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

[Chargeride]

Visited last year, magical Island

 

[Saratoga Dave]

Spectacular!

 

[theloafer]

@Prairie Dog really enjoyed your Japan pics and vids as i am bike less ..under Dr orders
@RabH the same to you
all you guys are keeping me sane hate been off my bike but Dr knows best .. have had couple of dizzy spells and one blackout so off to hospital this sun 2-30 for a Gastroscopy cam down the throat and also a cam up the back passage Colonoscopy

update .... all went well both cams i had no trouble at all found nothing just the chance i my be a slight bit Anaemia . got to get tabelts see how it progresses

 

[CanNik]

2 minutes from my home

 

[RabH]

Almost another full week off the bike but today was looking much better and it proved to be the case! I waited until midday when the temp was around 5C so it was possible to use the back roads without fear of black ice and with little to no wind I could pick any direction! I decided to head NE towards Falkirk and then take the lovely back roads down to Bonnybridge, using the back roads to Slamannan first of all where I had a nice view of the mountains in the distance with their snow covered peaks!

Now I had the awesome descent down into Falkirk where I had another lovely view of the mountains, it was so clear after a misty start to the day!

After the big descent the road rises up steeply into Falkirk, as soon as I got into the town I turned west on to the lovely quiet back roads down to Bonnybridge! Passing the top end of the Callander Park Estate which has lots of mountain bike trails!

Soon I had the Campsie Hills in view and it looked nice and clear and that's where I was heading to, so this view filled me with confidence!

I arrived in Bonnybridge and grabbed a quick photo of the canal before heading NW to Stoneywood to start the climb up towards the Campsies!

Its a 3.5 mile climb up through Stoneywood but the road is in excellent condition thanks to the World Champs back in August, I stopped for these photos just before climbing the Campsies and a roadie passed me and asked if all was ok! I said thanks for stopping but I was just taking photos and all was good!

I passed over the River Carron which was flowing very quickly today, no surprise given the monsoon weather we have been experiencing!

Another view of the river before starting the big climb!

I was actually tempted to continue along past the Carron Valley Reservoir and climb the hills at the far end but I was worried about losing daylight on the road home, I made the right decision as I arrived home about 20 minutes before darkness descended! So I tackled the Tak Ma Doon road which leads to Kilsyth, my only real worry was the ford I had to cross before the steep part of the climb! Before the drop down to the ford I grabbed a couple of photos, the first is looking back down the road I just climbed and the second is looking at the ford in the valley and the climb up the other side!

On the climb I spotted the roadie that passed me earlier with his front wheel removed, the poor guy had picked up a puncture! I asked if he had everything he needed and he said all was fine, I was actually worried about getting one also with all the clippings scattered over the roads but my luck was in today!

Thankfully the ford wasn't too bad and I managed to cycle through it without incident, parts of the road were resurfaced earlier this year and some parts were a real joy to ride!

After this photo the road drops steeply down to Kilsyth, passing a quarry on the way down which I wasn't looking forward to due to all the trucks running in and out of the quarry and leaving the road a muddy mess! I was pleasantly surprised to find the road wasn't caked in mud and I was sure glad as the road is pretty rough all the way down past the quarry! I arrived in Kilsyth and headed south passing over the canal again at Auchinstarry!

Then I had to go through Cumbernauld which can be very busy at times, thankfully it wasn't too bad and I was soon on the back roads again! I took the big climb up past Palacerigg Country Park and then the big climb up towards Greengairs! Part way up the climb I stopped for my last photos with the Campsies in view again!

I passed through Greengairs with 42 miles covered and only about 5 miles to go, I thought about turning east for a bit to extend my ride but decided to just head straight home and do a ride around my home town to complete the 50 miler! I got home with a very filthy bike and had just enough time to give it a good wash before darkness! What a brilliant day that was, it was so good to get off the main roads and enjoy some of the best back roads around my area!

@Chargeride I hope you can get out on the bike soon, sorry to hear about the losses! I also lost an aunt recently, it was a blessing though as she had been suffering with dementia for quite a few years!

