Sometimes you just have a good ride. I guess this time it was good because a) it wasn’t lashing it down and b) I hadn’t just had a big fatty meal. The miles just flew by and before I knew it I was in the pub with the Shipham lot with 45 miles under my belt. A quick lemonade, some crisps and banter and back on the road for the last 15 miles home. Amazingly managed to get all the way up Burrington Combe, right to the Mendip Wood Shavings sign in my big ring. Not sure my legs will thank me tomorrow. Here is the route:
Tag Archives: castle cary
60 miles in the wind and rain
It’s a little against normal human instinct to head off cycling into heavy wind and rain but I was resolved to complete a long ride come what may. I calculated a 60 mile route and headed off wondering if I would have to wimp out and ring for a lift half way round. It really was blowing a gale and within 5 miles my shoes were filled with water to the extend where it was spilling out the top on downstrokes! I battled on enjoying the test of my determination to complete the route. Within 10 miles I was soaked through to the skin, but still warm and so it was bearable. Finally after nearly three hours I reached the Miners pub to meet the usual Shipham MTB lot after their ride. Spent an hour or so catching up with the guys then headed home. 61 miles completed.
Beautiful day for a long ride (made up for England’s performance)
Natasha went horse riding this morning so I planned a route on EveryTrail and set off. Before I went I made a change to the bike kit setup – rather than opting for my camelback (its like a rucksack) to hold everything (i.e. MTB style) I went for the roadie style setup of water bottles in cages on the bike and a small saddle bag and food in the back pockets of my cycling top. I was a bit dubious about the food position but it worked out perfectly. I was aware the single bottle I had wouldn’t be enough but planned to stop by a garage to top it up half way through. More things to add to the shopping list: another bike bottle and cage and a new saddle bag, new waterproof and a small lock. There was no chance of taking my existing lock with me so I just hoped that there wouldn’t be any dodgy youths around if I had to pop into a shop.
I planned a 45 mile route south through Castle Cary, and then east to Wincanton and up through Bruton, back to Nunney and home. As it turned out, I felt fine after around 35 miles and decided to extend it further. After topping up the water at a garage I cycled east to Frome, then hit the A36 up to Norton St Philip and back through Faulkland and Stratton on the Fosse. A total of about 60 miles. Not bad. The section of A303 is not to be recommended as the left side of the carriageways is covered in stones. Plus cars flying by at 80 mph is never a happy feeling. I’ll try and avoid dual carriageways on the JOGLE. Slightly worryingly short of breath after Norton St Philip, despite having many more miles left in the legs – I’ll have to watch out of that in the future. Took about 1 hour for the breath-shortness to go once I came back.
I am typing this having given up on the England game, which was (is) pathetic. Here is the route I took:
Down to Castle Cary, then Wincanton, Bruton, Norton St Philip and home
Oh, and the England game just finished – shocking performance, 4:1 to Germany – good on them!