April 2012 Summary

So April 2012 is over and really I've enjoyed it once again. I think I found it tougher finding the motivation to reach the 1000 mile target this year. Compare the weather this year against April 2011 and I think you can safely say we got our fair share of rain this year (I don't think it rained once in April 2011).

Here are some stats for April 2012 :

Days ridden >>  30

Miles ridden >>  1023

Wet rides >>  7

Punctures >>  0

Day 30 : 63.6 miles - Extended commutes

So here it is. The last day of #30daysofbiking. And as I type this, I've already ridden the commute to work. So I'm done. Objective, to ride all 30 days of April. Tick.

Well. Not quite. I always wanted to attempt get another 1000 miles in this month (I managed 1092 last April), but with work, the weather, the dog eating my homework, and any other excuses I could think of, I knew this year it would be close.

Sunrise

The commute in was a blinder. Blue skies in Berkshire and on the Surrey leg of the commute, an extended route to take in some hills.

View from Frith Hill

The 'Switchback'

I decided to end the #30daysofbiking with a full commute home. The weather out there today was warm and sunny. I haven't done the full 40-odd mile commute in a while. The route is mainly quiet lanes and I remembered the route ok, but there were a number of road closures and diversions due to the amount of rain we've had over the last month.

The Mill car-park at Elstead

Some parts of the route were B-road but they were still quiet. I'm guessing it was still pre rush-hour. Great views across the open landscape though under those skies.

Happy.

Towards Crondall

Day 29 : 37.7 miles - Tutts Clump

This was a ride of all seasons. It was actually a nice afternoon loop to be honest. During the ride I had heavy rain, gales and gorgeous blue skies. Luckily the heavy rain was at the start of the ride and short lived, so I soon dried out over the route.

Drought, my arse

There was loads of standing surface water, and some lanes flooded. Hard to believe we are officially in a drought.

Tutts Clump

As I did the climb on last year's #30daysofbiking, I also decided to take in the 1:5 climb at Tutts Clump. It sounds tough, but it's just a very short sharp climb.

I also passed this badger set along one of the lanes. They really have been busy kicking out a huge pile of 'sand' at the left-hand side of the lane.

Badger Set

So it's the last day tomorrow. I'm sitting at 960 miles for April. I think it'll be an extended commute to make the 1000 miles target. Just.

900 miles and counting

Sitting at 922 miles for April so far. The #1000 miles is looking good. I suspect it's gonna be another wet ride tomorrow.

Day 28 : 52.4 miles - Aldworth

The guys were busy today (but I suspect they saw the forecast last night) so I knew it would be a solo ride. But I wasn't expecting it to be so wet.

The key to long wet rides is not staying dry - that just ain't gonna happen - but it's more a case of keeping your core warm.

With everything packed in freezer bags in my rear pockets to keep them dry, I set off in the rain. Overshoes (once I'd spent 10 minutes trying to find them), wearing longs (haven't done that since last year) and winter jacket.

Looking South towards Frilsham

The yellow lenses in my glasses helped to make the dark skies seem cheery, but today was a real plod. It really was a case of just getting out there and getting the miles in.

Bagnor

Day 27 : 36.6 miles - extended commutes

The calm after the storm. Yesterday's gales have eased and the ride in was the best in a long time. Very mild and a beautiful sunrise.

Most of the day in work, it was heavy rain, but again as soon as I set off to come home, the weather seemed to improve. I've been so lucky with the weather. I swear it's down to the fact that I was singing E.L.O's Mr Blue Sky at the top of my voice once again (that might be a lie).

Sulhamstead

I took an extended loop through Sulhamstead, and came out on a major road where I saw a group ride ahead. I caught up and rode with them briefly before they turned off. Or they purposely choose a diversion to try to shake me off. Nice to have company on a commute though :)

I'm now sitting at 870 miles for April. And the 1000 mile target is back on! Bring it!

Day 26 : 8.1 miles - Clown bike

Just the clown bike (folding bike) commutes today. Needed to be at a meeting in Kent today, so was a long day. Too knackered tonight for a roadbike ride. Oh well, that 1000 mile goal seems to be slipping away.

800 miles and counting

It's sitting at 825 miles for April. Wonder if I'll make the 1000 miles in time ? Not sure what I'm doing tomorrow regarding cycling, as I have a long meeting in Chatham, Kent.