 

[fooferdoggie]

2 minutes from my home

you need a e boat.

 

[fooferdoggie]

only a few clouds.

 

[Art Deco]

View attachment 167894

Almost another full week off the bike but today was looking much better and it proved to be the case! I waited until midday when the temp was around 5C so it was possible to use the back roads without fear of black ice and with little to no wind I could pick any direction! I decided to head NE towards Falkirk and then take the lovely back roads down to Bonnybridge, using the back roads to Slamannan first of all where I had a nice view of the mountains in the distance with their snow covered peaks!

View attachment 167895
View attachment 167896
Now I had the awesome descent down into Falkirk where I had another lovely view of the mountains, it was so clear after a misty start to the day!

View attachment 167897
After the big descent the road rises up steeply into Falkirk, as soon as I got into the town I turned west on to the lovely quiet back roads down to Bonnybridge! Passing the top end of the Callander Park Estate which has lots of mountain bike trails!

View attachment 167898
Soon I had the Campsie Hills in view and it looked nice and clear and that's where I was heading to, so this view filled me with confidence!

View attachment 167899
I arrived in Bonnybridge and grabbed a quick photo of the canal before heading NW to Stoneywood to start the climb up towards the Campsies!

View attachment 167900
Its a 3.5 mile climb up through Stoneywood but the road is in excellent condition thanks to the World Champs back in August, I stopped for these photos just before climbing the Campsies and a roadie passed me and asked if all was ok! I said thanks for stopping but I was just taking photos and all was good!

View attachment 167901
View attachment 167902
I passed over the River Carron which was flowing very quickly today, no surprise given the monsoon weather we have been experiencing!

View attachment 167903
View attachment 167904
Another view of the river before starting the big climb!

View attachment 167905
I was actually tempted to continue along past the Carron Valley Reservoir and climb the hills at the far end but I was worried about losing daylight on the road home, I made the right decision as I arrived home about 20 minutes before darkness descended! So I tackled the Tak Ma Doon road which leads to Kilsyth, my only real worry was the ford I had to cross before the steep part of the climb! Before the drop down to the ford I grabbed a couple of photos, the first is looking back down the road I just climbed and the second is looking at the ford in the valley and the climb up the other side!

On the climb I spotted the roadie that passed me earlier with his front wheel removed, the poor guy had picked up a puncture! I asked if he had everything he needed and he said all was fine, I was actually worried about getting one also with all the clippings scattered over the roads but my luck was in today!

View attachment 167906
View attachment 167907
Thankfully the ford wasn't too bad and I managed to cycle through it without incident, parts of the road were resurfaced earlier this year and some parts were a real joy to ride!

View attachment 167908
View attachment 167909
After this photo the road drops steeply down to Kilsyth, passing a quarry on the way down which I wasn't looking forward to due to all the trucks running in and out of the quarry and leaving the road a muddy mess! I was pleasantly surprised to find the road wasn't caked in mud and I was sure glad as the road is pretty rough all the way down past the quarry! I arrived in Kilsyth and headed south passing over the canal again at Auchinstarry!

View attachment 167910
View attachment 167911
Then I had to go through Cumbernauld which can be very busy at times, thankfully it wasn't too bad and I was soon on the back roads again! I took the big climb up past Palacerigg Country Park and then the big climb up towards Greengairs! Part way up the climb I stopped for my last photos with the Campsies in view again!

View attachment 167912
View attachment 167913
I passed through Greengairs with 42 miles covered and only about 5 miles to go, I thought about turning east for a bit to extend my ride but decided to just head straight home and do a ride around my home town to complete the 50 miler! I got home with a very filthy bike and had just enough time to give it a good wash before darkness! What a brilliant day that was, it was so good to get off the main roads and enjoy some of the best back roads around my area!

@Chargeride I hope you can get out on the bike soon, sorry to hear about the losses! I also lost an aunt recently, it was a blessing though as she had been suffering with dementia for quite a few years!

Wow. A great ride @RabH . But still no highland cattle...

 

[RabH]

Wow. A great ride @RabH . But still no highland cattle...

