Tell us about your new improved government regulations compliant cycle part II

bob b · 19-07-2019 9:20am

On holiday in North Wales but brought the bike. Yesterday was 73km and 1065 m elevation gain. Took 4 hours and I followed the Dave brailsford way 50 mile version through Snowdonia (https://www.visitsnowdonia.info/ffordd-brailsford-way-cycle-routes-snowdonia). Awesome climbs and descents and no close passes. Can't recommend this enough.

Met a guy at the bottom of the llanberis pass and he was on an unsupported charity ride from Inverness to mid Wales. His last day of six and 1500 miles done. Makes my ride rather sad, but I did drop him going up the mountainðŸ˜„

20-07-2019 1:18pm

The last day if my holiday in Majorca today and managed to do a spin I have been wanting to do for some time.

Started in Bendinat, through Calvia to Es Capdella- Andratx- Estellencs- Banyalbufar- Esporles- Establishments and back to Bendinat via Sa Crau. 90k with 1800m of climbing.

The road between Andratx past Banyalbufar is stunning, but there is a reason why the climb out of Banyalbufar is called Coll de sa Bastida.

dahat · 20-07-2019 5:57pm

Near 5hr round trip for a race, made a mess of the race.

Day saved by a bottle of coke & a Bounty Bar.

wheelo01 · 20-07-2019 6:37pm

Staying with friends in Kilmuckridge, decided to throw the bike in the car, went out and did a bit of @secman hunting.
I've been off the bike for three weeks with a chest infection (still not cleared) did a 28km at 26kph from Kilmuckridge to coolock, Ballycanew, down the Wexford road to Edmondstown and back to base.
Was a lovely day out, slowed by chest and inactivity, but happy enough.

https://strava.app.link/KBDkcRwYtY

ED E · 21-07-2019 4:45pm

0km week. Feel like a total lardon.

Daroxtar · 21-07-2019 5:10pm

Hit the Blooms today. I felt I really needed a good day in the hills to see how far I've progressed since crashing and how far I have to go to be ready for holidays in September. I got a decent dose of reality!!
Right from the first few km my legs were heavy so I knew it would be painful and my buddy decided tough love would be the order of the day. Did The Cut from Clonaslee, then the hard side of Glendine which always hurts. Had a cuppa in Kinnity then back up the easier side of Glendine, dropped down and then up the Wolftrap, back down and back over The Cut again.
I wasn't too bad til tea stop but the 50 odd km after that were torture. Even the final descent was painful, hit a right good bump on the way back down to Clonaslee and nearly drove the left ball into my lungs.
Struggled back to the start with 116km and 1970m climbed.
https://www.strava.com/activities/2550637836

saccades · 21-07-2019 8:45pm

I also went down to kilmuckridge, but from the opposite direction.

I'd like to think I`m tapering for the 24hr thing next week as i was in zone 2 for pretty much all of it but my legs felt really heavy. Just tired from work i hope as it has been mental recently.

75km @ 26kmph and 550m of climbing.

07Lapierre · 21-07-2019 10:16pm

Did the Etape de Tour 2019... tough day onthe bike!

secman · 21-07-2019 10:20pm

ED E wrote: »

0km week. Feel like a total lardon.

There's always next week

Sarri_ball · 22-07-2019 8:12am

First commute. 17km. Windy as hell. Baptism of fire for someone who's never cycled before! Very enjoyable all round and a great way to start the day.

Cars all good too except for one woman in an SUV who was inches from clipping me. :mad:

Utter Consternation · 22-07-2019 10:04am

Sarri_ball wrote: »

First commute. 17km. Windy as hell. Baptism of fire for someone who's never cycled before! Very enjoyable all round and a great way to start the day.

Cars all good too except for one woman in an SUV who was inches from clipping me. :mad:

Well if it's against you on the way in, you'll sail home.

17km is a grand healthy cycle each way!

Sarri_ball · 22-07-2019 10:30am

I probably won’t cycle both ways the same day, at least for now! Wouldn’t be fit enough for that at the moment.

Utter Consternation · 22-07-2019 10:42am

Sarri_ball wrote: »

I probably won’t cycle both ways the same day, at least for now! Wouldn’t be fit enough for that at the moment.

You'd be surprised how quickly you'll gather up the fitness. Stick with it and pretty soon you won't want to travel any other way to work.

Mickiemcfist · 22-07-2019 10:44am

The trick is to keep it in a gear that feels too easy, took me an embarrassingly long time to figure that out..

rushfan · 22-07-2019 1:33pm

Fabulous day out there, 60km.

tuxy · 22-07-2019 1:52pm

Mickiemcfist wrote: »

The trick is to keep it in a gear that feels too easy, took me an embarrassingly long time to figure that out..

