tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56500398512500594062024-03-13T23:52:41.790-07:00Pennine PedallingA blog for the love of cycling, bicycles, the beautiful countryside around me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.comBlogger128125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-36694926797854425422018-11-02T10:34:00.003-07:002018-11-02T10:34:59.435-07:00Cycling around Carcassonne<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgWfrfpuZrI/W9yBHPx6-hI/AAAAAAAADEQ/FMYNEq8uAng0gSAcAbNRo6bBVEoQI_fIgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180812_142819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="1600" height="133" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgWfrfpuZrI/W9yBHPx6-hI/AAAAAAAADEQ/FMYNEq8uAng0gSAcAbNRo6bBVEoQI_fIgCLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180812_142819.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Late last year I sent my deposit off to a Breeze ride leader for a trip she was organising - the aim was to meet up with a small group and ride into the Pyrenees. Morning cycling of 30-35 miles a day on any old bike...<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m7x4Q-LyXsU/W9yBiT0DnhI/AAAAAAAADEc/tFQ9OYyXBHQLGh0dCXGUaOc36kXRALqagCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180813_113933.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m7x4Q-LyXsU/W9yBiT0DnhI/AAAAAAAADEc/tFQ9OYyXBHQLGh0dCXGUaOc36kXRALqagCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180813_113933.jpg" width="320" /></a>As summer approached and I'd had little chance to ride I grew increasingly apprehensive about my fitness but the lady who was then already in France assured me I'd be fine... So I left my friend's house in Bradford at 3am to cycle to the wrong side of Leeds for the coach pick-up. Phew. Made it. A few hours later joined by another lady I discovered our organiser wasnt venturing into the mountains! Which it turned out she had already decided before reassuring me to go.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1AF-DqUQ4w/W9yBdNQX3XI/AAAAAAAADEY/NvNuoV7yrRwlQ0p2XpcSDdYWCuDO1lvSwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180813_125817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C1AF-DqUQ4w/W9yBdNQX3XI/AAAAAAAADEY/NvNuoV7yrRwlQ0p2XpcSDdYWCuDO1lvSwCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180813_125817.jpg" width="320" /></a>When I landed in France I had the hiccup that although my bog standard non-smart phone switched to another network, my smart work phone did not. So I was without mapping. Although it seemed the online maps weren't much help as our leader struggled to find a good route to the campsite to meet the rest of the group. We ended up on something akin to the M65 and my steel tourer with 26 wheels was in the dust of carbon bikes. After 26 hours of travelling and the build up of my apprehension of the trip I had a panic attack on the roadside. I asked for directions saying I'd take it my own pace but the organiser refused to leave me on my own, which made me very stressed out.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlnthW1vmCQ/W9yBtA6uO7I/AAAAAAAADEk/9tt_r_Ivkaw3Il9qB7xIdMIme7QqcqbngCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180815_071028.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KlnthW1vmCQ/W9yBtA6uO7I/AAAAAAAADEk/9tt_r_Ivkaw3Il9qB7xIdMIme7QqcqbngCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180815_071028.jpg" width="240" /></a><br />
Once we got to the campsite it turned out everyone else already there had had disagreements with the organiser and a very frosty atmosphere was apparent.<br />
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I had no idea what to do for the best. The other ladies were lovely, but all on road bikes. I didn't want to feel I was holding anyone up and I know that slogging yourself on a bike just a few miles an hour more than your comfort speed is never fun. So I decided not to join them on their route to the mountains.<br />
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I had some time being civil with our organiser for a couple of days before picking up a brochure of the region. I pulled out an A4 page which had the equivalent of motorways & A-roads and some towns and folded this up for my map. I'd seen somewhere lovely looking, Lagrasse and decided to head out that way.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjYNEg8sPV8/W9yCOEXCVsI/AAAAAAAADFE/TL6L0S4pzEcfLIcr0K70r9CPWNggGgxfQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180815_092233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="917" data-original-width="1600" height="183" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WjYNEg8sPV8/W9yCOEXCVsI/AAAAAAAADFE/TL6L0S4pzEcfLIcr0K70r9CPWNggGgxfQCLcBGAs/s320/IMG_20180815_092233.jpg" width="320" /></a>The solo cycling was a mixed bag. I had no proper map, no idea where any campsites were and pigeon French would be an over-statement.<br />
I literally winged it. Some bits ended up being fantastic. Some bits slogs. I felt I missed the best of the area - if I'd planned it myself it would have been much better.<br />
Nearly 3 months have passed since the trip and I think about the highlights more than the negatives, but it left a bitter taste after I sacrificed a family holiday for something that was not as advertised at all.<br />
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXkdsMpp6hk/W9yCDY-BTtI/AAAAAAAADE0/_VlXS7lM5xM9LbCiCMcZqsygCsbhDms2ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180815_095522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="879" data-original-width="1600" height="218" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wXkdsMpp6hk/W9yCDY-BTtI/AAAAAAAADE0/_VlXS7lM5xM9LbCiCMcZqsygCsbhDms2ACLcBGAs/s400/IMG_20180815_095522.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
Would I go back - yes at a cooler time of year and with personal planning rather than relying on someone else who it transpired didn't know the area well or have an idea of what to suggest when it went awry.<br />
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My solo trip boiled down to - Med coast, wine region and mountain foothills. I had a cracking time camping in thunder storms with the noise echoing around the mountains. Fantastic! I dont think I would have ever got sick of pain au raisin & cafe au lait every mid-morning for brekkie.<br />
And I'd go back to Lagrasse in a heartbeat - most certainly the most beautiful campsite I've stopped in. <br />
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Click to scroll through - they're best enlarged :-) <br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-79547349743289916492018-11-02T09:35:00.001-07:002018-11-02T09:35:11.457-07:00Still Pedalling PenninesWell it has been a long time since I last posted anything here. I guess that's what parenthood does. In between parent duty, keeping an eye on my ever aging mother, work and other things yes, I am still cycling but alas no where near as much as I used to.<br />
The simple fact is that my short-wheel-base bike and small frame struggles to safely accommodate a seat for my little one (and I have tried a number of options). I live in the hills so my options are limited and quite frankly the extortionate nursery fees mean I'm not in the market for a cargo bike.<br />
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Three - four years ago I was evangelically planning how to continue to be a cycling mum. It worked for a short time with a trailer and a front bike seat until that was no longer practical. Then other factors also took hold like working compressed hours. <br />
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But the hills still call and occasionally I have opportunity to head out on wheels rather than feet (I mostly hike with my lad usually with a picnic and kite in tow or often to see steam trains).<br />
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The highlight this year was riding the Pennine Bridleway from home to Malham one sunny Friday on my way to morris dancing in Settle.<br />
I also embarked on a trip to France and will post about that shortly.<br />