But I don't live in the highlands

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I Almost Missed My Next COVID Vaccination

A lot is happening in Poland recently. I am so happy with the new political coalition (that I am supporting) taking the power in the Parliament, and -- after a struggle -- the Government. As many of you might know, an extreme Right MP (a Russian agent by the way) spoiled the joy with his disgraceful anti-Semitic attack in our Sejm... Anyway, as I was watching the proceedings of the Sejm on YouTube (as so many of my compatriots do nowadays -- some even attend a theater/cinema to do so!), I suddenly realised I didn't hear about any COVID vaccinations this Autumn?!

Every Polish citizen (with a health insurance or not) has their health account on the Government website. After I logged onto the site, I found I should have been vaccinated back in October! It is not that easy to make a fast appointment in your neighbourhood nowadays! Eventually, I made an appointment for this Thursday in a remote Warsaw quarter (you do that online, too)...

With +2 C and no snow, it gave me a wonderful opportunity for a 60 km ride I intend to make today! I have already passed the 10,500 km mark this year so any ride would not contribute very much, especially with my London stay next week. Anyway, e-bike riding gives so much pleasure and fun even during this cold season, especially with my reliable e-bikes!

When I was buying medicines on Wednesday, I had a long and friendly chat with our local pharmacist. The man bought a very good XC e-bike this Autumn, and he was eager to share his experiences. As it turns out, Mr. Pharmacist has totally got attracted to e-biking! He bought proper winter cycling clothing and rides his e-bike everyday when there is no snow on the roads! The only thing he is missing are the cycling glasses (does it ring a bell @OnEdge?)

Somewhere in our borough town I inadvertently clicked something on my Wahoo, converting the ride to "INDOOR CYCLING" It produced correct ride statistics but has deprived me of a part of the ride map!

If anyone has read it as far, could you give me some names of good dessert wines? I know of Malaga, Madeira and Muscatel, anything else?

 

[OnEdge]

I Almost Missed My Next COVID Vaccination

A lot is happening in Poland recently. I am so happy with the new political coalition (that I am supporting) taking the power in the Parliament, and -- after a struggle -- the Government. As many of you might know, an extreme Right MP (a Russian agent by the way) spoiled the joy with his disgraceful anti-Semitic attack in our Sejm... Anyway, as I was watching the proceedings of the Sejm on YouTube (as so many of my compatriots do nowadays -- some even attend a theater/cinema to do so!), I suddenly realised I didn't hear about any COVID vaccinations this Autumn?!

Every Polish citizen (with a health insurance or not) has their health account on the Government website. After I logged onto the site, I found I should have been vaccinated back in October! It is not that easy to make a fast appointment in your neighbourhood nowadays! Eventually, I made an appointment for this Thursday in a remote Warsaw quarter (you do that online, too)...

With +2 C and no snow, it gave me a wonderful opportunity for a 60 km ride I intend to make today! I have already passed the 10,500 km mark this year so any ride would not contribute very much, especially with my London stay next week. Anyway, e-bike riding gives so much pleasure and fun even during this cold season, especially with my reliable e-bikes!

When I was buying medicines on Wednesday, I had a long and friendly chat with our local pharmacist. The man bought a very good XC e-bike this Autumn, and he was eager to share his experiences. As it turns out, Mr. Pharmacist has totally got attracted to e-biking! He bought proper winter cycling clothing and rides his e-bike everyday when there is no snow on the roads! The only thing he is missing are the cycling glasses (does it ring a bell @OnEdge?)

Somewhere in our borough town I inadvertently clicked something on my Wahoo, converting the ride to "INDOOR CYCLING" It produced correct ride statistics but has deprived me of a part of the ride map!

View attachment 167973

If anyone has read it as far, could you give me some names of good dessert wines? I know of Malaga, Madeira and Muscatel, anything else?

Ha ha ha I actually did a 16 Mile 1.5 hour ride today with my Oakley (Radar?) sunglasses and they worked pretty well for cycling. So I think I'll continue using them as my cycling glasses, maybe switching the lenses to photocromic or not.

