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Ambridge Wheelers - Summer 2010
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Message 1.Â
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Wednesday, 2nd June 2010
For cyclists new to the road, those who learned as toddlers, and the experts.
I am not an expert myself but restarted cycling a few years ago and am getting fitter.
A place to chat about how to get started, which kit to buy, your problems and successes on two wheels. -
Message 2
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Wednesday, 2nd June 2010
Wed, 02 Jun 2010 22:36 GMT, in reply to sagethyme in message 1
Encouragement for your charity ride.
Triumph is just try and add an umph.
Pain is only temporary and not worth getting worked up about.
I have my own challenge, setting off on the 18th to ride toa town in Germany with a group of friends as a Town twinning gesture. The whole thing started in 2008 when the Mayor of the German town and pals cycled here and presented our Mayor with a cycle route sign pointing to his town.
As soon as I saw it I declared that has got to be done, and so we set off on the 18th with a cycle route sign to present to the Mayor in Rheinbach. Yours truly is doing that and has to make a speech in German.
Some weeks ago I had counted myself out of this as my back collapsed and I virtually existed for 6 painful weeks on the floor. I am back on the bike now but woefully unfit for tucking awqay 60 mile successive days. I am setting myself a 60 mile Saturday and Sunday this weekend, just to see if I can do it. -
Message 3
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Thursday, 3rd June 2010
I did not know any of this Fausto,may I call you Coppi, 6 weeks of the bike is terrible. It is good to have a goal to train towards. Please keep us posted as to how you get on.
The best of luck to you -
Message 4
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Thursday, 3rd June 2010
Thu, 03 Jun 2010 08:10 GMT, in reply to sue in message 3
I did not know any of this Fausto,may I call you Coppi,Â
That would indeed be flattery to which I am truly undeserving. Scrubber on a bike is more apt in my case.
I did have the joy of seeing Fausto on the Isle of Man when he was in the twilight of his career and I was a schoolboy. I was smitten by the charisma of the man at that stage.
I spent the early 70s living in Southern holland and slipped over the border on many occasions to see "Emporer" Eddy in action. Again the presense and Charisma was awesome.
I think the most thrilling was the final hour of the 76 Antwerp 6 day. I think Merckx and his partner Sercu were in second place and a couple of laps down. The final hour was bedlam as this pair sought to regain the laps and then end as clear winners. The Belgian crowd was on its feet for the whole hour shouting themselves hoarse. Sheer dynamite and a thrill to watch, even though it might have possibly been stage managed.
Armstrong simply hasnt got a clue even if he has won the tour 7 times. Merckx has over 500 proffessional victorys to his name. -
Message 5
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Thursday, 3rd June 2010
Well Coppi I now will retail some of my own stories.
I have just returned from living in the south of France for the last 10 years.So I have seen many Td'F including some non Armstrong years which are better attended and more exciting. I have seen Cav win twice which was great. I also saw the Tour d'Meditereaneé finish in my home town,Agde, and Benatti threw me the flowers, I have them pressed.
More exciting still in the family vaults is cine footage that I saw of the Tour in 1970 I would have been 5 and Meerx will have been riding I think.
I have never got to a mountain stage yet but I hope to. ooh yes I want to see Paris Roubaix I may have a chance next year.
Just had an hour this morning before I get stuck behind this thing for the day, you? -
Message 6
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Thursday, 3rd June 2010
Looked up these people on Wikipedia after reading your stirring tales, Fausto and Sue.
I'm not a watcher of any sport, but we took our bikes on the car roof to the French Alps some years ago. The cottage was on a mountain which the Tour had recently passed, so we took pride in riding that bit!
Wie geht's Fausto, hope you will manage the ride. -
Message 7
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Thursday, 3rd June 2010
Thu, 03 Jun 2010 10:18 GMT, in reply to sue in message 5
Just had an hour this morning before I get stuck behind this thing for the day, you?Â
I am just ending a stuck at the pooter session, a stroll to the shops, a light lunch and then a relaxed ride in the Sun kissed Kent countryside is the next on the agenda. -
Message 8
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Sunday, 6th June 2010
Fausto
Did you manage a good practice ride today as planned?
