Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
The Golden English Autumn certainly is! These colours!
2026 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos
- Thread starter RabH
- Start date
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Huge descent to this little waterfall grotto, very nice, only way out was a 400ft climb over watermelon size wet bolders in a tight path only 3ft wide.
I nearly gave up to become a mountain man.
We met a local couple on ebikes at the top, they said it was unridable, then his wife said 'I recognise you, you were at my neighbours party',
Shes only the neighbour of the wifes best friend and moved to Hebden.
I nearly gave up to become a mountain man.
We met a local couple on ebikes at the top, they said it was unridable, then his wife said 'I recognise you, you were at my neighbours party',
Shes only the neighbour of the wifes best friend and moved to Hebden.
RabH
Well-Known Member
Another nice ride on the Giant Hybrid, I'm really getting used to the bike now and enjoying it a lot more! In fact I think by the time I get another e bike I will be fit enough to challenge Pogacar...
Maybe if I get a day with light winds and no rain I might take on a 100 miler but not in my neck of the woods...
Today the winds were supposed to decrease as the day progressed...it didn't happen! 
I enjoyed a nice 20-25mph tailwind for the first half of my ride though, once I turned into the wind it was tough at times!With a SW wind blowing I headed NE to Slamannan and made my way up the back road to Avonbridge, a big old climb but I had some help from the wind! I stopped at the top for some photos before enjoying this lovely descent!
Then it was another big climb before a nice gradual descent into Avonbridge, the climb out of Avonbridge is a real beast though but I made it up without making the walk of shame...
The gps was showing over 16% but Ridewithgps says the max gradient was 11.9%... Another nice descent followed into Westfield, I stopped for some photos on the way!Westfield Viaduct!
I was now on the road to Linlithgow which was mostly descending and a ton of fun! I had a nice view of the Ochil Hills on the way!
I was passing over the canal and spotted a narrowboat parked up and stopped for a few photos, only this one was in focus though...my closeups were messed up!
I arrived in Linlithgow and managed to avoid the worst of the traffic in the town centre and was soon on the road towards Kingscavil, I stopped for this photo with the Ochils in the background!
I decided to turn off the main road and head down to the canal near Philpstoun and timed it nicely to catch a narrowboat arriving!
The downside was I had a big climb back up to the main road, it was worth it though! I was now heading for Bridgend which was going to be my turning point, time for the biggest climb of the day now and once again I made it all the way up without stopping! At the top I turned west into the wind towards Beecraigs Country Park, I had no intention of taking that climb on though with a 20-25mph headwind up a 15-20% gradient! I just wanted a couple of photos of the valley before turning back and heading for Dechmont via Burnhouse road!
I got my first view of the Pentland Hills here!
I had some very hard climbs, this was looking back down one of the steeper ones with the Ochils in the distance!
A much closer view of the stunning Pentlands before plummeting down Burnhouse road!
I loved this view near the bottom!
From Dechmont I used mainly cycle paths most of the way home to get shelter from the wind and it certainly helped, it was actually a very mild day and I was sweating like crazy and glad to get a nice cold shower when I arrived home! A really enjoyable ride on my trusty old Giant CRS, I'm sure glad I kept this old bike and I will probably keep it for life!
I will sleep well tonight... @JGcycle Its not easy to transition back to analog from the e bike so don't beat yourself up buddy!
DaveMatthews
Dave's not here. Cheating since 2018
- Region
- Canada
Nasty!
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Im on that beach sending this pic
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
How beautiful!
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
We rode the beach and climbed that switchback, lost 1 bar in Turbo, very impressed.
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Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
The Plan for Sunday: The World Apple Day in Warka
I fell out with an organisation by name of Mazovian Gravel (MG) over two years ago (the reasons are unimportant). I have found a safe haven with Gravel.Love that simply treats e-bikers as cyclists. This Sunday, MG organises a gravel group ride to Warka for the World Apple Day, which is a merry (and delicious) event. My own pride prevents me from participating in an MG group ride. If we meet on the trail, fine but I won't start with them or follow their GPX. However, I know the area and the routes very well, so I'll start an hour before the MG and will follow my own route (additionally consulted with a friend and an expert in one person).
I'm sure MG would catch up with me sooner or later as the gravel routes with a given destination are limited there Or, we'd just meet together in Warka
Squeezing a cup of apple juice by pedalling, September 23rd, 2023, The World Apple Day in Warka.