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Here are some photo highlights from some local rides from this year for your enjoyment. How many times can you spy Pendle Hill!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92U3QFweM1w/W9xsnb8MQ2I/AAAAAAAADBQ/0a5s-xoUXZw_EUfA7uSBndDvg4ifQjUcACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180114_124443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-92U3QFweM1w/W9xsnb8MQ2I/AAAAAAAADBQ/0a5s-xoUXZw_EUfA7uSBndDvg4ifQjUcACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180114_124443.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending to Wycoller from the Pennine Bridleway Jan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgv5URsySBI/W9xsxUyQuaI/AAAAAAAADBU/atnexAuJXx4ym4RddKMmuD-9LouMhm5QQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180107_133403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mgv5URsySBI/W9xsxUyQuaI/AAAAAAAADBU/atnexAuJXx4ym4RddKMmuD-9LouMhm5QQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180107_133403.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the lovely tracks above Clowbridge Res looking towards Pendle Hill - Feb</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mL6Rh4IiQU/W9xt2R1tnwI/AAAAAAAADBk/Ht0Xj00MuX4TO6fNZozmE0cAx602a9j9ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180428_171034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="1600" height="552" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_mL6Rh4IiQU/W9xt2R1tnwI/AAAAAAAADBk/Ht0Xj00MuX4TO6fNZozmE0cAx602a9j9ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180428_171034.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leeds Liverpool Canal somewhere between Bingley & Saltaire</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ5ROBe8aCQ/W9xtuPzXYOI/AAAAAAAADBg/DNRlUBmk1-QrscAY6l71b6AaCrgYj3JIQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180429_103450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="932" data-original-width="1600" height="372" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sZ5ROBe8aCQ/W9xtuPzXYOI/AAAAAAAADBg/DNRlUBmk1-QrscAY6l71b6AaCrgYj3JIQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180429_103450.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RSF ride up towards the Nic O Pendle - March</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1g_Dk-TZkGA/W9xuC83eV9I/AAAAAAAADBs/rK9wV8CoG4UZfi-gXiA1KnTKBQQqcvXNACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180429_112631.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1g_Dk-TZkGA/W9xuC83eV9I/AAAAAAAADBs/rK9wV8CoG4UZfi-gXiA1KnTKBQQqcvXNACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180429_112631.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Track near Sabden Fold - I've managed to cycle here a few times this year</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6n41Q_-mnD0/W9xuYwmBfFI/AAAAAAAADB4/7wXf-14MRdoJFau2W7AuC-rOH1THdD8MQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180429_143434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6n41Q_-mnD0/W9xuYwmBfFI/AAAAAAAADB4/7wXf-14MRdoJFau2W7AuC-rOH1THdD8MQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180429_143434.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking to the Ribble Valley from Mearley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rlJSoZA5lpQ/W9xuRTz4DGI/AAAAAAAADBw/HvpuArUCjYQmePN18Dk3bBb0XEbVY74JQCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF8108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rlJSoZA5lpQ/W9xuRTz4DGI/AAAAAAAADBw/HvpuArUCjYQmePN18Dk3bBb0XEbVY74JQCLcBGAs/s640/DSCF8108.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing from Hardcastle Crags on a rare family ride</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOxiBqJmEn0/W9xukh5wKDI/AAAAAAAADCE/iBa2HXGnm7QWLcPHjh-npnBSgLAPTy48ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF8125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IOxiBqJmEn0/W9xukh5wKDI/AAAAAAAADCE/iBa2HXGnm7QWLcPHjh-npnBSgLAPTy48ACLcBGAs/s640/DSCF8125.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lane between Walshaw & Walshaw Dean Reservoirs</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqiqn-cbs38/W9xuhgaZU6I/AAAAAAAADB8/KLv7nErvx1EQbQiRa_bBtrqaf_2PVgMCgCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF8153a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1224" data-original-width="1344" height="582" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Nqiqn-cbs38/W9xuhgaZU6I/AAAAAAAADB8/KLv7nErvx1EQbQiRa_bBtrqaf_2PVgMCgCLcBGAs/s640/DSCF8153a.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That fab Bell Busk track</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lihEswbwRQ/W9xurxTDulI/AAAAAAAADCI/gccBQeU8VEclRYmAAKFjGYQsWkX7qm4NwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF8166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="868" data-original-width="1600" height="346" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lihEswbwRQ/W9xurxTDulI/AAAAAAAADCI/gccBQeU8VEclRYmAAKFjGYQsWkX7qm4NwCLcBGAs/s640/DSCF8166.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add caption</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpKYJsbceyc/W9xuuy9qX0I/AAAAAAAADCM/LjqWR52TYJUxh8tg2NrfhGATboexX-B-wCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF8198.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1600" height="406" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vpKYJsbceyc/W9xuuy9qX0I/AAAAAAAADCM/LjqWR52TYJUxh8tg2NrfhGATboexX-B-wCLcBGAs/s640/DSCF8198.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RSF ride from Gt Hameldon down to Clowbridge</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSzBunv2nNo/W9xvSFiMBVI/AAAAAAAADCg/Fs7zeInOa0srR1h3pyk4hsT8zSIMHGJaQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180617_124248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nSzBunv2nNo/W9xvSFiMBVI/AAAAAAAADCg/Fs7zeInOa0srR1h3pyk4hsT8zSIMHGJaQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180617_124248.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">RSF ride from Grindleton Fell looking towards the NW side of Pendle Hill</td></tr>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mN-kpE2w9Ek/W9xvSAo8ZUI/AAAAAAAADCk/fwgdiA_Ik5MinkoAykEQGkcoCypsZBG7gCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180617_132557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1600" height="442" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mN-kpE2w9Ek/W9xvSAo8ZUI/AAAAAAAADCk/fwgdiA_Ik5MinkoAykEQGkcoCypsZBG7gCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180617_132557.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_sVE-iqRzn0/W9xvWsFwZ6I/AAAAAAAADCo/_BSmTjgPIrEepuOCro19BwWMyTBQXGBnACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180617_141652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_sVE-iqRzn0/W9xvWsFwZ6I/AAAAAAAADCo/_BSmTjgPIrEepuOCro19BwWMyTBQXGBnACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180617_141652.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of Pendle from the Ribble Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl5TuUzvKuA/W9xyySZdzbI/AAAAAAAADC8/u4j1wvLgcBcVbdw-Ra_NFfssYtRWniEkgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_20180831_111040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cl5TuUzvKuA/W9xyySZdzbI/AAAAAAAADC8/u4j1wvLgcBcVbdw-Ra_NFfssYtRWniEkgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_20180831_111040.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Descending Weets Hill on the Pennine Bridleway - another shot of Pendle - Sept</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hay making was happening everywhere- that hard grass stubble is hard going when your cycling</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stockdale Lane between Settle & Malham</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malham Cove</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Halloween ride through my local woods near Rowley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pennine Bridleway near Dynley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pennine Bridleway heading towards Cant Clough Res</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorple Track</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The copy pit route at Towneleyside </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">November 1st riding past Pendle Hill and Black Moss Res upper</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-26011697870104985292017-08-24T03:16:00.002-07:002017-08-24T03:16:30.981-07:00Back in March when the Flying Scotsman went to RibbleheadOne short but memorable ride from earlier this year was a ride from Ingleton to Ribblehead viaduct to watch the Flying Scotsman traverse the beautiful viaduct.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7ENP1zaSdg/WZ6mvULM2iI/AAAAAAAAC94/ntjDSmBT2rg7nCjt_izQxNuQ56nVSWxKQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCF6681%2B-%2BDSCF6683.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="451" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z7ENP1zaSdg/WZ6mvULM2iI/AAAAAAAAC94/ntjDSmBT2rg7nCjt_izQxNuQ56nVSWxKQCEwYBhgL/s640/DSCF6681%2B-%2BDSCF6683.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AelQQnfs0go/WZ6m0zVRn2I/AAAAAAAAC98/qULiKs1Zs_kRQXEQfSnXCp3NUVRcYLndACEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCF6685.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="911" data-original-width="1600" height="227" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AelQQnfs0go/WZ6m0zVRn2I/AAAAAAAAC98/qULiKs1Zs_kRQXEQfSnXCp3NUVRcYLndACEwYBhgL/s400/DSCF6685.JPG" width="400" /></a>I drove up from home through some heavy rain showers and had fully expected a drenching, but luckily the ride avoided all those pesky rainclouds.<br />
