I went on a long bike ride today with SB. We went from Southsea to the Bat and Ball pub at Hambledon (14 miles away).
I forgot to take my camera but fortunately I keep a slim Samsung camera in my handbag all the time.
The route: Southsea to The Bat and Ball in Hambledon and back. by vikki15 at Garmin Connect - Details
The photo's: Bat and Ball ride - a set on Flickr
To preserve the batteries no Knight Industries Two Thousand style turbo boost was used.
"That's KITT, Michael!"
"That's Vikki, KITT!"
"Whatever. whoosh-whoosh, whoosh-whoosh".
KITT needs to realise that I have a battery spanner in my hand!
I digress.
Started the journey on pedelec only since I wasn't in a hurry. The main problem with riding out into the countryside is that one first has to ride the five miles or so out of Portsmouth. Since it's flat pedelec was fine.
I decided not to go via Cosham because that would have meant riding in traffic. So, I went up the cycle path up the Eastern Road. That took me to the bottom of Farlington Avenue, a mean hombre that is steeper than it has any right to be. I pity the people living up there. Even cars don't like it much and is pretty much a first or second gear drive up it.
I ended up walking it and even that was a pain. Holding SB's throttle slighty open helped a great deal as I didn't have to push his 45lb up it.
Got to the top and mounted SB and off we went. The journey down the otherside of Portsdown Hill was a much more pleasant experience.
Down at the bottom it was a left turn toward Purbrook Heath and the countryside proper.
We used to do this ride as kids, me and my brother and some friends (not to the pub though).
The ride through the country lanes was really pleasant but I soon realised that this would not be a ride to do on my trike. The lanes in places were so narrow that my trike would easily have taken a third of the road. Blind corners would send a shiver down my spine since the lanes just about take one car.
Soon enough I got to Old Mill Lane. What we used to call mile hill, because it was long and it was steep. I went down there at 33mph and I tell you - I was floating on the pedals to to keep my weight off the saddle and let the bike pitch as it wanted to over the bumps. At 33mph I was braking to bring my speed down. If you don't mind the taste of hot rubber I would have gladly cooked an egg on the pads for you at the bottom.
Those of you in the 50mph club, I salute you. Yours must be made of steel
Of course, going down generally means a going up! Fortunately it wasn't so steep going up as the the incline was over a longer distance. SB pretty much took it in his stride. Pedelec only and me pumping those pedals like a demon in 2nd gear but I didn't let on to SB. Once at the top it was a nice ride along a flat section and The bat and Ball loomed into view soon enough.
I had a half a bitter shandy and a really nice homemade burger and chips. It was so good it made it all worth it (almost). I had another shandy after I'd finished eating.
So I start home after a nice lunch and tear down Old Mill Lane, then comes the climb back up 'Mile Hill', it was a nice stroll I had. Too steep to ride SB up and I didn't fancy mashing to get up it - so, shanks pony it was. Once it the top the ride home was uneventful. Portsdown Hill from the Purbrook side is not so bad and me and SB managed it with moderate ease.
Going down Farlington Avenue was a blast and once again I was exceeding 30mph. From there it was a leisurely ride home (letting SB take the strain while I relaxed) and a nice cup of coffee.
SB did sterling work and there was still juice in the battery after 30 miles of country roads and lanes.
Best regards.
Vikki.
I forgot to take my camera but fortunately I keep a slim Samsung camera in my handbag all the time.
The route: Southsea to The Bat and Ball in Hambledon and back. by vikki15 at Garmin Connect - Details
The photo's: Bat and Ball ride - a set on Flickr
To preserve the batteries no Knight Industries Two Thousand style turbo boost was used.
"That's KITT, Michael!"
"That's Vikki, KITT!"
"Whatever. whoosh-whoosh, whoosh-whoosh".
KITT needs to realise that I have a battery spanner in my hand!
I digress.
Started the journey on pedelec only since I wasn't in a hurry. The main problem with riding out into the countryside is that one first has to ride the five miles or so out of Portsmouth. Since it's flat pedelec was fine.
I decided not to go via Cosham because that would have meant riding in traffic. So, I went up the cycle path up the Eastern Road. That took me to the bottom of Farlington Avenue, a mean hombre that is steeper than it has any right to be. I pity the people living up there. Even cars don't like it much and is pretty much a first or second gear drive up it.
I ended up walking it and even that was a pain. Holding SB's throttle slighty open helped a great deal as I didn't have to push his 45lb up it.
Got to the top and mounted SB and off we went. The journey down the otherside of Portsdown Hill was a much more pleasant experience.
Down at the bottom it was a left turn toward Purbrook Heath and the countryside proper.
We used to do this ride as kids, me and my brother and some friends (not to the pub though).
The ride through the country lanes was really pleasant but I soon realised that this would not be a ride to do on my trike. The lanes in places were so narrow that my trike would easily have taken a third of the road. Blind corners would send a shiver down my spine since the lanes just about take one car.
Soon enough I got to Old Mill Lane. What we used to call mile hill, because it was long and it was steep. I went down there at 33mph and I tell you - I was floating on the pedals to to keep my weight off the saddle and let the bike pitch as it wanted to over the bumps. At 33mph I was braking to bring my speed down. If you don't mind the taste of hot rubber I would have gladly cooked an egg on the pads for you at the bottom.
Those of you in the 50mph club, I salute you. Yours must be made of steel
Of course, going down generally means a going up! Fortunately it wasn't so steep going up as the the incline was over a longer distance. SB pretty much took it in his stride. Pedelec only and me pumping those pedals like a demon in 2nd gear but I didn't let on to SB. Once at the top it was a nice ride along a flat section and The bat and Ball loomed into view soon enough.
I had a half a bitter shandy and a really nice homemade burger and chips. It was so good it made it all worth it (almost). I had another shandy after I'd finished eating.
So I start home after a nice lunch and tear down Old Mill Lane, then comes the climb back up 'Mile Hill', it was a nice stroll I had. Too steep to ride SB up and I didn't fancy mashing to get up it - so, shanks pony it was. Once it the top the ride home was uneventful. Portsdown Hill from the Purbrook side is not so bad and me and SB managed it with moderate ease.
Going down Farlington Avenue was a blast and once again I was exceeding 30mph. From there it was a leisurely ride home (letting SB take the strain while I relaxed) and a nice cup of coffee.
SB did sterling work and there was still juice in the battery after 30 miles of country roads and lanes.
Best regards.
Vikki.
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