Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
THE RAG.
(Like Daily Mirror etc)
2026 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos
- Thread starter RabH
- Start date
(Like Daily Mirror etc)
Chazmo
fat-tire biker
- Region
- USA
- City
- Central Massachusetts
Hey, Jeff, do you carry stuff in your panniers on your rides? Those panniers seem kinda chunky for the length of the scenic rides you do. Just curious. I mean, I have a rear rack on my bike which I have never used, but the fender mounts to it and one day I had hoped to carry a spare battery with me (but that’s never going to happen on this bike).
JGcycle
Two-Wheeled Shaker
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Saint John
I carry a rather bulky tool kit, a bike lock, and a tire pump. I also use the bags to carry any layers of clothing that I peel off during a ride. In truth, I could could get by with one bag, but I like the symmetry of two bags LOL.
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Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Back from Houston. I'm too old and ailing for transoceanic trips!
A 1.8 km Walk That Almost Killed Me!
"You must see Rice University!" everybody was telling me. Caught the "train" for one long stop. Then I walked into the academic institution founded in 1891 by one William Marsh Rice, a wealthy Texan businessman, and opened in 1912 (twelve years after Rice's death).
The proper football
can be seen everywhere in Houston now. Or, at least the sport's symbols.
As I can understand, the spacious lawns is where the university students spend their time between academic activities?
I haven't seen such impressive trees anywhere in Europe!
Reminds me of ancient universities in Italy!
Gorgeous architecture indeed!
Mr. Price himself.
A very accurate sundial of 1965.
Cohen House, one of so many beautiful buildings found in the campus area.
As Houston is a relatively new city (I mean the growth that started in 1950s), it was easy to organize the urbs the way it is impossible for Europe. Museum District holds all museums. Then there is a district of universities, and a district of medical centres! (I don't even need to mention NASA).
I got defeated by the climate. See that gentleman wearing a straw hat and walking very slowly?
As I was in the middle of my walk (sipping Coke Zero regularly for hydration), I sat in a gorgeous patio next to the Welcome Center. Then I realised I was about to faint! Rose up and walked very very slowly towards the gate and I could eventually reach the "train station" (tram stop elsewhere) Later, I discussed my case with an American co-worker and a friend. He told me: "People of cold climate tend to walk fast. It is not what we are doing here in the South. You indeed need to walk very slowly. When I moved from Michigan to Houston for higher education, a local friend was always slowing me down" He even mimicked the accent of that friend and his exact words!
I insist the main reason so few people cycle there is the sauna climate!
Back at the hotel, I had to take the shower and replace the shirt for my travel to Europe that just was about to begin...
Houston Intercontinental Airport is (as I was told) under a big redevelopment project. Terminal E is beautiful! However, its strength also lies in the perfect organization. Would you believe that double TSA security check (biometric and cabin baggage) took just 12 minutes?! It is an hour in Warsaw Chopin and an hour and a half at Amsterdam's Schiphol!
To summarise, I enjoyed my stay in Houston very much, and let's forget the past For me, the greatest progress America has done over the past 25 years was discovering proper coffee God Bless America!
A 1.8 km Walk That Almost Killed Me!
"You must see Rice University!" everybody was telling me. Caught the "train" for one long stop. Then I walked into the academic institution founded in 1891 by one William Marsh Rice, a wealthy Texan businessman, and opened in 1912 (twelve years after Rice's death).
The proper football
can be seen everywhere in Houston now. Or, at least the sport's symbols.As I can understand, the spacious lawns is where the university students spend their time between academic activities?
I haven't seen such impressive trees anywhere in Europe!
Reminds me of ancient universities in Italy!
Gorgeous architecture indeed!
Mr. Price himself.
A very accurate sundial of 1965.
Cohen House, one of so many beautiful buildings found in the campus area.
As Houston is a relatively new city (I mean the growth that started in 1950s), it was easy to organize the urbs the way it is impossible for Europe. Museum District holds all museums. Then there is a district of universities, and a district of medical centres! (I don't even need to mention NASA).
I got defeated by the climate. See that gentleman wearing a straw hat and walking very slowly?