The cycling itself came in at around 17 miles with a bit of climbing out of Ingleton but it was the wind that created a chore as it funnelled through the valley. There's some quiet tarmac, then a short stretch on the mainroad from Chaple-le-Dale that was busy today as people drove as close to the viaduct as they could get. After that some delightful off road and I found a sheltered lunch spot behind a wall with a toddler & his grandma.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zbHVZ5jkcVI/WZ6m5Y0dMAI/AAAAAAAAC-E/2JbfH_4PwmwjKKpYHnVgjaBjUi1xivrpQCEwYBhgL/s1600/DSCF6691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1600" height="276" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zbHVZ5jkcVI/WZ6m5Y0dMAI/AAAAAAAAC-E/2JbfH_4PwmwjKKpYHnVgjaBjUi1xivrpQCEwYBhgL/s400/DSCF6691.JPG" width="400" /></a>After the train passed, folk appeared like ants from every nook & cranny along the line side. I debated whether I could hack a ride over to Dent & back, but given the strength of the wind, I decided not to bother this time.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-21406445576281975342017-08-23T09:18:00.002-07:002017-08-23T14:08:38.557-07:00The rapidly vanishing year<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6nWRgQ30H4/WZ2qdLqvcLI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/FEAKS9Dp5lQn1KJwuFNi3HI0XR4K1ke_ACLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF7117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F6nWRgQ30H4/WZ2qdLqvcLI/AAAAAAAAC9Y/FEAKS9Dp5lQn1KJwuFNi3HI0XR4K1ke_ACLcBGAs/s320/DSCF7117.JPG" width="240" /></a>2017 is not the year for cycling for me. Life is doing life things and grounding me. Plus I've failed to find a suitable toddler bike seat that fits my bikes safely - the best attempt had the seat behind the rear axle making it tip when going uphill. I live somewhere too hilly and busy to go for a cargo bike and cant afford the cost for anything e-assisted so I've mostly done walking with the tot. But at least that's still adventurous :-) <br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxlF7x-ulTc/WZ2pT3s6h2I/AAAAAAAAC9E/OEhurZEwZm4CzVtudklDQDFZKzEzZkSJwCLcBGAs/s1600/DSCF7143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1199" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pxlF7x-ulTc/WZ2pT3s6h2I/AAAAAAAAC9E/OEhurZEwZm4CzVtudklDQDFZKzEzZkSJwCLcBGAs/s400/DSCF7143.JPG" width="298" /></a>But this last week I've managed to get out on two lovely rides. One evening jaunt with a friend and a rare cycle just with the husband along. Both were Pendle Hill orientated, but that is always a good thing.<br />
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I can tell that the ride I'm leading at the weekend is going to hurt. 20 miles with 3100ft of off road climbing. I think I was being optimistic when I pencilled that in. <br />
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2017 so far is about walks and picking up my flute & recorder consort again. <br />
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And another shot of Pendle Hill from the ride with the husband just for good measure - this time from the other side.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-42504766961386728962016-11-11T13:07:00.000-08:002016-11-11T13:07:13.302-08:00Burnley in the height of autumn<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A ride from a few weeks ago - home to my mum's 90% off road. 100% enjoyment ride. Precious solo time when you're a mum. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-86059703386603461432016-11-11T12:26:00.002-08:002016-11-11T12:26:57.504-08:00Enjoying GMT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Although I wish it was BST all year long - it turning dark by 4o'clock is just miserable, today I thoroughly enjoyed the autumn / winter commute. My old northern mill town looks splendid with the intense autumn leaves becoming more subtle as everything turns more sparse. The usual grey skies have these little bursts of colour underneath which makes this time of year my favourite.<br />
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We have new people in my office and they are starting to comment on the 'madness' of me still cycling on the bitterly cold days, and the bitterly cold rainy days. You know how that goes.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIe_CND2uMc/WCYegZUkUKI/AAAAAAAAC5k/14_mYw4334ku6XwMAAHx8--AmTi_l6SIQCLcB/s1600/DSCF6537.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vIe_CND2uMc/WCYegZUkUKI/AAAAAAAAC5k/14_mYw4334ku6XwMAAHx8--AmTi_l6SIQCLcB/s400/DSCF6537.JPG" width="400" /></a>I could not stand to be so far removed from nature that I spend my life in climate controlled environments.<br />
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I set off out into the day and always long to keep on riding into the day or further into the evening, but work & mum-duty stops me from following my heart's calling these days. So making the most of these few short daily miles (now down to around 6 or 7 depending on the route- a far cry from the 30 miles I used to do) is the bit of the day that keeps me sane and is meditative with the constant rhythm of my pedal strokes. Relishing the only bit of time I get to myself in the day. And often the off-road sections are like my own personal highway - a more direct route into the town centre than the roads, where I'm more likely to see a flurry of deer bouncing past me than see other humans. Until I'm suddenly in the town centre; we're lucky in Burnley to have a greenway that takes us from a lovely wooded riverside track straight into a retail park almost in the town centre.<br />
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My evening ride home is far slower now - other than the beam from my bike light, the woods are pitch dark, even though there's an industrial estate alongside much of it. The gradients are barely visible, although I know them well. Clicking up & down the gears as the undulations unfold, who knows what gear you are in. My eyes scour the leaf stridden path for puddles or patches of thick mud or any stray brambles snaking across the track - I certainly do not relish punctures at this time of year.<br />
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Out of the woods on the small stretch through suburbia, I catch glimpses of tv sets through the gaps in living room blinds. The streets are my own as I snake through the avenues up to the crest of the hill avoiding the arterial road. I wouldnt trade those living rooms with my place on my bike for the world.<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QyxKPydjJg/WCYesrrZC3I/AAAAAAAAC5o/0a0Y8BY49koWEUw5i90i9KOpkiR0jsRqACLcB/s1600/DSCF6544.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2QyxKPydjJg/WCYesrrZC3I/AAAAAAAAC5o/0a0Y8BY49koWEUw5i90i9KOpkiR0jsRqACLcB/s320/DSCF6544.JPG" width="320" /></a>My final climb is though allotments where I always stop and look back over the town behind me. After this is a short bit on the main road before a fast swooping descent back home. I sit on my garden wall for a good ten minutes cooling down after my 3 mile climb. No stars tonight, just the hint of a moon shape behind the clouds. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-18068608127511131892016-09-26T08:09:00.000-07:002016-09-26T08:13:02.264-07:00Life & CyclesHaving a toddler isn't conducive to blogging or freedom on the tops so much. I have had some wonderful cycling moments in the last few months, but they're fewer & further between, and the monthly club ride I lead is pretty much it in terms of adventure. My commute is down from 30 miles per day to just 6 and yes my cycling fitness has deteriorated but not to the point where I can't enjoy full days out on the hills.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QtFhfFsBDSo/V-k2nH8pc6I/AAAAAAAAC4Q/Onz6dzdui4ocWr7Yp9c6ppVmBL1PluNVwCLcB/s1600/DSCF6417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QtFhfFsBDSo/V-k2nH8pc6I/AAAAAAAAC4Q/Onz6dzdui4ocWr7Yp9c6ppVmBL1PluNVwCLcB/s400/DSCF6417.JPG" width="400" /></a>Last week I had my bike burgled from home, but happily the wonderful network of cyclists I know worked their magic and I had a replacement ready for the club ride.<br />