I think most of us made that mistake. An easy gear will build cardio faster. You will be out of breath a lot at first(just ease off for a min or two when this happens) but you will notice much better progress over time.

ED E · 22-07-2019 1:57pm

Sarri_ball wrote: »

First commute. 17km. Windy as hell. Baptism of fire for someone who's never cycled before! Very enjoyable all round and a great way to start the day.

Cars all good too except for one woman in an SUV who was inches from clipping me. :mad:

Give it a week and you'll have ordered a GoPro.

Type 17 · 22-07-2019 2:50pm

Very windy today - flew out to NCD from city centre, broke 11 PRs on Strava, av going north 31.8km/h, BUT coming back south - av speed ~20km/h

Overall 88km in 3:20 @ av 26.4km/h, gorgeous weather, wind aside.

arse_jackeen · 22-07-2019 7:08pm

Got doored on a "city bike" this morning in Chicago. Guy opened the door of an Uber and sent me flying. Thankfully only road rash on leg and cut / sprained finger.

Borderfox · 22-07-2019 8:13pm

Took today off and went into Dublin with the wife, headed off out through city centre and up Killakee over to feather beds and onto Powerscourt waterfall. The wind was manic on the feather beds, 50-60mph in gusts.

Home via Enniskerry and town again, a very pleasant 72.9km @21kmph

https://strava.app.link/FBjM4CXoxY

Internet Friend · 22-07-2019 9:48pm

Had to take the new Canyon out for the maiden voyage this evening, 30km @ 29.2km/h average. Wind didn't know what way it was blowing at all, but still really happy with that effort. New bike is pure bliss to ride, even into a horrible wind!

tuxy · 22-07-2019 10:14pm

Very nice, what are the mavic wheels like in crosswinds?

Internet Friend · 22-07-2019 10:24pm

I actually found them to be fine. Not much different from the Aksiums on my Vitus. Definitely noticed the improved aerodynamics into the headwind, pushing into the wind felt less of an effort but still an effort (if you get me), the fact the bike only weighs 7kg might be a factor too! Bike fit on thursday so will be all sorted then. Looking forward to taking it out on a nice day for a longer spin.

rushfan · 23-07-2019 2:11pm

Another fantastic day out there. Less windy than yesterday, 71km. Several laps of the Phoenix Park.

Seth Brundle · 23-07-2019 2:28pm

Between cycling to work and then after work headed off to see my mam in Clontarf and back home, I did about 60 km yesterday (~28km/h). Took it easy enough - it was sunny but windy.

Two things: first time cycling through Dublin city during rush hour and, Christ, it was poor. Not the busses or cars mind. It was the other cyclists. People on obviously slower bkes moving in front of me at the lights. I struggle to pass the crowd only for them to repeat the process at the next lights.

The other thing was on my way home (cycling from Clontarf to Leixlip). Got to the red lights at Newcomen Bridge in Nth Strand and moved towards the front of the left lane (taxi van behind me). Trying to stay upright on the bike whilst waiting for the red to change. Not sure what I did but before I knew it it, I was tilting towards my right. Went to get uncouple my right foot to catch myself and the feckin thing didn't come loose. Quickly got my right hand out to catch my fall and had the quick thinking to keep the frame of the bike up from the ground.
Embarrasing and my right achilles (which I'm nursing from a running injury) is somehow all scraped. Thankfully and more importantly, the bike still has no scratches.
First time that's happened in the six months or so of owning the bike (Orbea Orca).

dahat · 24-07-2019 8:04pm

Out late this evening for a short spin with my Wahoo & Strava givong totally different speeds for the same spin.

Strava 31.8 avg
Wahoo 32.2 avg

Training Peaks takes reading from the headunit but I can't explain the variance between the other two, any ideas?

BoardsMember · 24-07-2019 8:29pm

Schull, Skibereen, Baltimore, then to Castletownshend on some pretty poor back roads. Beautiful scenery, windy, hilly, hard work! About 60km I think, 2hrs 45 mins or so. Tired now.

Sarri_ball · 25-07-2019 6:47am

Cycled home yesterday evening. 17.8km. Thanks kind stranger who slowed down to ask if I was OK - I was adjusting my laces as they were catching in the chain!

Made it much better time as it wasn’t as windy. Getting used to the gears now.

magicbastarder · 25-07-2019 9:09am

dahat wrote: »

Out late this evening for a short spin with my Wahoo & Strava givong totally different speeds for the same spin.

Strava 31.8 avg
Wahoo 32.2 avg

Was Strava getting it's data from the wahoo, it was it recording separately? I guess there are slight variations in accuracy but on top of that Strava might be applying a smoothing algorithm to the data if it's 'jumpy'. Your discrepancy is about 1% - not a lot, but noticeable for something which should be more accurate.

