A Chilly Morning – A Heart Warming Event

My eldest grandson loves being on his bike. He cycles to school everyday come rain or shine and is unhappy when his parents drawn the line at riding in snow and ice.

Yesterday he wanted an outing with me. So, the car was loaded up and we made our way to a parking area on the Brampton Valley Way close to Draughton. The Brampton Valley Way connects Northampton to Market Harborough on a disused railway line and is a haven for cyclists, walkers and joggers.

We headed South toward Northampton and eleven or so kilometres later arrived at the Brampton Halt. The location of a nice pub on the site of an old station and next door to the Brampton and Lamport Railway. We rested a while with a coffee and a packet of crisps before setting out on our way back to the car and a Sunday lunch back home.

Just one event with of many with my eldest Grandson that warms my heart and makes cycling on a misty morning with the mercury indicating just 5 deg an absolute joy.

Looking forward to our next mini adventure. 🙂

A return to blogging?

I cannot believe that eleven years have passed since my last post here. A lot has happend since then, I have two grandson, 10 and 4, I have cycled two Eroica’s in the Peak District, acquired more bikes but have less hair.

For many years I have maintained the assertion that e-bikes are the way to go as one’s body ages. Whilst I consider myself pretty fit I know that I am getting slower with advancing age. I have been considering one for a while and two weeks ago I took the plunge with a used Ribble ALe. Primarily because I have torn a intercostal muscle and leaning over the bars was not comfortable. The ALe has straight bars and is described as a hybrid. Purchased from Bike Exchange at a good price it come with some minor cosmetic marks but otherwise appeared to not have been much used. Battery data show just six charging cycles completed. Range is quoted as up to 60 miles. My initial [short] rides confirm that I will attain far more than that. Today having completed 37km, starting with 100% battery and finishing with 90% battery. I was, of course, riding with the motor disengaged for most of the time. I have too many bikes and am currently actively trying to dispose of a couple. The Ribble could so easily replace them all. Not that I will be doing that, there is nothing quite like riding a lightweight road bike. What it can replace is my trusty 27 year old Orbit silver medal tourer, but will I let it go?

It even came with a Brooks saddle in prefect condition (a blessing or a curse?). The gheko decal was applied by me to cover a (poorly) paint touch up area.

It is fair to say that this bicycle has ignited within my the desire to set off with tent and belongings on another tour. This year, maybe not, next year……who knows, the eldest Grandson loves cycling with me so a great opening there – although it would need to be traffic free……. B FR NL?

New Bottom Bracket

I have today replaced the sealed cartridge bottom bracket on my Orbit Silver Medal.  A job I approached with a little trepidation given the problems revealed by others in forums on the internet, not least this thread:- CTC FORUM.
Which includes the following report after numerous tips having been given.

“Thank you all for the advice, I removed the bottom bracket tonight with a big hammer & supporting the frame against some thick wood. It came out after a few hits leaving the plastic ends behind, these were removed by forcing a screwdriver between the plastic & the frame. 
The thread inside the frame is now possibly damaged but I will get a bottom bracket for damaged threads”.

Well I am pleased to say I avoided such extreme action.  The correct tool however was not easy to use as keeping it pushed hard enough on to the plastic cap was nigh on impossible. To resolve this I bolted the removal tool on to the crank by using a ring spanner as a washer.  The lugs of the tool were then very securely fixed on to the plastic cap and it was just a matter of applying a strong pull/push on the wrench on the tool.

Tool bolted to crank using crank bolt and ring spanner as a washer.

Push down on spanner to remove plastic cap.

A quick road test and all is well, apart from………………….. the clicking I was so convinced was the bottom bracket is still evident.  Oh well, a new skill learnt!

