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

[Chargeride]

Gdańsk Day 2
After casual sightseeing of the Main City of Gdańsk (the most beautiful historical part, Główne Miasto/Rechtstadt), we quite incidentally hit the Craft Beer Fiesta we had been completely unaware of!

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We even met a friend from London there!

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The brewer Darek of Artezan made me laugh!

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A bar with 16 taps, only premiere top-end Ales and Stout. A craft beer pub around in case you wanted more!

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At The Bowke. (Bowke or bówka was either a seaport hoodlum or a street urchin in the old Gdańsk/Danzig). We are about to ritually drink Machandel, the unique Gin of Danzig. There is a procedure when and how the infused dried plum on a toothpick should be eaten, how to handle the stone, how to drink and what to do with the spent toothpick. The waiter will gladly describe it to you!

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Eventually, you spit the stone into the glass, ceremonially break the toothpick with your fingers and leave it in the glass. The breaking the toothpick is believed to mimic a sailor mutiny during which angry sailors were breaking yards on the tall-ship.

Note: Goldwasser (containing genuine gold flakes) is even more famous vodka of Gdańsk but there is no magic in it. Machandel is very special! (Currently, it is made in Osnabrück, Germany).
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The Golden Gate in Long Lane.

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Court of Artus with the Neptune Fountain.

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The Hanseatic Gdańsk. Long Market and Green Gate.

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The river Motława waterfront.

Gdańsk with other parts of the Tricity (Sopot and Gdynia) is a vibrant colourful seaside area that is just fantastic to see by a foreigner during the Summer. Sand beaches are just a bonus

Youre going to have to show us some tatty parts of Poland or I'm emigrating.

 

[dodgeman]

I rode 26 miles to the town of Colmar this morning, not much of a town really, probably less than 100 people. A picture of somebody roofing a house. I’m betting they quit early, the heat index will probably get over 105 today. It hit 116 yesterday because of the very high dew point. The only business is grain storage and I’m not even sure it’s used anymore.

 

[Chargeride]

You know I never say, punching above your weight because its passive aggressive, unkind, ill informed, rude and unfunny.

But still.....well done.

Gdańsk Day 2
After casual sightseeing of the Main City of Gdańsk (the most beautiful historical part, Główne Miasto/Rechtstadt), we quite incidentally hit the Craft Beer Fiesta we had been completely unaware of!

View attachment 160806
We even met a friend from London there!

View attachment 160807
The brewer Darek of Artezan made me laugh!

View attachment 160808
A bar with 16 taps, only premiere top-end Ales and Stout. A craft beer pub around in case you wanted more!

View attachment 160809
At The Bowke. (Bowke or bówka was either a seaport hoodlum or a street urchin in the old Gdańsk/Danzig). We are about to ritually drink Machandel, the unique Gin of Danzig. There is a procedure when and how the infused dried plum on a toothpick should be eaten, how to handle the stone, how to drink and what to do with the spent toothpick. The waiter will gladly describe it to you!

View attachment 160811
Eventually, you spit the stone into the glass, ceremonially break the toothpick with your fingers and leave it in the glass. The breaking the toothpick is believed to mimic a sailor mutiny during which angry sailors were breaking yards on the tall-ship.

Note: Goldwasser (containing genuine gold flakes) is even more famous vodka of Gdańsk but there is no magic in it. Machandel is very special! (Currently, it is made in Osnabrück, Germany).
View attachment 160812
The Golden Gate in Long Lane.

View attachment 160813
Court of Artus with the Neptune Fountain.

View attachment 160814
The Hanseatic Gdańsk. Long Market and Green Gate.

View attachment 160815
The river Motława waterfront.

