DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
That sounds like a right PITA!!!
2023 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos
- Thread starter Saratoga Dave
- Start date
RabH
Well-Known Member
Indeed Dave but at least its not stopping me riding the bike, you had a much bigger problem with your motor bolts! I will sort it soon I'm sure...That sounds like a right PITA!!!
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
I’m sure that you’ll get the kinks sorted out with your kickstand, RH. At least you can ride. We’ve been socked in by smoke from the BC/NWT wildfires for the past three days. Finally got out for a ride this morning but under much cooler conditions than what you’ve been experiencing. It was 8C (46 F) when we left the house this morning.
DiggyGun
Well-Known Member
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Buckinghamshire
RabH
Well-Known Member
I decided to get up early to beat the heat and head for the Forth bridges but I got more than I bargained for, 63 miles of fog and mist...
At least it kept me nice and cool until the last 10 miles when the sun brought the heat with it! I didn't see any mention of fog or mist in the forecast, although I did expect mist at first as its very common around 6am and usually burns off after 8am but not today! You can see the conditions at the Hillend Loch around 6.30am!A short time later the sun was trying to break through on the road to Limerigg!
You might notice my kickstand deployed here, I discovered it has started working again but its not locking in the down position which isn't a problem on a flat road with the weight of the bike holding it steady! When I was trying to fix it yesterday a little piece of plastic dropped on the ground, I'm guessing this is the part which locks it in the down position! Thankfully its now locking in the up position so happy days for now until I can get those old screws out and fit my new stand!
Amazingly when I reached the Black Loch a few minutes later the mist had lifted and the water was flat calm as there was no wind!
The water is a little low again after a few days of dry weather, I'm sure that will change soon though!
Another few miles and the mist was lying in the fields with the sun trying its best to fully break through!
I was now nearing Avonbridge and started to get patchy fog along with the low lying mist, sadly the sun lost the fight and all the way to the Forth bridges conditions remained the same and some of the fog was very dense! When I was crossing the Forth Road Bridge all I could hear was ships fog horns below and couldn't see a thing! At least I was nice and cool but I was missing out on amazing views, you can't have it all as the saying goes...
I arrived in Inverkeithing and was hopeful of things clearing up but it was short lived! As I was passing through Rosyth a short time later it was almost clear through the town but as soon I was back in the countryside the visibility just got worse! So I took to the paths as much as I could as the road was starting to get busy now, as I was nearing Torryburn it was back to quiet roads and some nice descents to enjoy! This was actually part of the World Championships route last month and the roads were in really good condition, visibility improved slightly but it was short lived once again!
I'm sure the riders enjoyed this road a lot as its mostly flat or downhill so I bet their speed was up in the 40mph range and nudging 50 on some of the downhills! I reached the Kincardine Bridge and visibilty was extremely poor due to the River Forth running below, thankfully there is a path on both sides of the bridge so no need to chance the road on a foggy day! The bridge will actually be closed in the winter for essential maintenance work and won't re-open until March 2025, they are currently building a temporary bridge over the Forth to ease the congestion! They said it will include a cycle path so I can still enjoy these awesome roads!
I continued on the cycle path for a couple of miles before taking to the road again towards Carronshore, the World Championships used this road also so it was in really good condition with lovely new tarmac being laid on the worst parts and not before time as it was pretty bad in places! I was soon in the busy town of Falkirk and things were clearing up until I reached the canal and the mist was hanging around again!
The local wildlife were having a rest on the bridge over the canal...
It was now time to start climbing and I was sure glad the sun was hiding now, the first climb is a real beast and its very narrow also and of course just as I turned on to the steepest part a car appeared but luckily the driver had the sense to stop and leave me enough room to pass without stopping, a thank you was forthcoming and I got a nod back!
Yet more climbing was on the cards and as I was nearing Slamannan I could actually see some blue sky appearing and as I started the climb up through the village the sun broke through and the difference in temperature was immediate!The mist was still hanging around in the fields though but the sun was starting to win the fight!
I continued towards home with around 10 miles to go and reached one of my favourite roads which I usually climb up from Abronhill, I was thinking about descending it when I remembered the road has quite a few lochs running alongside it and you could guarantee the mist or fog would be hanging around those...
So I just continued on towards Greengairs but I decided to turn and take the big climb from Upperton to Longriggend, it was getting really hot now but I knew I wasn't far from home and a nice cool shower was awaiting so I just went for it and reached the top of the climb with sweat starting to drip now! A look back down the road I just climbed, the camera flattens it of course!
I passed through Longriggend and turned towards Caldercruix and got a nice surprise to see nice new tarmac had been laid on the Telegraph road, you can see why it was named this and has nothing to do with Dire Straits...
What a brilliant song though and if you haven't heard it you are missing out, especially the 13 minute version!
This is looking back towards Longriggend!
I was now only a few miles from home and looking forward to that lovely cool shower, nothing to report after this other than an idiot very close to home who just ignored my left turn signal and shot across a junction to get in front of me!
Anyway what a fantastic day once again, despite the poor visibility! It kept me nice and cool and its not like I haven't seen the scenery before! The temp is now nudging 84F and my fan is keeping me nice and cool, no aircon in these parts because we don't usually need it...@Prairie Dog You have crazy fluctuations in your temps, I hope you can catch a break soon mate!
@DiggyGun Thanks for your input DG, I already had copper grease on the threads but the kickstand has been on the bike for 4 years now and I guess the grease has now dried up, the threads also have threadlock on them so I'm sure that's what is making them so difficult!