As I was in the middle of my walk (sipping Coke Zero regularly for hydration), I sat in a gorgeous patio next to the Welcome Center. Then I realised I was about to faint! Rose up and walked very very slowly towards the gate and I could eventually reach the "train station" (tram stop elsewhere)
Later, I discussed my case with an American co-worker and a friend. He told me: "People of cold climate tend to walk fast. It is not what we are doing here in the South. You indeed need to walk very slowly. When I moved from Michigan to Houston for higher education, a local friend was always slowing me down" He even mimicked the accent of that friend and his exact words! I insist the main reason so few people cycle there is the sauna climate!
Back at the hotel, I had to take the shower and replace the shirt for my travel to Europe that just was about to begin...
Houston Intercontinental Airport is (as I was told) under a big redevelopment project. Terminal E is beautiful! However, its strength also lies in the perfect organization. Would you believe that double TSA security check (biometric and cabin baggage) took just 12 minutes?! It is an hour in Warsaw Chopin and an hour and a half at Amsterdam's Schiphol!
To summarise, I enjoyed my stay in Houston very much, and let's forget the past
For me, the greatest progress America has done over the past 25 years was discovering proper coffee God Bless America!
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Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Funnily enough, one of the few 'famous' people from that little village of Slaideburn in my last video was
en.wikipedia.org
(1825–1887), Wisconsin senator who became one of the largest sheep breeders in Texas
Robert B. Sanderson - Wikipedia
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Even America knows it is not kph
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
"Think of hungry children in Africa. Good food cannot go to waste!"
Le Jardinerie (a Michelin restaurant), Houston, June 11st, 2026.
Last edited:
Saratoga Dave
Well-Known Member
Still crazy after all these years… how’s it going up there in Canadia, Dave?
DaveMatthews
Dave's not here. Cheating since 2018
- Region
- Canada
There he is!
Was wondering where you were at mate.
Bit of a dip in health myself, but trying to get back on track.
How about you? Everything going OK?
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Thats a weird rainbow effect, smudge on lens or gateway to another dimension
Rás Cnoic
Hillrider a.k.a. The Apostle
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Dartmoor
The City of London Nocturnal took place last night in the Square Mile, first time in 8 years! and was a huge success. Great to see a Saturday night crit take place in the centre of London with large enthusiastic crowds. It works so well at night and in the middle of London!
Dartmoor, so must be a gate to Faeryland surely!
Rás Cnoic
Hillrider a.k.a. The Apostle
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Dartmoor
Dartmoor, so must be a gate to Faeryland surely!
RabH
Well-Known Member
Back in 2022 I lost my dear old dad and I vowed to ride to St Andrews from my doorstep every year to remember him, as long as I am fit and well! Last year I lost my big brother to cancer so now I have more reason to complete my mission, they both loved St Andrews! Yesterday was the perfect day for it with light winds, starting with a light SW and changing to the NE in the afternoon! Just perfect to have a tailwind all day, albeit a minimal one but what a difference it makes! This was my 4th consecutive year completing the ride! I set off at 5am and took the cycle path around Hillend Loch, what a way to start my day with this view!
Last year I rode up inland and back down the east coast so I switched it about this year and headed up the coast! I made my down in to Falkirk, enjoying the big descent into Glen Village at almost 45mph!
Then through Grangemouth and over the Kincardine Bridge, grabbing a few photos on the way!The canal at Grangemouth!
2 weeks ago I got absolutely drenched here and the Ochils were completely hidden, quite a difference yesterday!
I then made my way long the coast road passing through many villages before arriving in Rosyth, on my way I took this photo in Crombie with the hill with the radio masts overlooking Knockhill Racing Circuit in the distance!
I then continued along the coast to Aberdour where I had my first real climb, up until now I was using eco mode...level 2 was required for this beast! The view at the top of the climb is sure worth the effort!
The Pentland Hills to the south across the Forth!
Then I had the awesome descent into Burntisland to look forward to, then it was up the climb into Kinghorn on the excellent cycle path! As always I stopped at Pettycur Bay for photos of the stunning beach!
From Kinghorn the coast road turns north towards Kirkcaldy, what a road it is with many ups and downs! I stopped on the Esplanade for this photo, this would be the last of the blue skies for a while! It looked a bit dark to the north...not what the forecast was showing!
I had a big climb out of town now and surprised myself by making it up in eco mode! It sure helps being a lightweight when carrying 3 heavy batteries!
