Anyway at least I was now making good and getting some time in the saddle. I headed for Steyning and the steep climb up the Bostal. This local route is actually listed as one of the top 100 climbs in the UK and is highlighted as a 'Category 4 Climb' on Strava. It was tough and even with my 6 gears I had to stand up to get a little more power for the last 200m or so. However, I am pleased it was another milestone and further evidence that you can throw just about anything at these small marvellous folding bikes.
Once I reached the topped the weather changed almost immediately and I headed down hill in a sudden hail storm - a little unnerving. Fortunately it didn't last long and before I knew it the sun was out again (well nearly).
My planned route then took me along the coastal cycleway between Worthing and Shoreham. There was a couple of spots where I had to stop and carry Sting over the washed up pebbles that lay a couple of inches thick across the entire path. Once in Shoreham I headed to the old airport and then past Lancing College via Botolphs, Annington, Steyning towards home (rolling terrain).
It was only the next day I realised that Sting had been injured during the ride - I had a long thorn in the back tyre that resulted in a very flat bit of rubber. I consulted the technical videos on the useful Brompton website, which armed me with enough information to tackle my first puncture on the new bike. I admit it was certainly more difficult than my road bike, which has quick release wheels. However, with a little more practise I should get quicker, and I was pleased that my first attempt was in the comfort of my own home rather than on the road.
I plan to back on Sting (with new SV4 tube) in the next couple of days.
A quick shout out to Brilliant Bikes - the local bike shop in Brighton only had a Schwalbe SV4 tube with a presta valve, which I actually prefer (same valves on my road and MTB bikes). I paid £6 but will order a couple more from Brilliant Bikes that sell them cheaper. Brilliant Bikes mentioned that the SV4's work great, but would recommend a valve converter, which sits in the rim and takes up the spare space ensuring the valve doesn't move and damage the tube or rim - great advice from Brilliant Bikes and not mentioned by the local bike shop in Brighton! They also highlighted that if I order the tubes from them they would include the converters for free - how good is that - service with a smile!
By the way, Sting did finally get a decent clean and some oil on that rusty chain - all good to go for my next adventure.
Details of my Steyning Bostal and coastal path loop can be found on Strava:
http://www.strava.com/activities/a-little-bimble-on-sting-via-steyning-bostal-114917255?ref=1MT1yaWRlX3NoYXJlOzI9ZW1haWw7ND0yNzczODcx
Once I reached the topped the weather changed almost immediately and I headed down hill in a sudden hail storm - a little unnerving. Fortunately it didn't last long and before I knew it the sun was out again (well nearly).
My planned route then took me along the coastal cycleway between Worthing and Shoreham. There was a couple of spots where I had to stop and carry Sting over the washed up pebbles that lay a couple of inches thick across the entire path. Once in Shoreham I headed to the old airport and then past Lancing College via Botolphs, Annington, Steyning towards home (rolling terrain).
It was only the next day I realised that Sting had been injured during the ride - I had a long thorn in the back tyre that resulted in a very flat bit of rubber. I consulted the technical videos on the useful Brompton website, which armed me with enough information to tackle my first puncture on the new bike. I admit it was certainly more difficult than my road bike, which has quick release wheels. However, with a little more practise I should get quicker, and I was pleased that my first attempt was in the comfort of my own home rather than on the road.
I plan to back on Sting (with new SV4 tube) in the next couple of days.
A quick shout out to Brilliant Bikes - the local bike shop in Brighton only had a Schwalbe SV4 tube with a presta valve, which I actually prefer (same valves on my road and MTB bikes). I paid £6 but will order a couple more from Brilliant Bikes that sell them cheaper. Brilliant Bikes mentioned that the SV4's work great, but would recommend a valve converter, which sits in the rim and takes up the spare space ensuring the valve doesn't move and damage the tube or rim - great advice from Brilliant Bikes and not mentioned by the local bike shop in Brighton! They also highlighted that if I order the tubes from them they would include the converters for free - how good is that - service with a smile!
By the way, Sting did finally get a decent clean and some oil on that rusty chain - all good to go for my next adventure.
Details of my Steyning Bostal and coastal path loop can be found on Strava:
http://www.strava.com/activities/a-little-bimble-on-sting-via-steyning-bostal-114917255?ref=1MT1yaWRlX3NoYXJlOzI9ZW1haWw7ND0yNzczODcx
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| Top of Steyning Bostal |