My targets are more modest. I must improve fitness and mileage for 27 June charity Bikeathon.
I have prospected a short but varied local route including a steep hill for days when I can only do half an hour. Shall try to do more towards the end of the month. Writing it here makes it more likely I will stick to the schedule. -
Message 9
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Monday, 7th June 2010
Mon, 07 Jun 2010 20:37 GMT, in reply to sagethyme in message 8
Fausto
Did you manage a good practice ride today as planned?Â
Yup,
I tucked away 130 miles or so over Saturday and Sunday, so I have the confidence to set off to Germany in 11 days time.
I think the thing with cycling is to regularly give yourself a target that stretches your ability. That way it gives your morale a feed of boosts as you find you can do new things. Dont get obsessed by it though. Above all enjoy. -
Message 10
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Wednesday, 9th June 2010
Thought some of you may be interested in this.
One point he neglected to mention is that cycling is more efficient in terms of calories per mile than walking, and certainly more efficient than burning off surplus calories in the gym.
As a vegetarians cyclist I'm probably fairly low on the total carbon emissions per mile, although this may be offset by slightly higher methane emissions than average. -
Message 11
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Wednesday, 9th June 2010
Above all enjoyÂ
I do, Fausto, I do. It is also the antidote to grumpiness.
Interesting article, Poorgrass. I tried gyms a couple of times years ago and hated the whole experience. Cycling actually gets places I want to go as well as achieving exercise. Gardening also achieves practical results.
Speaking of which, I'm outa here to do stuff while the sun shines! -
Message 12
Posted by registar again (U14509878) on Thursday, 10th June 2010
Its me Fausto. Yet another identity due to the poxy registration for this messageboard. I dont have this trouble elsewhere.
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Message 13
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Thursday, 10th June 2010
Never had a problem with logins but have noticed that lots of folk do, Bean old chap.
Meanwhile my training circuits are coming along OK and the steep hill is now achievable in a higher gear than before.
One thing which concerns me about doing this large charity Bikeathon: all those folk milling about, don't people bash into each other? -
Message 14
Posted by registar again (U14509878) on Thursday, 10th June 2010
Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:18 GMT, in reply to sagethyme in message 13
One thing which concerns me about doing this large charity Bikeathon: all those folk milling about, don't people bash into each other?Â
I have found on mass rides that after the first couple of miles or so, you tend to find your own space. -
Message 15
Posted by Lady Trudie Tilney Glorfindel Maldini (U2222312) on Thursday, 10th June 2010
Just bookmarking - I don't ride much myself (half a mile to the village shop) because of a medical problem, but am a great fan. Good to hear your tales of watching the greats - i once saw a stage af the Tour of Britain including my hero Jesper Skibby!
Also accompanied OH to the Etape last year.
Bean, is that you?
PS Armstrong cynic. -
Message 16
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Thursday, 10th June 2010
Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:41 GMT, in reply to ermintrude in message 15
Yup, tapping away on another machine. -
Message 17
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Saturday, 12th June 2010
Definite progress to report on fitness. Was hoping the roads would be empty today. Apparently lots of blokes should be watching other wealthier blokes kick balls about, to the sound of merry horns.
No such luck
More than usual vans and lorries in our suburb trying to park, back into me, hurry home for their own fix of telly, etc.
However, I achieved my circuit OK. The best part is a short stretch of level road following a railway crossing where cars cannot go. -
Message 18
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Saturday, 12th June 2010
Well done sagethyme, I will try and cycle with you next week, I have finally nailed a usefull circuit. I like to go out early morning before it gets busy.
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Message 19
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Saturday, 12th June 2010
I've just got back from a ride while the football was on. I was expecting deserted roads, but in fact they weren't much less busy than normal. There were also plenty of people and families in the country park where I used the cycle tracks, so had to keep my speed down - but I enjoyed it anyway.
