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

[Stefan Mikes]

I’ve been wearing Castelli bibs for a while they are by far my favorites to date.

I am not sure about one thing with them. They are slippery; I'm slightly sliding on my saddle in the Castelli bibs (@mschwett should it be happening?) Otherwise these bibs are excellent. There is a sizing issue with the Castellis. It is because of my non-proportional body build: the braces are a tad too short.

However, I acquired a pair of ALE Stones cargo bibs recently and find them to be very comfortable particularly during long hours in the saddle. They supposedly fall under their off-road/gravel collection but IMO, they are also superb road bib shorts. If you’re not into wearing cycling jerseys, cargo/gravel shorts have plenty of mesh pockets to tuck your phone or other small essential into.

It is an interesting suggestion. I own a very lightweight "breathing" MTB jersey, and would love wearing cargo shorts with it. Maybe when I move back to my Old Home, as I have no space for more clothing where I live now!

 

[Prairie Dog]

I am not sure about one thing with them. They are slippery; I'm slightly sliding on my saddle in the Castelli bibs

Most shorts fabric contents are made from combination of nylon and Spandex/Lycra. Lycra does tend to have a somewhat slippery texture which might contribute to sliding down on the saddle. Some brands will also use polyester as it’s lightweight and breathable and likely to be less slippery. I believe Rapha’s Core Bib shorts are made from a blend of poly and elastane. Perhaps wearing bibs might further enhance that sliding sensation as I find that they do have a more athletic fit than bib-less shorts. I’ve always had my saddle nose slightly adjusted a few mm upward so consequently I’ve never had an issue of sliding.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I did not say "sliding off the saddle" I say "sliding on the saddle" No other bibs or padded shorts I own do that to me!

 

[pmcdonald]

Glorious day for a ride today. Our region is pulling itself out of a long (2 month), cold (20C) winter. Temps were mid 20s with a fresh breeze blowing from inland.

Full morning to myself (rare) and no riding buddies (sadly quite common) I got to set my own pace and path. I used it to explore some gloriously rutted and sketchy trials spotted on the map.

I wrapped up the ride when my 630wh battery was down to single bar. Just as well - I think this ride, mostly single track with lots of climbing and descending, was about my limit.

And a win for the Matildas to cap off the day!

 

[dodgeman]

20 Celsius cold? I had to convert that to Fahrenheit to understand it. That’s about my favorite temperature to ride in and I’d still be wearing shorts. Come to Illinois in January then we can discuss winter.

I rode 24 mikes today and the only thing I took a picture of was an old John Deere tractor. Going by the looks of things he is “going to fix it up someday”. This generally translates to never. Nice day for a ride but the 1200th headwind made me crank up the assist on part of the ride home.

 

[pmcdonald]

20 Celsius cold? I had to convert that to Fahrenheit to understand it. That’s about my favorite temperature to ride in and I’d still be wearing shorts. Come to Illinois in January then we can discuss winter.

Tongue firmly in cheek. We've got it pretty easy weather-wise here. We're about 150km south of a town known for its 'optimal temperature'. Having said that, our winter nights get down to single digits and our houses are abysmally built for the cold. There's still no formal requirement for thermal insulation certification, last time I checked. I've heard more than once from Scandinavian visitors that they've never been as cold as staying in an Australian house in winter. Ours leaks like a sieve.

 

[scrambler]

My sister who lived in New Caledonia use to complain she was cold in the 20C "cold" winters while wearing a short sleeve T shirt....

Have you tried long sleeve T shirts I asked

 

[DiggyGun]

Nice ride out today, around Stanwick Lakes, one of our favourite places.

Weather was fine for most of day, with a couple of occasions of light showers.

However, on the way home it absolutely threw it down.

DG…

 

[Stefan Mikes]

My sister who lived in New Caledonia use to complain she was cold in the 20C "cold" winters while wearing a short sleeve T shirt....

Have you tried long sleeve T shirts I asked

It reminds me of meeting an Indonesian on one of our business meetings in Hungary. It was a Hungarian summer of nice 26 C (79 F) temperature (a tad too warm for most of us). The Indonesian was wearing a thick zipped jacket and was shaking from cold, especially as the restaurant was air-conditioned. As he explained, they did not use AC in Indonesia only fans, and the temperature in his country was 36 C (97 F).

 

[peterh_nz]

the only thing I took a picture of was an old John Deere tractor.

That brings back memories. When I was about 12 years old I broke both the bones of my lower right arm crank starting one! They were exhilarating to drive.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I did not say "sliding off the saddle" I say "sliding on the saddle" No other bibs or padded shorts I own do that to me!