Day 25 : 31.5 miles - Commutes + evening

Torrential rain and very gusty this morning so opted for the folding bike for the commutes.

I got home this evening and really needed to get out. I never feel like the 8 miles or so on the folding bike does it for me. So straight after dinner, I set out on the roadbike for a spin into Newbury.

Newbury Market Square

The rain wasn't actually that bad, as it was fairly mild out there tonight.

I find it odd that after all those long winter commutes where I was dreaming of the months where I have daylight rides, that I'm going out for night rides. And enjoying them.

Day 24 : 28.4 miles - Lunchtime

It's my birthday today and as I was working from home, I decided to treat myself to an extended lunch. I took the route through Newbury, then an extended loop through Wickham and back. I took in the climb up to Ashmore Green, then along the Pang (yet again).

Day 23 : 8.1 miles - Clown bike

Really tired this morning and not looking forward to this week in work as I have a deadline and there's no doubt there will be many distractions.

However, by the sounds of it at least the birds seemed to be enjoying their start to the week by the amount of racket they were making at dawn.

Heavy legs too from last week, and nothing to do with the weather forecast (ahem), with my full waterproofs packed I set off on the clown bike. This behaviour is not helping the 1000 mile target.

Clown bike or no clown bike, It still counts as two rides I suppose.

Day 22 : 64.6 miles - Compton

Second day of the weekend and again a beautiful sunny ride. I went the long way round to get to Jim's for the extra miles, then after meeting with Andy over coffee we set off heading for Aldworth. All three of us had agreed that we were tired today, so a nice leisurely paced ride would be sensible.

Andy and Jim

We found (tried) new lanes yet again, something we always try to do on our social rides. I don't think over the 7 years Jim and I have been riding together we've ever ridden exactly the same route.

Felt really tired at 50+ miles but then realised I hadn't actually eaten anything on the bike. I think at this point I'd already done 250 miles this week, and I sometimes forget to put the calories back in on a ride. A quick brioche from the pocket and I was firing again.

Another great ride. So just over one week left of #30daysofbiking. I'm not sure I can make the 1000 miles for April as it's busy in work this coming week, but I'll do my best.

Total so far stands at 757 miles for April.

Day 21 : 41.6 miles - Donnington

Blue skies. And it's not even a work day.

Today was one of those solo rides where I simply followed my nose, with no real planned route. I set off early heading through Newbury, remembering that we used to take the boys up to Donnington Castle for a play (when they were younger) so thought I'd ride over for a visit. I ended up pushing the bike up the steep gravel track to the castle. As you can probably guess, I'm no off-roader. Although I did choose to ride back down the steep slope. Any MTB riders would have found my awkwardly slow descent hilarious.

Donnington Castle

Then I headed over to the Pang Valley via and extra Yattendon loop. Rides like these remind me why I cycle. Solitude

For miles and miles, I realised I hadn't seen or heard another soul. And that's it; ME time. I really do enjoy my own company sometimes. I got home just as it was clouding over.

View approaching Yettendon

So lucky with the weather again today. I'm out with the guys tomorrow. It will be a longer one.

Day 20 : 32.6 miles - Commute Brimpton

Just the commutes today. I don't quite know how I managed it, but I seem to have had two dry commutes again.

Now, I'm always hungry at the best of times, but even more so over the last week. I think the constant miles are catching up with me. So I treated myself to a bacon butty in work from the local Friday market. One of life's small pleasures. Well, not for the pig.

Coming home, it really threatened (the sky, not the pig), and I even switched the lights on because I was convinced I'd get rained on, but no.

To Brimpton

I'm meeting the guys on Sunday for a ride (instead of the normal Saturday as Andy is busy doing family type things). Tomorrow I'll just avoid mine and head out on a quick solo ride I think.

Day 19 : 43.1 miles (2 rides)

Two rides today.

A longer lunchtime ride over to Black Ditch at Snelsmore. It had been raining all morning, but as lunchtime approached the clouds broke and I ended up with a gorgeous sunny ride. The legs felt great today after yesterday's low mileage on the folding bike. A photo of the road up through Bagnor.

