2026 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos

JGcycle · Sunday at 12:10 PM

A few pics from today's 24km ride:

Rás Cnoic · Sunday at 2:01 PM

BillH said:
I did the old Google Lens on the tractor photo. Specifically a Ferguson TE20 tractor, often referred to as the "Little Grey Fergie". Produced between 1946 and 1956 in Coventry, England.

More pretty useless info I have stored up there!

Art Deco · Sunday at 4:09 PM

DaveMatthews said:
Yes, I have.
And again, your experience with your single example is anecdotal. That is not to say that your experiences are invalid in any way, just that to apply it to an entire brand is inaccurate and/or misguided. It does not help people at all.
If I were to apply your logic to my experience with this Stance that I have then I should be able to say that all Giant EMTBs are flawless and every rider will get over 7000kms out of the stock chain.
Obviously ridiculous, yes?

Ridiculous maybe, but I think you maintain your bike well. Others don't....

stompandgo · Sunday at 4:17 PM

Today I helped out a friend who promotes an offroad event called the Mix Tape in Southeastern MA. It is billed as having a mix of pavement, gravel, hard pack, and single track. It's a ride that has race segments with prizes for the winners. No commissaires, no timing equipment, just the honor system for the winners. It is 45 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing. I was one of four sweep riders that pulled all of the course markings while riding behind the slowest riders. We left after the start and caught the back in the first hour.

The start.

This was early in the ride, on easy terrain.

Our first and only repair assistance. This guy had a tubeless flat, plugged it, and his inflator ran out of juice.

This area was spare of large boulders like these. There were many, many sections full of them, along with 2" rocks that looked like a dry stream bed. I am not skilled in off road riding, so that was the biggest challenge of the day. I forded this stream by walking across the rocks.

This was the halfway point stop. I broke my mirror and had all sorts of trouble with my trunk bag falling off. The mechanic had a sleeve of zip ties, so I tied everything down, and it lasted to the finish.

I was not take to take more pictures because we spent hours riding at a slow pace. The riders eventually came close to the time cut, so one of the sweepers took them back to the start on a shortcut. We finished the last 15 miles on course to clear it of markers.

The Pinarello at the finish. The food truck had left so we were out of luck for nourishment. I decided to start with the range extender, in case that I had to use some Mid or High power, which I never did. The TQ HPR50 system uses the RE battery first until it is depleted, then it switches seamlessly over to the main battery. I rode in analog mode for about half of the time, and my self-tuned Eco (120W max, Assist 71%) for the rest. The RE is 160Wh, a little less than half of the main battery. I ended up depleting the RE, and had 65% left on the main battery at the finish. It looks like I could have done the whole thing on just the main, but you never know what kind of ride it is going to be. After we left the back of the group, we turned up the wick a bit. I would up pulling the other two for about 6 miles on the front on a pavement section, and hit the last uphill pavement section with what I had in the tank.

As far as rides go, it wasn't that hard in terms of fitness and endurance. Total time was about 6 hours. It was difficult for me because of my lack of experience on the absolutely unforgiving terrain. My upper body is pretty shot, much more than my legs. I'll get to repairing and cleaning the bike this week. The frame, wheels, drivetrain, fit, saddle, and tires all worked great. It is a really fun bike to ride on dirt and gravel roads in good condition. I can't wait to get back to the Outer Cape for more off-road riding.

edobici_forza · Sunday at 5:05 PM

Very cool Stompandgo! that looks very fun! I would give it a go on my Exie.

Rás Cnoic · Sunday at 5:15 PM

stompandgo said:
Today I helped out a friend who promotes an offroad event called the Mix Tape in Southeastern MA. It is billed as having a mix of pavement, gravel, hard pack, and single track. It's a ride that has race segments with prizes for the winners. No commissaires, no timing equipment, just the honor system for the winners. It is 45 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing. I was one of four sweep riders that pulled all of the course markings while riding behind the slowest riders. We left after the start and caught the back in the first hour.

View attachment 208565
The start.

View attachment 208566
This was early in the ride, on easy terrain.

View attachment 208567

View attachment 208569

Our first and only repair assistance. This guy had a tubeless flat, plugged it, and his inflator ran out of juice.

View attachment 208570

This area was spare of large boulders like these. There were many, many sections full of them, along with 2" rocks that looked like a dry stream bed. I am not skilled in off road riding, so that was the biggest challenge of the day. I forded this stream by walking across the rocks.

View attachment 208571

This was the halfway point stop. I broke my mirror and had all sorts of trouble with my trunk bag falling off. The mechanic had a sleeve of zip ties, so I tied everything down, and it lasted to the finish.

