoming milder again. And man, I'm hungry all the time now. For most of the ride in, I was thinking about of the food I could buy at the station as I rode through. 

The ride home from the station had a canal theme crossing the Kennet and Avon a number of times. The route was mainly flat so I first added the loop up to Boot Farm to add a bit of climbing, then the extended loop out past Greenham Common.

Tonight's ride home was very quiet again hardly seeing another soul, other than a solitary old fella in a straw boater doing a good deed by clearing the verges of litter. It's normally a thankless job, so I thanked him. Actually thinking about it, he could have been an offender doing his community service. He still deserved a thanks all the same. So today, I reached the 500 mile mark. Time for a beer.

Day 13 : 40.1 miles

Working commutes today, plus and extended ride home to pick the car up from the garage after the service.

Cloudy this morning but still dry, and I felt tired. Slight stiffness in my right knee which is probably nothing, as it's not painful at all. I probably got kicked in my sleep by a selfish wife who doesn't approve of loud snoring. Or something.

Ride home was into a block headwind for the most part. Went to scenic route around Aldermaston and Brimpton.

I still did my usual failing of spotting a cyclist ahead and reeling him in. I can never let it go. Knackered after I took him along an exposed stretch, although you'd never know to look at my poker-face. Decided to go the longer way around Greenham Common as the road is in better condition. Still trying to look after my wheels see.

Hopefully the warm clear weather will return tomorrow and this wind will drop.

Day 12 : 19.4 miles

Working from home today so no commutes. However the car needed dropping into the garage tomorrow for a service, so I put the bike in the back and dropped the car at the Honda garage.

The early evening light was beautiful, so I decided on a ride over Watership Down. It's yet again traffic-free rural lanes all the way, and there are a couple of great climbs on that route. It's the first time I've done the climb on the Compact, and I think it's the quickest I've climbed up there. Here is the view looking North.

It a great time of year to be out, watching the daft lambs bouncing in the fields. Lots of families and walkers out tonight too. Just enjoying the warm evening. It's great to see.

Back though Ecchinswell and I decided to head for Greenham Common. The place has a checkered past (remember the Peace protests?), but it's now open once again as common land. There is also cattle grazing up there and a huge network of off-road tracks. It's a shame they ripped up the runway, as it was once the longest runway in Europe. Never mind eh, at least Newbury got a By-pass from the runway hardcore.

Sunset over Greenham Common

400 miles and counting

I seem to have just passed the 400 mile point on the #30daysofbiking. Things are going really well. I'm no more tired than usual. The legs are holding up well. Long may it continue.

Day 11 : 37.1 miles

Working commutes today, but as today was the first day of the Easter break, MrsGreyPea had arranged to meet me for part of the commute home.

Cool commute in (7C) but remembered to wear leg-warmers again so all was good. I swear by my leg-warmers and arm-warmers. I've been in shorts for the afternoon commutes since early February, but the mornings are sometimes still too cool at 5:30am. The leg-warmer and arm-warmer option allows me to carry minimal clothing and stay warm on both commutes. Seemed faster this morning on the ride in but I'm guessing it was tailwind assisted.

The commute home was warmer, but the skies changed dramatically along the route from blue sky to heavy dark cloud.















As I'd pre-arranged to meet MrsGreyPea along the route at Bradfield, I half expected the call from her to say she was bailing due to the threat of rain, but she was there at the rendezvous as planned. I think we can safely say she's got the bug. As it happened, we were lucky and it stayed dry. It's so lovely to ride part of the commute with her. To put this in perspective, she's ridden 74 miles in the last 3 days. I'm really proud of her.

Impressive Skies

Day 10 : 23.8 miles

Today was a lovely easy ride with MrsGreyPea. I only thought we were popping out for a quick 10 miler as she rode nearly 40 miles yesterday, but she said she felt fine today and so we carried on. We saw so many cyclists out today, mainly couples doing the same thing I guess. Lots of greets and smiles.

MrsGreyPea's bottom.

We rode out to Aldermaston and called in at the Butt Inn pub for a swift pint and a bag of nuts and a snigger at the pub name. Lovely sat out in the sun.

We carried on out and returned via the Pang Valley again. We hardly saw a car along there. I really enjoyed today's ride, particularly the view out in front for most of the ride :)

Day 9 : 67.6 miles

So where do I begin? Yesterday was a 'what a day' day. Today was even better.

Arranged to meet Jim and Don on the road so as not to get caught up waiting around for certain people to get ready. Normally, I'd ride over the Jim's 10 miles away, have a naff coffee (ahem), then wait half an hour for him to get his act together, then head out. I knew today was forecast to be a beautiful day, so I was raring to get out there.

Porridge with sprinklings of Oatbran again (wonder fuel), followed by two brioche and I was on the road. Still arm-warmers as there was a nip in the air at 8am, but bloody hell it warmed up super quick.

Once Jim eventually turned up, as I'd missed my usual routine of naff coffee and toilet break at his house, I was disappointed that he hadn't turned up with a hot flask and potty. Mates eh?

Assembled with Don, we headed out tailwind assisted for Marlborough, a beautiful old traditional market town. We hooked up with another roadie around Chilton Foliat who by coincidence was heading our way. The four of us road fast and chatted well along the quiet lanes. We seemed to arrive in Marlborough a lot quicker than usual, and after a near miss with one another due to miscommunication, we headed for the Bytes Cafe. We've used it a few times before. Very cyclist friendly do some great cakes and bacon rolls :)

Photo of Jim. Dons the one with the weaker bladder using the facilities when this was taken.

On the route home, we hit the B4000 (smooth tarmac and nice and wide). I had a bit of fun, putting the hammer down and the three of us soon became two, dropping poor Don who'd missed the move. Poor fella :)

A perfect ride under perfect skies. I felt really strong today. I think it's down to eating and hydrating properly on the ride. Sometimes I just forget to eat on the longer rides.

Cheers Jim and Don for a great ride.