The only thing I can suggest is if it bothers you that much why not simply switch back to your original bibs? Or wear them in rotation with your other shorts and perhaps with enough time in the saddle they will stop sliding around.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The only thing I can suggest is if it bothers you that much why not simply switch back to your original bibs? Or wear them in rotation with your other shorts and perhaps with enough time in the saddle they will stop sliding around.

Fair enough! I like the bibs though and might get used to them.

 

[DiggyGun]

The only thing I can suggest is if it bothers you that much why not simply switch back to your original bibs? Or wear them in rotation with your other shorts and perhaps with enough time in the saddle they will stop sliding around.

Ordered a pair of bibbed tights to try. First time of ordering this style of clothing.

Went for the a Danish Endurance ones as currently use their leggings and know that their clothing fits me. The leggings have been good and comfortable. However, the elastic waistband is beginning to roll over, making it a bit uncomfortable now.

Never used bibs or a pad before, so that should be interesting.

DG…

 

[Stefan Mikes]

However, the elastic waistband is beginning to roll over, making it a bit uncomfortable now.

That's why I bought bibs with braces

 

[juggernaut]

Another bike ride with the wife around part of the river today …..circa 22 klms……glorious winters day again.

The path was undulating with the first pic at our highest point above the river. In the distance is our city with the Optus Stadium (3rd largest capacity in Australia) to the right just above the river tree line. We continued our ride to the stadium and stopped at the restaurant/bar in the stadium precinct for a steak sandwich and a couple of pints each.

The second pic is looking back at the stadium and the bridge we rode over as we continued our journey around the river then on to home. A flying fox operates from the top of the other side of the bridge back to the river bank.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Ordered a pair of bibbed tights to try. First time of ordering this style of clothing.

Went for the a Danish Endurance ones as currently use their leggings and know that their clothing fits me. The leggings have been good and comfortable. However, the elastic waistband is beginning to roll over, making it a bit uncomfortable now.

Never used bibs or a pad before, so that should be interesting.

DG…

I think that you'll find that bib shorts/tights tend to stay in place better than those without. The straps are designed to help keep them in place without the need for an uncomfortably tight waistband which is a welcome feature. Relieving yourself during a ride could present a problem but depending on the style and brand, I’ve personally found that there is enough stretch in the fabric to overcome this challenge. The chamois is a key component of any padded short/tights and if you’re going to be doing long days in the saddle, spending a bit more is likely going to get you a more comfortable and durable pair. I don't own a pair of bib tights myself but assume that most likely have some sort of silicone grips or loops worked into the ankle cuffs to prevent them from moving up though zippers at the cuffs are more convenient for easy on/off.

 

[dodgeman]

I rode 14 miles today, it started raining 10 seconds before I finished so I barely beat the rain. No pictures today so a blast from the past picture. A picture from my drag racing days, a 1970 Challenger I had restored in the late 1980’s. This picture is from about 1990 if I were to guess. I use the term drag racing loosely because I’ve made maybe 50 to 75 passes total in this car and a couple of others. The car is long gone, I sold it a few years after this picture.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

A Hilly Group Ride On A Very Warm Day

I should have thought thrice before accepting an offer to join a group ride of traditional cyclists at "recreational speed". I should have considered riding for a day in a hilly area I had been familiar with so well... And I should have refused riding on a very warm day with the shade temperature approaching 32 C (90 F) with the temperature in the sunshine of 45 C (113 F). Yea, right, you know me well don't you

Ewa, I and Hubert met by the Skierniewice train station and started the main part of the trip at 10:33 a.m. Again, I was asking the group members to start the ride far earlier but Hubert had a stronger voting power than I Ewa is a slim senior lady riding a Scott XC bike, while the ride of the young Hubert is a heavy Polish KROSS touring bicycle. Both are experienced touring riders (and all three of us wore helmets on the trip). First of all, they could ride faster than the declared "17-20 km/h cruising speed" if not the hills

Why should I not ride with such people? It is because I need to ride my Vado SL at the assistance as low as "my legs become theirs" It is a low assistance forcing me to pedal my lightweight e-bike almost on my own leg power! That is very tiresome for me...

Young Hubert had planned the route very well, and we were riding asphalt for most of the Skierniewice - Grójec trip. He managed avoiding any "traps" I could fancy in the area I know so well!

The Magic Pine in Paplin (LD). I found the tree on my first e-bike trip over the area, and it has became a landmark for me since. See my companions finding a shade. Oh, yes, we needed stops on the ride!

The only picture of mine from the group ride! We were busy pedalling, hydrating and eating! No time for taking photos!