 

[RabH]

I spotted an opportunity to get out this afternoon so I grabbed it and I was so glad I did, despite some dodgy weather! It was a bit breezy with a 25mph SW wind blowing and light rain in the air but it was pretty mild at 7C, perfect to jump on to my quiet back roads! I headed down the back roads to Allanton and then on to Carluke, enjoying the awesome A721 from Carluke up past Kilncadzow and on to Carnwath! It starts with a big climb and then a brilliant fast descent down past Carstairs! At Carnwath I usually turn north but I had a plan to make the most of the wind so I continued through the village and turned on to the A70 for a short time before heading north for Auchengray!

This road is like a rollercoaster and so much fun, I had a real blast until I reached the village where a farmer was leading his herd of cows from one field to another and blocking the road I wanted to take! I thought about turning back and taking an alternative route but I really wanted to take this road so I waited it out and I was so glad I did because the road was just sublime with the wind helping me along! Most of the time I take this road in the opposite direction which means a lot of climbing but today I had a lovely fast descent to enjoy!

At the end of the road I turned west and passed through Breich before turning north again and joining another rollercaster road, passing through Longridge and on to Whitburn where I turned west towards Harthill where I was thinking of turning north to Blackridge but decided to continue west up the big climb towards Kirk of Shotts, it levels off just under 1000ft up and is quickly followed by a lovely descent! Although it was right into the wind now so not so fast! At Kirk of Shotts I used the back road past the Blackhill tv and radio transmitters, another rollercaster of a road to enjoy! I was heading up the big climb and noticed some highland cattle in the field, I wasn't intending to take any photos today as conditions were very murky but somebody wanted some highland cattle photos... @Art Deco

At the top of the climb you get a nice view of the Roughrigg Reservoir so I grabbed another couple of photos, you can see the conditions here and they weren't very pleasant as it was raining but not too heavy thankfully!

Now I had the awesome descent down into Plains to enjoy!

I arrived in Plains where it was a left turn for home with only 2 miles remaining, the rain was getting heavier now but I wasn't bothered as I was only a few minutes away from a nice hot shower! I really enjoyed this ride today and I was feeling really strong, the 17mph average speed said it all, it was just brilliant!

I might go back out again tomorrow as there is some really nasty wet and windy weather coming our way on Saturday and its looking like it will be here most of next week...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

"He who doesn't have it in his head has it in his legs", or Kraken Vaccination

Just took my Roadrunner (Vado 6.0) and started the ride at 12:09 pm today. After 30 km ridden, I got to my destination in a remote north-eastern Warsaw neighbourhood of Tarchomin...

I was to exactly the same place on my birthday, or 22nd of July this year to meet my friends at the Asian restaurant! My destination of today was the Cosmedica pharmacy, though. Necessary to mention I was punctual and that was good as there was a queue of people waiting for their jab inside!

The Kraken vaccine is a new thing. Thanks to my overlooking the October date, I had the chance to be properly vaccinated now! As the Nuvaxoid is a novelty, very few vaccination sites have it available. I was just very lucky!

The atmosphere inside the vaccination site was pleasant and friendly. We were joking together with other patients before the new batch of the vaccine was dissolved and made ready. I got my shot soon and had to kill 30 minutes before I could leave the place (for my own safety). Then I started riding back the way I selected myself (I know all the routes home by heart!)

I was riding in the dark. The temperature dropped down to 0 C (32 F) and a freezing sleet (or, melting snow) started raining/snowing. I was just delighted! My clothes were perfect, and that was a sheer pleasure to ride while observing kilometre-long traffic jam in many places! I stopped for a cigarette and to feed my Facebook crowd at a bus shelter.

The Helly Hansen sailing jacket was totally soaked outside but completely dry and warm inside, hence my happy smile! (Pay attention, that will be an important moment!)

I quickly pedalled to my close neighbourhood and stopped for coffee at a BP service station. To find out I lost my prescription glasses.

