Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Those are beautiful pics by the way
2025 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos
- Thread starter Saratoga Dave
- Start date
Chazmo
fat-tire biker
- Region
- USA
- City
- Central Massachusetts
Awesome name for a town!
RabH
Well-Known Member
Another blustery day but much nicer than Friday, with a 25mph wind from WSW and a perfect temp of 16C! I made my way down the back roads to Allanton where I joined the main A71 for a few miles before taking the back road to Climpy, a big climb up past the Blacklaw Wind Farm!
After passing through Climpy I enjoyed this awesome descent down into Forth!
I then headed north for a mile or so to take the amazing twisty back road to Braehead, one of the best cycling roads with lots of twisty fast descents!
I then had a climb up to the village before this cracking descent down towards Carnwath!At Carnwath I turned south towards Libberton, where I had yet another amazing descent to enjoy!
At Libberton I had this lovely view of Tinto Hill between the houses!
Now it was time to climb again, I usually descend this one in the other direction and nearly always hit 40mph or more! Its a bit slower going up it...
Part way up I spotted some Alpacas enjoying the afternoon sunshine!
The roads around here are just fantastic!
The views are pretty special also!
Another nice descent with the Coulter Hills providing a stunning backdrop!
Yet another amazing descent!
Another stunning view of the Coulter Hills to the south!
I then had a big climb towards Biggar and yet more stunning views across the fields!
This is the big descent down into Biggar but I turned north for Elsrickle here so didn't get to enjoy it today!
The road to Elsrickle is all ups and downs and just before the final big descent I stopped for more photos of the Coulter Hills!
I continued north towards Walston where I had another amazing fast descent!
This road runs through the Pentland Hills!
At Walston I remembered a side road that I have been meaning to check out and it turned out to be a little gem!
More photos of the Pentlands and the Coulters as I continued along the little side road!
At the top of the final climb I was met with this tough 18% gradient, Ridewithgps reported a miximum gradient of 12.8%!
I look forward to testing this little gem of a road in the other direction! Time was against me now so this was my final photo as I got my head down and pedalled hard for the next 32 miles, passing through Newbigging and battling up the big climb through Kaimend and up yet another big climb towards Auchengray! I turned off before Auchengray to take the back road to Yieldshields before taking the back road to Carluke and another back road back into Allanton! From here I used the same roads home as I used on Friday but this time I had enough battery power left to crank the assist up on the big climbs, I was forced to use eco made on Friday and I could still feel it in my legs today! I arrived home just in time for dinner and I was sure ready for it...
Another amazing day on the bike on some of the best roads my country has to offer!
Attachments
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
I probably posted it but the founder of the Edinburgh Woolen Mill was my grandmas cousin, I use this as a thin connection to Scotland at parties.
So when I got back from my Scotland trip, Im telling my mother of a 'whos the most Scottish' around the campfire, which I brought up and was shot down for it being too disconnected.
My mother looks at me and says.
'Your Grandfather was from Stirling and his name was Alexander McQueen'.
I thought he was from Burnley?
He worked there for a bit.
Only took me 62 years to find out
So when I got back from my Scotland trip, Im telling my mother of a 'whos the most Scottish' around the campfire, which I brought up and was shot down for it being too disconnected.
My mother looks at me and says.
'Your Grandfather was from Stirling and his name was Alexander McQueen'.
I thought he was from Burnley?
He worked there for a bit.
Only took me 62 years to find out
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Parked the van in the Plough car park, a mike on a country lane to the canal, bit tight.
Approaching the Marina
A mixture of busy port, run down housing and trendy little cafes for bikers and cyclists
I had no intention of riding to Lancaster, it just sort of happened when I caught a sight of the castle on the hill.
Lancaster is just full of this style of architecture, real Northern Mill, industrial revolution asthetic
Its like a bigger Preston, full of those kind of statues that get thrown in the docks by an angry mob.
How strange that what was once a grimy industrial Freightway is now seen nostalgic and classy
Just oozes a history or rebuilding and repurposing
The young ones just walk by oblivious to history while nattering on about present day drama.
This is just a small part of Lancaster, there is also the famous Capitol building inspired butterfly house on the hill
I rode the canal all the way back to the van, its like another world
The whole place is immaculate and barely touched by time
The entrance of vegetation led to miles of tree arched canal through the glorious Lancashire hills
Saw one cyclist and two canal boats, so calm and relaxing, just put in top gear and turbo, the scenery rolled by like a video game.
The young swans are now exactly the same size as the adults and they come over to you if you stop.
Approaching the Marina
A mixture of busy port, run down housing and trendy little cafes for bikers and cyclists
I had no intention of riding to Lancaster, it just sort of happened when I caught a sight of the castle on the hill.