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Message 20
Posted by registar again (U14509878) on Thursday, 17th June 2010
Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:55 GMT, in reply to Poorgrass in message 19
Happy Birthday to the Emporer. -
Message 21
Posted by registar again (U14509878) on Thursday, 17th June 2010
Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:58 GMT, in reply to registar again in message 20
Here is the News bit about the Emporers Birthday -
Message 22
Posted by Lady Trudie Tilney Glorfindel Maldini (U2222312) on Thursday, 17th June 2010
Is that David Walliams getting his autograph in the first pic? Happy birthday indeed.
Did anyone see Cav's crash on Tuesday? Here it is for those who can brave it:
I see he got blamed for it, although it looked 50:50 to me. Poor Cav, it's really not his year. -
Message 23
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Thursday, 17th June 2010
Ouch!
Mr T had shown me some stills of this crash in the Guardian, which seemed to show a wheel buckling and then straightening. Can they do that? -
Message 24
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Thursday, 17th June 2010
In reply to sagethyme
Not in my experience, but then those top racing bikes are made of some fairly exotic materials these days.
Unfortunately, on the Guardian website they only show you one picture (also now to find the sport you have to click World Cup and then navigate back from the football page - grrrr!) -
Message 25
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Thursday, 17th June 2010
Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:34 GMT, in reply to ermintrude in message 22
I see he got blamed for it, although it looked 50:50 to me. Poor Cav, it's really not his year.Â
The aerial sequence showed he crossed from the extreme rh side of the road to the left hand side in around 100metres, clipped one riders front wheel in doing so before colliding with Hauslerr and allegedly spat at Hausler whilst he was on the deck.
The fact that the start the following day was delayed by the riders objecting to the fact that Cavendish wasnt disqualified says a lot. I think he has a lot of growing up to do before he gets seriously hurt.
I remember a sprinter who was around in the UK in the early 60s, he was an outright menace and once when he did go down, just about the whole field lined up to ride over him -
Message 26
Posted by Lady Trudie Tilney Glorfindel Maldini (U2222312) on Thursday, 17th June 2010
Oh dear, that doesn't sound good. He'll be a Billy no-mates before too long, won't he.
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Message 27
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Thursday, 17th June 2010
Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:47 GMT, in reply to ermintrude in message 26
Anyway thats me for a while. Front wheel will be aimed at Germany tomorrow morning, and I shall be following it. -
Message 28
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Thursday, 17th June 2010
Good luck Fausto
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Message 29
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Thursday, 17th June 2010
All the best Fausto, I know the beer is good at the end of the journey.
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Message 30
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Sunday, 27th June 2010
Are you back from Germany OK Fausto?
Proud of myself today having completed my first charity ride, the Bikeathon.
There were 3 starting points around London and we were told over 6000 folk took part. Very well organised, signposted and marshalled. Water bottles and snacks given out and Sir Trevor MacDonald to wave us off. -
Message 31
Posted by sue (U8059472) on Sunday, 27th June 2010
Well done sagethyme, did you cope with the jostling? I remember you were concerned.
It sounds a lot of fun -
Message 32
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Sunday, 27th June 2010
Thanks Sue, no problems. The marshals made us start in small batches with gaps between. People made their own pace and we had all been sent brightly coloured T-shirts, in advance, for identification and visibility.
All very friendly and my old joints feel OK.
We were told that a couple of riders in the many thousands were booked for jumping a red light. Even more stupid than usual, because we were all wearing identification numbers and there were police and cameras at the main junctions! -
Message 33
Posted by registar again (U14509878) on Monday, 28th June 2010
Mon, 28 Jun 2010 19:06 GMT, in reply to sagethyme in message 32
Well done with the bikeathon Sagethyme. Targets achieved always feel good. As was mine.
The story behind my jaunt to Germany is that in 2008 a group of cyclists from our twin town of Rheinbach led by their mayor rode here and presented our Mayor with a fingerpost cycle route sign pointing to Rheinbach. As soon as I saw it I declared that the ride had to be done. So with a few friends and assistance from the twinning association we set off on the 350+ miles to Rheinbach.