I was not take to take more pictures because we spent hours riding at a slow pace. The riders eventually came close to the time cut, so one of the sweepers took them back to the start on a shortcut. We finished the last 15 miles on course to clear it of markers.

View attachment 208572

The Pinarello at the finish. The food truck had left so we were out of luck for nourishment. I decided to start with the range extender, in case that I had to use some Mid or High power, which I never did. The TQ HPR50 system uses the RE battery first until it is depleted, then it switches seamlessly over to the main battery. I rode in analog mode for about half of the time, and my self-tuned Eco (120W max, Assist 71%) for the rest. The RE is 160Wh, a little less than half of the main battery. I ended up depleting the RE, and had 65% left on the main battery at the finish. It looks like I could have done the whole thing on just the main, but you never know what kind of ride it is going to be. After we left the back of the group, we turned up the wick a bit. I would up pulling the other two for about 6 miles on the front on a pavement section, and hit the last uphill pavement section with what I had in the tank.

As far as rides go, it wasn't that hard in terms of fitness and endurance. Total time was about 6 hours. It was difficult for me because of my lack of experience on the absolutely unforgiving terrain. My upper body is pretty shot, much more than my legs. I'll get to repairing and cleaning the bike this week. The frame, wheels, drivetrain, fit, saddle, and tires all worked great. It is a really fun bike to ride on dirt and gravel roads in good condition. I can't wait to get back to the Outer Cape for more off-road riding.

Gorgeous weather & looks a really fun event. I like the honour system. Your Pinarello looks a beast all dusty like that!

On rough terrain that's why I like handlebar bags no worries I might lose it out of sight as I bounce along.

DaveMatthews · Sunday at 6:29 PM

stompandgo said:
Today I helped out a friend who promotes an offroad event called the Mix Tape in Southeastern MA. It is billed as having a mix of pavement, gravel, hard pack, and single track. It's a ride that has race segments with prizes for the winners. No commissaires, no timing equipment, just the honor system for the winners. It is 45 miles with 2,000 feet of climbing. I was one of four sweep riders that pulled all of the course markings while riding behind the slowest riders. We left after the start and caught the back in the first hour.

View attachment 208565
The start.

View attachment 208566
This was early in the ride, on easy terrain.

View attachment 208567

View attachment 208569

Our first and only repair assistance. This guy had a tubeless flat, plugged it, and his inflator ran out of juice.

View attachment 208570

This area was spare of large boulders like these. There were many, many sections full of them, along with 2" rocks that looked like a dry stream bed. I am not skilled in off road riding, so that was the biggest challenge of the day. I forded this stream by walking across the rocks.

View attachment 208571

This was the halfway point stop. I broke my mirror and had all sorts of trouble with my trunk bag falling off. The mechanic had a sleeve of zip ties, so I tied everything down, and it lasted to the finish.

I was not take to take more pictures because we spent hours riding at a slow pace. The riders eventually came close to the time cut, so one of the sweepers took them back to the start on a shortcut. We finished the last 15 miles on course to clear it of markers.

View attachment 208572

The Pinarello at the finish. The food truck had left so we were out of luck for nourishment. I decided to start with the range extender, in case that I had to use some Mid or High power, which I never did. The TQ HPR50 system uses the RE battery first until it is depleted, then it switches seamlessly over to the main battery. I rode in analog mode for about half of the time, and my self-tuned Eco (120W max, Assist 71%) for the rest. The RE is 160Wh, a little less than half of the main battery. I ended up depleting the RE, and had 65% left on the main battery at the finish. It looks like I could have done the whole thing on just the main, but you never know what kind of ride it is going to be. After we left the back of the group, we turned up the wick a bit. I would up pulling the other two for about 6 miles on the front on a pavement section, and hit the last uphill pavement section with what I had in the tank.

As far as rides go, it wasn't that hard in terms of fitness and endurance. Total time was about 6 hours. It was difficult for me because of my lack of experience on the absolutely unforgiving terrain. My upper body is pretty shot, much more than my legs. I'll get to repairing and cleaning the bike this week. The frame, wheels, drivetrain, fit, saddle, and tires all worked great. It is a really fun bike to ride on dirt and gravel roads in good condition. I can't wait to get back to the Outer Cape for more off-road riding.

Nicely done sir!

Readytoride · Sunday at 11:03 PM

Now that decent April weather has begrudgingly settled in our area of northern Virginia - we won't mention the 3 upcoming days of scorching July-esque heat about to pummel us mid-week - I am finally finding time to cruise our Spring inspired gravel roads in 8 to 12 mile semi-daily increments. Not quite in the ballpark of RabH's legendary milage forays, but I'll take whatever time I can squeeze away from endless farm projects and chores to simply have a few peaceful moments with my Gazelle.

