Our Rides in Words, Photos & Videos

[Marci jo]

First ride of the season was mostly wonderful except for a couple sections of mud and huge puddles. Didn't want to risk going through them as I didn't know the depth or what lies beneath. And I didn't want to get my pretty white ebike dirty! Went to the left side to get around this mess.
I so love the walk feature on ebikes. This bike simply powered itself through the soft dirt and that long stretch of snow. I only needed to steer it. Ebikes rock!!

Some Canada Geese on a mostly frozen pond. Pretty amazing that a bird of this size is able to stand on one leg.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Here’s a follow up to @RandallS ‘s trip report of our ride along the Tunnel Mtn Bench Trail. As mentioned beforehand, the trail itself was not clearly defined and we ultimately ended up doubling back a short distance along Teddy Bear’s Picnic to get back onto the main road.



We accessed the trailhead located behind a nearby RV park which involved a short ride along Tunnel Mtn Road. Part of the road is subject to seasonal closures but it obviously didn’t deter our progress seeing that we were on bikes.

The start of the Bench Trail.



This trail is probably relatively easy and would make a popular ride during the busy summer months but I suspect that it sees little winter traffic. Along many sections of the single, it was a bit tricky at times trying to stay centered on top of the narrow hardpack created by periodic thaw and freeze cycles. Inches off on either side and you would find yourself in the deeper soft stuff. Otherwise, the remainder of it was quite ride-able as Randall mentioned in his report.

….no kickstand? No problem, just plant your ride in the snow.



Deadfall encounters came in varying sizes from small bunny hoppers to ones slightly larger.



One the distinguishing features of the trail was the ability for one to ride close to the edge of the steep cliffs. Signage was in place to let you know just in case you are vertically challenged.

View of the mountain range along this section of trail called 'The Spine'.

I rode with familiar company on this day as I was joined by @RandallS and my BIL Dale W.

It's hard to describe in words how awesome some of the sections of trail were to ride.

A splendid view of Cascade Mountain along the Tunnel Mtn Road.

Our video tribute to the Tunnel Mountain Bench Trail with special opening homage to windy Barrier Lake in K-Country.

 

[Bilbo625]

Weather is a little warmer here in Ireland (+15c) than Canada for much the same latitude. I took a ride yesterday to Dunany Beach, north of Drogheda, absolutely deserted. The route gives good views over Dundalk Bay. There were a few Brent Geese out near the water's edge, too far away to photograph. They will be migrating soon to the Ellesmere Island area in Northern Canada soon. This male Pheasant was sitting on a bank beside the road as I passed but he refused to look my way.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

Magda Goes To Zakopane!

I indeed had a chance to ride today. My daughter goes for a two-week vacation to Zakopane, which is to Poland what Calgary is to Canada

So I used Google translate to hear how Zakopane should correctly be pronounced (not zaa ko PAIN, but zaa ko paanay). It translated it as "buried". I assume that means "buried in the back of beyond", a slang or metaphor from the remoteness/ruralness of the place, rather than the town having been named "Buried", yes?

Meanwhile, Stefan you have claimed so many tires to be THE tire of your heart, I think you should write a romance novel of your search for the perfect tire.

 

[kahn]

I spent some time up in the mountains today at sunny but windy Kananaskis Country, AB in hope of riding some of the local trails. Regrettably, it was far too warm as my wheels dug into the soft snow. Hope to have better luck in Banff tomorrow otherwise we’ll be sticking to paved roads.

Ribbon Creek
View attachment 117613

Barrier Lake
View attachment 117614

Nakiska - Site of the '88 Winter Olympic Downhill Event
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Oh, poor you. Having to stick to roads in that dull, boring scenery!! GORGEOUS.

 

[kahn]

Try Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab; it's on the App Store. It's free and covers birds from across the world.

Here are three screenshots from my iPhone:

• Open the app.
• Choose whether to photograph the bird or upload a photo. I usually (as here) photograph the computer screen (who cares if there's a light reflected in the photo!).
• Merlin IDs the bird, or provides suggestions.
• Follow the info arrows for maps, descriptions and calls,

View attachment 117731

Amazing app. Thanks for pointing it out.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Oh, poor you. Having to stick to roads in that dull, boring scenery!! GORGEOUS.