Experiencing the cycling infrastructure in Belgium and Germany was a real eye opener and has given me a lot of fuel for my cycle campaigning activities.
Our last but one night was spent in Aachen and we were met in the morning of dparture by the group from Rheinbach who had left Rheinbach at 6 that morning in order to get to Aachen for our 9 oclock start. They piloted us the last leg of 60 miles into their home town. The reception we recieved was amazing. It felt almost like crossing the finish line on the Champs Elysee at the end of the Tour De France (not that I have experienced that).
We had a lot of coverage in the local press and the following day walking around Rheinbach people would just come up and shake hands having recognised us from the newspapers.
The return home was motorised and was a real bump as no matter how enthusiastically I tried to describe things to neighbours, all they could talk about was some football game or other -
Message 34
Posted by Cliff Hanger (U14309141) on Friday, 2nd July 2010
I've discovered another disadvantage of helmets. Riding along a cycle path yesterday morning, a wasp became trapped uder my visor and stung my forehead, felt very sore all day.
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Message 35
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Friday, 2nd July 2010
In reply to Cliff Hanger message 34
Ouch!! My sympathies.
I've never attached the visor to my helmet - never seen the need for it. I always wear sunglasses or some sort of eye protection, even in winter because of flying bugs, also because air moving fast makes my eyes run.
Round here the dilemma is whether to wear shorts and t-shirt and risk the bloodsucking bugs that live in the vicinity of our cycle paths (going fast probably helps), or whether to cover up and get hot. -
Message 36
Posted by registar again (U14509878) on Friday, 2nd July 2010
Fri, 02 Jul 2010 11:09 GMT, in reply to Cliff Hanger in message 34
I've discovered another disadvantage of helmets. Riding along a cycle path yesterday morning, a wasp became trapped uder my visor and stung my forehead, felt very sore all day.Â
I had the experience of being stung on the forehead a couple of weeks ago, and have had several emergency helmet removals as some beastie was trapped against my head.
Thankfully, I scarcely react to wasp stings, but agree it is a hazhard of helmet wear. -
Message 37
Posted by Lady Trudie Tilney Glorfindel Maldini (U2222312) on Saturday, 3rd July 2010
Are the TdF fans ready for action? (Or rather inaction, sitting in front of the tv for 3 weeks)
The first few stages look as if they could be really interesting this year.
[I wondered whether a separate TdF thread in TB would be a good idea, what do people think?] -
Message 38
Posted by registar again (U14509878) on Saturday, 3rd July 2010
Sat, 03 Jul 2010 07:43 GMT, in reply to ermintrude in message 37
[I wondered whether a separate TdF thread in TB would be a good idea, what do people think?]Â
Go for it. Big questions are will we have Wiggins in Yellow and Cavendish in Green?
I expect if we did it would tend to go ignored by UK media or they will do it against a backdrop of doping inuendos. -
Message 39
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Saturday, 3rd July 2010
In reply to ermintrude
There aready is one
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Message 40
Posted by Lady Trudie Tilney Glorfindel Maldini (U2222312) on Saturday, 3rd July 2010
Excellent - thanks poorgrass, will go and bookmark it forthwith.
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Message 41
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Monday, 12th July 2010
Hi all, how's it going?
Mr Thyme has been spoilt for choice with all the sport and is keen on the Tour de F as well as footie.
While blokes moulder indoors watching the box, the rest of us can get out to cycle on empty roads
The last few days there really have been more cyclists of all shapes and sizes around this suburb, with car drivers behaving better. Will it last after the good weather ends? -
Message 42
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Monday, 12th July 2010
In reply to sagethyme message 41
Not all blokes like football (foot-bore IMO), and while I do have a certain weakness for Formula 1 I have certainly been out cycling a lot recently.
I've enjoyed the Tour de France highlights on television - a shame that it's consigned to ITV4 or satellite and not given more prominence in the TV schedule. I'm sure it could inspire more people to give cycling a go. -
Message 43
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Monday, 12th July 2010
Not convinced, Poorgrass, but willing to listen to argument.
eg I played hockey as a girl, now I cycle and swim, but generally find it boring to watch other people do these things.