Gdańsk with other parts of the Tricity (Sopot and Gdynia) is a vibrant colourful seaside area that is just fantastic to see by a foreigner during the Summer. Sand beaches are just a bonus

 

[fooferdoggie]

Been seeing the marker for hogan road trailhead on the spring water corridor finally wanted to check it out must have passed it a hundred times.. Set it up in Apple Maps and went. This is what it was two really short paths to the bike path. Like at most a few hundred feet. I will post the video when I get home.

 

[Chargeride]

Visited Wells next to the Sea, a cute little town 25 miles away, to do the coastal part of the Peddars Way, which is an extension of the Roman rd path.

It starts at the popular beach and I wasnt sure if it was bikes allowed, but the signs clearly stated it was

Called in to the RNLI station, its a good 1/2mile to the sea at low tide, so the boat has a tank track trailer for the job

Its part of the Norfolk coastal path, but also the Sustrans UK cycle network.

The path leads directly to Holkham Hall and village, which has the most gloriously styled buildings.

I dont know what style this is, but it does put you in a pleasant mindset just looking at it.

You were completely free to ride anywhere you liked over grass or paths, Im stood next to the ice storage building.

This tower celebrating the man himself stand all alone in a field about a mile away.

Its clear he was a wonderful person, if you dont believe me, see what hes written about himself.

There was a funeral at the church and the bells were ringing, quite an incredible atmosphere as suited mourners walked the path up to the doors.

I rode through the forest on the way back and its is an exact copy of our forests in Formby, an absolutely dream like path through thick Scottish pine on top of dunes.


Its a lot more commercialised though, but in a good way, very posh, very farback accents everywhere, but not exclusive.

I really do like it here, I didnt think so at first, but its growing on me.

 

[Saratoga Dave]

Particularly nice day today. Sun, bright blue sky, around 80. I had my Toughroad today, so when I encountered the Ushers Road State Forest, I went on in and very much enjoyed the single track. I’d taken a brief look at it last week on my Creo, and I believe posted a picture of it, but today I charged on into the woods past my turnaround point earlier.

Into really big abrupt tree roots, a not completely unexpected swamp - with five inch deep black mud and occasional wooden bridge walkways which were elevated enough at the ends that it was a dismount every time, and finally every mosquito currently on duty in eastern NY. Even a large pile of what perhaps could only be black bear scat. They’re not common around here but certainly not unknown. Too big to be anything else I can think of.

The last quarter mile till it joined a bike path was all walking, through deep mud… oh well, it was a damn good time anyway and I never fell off. Lots of fun, I don’t get to do this stuff all that often.

 

[DiggyGun]

Yesterday’s ride. Continuing the theme of doing miles for exercise.

I’ll do a similar run today before dropping the bike off at the LBS for them to have a look at the bike which has developed a noise when peddling.

DG…

 

[Mulezen]

Particularly nice day today. Sun, bright blue sky, around 80. I had my Toughroad today, so when I encountered the Ushers Road State Forest, I went on in and very much enjoyed the single track. I’d taken a brief look at it last week on my Creo, and I believe posted a picture of it, but today I charged on into the woods past my turnaround point earlier.

Into really big abrupt tree roots, a not completely unexpected swamp - with five inch deep black mud and occasional wooden bridge walkways which were elevated enough at the ends that it was a dismount every time, and finally every mosquito currently on duty in eastern NY. Even a large pile of what perhaps could only be black bear scat. They’re not common around here but certainly not unknown. Too big to be anything else I can think of.

The last quarter mile till it joined a bike path was all walking, through deep mud… oh well, it was a damn good time anyway and I never fell off. Lots of fun, I don’t get to do this stuff all that often.

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TY…so I don’t have to

 

[fooferdoggie]

Ok here is the video of the hogan trailhead. as you see on the left a sidewalk going off the sidewalk? thats it that sidewalk goes to a drinking fountain then back the the bike path. no clue what its about what there point is. I thought the gravel road we went on was it but that goes back to the path too as you see. you really need popcorn and a drink to make it through this long video

 

[Prairie Dog]

Lacombe County – Lockhart CABC Road Course

With showers in the forecast tomorrow, we decided to slip out today albeit in overcast conditions and ride a bit further out from our usual routes. It wasn’t particularly ideal weather to be riding and with east winds gusting up in the neighborhood of 60-70 kph we realized that it was going to be a bit of a challenge but we were up for it.