When I went out to start my vehicle that morning, there was a couple of inches of fresh snow on the ground. Combined with overcast skies, it was still below freezing by the time I departed so it left me wondering if the trail was going to be somewhat ride-able. Despite some sketchy spots along the way, we were hard pressed to ask for more favorable conditions. You’re spot on with respect to your comment about the scenery. I can’t speak for the others but I had to stop a number of times to take it all in.

 

[DiggyGun]

Today’s ride was a nice leisurely local route.

The weather was very kind to us with the temperature being about 17oC and the wind was 12mph. Although a bit breezy at times.

 

[RabH]

@Prairie Dog @RandallS It looks like you guys had an awesome time, that scenery is just breathtaking! Some of those drop offs scared the crap out of me

 

[Stefan Mikes]

So I used Google translate to hear how Zakopane should correctly be pronounced (not zaa ko PAIN, but zaa ko paanay). It translated it as "buried". I assume that means "buried in the back of beyond", a slang or metaphor from the remoteness/ruralness of the place, rather than the town having been named "Buried", yes?

Meanwhile, Stefan you have claimed so many tires to be THE tire of your heart, I think you should write a romance novel of your search for the perfect tire.

Chez:
Actually, Zakopane means: "buried" in snow (I guess) It's the Poland's capital city of winter sports, especially of ski jumping and alpine skiing.

Regarding the tyres: I could have spared a lot of money by just keeping to the best Specialized tyres on my Specialized e-bikes. My ride of today (the report yet to come) has proved the Specialized Pathfinder Pro tyres were the best selection for my Vado SL. It is enough to see the average speed gain by just replacing the tyres (The Pathfinders were underinflated on Friday. I only inflated them properly for Saturday!)

No more experimenting on tyres!

And let me just share a single picture from my gravel solo ride of today:

Do I look a happy man? I think so! (We Poles only do not show teeth when photographed)

See my "bulletproof vest". A story to be told yet!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Chez:
Actually, Zakopane means: "buried" in snow (I guess) It's the Poland's capital city of winter sports, especially of ski jumping and alpine skiing.

Regarding the tyres: I could have spared a lot of money by just keeping to the best Specialized tyres on my Specialized e-bikes. My ride of today (the report yet to come) has proved the Specialized Pathfinder Pro tyres were the best selection for my Vado SL. It is enough to see the average speed gain by just replacing the tyres (The Pathfinders were underinflated on Friday. I only inflated them properly for Saturday!)

No more experimenting on tyres!

And let me just share a single picture from my gravel solo ride of today:

View attachment 117884
Do I look a happy man? I think so! (We Poles only do not show teeth when photographed)

See my "bulletproof vest". A story to be told yet!

Looks like the perfect 'spring attire' to me Stefan...sans goggles and winter helmet.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Looks like the perfect 'spring attire' to me Stefan...sans goggles and winter helmet.

And no HiVis clothing! I only wear HiVis gloves now.
But it was only 10 C today, with 30 km/h WNW wind!

 

[Prairie Dog]

@Prairie Dog @RandallS It looks like you guys had an awesome time, that scenery is just breathtaking! Some of those drop offs scared the crap out of me

The unimpeded drop offs were just as you described but several points along the trail offered up spectacular views of the Cascade River Valley below as well as the Trans Canada Hwy. A number these spots are prone to exposure but one can always choose instead to walk their bike. The Tunnel Mtn location is still recognized as being within the confines of the resort townsite and the trail head is only a few minutes ride to the heart of downtown Banff making it ultra convenient to access. Quite a nice place to have as one’s own backyard although I can imagine it becomes swamped with locals/tourists during the summer months.

 

[Twin Valley]

Today’s ride was a nice leisurely local route.

The weather was very kind to us with the temperature being about 17oC and the wind was 12mph. Although a bit breezy at times.

View attachment 117881View attachment 117882View attachment 117883

Today’s ride was a nice leisurely local route.

The weather was very kind to us with the temperature being about 17oC and the wind was 12mph. Although a bit breezy at times.

View attachment 117881View attachment 117882View attachment 117883

what? no picnic lunch, I mentioned to my better half (not for the first time) the nice lunches Mrs. DiggyGun prepares but was told I hope he appreciates them, tomorrow we are planning her first ride of the season so maybe something good in her pack - not sure if she's sharing

 

[BlackHand]

Chez:
Actually, Zakopane means: "buried" in snow (I guess) It's the Poland's capital city of winter sports, especially of ski jumping and alpine skiing.