Anjou Vélo Vintage

Some thirty years ago my wife and I visited Saumur in the Anjou region of France for the first time.  We fell in love with the town and have been back many times.  Last year we spent a weekend there at the same time as the annual Anjou Vélo Vintage cycle ride was taking place (not a coincidence).  The town really took on a party atmosphere and I decided there and then that I would take part in one of the four rides on offer in 2014.
All I was short of was an old bike!
In September 2014 I acquired a 1980’s Bianchi from an acquaintance who, unknown to me at the time, was planning to do the same ride (as well as L’Eroica in Italy and the Eroica Britannia in Yorkshire).  The bike was surplus due to his having acquired a second “up market” model direct from Italy.  The bike as best I can determine is a Bianchi Sprint 28c manufactured, I think, in 1985 (which if correct will make the bike the same age as my daughter). It is pretty much at the lowest end of the Bianchi range of the time with Simplex, Ofmega and Weinman components.  Having said that, the front derailleur band snapped on first use and given the cost of a used genuine part and their known fragility it has been replaced with a Shimano component.
This week despite my best intention of just using it in its current state I have stripped the frame completely in order to overhaul headset and bottom bracket as well as cleaning all components.
I was surprised at how light the frame actually is (and in contrast how heavy the box of components is)!
My problem now – well having got this far it seems silly not to purchase new decals and have it resprayed.
To date I have ridden this bike about 200 metres (the end of our street and back twice) but  it has given me immeasurable pleasure.  I am looking forward to putting it back together and more than anything else riding the Anjou Vèlo Vintage at the end of June.

Footnote:
Anjou is strictly speaking not a region of France, Saumur being in the region of Centre. Anjou is the historical name for the region.

Take Away Space From Cars to Reduce Congestion For All

Take Away Space From Cars to Reduce Congestion For All.

The Start to my Weekend!

Yesterday a CTC B ride was planned.  Starting in Northampton I travelled to a friends home from where we would start our journey to the meeting point.  I was a little apprehensive given the ride was billed as brisk!

Fate, however, intervened.  Before even reaching the start point my front deraillier cable snapped leaving me on the small chain ring, legs spinning furiously to maintain a top speed of; wait for it, 10mph.  Decision made, I bade farewell to my friend and headed home.  Fate, however, had not quite finished with me.  For an inexplicable reason (to me anyway) my steering became somewhat stiff, not noticeable on the bike but very noticeable once off it.  Oh well, never mind.  It was an interesting afternoon.  Cable replacement, no problem.  Headset, never touched one of those before, but after a quick read discovered it isn’t as complicated as I feared and it is now the penultimate part of my bike I know well (the last being the bottom bracket).

In my cold garage, raining outside, my thoughts wandered back to a ride undertaken two weeks ago from Bruges in Belgium to Sluis in the Netherlands with my wife, here are some photos.

Cycle 4 Cynthia 2013 – Charity Ride

What a difference a year makes.  Last years ride (click here for blog entry) was completed on a dull overcast day with my last hour of the ride undertaken in the pouring rain.  I was so cold by the time I finished I couldn’t even squeeze my helmet fastener to get my helmet off!

But not this year.  After leaving home in fog I arrived at Althorp House not only in good time but in glorious sunshine.  It was not long before I met up with others as pre-arranged and some good pre-ride banter was to be had whilst waiting in the holding pen before the start.  We were on the 50 mile route.  This however was the same as last year and with 3300 feet of climbing involved it could not be called a breeze of a ride though.  But hey thats only 1 kilometre – doesn’t sound much, does it.

We rolled slowly away.  The PA system giving encouragement – in the form of news that next years route will be flatter!

Up the gentle incline towards Great Brington, it was then around the tight plunging right hander (that is also on the return route and a bit of a nemesis for me) before screaming downhill and over the railway line and then uphill to East Haddon.  Once through the village it was another fast descent towards Ravensthorpe.  All too short lived as we all began to dance on the pedals on the climb to the village.  A right turn and we were on the roller coaster route that would see us through Teeton and up to Spratton.  Straight through Spratton and down we go again, and up, and down, before the hard pull into Brixworth.  Once through Brixworh the route turned North and across comparatively flat lands.  The legs were now well and truly warm and we glided along with 16-18 mph indicated.  We made a stop at the second feed station, some 20 miles into the ride.  I stopped here last year.  It was a case of déja vu when after a few moments someone quickly stopped, forgot unclip and hit the road – I cannot remember if it was the same person as last year!  Don’t you just hate it when that happens?  We’ve all done it – haven’t we?
Once underway again it was time for the hills to start making a reappearance.  It was uphill towards Clipston before turning left towards Naseby and then on to Haselbech.  From there it was down a fast narrow descent towards Cottesbrooke.  Its a descent to which I attach a great deal respect, a pot hole at the bottom having been responsible for a hospital stay of a week for my father a few years ago.