Today, we would take a page out of the Central Alberta Bicycle Club’s log book and drive 60 km northwest nearby the townships of Bentley and Rimbey to the location of one of their spring training courses. Only known as the Lockhart Road Race, this 66 km ride started for us near Hwy 12 but when it comes to choosing which direction to approach it, riders have several flavors to select from. We opted to ride it in a counterclockwise direction starting at RR 25 (Lockhart Road) and Hwy 12.

One’s chosen starting point will vary depending on where (along the course) one can find parking without needlessly blocking any access roads to private property. We managed to find a convenient spot less than 200 meters north of our starting point near Hwy 12.

We broke out the windbreakers and headed north along Lockhart Road.

As we approached Centerview Road (TS Road 412), we braced ourselves for the wind that would confront us. Fortunately, it was downhill all the way to Hwy 20.

Looking east towards where the road gradually bends north indicating our turnaround point at Hwy 20.

Black angus cattle are a common sight here on the prairies. What I didn’t know is that this sturdy breed was originally from Scotland. Apparently, they produce meat with a high marbling content.

This old shack which has seen better days but might do in a pinch if one was caught in a torrential downpour or (dread the thought) a hailstorm.

Heading back up 412 west with the wind at our backs but more climbing to come.

My better half chugs her way back up the 8% grade on her Synapse. What a trooper.

In recent years, corn production in Alberta has expanded considerably but wheat, barley, and canola remain the leaders when it comes to prairie food crops.

Nothing like farm fresh.

This home along TS Road 422 was immense as I imagine was its asking price. This would be the terminus point for this leg and we would head back south along RR 25. Confused yet?

The property would also make a rather attractive place to call home.

Still kms to go as I make my way back south along the Lockhart Road.

The third leg of the course finds us back heading east on 412 where we came across farmers busy harvesting alfalfa silage. The swather in the far distance continues to work while another tractor trailer waits its turn. The turnaround point for this leg would be Hwy 766.

Nothing in my mind beats barn red. I wonder if the owners will ever get around to painting that little white shed in the same familiar tone. Must be on the ‘honey-to-do’ list.

We approach the Lockhart Road one final time as we round the corner and head south towards the end of the course.

Looking back towards Hwy 12 as we make the short drive home. Despite the overcast skies and stiff winds, it was a fantastic ride one which we will likely return to when conditions are more favorable.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Highway To Hel
Tricity, Day 4, Monday 21st of August 2023

I wanted to take @Brix to the sea. She's not fond of beaches but she likes sea trips; I'm very much into the maritime climates myself! After getting to Gdańsk Docklands, we found the ship we intended to board had been fully booked! What a bummer!

Near the former German Imperial Shipyard, we saw an artistic installation named "Figures emerging from the sea". Cyberjunk if you ask me, still funny

It was a long walk for us to get to the Main City, book tickets, have a lunch and a couple of Ales and Stouts but we were not in hurry as our ship was expected to depart only at 6 pm.

The Main City waterfront as seen from an unusual perspective. The museum-ship on the left is SS Sołdek, the first ship built in Poland after WW2.

To leave the inner harbour of Gdańsk, ships have to pass a bascule bridge. For that reason, our cruise catamaran as well as two smaller cruise ships including a fake tall-ship had to leave the city at the same time. Passing the Gdańsk Shipyard, the home of Solidarity. Soon, River Motława joined Dead Vistula, or the actual estuary.

The Wisłoujście (Vistula Mouth) Fortress. It controlled the Vistula outlet to the Bay of Gdańsk in historical times.

In the Bay of Gdańsk.