Regarding the tyres: I could have spared a lot of money by just keeping to the best Specialized tyres on my Specialized e-bikes. My ride of today (the report yet to come) has proved the Specialized Pathfinder Pro tyres were the best selection for my Vado SL. It is enough to see the average speed gain by just replacing the tyres (The Pathfinders were underinflated on Friday. I only inflated them properly for Saturday!)

No more experimenting on tyres!

And let me just share a single picture from my gravel solo ride of today:

View attachment 117884
Do I look a happy man? I think so! (We Poles only do not show teeth when photographed)

See my "bulletproof vest". A story to be told yet!

Looking fit Stefan! I think the increase in gravel rides and decrease in ice cream selfies is working for you

 

[DiggyGun]

what? no picnic lunch, I mentioned to my better half (not for the first time) the nice lunches Mrs. DiggyGun prepares but was told I hope he appreciates them, tomorrow we are planning her first ride of the season so maybe something good in her pack - not sure if she's sharing

We had only a snack stop yesterday, but I’ll get Mrs DG back up to speed for today.

Hope that Mrs TV enjoys her first ride today and that a suitable picnic is prepared.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Kabacki Gravel #13 (modified) Solo Ride

A couple of weeks ago, one Michał A., a popular group ride animator led his 13th escapade southwards of Warsaw. I was ill on that weekend and could not participate. Last Saturday, I decided to replicate that group ride myself. I discovered the parking lot -- located in the southern quarter of Warsaw -- was adjacent to an LBS by the name of "RoadBike". And when I was almost ready to ride -- and found out the weather was far colder than forecast, I noticed Michał opening the store! It was because he has started working for RoadBike recently!

"Michał, do you have any windbreakers for sale? Large size?" - and indeed he found something for me! He was aware I would be using the route he had created, and was interested how I would like that.

It was rather cold (10 C/50 F), a suggestion of drizzle, and there was a 32 km/h (20 mph) wind blowing. I wouldn't have survived without the windbreaker!

A barrier at the entry to the Chojnowski Landscape Park. Poland (and especially the Central Mazovia) sports very few real gravel roads; it is either asphalt or dirt. If you want to be a "gravel cyclist" here, you actually need to look for the gravel roads!

Many fireroads here are made of gravel.

Pretty rare gravel roads outside the forest...

I was actually not aware where I was riding to: I was just following the route. To my big surprise, the route led me to a larger town of Góra Kalwaria. Here, a cafe by name Góra Kawiarnia is a popular stop for roadies. Despite of poor weather, there still were many roadies in! You can find even the most expensive bikes on the hanger, and nobody steals them! (The place seems to be sacred, and free of theft).

The photo was taken by a friendly employee of the adjacent LBS.

The name of the cake was "Carbon". The girl behind the bar told me the cake was made with Active Carbon. I'm still unsure if she was joking! Still, the cake was delicious!

Roadies have to eat a lot!

The cafe is 100% cycling oriented and connected with an LBS that carries, i.a., Bianchi bikes.

After leaving the cafe, I followed a small peloton struggling with headwind. I can proudly announce I was capable of riding at the peloton speed for 6 kilometres! I was probably getting on the nerves of roadies but fortunately we parted our ways somewhere

The return way was hard because of the wind. I stopped in the Chojnowski Landscape Park for a little lunch consisting of several Berliners (a Berliner is a type of a frankfurter, a trademark of a Polish meat company). Pay attention to my new Pathfinder Pro tyres. Worth every cent! Inflated to the proper pressure, they let me ride faster than usually, and the tyres were delightfully compliant!

Upon my return to the parking lot, I noticed the LBS was still working. I entered the store and just said "Thank you!" to Michał. And I rose my thumb up.

 

[Marci jo]

Kabacki Gravel #13 (modified) Solo Ride

A couple of weeks ago, one Michał A., a popular group ride animator led his 13th escapade southwards of Warsaw. I was ill on that weekend and could not participate. Last Saturday, I decided to replicate that group ride myself. I discovered the parking lot -- located in the southern quarter of Warsaw -- was adjacent to an LBS by the name of "RoadBike". And when I was almost ready to ride -- and found out the weather was far colder than forecast, I noticed Michał opening the store! It was because he has started working for RoadBike recently!