Guess what? I left the glasses at the bus shelter. +14 km to go at the conditions I mentioned The next time I stopped at the same service station, I had to eat, and drink a big cup of hot tea!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Humptulip

As in "Hard to Pole"?
There is no such a thing!

 

[OnEdge]

View attachment 167990

I spotted an opportunity to get out this afternoon so I grabbed it and I was so glad I did, despite some dodgy weather! It was a bit breezy with a 25mph SW wind blowing and light rain in the air but it was pretty mild at 7C, perfect to jump on to my quiet back roads! I headed down the back roads to Allanton and then on to Carluke, enjoying the awesome A721 from Carluke up past Kilncadzow and on to Carnwath! It starts with a big climb and then a brilliant fast descent down past Carstairs! At Carnwath I usually turn north but I had a plan to make the most of the wind so I continued through the village and turned on to the A70 for a short time before heading north for Auchengray!

This road is like a rollercoaster and so much fun, I had a real blast until I reached the village where a farmer was leading his herd of cows from one field to another and blocking the road I wanted to take! I thought about turning back and taking an alternative route but I really wanted to take this road so I waited it out and I was so glad I did because the road was just sublime with the wind helping me along! Most of the time I take this road in the opposite direction which means a lot of climbing but today I had a lovely fast descent to enjoy!

At the end of the road I turned west and passed through Breich before turning north again and joining another rollercaster road, passing through Longridge and on to Whitburn where I turned west towards Harthill where I was thinking of turning north to Blackridge but decided to continue west up the big climb towards Kirk of Shotts, it levels off just under 1000ft up and is quickly followed by a lovely descent! Although it was right into the wind now so not so fast! At Kirk of Shotts I used the back road past the Blackhill tv and radio transmitters, another rollercaster of a road to enjoy! I was heading up the big climb and noticed some highland cattle in the field, I wasn't intending to take any photos today as conditions were very murky but somebody wanted some highland cattle photos... @Art Deco

View attachment 167996
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At the top of the climb you get a nice view of the Roughrigg Reservoir so I grabbed another couple of photos, you can see the conditions here and they weren't very pleasant as it was raining but not too heavy thankfully!

View attachment 167998
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Now I had the awesome descent down into Plains to enjoy!

View attachment 168000
I arrived in Plains where it was a left turn for home with only 2 miles remaining, the rain was getting heavier now but I wasn't bothered as I was only a few minutes away from a nice hot shower! I really enjoyed this ride today and I was feeling really strong, the 17mph average speed said it all, it was just brilliant!

I might go back out again tomorrow as there is some really nasty wet and windy weather coming our way on Saturday and its looking like it will be here most of next week...

That looks awesome! What a nice area to ride! Thanks for sharing pics.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

A Fast Gravel Urban Cyclist

As I was returning home via a long bike path system of Warsaw last night, I was riding slowly. Now I use limited assistance (such as 25/25%) for a great range during the cold season, and also ride slowly after the dark for safety. Somewhere by the Automobile Club of Poland, I was silently overtaken by a gravel cyclist riding a Giant gravel bike. As you know, I hate being overtaken! So I increased the assistance to 45/45% and followed the "hare", making use of his tail-light as a visual guidance.

At some moment, the rider stopped at the red light, and I had the opportunity to turn right, giving the cyclist's face a quick glance.

It was not him. It was her. A beautiful girl riding a gravel bike.

The times have changed. I have met too many female cyclist that are at the competing level to ignore the fact women have become excellent, strong cyclists many men could be afraid of!

The chase. All in the dark on bike paths.

 

[RabH]

Another murky day with light rain greeting me as I set off at 9.20am with the same blustery 25mph SW wind as yesterday! With the awful weather coming our way I wasn't letting a little rain stop me having fun! Given the wind direction I decided to do the reverse route of last Monday's ride and set off down the back roads to Cumbernauld, passing the Glenboig cemetery where one of my uncles was laid to rest a couple of years ago! It was a little flooded at the entrance...at least the rain had now stopped!

Thankfully that was the last of the floods and I enjoyed the lovely descent down to Cumbernauld and took the road to Croy which is much quieter! Then it was another nice descent down to Kilsyth and over the canal bridge at Auchinstarry!

