Since I started out on Xmas eve I've managed at least 30km a day. Not much in the grand scheme of things, but given my state of fitness and the load, it's been pretty tiring!
Today was bad, as there are high winds across Lincolnshire (up to 47km/h according to the BBC). My direction of travel meant that it was alternately a cross wind and a head wind. The head wind slowed me down to around 13km/h but the cross winds were worse.
About halfway along my route the terrain changes from the rolling small hills of the south end of the Wolds with hedges and trees along the roads to the fens. The fens are practically obstruction-free (there's the odd tree or house) so the wind was at full strength when it met the road.
Once I'd been blown clear off the road once, I decided against going the remaining 15km!
I think this might be it for my ride this year as tomorrow is looking windy as well.
Friday 27 December 2013
Monday 23 December 2013
Last minute Xmas preparations - ride tomorrow!
Took the Fuego and (unladen) trailer out for a 30km test ride yesterday.
One thing I learnt was that the stretch of off-road shared use path out towards Bingham is not nearly wide enough for passing, frequently obstructed and the points at which are you're redirected into the recessed bus stops are not suitable for a three metre bike+trailer. Looks like I'll have to mainly stick to the road!
Also, the rough treatment that the trailer received mostly ruined the Cat Eye mount at the back, stripping out the notches that hold the light in place around the mount axle (this is what allows you to adjust the light angle up and down). I'll need to get a replacement for mounting the Volt50 to my (upright) saddle again and for the time being I've glued the broken mount in place.
Tomorrow's the day! Hope to set off at 10 and be there by 2. If the weather looks too bad I'll call the whole thing off and try to go for longer rides in January instead.
One thing I learnt was that the stretch of off-road shared use path out towards Bingham is not nearly wide enough for passing, frequently obstructed and the points at which are you're redirected into the recessed bus stops are not suitable for a three metre bike+trailer. Looks like I'll have to mainly stick to the road!
Also, the rough treatment that the trailer received mostly ruined the Cat Eye mount at the back, stripping out the notches that hold the light in place around the mount axle (this is what allows you to adjust the light angle up and down). I'll need to get a replacement for mounting the Volt50 to my (upright) saddle again and for the time being I've glued the broken mount in place.
Tomorrow's the day! Hope to set off at 10 and be there by 2. If the weather looks too bad I'll call the whole thing off and try to go for longer rides in January instead.
Tuesday 17 December 2013
Xmas preparations
I've got the trainer tyre off of the Fuego now ready for some rides before I set off on Christmas eve.
My trailer has also already been modified to take a Cat Eye Volt50. This involved drilling a couple of holes into the end of the base:
Angling it down at the ground should prevent it dazzling anybody behind me and it's bright enough for the patch of light to be seen from a good distance.
My trailer has also already been modified to take a Cat Eye Volt50. This involved drilling a couple of holes into the end of the base:
Angling it down at the ground should prevent it dazzling anybody behind me and it's bright enough for the patch of light to be seen from a good distance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)