2023 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos

[DiggyGun]

Haven’t been out for the last few days due to the weather and Remembrance Sunday.

Checked the weather forecast for today and showing dry but chilly.

Mrs DG goes to work so I get changed to go on the bike ride. Open the door and it's raining. not shown on the forecast and had to wait about about an hour or so for it to stop then went out.

Temperature was a chilly 5oC (41oF) with a 15mph (24kph) wind, so wrapped up well

By the time that I got back dusk was well and truly on the way.

DG…

 

[RabH]

I woke to mist and fog this morning so decided to go for a walk and wait until later in the day in the hope it would clear up! Thankfully it did and the conditions were almost perfect with a temp of 7C and light winds, just the right conditions to tackle the Campsie Hills! With the milder temps I could use the back roads again, I was nearing Cumbernauld and had a good view of the Campsies which were shrouded in sun but the clouds were hanging over the summit and I wasn't sure what it would be like once I got there!

My mind was made up so I continued and reached the start of the big climb and conditions were still good, I reached the summit and it was pretty overcast but conditions were still perfect with very light winds even up at 1200ft elevation! The road is still in great condition after being resurfaced for the World Champs back in August, I was really looking forward to the descent now!

The road was a bit damp though so I took it easy on the twisty parts, near the bottom I stopped for this photo!

As soon as I reached the valley its straight back into another big climb, this is the start of the climb over the bridge with Endrick Water flowing quickly below after all the recent rain!

Another photo just after the start of the climb looking south at the Campsies!

Continuing up the climb I just had to stop for more photos, you can see how amazing this road is and coming the other way is so much fun! I did it the other way the last time so didn't want to repeat that ride!

This is looking back at the Campsies again near the top of the climb, I was tempted to shoot back down again but thought better of it...

A short time later the Carron Valley Reservoir came into view, its not very often you get to see it so calm!

Everytime I turned a corner I had to stop for more photos...

I love the reflections in this one!

A duck managed to spoil this one...

The water was really high which was no surprise after all the rain so I was hopeful the Carron Valley dam would be open to drain the reservoir and I wasn't disappointed!

The noise of the water cascading over the dam was so loud!

I was in 2 minds about which way to go as I reached a junction in the road, I could have turned south and taken the Tak Ma Doon road down into Kilsyth but I was worried about crossing the ford which can be treacherous at times and there is a quarry further down with tipper trucks scattering mud all over the road so I decided to continue east and enjoy the long descent down into Denny! This was also part of the World Champs route so the road was excellent, it starts with a short climb before plumetting down through Stoneywood and into Denny!

This is looking west at the bridge over the River Carron which I had just crossed!

That was the last of the photos as time was getting on and I wanted to make sure I got home before dark, the descent was just amazing and I didn't even see a single vehicle all the way down which is always a bonus! From Denny I headed to Bonnybridge and used all the back roads to Falkirk, I was really worried about getting another puncture though as the roads were strewn with blackberry bush clippings...I got lucky today! Then I had the big climb up to Slamannan before taking another big climb up to Limerigg and then it was a straight road home through Caldercruix and Plains and I arrived just before dark!

Surprisingly my bike wasn't caked in mud and just needed a wipe down for a change! I had such a great ride once again and I only need another 358 miles to equal last years 5807 miles, assuming the weather plays ball I should pass that easily and may even hit 6000 this year if the snow and ice stay away!

@Prairie Dog I loved your video, you and your wife are truly blessed to get to ride such fantastic roads with scenery to die for! Didn't you say she wasn't really a climber? those climbs looked tough and she wasn't even using the granny gear, what a lady!

 

[Prairie Dog]

@Prairie Dog I loved your video, you and your wife are truly blessed to get to ride such fantastic roads with scenery to die for! Didn't you say she wasn't really a climber? those climbs looked tough and she wasn't even using the granny gear, what a lady!

So true. The scenery around Minobu is spectacular and the roads are, for the most part, very well maintained but there are some quite narrow sections in the countryside that can be a bit sketchy. That being said, we intend to make the most of our time here before the shift back to relative normalcy on our side of the frozen pond. Speaking of scenery to die for, one doesn’t need to look much further than your ride reports. Truly amazing backyard that you have there RH and I’m also confident that you’ll be able to surpass last year’s mileage mark.

