[eye30]

I wasn't going to but went out on the bike today.

As the weather was dry but windy I decided to try and get at least 1 more ride in before the clocks go back at 2am on sunday.

Given that there was a very brisk westerly wind I was going to do one of my most popular routes, Hooton to West Kirby as the trees on the old railway track shield you from the wind.

However, while sat at Hamilton Square station waiting for my connection the first train to Hooton was for Ellesmere Port so in an instant I changed my mind and decided to do a completely new route which I had mapped out but had never had the chance to do it.

Now this was a completely new route for me from Ellesmere Port to Frodsham so I factored in extra time as I had to navigate without a map, just what I had remembered.  But I had nothing to fear as the route is marked out as Cycle Route 5 with markers at convenient points/cross roads but I still had to be wary.

In this picture from the bridge at Ellesmere Port station, in the distance you can see Frodsham Hill on the left and Helsby Hill on the right.  That was my destination, the village of  Frodsham not the hill.



Started off along the Shropshire Union canal for 2 miles then took a turning towards Ince and Elton.  This was along a very busy A road for approx 2 miles but there was a marked out cycle lane.

At Ince then took a back road and a track which crossed fields and a closer picture of the two hills





Towards the end of the track



Then the M56 motorway towards Chester.

I started right over to the top right of the picture



When I got to Frodsham the weekly street market was on





Map of Frodsham with some history about old landmarks (notice a few pubs detailed!!!)



Cycled back to the station by a different route, i.e circular route, which I didn't like as it was along the main A roads to Ellesmere Port with a few B roads thro' villages which have been bypassed.

Total distance was 22 miles back to Ellesmere Port station.

[Aussie Keith]

Nice loop.

[Dazzler]

So you parked your bike at the market and when you got back from a look around, you'd got 20 quid for it! 

[eye30]

So you parked your bike at the market and when you got back from a look around, you'd got 20 quid for it! 

Went for liquid refreshnent first!

[Aussie Keith]

What happens when big groups get it wrong.



I moved out of the way of this bunch maybe 5 minutes before the collision. Two riders n hospital, at least one bike smashed to bits.

[Lakes]

Need to ride with a safe distance between each bike if you are all riding fast.
Do you think it will end in court?
like you i hope no major injuries , or broken bones.
the group i ride with don't race we just have a good time.
 

[Aussie Keith]

You can ride close and fast so long as everyone is paying attention. This group was not. One rider with a broken ankle and rib, the other I didn't hear exactly other than he was pretty banged up. No idea if there's going to be any further action, never thought about it before. But one of the bikes was destroyed so a couple of grand down the drain there.

Myself, I'm all for having a good time but mostly I like getting home in one piece.

[eye30]

Been out today just for a shortish 22 mile ride.

Today's trip took me into another EU country, twice, as the cycle track meanders.

Passport stamped and contraband smuggled in.


Weather dull with the odd spot of rain and the wind was behind me for most of the trip.

Due to the clocks being put back last sunday the light starts to fade by 3.30'ish with it being dull so made sure i was home handy.

No crashes on my ride!

Ps
Update for Asa,

The hossie had lights on in most windows but it looked deserted and the car park was empty.

[Aussie Keith]

This week the weather is hot, humid and stormy so not ideal for riding at present.

The bike has new wheels and tires now since the braking issues experienced since the beginning of the year have been confirmed as worn out braking tracks on the wheels. The front was missing so much material it was bulging outwards under the tire pressure. So it was time. The effect has been to really smooth out the ride and the bike now handles and stops again. Huzzah.



It's epic ride time again, the time of year where we take on the local hills and sadly I succumbed to a feeble back on the way up Mt Glorious last weekend. Better to turn around and ride out than continue and cause a serious injury.

Keith Heinrich | Cyclist on Strava

[Dazzler]

How's your back now Keith? 

[Lakes]

Kieth I sold my flat bar bike that had Marvic wheels loved it, but ride on tracks more than paved & after useing the disc brakes I would not go back !

I' m in Sydney for a wedding, it is & has been wet here!

