Gravelsisters and Gravelbros: On and Off Road Delite

Thread here:
https://www.lfgss.com/events/2638/

Thanks to @youramericanlover for leading the way today, it was an excellent day out on the bike despite the cold. He gets extra kudos for doing on a singlespeed and even more for having a mudguard on the back wheel, although it did get clogged once or twice.

Off road conditions were variable, some sections were firm and dry, others wet and slippery, especially the little diversion we took off the NCN 21, which was probably the hardest off camber section I've ridden in some time. Retracing our steps on foot was the sensible option.

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dang, wish I hadn't been working today. got any pix?

Too cold for pics. I took one.

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it's a good'un!

And thanks to @andyp - your local knowledge, strength on the hills and patience when I got that blank look on my face when deciding between which toepath to take was much appreciated. Also thanks for tow back into town and cheeky way around Crystal Palace, much appreciated!

All in all tough work with the muck. This route is a lot more straightforward in the dry. I had higher hopes for myself on the day alas the wet chalk and clay and unnecessary three-pronged approach to Toys Hills was a fucker and once again totally wiped me.

Obviously I had brilliant fun though!

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The day after.

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Mucky drivetrain.

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Interesting... How far back do I need to read to find out its not cancelled?

Damn it... Balls...

Looks rather clean to me..

Only because he was on the rivet into a headwind on the way back #lad

Pfft, it was mainly downhill. You were the one doing the long turns on the front!

FWIW, the last time I spent this long in the saddle in one day was the Etape in 2009.

#dadlife

I should've taken a photo after our little excursion off route on the off camber section, the wheels were caked in sticky mud. A lot of the mud fell off on the 20 miles on tarmac at the end.

toepaths

Towpaths. Not a criticism as you are a foreign. Just thought a guy like you could be interested to know. It comes from when canal boats were towed, not motorized, usually by a largeish horse.

What chaincatcher is this please?

I did wonder about the spelling, thanks. Also that does look right.

One of these from Superstar;

http://www.superstarcomponents.com/en/xcr-chainkeeper-keeper.htm

why would you ask when you can buy a Paul one from me Ludwig?

In case anyone is free I'll be attempting the full route - bit longer than the route I originally posted - on gears this Wednesday. Barring some major incident I will complete the route (he says).

https://ridewithgps.com/routes/14308992

Ouch

Also, this thread needs a photo of your new bike.

If I make it all the way around definitely. But not beforehand otherwise it will mock me forever more

That's a big ride.

I'd love to join you but a) I have to work for a living these days and b) I definitely wouldn't make it round.

Enjoy.