Sai is quite modest about her riding ability but I have no doubt that she is up to taking on almost any challenge. She really misses the crisp and efficient Di2 shifts of her road bike and the flat bars along with the ancient Tiagra groupset on her Trek make climbs a bit more involved and not as user friendly as she would like. I packed a set of Ergon GP2 grips to provide her a bit more leverage when climbing and will install those for her today since it’s going to rain pretty well most of the morning here.

Yesterday’s ride was a 25 km outing that would have has visiting relatives in the general vicinity.

Our first stop was to drop off gifts to Sai’s (Obasan) Aunt Miyuki-San who lives up in hills of Marutaki. She looked in on Sai’s mother every week who lived alone in the family house prior to being admitted into a care home several years ago. The ride up to Miyuki-San’s home involved a 4km winding climb up along a narrow road at time barely enough room for a couple of cyclists let alone a single vehicle. The road wasn't in the best of shape either.

We spent time visiting with her aunt and another uncle who was there helping with general yard clean up. It’s been almost four years since I saw either of them.

We then parted ways and headed back down the winding road then rode north onto highway 9 which runs parallel to the Fuji River. Not much shoulder on this stretch of road so we had to be on our toes.

Shortly after, we stopped and took in the view looking out towards the mountains and the Fuji River.

Crossing the bridge that spans over Fujikawa.

On the way home we stopped off at a general store to pick up a few supplies and grocery items. We took a chance and left the bikes propped against the wall of the building unguarded and unlocked only to return a few minutes later to find them still intact. Japanese values with respect to self control and harmony are well regarded and respected which is likely why theft is so low here compared to other countries.

Behind the store were rice fields which everyone knows is a staple commodity here and is deeply imbedded into their culture. It’s common to see many family households grow and harvest their own crops.

It was almost 4pm and the day seemed to grow shorter by the minute as we cruised home along the highway towards home.

We crossed the bridge back over to the west side just as the sun dipped into the mountainside. A fitting way to end the ride.

 

[DaveMatthews]

So true. The scenery around Minobu is spectacular and the roads are, for the most part, very well maintained but there are some quite narrow sections in the countryside that can be a bit sketchy. That being said, we intend to make the most of our time here before the shift back to relative normalcy on our side of the frozen pond. Speaking of scenery to die for, one doesn’t need to look much further than your ride reports. Truly amazing backyard that you have there RH and I’m also confident that you’ll be able to surpass last year’s mileage mark.

Sai is quite modest about her riding ability but I have no doubt that she is up to taking on almost any challenge. She really misses the crisp and efficient Di2 shifts of her road bike and the flat bars along with the ancient Tiagra groupset on her Trek make climbs a bit more involved and not as user friendly as she would like. I packed a set of Ergon GP2 grips to provide her a bit more leverage when climbing and will install those for her today since it’s going to rain pretty well most of the morning here.

Yesterday’s ride was a 25 km outing that would have has visiting relatives in the general vicinity.

View attachment 166564

Our first stop was to drop off gifts to Sai’s (Obasan) Aunt Miyuki-San who lives up in hills of Marutaki. She looked in on Sai’s mother every week who lived alone in the family house prior to being admitted into a care home several years ago. The ride up to Miyuki-San’s home involved a 4km winding climb up along a narrow road at time barely enough room for a couple of cyclists let alone a single vehicle. The road wasn't in the best of shape either.

View attachment 166573
View attachment 166565
View attachment 166566

View attachment 166570

We spent time visiting with her aunt and another uncle who was there helping with general yard clean up. It’s been almost four years since I saw either of them.

We then parted ways and headed back down the winding road then rode north onto highway 9 which runs parallel to the Fuji River. Not much shoulder on this stretch of road so we had to be on our toes.

View attachment 166567

Shortly after, we stopped and took in the view looking out towards the mountains and the Fuji River.

View attachment 166568

Crossing the bridge that spans over Fujikawa.

View attachment 166574

View attachment 166569

On the way home we stopped off at a general store to pick up a few supplies and grocery items. We took a chance and left the bikes propped against the wall of the building unguarded and unlocked only to return a few minutes later to find them still intact. Japanese values with respect to self control and harmony are well regarded and respected which is likely why theft is so low here compared to other countries.

View attachment 166571

Behind the store were rice fields which everyone knows is a staple commodity here and is deeply imbedded into their culture. It’s common to see many family households grow and harvest their own crops.

View attachment 166572

It was almost 4pm and the day seemed to grow shorter by the minute as we cruised home along the highway towards home.

View attachment 166575

We crossed the bridge back over to the west side just as the sun dipped into the mountainside. A fitting way to end the ride.