[eye30]

[eye30]

Been a few weeks, last 27 Oct, since I was last out on the bike as the weather has not been too good for us mature cyclists.....hahahahaha.

So today, with it being dry and hardly any wind, went over to Cressington, south Liverpool, by train.

Dropped own to Otterspool prom and cycled the 5 miles back to the Pier Head with my wing man Dave.

Pictures are from the Prom looking up the River Mersey towards Ellesmere Port, across to Eastham and down towards Birkenhead.

Spot the Dazzle ferry which is a replica of what was done to ships in WW1 to fool the enemy!!!!!

[Lakes]

I will have to get a few pic's from rides i go on up, your rugged up there Lester!
Thanks for posting! is it easy getting bike on the trains there?
I've only ever taken my bike on Train once when i went on the Sydney Spring Cycle , i carried bike down the flight of stairs but we have lifts just had to rush to get train.

[eye30]

I will have to get a few pic's from rides i go on up, your rugged up there Lester!
Thanks for posting! is it easy getting bike on the trains there?
I've only ever taken my bike on Train once when i went on the Sydney Spring Cycle , i carried bike down the flight of stairs but we have lifts just had to rush to get train.

Bikes are welcomed as they have designated areas in each coach with bike racks for 2 bikes

If area full just stand by the door area with bike.

All stations are bike friendly and all but a few stations have lifts or escalators so getting to the platform is easy.

Don't travel at peak time as it can be difficult to get bike on/off trains with people standing by the doors.

[Doggie 1]

Dropped own to Otterspool prom and cycled the 5 miles back to the Pier Head with my wing man Dave.

It was a tiring but a good ride too.   
(I was with you in spirit).

[Aussie Keith]

Lets see what happens next weekend. 

[Aussie Keith]

How's your back now Keith? 

Much better since I started looking after it properly thanks. And on a slightly different topic, the weight is starting to move in the right direction. And about time too.

[Dazzler]

How's your back now Keith? 

Much better since I started looking after it properly thanks. And on a slightly different topic, the weight is starting to move in the right direction. And about time too.

Good to hear Keith. My weight is staying around 82/83 kg (by our scales) without much effort. Still having small porridge for breakfast most mornings and avoiding bread and chips but that is about it. Also doing a bit more walking than I used to. 

[rustynutz]

Also doing a bit more waking than I used to. 

So, less sleep then? 

[Dazzler]

Also doing a bit more waking than I used to. 

So, less sleep then? 

  Whoops (fixed now) Although wouldn't surprise me if Dave or Rick (or some other clown) had their own fixed version... 

[Doggie 1]

Also doing a bit more waking than I used to. 

So, less sleep then? 

  Whoops (fixed now) Although wouldn't surprise me if Dave or Rick (or some other clown) had their own fixed version... 

Clown?      

[Dazzler]

 

[rustynutz]

Also doing a bit more waking than I used to. 

So, less sleep then? 

  Whoops (fixed now) Although wouldn't surprise me if Dave or Rick (or some other clown) had their own fixed version... 

Thought I'd better keep it clean...after all, it IS a family forum... 

[Phil №❶]

"The rain in Spain, falls mainly, on the plain."   

[Aussie Keith]

This weekend I embark on my first Audax event. Audax are the venerable long distance cycling club, most famously known for the Paris Brest Paris event held each 4 years.

I'll not be going that far, but will be attempting an onerous local route of 200km that will take about 10 hours to complete. Lets see how that works out.

For anyone interested here is a unique view of the PBP.

PARIS BREST PARIS The long ride toward a distant dawn on Vimeo

[Dazzler]

Good luck with your ride Keith

[Doggie 1]

 
I have to hand it to you.

[Dazzler]

Yeah me too.. i don't want it!

[Aussie Keith]

I bailed the the 140km mark. Made it up and over Mt Glorious and Clear Mountain. Rode into the wind for about 40km or so. Ran out of gas for the last 60km.

Bike Ride Profile | Audax:Bedrock 200 near Ferny Hills | Times and Records | Strava