We were heading to the farthest point of Poland on the Baltic Sea, that is, to Hel in the extremely narrow Hel Peninsula. The name is very funny to the English speaker ear! There even had been a bus line #666 until it was renumbered by angry conservative magistrates!

The sunset in the harbour of Hel.

The catamaran Onyx of the Gdańsk Sailing. 37 m long, it can host up to 500 people. There was a crowd of sleepy tourists returning from their daily trip to Hel. It takes hours to get to Hel by train or a bus. Our round trip took almost 4 hours in total.

Highway To Hel It was a long day!

People say the best method to get to Hel is riding a bike or an e-bike. You can even take your bike on the ship for the return trip at a modest extra fare!

 

[RabH]

Lacombe County – Lockhart CABC Road Course

With showers in the forecast tomorrow, we decided to slip out today albeit in overcast conditions and ride a bit further out from our usual routes. It wasn’t particularly ideal weather to be riding and with east winds gusting up in the neighborhood of 60-70 kph we realized that it was going to be a bit of a challenge but we were up for it.

Today, we would take a page out of the Central Alberta Bicycle Club’s log book and drive 60 km northwest nearby the townships of Bentley and Rimbey to the location of one of their spring training courses. Only known as the Lockhart Road Race, this 66 km ride started for us near Hwy 12 but when it comes to choosing which direction to approach it, riders have several flavors to select from. We opted to ride it in a counterclockwise direction starting at RR 25 (Lockhart Road) and Hwy 12.

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One’s chosen starting point will vary depending on where (along the course) one can find parking without needlessly blocking any access roads to private property. We managed to find a convenient spot less than 200 meters north of our starting point near Hwy 12.

View attachment 161053

We broke out the windbreakers and headed north along Lockhart Road.

View attachment 161054

As we approached Centerview Road (TS Road 412), we braced ourselves for the wind that would confront us. Fortunately, it was downhill all the way to Hwy 20.

View attachment 161055

Looking east towards where the road gradually bends north indicating our turnaround point at Hwy 20.
View attachment 161056

Black angus cattle are a common sight here on the prairies. What I didn’t know is that this sturdy breed was originally from Scotland. Apparently, they produce meat with a high marbling content.

View attachment 161057

This old shack which has seen better days but might do in a pinch if one was caught in a torrential downpour or (dread the thought) a hailstorm.

View attachment 161058

Heading back up 412 west with the wind at our backs but more climbing to come.

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My better half chugs her way back up the 8% grade on her Synapse. What a trooper.

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In recent years, corn production in Alberta has expanded considerably but wheat, barley, and canola remain the leaders when it comes to prairie food crops.

View attachment 161060
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Nothing like farm fresh.

View attachment 161062

This home along TS Road 422 was immense as I imagine was its asking price. This would be the terminus point for this leg and we would head back south along RR 25. Confused yet?

View attachment 161063

The property would also make a rather attractive place to call home.

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Still kms to go as I make my way back south along the Lockhart Road.

View attachment 161066

The third leg of the course finds us back heading east on 412 where we came across farmers busy harvesting alfalfa silage. The swather in the far distance continues to work while another tractor trailer waits its turn. The turnaround point for this leg would be Hwy 766.

View attachment 161067

Nothing in my mind beats barn red. I wonder if the owners will ever get around to painting that little white shed in the same familiar tone. Must be on the ‘honey-to-do’ list.

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We approach the Lockhart Road one final time as we round the corner and head south towards the end of the course.

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Looking back towards Hwy 12 as we make the short drive home. Despite the overcast skies and stiff winds, it was a fantastic ride one which we will likely return to when conditions are more favorable.

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My kind of roads but those winds must have been a real chore...

 

[DiggyGun]

Todays trip out before the bike went to the LBS.

DG…

 

[Prairie Dog]

My kind of roads but those winds must have been a real chore...