The other day I took a route that passed by our local foxhunt kennels, and stopped in to see the newest litter of foxhounds. I'd texted our huntsman that morning asking if I could stop by to snap some photos of the 9 week old pups for a painting I want to do. With his gracious reply "of course!", I zipped up to the kennels, parked my bike, and strolled silently to the fenced yards to find all the hounds, young and old, sacked out fast asleep in the warm sunshine.

So the sum total of that day's ride photos were comprised of scenes like this ...

And (once everyone woke up) like this...

And this (which is the shot I wanted)

Best.Ride.Ever.

Wednesday my cycling buddy/neighbor invited me to come with her to pick up her new electronic lift bike rack for her truck. It's a nifty design that lowers the entire rack down to ground level at the push of a button to allow a bike (or two) to be rolled onto the rack, and then raises itself back up to the height of the truck hitch. Powered by a plug that uses the truck's trailer plug receiver. This means she'll be self sufficient in getting her ebike loaded/unloaded to get to the big rides coming up this summer. She's looking forward to more bike rides this year, which will be fun for both of us.

Stefan Mikes · 2026-04-13T05:01:11-0600

Some Telephoto Lens Pictures from Warsaw

Physical activities in Warsaw City Centre.
The last photo: Some nice immigrants enjoying volleyball.

One of four tower clocks atop PKiN. Only a hawk-eye could see the Warsaw Mermaid being the logo!

Young punk-rockers in Chmielna (Hop Street). They were singing a song called "Toss Some Coins For Wine" written by my friend and sometime my bandmate, Patyczak Sure I tossed a 1 Zloty coin for them!

"A museum from the back". There is a Polish saying for old ladies with a good body figure: "A lyceum from the back, a museum from the front" So the photo title has a double meaning! (At the back of The Museum of Modern Arts)

Golden 44 at the golden hour!

x
A female bartender took that photo of me. As I entered the pub, she greeted me in English! Later, I asked two male bartenders and they confirmed: English was the first language spoken in the Warsaw City Centre!

Jeremy McCreary · 2026-04-13T11:44:02-0600

Readytoride said:
Now that decent April weather has begrudgingly settled in our area of northern Virginia - we won't mention the 3 upcoming days of scorching July-esque heat about to pummel us mid-week - I am finally finding time to cruise our Spring inspired gravel roads in 8 to 12 mile semi-daily increments. Not quite in the ballpark of RabH's legendary milage forays, but I'll take whatever time I can squeeze away from endless farm projects and chores to simply have a few peaceful moments with my Gazelle.

The other day I took a route that passed by our local foxhunt kennels, and stopped in to see the newest litter of foxhounds. I'd texted our huntsman that morning asking if I could stop by to snap some photos of the 9 week old pups for a painting I want to do. With his gracious reply "of course!", I zipped up to the kennels, parked my bike, and strolled silently to the fenced yards to find all the hounds, young and old, sacked out fast asleep in the warm sunshine.

So the sum total of that day's ride photos were comprised of scenes like this ...
View attachment 208575
And (once everyone woke up) like this...
View attachment 208576
And this (which is the shot I wanted)
View attachment 208577

Best.Ride.Ever.

Wednesday my cycling buddy/neighbor invited me to come with her to pick up her new electronic lift bike rack for her truck. It's a nifty design that lowers the entire rack down to ground level at the push of a button to allow a bike (or two) to be rolled onto the rack, and then raises itself back up to the height of the truck hitch. Powered by a plug that uses the truck's trailer plug receiver. This means she'll be self sufficient in getting her ebike loaded/unloaded to get to the big rides coming up this summer. She's looking forward to more bike rides this year, which will be fun for both of us.

The only thing better than a ride in the country on a beautiful spring day is one with PUPPIES!!! The massive overdose of cute must've left you reeling.

RabH · 2026-04-13T12:20:20-0600

It was a beautiful morning but I had things to do so couldn't get out until 10.50am, with heavy rain forecast for 3pm I had to make sure I didn't go crazy and go too far!

Once again we had a strong southerly wind with gusts around 30-35mph, luckily the gusts were only occasional and the wind wasn't that much of an issue for the most part! I made my way down to Slamannan and took the back road to Avonbridge, I spotted these lambs enjoying the sunshine right next to the fence and as soon as the camera came out they bolted!

From Avonbridge I headed to Westfield and made my way up the big climb to Torphicen, where I stopped for some photos!

They are beautiful homes and less than a mile from Beecraigs Country Park, wish I lived so close!