My weekend consisted of a test ride home then a full day out yesterday - a rare 50 mile weekend - much of which on Pennine bridleways.<br />
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Blustery autumn<br />
Whips everything 'round.<br />
A grin ear to ear<br />
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My playground moorland <br />
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Racing from downpours<br />
Rainbow to rainbow<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-39768415971203834152016-05-03T04:56:00.000-07:002016-05-03T04:56:07.625-07:00Escapes of a small wheeled bicycleYes I'm still cycling, although no 30 mile daily commute anymore, which is significantly impacting my cycling fitness levels, but upping the general enjoyment when I'm out & about.<br />
Mum duty is taking up much time and thus I've not really had opportunity to blog about rides etc recently, or even about parental cycling experiences.<br />
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<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUBVEccbFIs/VyiOm7VRDWI/AAAAAAAAC1o/5BbnRKSO2voc8sbBZUlGx4BnWECZ3UNLgCLcB/s1600/12888638_10153972739471763_8007356434044950276_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lUBVEccbFIs/VyiOm7VRDWI/AAAAAAAAC1o/5BbnRKSO2voc8sbBZUlGx4BnWECZ3UNLgCLcB/s320/12888638_10153972739471763_8007356434044950276_o.jpg" width="272" /></a>I have recently splurged and this little delight is just that, delightful to ride and not what I was expecting. Other than off-road club rides & rides with the baby on board, this has been exclusively used for commuting and leisure rides of late. It is a sheer joy. Even the hills are ok with the large chainwheels - there's less wheel to get rolling so climbing is a different experience. I've done a longish day out too which was again, good fun. People often say small wheeled bikes are ok for round town, but I think I'd happily tour on this.<br />
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Where else have I been recently, well mostly adventures close to home:<br />
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And with the interesting weather we've been having this spring, it's certainly kept me on my toes... and given me chilblains from getting caught out from rapid weather changes! <br />
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It's not all been just pedalling either, I've donned the backpack and done some stomping to discover new local views I dont usually see from my wheeled exploits.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-26091321264591000352016-01-06T12:24:00.000-08:002016-01-06T12:29:41.890-08:00Beautiful Buttermere<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2QZCst_OLYA/Vo1ur_XwXvI/AAAAAAAACyI/Z4E_8otICgo/s1600/11230654_10153649649331763_7349589922636411051_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2QZCst_OLYA/Vo1ur_XwXvI/AAAAAAAACyI/Z4E_8otICgo/s320/11230654_10153649649331763_7349589922636411051_n.jpg" width="175" /></a>Back in October we enjoyed a brief family cycling trip at Buttermere. It only ended up being one day of riding on account of the weather, but it was a lovely ride indeed. Being out of season, the sole road that snakes through the valley was quiet. We left the hostel and headed towards Honister Pass with a marvelous tailwid. Before the head of the valley, we veered off the road to enjoy our first spot of bridleway riding around Buttermere itself. <br />
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Although the road had been quiet, there were plenty of walkers but that was no problem. Lots of jokes about whether we were going to cycle up over Scarth Gap.... not today!<br />
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We were round the lake in no time, but it was an ideal time to stop for some food, warmth & to give Frank some time off the bike. The early lunch stop coincided with a bit of rain so it was ideal.<br />
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After lunch the next section was on road heading west. The road was lovely with beautiful views, mostly gentle hills and very little traffic.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZCCf17c76Q/Vo11NUbDkuI/AAAAAAAACys/0lpzDjNtfYc/s1600/1932265_10153649663666763_5577759741567766992_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZCCf17c76Q/Vo11NUbDkuI/AAAAAAAACys/0lpzDjNtfYc/s320/1932265_10153649663666763_5577759741567766992_n.jpg" width="225" /></a>We flew past Crummockwater and at the junction took the south turn towards Loweswater. A few more undulations and one or two sharp inclines (harder with a baby on the front making you lean back so as not to bash your chin), but still completely rideable. Here we were on part of the original C2C route which really made me want to see more of that long distance route another time.<br />
At the far end of Loweswater was a lovely bridleway that skirted the woods and again had stunning views. This was much quieter than the path around Buttermere, although even shorter.<br />
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We had a pint & crisp stop at the popular Kirkstile Inn. Frank had a bottle & crawl about before our return journey. <br />
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Just over the River Cocker, we took the second bridleway to the right which took us through a lovely wood and cut out a massive corner on the road. It was a fair climb at the start & with pine needles on the floor and no nobbly tyres, I pushed for a few yards. After this it was rideable again all the way back to the road and our return to the hostel.<br />
The loop had been around 18 miles and was brilliant. Without a little one in tow, you could easily blast round this in half a day, but it was nice taking our time and enjoying leisurely stops too.<br />
If I hadn't had a baby on the bike, I'd have added an extra off road loop on around Mosser which would have added a fair bit of climbing. I'll be back to do that. <br />
A gpx of the whole route I'd like to do can be foud here http://www.rsf.org.uk/2015-04-27-13-59-52/gpx-downloads/category/1-cumbria-the-lakes.html - it's easy to see how to cut the loop out when you view it on the map. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-14311872816089251382015-09-03T06:10:00.002-07:002015-09-03T06:10:19.756-07:00Easing back into work<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'll be back at work full swing in a couple of weeks. Up til then I'm using some 'keep in touch' days to get back into the routine. I managed to arrange childcare to enjoy my trusty off road commute recently. It's probably a year since I was last up on that moor & it felt so good to be riding it again... and hoping that fracking doesn't come here & ruin the place forever.<br />
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I've heard some off road cyclists comment that they think its better than all those pesky windfarms... since the wells require underground infrastructure, wells moving from place to place, trucks coming & going dozens per day & hazardous waste water containment areas, I certainly think those pesky windfarms are preferable. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJJl5hjJXe4/VehAM_q1KJI/AAAAAAAACuY/oT5WotB_OFU/s1600/2015-08-22-195355_1366x768_scrot.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="92" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RJJl5hjJXe4/VehAM_q1KJI/AAAAAAAACuY/oT5WotB_OFU/s320/2015-08-22-195355_1366x768_scrot.png" width="320" /></a>I've also enjoyed some fun cycling too. Some club members were riding the Leeds Liverpool in its entirety. I joined them for a short section of it; Greenberfield to Gargrave. After leaving the towpath I took the hilly route home via Broughton, Elslack & eventually found a section of the Pennine Bridleway to Wycoller that I'd not done before- lovely, but far too many gates to stop for... in some cases, they were completely unnecessary. I always forget what a long pull up it is from Gargrave to the tops and even though Wycoller is less than 45mins riding time to home, I had to stop to get some food- I was feeling it!<br />
