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Skyrides Stafford
- Thread starter gon2seed
- Start date
monkey bidness
Well-Known Forumite
Thanks for the invite W. unfortunately my only experiences of 'doing' mountain biking have been inadvertent and unplanned forays off otherwise level tracks. My bike is a so-called hybrid more suited to streets and modest trails. Just for information, would you have ridden with a bag over your head?
monkey bidness
Well-Known Forumite
Update: completed the Skyride on Aug 11th and must second Gone to Seed & Flo2s praise of the events. Route, organisation, weather and the dozen participants all great.
flossietoo
Well-Known Forumite
So glad you enjoyed it. I'm really looking forward to the Cannock one - although slightly regretting agreeing to cycle to and from the event.
Anyone else who enjoys cycling but maybe would like to learn some new routes or do something a bit different, do check-out the Skyrides. It's not competitive or intimidating (as I, personally, would find the idea of joining a cycle club) and there are rides of all distances. Some family friendly ones, too, though obviously I am avoiding those.
Anyone else who enjoys cycling but maybe would like to learn some new routes or do something a bit different, do check-out the Skyrides. It's not competitive or intimidating (as I, personally, would find the idea of joining a cycle club) and there are rides of all distances. Some family friendly ones, too, though obviously I am avoiding those.
flossietoo
Well-Known Forumite
I did the Cannock Chase Criss-Cross Challenge yesterday. It is classified as 'challenging' but I wasn't unduly worried as it is a 29 mile route and that distance isn't a stretch for me.
Ye Gods it was challenging! I have cycled twice as far and not been half as tired. Today, the only parts of me that do not ache are my eyelids. I had no idea there were that many hills in Staffordshire.
There were three ride leaders with us, who were fantastic and everyone on the ride was friendly and encouraging.
They are doing that route again on the last Sunday in September, so if you fancy a tough ride in good company (and some stunning scenery) register at Sky Rides Local.
I think I might go back to bed now.
Ye Gods it was challenging! I have cycled twice as far and not been half as tired. Today, the only parts of me that do not ache are my eyelids. I had no idea there were that many hills in Staffordshire.
There were three ride leaders with us, who were fantastic and everyone on the ride was friendly and encouraging.
They are doing that route again on the last Sunday in September, so if you fancy a tough ride in good company (and some stunning scenery) register at Sky Rides Local.
I think I might go back to bed now.
monkey bidness
Well-Known Forumite
Well done Flo2. I almost booked onto that run but chickened out on Friday. Reading your comments and, given your experience (Brighton etc,) I am glad that didn't do the run and make a fool/nuisance of myself. I might be in shape by the end of Sept, but I have a couple of question you can answer for me. Like, what was the standard of the other riders; what sort of bikes were they using e.g any straight handle-bar hybrids?
Cheers
Cheers
flossietoo
Well-Known Forumite
The other riders were all fitter than me except, fortunately, one man. I was really grateful he was there. Everyone was on road bikes, I think, except one of the leaders who might have been on a hybrid. Quite a few of them definitely had more gears than me, too. I noticed when I tried to keep pace on a hill, I would be on my lowest gear, standing on the pedals and get to the point where I couldn't make them turn. The bloke beside me would be able to flip down a gear or two and carry on spinning.
I have registered for a place in next year's Ride London 100 and to be honest, I did lose a bit of confidence yesterday, when I felt like a total beginner.
Everyone waited, very regularly, so I didn't get too far behind and nobody made me feel embarrassed, or as if they wished I would go home. And there was always that one chap, love him, behind.
With a flatter course I would have been fine but I have definitely never done anything as demanding.
I enjoyed pushing my limits (today, even my chest hurts from all the gasping) and if we were here that weekend I think I would probably do it again simply because it must be a brilliant way to improve fitness.
I have registered for a place in next year's Ride London 100 and to be honest, I did lose a bit of confidence yesterday, when I felt like a total beginner.
Everyone waited, very regularly, so I didn't get too far behind and nobody made me feel embarrassed, or as if they wished I would go home. And there was always that one chap, love him, behind.
With a flatter course I would have been fine but I have definitely never done anything as demanding.
I enjoyed pushing my limits (today, even my chest hurts from all the gasping) and if we were here that weekend I think I would probably do it again simply because it must be a brilliant way to improve fitness.
monkey bidness
Well-Known Forumite
Thanks for this info. You would probably have had 2 old chaps behind you if I had turned up! Funnily enough after watching Mayor Boris complete the 100 mile I too was positively inspired to have ago next year. Mention of both this event & the Brighton run have not provoked any scornful scoffing in the MB household - perhaps because I sweetened the idea with the suggestion that either event could be fitted in to a weekend break in the Nations Capital.
flossietoo
Well-Known Forumite
Go for it MonkeyB! You need to register in the ballot for London really quickly. They are closing when they reach 80,000 and were getting very close to that last week.