It is all glorious countryside around here and not unfamiliar to me as it is where I do the vast majority of my riding.  But with the effort and the conversation it all passed very quickly and before very long we were grinding up the hill in Creaton before another descent into Hollowell.  From there, it was Guilsborough.  But before that the hill out of Hollowell – last year it beat me and was the first of three points where I briefly walked.  Not this year – I beat it.  At Guilsborough we stopped at the feed station, a point where the 25 mile route joined us.  I chatted with a guy on a fixie – he was on the 25 mile route but I know I would rather do the 50 with my gears than the 25 on that!  It did look great though.

Next few miles were again a roller coaster into Cold Ashby and then towards Yelveroft.  Cold Ashby marks the highest point in Northamptonshire – must be all downhill from here.  It was comfortable riding towards Yelvertoft and I even managed a long conversation with what I believe to be the only Brompton in the event.  A pristine white 3 speed H type.  It became more strained out of Yelvertoft as legs became tired and it was a long slow climb towards West Haddon.  After this it was Long Bucky, another single track road with some serious inclines.  The last of which also beat me last year – not this year though!  From Long Buckby it really was the home straight, with the road running parallel to the railway it was pretty easy, until that is, we hit the last climb into Great Brington and what was now a very sharp left hander.  In the best traditions of taking a switchback I used all the road and went the long way round to find the easiest route.  That was the final hill that killed me last year and I had conquered them all.  Alpe d’huez in isn’t but never the less it was an achievement for me – what with being a year older too.

It was all downhill to the finish and the ceremonial receipt of a medal.  After all regrouping there was only two things left to do ……….. bikes in cars and off to the pub!

Another great day and all in a good cause.  Col, Giles, Dave, Milton and Matt – thanks for the banter.  Special mention for friend Alex – didn’t see much of him after the start but he was unmissable on his vintage Bianchi resplendent in his vintage jersey, shorts, shoes and with a spare tube over his shoulder, he even had a curly moustache!  Not sure that the klaxon was original though.

Leicester Castle Classic – 18 August 2013

A great day out.  Not a huge crowd but only the first time the event has been held and many of those there only found out about it by chance, as did I a couple of days before.  Hopefully it will be a permanent fixture.  I will certainly be there next year and might even be evident in the “shoppers and choppers” event.

Congratulations to winner, Simon Yates.
(Click to read British Cycling report and view photos – NB the one below is mine!)

Day 4 – Friday 14th June 2013

I was rudely awakened by my alarm just as the sun rose above the rooftops of Dunkerque.

I had decided to try to make the ferry before the one on which I was booked, IE the 10:00 as opposed to 12:00.  After as much as I possible could at the buffet breakfast I was on my way at just gone seven.  I had no problems fitting my bike in the lift having mastered, the previous evening, the “stand on end and wedge it in” method.  Seriously the lift was a 4 person maximum and I reckon measure just 1000mm x 900mm!
I had studied the map of Dunkerque the previous evening and decided to take the most obvious route to the port regardless of the road classification.  As it turned out the majority of the route, whilst being a major route and busy, had a good cycle lane, the hinderance being the amount of tree debris that had been blown down the previous day/night.  It was just the last 2 miles approaching the port that was a bit ****

I checked in for the 10:00 crossing and joined the queue, well leapt to the front of it.  Just before boarding I was joined by another touring cyclist on a Thorn Nomad who was cutting short his travels after six weeks due to a family bereavement.  We started chatting  which led to the usual question, “where are you from”.  As it turned out we live in adjacent villages!!!
As I cross the channel I am able to reflect on the past few days.  All in all the weather could have been better but it could also have been a lot worse.  After all it did not rain on me once.
The continental cycling, and particularly Belgium and the Netherlands was fantastic and certainly worth returning to experience more – it is just so much more relaxing than on the Uk roads.  I could have done with better maps, particularly of built up areas.  A GPS would have been great, but where is the challenge in that?
Four days (two and a bit in reality) did not do the journey justice and it would have been better if more time had been available to meander a little from the route.  However I have seen and experienced a lot and it will be a perfect grounding for coming back and seeing more.