View attachment 166576

Art for art's sake...
My hips were killing me after that ascent.

 

[Chargeride]

I've been staying out of here in one big sulk as it has monsoon rained now for weeks, the local dog training park is now a lake, my conservatory is full of buckets and the front upstairs bedroom has a leak as well.
I had a look this morning and you are posting the most beautiful rides and I need to man up.

I'll be posting likes from weeks ago soon

 

[Prairie Dog]

Art for art's sake...
My hips were killing me after that ascent.

Mine too.

I've been staying out of here in one big sulk as it has monsoon rained now for weeks, the local dog training park is now a lake, my conservatory is full of buckets and the front upstairs bedroom has a leak as well.
I had a look this morning and you are posting the most beautiful rides and I need to man up.

I'll be posting likes from weeks ago soon

Sorry to hear about the weather over there Charge. Hopefully the conditions will improve soon. If it's any consolation, the walls here are thin as paper, uninsulated and there is no central heating to speak of. It dropped down to 2 C one evening and the main source of heat in the home is a Kotatsu. You sleep on tatami mats in traditional futons which can make getting up out of bed somewhat of a chore if you suffer from any sort of knee/leg ailments. Food is phenomenal here but rice is served at every meal including breakfast. Not so great if your a meat and potatoes kind of guy.

 

[RabH]

So true. The scenery around Minobu is spectacular and the roads are, for the most part, very well maintained but there are some quite narrow sections in the countryside that can be a bit sketchy. That being said, we intend to make the most of our time here before the shift back to relative normalcy on our side of the frozen pond. Speaking of scenery to die for, one doesn’t need to look much further than your ride reports. Truly amazing backyard that you have there RH and I’m also confident that you’ll be able to surpass last year’s mileage mark.

Sai is quite modest about her riding ability but I have no doubt that she is up to taking on almost any challenge. She really misses the crisp and efficient Di2 shifts of her road bike and the flat bars along with the ancient Tiagra groupset on her Trek make climbs a bit more involved and not as user friendly as she would like. I packed a set of Ergon GP2 grips to provide her a bit more leverage when climbing and will install those for her today since it’s going to rain pretty well most of the morning here.

Yesterday’s ride was a 25 km outing that would have has visiting relatives in the general vicinity.

View attachment 166564

Our first stop was to drop off gifts to Sai’s (Obasan) Aunt Miyuki-San who lives up in hills of Marutaki. She looked in on Sai’s mother every week who lived alone in the family house prior to being admitted into a care home several years ago. The ride up to Miyuki-San’s home involved a 4km winding climb up along a narrow road at time barely enough room for a couple of cyclists let alone a single vehicle. The road wasn't in the best of shape either.

View attachment 166573
View attachment 166565
View attachment 166566

View attachment 166570

We spent time visiting with her aunt and another uncle who was there helping with general yard clean up. It’s been almost four years since I saw either of them.

We then parted ways and headed back down the winding road then rode north onto highway 9 which runs parallel to the Fuji River. Not much shoulder on this stretch of road so we had to be on our toes.

View attachment 166567

Shortly after, we stopped and took in the view looking out towards the mountains and the Fuji River.

View attachment 166568

Crossing the bridge that spans over Fujikawa.

View attachment 166574

View attachment 166569

On the way home we stopped off at a general store to pick up a few supplies and grocery items. We took a chance and left the bikes propped against the wall of the building unguarded and unlocked only to return a few minutes later to find them still intact. Japanese values with respect to self control and harmony are well regarded and respected which is likely why theft is so low here compared to other countries.

View attachment 166571

Behind the store were rice fields which everyone knows is a staple commodity here and is deeply imbedded into their culture. It’s common to see many family households grow and harvest their own crops.

View attachment 166572

It was almost 4pm and the day seemed to grow shorter by the minute as we cruised home along the highway towards home.

View attachment 166575

We crossed the bridge back over to the west side just as the sun dipped into the mountainside. A fitting way to end the ride.

View attachment 166576

I think I would rather climb that road than descend it, certainly not at speed... Amazing place to ride a bike for sure, as long as you don't meet any trucks on those very narrow roads... My last road bike had Di2 and I agree about the shifting, it was sublime!

 

[Prairie Dog]

I think I would rather climb that road than descend it, certainly not at speed... Amazing place to ride a bike for sure, as long as you don't meet any trucks on those very narrow roads... My last road bike had Di2 and I agree about the shifting, it was sublime!