Conversely, I like watching actors declaim Shakespeare, but have no desire (or aptitude) to do it myself.
Surely seeing the top riders speeding up Alps in Lycra, sometimes falling about, will put non-riders off a gentle potter to school or work? It is the use of bicycles during normal life that I want to encourage for health and the environment. -
Message 44
Posted by Former Archers Listener known as Fausto etc (U14266958) on Monday, 12th July 2010
Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:43 GMT, in reply to sagethyme in message 43
I think sporting success by British cyclists does make a difference for cycling all round.
The Olympic success of UK cyclits did help as a lever to get UK councils etc support schemes for cycling generally. That is prior to the ConDems budget slashing policys.
I think a UK TdF winner would make a difference, but despite the best effort s of Sky seems as unrealistic a goal as ever.
Now on bended knee praying to be proven totally wrong in the next two weeks of the Tour. -
Message 45
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Monday, 12th July 2010
it's consigned to ITV4 or satellite and not given more prominence in the TV scheduleÂ
Poorgrass & Fausto
This led to a really interesting (robust but amicable) discussion over supper just now with Mr Thyme and a shared bottle. Sorry if this is off-thread, if so I will start a new thread.
1 He assures me that everyone except us has ITV4 on their TVs as part of a free package with dozens of channels. Is this the case? I would not grudge him such a package as long as it is not on during meals, but cannot imagine what dozens of channels are for.
2 I had never heard of ITV4 so would not know what sort of programmes were on it. That being the case, how would anyone find Tour de F if they wanted it? Am trying to be considerate to the oppositon here!
3 Apparently Mr T watches ITV4 etc on his PC in the spare room. This is clearly preaching to the converted about cycling etc.
4 Where does this leave us on converting people to get on their bikes rather than (a) get in their cars or (b) sit watching fit young men cycle up Alps?
OK it was a good bottle. -
Message 46
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Monday, 12th July 2010
In reply to sagethyme message 45
ITV4 is on Freeview so you can get it as long as you have a freeview box or a television with freeview built-in and a good enough aerial and signal.
ITV4 is probably best described as a "bloke" channel with plenty of reruns of things like The Professionals, The Sweeney, Minder, some action films, and occasionally some sports like superbikes championships and rallying.
As for your last question, I think some youngsters can be attracted by the glamour of events like the Tour de France, just as following any other sport at a high level can inspire them to try taking part. Also if it makes cycling "cool", it cannot be a bad thing.
I would agree that others may not be interested in cycling from the sport side and may be more interested in health and fitness or doing their bit to reduce CO2 emissions, but whatever their motive, to effectively promote cycling you need to attract all of them. -
Message 47
Posted by Cliff Hanger (U14309141) on Tuesday, 20th July 2010
Speaking of telly, a new series "Britain by bike" starts at 8:30 tonight on Ö÷²¥´óÐã4.
We enjoyed a lovely fortnight in Ulster last month, my account of it is at -
Message 48
Posted by sagethyme (U5272261) on Tuesday, 20th July 2010
Cliff
Thanks for that, I enjoyed your account.
Ö÷²¥´óÐã4, hmm. One of the many I know nothing about. Maybe the prog will appear on Ö÷²¥´óÐã2 in due course.
Interesting item in a recent Guardian on how choice beyond a small amount does not make us happier, just irritated and confused! -
Message 49
Posted by Cliff Hanger (U14309141) on Wednesday, 21st July 2010
I'd have missed the Ö÷²¥´óÐã4 prog if a colleague hadn't told me, haven't got time to study all the channel listings every day. I recorded it, so no idea if it was any good or not.
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Message 50
Posted by Poorgrass (U12099742) on Wednesday, 21st July 2010
In reply to Cliff Hanger message 49
I finally got around to watching it, and quite enjoyed it. Wonderful scenery, and it made me want to try cycling it one year (although I now suspect it's going to be very busy with other cyclists for a while.) Still not quite sure what Claire Balding found so funny about a rock called the Devil's Cheesewring
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