Heading towards Winterbourne following the river. Immediately after this corner I almost ran over a duck with a line of its duckings spread across the road. I don't know who was more startled. I passed by slowly checking that they were still all together in a group.

Tidy bush. Snigger.

After this morning's downpour, the wooded sections were still holding the water. The aromas along this lane were incredible. Something else you simply wouldn't experience travelling by car. A great 25.7 miles in the sun. 

Tonight's ride was different. I wanted to get 40 miles in total for today, so I thought a fast loop into town would do the trick. I used to do this evening ride regularly when I wasn't commuting so much on my roadbike. Tonight, I set off at 7:30pm, the roads were quiet and clear and the air was still. Being a more major route means you can push your pace a bit higher too, another reason these types of ride feel different.  So another 17.4 miles to add to my total. I stopped by Newbury clock tower for this photo.

Newbury Clock Tower

Day 18 : 8.1 miles - Folding bike

Very tired (not from the cycling I might add). I shuffled out of bed with my usual 04:44 alarm but this time after a very rough nights sleep waking every hour or so. No idea why.

I couldn't face the roadbike, so I opted for the clown bike. I call it a clown bike; it's really a folding bike. But with me being 6'1" and the bike having ickle wheels, I must look like I belong in a circus ring.

The only downside to the folding bike commute is that it consists of 3 trains and lots of hanging around on platforms. Two hours just to get to work. I'm an idiot.

Full waterproofs on, I set off into the torrential rain for the nearest station (3 mile away). A short hop the other end, and that's the commute to work. I don't feel like I've ridden at all today. Technically, it was still a ride, but it wasn't that feeling of a ride I get on the roadbike. But that's just me.

Just realised this is the third wet ride of #30daysofbiking and all on different bikes :)

Day 17 : 40.3 miles (2 rides)

I was working from home today, so I went out for a ride over my lunch break and in the early evening after work. Somehow managed on both occasions to miss the rain.

Lunchtime was sunny and dry but very strong wind. I cheated by allowing the wind direction to dictate my route. I always prefer heading out into the wind as you get a lovely tailwind home.

The view at Bagnor. This is a lovely spot through all the seasons but I do prefer it under blue skies.

Around 5pm this evening, a hail storm had just passed over so I jumped in the bike for a quick ride to Bucklebury. Showing my immature nature I took these two photos of rude road names within a few hundred yards of one another. Snigger.

And a final photo to show my 'mature' side. The lighting really was incredible again tonight.

500 miles and counting

Just realised I've clocked up 527 miles so far this month. Feeling good on it too. Legs not tired at all. Not bad for 16 days straight through without a rest day.

Day 16 : 34.3 miles - Commute Padworth

Blimey. The thermometer said -2°C when I set off this morning. And of all the days, I couldn't find my winter jacket. So with many layers, a balaclava and two wind-proofs on I set off looking into the (only just) pre-dawn sky.

It's a shame that the act of a single Surrey driver can taint a ride. The classic impatient move; The "must-get past-cyclist-even-if-it-means-I-cut-him-up-just-after-I-overtake" manoeuvre. Nobber.

Anyhow...

Ride home was fantastic. I wanted to do a recce to see whereabouts the new recycling plant was (rock-n-roll lifestyle), so it meant tracing a route through Padworth. The lanes around there used to be in terrible condition but they've been resurfaced since I used them last. And the route is lovely along quiet lanes with lots of hills. Perfect then.

Really enjoyed this ride. Didn't feel like a commute at all.

Day 15 : 29.3 miles - Pang Valley

We are already at the halfway point of #30daysofbiking!

We were gardening this morning, so I left it until afternoon to head out for a ride. I didn't aim for a long one, so went over to the river Pang for a ride along the Valley. The skies were beautiful again, but the wind was cool and blustery like yesterday.

I'm loving the rapeseed that's now in bloom. It seems to be the crop of choice around here. There's not normally this much around. Wonderful aroma too.

If Takara made Choro-Q churches, I think they'd look just like this cute one. I pass this regularly on rides, but have never stopped to take a photo before. It's tiny.

Choro-Q Church

Heading Back

Day 14 : 64.7 miles - Farnborough

Been looking forward to catching up with riding buddies Jim and Andy for the last few weeks as we've all been bust with holidays etc. Woke up this morning and there was drizzle around but by the time I set off, the rain had stopped. I almost had to take a detour on the 10 mile ride over to meet the guys as there was a road closure over the motorway, but with bike on shoulder a quick sneak through a gap in the construction fence and I was away again (if a little late meeting the guys).