I arrived in Kilsyth and it was time for the beast of a climb up over the Campsies via the Tak Ma Doon road, I actually prefer to climb this as its a pretty scary descent even for me! I battled my way up the climb with tired legs after yesterdays ride and was glad to reach the summit!

The view at the summit looking south, it started to rain again....

The view to the east!

Just before I started the awesome descent I grabbed one last photo of the climb with Kilsyth way down in the valley!

I blasted down the descent and managed to cross the ford without stopping, it was still passable thankfully! I then continued down the remainder of the descent and stopped in the valley for a few photos!

The River Carron was flowing rapidly below me!

I love this little log cabin, it would be a treat to live in it when the snow arrives! As long as you don't need to go anywhere of course!

I now had another lovely 3 mile descent to enjoy, down through Stoneywood and into Denny! Sadly the weather really closed in here and the rain started to come down harder! Then on to Bonnybridge where the rain finally stopped and the climbing would soon begin, first I passed over the canal at Bonnybridge!

Its a flat road here towards Allandale but it was straight into the blustery wind! Then the climbing started as I reached Allandale, the road passes under the railway and rises up rapidly! The first part is pretty steep but doesn't look much in the photo!

Then its the really steep part!

This is looking back down the road!

I was nearing the top of the climb and stopped for a short break and a snack, another couple of photos also of course!

Now I was heading for Falkirk and had the wind at my back for a few miles and a flattish road, until I reached the town and it was time for another big climb up to Slamannan! I was now heading into the wind again but had lots of shelter from the tree lined road so the climb wasn't so bad! Once in Slamannan I turned off the main road and took the excellent back road to Longriggend!

The rain was holding off thankfully but it wasn't the case over at the Campsie Hills which were only just visible here!

You can normally see the Ochil Hills from here also but not today! I reached Longriggend and decided to head down the fast descent to Upperton, which is quickly followed by a steep climb of course and then it was a left turn towards Greengairs! Then over the back roads to my home town and luckily the rain held off, the bike was absolutely flithy of course but its now pristine once again! Another fantastic ride, I feared I was going to get really soaked at one point but I got lucky and arrived home dry!

I only have another 18 miles to go to reach last years total of 5807 miles, hopefully the weather will play ball and allow me to surpass it! I was really hoping to beat my all time record of 6223 miles this year but the weather had other ideas and I was forced to do longer rides when I could get out, there's always next year...I only have 85 rides logged so far this year but my average is way up at just over 68 miles and only second to 2012 when I had an average of 72 miles!

 

[Prairie Dog]

It’s been several weeks since we received any significant precip here which is highly unusual but that all changed overnight. We woke up to several inches of snow and after an energetic round of shoveling, decided to indulge in one of life’s simplest pleasures.

It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, nothing adds more joy to life than play. Whether it’s a ride along snow covered trails or just having some clean fun in the backyard. With that said, I’m anxious to hit the trails with a renewed sense of vigor in virtual winter wonderland conditions but will likely wait for slightly colder temps before heading out.

@RabH – Riding in wet conditions is hard for me to fathom but you seem to take it all in stride. Your average ride stat never ceases to amaze me. Bravo!

 

[RabH]

@RabH – Riding in wet conditions is hard for me to fathom but you seem to take it all in stride. Your average ride stat never ceases to amaze me. Bravo!

View attachment 168074

Says the guy that rides in deep snow and sheet ice... Thank you for your kind words, your rides always impress me also mate!

 

[Saratoga Dave]

Holy cow, that Norco is some piece of equipment! But “wait for slightly colder temps”? In Alberta? Not something I find myself saying too often

That said, it’s been way too warm around here and was pushing 50 today (10 Celsius up there on the wrong side of the border). Given that, I was surprised to see the bike path with a light covering of snow… which quickly melted once the sun got going.

And of course, Rab, your rides and reports are always amazing. Big miles! I’m going to end up a little shy of 4000 for the year unless this predicted storm for early next week fizzles out, if so, it’s on!