The Audio-Talk Cycling thread.

[pre65]

That cyclo-cross reminded me, I was there;

When you was a boy ?

Must admit I'm glad my off road exploits utilised an internal combustion engine.

[Ray P]

I did my first virtual race on Zwift this evening. I chose a fairly short circuit race, 4 laps, and not hilly, just as a tester. Not being sure what to expect, I entered as a Cat D rider, which is the easiest class, and rode within my limits. Anyway, I finished but got disqualified as my power output was too high for Cat D. In fact my time would have been good enough to finish 26th in the Cat C race and I had gas left in the tank. A lot learned!

[Ray P]

I needed a change of scenery so headed out on a free-range ride this afternoon, 30miles at a fairly leisurely 15.5mph.

It was a bit chilly, but dry and the roads were nice and quiet. The only downside was a few miles with really potent 'country air' - best not to think about the run off from some of the fields.

[IslandPink]

Just went out for just over an hour on the bike. Took the main road south for a while to avoid some of the messy small roads. Generally it was a bit drier than of late though. Had to dress up well. Very grey but with some light granules of snow for entertainment on the way back.

[andrew Ivimey]

I had a(nother) bike nicked. To lose one parent is a misfortune, to lose two smacks of carelessness.... to lose a third....

It was locked to the railings for approx 5 mins tops till it was gone and I steps out from the shop and ...wha!???

Well I don't have to change the chain, nor clean it.

I'll just have to go out and buy another.

[IslandPink]

Cripes ! Bedford seems to be a hotbed.

[andrew Ivimey]

It's not the finest or most interesting place I've graced but it does seem to be a Mecca for bicycle thieves.

[Ray P]

It was locked to the railings for approx 5 mins tops till it was gone and I steps out from the shop and ...wha!???

So the low-life cut the frame?

Chances are the local constabulary will have a pretty good idea of who took it...

[andrew Ivimey]

The local constabulary reported to me that the CCTV cameras were pointed in the wrong direction ... rather like the guns in Singapore ( I added).

The railings were in tact so one must conclude that the villain mashed into the lock.

[Ray P]

I've cut the screengrab below from the British Cycling website.

That's nice concise guidance from the sport's minister...

[Dave the bass]

Yey! I rode Scobswell today, though I'd fail the stringent Team A-T doping test because I'm on steroids but at least they've help freed my hips up enough to enable me to get actually get onto a bike and pedal again.

I've flip-floppereded the rear wheel so he's SS not FG now to give me a fighting chance of going further than the 4 mile round trip to see my Mum I've been using to build up stamina and confidence again.

Today I completed the local 'fitness loop' for the 1st time since June last year when that PMR started getting really bad...

Departed: Feb 20, 2021, 10:45 am
Starts in: Dartford, England, GB
Distance: 13.7 mi
Elevation: + 625 / - 627 ft
Max Grade:
9.2 %
Avg Grade
0.2 %
VAM 311 Vm/h
Ascent time 00:36:46
Descent time 00:29:15
Total Duration: 01:08:03
Moving Time: 01:06:01
Stopped Time: 00:02:02
Max Speed: 29.0 mph
Avg Speed: 12.5 mph
Pace: 00:04:57
Moving Pace: 00:04:48

It was the absolute limit of what I can do right now but it felt great to be riding again. Neck and shoulders are still not right, I can't do really good over the shoulder life-savers yet when I'm in the slightly forward cycling position and standing up to get out the saddle to power up some of the hills I can feel my shoulders stretching and complaining, not crunching though. I've started doing Yoga again which helping get some of the movement back in my hips and neck so I'm not totally relying on the drugs to get my body working properly again. Weight has shot up not unsurprisingly, 14st 4lbs.

Its a start though, hoo-bleedin'-ray

[Ray P]

bleedin'-ray

Nope, at least not that I've noticed.

Great effort Mr. B and it's marvellous to see you back in the peleton, I really hope things continue to improve for you - hopefully the longer days and warmer weather will help, they're just around the corner.

With lockdown and the winter conditions almost all of my own riding has been on Zwift. It may be dry enough to get a few road miles in tomorrow. This afternoon I had a restful time in the garage listening to Tanita Tikaram, Tears for Fears and Texas (alphabetical playback on the portable player!)

[Dave the bass]

bleedin'-ray

Nope, at least not that I've noticed.
Capture.JPG

Arf!

[Ray P]

How are you feeling now Dave, no lasting after affects I hope.

[Dave the bass]

All good ta Ray, we went for a fairly long walk this afternoon too. I can feel my lungs and leg muscles have been used harder than they have been for very long time but nothing is hurting seriously.