On arrival at Jim's, apparently he had already told me in an earlier txt to choose an alternate route as they were servicing the bearings on the bridge's expansion joints. Guess which one of us is the Civil Engineer... 

Great ride if a little blowy out there today. Oh, and forgetting about Andy's mechanical. Even saw some sunshine.

I took this coming back over the ridge on my way home after parting with the guys. The water level is normally up to the 2ft marker this time of year.

Day 13 : 32.4 miles - Extended commute

Just the two commutes today.

This is the level of light this morning as I set off. I'll soon be on those early morning daylight rides that I love so much; Daylight, quiet roads, cool still air, everyone's still in bed. Perfect.

Took an extended route through Brimpton tonight. Lovely out there this evening. Also, there were no Friday the 13th mishaps on the road. Not that I believe in any of that balls.

Really looking forward to tomorrow's longer social ride with Jim and Andy. Haven't seen the guys in a few weeks due to holidays. Will be great to catch up. No pun intended.

Day 12 : 25.6 miles - Evening Pang ride

Didn't get a chance to get out during the day today as I was too busy working from home, so I opted to go for an evening ride after dinner. So I set off with a full belly and headed for the Pang Valley. A beautiful place with quiet lanes which I tend to visit a lot. The colours were incredible tonight enhanced by the setting sun.

It's been so dry here for months that the ford is still dry. The river Pang at this point would normally be at least 2ft deep, so I've been getting used to blindly taking the tarmac route over the ford instead of taking to the footbridge. No doubt I'll be in auto-pilot on a ride one day and I'll get caught out when it eventually flows with water again.

The distant rain that didn't get me. I like distant rain.

Oh, and no indigestion to report.

Day 11 : 28.6 miles - Commutes

With the clear skies, the mornings are getting noticeably lighter. I soon won't need my lights at all. That's always a real landmark when I can pack my winter lights away for another year.

This makes me chuckle every time I ride over it. I think leaving it to a Friday afternoon to mark out the roads is a bad idea. Snigger.

Coming home, I was really fortunate again. Storm clouds threatened to dump on me, but I somehow managed to avoid the showers.

It's always nice to get a welcome home from these boys. And in the daylight, it makes it a lot easier to walk the bike through their field trying to avoid the soft spots on the ground.

Day 10 : 28.6 miles - Commutes

Having the previous week off work, this is the first day of commuting of the #30daysofbiking and the 04:44am alarm hit hard after a week away in Wales.

However as i set off just before 05:30am I could see a slither of daylight on the horizon again. This was more than enough reward. A few weeks back I was getting to see the early sunrise, but then in the UK we play silly buggers with our clocks and after an hour's adjustment I was back to the pitch black morning commutes. Well not any more.

Also, to get to any road from our cottage, I have to cross cattle grids and there's a short walk through a now filled field of cows. The other advantage of the daylight is that I can actually see what I'm standing in.

Tonight was a little windy but managed to stay dry. This time of year really does have some stunning cloud formations.

Travelling by bike gives you access to some stunning views. It really beats the shit out of any soft-top convertible. Hands down.

Day 9 : 22.6 miles - Stormy wet ride

Pissing down all day today, so I knew today would be a wet one, but I skilfully chose the windiest time of the day to go out and clock up some miles. I asked Son#2 if he minded if I got his bike wet rather than my roadbike. Looking puzzled he agreed. I really couldn't be arsed getting my roadbike cleaned again after today's ride ready for the week's commutes, so I thought his hybrid would be ideal (him being 5'6" and me being 6'1").

With saddle raised to the seat post limit, it seemed to fit a treat. The fatter tyres were better in this weather as I couldn't really see what I was riding over with the surface water. However, it's the first time in months I'd not ridden clip-less, and the flat pedals felt so unnatural.

Stopping at junctions with flat pedals, nearly falling off, as my tiny brain got so confused about what to do with my feet. Ridiculous really.

Glad I went out though, but the two wet rides I've already had this April is already two more than April last year. Last April really was a dry month. I hope these wet rides aren't a trend.