I continued up the coast road to Leven where it was threatening to rain but thankfully it stayed dry! It was time for more climbing, nothing steep though and I stopped at the top of the climb in Upper Largo for this photo looking across the North Sea with mainland at North Berwick way in the distance!It was time to switch to battery 2 at 65 miles, pretty impressive for my original 8 year old battery! I continued along the coast to Elie where I stopped at the harbour for this photo, ,I enjoyed a well earned snack here!
I was now heading for Crail where I stopped for a photo of the tiny harbour!I was already at 80 miles here with almost 10 miles to go to St Andrews, 10 miles of wonderful coast road! Those dark clouds were looking ominous...
I always stop for a photo of this gorgeous little church on the coast road!
Sure enough I could feel some spits of rain nearing St Andrews but by the time I arrived in the town it had stopped! The beach was looking a bit rough, the recent weather played a big part I'm sure!
It was surprisingly quiet at the beach, most unusual for June but I'm sure the early morning Scotland game in Boston caused a few hangovers...
Well done lads, can we make it past the first round for the first time? Probably not... It was time to start heading west inland for home, I had a route planned in my head but with 90 miles covered I had to have a rethink as I would have had another 90 miles to do so I decided to skip the road out to Newburgh! My record is 170 miles in 2024 and I knew how tough that was so I made the sensible decision! The downside was I would be using the main A91 way more than I wanted to but with it being a Sunday I thought it would have been ok, I was wrong!From St Andrews I took the back road to Pitscottie, its a gem of a road but mostly uphill! Thankfully I had a tailwind helping but not much of a wind, for once I could have done with a 30mph tailwind all the way home...keep dreaming Rab!
I then had a big climb out of Pitscottie which is quickly followed by a cracking descent all the way to Cupar, 100 miles appeared on my gps near Cupar! I grabbed a couple of photos on the way, things were starting to look brighter now as I was heading inland!From Cupar it was time to brave the A91 for 15 miles or so, at first it wasn't too bad but it started to get busy after Gateside! At least the nice views were helping!
I was glad to reach Milnathort and get off the fast roads for a bit, although I had to use the A977 for a mile or so before taking the back road to Cleish, what a road that was! The final climb was tough, the photo doesn't do it justice! That climb finished off my 2nd battery at 125 miles, so I got 60 miles from that one!
I was now on the road that leads to Knockhill, its like this most of the way!
At the end of the road I turned left to head up the climb to Knockhill but I turned off a short time later to head down the awesome back road to Saline, mostly big downhills and a lot of fun!
This is the start of the road, a very fast descent!
The dark clouds were hanging around the Ochils but I had nice sunshine where I was!
The road out of Saline is pretty awesome also, another big downhill!
I then took the back road towards Forestmill and enjoyed this epic little road with this amazing descent on lovely smooth tarmac!
From there I headed back into Kincardine and used my usual roads all the way home, so I won't bore you all with the details! Other than to say as I arrived in Falkirk I still had 60% battery remaining so the big climbs were a total breeze using level 3 assist, I could have easily surpassed my 170 mile record but I decided 165 was more than enough and judging by my state today I made the right decision...
I slept for well over 10 hours, what a ride it was and worth the pain for sure! I'm sure my dad and big brother were by my side all the way and keeping me safe!Good to see you back Dave @Saratoga Dave I hope you are keeping well buddy!
stompandgo
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
Holy hell. What a great tribute.
Rás Cnoic
Hillrider a.k.a. The Apostle
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Dartmoor
FINALLY we know where all the people missing from your Scottish roads have gone!View attachment 211434
Back in 2022 I lost my dear old dad and I vowed to ride to St Andrews from my doorstep every year to remember him, as long as I am fit and well! Last year I lost my big brother to cancer so now I have more reason to complete my mission, they both loved St Andrews! Yesterday was the perfect day for it with light winds, starting with a light SW and changing to the NE in the afternoon! Just perfect to have a tailwind all day, albeit a minimal one but what a difference it makes! This was my 4th consecutive year completing the ride! I set off at 5am and took the cycle path around Hillend Loch, what a way to start my day with this view!
View attachment 211435
Last year I rode up inland and back down the east coast so I switched it about this year and headed up the coast! I made my down in to Falkirk, enjoying the big descent into Glen Village at almost 45mph!
The canal at Grangemouth!
View attachment 211436
2 weeks ago I got absolutely drenched here and the Ochils were completely hidden, quite a difference yesterday!