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And I've also ridden Darwen's Winter Hill down to Brindle & a loop round the Fylde before the annual illuminations cycle in the last week... alas I left my camera at my cousin's in Somerset, so don't have any pictures to share.<br />
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But Mick did take some shots...<br />
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And September is another month full of cycling as its the South Pennine Walk & Ride festival, so I have another 8ish rides to lead this month plus maybe attending some others that club members are putting on. The prospect of mum duty, being back in work & cycling so much in September is a little intimidating & I think I've probably planned to stretch myself too far.<br />
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So perhaps I'll save my journey into hammock camping for another time...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-20911862138406439502015-08-17T03:25:00.000-07:002015-08-17T03:25:01.208-07:00Family Picnic Riding<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vgb2dDMYpcE/VdGygHwkJII/AAAAAAAACsU/B9bAsSzxVuQ/s1600/IMG_7119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vgb2dDMYpcE/VdGygHwkJII/AAAAAAAACsU/B9bAsSzxVuQ/s320/IMG_7119.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
Enjoying the last bits of maternity leave before I'm back in the office.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-65366047699268041102015-07-27T04:53:00.002-07:002015-07-27T05:22:32.828-07:00Miles & smiles<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3NKgsvYiWI/VbYUH9E-j2I/AAAAAAAACqo/7ePrWDQIn1I/s1600/cdale1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O3NKgsvYiWI/VbYUH9E-j2I/AAAAAAAACqo/7ePrWDQIn1I/s320/cdale1.jpg" width="320" /></a>It's proved very easy to get used the trailer over the last few weeks. I'm faster at getting everything we need together & getting out of the door. And with timing when Frank looks sleepy so I can set off before he starts getting upset and he is rocked to sleep in no time.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bLuq95OYvA/VbYWb_eqHoI/AAAAAAAACrI/PGU1R3YmuJQ/s1600/19793745602_9b058f70bf_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4bLuq95OYvA/VbYWb_eqHoI/AAAAAAAACrI/PGU1R3YmuJQ/s320/19793745602_9b058f70bf_o.jpg" width="320" /></a>I've had a couple of rides out with the club on our family friendly routes and continued to use the bike for transport, although lugging up hills is a whole new world of riding- I did 15 miles with 1550ft of climbing the other day & my body knew about it the next day. <br />
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And I have had a free-pass from my husband to lead rides for the club for the last two sundays as well. Which is important for me - I find if I stay in and don't ride, I feel a bit too wary to want to ride (I really could easily turn into a hermit if I wasn't careful). When I get out & ride, I feel more confident again and just want to get on with it, getting out all the time.<br />
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The <a href="http://martholme-greenway.co.uk/" target="_blank">Martholme Viaduct </a>had its first public opening in fifteen years (when it closed because of foot & mouth). Volunteers have started clearing the trackbed in the middle to make it accessible. It's hoped that one day this stretch between Altham and Great Harwood will be a traffic free route along the disused railway that will connect to the Padiham Greenway. There's just one land owner along the route who has put a spanner in the works of this for a number of years. There's a great deal of interest in this being a route once again that would create a safe traffic free route linking the towns of Burnley, Padiham, Hapton, Simonstone, Great Harwood, Accrington & Blackburn (as it joins the canal at Gt Harwood). It also passes close to a number of business parks and schools which would create a massive benefit to a great number of people. This bottom section has some beautiful views over the River Calder and towards the surrounding hills. Walkers have wanted this route opened up for a long time now. <br />
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I selfishly want it open as it would mean I could get to work 98% off road. Which is no mean feat when my commute is 15 miles each way. Ok this would be slightly further, but it would also eliminate some hills.<br />
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Yesterday's ride was around the Wirral Peninsular on the circular trail and Route 56. It chucked it down most of the day, but it was still very enjoyable. I'd never been to that bit of the NW before, so I enjoyed being surprised at how lovely large sections of the area are. I'll be back, in better weather.<br />
It also meant that in three days I'd clocked up 75 miles (half with Frank in tow). Which is great when I'm missing my fresh-air commutes. Although not long now til I'm back at work. <br />
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<span id="goog_259775341"></span><span id="goog_259775342"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-7475263460895376412015-07-06T03:34:00.001-07:002015-07-06T03:37:17.517-07:00Summer weekendThis weekend flew by. Only about 14 bike miles in all - so not enough to really get a feel for the new (old) Kona and all were with the trailer attached so it was slow going all the way. Frank's weekend was busy & he loved it. Smiling at everyone & flirting with the lady at the garden centre too!<br />
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We didnt make the Tweed ride in Mcr as tooth number 2 was about to pop and it was possible that we could have had a very upset baby. Turned out he was fine, but it could have easily been a weekend of screams & tears. <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-22898816473085095852015-07-02T08:09:00.000-07:002015-07-02T08:09:10.194-07:00Exploring BoltonLast weekend's family ride took in the Bolton Bury converted railway (not converted all the way alas so there was some fun negotiating the trailer before Elton Reservoir), the Bolton Bury canal & various farm tracks. An easy ride but uber slow - the trailer is great except for cobbles & hefty stones and there were stretches of both where I got off to push.<br />
I don't get over to Bolton very often, but everytime I do, I always find great places to explore.<br />
Moses Gate Country Park was lovely, although very busy in the sunshine.<br />
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The Sunday was a 30 mile club ride over Weets & round bits of the upper Ribble Valley. It was a cracker, alas I didn't take the camera. We ran out of time to do all the tracks I'd planned, but that means I have an easy route for another time in the bag.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuAe5waruD0/VZVTzXUDoFI/AAAAAAAACok/-nMwRPVi-Pw/s1600/1901435_10153385255346763_6789098558373708325_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MuAe5waruD0/VZVTzXUDoFI/AAAAAAAACok/-nMwRPVi-Pw/s320/1901435_10153385255346763_6789098558373708325_n.jpg" width="320" /></a>And a new (old / second/third hand) steed has joined the stable. The Raleigh is no more & after some thought about a replacement do-it-all velo, I decided not to get a hybrid. I now have an early 90s Kona with slighly slicker tyres & upright, swept back bars. Hopefully this will be the ticket when Frank's ready for the Yepp mini. And it fills that hole I had for a classy looking retro mtb.<br />
Sadly it didnt come with the Brooks- I need to get a suitable replacement as the charge spoon looks out of place.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-29578485177644564572015-06-26T13:56:00.002-07:002015-06-26T13:56:16.384-07:00Adventures with Frank<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDQtky_Uvss/VY26eH75AOI/AAAAAAAACng/bYTnDP3gGSE/s1600/SAM_0323.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bDQtky_Uvss/VY26eH75AOI/AAAAAAAACng/bYTnDP3gGSE/s320/SAM_0323.JPG" width="320" /></a>Over the last week I've been venturing out on the bike with Frank in his Cougar Chariot trailer. We got it second hand off ebay, it was a well used beast, but still with plenty of life left in it for us. It took little time to set up after it arrived dismantled through the post and it's been fantastic for its use so far.<br />
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A couple of trips to the swimming baths, a club ride (family friendly section) along the canal & a picnic to the park all were spot on. Frank was just over 14 weeks old on his first venture and fell asleep quickly.<br />