ED E · 25-07-2019 9:18am

Yep, using the same data they always end up with different results. Stravas calculations are straight wrong for Max speed so I'd take the Wahoo as gospel as all analysis shows them to be pretty spot on.

magicbastarder · 25-07-2019 9:19am

Bloody hell, what's going on there? When I try to fix my post it just duplicates what I'm trying to edit.

Edit: on mobile site and I think it's glitchy with edited posts?

dahat · 25-07-2019 10:34am

magicbastarder wrote: »

Was Strava getting it's data from the wahoo, it was it recording separately? I guess there are slight variations in accuracy but on top of that Strava might be applying a smoothing algorithm to the data if it's 'jumpy'. Your discrepancy is about 1% - not a lot, but noticeable for something which should be more accurate.

Only recorded on the Wahoo. I had a pause time of 1min 30 that must be someway related to the speed calculation by Strava.
I've also noticed the the elevation correction feature reduces metres climbed when using the Wahoo. It makes no difference to me but to some it would

Seth Brundle · 25-07-2019 11:38am

Lovely commute yesterday (route was ~17km each way) with good weather and no close passes.
About 30km/h despite me feeling physically knackered over the last few days so I'm happy with that.

On my way home yesterday, I arrived in my estate. Freewheeling through the estate towards the turn for my road, I sat upright and took off my helmet and gloves. A car came out of the turn but like many cars came out of the turn wide (many cars do this as a result of the road design).
I signalled to the right and the car corrected themselves as they went on.

Anyhow, got to my house and was turning off MapMyRide when I saw the car again. It turned and then pulled up outside my drive with the pasenger window wound down.
"Were you trying to tell me something?"
"Oh, I just signalled that you were on the wrong side of the road"
"No I was not!"
walked down towards her so I wouldn't be heard by the neighbours - "erm you were, you were on my side of the road - you took the turn wide"
getting more assertive with me - "I was not on the wrong side. I was on the right side!"
Sigh - "you came out of the turn wide - it's ok"
"I was on the right side!"
"yes you were on the right side of the road but should be on the left!"
"I was on the right - I mean I was on the left! Anyhow what would you know? You don't even know the rules of the road! Why aren't you wearing your helmet? What's your name?"
"By law, I'm not required to wear a helmet!"
"Yes you are! You're wrong. You don't know the basic rules of the road! What's your name?"
at this point she was starting to move off and I just said "Right I'm not doing this anymore. Piss off" and walked back to the house.

Kinda ruined my evening.

Takca · 25-07-2019 11:48am

dahat wrote: »

Only recorded on the Wahoo. I had a pause time of 1min 30 that must be someway related to the speed calculation by Strava.

Were you travelling while the wahoo was paused? I think Strava tries to adjust for this by adding to the time but it doesn't adjust the distance, try correcting the distance(similar to correcting the elevation) and see if that works

At least that's work for me in the past(with a garmin)

dahat · 25-07-2019 11:51am

Takca wrote: »

Were you travelling while the wahoo was paused? I think Strava tries to adjust for this by adding to the time but it doesn't adjust the distance, try correcting the distance(similar to correcting the elevation) and see if that works

At least that's work for me in the past(with a garmin)

Yes i was!!! I had paused an interval or two for traffic etc. Speed dropped again to 31.7, odd one and maybe just a glitch with Wahoo units.

Takca · 25-07-2019 12:05pm

dahat wrote: »

Yes i was!!! I had paused an interval or two for traffic etc. Speed dropped again to 31.7, odd one and maybe just a glitch with Wahoo units.

weird, sorry, it went up the times(maybe twice) i paused by accident

cloudatlas · 26-07-2019 12:45am

So I bought a second hand bike a month ago the chain has come off three times, I keep going back to the shop and the guy adjusts it but always gives me a lecture about how I'm cycling wrong and that's what's causing it (this is all without any indication by me that I'm doing anything) he said I was slamming my feet on the peddles when I changed gear.....

tuxy · 26-07-2019 1:23am

Probably best to start a new thread for advice on that. Give info about what bike and where the chain is coming off, crank or rear cogs. It is best to ease off briefly when changing gear but that's just to prevent excess wear, it shouldn't be causing the chain to come off.

smacl · 26-07-2019 8:35am

tuxy wrote: »

Probably best to start a new thread for advice on that. Give info about what bike and where the chain is coming off, crank or rear cogs. It is best to ease off briefly when changing gear but that's just to prevent excess wear, it shouldn't be causing the chain to come off.

This, could also be that front or rear mech limits need setting, chain is a bit too long, or dropping to the small ring while still in a small sprocket at the back.