View attachment 211437
View attachment 211438
I then made my way long the coast road passing through many villages before arriving in Rosyth, on my way I took this photo in Crombie with the hill with the radio masts overlooking Knockhill Racing Circuit in the distance!
View attachment 211439
I then continued along the coast to Aberdour where I had my first real climb, up until now I was using eco mode...level 2 was required for this beast! The view at the top of the climb is sure worth the effort!
View attachment 211440
The Pentland Hills to the south across the Forth!
View attachment 211441
Then I had the awesome descent into Burntisland to look forward to, then it was up the climb into Kinghorn on the excellent cycle path! As always I stopped at Pettycur Bay for photos of the stunning beach!
View attachment 211443
View attachment 211444
From Kinghorn the coast road turns north towards Kirkcaldy, what a road it is with many ups and downs! I stopped on the Esplanade for this photo, this would be the last of the blue skies for a while! It looked a bit dark to the north...not what the forecast was showing!
View attachment 211445
I had a big climb out of town now and surprised myself by making it up in eco mode! It sure helps being a lightweight when carrying 3 heavy batteries!
View attachment 211446
It was time to switch to battery 2 at 65 miles, pretty impressive for my original 8 year old battery! I continued along the coast to Elie where I stopped at the harbour for this photo, ,I enjoyed a well earned snack here!
View attachment 211448From Elie I hugged the coastline passing through St Monans where I could feel rain in the air, not even enough to wet the roads thankfully! I got passed by a St Andrews bus here and I was playing cat and mouse with it through Pitenweem and Anstruther, I bet the driver was cursing me at times!
View attachment 211450
I was already at 80 miles here with almost 10 miles to go to St Andrews, 10 miles of wonderful coast road! Those dark clouds were looking ominous...
View attachment 211451
I always stop for a photo of this gorgeous little church on the coast road!
View attachment 211452
Sure enough I could feel some spits of rain nearing St Andrews but by the time I arrived in the town it had stopped! The beach was looking a bit rough, the recent weather played a big part I'm sure!
View attachment 211453
View attachment 211454
It was surprisingly quiet at the beach, most unusual for June but I'm sure the early morning Scotland game in Boston caused a few hangovers...
From St Andrews I took the back road to Pitscottie, its a gem of a road but mostly uphill! Thankfully I had a tailwind helping but not much of a wind, for once I could have done with a 30mph tailwind all the way home...keep dreaming Rab!
View attachment 211455
View attachment 211456
From Cupar it was time to brave the A91 for 15 miles or so, at first it wasn't too bad but it started to get busy after Gateside! At least the nice views were helping!
View attachment 211458
View attachment 211459
I was glad to reach Milnathort and get off the fast roads for a bit, although I had to use the A977 for a mile or so before taking the back road to Cleish, what a road that was! The final climb was tough, the photo doesn't do it justice! That climb finished off my 2nd battery at 125 miles, so I got 60 miles from that one!
View attachment 211460
I was now on the road that leads to Knockhill, its like this most of the way!
View attachment 211461
At the end of the road I turned left to head up the climb to Knockhill but I turned off a short time later to head down the awesome back road to Saline, mostly big downhills and a lot of fun!
This is the start of the road, a very fast descent!
View attachment 211462
The dark clouds were hanging around the Ochils but I had nice sunshine where I was!
View attachment 211463
The road out of Saline is pretty awesome also, another big downhill!
View attachment 211464
I then took the back road towards Forestmill and enjoyed this epic little road with this amazing descent on lovely smooth tarmac!
View attachment 211466
From there I headed back into Kincardine and used my usual roads all the way home, so I won't bore you all with the details! Other than to say as I arrived in Falkirk I still had 60% battery remaining so the big climbs were a total breeze using level 3 assist, I could have easily surpassed my 170 mile record but I decided 165 was more than enough and judging by my state today I made the right decision...
Good to see you back Dave @Saratoga Dave I hope you are keeping well buddy!
View attachment 211467
View attachment 211468
RabH
Well-Known Member
They were all in Boston actually...FINALLY we know where all the people missing from your Scottish roads have gone!
I forgot to mention I passed 47000 miles yesterday also, 47050 to be exact! I just can't praise this bike highly enough, it has given me over 8 years of pure cycling pleasure!
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