It was for sure. It was blowing like this pretty much the entire day and at the time I shot this we weren’t even riding directly into a headwind. Lucky for us we had a tailwind heading up the steepest climb.

 

[Chargeride]

Just s few pics, all day riding around the Sheringham Hall circular.

Starts at Upper Sheringham, which is all a bit Wickerman and completely empty.

The Hall itself is quite underwhelming, but the grounds are extensive and beautiful, with miles of tracks through impressive mixtures of mature trees.

Went to a gorgeous woodland chalet and camp site, which Ive got no pictures of as it was full of kids.
Headed for the coast and stopped to see the Coastal steam train.

Rode back to Sheringham along the coastal path next to the golf course.

The missus was completely drained after this, I just cruised up

Great day, 99% offroad, hot, sweaty, completely problem free, got lost and found ten times.

 

[dodgeman]

I rode into town today and at one point rode through the local university. I shot a picture of one of the towers that’s a dorm. This is the campus of WIU and like a lot of universities in Illinois has seen a large drop in the number of students. This tower was remodeled about 10 years ago and another nearby tower was imploded about 11 years ago. I worked at the site where the tower was imploded after it was down. I did construction staking where they had grades to meet where the large hole was filled in and density testing to make sure the had adequate dirt compaction. It left a big hole in ground after the debris was removed. The second picture a a photo of the implosion.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Back on home turf I managed to fit in a 30 km solo ride today over local roads. The forecast was calling for showers but so far it looks it might remain dry despite being overcast for the remainder of the day.

I’m no expert but it appears to me that harvest season is not too far off.

 

[fooferdoggie]

forgot to post this. portland bridge pedal 8 bridges a few closed off and the got to ride opposite of traffic. more then 10,000 people road.

 

[sexton Tom]

I rode into town today and at one point rode through the local university. I shot a picture of one of the towers that’s a dorm. This is the campus of WIU and like a lot of universities in Illinois has seen a large drop in the number of students. This tower was remodeled about 10 years ago and another nearby tower was imploded about 11 years ago. I worked at the site where the tower was imploded after it was down. I did construction staking where they had grades to meet where the large hole was filled in and density testing to make sure the had adequate dirt compaction. It left a big hole in ground after the debris was removed. The second picture a a photo of the implosion.
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L

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I’m no expert but it appears to me that harvest season is not too far off.

So Canada has a late harvest season compared to Poland. Ours is 15th of June to 15th of August!

The Pachołek Summit Hike (Gdańsk Oliwa and Przymorze)
Tues 22nd Aug '23

We meet a nice man by nickname of Sid quite often these days. On Tuesday, he offered a walk in Oliwa. The place is known of its park, cathedral, zoo, and the nearby seas saw the greatest Poland's naval victory, the Battle of Oliwa in 1627. Poland's naval forces commanded by the Dutch admiral Arend Dickmann could defeat the Swedish, among others capturing the enemy's flagship. (Chief commanders of both fleet were killed in combat).

You asked for some tatty photo of Poland @Chargeride Except the cars, the Oliwa railway station building looks like it were 1960s!

Oliwa Park, Abbots' Palace, and the rear of the Cathedral.

Both I and Sid have leg medical conditions. In spite of that, we were bravely climbing the Pachołek (Bollard) hill!

Trust me, I was struggling! For me, climbing up a 100 metre high hill was an achievement!

We were hoping for a splendid view from atop the observation tower, however...

The tower was closed for re-painting!

So much for a beautiful panorama including the sea and Gdańsk!

Another photo for @Chargeride This is how a typical restaurant bar in Poland looks like.

Not a posh restaurant but you are getting big portions at a decent price there! Like, a pork chop or zander fish in the photo.

As both Sid and I both love the '77 punk-rock, we visited the Sid's apartament to listen to some music from vinyl albums. Like I was doing it myself with my local buddies in the same neighbourhood in 1980!

@Brix and I completed the nice day with some cocktails

Some maps.