I’ve been craving to ride head down into a long sweeping descent like the ones you’re more familiar with. Hopefully Sai will be more accommodating in her choice of routes but I shouldn’t complain as the scenery is outstanding everywhere that we ride. Tomorrow will be an off day as we have made plans with friends to do some serious shopping in a larger town further afield from home.

 

[DiggyGun]

As it was a nice day today, decided to go to Milton Keynes and explore some of the parks a bit further.

Weather was a not too chilly 9.0oC /48oF), but bright and sunny, so had a mooch round Tattenhoe Valley Park, Tattenhoe Park and Furzton Lake.

I must admit that I’m impressed by the large areas of green parks and wildlife in Milton Keynes.

A really pleasant ride out.

DG…

 

[Chargeride]

I would love that but I got punched in Milton Keynes by someone who thinks it is in London.

 

[Prairie Dog]

No riding today as we spent most of the day shopping with friends in Kofu which is the largest city and capital of Yamanashi prefecture. We did, however, check out a Trek corporate store just outside of the city. Lots of eye candy but mostly catering to the road crowd and very few ebikes to speak of.

All of the e-rides were featured outside of the main showroom as you entered the main doors to the store.

Spied this fine ride at another independent LBS nearby.

Sat down to a traditional dinner of Tonkatsu afterwards. A thick, tender pork cutlet coated lovingly in crispy Panko crumbs and bathed in hot oil until golden brown.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

E-Bike Proliferation In Poland Or, Sudovia Gravel E-Sprint 2024

The organizer of gravel cycling races in very hilly Northeastern region of Poland, Sudovia (with the main city of Suwałki), the area of premium gravel roads, has just announced the E-Sprint category for 17-19th May 2024:

• 80 km race distance
• 1000 m elevation gain
• A production e-bike (no DIY allowed)
• A single battery
• No recharging en route allowed.

'Show us you can negotiate all our hills on a single battery'

I'm joining. Could win the race, perhaps Or be the last one. Or be a single competitor
I've passed the information to the Mazovian Gravel. Perhaps the MG would introduce the MG E-100 category, too?

• Ultramarathon race
• Staged race
• Classic race
• Sprint race
• E-Sprint race

 

[Chargeride]

That's quite a climb coupled with that distance.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

That's quite a climb coupled with that distance.

Yes. However, 1000 m of elevation gain on a loop means 1000 m of descent, too. My brother calls it "an easy walk" I think I could easily make it at 30/30% assistance of Vado 6.0, and I am guaranteed to complete the race with the Specialized Smart Control feature I'm only waiting until Sudovia Gravel adds the "E-Sprint" category to their purchase basket

Given the steep Sudovian hills, I think I will change the gearing to the MTB range, that is, 20 gear-inches in the granny gear.

P.S. GBP 25 fee is extremely moderate. I've paid far more for the Mazovian Gravel starting package.

 

[Chargeride]

That's nice, I presume it's not raining

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

View attachment 166591

The California Zephyr, a famous passenger rail service from Chicago to San Francisco Bay, follows the Colorado River through much of the Rockies, canyon after spectacular canyon. And for as long as anyone can remember, river rafters in the canyons have taken it as their duty to moon the train.

I see that you have a similar tradition in the UK.

 

[Chargeride]

I know it's a video, but here's a pick you up compilation of me riding to a tune you'll never get out of your head

 

[Prairie Dog]

I know it's a video, but here's a pick you up compilation of me riding to a tune you'll never get out of your head

Great compilation of rides there and vocals by John Newman are legendary.

 

[BlackHand]

Yes. However, 1000 m of elevation gain on a loop means 1000 m of descent, too. My brother calls it "an easy walk" I think I could easily make it at 30/30% assistance of Vado 6.0, and I am guaranteed to complete the race with the Specialized Smart Control feature I'm only waiting until Sudovia Gravel adds the "E-Sprint" category to their purchase basket

Given the steep Sudovian hills, I think I will change the gearing to the MTB range, that is, 20 gear-inches in the granny gear.

P.S. GBP 25 fee is extremely moderate. I've paid far more for the Mazovian Gravel starting package.

Sounds fun. Somehow you never gain back as much battery on the descents as you use on the climbs Should have plenty of range with your battery though.

 

[Chargeride]

Great compilation of rides there and vocals by John Newman are legendary.

I only made it because I can't ride, but now I can't get that goddam song out of my head