A solo winter endurance ride over Bullbarrow, riding into headwinds and focusing on distance, not speed.
Honest miles, steady climbing, and reflections on fitness, age, and long-term health.
This is a solo winter road ride through Dorset, heading west into the wind and climbing Bullbarrow the steady, manageable way.
The focus isn’t speed or PRs — it’s endurance, consistency, and rebuilding distance after time off. I talk through pacing, headwinds, fueling, climbing strategy, and how fitness priorities change as we get older.
From chip-seal roads and exposed valleys to a café stop and the long pull up Bullbarrow, this ride is about doing the work quietly and honestly.
If you’re riding solo, rebuilding endurance, or trying to stay consistent through winter, this one’s for you.
Bike: Merida Scultura Endurance
🚴♂️ Active Retirement – Ride. REST. Refuel. Repeat.
Middle-aged cyclists rides 60 miles on a Bullbarrow Loop Solo Ride. Coming back from Cellulitis, Extending The Mileage After Illness. BullBarrow FULL climb and descent.
Help fuel our rides ☕. – https://www.buymeacoffee.com/wheelersatlarge
Gear We Use and Recommend:
⭐️ CYCPlus e-Mini Pump: https://www.cycplus.com/?ref=pmzusniw coupon WAL
⭐️ MagicShine code: wheeler15. – https://magicshine.com/products/
Wahoo/GoPro/Light Front Mount: https://amzn.to/3BHeVYU
Stans Race Sealant: https://amzn.to/3n2zTKV
Dyna Plug: https://amzn.to/2WTslzj
🚴 Ride Stats
📍 Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole (UK)
📅 Fri 12 Sep 2025 | 08:09 start
📏 62.1 mi | ⏱ 4:13 moving (4:47 elapsed)
⛰ 3,136 ft elevation
⚡ 232 W weighted | 191 W avg
❤️ 139 bpm avg
🚴 65 rpm avg
🔥 2,909 kcal | 🌡 15 °C
🚀 14.7 mph avg | 41.2 mph max
Strava:
https://www.strava.com/athletes/31550629
https://www.strava.com/athletes/31550485
Please visit our channel: https://www.youtube.com/WheelersAtLarge-cycling
#ActiveRetirement
#SoloRide
#WinterCycling
#EnduranceCycling
#Bullbarrow
#RoadCycling
#CyclingMotivation
#ClimbingCyclist
#RideIntoTheWind
#CyclingMindset
#ActiveAging
#LongRide
#UKCycling
6 Comments
The type of bike I have is a Road Hybrid, basically a road bike with flat bars with Continental Gator Hardshell road tyres.
I learn a lot of road craft watching your channel. I made the classic mistake of cycling too near the curb on Tuckton bridge leaving a dangerous gap. I didn't think anyone would be crazy enough to overtake with oncoming traffic, I was wrong this is Christchurch. The wing mirror missed me by a few inches. My fault entirely don't blame the driver, from now on middle of the lane.
Very rural Mike.
Think we feel the same way about cars, beautiful villages like Dunster are ruined with cars parked everywhere. The older I get the more I dislike those metal boxes! Keep up the good work Mike 🙌
Your comment about the bike lane at Sandford not being where you need it………..so true! Great ride Mike! I’m overweight and I will grovel up Bulbarrow for the thrill of descending. Stoke Wake descent if I’m feeling brave!!
Mike thank you for another great training ride. Love these early am sessions of wheelers wisdom. Please keep them coming. Bunkie