Day 3 – Thursday 13th June 2013

I awoke this morning after a goods nights sleep that was only punctuated by the occasional waking to the sound of torrential rain and a howling wind.  Needless to say I was wondering what sort of day I was in for.

I left the hotel at 9am (breakfast was not available until 08:30) and whilst the weather was dull it was not raining.  I did battle with the wind for one and a half hours and am now on the return “fast ferry”.  My route back to Vlissingen was different to the outgoing (shorter) but I still managed to get lost in Middelburg.  It will be interesting to see the GPS tracks on http://www.endomondo.com later (nick1956).
Next stage is to head into Belgium and board the tram.  Somewhat choppy out here now and proving difficult to write, whats more, I am feeling whoozy!!!
The ride West from Breskens where the ferry docks was an interesting ride.  I say interesting but if the wind had been calm it would have been delightful.  The route took me West, sometimes up on the dykes and sometimes behind them, either way there was no escaping the wind.  It was the only time this trip that I wished I had the SLR camera with me (a pair of aero bars would have been useful too).

Arrival in Knokke-Heist came at 13:00 and I proceeded to waste a bit of time trying to guess where the tramway might start from.  Well eventually aboard, destination De Panne in the Western corner of Belgium.  It isn’t a smooth ride but good value it is, 2 Euros for me and 2 Euros for the bike for an 80km ride taking 2.5 hours.

I have reserved a room in Dunkerque centre for this evening.  By taking the tram I am effectively splitting the balance of the ride from De Panne into two parts.  The final part from Dunkerque centre to the port left for tomorrow morning.

Whilst the grey skies persisted all morning it has not rained ….. yet!  The forecast wind was 35kph (21mph).  At times I was crawling along at a mere 8mph.

The tram ride became particularly interesting as we arrived at Oostende central station.  An announcement was made and everybody rose and started to get off.  I unlashed my bike and started to follow.  Everyone piled into the tram in front bearing the destination board “De Panne”.  It was already busy but as I was last to board it was akin to getting into a rush hour London tube train – now imagine doing that but pushing a bicycle in with you and you have the scene I was creating!
As we moved into the suburbs the passengers thinned out and was able to lash my bike into the wheelchair area previously full of pushchairs and prams – I thought they folded?
We eventually arrived in De Panne under very grey skies with a veritable gale blowing.  I managed to locate the correct way to exit De Panne and was soon on a long, VERY LONG, straight road straight into the wind.  It is no exaggeration when I say that I have never cycled in anything worse.  In fact, at home, I just wouldn’t bother going out.
The road led to Bray-Dunes where I spent my first night.  At about 5km from the town I caught a young lad pushing his bike.  I thought he may have a puncture or need assistance, but no, he had simply given up fighting the wind.
I made, yet again, a few navigational errors in Bray-Dunes but was soon powering on towards Dunkerque.  Sometimes there was a little shelter and the speedometer limped into double figures.  Never was anyone as happy as I was when I passed the Dunkerque entry board.  However there was still about 4km to the centre.  This bit actually turned out to be fun.  A good cycle lane occupied the right hand side of the carriageway and the only obstructions occurred when busses stopped to collect or deposit passengers. A large modern bendy bus passed me on the outskirts and like a demented schoolboy I decided I would try and race it to the centre – we played cat and mouse all the way in.  The bus won.
Close to the centre I pulled over and retrieved the hotel address from my bar bag, I continued 200 metres and asked a pedestrian where the street in particular was.  He asked where in particular I wanted.  “Hotel Ibis” I replied. “Il est là” he said pointing to the lurid red neon sign visible above the other buildings.  I backtracked and discovered the hotel to be exactly where I had stopped to open the bar bag ….. spooky.

Well, after showering, changing, putting the phone on to charge and ……….. washing my socks, I collected a local map from reception and headed out.  The sun was now out and all was well with the world.  An advertisement on the map indicated a chinese restaurant close to the centre of town.  After more of the usual navigational fun I am getting used to I found it, about a mile from the hotel.  Oh well, the sun was out, the walk pleasant and after all I had been sitting down all day.
I ate enough for two and high tailed it back to the hotel before happy hour ended at 20:00hrs.  I just made it, 50cl of beer for the price of 33cl. Bliss.

To be continued…….