I am also receiving, if not encouragement then certainly bemused acceptance at home, thanks to the prospect of a weekend in London. You might want to check out Sports Tours International who will be offering hotel and guaranteed place packages soon.
I would like to know I definitely have a place, as soon as possible, to keep me training through the really grotty weather. I have no doubt I could ride 100 miles. Grim, single-minded determination and a lot of banana muffins would get me through. What worries me a lot is that nine hour limit. Some people were taken off the route at 60 miles because organisers felt they wouldn't complete in time. Imagine what that must feel like!
If you decide to do L2B a fantastic place to stay in London is the Windmill on the Common. It is actually on Clapham Common, near the start and they do breakfasts for cyclists from 5am. You need to book a room before registration for the event opens, or it will be full. I adored every second of that day and felt as if I could have ridden for ever.
I am also receiving, if not encouragement then certainly bemused acceptance at home, thanks to the prospect of a weekend in London. You might want to check out Sports Tours International who will be offering hotel and guaranteed place packages soon.
I would like to know I definitely have a place, as soon as possible, to keep me training through the really grotty weather. I have no doubt I could ride 100 miles. Grim, single-minded determination and a lot of banana muffins would get me through. What worries me a lot is that nine hour limit. Some people were taken off the route at 60 miles because organisers felt they wouldn't complete in time. Imagine what that must feel like!
If you decide to do L2B a fantastic place to stay in London is the Windmill on the Common. It is actually on Clapham Common, near the start and they do breakfasts for cyclists from 5am. You need to book a room before registration for the event opens, or it will be full. I adored every second of that day and felt as if I could have ridden for ever.
flossietoo
Well-Known Forumite
Brilliant Sky Ride this morning in Stone. Sixteen miles, some doable climbs, great views and such a nice bunch of people that we all descended on the home of one of the riders on the way round for refreshments provided by his wife and entertainment provided by his dogs.
Second best thing was we didn't get wet. Best thing: guess who was at the FRONT! when the ride leader asked me to slow down so that others could catch up, I nearly swooned with excitement.
There is another Sky Ride in Stafford next Sunday, from Sainsbury's car park. It is a 'Steady' paced one, which in my experience, is ok for normal human beans. Seventeen miles, I think.
Second best thing was we didn't get wet. Best thing: guess who was at the FRONT! when the ride leader asked me to slow down so that others could catch up, I nearly swooned with excitement.
There is another Sky Ride in Stafford next Sunday, from Sainsbury's car park. It is a 'Steady' paced one, which in my experience, is ok for normal human beans. Seventeen miles, I think.
Glam
Mad Cat Woman
I shall stand on me doorstep and give you a wave. Best on offer i'm afraid.
flossietoo
Well-Known Forumite
Does anyone know whether you have to pay to park in Sainsbury's car park on Sundays? I am considering putting the bike in the car and driving to the Start on Sunday. I don't know whether I need to carry money with me.
Glam
Mad Cat Woman
No you don't. Or Wilkos, other council car parks are available which are also free on a Sunday x
flossietoo
Well-Known Forumite
Brilliant! Thank you Glam.
(I will be looking out for a wave.)
(I will be looking out for a wave.)
Glam
Mad Cat Woman
How ever will I recognise you?
Depending on the time you start, I shall be the well built, ginger haired laydee being pulled along by a springer spaniel.
Gramaisc
Forum O. G.
Always beware of the fact that Bank Holidays are chargeable, except Christmas Day itself.
Knee better?
flossietoo
Well-Known Forumite
We will set off at ten, everyone clad in hard-to-miss bright yellow SkyRide bibs to prevent escape. I will be the one who looks as though she could do with being pulled along by a spaniel. More particularly, I will be the one who waves back.
I will have fun guessing which one is you, Stoofer...unless we pass anywhere near a railway line when you will be the one looking for steam.
Gramaisc
Forum O. G.
Simply check all the left knees for distinguishing marks.
flossietoo
Well-Known Forumite
Oh my goodness...unless it is long trousers weather, I think I will recognise Stoofer's knee. Although in fairness, one of the ride leaders on the Cannock Chase one was heavily bandaged, having had something 'go straight through' his knee while cycling up Snowdon. Had he told me that at the Start, I would have realised that the ride was probably not for me.