I fell out with an organisation by name of Mazovian Gravel (MG) over two years ago (the reasons are unimportant). I have found a safe haven with Gravel.Love that simply treats e-bikers as cyclists. This Sunday, MG organises a gravel group ride to Warka for the World Apple Day, which is a merry (and delicious) event. My own pride prevents me from participating in an MG group ride. If we meet on the trail, fine but I won't start with them or follow their GPX. However, I know the area and the routes very well, so I'll start an hour before the MG and will follow my own route (additionally consulted with a friend and an expert in one person).
I'm sure MG would catch up with me sooner or later as the gravel routes with a given destination are limited there
Or, we'd just meet together in Warka Squeezing a cup of apple juice by pedalling, September 23rd, 2023, The World Apple Day in Warka.
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Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Start of the ride, path went straight up through the disused quarry.
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Random posts, now drunk in Abersoch.
Good days, normal service tomorrow.
Good days, normal service tomorrow.
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Ride started from the centre of Telfor, staright up andthey could totally use this for a Dracula movie
A third of the way up and already the view was impressive
This was a stone quarry, why this was built is anyones guess
Every time you looked as we snaked skywards the mountains were getting lower.
I actually had a weird vertigo as huge buildings and structures fell below us.
It started to feel very unreal
Finally the top and rejoined the bridleway
Thats the Llŷn Peninsula or the pigs ear of Wales
The bridleway snaked down through the fields, not always clear but the gates were well maintained.
We descended straight down over the edge, the path status wasnt clear, but we had it to ourselves at this point.
Came down to meet a young couple in full smooch
We walk moded across this boulder field
The firmest surface was right by the waves
Still hard going, turbo all the way, this looks remote but its near a tourist cafe.
There were goats everywhere
Then a huge switchback climb
Descended back to the van via the bridleway, everything felt parallax distorted
It was superb, with many different types of surface and surroundings
At this point my front brake went to metal
Made it to the van with horrendous squeals and grinding, we stayed in Abersoch and did another ride, we managed to lose each other and brian followed my tyre tracks
his phone operator had no signal whatsoever, so we me up again by tracking stealth
A third of the way up and already the view was impressive
This was a stone quarry, why this was built is anyones guess
Every time you looked as we snaked skywards the mountains were getting lower.
I actually had a weird vertigo as huge buildings and structures fell below us.
It started to feel very unreal
Finally the top and rejoined the bridleway
Thats the Llŷn Peninsula or the pigs ear of Wales
The bridleway snaked down through the fields, not always clear but the gates were well maintained.
We descended straight down over the edge, the path status wasnt clear, but we had it to ourselves at this point.
Came down to meet a young couple in full smooch
We walk moded across this boulder field
The firmest surface was right by the waves
Still hard going, turbo all the way, this looks remote but its near a tourist cafe.
There were goats everywhere
Then a huge switchback climb
Descended back to the van via the bridleway, everything felt parallax distorted
It was superb, with many different types of surface and surroundings
At this point my front brake went to metal
Made it to the van with horrendous squeals and grinding, we stayed in Abersoch and did another ride, we managed to lose each other and brian followed my tyre tracks
his phone operator had no signal whatsoever, so we me up again by tracking stealth
Jeremy McCreary
Bought it anyway
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
Fabulous ride and post! Your Levo has clearly fallen into the right hands.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Lol, so tired cant spell the words, had to look up Abersoch
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
weather forecast way off again, from full sun 19 degrees to overcast with chance of rain.
We rode the beach from the hotel in Abersoch to get to Mickys Cafe.
Warm enough, but very quiet at this time of year
Its rustic posh around here
I had lost Brian at this point and carried on to the beach, the houses are more hardy here and this side is much less touristy.
It went on for ever and I was getting concerned my exit would be blocked by the surf.
Warning signs about setting up to near the collapsing cliffs are everywhere....except by the actual cliffs
This was the only route off the beach
The guy I met said it was impossible to get a bike up, he knows not of my idiocy.
I think his concern was justified, it was horrendous, this was the easiest bit and the lens flattens it out, surely those tyre tracks were people descending.
The Germans didnt realise what they were up against.
A classic look at me..stop, wait till Im right on them and try to nip out.
I gave them both barrels
A small but cute town centre.
Very much like South Devon, every inch pinched for electric gates and ultra modern millionaires houses
But lots of shabby chic
Thats the Snowdonia range and when youre here on a sunny day it gives the place a real Italian Riviera feel
We rode the beach from the hotel in Abersoch to get to Mickys Cafe.
Warm enough, but very quiet at this time of year
Its rustic posh around here
I had lost Brian at this point and carried on to the beach, the houses are more hardy here and this side is much less touristy.
It went on for ever and I was getting concerned my exit would be blocked by the surf.