There were never-ending ascents in the Apple Tree Land. I was always much faster than Ewa & Hubert on rare descents because of my weight, and using an MTB technique to descend very fast. (That's why I could take that photo by going far forward in front of them then stopping for the take). On some stop, my friends nicked some apples* from an orchard and ate them on the ride As I mentioned in other ride reports, the Apple Tree Land is an enormous fruit-growing area with nothing but orchards on the sides of the road!
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*) Anybody's surprised it was Ewa (Eve) to steal the first apple?

I found the place-name amusing: Why not E-Bikeówek? You might see my companions far in the photo. I had to chase them after taking this picture. An excellent opportunity to show off with the capabilities of Vado SL! Heheh, Turbo mode on, the derestrictor on and... I achieved the speed of 41 km/h (25.5 mph)! Just zoomed while overtaking the small group, and then...

...I had enough time to record a small video clip of them riding!

We were hot and tired when we arrived in Grójec. Rode straight to the "Staromiejska" (Old Town) Polish cuisine restaurant. Oh, how nice to sit inside the place with AC! My choice for food was the "Highwayman's Pancake" which is a big soft folded pancake with beef/red pepper/sauce inside and vegetables on the plate, too. I was so hungry I forgot taking the photo of the meal! After the late lunch, I said good-bye to my companions as I decided to return home "on the wheels" as we call it, that is, by bicycle not by train.

Now, I discovered the whole way between the two Apple Tree Land capital cities, that is, Grójec and Tarczyn was uphill! Trust me, I had to increase the e-bike assistance to survive...

By the Rotten Apple Fountain in Tarczyn (A design fault made the apple look as if it were rotten, haha) I cooled my body with the fountain water and discovered my legs left me. Totally exhausted and with no will to ride at all! There were 27+ km remaining... I had no choice but to pedal home!

As it became colder past 7 p.m., I regained as much strength as to increase the distance ridden to get to my local BP service station for some extra shopping and for my reward: delicious Frappe Mocha! The female sales assistant who blended the coffee for me asked 'Was that not too a hot day as for a bike ride?', to which I replied 'You can bet it was!'

Hubert & Ewa reached the city of Warka and returned to their homes by train and bicycle. Each of us reached their homes at exactly the same time within +/- 2 minutes!

 

[DiggyGun]

Today we did the Phoenix Trail.

This is an old railway line between Thame in Oxfordshire and Princes Risborough in Buckinghamshire.

Along the route, there are a number of modern art sculptures to represent the old railway heritage. However, at the county border there is a collection called “Three Characters On Poles”, of which this is one of them, more, “Moose Having A Poo”.

As this this is part of the National Cycle Network, (Route No. NCN 57), there are some Mike Marker Posts, which were done for the Millennium along the way.

DG…

 

[RabH]

The cycling world championships finished yesterday so I thought I would try some of the course the elite men took just over a week ago, it didn't get off to a good start though! About 6 miles into my ride I was on a climb and my gps was showing a zero gradient, so I looked at my overall elevation gain and it was also showing zero! I had just updated the Wahoo before I left so I guess that had something to do with it, so I shut the gps down thinking I would lose the 6 miles I had already completed but as soon as it rebooted it started to recover the ride! That was a nice surprise and as I set off up the hill the gradient was now showing, although a few miles later I stopped to check the gps again and it was showing an average temp of -5F... Also I noticed after my ride it was showing the max gradient as 28.6%, oh dear! I hope it was a one off problem....

Anyway back to the ride, I decided to head for Bonnybridge and join the pros route from here to the Campsie Hills! I arrived in the town and stopped on the bridge over the canal for a photo!

I then passed through the town centre and joined the route the riders took towards Stoneywood where the first proper climb would start! I was approaching the start of the climb and saw a truck and a car stopped at the bottom of the climb, I looked up the hill and could see a police car with blue lights flashing and a road closed notice! The driver of the truck approached me and said I would probably get through the closure if I walked the bike up, he informed me that a van had collided with a street lamp and was on its side! I started walking up and asked the police if it was ok to walk the bike through and they said it was fine! The van was on its wheels now but was a real mess, I grabbed a photo after I was clear of the scene!

I'm guessing the van was descending the hill and lost control, I didn't see any other damaged vehicles and no bikes thankfully! I continued up the hill and saw some lovely new tarmac had been laid, this is the main reason I took this route as I was hopeful they would have fixed a lot of the roads! I used the same route 3 months ago and the roads were pretty rough in parts, this part was a fast descent over a bridge with the River Carron passing below and it was all lovely new tarmac! I bet the pros really loved this part until the tight bridge that is!