View attachment 117930
"Michał, do you have any windbreakers for sale? Large size?" - and indeed he found something for me! He was aware I would be using the route he had created, and was interested how I would like that.

It was rather cold (10 C/50 F), a suggestion of drizzle, and there was a 32 km/h (20 mph) wind blowing. I wouldn't have survived without the windbreaker!

View attachment 117935
A barrier at the entry to the Chojnowski Landscape Park. Poland (and especially the Central Mazovia) sports very few real gravel roads; it is either asphalt or dirt. If you want to be a "gravel cyclist" here, you actually need to look for the gravel roads!

View attachment 117936
Many fireroads here are made of gravel.

View attachment 117937
Pretty rare gravel roads outside the forest...

View attachment 117938
I was actually not aware where I was riding to: I was just following the route. To my big surprise, the route led me to a larger town of Góra Kalwaria. Here, a cafe by name Góra Kawiarnia is a popular stop for roadies. Despite of poor weather, there still were many roadies in! You can find even the most expensive bikes on the hanger, and nobody steals them! (The place seems to be sacred, and free of theft).

View attachment 117939
The photo was taken by a friendly employee of the adjacent LBS.

View attachment 117940
The name of the cake was "Carbon". The girl behind the bar told me the cake was made with Active Carbon. I'm still unsure if she was joking! Still, the cake was delicious!

View attachment 117941
Roadies have to eat a lot!

View attachment 117942
The cafe is 100% cycling oriented and connected with an LBS that carries, i.a., Bianchi bikes.

After leaving the cafe, I followed a small peloton struggling with headwind. I can proudly announce I was capable of riding at the peloton speed for 6 kilometres! I was probably getting on the nerves of roadies but fortunately we parted our ways somewhere

View attachment 117943
The return way was hard because of the wind. I stopped in the Chojnowski Landscape Park for a little lunch consisting of several Berliners (a Berliner is a type of a frankfurter, a trademark of a Polish meat company). Pay attention to my new Pathfinder Pro tyres. Worth every cent! Inflated to the proper pressure, they let me ride faster than usually, and the tyres were delightfully compliant!

View attachment 117944
Upon my return to the parking lot, I noticed the LBS was still working. I entered the store and just said "Thank you!" to Michał. And I rose my thumb up.

Ooooh….I want those bakery treats!

 

[RabH]

Another lovely day for a bike ride, chilly start once again and the fog made an appearance but quickly burnt off! The difference in temperature when the fog descended was unreal, so glad the sun won the day! Just light winds so it felt really pleasant when the sun was out! I had only just started my ride and had 4 layers on and it was feeling nippy. I was just leaving my home town when a roadie passed in the opposite direction wearing shorts and short sleeves!

The local loch was looking nice this morning, you can see how light the winds were from the lack of ripples! Believe it or not but that is actually 2 women swimming in the freezing cold loch, you couldn't pay me to dip my toes in that!

It was nice to see so many cyclists out today, I'm sure they were getting their rides in before the cold snap returns on Wednesday, 17C this afternoon and a high of 5C on Wednesday with a possibility of some snow! It was good to see one of my back roads getting some lovely new tarmac, I will enjoy descending this one soon!

I was really enjoying my ride in the sun but I could see the mist and fog descending when I reached Linlithgow! Linlithgow Bridge in the fog!

A few miles later and the view was very different!

On reaching the top of the big climb the view of the Firth of Forth was non existent, it was probably shrouded in fog all day! Normally you can see the oil refinery from up here!

Time for the descent now, love this road so much! Somebody obviously had an accident here, bits of car bumper all over the place and the wall was damaged!

I had such a great ride today, I finally passed 1000 miles for the year (1032) March has been good to me, 420 miles so far! Possibly one more ride before the end of the month...

 

[DiggyGun]

Today’s ride was another local circular route.

However, the weather wasn’t as kind today. The temperature was 11oC with a wind of 7mph, bringing the temperature down to 9oC. Although, at times it did feel colder than that.

Our first picnic stop.

This is a route marker from the National Cycle Network, No. 51. These are dotted along all of them and each carries a code, but you need all of them to work out the full meaning.

Our second picnic stop.

Our stats.