Author Topic: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020  (Read 4205 times)

Online Williamson

  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 5062
  • Thanked: 2200 times
  • ST Legend
RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« on: April 25, 2020, 06:10:30 PM »
Sorry 'bout the late notice .............

But I'm busting out, going on an RTE tomorrow.  This is an RTE with a difference, it's a Ride to Excercise.  Here's the rough route:

https://goo.gl/maps/UrQ8J8WCrN1pQAYg8

Just spent an hour in the garage servicing the Giant, replace a couple of spokes, trued the wheels (haven't lost my touch), tensioned a few nut 'n' bolts, squirted a bit of lube here 'n' there, pumped tyres to 120psi, can't wait.

Leaving about 8:00am, GMaps suggests it's a 37min ride, but seeing as it's about two years and 10kg since I was on bicycle, I reckon it'll be at least an hour.

Others welcome to join me. 

Mmmm ..... how many day to Around the Bay in a Day 2020?
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

Online ruSTynutz

  • NR2024 Rally Team
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4431
  • Thanked: 2791 times
    • "Destined to Drive" Driving School
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2020, 06:33:31 PM »
Good luck!  :thumbs

That sounds like TOO much exercise to me, I find walking back & forth to the fridge is enough... :rofl

And don't go having a heart attack chasing all the chics (and/or guys) in lycra...  :crackup

Oh, and we want to see a pic of you in your lycra...Hmmm, actually, maybe not!  :p




        2005 Honda ST1300A
 

Bodø

  • Guest
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #2 on: April 25, 2020, 06:37:06 PM »
Oh, and we want to see a pic of you in your lycra...Hmmm, actually, maybe not!  :p

Given how many times he's told me not to put selfies in my ride reports (I still do) I don't want to see the lycra either.   :Stirpot
 
The following users thanked this post: ruSTynutz

Online Williamson

  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 5062
  • Thanked: 2200 times
  • ST Legend
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #3 on: April 25, 2020, 07:05:59 PM »
Good luck!  :thumbs

That sounds like TOO much exercise to me, I find walking back & forth to the fridge is enough... :rofl

And don't go having a heart attack chasing all the chics (and/or guys) in lycra...  :crackup

Oh, and we want to see a pic of you in your lycra...Hmmm, actually, maybe not!  :p


You asked ......



That's me standing on the guard rail, on the last day of our Kossie to Coast ride October 2006.

Oh, and we want to see a pic of you in your lycra...Hmmm, actually, maybe not!  :p

Given how many times he's told me not to put selfies in my ride reports (I still do) I don't want to see the lycra either.   :Stirpot

That's because I sometimes follow the Forum with my elder son, one time we were reading one of your posts and your selfie sight alarmed him.  What's the big deal, scaring a kid, well he's 42 yo.

(We know.)

Bad luck, 'cause there it is.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 
The following users thanked this post: Kev Murphy, ruSTynutz

Online ruSTynutz

  • NR2024 Rally Team
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4431
  • Thanked: 2791 times
    • "Destined to Drive" Driving School
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #4 on: April 25, 2020, 08:21:59 PM »
Looks like you forgot the explorer socks there, Michael!  :whistle  :rofl


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 

Offline denis gibson

  • Jr. Member
  • **
  • Posts: 96
  • Thanked: 89 times
  • ST Legend
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #5 on: April 25, 2020, 09:26:04 PM »
WOW cut a good photo Michael. If it does not have a throttle or motor do not get on or in is my mojo. This is getting to me to but is better to be safe than sorry.Ride safe Michael, Denis Diane.
 

Online ruSTynutz

  • NR2024 Rally Team
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4431
  • Thanked: 2791 times
    • "Destined to Drive" Driving School
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #6 on: April 25, 2020, 09:36:40 PM »
Hang in there, Denis...at least you have Diane to argue with...  :whistle


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 

Offline Nigel

  • Legendary "1000 Club" Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1367
  • Thanked: 475 times
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #7 on: April 26, 2020, 09:04:56 AM »
What!!!! 14 years on, 30 k or so overweight, my best call is you won't get to the letterbox and back.
To quote Harry "Mans got to know his limitations"  :grin
Introducing My 2007 BMW K 1200 GT
Avoid Disappointment, Expect the Unexpected.
Nigel               0447333268
Mooroolbark But its a secret.
 

Online Williamson

  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 5062
  • Thanked: 2200 times
  • ST Legend
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #8 on: April 26, 2020, 09:42:23 AM »
Looks like you forgot the explorer socks there, Michael!  :whistle  :rofl

You might need to explain .......

What!!!! 14 years on, 30 k or so overweight, my best call is you won't get to the letterbox and back.
To quote Harry "Mans got to know his limitations"  :grin

I know my limits, just gotta see if I can reach 'em.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

Online Williamson

  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 5062
  • Thanked: 2200 times
  • ST Legend
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #9 on: April 26, 2020, 10:45:04 AM »
Didn't need to set the alarm, with the anticpation, excitement on a ride, it wasn't needed.  Woke about 6:30am, freshened up, laid out my riding kit, including lycras.  Despite the expandable nature of the lycra fabric, they were too tight. 