I was now on the road which runs alongside the Carron Valley Reservoir, I'm not sure if any of you followed the championships but there was a protest just along this road at the narrowest part where 4 people decided to glue their hands to the tarmac and caused quite a delay to the race! They weren't protesting about the actual race, it was about the oil giants Ineos who sponsor one of the biggest teams! The Campsie Hills were now starting to come into view in the distance!

I was surprised to turn a blind corner which was in the shade under tree cover and the road was in quite a state, I'm sure the riders didn't enjoy that part although it was only for a very short distance! A short time later I had this lovely view of the reservoir! As you can see in the second photo this part of the road was a little rough also but once again only for a short distance!

Less than a mile further and the road was in great condition!

The good roads continued, actually these were repaired a couple of years ago and are holding up well! I'm sure the pros went down these descents at breakneck speed!

I came down this one at just over 40mph, this is actually looking back up the hill and the photo belies how steep it is! I'm sure some of the pros would have been over 50mph coming down here!

I was nearing the end of the Carron Valley road and approaching the roughest part but thankfully they had fixed it and what a difference that made, from here I could see the road up over the Campsies and could also see nice new tarmac in the distance!

I turned at the bottom of the road to take the climb up Crow road and was greeted with a road closed sign! My choices were now limited if it was actually closed, I could either go back along the Carron Valley or take the road to Killearn which would have added around 15 miles to my trip! I decided to chance the climb, thinking they hadn't removed the signs after yesterdays womens race...as I started up the climb a couple of cars passed me which made me more hopeful! Part way up I stopped to grab a photo of the lovely new tarmac and a van proceeded past me going down the hill, this made me confident the road was fully open!

There were lots of pro names written on the tarmac, I particularly liked the one someone scrawled on the climb back at Stoneywood which said "Wright Said Fred, GO GO GO" in reference to the British rider named Fred Wright!

I'm looking forward to descending the Campsies soon on that lovely fresh tarmac!

I continued up the climb feeling confident that the road was open, just as I reached the summit I could see a pickup parked blocking the road along with a load of traffic cones and a road closed sign!!! The driver was sitting in the cab, almost half asleep by the look of it! I approached him tentatively and coughed which brought him back to life! I explained my alternatives and asked if it was possible to continue down the Crow road to Lennoxtown, he didn't seem keen on letting me through but called his boss and had a long indecisive conversation! I wasn't holding out much hope but he said due to the big diversion I would need to take he would let me proceed with caution, to say I was elated was a massive understatement!

I started down the descent tentatively and came across a cyclist pushing his bike up the climb with a pedestrian walking alongside! I enquired about his bike and he said everything was fine, the guy with him was his friend and his car was parked in the car park further down and he was told the road would be open in around 1 hour so he decided to take a walk to pass the time! I asked him where the work was taking place and he said it was way down near Lennoxtown so I could enjoy the descent for a mile or so and I certainly did! Ridewithgps recorded it as 47.6mph but it was actually just over 41mph....

I passed the workers and they didn't say anything, just sort of nodded so I continued slowly now and then I came across another pickup blocking the road at the bottom but just sailed through the cones slowly and nothing was said! I arrived in Lennoxtown and turned off the main road towards Torrance still using the same route as the pros but just before Torrance I turned east and left the championship route now! I wasn't going near Glasgow... This was actually a new road to me but I had a good idea where it was going to take me, it turned out to be a really nice twisty road!

I soon saw a sign for Kilsyth which is where I thought it would take me, it would take me close to the village of Twechar (A good Scottish name @dodgeman ) I was riding alongside the Forth and Clyde canal and came across a bridge where I could grab a photo!

Soon I arrived in Kilsyth and passed over the canal again, now back on my usual route! It would have been rude not to grab another photo, this one is for Jeremy! @Jeremy McCreary

I was nearing home now and using as many back roads as I could to avoid the traffic, then I came across this scene! It wasn't a day for Ford Transit drivers!

The van that crashed earlier in the day was also a Transit! The verges are really soft due to all the rain, I'm sure the driver was moving over to let somebody pass and just moved over a little too far...

This was only a few miles from home, I then had a trouble free ride all the way back! What a brilliant day on the bike once again, it made up for a very disappointing day yesterday at the British Touring Cars at Knockhill racing circuit where a big crowd got a proper soaking with a few heavy downpours! At least we did get some dry races though...

@Stefan Mikes You are very brave cycling in those temps, Stefan! Anything over 20C and I'm not keen on going out So kudos to you for braving it!

That took me quite some time to write up....need a lie down now!