Cycling in a foreign land; Ian Prince is locked down in North Yorkshire and sent us these reports
More news from the North...
Motorway signs in Yorkshire declaring “long queues at border crossing”. Strange, hadn’t heard Yorkshire had declared UDI, even if it it should. Are they referring to Scotland or Dover? Both about 200 miles away? Maybe they mean Wales, only 100 miles distant. Pretty pointless messages nevertheless even for cars and lorries.
Incidentally how many people know that part of Hastings in E Sussex did similar to that in the past, declaring themselves the 24th state of America. So it is possible to cycle all the way to America by land without crossing the sea! So much more eco friendly than flying. Zero emissions - David Attenborough would be pleased.😃
Well no ice in the North here today apart from the one I was riding (Inspired Cycle Engineering -ICE- in case anyone asks about the Cornish company who produce these recumbent / laid back trikes).
Just poorly maintained roads from councils who haven't got a clue about dangerous roads for cyclists.
Anyway, New Day, New Year.
Traditionally up north, Audax used to run what was the first event of the year...... “Goodbye Christmas Pud” 100k ride from Yorkshire to Nottinghamshire and over into Lincolnshire on the first weekend or so of the new year. Well Audax have been more disappointing than CTC during 2020 as far as rides are concerned. At least CTC stuck with guidelines but kept going. But one of the joys of cycling is it can be both a solo as well as a group activity. So like the rest of the country, NYE was a quiet one at home, but the opportunity to go out on New Years Day whilst the roads were quiet and get a few exercise miles in for 2021 was too tempting.
No snow, no rain, no wind, not too cold but why would any of those bother seasoned cyclists anyway, who plan ahead?
Headed out not sure how far to go today, just let the road unfurl in front and see how it felt. Not tiring, well wrapped up and just the odd cheery wave from people walking for exercise too. As usual the trike performed faultlessly. Not many cyclists out though - where are all those bikes bought in lockdown one? No Christmas presents? Probably the thought that virtual cycling on a computer is good for health and well being!
As the light started to fade with my lights blazing and 19.73 miles later, it was a good first day.
Who knows if I may do the Goodbye Christmas Pud route I know so well, in the next week or two......we shall see.
More tales from the North in due course.
Best for 2021,
Warm Regards
Ian
So we are all equally locked down together nationally and the weather has been cold and icy. Ironically work levels are good, so less time out on the bike/trike in the week than in lockdown “one” in 2020, but cant complain.
Forced myself therefore to get out on the ICE Trike today.....well we all need the exercise and I want to build back to longer days and tours out as we go through the year.
Blacko Hill Farm in the distance.
For those still unfamiliar with what an ICE Trike actually is (sorry if I am teaching folk to suck eggs), here is a quick capture today out in the late afternoon. (No selfies of me, though - I dont take a good picture).
ICE Trike taking a rest.
A very leisurely ride and it was not until I had been out for two hours did I recognise my feet in overshoes were somewhat frozen. (The snow and icy has dissipated and apart from first thing in the morning, it is relatively pleasant but with temperatures around zero degrees C).
So a twenty one mile round trip into parts of Yorkshire and back home. The ICE, with its four front and two rear lights, performing as any cycle should without any grief or problems. (Even installed a cheap rear facing video camera received at Christmas to see how other road users treat the trike. (Very good today)). Notched up 600 miles now on the ICE!
No tea, cafe or pub stops today although I was tempted to investigate a ‘take away’ pizza ‘cafe’ operating from a mobile trailer near a hotel. Enterprising indeed.
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