Stobbs Cross figure of 8[/url]

Hexhamshire Common

Edmundbyers, Blanchland and Bolts Law

Simonside and Rothbury

Mitford

Did a figure of 8 across hexhamshire common today and it’s a bogfest. Not too enjoyable!

Well, my commute along the pancake flat river Tyne has gone from a believable 300ft total ascent to 1300ft …

Odd.

Mine seems to have read a slightly higher ascent/descent on the way to work this morning. Looking at the graph, it looks like it is recording the same elevation but more of the ups and downs during the route. I’ll report back on the total figures once I get home tonight.

+1 for dazh’s route. That’s the way we went every year for about a decade when we had a timeshare at Belle Plagne. Takes about 10 hours at a steady pace. Only busy bit is the Rocade Est around Lyon, and it’s not that bad unless you hit it at rush hour on a weekday.

I’m about 5 foot 5 and ride a 16.5 inch Trek 6300 WSD. To be honest, it feels a little big for me, would be better an inch smaller. I test rode a 14 inch bike though and it felt way too cramped.

I can’t figure out how to put a picture of the map up, but here’s what I did today: http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/51998144/

Met some STW-ers (hi P20 and Ahsat!) and generally had a lovely afternoon out on the moors!

Not sure I’d do the trudge up to Bolt’s Law again though – seemed like a lot of hard work for a very meagre downhill, although it was a nice view. The trail across Edmundbyers Common, however, was ace!

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Bolts Law[/url] by Legolam[/url], on Flickr

+1 to doing it through choice.

Currently cycling 10 miles each way roughly twice a week on my ancient MTB that I bought when I was 12. Having just spent a year commuting 65 miles each way in the car from Newcastle to Carlisle, it’s so much more relaxing and I definitely feel fitter.

Don’t see the point when it is tipping down with rain but, when it’s a lovely autumn day, it would be rude not to!

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IMG_0471[/url] by Legolam[/url], on Flickr

This is mine

I’d definitely be up for that – I’m still discovering new trails and I suspect I did a few the wrong way today (found myself walking up a rather lovely bit of singletrack at one point!).

Can I just reiterate that I am a complete mincer and have absolutely no skill or style whatsoever!

The big Gorillapods easily carry the weight of a dSLR and a decent lens, so don’t worry about that. Just get the right size!

Yup, I’m doing it. Last year’s ride was virtually the first time I’d got on a bike since I was 14, and I now seem to be addicted to it!

Hoping for the same tailwind that we got last year!

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Kevin Rolland (FRA)[/url] by Legolam[/url], on Flickr

Not particularly hilly, just a few gentle inclines. However, I move jobs every year and the next place is at the top of a reasonable hill!

Not sure I’d manage going singlespeed, would like the comfort of a few gears as my knees ache when I have to power up hills in the wrong gear (at the grand old age of 28!!).

Even in terms of maintenance?

To be honest, I’m going to have to replace most of the parts anyway, and I figure that I never really use the front gears anyway. And I fancy a bit of a challenge!!

Not to worry, it was only a wee bit muddy on the trails above Blanchland!

Point taken!

I’m feeling a bit girly this weekend :roll:

No kidding!

Anyone?

@mattjg

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/43808806

I have the Beyond Hamsterley GPS files uploaded on mapmyride.com under the username legolam83. Fairly sure you can search for them on there. I did the Edmundbyers/Blanchland ride a couple of weeks ago and it was great fun.

Good choice. I was too hungover to cycle today :oops:

So, Mackem, did you survive the deluge? Did you head towards Edmundbyers in the end? I’m thinking of taking a trip there today and wondered what the conditions were like?

This is the GPS for the beyond Hamsterley Edmundbyers/Blanchland route. Did it last weekend and it was ace. However, it was sunny and warm then!

http://Www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/43808806

Using Nuun tri-berry for the first time yesterday for the ride from Carlisle to Newcastle. Used to get terrible dehydration headaches but managed fine yesterday. Tasted good too.

I have a crumpler half photo bag for days out skiing and cycling. A bit bulky but plenty of padding, and space for lots of cake too!

Where do the Nobby Nics and Racing Ralphs fit into all of this then?

Thanks for all the help so far!

I guess I’m looking for the holy grail of tyre as I do a bit of everything – from tarmac riding to trying to stay upright in muddy Chopwell (and failing!).

At the moment, I’m tempted by something that is better in mud and accept compromise on the road, but I suspect that my priorities will change if/when the weather gets better.

So what are the differences between the setups in the OP?

Which is the best for fast rolling resistance, and which is better for mud?

My parents live a little bit west of there, next to the Cevennes National Park. Lots of forest tracks to explore in the Cevennes. The Ardeche region has lots of gorges and wooded areas to explore, whereas further east the Cevennes National Park is more mountainous and forested.

But upgradeitis is the best bit about cycling!!

I take your point about a skills coaching day, and am definitely going to do this when I get a chance. I know that I’m not the most confident on the slippy steep stuff, and would love to be able to keep up with my mates.