Cup of coffee, down to the garage for a few final adjustments and checks, tyre still holding pressure, where's the helmet, gloves, found 'em ....... Mmmm, pinched a few corona whiskers putting in on, ready to go.



Looked back to see an old friend.



Be patient, our days will come.

A small, short incline to start with, so a short walk.  When I reached the top of the driveway, mounted the truSTy STeed, head down, bum up, ready for the next hill.  Reached the top without dismounting, an achievement.  Then generally straight and flat for the next 400m, then some twisties.

Grinning from ear to ear (hurt my face muscles), leaning in and out the curves, power on - power off, couple of tight switch-backs low range, 1st gear needed, but I knew this wouldn't last, a short pause and a look back.



And then what every road rider wants to avoid, gravel, especially as the 700 x 23 HP road tyres had seen better days.





But every cloud has a silver lining, after 300m the tar and cement (it seemed like a km, but I had a tune and words from 1966 helping, soothing me), ended.



Generally flat, winding and but fast for the next few km, then a short fast downhill, high-range, 7th gear, probably up to 40km/h a couple of times, almost home.



But every downhill means an uphill following.  As we are almost at the top of the hill and the shortest routes are the steepest, my mind searched for a route with a smoother up grade.  This added another 2km to the ride, and me zig zagging across a wide carriageway, creating my own series of switch-backs, to further flatten the steep grade.  At least I zigged when I needed to, and zagged likewise.

Home about 9:00am.

Total distance 10.09km.

Now I think I earned those extra rashes of bacon and sausages, and pancakes and maple syrup.



 

Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 
The following users thanked this post: STroppy, ruSTynutz

Bodø

  • Guest
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #10 on: April 26, 2020, 10:47:48 AM »
All this talk of cycling has given me something to do tomorrow.  :thumbsup
 

Online ruSTynutz

  • NR2024 Rally Team
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4431
  • Thanked: 2791 times
    • "Destined to Drive" Driving School
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #11 on: April 26, 2020, 11:03:56 AM »
Looks like you forgot the explorer socks there, Michael!  :whistle  :rofl

You might need to explain .......

You know, shove the pair of socks down the front of the lycra to impress the girls...  :whistle  :crackup


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 

Bodø

  • Guest
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #12 on: April 26, 2020, 11:05:21 AM »
 :rofl
 

Online Williamson

  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 5062
  • Thanked: 2200 times
  • ST Legend
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #13 on: April 26, 2020, 11:13:14 AM »
You might need to explain .......

You know, shove the pair of socks down the front of the lycra to impress the girls...  :whistle  :crackup

Yes, you might need to explain why you were looking at a particular section of the pic to come to that conclusion.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

Online ruSTynutz

  • NR2024 Rally Team
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4431
  • Thanked: 2791 times
    • "Destined to Drive" Driving School
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #14 on: April 26, 2020, 11:32:59 AM »
Cos' it's always good to see what you're up against!  :rofl


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 

Offline Nigel

  • Legendary "1000 Club" Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1367
  • Thanked: 475 times
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #15 on: April 26, 2020, 11:57:49 AM »
Isn't that the next-door neighbours letterbox, and the Park, looks very similar to the one across the road from you! :eek

No pics of you on the bike, looks suspicious.
« Last Edit: April 26, 2020, 12:19:19 PM by Nigel »
Introducing My 2007 BMW K 1200 GT
Avoid Disappointment, Expect the Unexpected.
Nigel               0447333268
Mooroolbark But its a secret.
 

Online ruSTynutz

  • NR2024 Rally Team
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4431
  • Thanked: 2791 times
    • "Destined to Drive" Driving School
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #16 on: April 26, 2020, 12:11:56 PM »
I bought a bicycle some years back to help me lose weight...
As those who have met me may have noticed, it didn't work.

Apparently instead of having it tied up in the roof of my garage I need to actually ride it...hmmm.  :Wot thuh:


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 

Online Williamson

  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 5062
  • Thanked: 2200 times
  • ST Legend
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #17 on: April 26, 2020, 12:49:54 PM »
Isn't that the next-door neighbours letterbox ...

Cheeky plick, the letterbox is about 1.1km from home.

... and the Park ...

... about 1.3km ...
... No pics of you on the bike, looks suspicious.

Pics tomorrow, and because you're such a plick, in lyrca ... and then everyone can blame you.

I bought a bicycle some years back to help me lose weight...

The Giant I bought about 25 years back, it's undergone a few a upgrades over the years, in fact all that's left of the original bike are the frame and forks, no changes in the past 20 years (oh, may be tyres and tubes).

Apparently instead of having it tied up in the roof of my garage I need to actually ride it...hmmm.  :Wot thuh:

Perhaps just start with getting it down from the roof, putting it back, and then repeating that many times over, you don't have to ride to exercise.
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 
The following users thanked this post: ruSTynutz

Online ruSTynutz

  • NR2024 Rally Team
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4431
  • Thanked: 2791 times
    • "Destined to Drive" Driving School
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #18 on: April 26, 2020, 01:01:43 PM »
Perhaps just start with getting it down from the roof, putting it back, and then repeating that many times over, you don't have to ride to exercise.