Lancaster is just full of this style of architecture, real Northern Mill, industrial revolution asthetic
Its like a bigger Preston, full of those kind of statues that get thrown in the docks by an angry mob.
How strange that what was once a grimy industrial Freightway is now seen nostalgic and classy
Just oozes a history or rebuilding and repurposing
The young ones just walk by oblivious to history while nattering on about present day drama.
This is just a small part of Lancaster, there is also the famous Capitol building inspired butterfly house on the hill
I rode the canal all the way back to the van, its like another world
The whole place is immaculate and barely touched by time
The entrance of vegetation led to miles of tree arched canal through the glorious Lancashire hills
Saw one cyclist and two canal boats, so calm and relaxing, just put in top gear and turbo, the scenery rolled by like a video game.
The young swans are now exactly the same size as the adults and they come over to you if you stop.
stompandgo
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
Today I refitted the Tesoro with the OEM stem and a loaner saddle, set to the dimensions from my fit. The bar to saddle BRP setting was about 1cm too short, even with the saddle all the way back. I could try a seatpost with more setback, but I didn't want to give up the eeSilk+. We shall see.
I rode to Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, almost to Truro. The objective of this trek was to discover the old dirt highways that keep you off of the main roads. 63mi, 2000ft., eco for about half, loaded at around 65#. When I returned, I was smoked.
I rode the rail trail to Wellfleet, and then took about a 200m blast on Rt.6 in order to get to the southernmost entrance of Old Kings Highway, what would become Rt. 6A. As a roadie, riding in sand terrifies me. I can deal with hardpack and gravel, as I've done a few fondos with Jeremy Powers on a cross bike, but loose sand and roadies don't mix. But I have to get over this phobia sometime, so I went for it.
Some loose sand here.
This was no problem.
I know, I'm a dirt wimp.
The final destination.
Next up, I'm going to Truro without a beach in mind, just to explore more of these non-paved paths.
I rode to Newcomb Hollow Beach in Wellfleet, almost to Truro. The objective of this trek was to discover the old dirt highways that keep you off of the main roads. 63mi, 2000ft., eco for about half, loaded at around 65#. When I returned, I was smoked.
I rode the rail trail to Wellfleet, and then took about a 200m blast on Rt.6 in order to get to the southernmost entrance of Old Kings Highway, what would become Rt. 6A. As a roadie, riding in sand terrifies me. I can deal with hardpack and gravel, as I've done a few fondos with Jeremy Powers on a cross bike, but loose sand and roadies don't mix. But I have to get over this phobia sometime, so I went for it.
Some loose sand here.
This was no problem.
I know, I'm a dirt wimp.
The final destination.
Next up, I'm going to Truro without a beach in mind, just to explore more of these non-paved paths.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
TWO DAYS IN LIFE OF A POLISH ENGINEER
New Vado Battery
Tuesday
I work very hard recently. As I was in an online sales demonstration, I got a text message from Specialized Warsaw: 'Your battery has arrived'. As I felt I did an excellent work for the day, I asked my manager for the permission to leave for the afternoon. After 20 miles ridden, I got to Specialized showroom. The first thing I saw was an elegant sporty man of my age group holding two new SL Range Extenders. 'You're buying Range Extenders!' I smiled at the man -- 'Anything wrong about that?' -- he asked anxiously -- 'On the contrary! You are doing the right thing!' -- I gave him a happy grin.
He was buying two Specialized Creo 2 Comp (Carbon). Electronic drivetrain, 47 mm tyres and all. Turned out, he bought himself a size 58 Creo in gorgeous dark green colour, and his wife got the size 56 as seen in the picture. I was so happy with their happiness! But who buys two expensive e-bikes and two extra batteries in a single go? Well, if you own a winery in the county of Płock Mazovia then you can afford it (Poland is not a wine country but those who could establish and maintain a winery then win a customer base are doing well).
Yes, I got my battery. Now, waiting for the battery cover being shipped from the Netherlands. That's the fate of a person who thinks e-bikes are not disposable things!
As usually, I celebrated the purchase over Countryside Pizza with Gorgonzola and a bottle of Kvass in the nearby META Bar.
I'm so bored with riding the beaten path! This time, I decided to ride tightly to the Chopin Airport WAW from the south. In the Kinetic Street, I met a plane-spotter with a telephoto camera and a flat tyre on his bike Asked if he needed any help and he complained his bike pump was small. I instantly produced my Topeak Mountain TT G pump and demonstrated you could have your wheel inflated immediately by rapid effortless movements of the pump handle! He was happy and I was glad I could help!
A Cargo Bike
Wednesday
It was my own choice to get rid of a car and do all the grocery shopping with an e-bike. (If I need a large thing, it is an online order with a courier delivery; the courier service in Poland is perfect and inexpensive!)