I had another big climb now up to the country park and stopped for more photos on the way up!

At the top of the climb I took the back road that leads to Dechmont but I knew the road was closed further down but I had a plan in mind that would involve a road I have never used before! I had no idea what it would be like and was very pleasantly surprised when I started up the first climb!

This is the road to Dechmont which I ride often and its a real gem also!

The road is like this for a couple of miles but I was about to turn off at the signpost in this photo!

As I turned the corner I was straight into a short climb and a couple of big descents, then this climb came into view! As always the camera makes it look like nothing...

At the top I had this view of the Pentland Hills!

Then came this scary descent, it was a bit rough but not dangerous!

I look forward to trying the road in the other direction, its a corker! I can't believe I have never tried it before, although I knew there was a play area and car parks at the eastern end which attracts lots of visitors to the country park so I guessed it would be busy with cars but I was wrong because I never met a single car until I reached the first car park which was full to bursting! I then made my way to the far side of the country park to enjoy the big descent down into the valley! I stopped for these photos before the descent!

The road down to the loch is crazy but I wasn't going that way, I have used it many times and its a 40mph freewheel descent followed by a 20% climb at the other end!

The view across the River Forth to the north!

The descent I was about to shoot down at high speed, with a 90 degree turn ahead you have to hit the brakes hard before you get there!

My next big climb was coming soon!

The Pentlands to the SE!

I stopped on the way down for more photos!

The Forth bridges were in full view today!

The big climb out of the valley on lovely smooth tarmac!

My final photos from the top of the climb!

It was time to get my head down and just ride the bike to make sure I got home before the heavy rain, its a long straight road after the climb and and at the end of the road I turned north towards Threemiletown! Its a big descent into the village and I had a lovely tailwind helping! I then turned west towards Linlithgow, avoiding the busy part of town and took the back road to Standburn which is a 5 mile climb followed by a cracking descent down into Avonbridge! As I neared Avonbridge I could see the rain clouds forming out to the west, guess where I was heading?

From Avonbridge I was intending to stay on the main road all the way to Limerigg but the dark clouds were looking very threatening over that way!

So I decided to turn north towards Shieldhill which was another big climb but I had a strong tailwind pushing me up the climb, then I turned south towards Slamannan and caught my first rain shower! It was quite heavy but thankfully short lived as the strong wind blew it north! From Slamannan I took the back road to Longriggend and down into Caldercruix with just 4 miles to go, the sky was looking very threatening though and lo and behold just I arrived in my home town the heavens opened! I turned into my driveway and hail started to fall, I have never got off the bike so quick in my life...

I got lucky this time, I was indoors when the worst of the hail hit! I got home at 2.45pm and within 15 minutes the sky was clear again and the heavy rain that was supposed to hit around 3pm never materialised...

What a great ride though, lots of ups and downs and twists and turns! I was hoping to do a big ride on Thursday but the forecast has completely changed so I will wait and see and if the opportunity comes along I will go for it...

Jeremy McCreary · 2026-04-13T13:52:56-0600

RabH said:
From Slamannan I took the back road to Longriggend and down into Caldercruix with just 4 miles to go, the sky was looking very threatening though and lo and behold just I arrived in my home town the heavens opened! I turned into my driveway and hail started to fall, I have never got off the bike so quick in my life...

Ha, no stranger to hail from our 20 years in Colorado. But I was riding very little then, and it never struck me till just now how poorly hail and riding mix!

We had thunderstorms almost daily in summer and early fall, and many of them brought hail — sometimes lots of hail. Above is maybe 15-20 minutes worth of hail, not snow, in our Denver back yard. Note the impact splashes on the lake.

Our hail was usually pea-size or smaller, but we lost 2 roofs to larger hail in our time there. Imagine getting caught outside in this stuff!

RabH · 2026-04-13T14:02:10-0600

Jeremy McCreary said:
Ha, no stranger to hail from our 20 years in Colorado. But I was riding very little then, and it never struck me till just now how poorly hail and riding mix!

View attachment 208649
We had thunderstorms almost daily in summer and early fall, and many of them brought hail — sometimes lots of hail. That was hail in our back yard, not snow. Note the impact splashes on the lake.

View attachment 208650
Our hail was usually pea-size or smaller, but we lost 2 roofs to larger hail in our time there. Imagine getting caught outside in this stuff!

I can't even imagine how painful that would be if you were riding a bike in that, life threatening for sure! I've been hit many times but our hail is like pimples compared to that!

Chargeride · 2026-04-13T17:31:11-0600

The only sun was local in the morning, so set off from my mums house, this is my dads school, he did not get good reports and I followed suit in life.