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The trailer is very light weight, although where we live is considerably hilly and on the ups it's certainly slower, although on flatter terrain you don't know you're hauling anything behind you. Storage space is spot on for baby gear, d-locks & picnics.<br />
We love it!!!<br />
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But I have invested in a Yepp mini front seat for when Frank can sit up on his own to enjoy narrower paths. I'm looking forward to longer adventures with skinnier tyres and more varied terrain, which may be beneficial for commutes and dropping Frank off at the childminders (depending on how the work restructure goes - I may or may not have a job to go back to, but trying not to let that thought spoil my time off with Frank).<br />
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I think the cargo bike project might be off for now and we'll see how the trailer & seat go for now.<br />
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<span id="goog_859314523"></span><span id="goog_859314524"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-54838849973508499142015-06-11T04:27:00.000-07:002015-06-11T04:30:30.175-07:00Weets sunset rideI've been meaning to ride up Weets for sunset for well over a year. Well last night I finally got round to it. Although the logistics of Stephen's work meetings and Deborah's shopping delivery meant we were a little later at the summit than I'd hoped for and we also cycled a bit faster than I'd have liked- so no nice golden photos for the ride out.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzIA5HD2EwI/VXlup6veb0I/AAAAAAAACl0/rtQIhgytYmI/s1600/IMG_6750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wzIA5HD2EwI/VXlup6veb0I/AAAAAAAACl0/rtQIhgytYmI/s320/IMG_6750.JPG" width="320" /></a>It's a nice 15 mile round trip. Perfect distance for an evening loop. And there are a number of route options to enjoy. We plumped for the smoothest off-road for speed. Back streets, a converted railway track, paved Route 68 through Alkincotes Park then lanes to the foot of the tarmac track to the summit.<br />
If we'd had more time we could have gone for more lumpy off road all the way.<br />
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Probably my favourite aspect of evening riding is cycling alongside bats. It's often the best view you can get of them; they're still quicker than you, but you get a good few extra seconds to admire them flapping along.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-19213210542330238542015-06-01T06:42:00.004-07:002015-06-01T06:42:53.077-07:00RSF ride Lancaster Caton loop<div class="postcontent">
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A dire weather forecast & many of <a href="http://www.rsf.org.uk/" target="_blank">the club'</a>s usual
suspects off on other cycling business, I'd not expected a great turn
out at Williamson Park up in Lancaster. Stephen was on Dad duty (with a hangover teehee). I set off early up the M6 and arrived to see Ian sitting gnome like beside his bicycle.
Luckily it wasn't chucking it down up here (at home it had been thrashing with rain), but there was a drizzle in the air
as we climbed to the Ashton Memorial and ventured upwards on lanes into
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Not a car in sight as we wheeled through the picturesque
valley, enjoying the twisty, turny steep road as it descended to Artle
Beck & then climbed up the other side. A right turn took us on a
tarmac track onto the southern flank of Caton Moor where the view
changed from chocolate box pretty to wild, dramatic and grey.</div>
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We turned onto the North Lancs Bridleway which
climbs up to the windfarm and as you crest the hill, the view of the Lune
Valley towards the Yorkshire Dales to the NE, and Morcambe Bay &
The Lakes to the NW opens up. The fierce wind cooled us down after the
morning climb, luckily the descent would become more sheltered as we
neared the clay pits that feed the brickworks in the valley bottom. The
lumpy track twists and turns alongside Black Wood then straightens out
for a fast ride down to join the main road. From here we turned into the
headwind, through Caton Green and into Brookhouse for lunch at The
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After lunch we joined the Lune Valley cycleway,
somewhat sheltered from the wind we made headway fast and before I knew
it we were at Halton and time for more interesting track. The last
stoney track took us upwards and over the M6, round the back of the
Prison & the old Moor Hospital and we were back at Williamson Park
promptly.</div>
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A lovely 18 mile loop, tackled fairly speedily with
the help of the morning tailwinds assisting us up the hills and the
very small size of the group/duo. Great to explore this corner of the
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-18547287002326510082015-05-30T13:11:00.000-07:002015-05-30T13:11:31.379-07:00Route plottingYesterday & today were two days of walking with Frank in the pram round paths off main roads that I use to get home from Burnley and Nelson. Often when sitting in the car or on the bus, I see interesting looking roads and paths, well now I've had some proper exploring time and hope to try and stitch things together for a Rough-Stuff ride. Ideally I'll be out one day next week with the push-iron.<br />
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Yesterday I walked down to visit my best friend's mum. I aimed for getting there as much off the main road as possible. A couple of paths I had to turn back on since they got a bit too muddy, another one had a very big staircase and to get round would have meant a massive detour. An elderly lady walking a dog asked if I wanted a hand with the pram. I was reluctant to accept since Frank & pram are heavy and she looked well into her eighties, but she just grabbed onto the front end and started down the staircase. Frank thought this was hilarious. Next path was a lovely little secluded corner with beautiful cottages and gardens that felt like some secret passage straight from San Francisco. It was lovely... and narrow... and a tad overgrown. I mashed the pram wheels to & fro to make headway and again Frank started laughing his socks off at this.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY5c00BXeeg/VWoX3TWfmjI/AAAAAAAACjc/ojUUFDm2RvQ/s1600/18079023880_42abe57ae2_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uY5c00BXeeg/VWoX3TWfmjI/AAAAAAAACjc/ojUUFDm2RvQ/s200/18079023880_42abe57ae2_o.jpg" width="194" /></a>Today's walk was back up home up the other side of the hill, from Pendle Village Mill. I discovered a way to cross the railway and I snaked up & down paths & tracks as we worked our way home. We even managed to startled a wild deer down a wooded road to some fancy pants houses.<br />
I had a breather (and Frank had a bottle) overlooking one of the nicest views I can think of around here. <br />
It felt good to be out & about exploring new bits of my home turf & I'm looking forward to getting another local ride sussed out.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-17448755762374710172015-05-27T05:33:00.004-07:002015-05-27T05:33:43.153-07:00Family Friendly Camping Trip - SelbyThis year's RSF family friendly camping trip was at Selby. And this was my first time there as part of a family and Frank's first camping trip at 11 weeks old.<br />
The cycling was probably the easiest we've ever encountered on a family friendly camp, but this year there were significantly more children riding their own bikes.<br />
Stephen and I took a shift system on Sunday's ride since Frank's too young to be in a bicycle seat. So I stayed in the tent on mum duty in the morning whilst Stephen pedalled, I then met up at the lunch stop and we swapped over.<br />
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Ian had ridden over from Southport the day before and since we'd both missed the saturday ride, after the sunday route finished, we blasted around the other route- some strong headwinds, but with a pub stop we had some beery energy. At another pub we passed we heard cheers and saw three other members who had decided to ride to another pub. We regrouped and enjoyed some fun whizzing back to camp.<br />