My random basket. This time, dairy products dominated it. Instant coffee capsules were important, as I only can buy good and inexpensive Nespresso compatibles in Carrefour. (If I need beverages then I go for a second round to a store that is only 2 miles sharp away).
Who needs a cargo e-bike, really?
It is how you refill a Camelbak hydration pack. I poured 2.25 litre of an isotonic into the bladder (I could have filled it with three litres if I wanted). The system can be made airtight, so the drink wouldn't spoil until Saturday for sure.
I plan a group gravel ride in north Mazovia for my friends for Saturday. We will, inter alia, be riding along the gorgeous River Bug. The forecast weather is dry and hot, so I need to have the Camelbak ready already now!
New Vado Battery
Tuesday
I work very hard recently. As I was in an online sales demonstration, I got a text message from Specialized Warsaw: 'Your battery has arrived'. As I felt I did an excellent work for the day, I asked my manager for the permission to leave for the afternoon. After 20 miles
ridden, I got to Specialized showroom. The first thing I saw was an elegant sporty man of my age group holding two new SL Range Extenders. 'You're buying Range Extenders!' I smiled at the man -- 'Anything wrong about that?' -- he asked anxiously -- 'On the contrary! You are doing the right thing!' -- I gave him a happy grin.He was buying two Specialized Creo 2 Comp (Carbon). Electronic drivetrain, 47 mm tyres and all. Turned out, he bought himself a size 58 Creo in gorgeous dark green colour, and his wife got the size 56 as seen in the picture. I was so happy with their happiness! But who buys two expensive e-bikes and two extra batteries in a single go? Well, if you own a winery in the county of Płock Mazovia then you can afford it
(Poland is not a wine country but those who could establish and maintain a winery then win a customer base are doing well).Yes, I got my battery. Now, waiting for the battery cover being shipped from the Netherlands. That's the fate of a person who thinks e-bikes are not disposable things!
As usually, I celebrated the purchase over Countryside Pizza with Gorgonzola and a bottle of Kvass in the nearby META Bar.
I'm so bored with riding the beaten path! This time, I decided to ride tightly to the Chopin Airport WAW from the south. In the Kinetic Street, I met a plane-spotter with a telephoto camera and a flat tyre on his bike
Asked if he needed any help and he complained his bike pump was small. I instantly produced my Topeak Mountain TT G pump and demonstrated you could have your wheel inflated immediately by rapid effortless movements of the pump handle! He was happy and I was glad I could help!A Cargo Bike
Wednesday
It was my own choice to get rid of a car and do all the grocery shopping with an e-bike. (If I need a large thing, it is an online order with a courier delivery; the courier service in Poland is perfect and inexpensive!)
My random basket. This time, dairy products dominated it. Instant coffee capsules were important, as I only can buy good and inexpensive Nespresso compatibles in Carrefour. (If I need beverages then I go for a second round to a store that is only 2 miles sharp away).
Who needs a cargo e-bike, really?
It is how you refill a Camelbak hydration pack. I poured 2.25 litre of an isotonic into the bladder (I could have filled it with three litres if I wanted). The system can be made airtight, so the drink wouldn't spoil until Saturday for sure.
I plan a group gravel ride in north Mazovia for my friends for Saturday. We will, inter alia, be riding along the gorgeous River Bug. The forecast weather is dry and hot, so I need to have the Camelbak ready already now!
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Chargeride
Well-Known Member
The original Truro in Cornwall is derived from three rivers and is a mostly affluent city, I need to make a proper visit next year, it has some amazing areas
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Mooching about is becoming an obsession with me, I have never felt so connected with those old men I used to see next to a bike, looking into the distance and wanting to get there at human speed.
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
They should write that on the pump
RabH
Well-Known Member
The last day of the month and I hadn't posted a century ride yet so with perfect cycling weather I put it right today! I hadn't ridden to Loch Katrine since April last year and with a NW wind blowing I would have a 15-20mph headwind pretty much all the way, a gruelling 54 miles! I started with my 7.5 year old battery and managed to get 47.5 miles out of it which I was very pleased with in the conditions, using eco as much as possible! I set off just after 7am with a pleasant temp of 14C, heading down the amazing back roads to Cumbernauld! Then I enjoyed the descent down to Kilsyth before taking the back road to KIrkintilloch and then north to Milton of Campsie and on to Lennoxtown, where I stopped for a snack and a photo at Whitefield Pond with the Campsie Hills in the background!
From there I made my way to Strathblane where I joined the main A81 north towards Aberfoyle, thankfully the road wasn't too busy which was a relief! The road is full of ups and downs and for the most part is in really good condition!