With my history of falls I'd probably take a tumble off the ladder and end up like Molly Meldrum...or worse!  :whistle

Hmmm, thinking about it, I'd probably lose weight in hospital... :rofl


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 

Offline Biggles

  • NatRally 2018 - Mackay
  • "Top Dog" 10000 club
  • *
  • Posts: 14026
  • Thanked: 2473 times
  • Bridgeman Downs, Brisbane
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #19 on: April 26, 2020, 04:10:26 PM »
I ride my Giant nearly every afternoon, and since we live on the top of a hill, it doesn't matter where I go I have to pedal uphill to get home.  On a good day I can use a middle gear.  Other times, the lowest one I can find.
Lately the non-riding days have been because Mrs Biggles wants me to go for a walk with her.   :-X
For the modern man who lives in the city, riding a bike might be one of the only ways to escape the humdrum monotony. To take off and ride. To be both at one with nature and one with the bike. To feel masculine. Adam Piggott

OzSTOC #16  STOC #6135  FarR #509  IBA #54927
 

Online ruSTynutz

  • NR2024 Rally Team
  • Supreme "2000" Club Member
  • *
  • Posts: 4431
  • Thanked: 2791 times
    • "Destined to Drive" Driving School
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #20 on: April 26, 2020, 05:11:25 PM »
When I bought my bike I lived on the top of this hill...



What was I thinking? Not only steep & windy but loose gravel as well!!  :||||

I never attempted to ride up it...Coming down was interesting, especially if you met a car coming the other way...

I'd actually lived up there previously (in my teens) & I still remember dragging out an old bicycle from a long abandoned cow shed complete with dodgy tyres and no brakes and riding down that hill, dragging my feet to keep some semblance of control...
I must have had rocks in my head!   :crazy


        2005 Honda ST1300A
 

  • Guest
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #21 on: April 26, 2020, 05:12:40 PM »
If you spilled them they'd blended in with the driveway.
 

Online Williamson

  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 5062
  • Thanked: 2200 times
  • ST Legend
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #22 on: April 26, 2020, 07:37:38 PM »
... we live on the top of a hill, it doesn't matter where I go I have to pedal uphill to get home ...

I feel your pain Bill.

Although we are only 100m above sea level (the top of our hill is about 110m), almost no matter which direction I take (if I'm gunna ride a decent distance) there is an uphill return.  The direct route has a particularly nasty section, only a 25m rise but over 200m:


Hence my detour this morning to ride a more gradual way home - along this route (well something like it as GMaps won't let me plot the actual route):
.

Although this is approx. 20m higher overall, the extra 2km, makes it a lot easier.

In my better (younger, lighter) days, I have sucessfully scaled the steep route on the bicycle, I'm not sure if I'll see those days again.



Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

Online Williamson

  • UNBELIEVABLE "5000 Posts" Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 5062
  • Thanked: 2200 times
  • ST Legend
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #23 on: April 27, 2020, 07:16:16 PM »
First stop this AM was at the Anthony Beale Reserve.  The keen eye will note that there was a pic at this site yesterday, Nigel will probably even accuse me of taking two pics yesterday, but that is not the case.



Then on to the Diamond Creek Road / Oldstead Road intersection.



I headed south at this point, towards and over the crest, then a slow gentle downhill for a km, then steep. Remembering that I would have to turn around a back up the steep section, if I was gunna avoid some even steep sections, so I turned around, and came to a sunrise.



Just imagine how good the sunrise would have been if I was at Sunrise Drive, near the headlights of the on-coming vehilces.

Then the intersection of Diamond Creek Road / Yan Yean Road.



I just missed the green and took advantage (read enjoyed) the 120 seconds it took for the signals to cycle to my next green.


Then I found some damaged barrier.



I took that pic to refer to the Shire of Nillumbik for them to organise the repair, but thought I'd share it with you.

Not long after that I met Ken, a former neighbour and now work colleague (he's retired and now a children's crossing supervisor, outdoor staff, so I don't see him much) out walking his dog.  Ken and I had a good chin wag for the next km or so (whilst we walked) until we went a own ways.

Home around 8:00am

Distance 11.21km

 
Cheers,  Williamson (AKA Michael)

Motorcycling, the best time you can have with your pants on.
eBiking, the second best time you can have with your pants on
Afterlife, up there for the climate, down there for the company.
If I'd known I was gunna live this long, I woulda looked after myself better
 

Offline Nigel

  • Legendary "1000 Club" Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1367
  • Thanked: 475 times
Re: RTE St Helena Sunday 26 April 2020
« Reply #24 on: April 27, 2020, 07:54:39 PM »
Actually, all I see is lots of pics of a bike, parked up, leaning on numerous lampposts , no rider in site , is there any pics of the ranger ute? :grin

I`m sure this will be dealt with later................ Wot thuh
Introducing My 2007 BMW K 1200 GT
Avoid Disappointment, Expect the Unexpected.
Nigel               0447333268
Mooroolbark But its a secret.