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Frank did really well in the tent- just two extra blankets in his travel cot (one underneath and one and top) and a hat and he slept through til the birds woke him up at dawn. The only real problem was that everything was too interesting to him, so there were no naps and it took quite a while for him to settle down for sleep. <br />
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On Monday I'd hoped to cycle back to Hadfield on the Trans-Pennine-Trail to get the train back from the Manchester area. Ian was going back in the same direction so we set off into a headwind. We managed to loose the trail (possibly a missing sign) so decided to skip part of it and after some discussion with two cyclists in a cafe, a route through some pretty villages was established. This made for some smoother cycling (I was on my mixte so this was ok) and cut off a corner near Doncaster.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzqCJStI6hM/VWW3gw1U0HI/AAAAAAAACig/3gHjmlkJK_Y/s1600/SAM_0216.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qzqCJStI6hM/VWW3gw1U0HI/AAAAAAAACig/3gHjmlkJK_Y/s320/SAM_0216.JPG" width="306" /></a>The lanes here had lovely gentle hills which made for very enjoyable cycling. We rejoined the trail near Mexborough and made a detour into Barnsley for a McDs fuel stop. Alas as we neared Silkstone Common my muscles were feeling it- there's not much protein in McD's veggie options- that combined with a headwind, a prompt pace, a more road orientated bicycle on rougher terrain and the lack of long-distance throughout maternity leave meant I was spent by Pennistone.<br />
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The section between Silkstone & Pennistone was brilliant fun though; really lovely views and fun tracks that was just up my street.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1O6oczSx88/VWW3k61UqrI/AAAAAAAACio/oaRX_ni-sV8/s1600/SAM_0218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-t1O6oczSx88/VWW3k61UqrI/AAAAAAAACio/oaRX_ni-sV8/s320/SAM_0218.JPG" width="320" /></a>At Pennistone we got on the train. With hindsight it would have probably made more sense to get a proper tea and a rest and carry on for the 14 mile section over the Woodhead Pass & into Hadfield; the trains were an expensive chore (two changes) and three & a half hours later I had to get Stephen to collect me from Todmorden since the train home wasn't going all the way & I didn't fancy getting a fourth train later. I got back home about 10.15pm. The trains put a bit of a downer on what had been a lovely day's riding. But I have an open return so plan on doing a further section soon.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-5159545666711032622015-05-22T01:13:00.003-07:002015-05-22T01:24:13.370-07:00View from the settee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I only managed one tiny ride this week; into Nelson for the Pendle cycle forum.<br />
Wow there's a lot of cycling events there in the next few months. In the run up to this year's <a href="http://www.velouk.net/2015/04/24/news-colne-grand-prix-july-15th/" target="_blank">Colne Grand Prix </a>and the <a href="http://www.tourofbritain.co.uk/home.php#.VV7gMDcZVso" target="_blank">Tour of Britain</a>'s second day stage through Ribble Valley & Pendle, there will be rides on which will tandem with the <a href="http://www.lovetoride.net/lancashire" target="_blank">Lancashire Cycle Challenge </a>(many of which will be listed on the new <a href="http://www.visitlancashire.com/cycling-lancashire" target="_blank">Cycle Lancashire</a> website). Pendle Cycling festival runs over summer until Sept, the brochure <a href="http://www.visitpendle.com/download-brochures" target="_blank">can be found here</a>, but as additional rides are listed, they will go on the Cycle Lancs site. I wasn't in time to list the <a href="http://www.rsf.org.uk/" target="_blank">RSF rides</a> in the brochure (what with giving birth and new mum duty), but I'll be leading some beginner rides and at least one big ride. <br />
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If you haven't heard of the Lancs Cycle Challenge and you ride a bike, where have you been over the last three years? Work places compete to win prizes in the hope to encourage new people to ride a bike and to up the mileage of current cyclists. It's not just commutes that count, all rides over the three week period in June count, so get your work place registered and have some competitive fun! No chance I'll be winning any prizes this time since there won't be any commutes for another couple of months for me.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-W8HiLUXf4/VV7dDEKOfAI/AAAAAAAAChU/RJ9c6ROKDS4/s1600/IMG_6665.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J-W8HiLUXf4/VV7dDEKOfAI/AAAAAAAAChU/RJ9c6ROKDS4/s320/IMG_6665.JPG" width="320" /></a>And if you're not local, but love cycling Pendle is a brilliant base to enjoy a cycling holiday; it's right next to the Yorkshire Dales & Ribble Valley, not to mention that it's a stones throw from Calderdale so if you like climbing hills you could not be disappointed. Equally if you prefer gentler rides the Leeds Liverpool canal forms a beautiful corridor to tailor leisurely rides from. We have great off-roading too; the Pennine bridleway and Mary Towneley Loop are all in the vicinity. Lancashire really is a great place to visit & cyclists and walkers who live here know how lucky we are. We're now fully connected to the rail network from Leeds, Manchester (via Burnley) and Preston so visiting with your bike is easy! Can you tell I'm missing my bike miles? ;-)Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-59470019977766292622015-05-14T08:39:00.003-07:002015-05-14T08:39:53.216-07:00Infrastructure & Equality MusingsOne of my hats is some rudimentary voluntary stuff for Cyclenation (a federation of cycling groups who offer support and a voice at national level for smaller groups). I posted a link that I thought might have been of interest to cycle user groups, to the governments Cycle Proofing Working Group. <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/cycle-proofing-working-group" target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/<wbr></wbr>government/groups/cycle-<wbr></wbr>proofing-working-group</a> which sparked up a discussion with a lady who felt the document is too weak with its language and who commented that:<br />
"<span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">There
is insufficient consciousness in cycling community of <a href="http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2010/15/contents" target="_blank">equality act 2010</a>, the public sector equality and its potential power. All the more
important post election. Use it or lose it."</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Certainly accessibility issues to cycling infrastructure are commented on at the local authority user group that I attend, but this comment did really make me think. Looking at the Act, when it comes to the transport section, cycling doesn't even get a mention here. This is now something that strikes me as obviously missing following my pregnancy where I struggled to walk, but was perfectly fine cycling, making me realise that bicycles really area a great way to improve the independence of certain groups that the Act serves, and that's not beginning to think about adaptive cycles. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"></span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">There is a section of the Act about Advancement of Equality & the duties of local authorities, which made me rethink the 'potential power' mentioned. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/76/61/2766104_047ee1d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/02/76/61/2766104_047ee1d1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> As an able bodied person, I don't really give much consideration to accessibility of cycle infrastructure other than the times me & my husband have had to hoik a loaded tandem over barriers on cycle routes, or that <strike>wonderful</strike> terrifyingly steep long staircase on the <a href="http://www.cyclesheffield.org.uk/route-planning/long-distance-routes/sheffield-to-leeds/lets-go-to-leeds-trans-pennine-trail/" target="_blank">Trans-Pennine-Trail</a> (which is a route that people tour on with loaded bikes) where I had to manhandle my panniers, then my bike down it, which was unsafe for me as a reasonably fit young adult. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">The musings have brought the Act to the forefront of my mind and hopefully now it will be something I will think about at cycle user group forums. I wonder how much consideration is given to it at road / cycle infrastructure design meetings and whether there is always representation from a range of user groups. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Perhaps this is something cycle user groups should be asking at each meeting with local authorities etc. to bring it to the forefront of more people's thoughts. Surely cycle infrastructure that is built on the 'power of the Equality Act' would be far superior to most of the infrastructure that heads our way at the moment. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="http://blogpreston.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fishergate-trees630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://blogpreston.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/fishergate-trees630.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0">Although in Preston, the latest redesign of the main road through town won few praises from cyclists or people with disabilities following consultation. A compromised design to try to appease both groups ended up making it more dangerous for both. Perhaps had there been some longer consultation, the design could have worked better and satisfied everyone. But as I'm sure many people involved in cycle user groups will know, time limits and what is deemed as realistic can frequently be the key to authorities securing funding to complete any work at all. The government want to see a design & local authorities often present a design that they know that they can complete rather than anything that is bold and really challenges designs. </span></span></span></span><br />
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<span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1"><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body"><span class="UFICommentBody" data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0"><span data-reactid=".23.1:4:1:$replies949613571744889_949620998410813:0.1:2:$comment949613571744889_949634028409510:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.1.$comment-body.0.$end:0:$0:0"> </span></span></span></span> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-75868605634043754942015-05-12T07:15:00.000-07:002015-05-12T07:15:38.965-07:00The familiar loopI missed the weekend's club ride on account of two overnight feeds. By the time I'd come round properly there wasn't the time to make a full day's adventure so I did the trusty old loop around Black Hameldon, Worsthone & Widdop Moors. <br />
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I used to do this loop often when I lived at home with my mum (as opposed to home with the husband - mum's still feels like home). It's a very natural feeling 20-odd mile loop, it flows well, you dont have to think about navigating, so you can just enjoy the views as you glide along once you've climbed up to the tops.<br />
Unless of course there's a headwind, which at some point will be the case; you don't build windfarms on moors like these without a good reason. <br />
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I was passed by just about every cyclist out there too. But all the guys riding solo did look like they were out there to train rather than to admire the views.<br />
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It being May 10th, it was this year's <a href="http://cyclofemme.com/" target="_blank">Cyclofemme</a> date, getting out & showing some lady cyclist solidarity was called for; skirt, but no heels today. Maybe some ladies in cars passing might have thought 'huh, I dont need all that sporty gear, I might give it a try'. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thursden Valley</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pendle Hill behind Briercliffe</td></tr>
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<span id="goog_431821940"></span><span id="goog_431821941"></span><br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-20652297745074010692015-05-08T02:17:00.004-07:002015-05-08T02:17:54.968-07:00Seeking out climbs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A sunny evening so of course I took the chance to cycle up to Mum's for a brew. <br />
Maternity leave means no cycle commuting, which is the basis of my cycling fitness. Round here it's a bit hilly and it's the hill climbing fitness that I don't want to loose. So on my opportunities to ride, I'm picking the steeper hills on each route.<br />
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And last night's beautiful weather was an ideal opportunity to take the extra scenic route from one side of town to the other and back.<br />
Happily in spite of significantly reduced cycling, I got up all the hills no problem. In fact two actually felt easier than usual. Perhaps my legs are less fatigued now I'm not cycling every single day or perhaps all those hills (the really steep ones) that I avoid when I'm traversing town during busier hours on the roads, have become less steep when I compare them to the routes I choose for days out exploring. <br />
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It was lovely to go this way again. I usually pick the most direct route to save time- on work days that is because my daily commute is already 30 miles all together and the fact that I need to pop to mum's most days means I choose to go through the town centre and save time for practical reasons.<br />
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But this way is far more lovely, the extra hills do mean nicer views and it means pedalling away from the town centre out towards the fields.<br />
There is a field of horses who always come up to say 'hello' and I always oblige and stop to pet them; it's ideal as this is just before a section of freewheeling. And it's the ideal place to text Stephen to put the kettle on before the last drag.<br />
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No matter which way I go, there is always a big climb to get home.<br />
But there is always a cup of tea waiting for me when I get through the door. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The top of the climb. It starts far below where you can see here</td></tr>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-11184514735528762702015-05-05T04:27:00.001-07:002015-05-05T04:27:29.421-07:00To the wrong side of Pendle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My identity regained for an hour or two<br /> The babe's at home with Dad on duty.<br /> My steel French steed gleams in the sun<br /> We head for lanes filled with spring beauty.</div>
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Blacko Tower looms, I freewheel beneath<br /> On to tree lined roads dappled with light.<br /> The shade a relief as the climbing begins,<br /> A few breathers as my legs feel the bite.<br />
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I reach the top to see Pendle ahead,<br /> The road silent, spinning forward, carefree.<br /> A Dales vista opens up in the distance<br /> A glimpse then the road drops sharply, weeeeee.<br />
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Cornering wide and feathering the brakes;<br /> Bluebells, lambs, new views at every bend.<br /> The world around livens, Sunday cyclists a-plenty.<br /> Clitheroe Castle now in sight, I near the end<br />
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Beside the Ribble, past the cement works, the last leg.<br /> One final climb through town to the castle gate;<br /> Cherry blossom above, bright against the blue sky.<br /> A big smile then a kiss, my baby and husband await.<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5650039851250059406.post-51798146708387280282015-04-24T15:38:00.000-07:002015-04-24T15:38:15.059-07:00And a sunset rideAnd the second ride of the day - a drab sunrise this morning, a drab sunset this evening.<br />
22 miles to a meeting to form a committee regarding aiming to get a new greenway sorted out in the area. It will be a lot of work and will be a slow process, but if we're successful it will be really wonderful.<br />
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10 miles to the meeting then 12 off-road dark miles to mums and home. Felt great, although my legs were feeling it after the recent spate of rides, but that's what it's all about; no pain, no return to cycling fitness gain. And I had the first stitch I've had since PE lessons at secondary school... a loonnng time ago. Had forgotten how much they hurt.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05070660416549423649noreply@blogger.com0