Out every day so far this week myself for a number of short lumpy spins. Military road, Hellfire club, Kilmashogue / Ticknock and yesterday took it easy and just nipped out and back to Enniskerry which for some reason I found stupidly tough. Fair breeze coming back though which got me a few PRs on what was my worst time in months for that spin. Ah well.

26-07-2019 11:53am

50k this morning. First time out after Ring of Kerry, having been away on holidays for two weeks (though did do a few hour long rides on a bike in gym). Legs felt heavy and struggled on a few very steep climbs but overall great to be back out in the fresh air. Niggle in the top of my left calf since ROK which is a bit of a worry.

pjmn · 27-07-2019 12:53pm

Fabulous morning, out to Maam Cross, across to the coast road and back in from there - 100km @ 29 avg

https://www.strava.com/activities/2566861275

triggermortis · 27-07-2019 2:13pm

https://www.strava.com/activities/2566727419

Finished work last night early enough so got up early today and headed out for a spin on the good bike and complete my July gran fondo.
100.2km @ 28km/h
Got back home just in time to cycle to work!

magicbastarder · 27-07-2019 2:26pm

first time out in about ten days, just 46km but a lovely day for it. managed to get a KOM, albeit on a road not that well travelled on strava.

https://www.strava.com/activities/2566930445

micar · 27-07-2019 7:12pm

Seth Brundle wrote: »

Two things: first time cycling through Dublin city during rush hour and, Christ, it was poor. Not the busses or cars mind. It was the other cyclists. People on obviously slower bkes moving in front of me at the lights. I struggle to pass the crowd only for them to repeat the process at the next lights.

My experience every evening. Really really annoying.

FSS ...Just wait behind me.

North of 32 · 27-07-2019 9:08pm

Today I completed my first ''race''. Three laps of the Nürburgring at the Rad am Ring.

75km at 32kph with 1600m elevation; 300NP

Things I noticed:
I haven't a notion
I cannot descend to save my life (almost literally. Some sections of the track are wildly steep which led to sketchy moments)
Taking a mediocre line through a corner can get you spit off the back of a group instantly
Drafting is outrageous; at one point I was doing 50 - 100w and 40kph. But if you lose the wheel the group says bye-bye in the blink of an eye
Although I felt like I could climb as well as most people, my **** descending and being clueless about how to properly work in a group meant I just got dropped repeatedly. Lots of mistakes made and lots of learning.

It was a really cool event, especially as all races took place simultaneously so the 24 MTB could be seen flying over jumps and the top competitors in other disciplines just went by like the smoothest, most efficient trains I could ever imagine.

dahat · 27-07-2019 10:36pm

118km @28.7 avg with near 1300m of elevation from a route by a local boardsie.

I can't link it on mobile but Killarney, Molls Gap, Kenmare head towards Sneem (I think) but then back road heaven with little or no traffic. 6am depart helped with the traffic.

I came close to binning it after passing Lough Caragh as the roads were slippy and when you are looking at scenery while approaching a hairpin it gets quite scary, locked & kicked the back wheel out. I kept the bike upright but only blessed no car was oncoming.

All in all a cracking day on the bike.

CantGetNoSleep · 28-07-2019 12:34pm

Went out with a group that is a bit faster and fitter than me today. The group splits into faster and slower (25/26k) after about 30k. Got dropped quite early while the faster guys were still there on a hill and told them not to wait. Slow group usually stops for a coffee so I was a bit above their normal average speed thinking I'd catch them at some café. After about 10/15k alone in absolutely miserable weather I was thinking that I should just have gone out drinking last night and stayed in bed. Still another 50k to get home alone and I was on a gravel part of the route when I see the slower group trying to catch me from behind. They had taken a wrong turn and I hadn't. Nice ride back despite the weather, beer at the end and satisfaction of staying with the group quite comfortably until the end.

Internet Friend · 28-07-2019 4:31pm

114km today with one of my mates, only at 24.4km/h avg, really suffered with the headwind after Glenmacnass and legs were getting tired at that stage. Nearly quit a few times after that but glad I didn't. Almost got taken out by sheep swamping the roads on both wicklow and sally gap descents, turns out the brakes on the new bike are pretty good!

28-07-2019 7:52pm

Did 60km over the sally gap today.

2nd time coming down Cruagh today in a week, second time nearly getting cleaned out of it by an impatient motorist coming up stuck behind someone climbing. Avoiding in future.

Plastik · 29-07-2019 9:52am

Nice spin around the Wicklow mountains at the weekend. The road surfacing works at Featherbeds & Glencree meant taking some roads I wouldn't regularly use and a few new roads on the western side. Beautiful day for it and loads of people out. 127k with 2,600m elevation at 27.5avg. Some part of the country for cycling when we have the weather.

Tell us about your new improved government regulations compliant cycle part II

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