Day 8 : 35.7 miles - Bagnor

Another solo ride, and this time as we were busy this morning, I waited until later afternoon to head out for a quick spin.

I'm recording the Paris-Roubaix cycling live from Eurosport as I ride so I'm keeping a low profile online trying to avoid Twitter spoilers until I catch up with the results.

As it was dry but bloody windy, I headed out into the wind so I could have the tailwind on the way home.

I don't normally ride Sunday afternoons, but the roads (including a few main roads) were deserted. It might be a plan for future rides.

I headed out through Newbury, and onto Bagnor for the lovely lanes around there.

Legs are feeling fresh after 8 days without a rest.

Day 7 : 26.2 miles - Back in England

Boo sucks. Back in England and after an un-packing session and a long trip to the Supermarket, I took a quick spin around my normal home soil. It's kinda nice to be back, but I still miss those Mountains.

Day 6 : 34.8 miles - Black Mountain

Last full day in Wales today meant it was a final route which took in the ride up Black Mountain. Son#1 had agreed last night to join me for the climb, so the plan was that MrsPea would drive Son#1 to the bottom of the climb, drop him off with bike. In the meantime, I'd have ridden a loop to get there and we'd both ride the climb together. It worked a treat.

He was on a well geared hybrid so gearing wasn't a problem. He sat happily spinning away for most of the climb whilst our support crew (MrsPea) passed us in the car on the way up.

It was a lot cooler today, and by the time we both arrived at the top, we were both more than ready to wrap up in our windproofs. Also, at the top of the climb, our support crew were sat in the lay-by waiting to buy Son#1 a calorific ice cream from the van up there. The descent was a lot more fun trailing someone, and despite the cold, Son#1 reckoned he loved it.

A great last trip up there. We will really miss this place. But we'll be back.

Day 5 : 38.8 miles - Black Mountain

Beautiful spring day today so as we were busy out walking this morning, decided to take an afternoon route to the Black Mountain again. It rained yesterday in the Valleys, but up at that altitude it snowed. I was really hoping to see if any of the snow was still lying around up there at the top of the climb.

First I had to spend 15mins just sorting the bike out after yesterdays wet ride. Removing mudguards, re-lubing chain and cleaning the rims of brake paste.

Even though it was around 10C when I set off, I packed a gilet in my jersey pocket for the descent.

It was windy day today but as I climbed the wind really started to howl. I also noticed white areas on the distant mountains. The temperature was really dropping as I gained height and as I took in the final open stretch the wind was really battering me.

There was still plenty of snow lying around which is a first for me. I took a few photos and turned to head back down the mountain. On the top section I was now heading into a block headwind having to pedal to keep any pace. I was also glad of the gilet on the bitterly cold descent.

Day 4 : 21.7 miles - Myddfai

We were back late afternoon from a family trip to Swansea LC2, so decided to head out for a ride.

I knew it was gonna be a wet one today, so with mudguards clipped on the bike, having dug out my overshoes (thankfully having remembered to pack them) I set off into the rain.

I set off into the bastard headwind towards Llandovery but opted to take the sheltered climb up to Myddfai. This was one of those rides where I had no planned route, where I just followed my nose.

For miles I hardly saw another farmhouse let alone a vehicle. Just the sound of the rain hitting my rain cape. The quiet rolling lanes are un-signposted and after many more miles decided to try to find a route out of the valley and onto familiar lanes. I tried Google Maps but there was no data network in the area. I simply continued into the headwind knowing I'd eventually come out on a road I knew. It worked.

A short loop through town and I was heading back home with a huge tailwind. Glad I got out and found some new lanes to get lost in.

Day 3 : 27.5 miles - Myddfai

This was a late afternoon bimble exploring the local lanes. The skies were heavy with ominous clouds but soon broke to reveal blue sky. Really been lucky with the weather so far. I started out through Llandovery which is a very traditional Welsh town. Travelling by bike really opens up your senses to whats around you. Riding through today I could hear the distant tannoy of what must have been a livestock auction going on in one of the many large sheds in the market area.

From here I found a quiet lane and climbed up through Myddfai. I had planned a flatter route today, but that just ain't always possible.

Again the ride followed quiet traffic-free scenic lanes following deep river cuttings.

Another great ride through some glorious Welsh countryside.