Warning signs about setting up to near the collapsing cliffs are everywhere....except by the actual cliffs
This was the only route off the beach
The guy I met said it was impossible to get a bike up, he knows not of my idiocy.
I think his concern was justified, it was horrendous, this was the easiest bit and the lens flattens it out, surely those tyre tracks were people descending.
The Germans didnt realise what they were up against.
A classic look at me..stop, wait till Im right on them and try to nip out.
I gave them both barrels
A small but cute town centre.
Very much like South Devon, every inch pinched for electric gates and ultra modern millionaires houses
But lots of shabby chic
Thats the Snowdonia range and when youre here on a sunny day it gives the place a real Italian Riviera feel
stompandgo
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
Outstanding views that would certainly have given me a bad case of vertigo.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Some Photos From Great Lakes Gravel 2026
Photo courtesy Anna Kuśmierczyk. (Anyone in doubt that the Lezyne headlight is visible even in the full sunshine?)
I think these photos were shot perhaps only 30-40 minutes into the ride when everybody was still fresh and in a good mood
Photo courtesy Anna Kuśmierczyk. (Anyone in doubt that the Lezyne headlight is visible even in the full sunshine?)
I think these photos were shot perhaps only 30-40 minutes into the ride when everybody was still fresh and in a good mood
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
It's gonna be a wonderful Sunday!
I've moved the Di2 XTR switch-shifter more to the left. I expect less twist of my thumb, less pain
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
I experienced my first SDcard failure with the Hebden bridge files, I do have have premium file recovery software, but this sent me down a very interesting rabbit hole of video corruption restoration, AI is becoming the frontier as it can understand each jumbled frames context and rebuild the file with correct parameters.
Im not paying for it, and tbh the video was a bit naff anyway, but the free stuff rebuilt these frames from a totally corrupted file and a dead SD card
Hebden Bridge is a low key tourist old milltown.
Bags of character and everywhere is up, no need for gyms in this place
There are lots of houses like this.
And random chimneys in the woods
The ride was mostly on the pennine bridleway and surprisingly tough in places
Dan was having a bad day of wobbling off into the scenery, it only got worse
It really does take you through some beautiful placesthat used to be the motorways of old.
This bridleway seemed to end here,but just by the wall is a tiny set of steps
They led up their garden and through this tiny door into next doors garden, I would say they havent had a bicycle up here for ..probably ever.
It continued right to the top
Very steep indeed, this was Dans fourth attempt
The intricate brickwork made the strangest beat as you rode over it.
we met two American women here who had returned after ten years to see how this mill conversion was doing, they went into detailed descriptions of the decking and the
swimming pool.
A short cutled us to this, absolute insanity on slippy wet granite steps
Miles and miles of this, it was dream like.
This descent took us through an abandoned hamlet that was built on aserious slope.
That led to the tiny waterfall grotto
Oh a sign for a nice bridleway out of here
Are they having a larf
One last ride we said, down this steep path instead of the road.
Dan fell off three times, whacked his head, then his bad shoulder..and the the other one.
I got a text late that night that he couldnt turn over or get out of bed.
Im avoiding his wife.
Im not paying for it, and tbh the video was a bit naff anyway, but the free stuff rebuilt these frames from a totally corrupted file and a dead SD card
Hebden Bridge is a low key tourist old milltown.
Bags of character and everywhere is up, no need for gyms in this place
There are lots of houses like this.
And random chimneys in the woods
The ride was mostly on the pennine bridleway and surprisingly tough in places
Dan was having a bad day of wobbling off into the scenery, it only got worse
It really does take you through some beautiful placesthat used to be the motorways of old.
This bridleway seemed to end here,but just by the wall is a tiny set of steps
They led up their garden and through this tiny door into next doors garden, I would say they havent had a bicycle up here for ..probably ever.
It continued right to the top
Very steep indeed, this was Dans fourth attempt
The intricate brickwork made the strangest beat as you rode over it.
we met two American women here who had returned after ten years to see how this mill conversion was doing, they went into detailed descriptions of the decking and the
swimming pool.
A short cutled us to this, absolute insanity on slippy wet granite steps
Miles and miles of this, it was dream like.
This descent took us through an abandoned hamlet that was built on aserious slope.
That led to the tiny waterfall grotto
Oh a sign for a nice bridleway out of here
Are they having a larf
One last ride we said, down this steep path instead of the road.
Dan fell off three times, whacked his head, then his bad shoulder..and the the other one.
I got a text late that night that he couldnt turn over or get out of bed.
Im avoiding his wife.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Or, a time comes when
You start questioning your life choices
You start questioning your life choices