After 32 miles the mountains to the north came into view, time for another photo! Not a lot of sun today which suited me fine as the temp was just perfect, there were some threatening clouds around but it remained dry!
I arrived in Abefoyle with 40 miles covered and took the twisty and undulating back road that leads to Loch Katrine! My first battery was starting to flag but I managed to eek another 7.5 miles out of it despite many short sharp climbs. I stopped many times for photos of course!
The road runs alongside Loch Ard first so I grabbed some photos of the loch which was a little choppy due to the 20mph wind, the first part was sheltered from the wind though!
I got a pleasant surprise to see some lovely new tarmac had been laid!
The road is pretty much like this all the way, thats why I love it so much!
After Loch Ard I passed Loch Chon!
Then its a big climb up to Loch Arklet which is surrounded by mountains!
A short time later I arrived at Stronachlacher Pier which is situated at the western end of Loch Katrine, time for a few photos!
The path round the loch is mainly for bicycles and pedestrians but you do get the odd vehicle as there are dwellings dotted around the loch, its a 13 mile ride around the loch! Many people take the tour boats from the Trossachs Pier at the eastern end of the loch and cycle back from Stronachlacher, its not an easy ride though as its full of big climbs and big descents! Some parts are very smooth and some are very rough, a road bike is fine though but you have to watch out for gravel on the path on some parts! Its such a great ride and I always arrive at the eastern end beaming from ear to ear!
The first few miles round the loch were still into a headwind but I enjoyed a lovely tailwind for the last 10! I was a little disgusted to see a guy on a time trial bike hammering along the path when I was close to the eastern end today, its a shared path so that's a big no no!
You get some great views riding round the loch!
The steamship Sir Walter Scott had arrived at Stronachlacher as I cycled round, its a shame I missed it at the pier! I did enjoy a tour of the loch on it earlier in the year though, it was just incredible!
I arrived at the Trossachs Pier and stopped for more photos, the Lady of the Lake tour boat was just about to set off!
Rob Roy III was berthed but not being used at the moment!
I then passed Loch Achray!
Another few miles and I arrived at Loch Venachar and was shocked to see it so low, I have never seen it this low before! The water is usually a matter of feet away from where my bike was parked!
Another few miles and I arrived in Callander which was busy as always, I enjoyed lunch and then joined the main A84 and would remain on it for a good 10 miles! Thankfully the traffic was well behaved and I had no issues at all, I was glad to finally get off it though as I turned south soon after passing through Doune! After a couple of miles I joined the A811 and turned east towards the city of Stirling and made my way through safely before turning SW to take the back road up over the Campsie Hills at the eastern end! I had a 4 mile climb ahead and it was now into a headwind again, part way up the climb I switched to my final battery at just under 97 miles so I had lots of juice left for the remaining 31 miles of ups and downs!
I had this view of the Ochill Hills as I was nearing Stirling!
At the top of the climb I took this photo of Loch Coulter, so many lochs today...
I was looking forward to lots of nice descents now, the first part had fresh tarmac laid!
At the bottom of this descent I turned east towards Denny and had a long fast descent with a tailwind again! From Denny I headed to Bonnybridge and took the back road to Falkirk, another big climb! Part way up I was greeted with this big herd of deer!
From Falkirk I used my usual back roads that I ride all the time and arrived home completely drained but absolutely buzzing after a truly epic ride! I think I picked the right day for this rollercoaster ride, it really was sublime from start to finish!
I don't think I will have any problems sleeping tonight!Attachments
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Oh, ChrisThey should write that on the pump
The MTB pump is special in the sense it delivers a big air volume at a minimal effort from the user at each stroke. Twin Turbo pushes the air regardless if the shaft is pulled or pushed. It is different for mini-pumps where inflating a tyre requires a pretty hard work and a big number of strokes.I've just watched your Preston video on YT. Very interesting! I also could notice you must have developed very strong muscles in your upper body part: all that carrying your Haibike over numerous gates!
P.S. You said "a little nice cycle path" but I heard "a little nice psychopath"
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Chargeride
Well-Known Member
I spent five years fitting heating boilers, carrying them upstairs and then heaving them on to wall mounts builds up the right muscles.
Jeremy McCreary
Bought it anyway
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
Amazing cloud reflections on the water!
RabH
Well-Known Member
I would recommend Glencoe, I did it many times on my motorbike and it was incredible and I'm sure it would be just as enjoyable in a car! The whole area is amazing, you have Fort William and Oban close by and they are worth a visit for sure!
JGcycle
Two-Wheeled Shaker
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Saint John
The clouds reflected in the still water really caught my eye. I am now using the image as wallpaper on my laptop.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Inverness?