Attachments
DiggyGun
Well-Known Member
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Buckinghamshire
Unlike @RabH, I did it the non-sensible way as Mrs DG wasn’t working till the afternoon.
So started at 14.45 when the temperature was 301oC (87oF). It was very warm, but did create some breeze whilst riding.
Went round some new parts of Milton Keynes, which I am finding out has an amazing amount of green and park areas within it.
On the way there, saw a farmer harrowing a field after muck spreading. The interesting part was that there were dozens of Red Kites flying over the field looking for prey. By the time I stopped to get a photo, a lot had flown, but this was the best I could get.
The weather cooled down a bit on the way back to a balmy 27oC (82oF).
DG…
So started at 14.45 when the temperature was 301oC (87oF). It was very warm, but did create some breeze whilst riding.
Went round some new parts of Milton Keynes, which I am finding out has an amazing amount of green and park areas within it.
On the way there, saw a farmer harrowing a field after muck spreading. The interesting part was that there were dozens of Red Kites flying over the field looking for prey. By the time I stopped to get a photo, a lot had flown, but this was the best I could get.
The weather cooled down a bit on the way back to a balmy 27oC (82oF).
DG…
DiggyGun
Well-Known Member
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Buckinghamshire
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Just an update to mention my friend is still in hospital, hes recovered fine from the fall, but picked up covid and got a temperature.
They just want to be sure his damaged lung doesnt flare up.
Its funny how things go from one event to another in life.
They just want to be sure his damaged lung doesnt flare up.
Its funny how things go from one event to another in life.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Jacek Replacing The Shifter Cable On Vado SL
It's been 11,800 km ridden on my Vado SL (a.k.a. Fearless) in 27 months. Such an intensive use made some parts worn out (it is still nothing compared to the powerful Vado 6.0!) For instance, I have been experiencing shifting issues recently. My brother told me the shifter cable got worn out, and that was mostly caused by a pannier rubbing the cable housing! Well, bought a 2 m Jagwire MTB shifter cable and rode to see my brother.
It is funny to think my brother lives at the same riding distance from my place as Specialized Warsaw! The main difference is my brother will fix my e-bikes immediately while I would need to leave the bike with the LBS, which is usually not an option!
Jacek inspecting the details of the cable setup (It was a very warm day again!)
Ye Good Olde Specialized! It has turned out it was necessary to remove the chainring then drop the motor to access the place where the cables going rearwards of the bike were fastened with a clamp! (Jacek told me that was yet another example of thoughtful Specialized engineering as the secured cables would not rattle inside the frame). Still, it required more work from my brother!
The new cable properly routed... 'Now you can show off with the Jagwire cable' -- Jacek was giggling
'More coffee? Tea? BEER?' -- Jacek laughed at the last word -- 'If you had some alcohol free beer?' -- to which he laughed again, and brought a bottle of Croatian alcohol free lager! -- 'How that's possible?!' -- I inquired -- 'My wife is just back from her holiday, and she brought a bottle for me!'
The perfectionist Jacek did not leave the rest of the drivetrain alone, no! He gave it a total cleaning, too! (He is an unbelievable person, I tell you!) Eventually, he told me 'You need to buy and replace the derailleur pulleys! These are totally worn out!' Oh, well...
My wonderful bicycle! The shifting has become as crisp as if the drivetrain was brand new!
Well, I could not stop thinking of derailleur pulleys to be replaced. I recollected I could visit an interesting place on my way back home...
At Stajnia Rowerowa (Bike Stable), a famous LBS in Latchorzew.
The Bike Stable is a famous place. A huge almost totally MTB oriented LBS has got not only a big selection of bicycles (with very little e-bikes), a huge choice of bike accessories and apparel but also one of the best bike service around Warsaw. They are known of organizing big group rides (especially in the nearby Kampinos National Park) that brings them new loyal customers. Their wheel service is legendary, and yes, they are respected wheelset builders.
The sales person just sent me to the Service Dept. where a mechanic without much talking put my Fearless on a work-stand. Within several minutes, he handed out the e-bike back to me. 'Your pulleys were totally damaged! I installed the tension pulley and here is the box with the guide pulley -- please install it yourself -- (and he explained why). The labour is free by the way'. A great way to create a loyal customer!
Just before 8 p.m., a cold night started...
A 63 km, 3 h ride. There is a location known for permanent traffic jam en route. I cannot understand why so many people prefer driving cars and waiting for hours in their motor cans... No traffic jam for a bicycle!
It's been 11,800 km ridden on my Vado SL (a.k.a. Fearless) in 27 months. Such an intensive use made some parts worn out (it is still nothing compared to the powerful Vado 6.0!) For instance, I have been experiencing shifting issues recently. My brother told me the shifter cable got worn out, and that was mostly caused by a pannier rubbing the cable housing! Well, bought a 2 m Jagwire MTB shifter cable and rode to see my brother.
It is funny to think my brother lives at the same riding distance from my place as Specialized Warsaw! The main difference is my brother will fix my e-bikes immediately while I would need to leave the bike with the LBS, which is usually not an option!
Jacek inspecting the details of the cable setup
(It was a very warm day again!)Ye Good Olde Specialized!
It has turned out it was necessary to remove the chainring then drop the motor to access the place where the cables going rearwards of the bike were fastened with a clamp! (Jacek told me that was yet another example of thoughtful Specialized engineering as the secured cables would not rattle inside the frame). Still, it required more work from my brother!The new cable properly routed... 'Now you can show off with the Jagwire cable' -- Jacek was giggling
'More coffee? Tea? BEER?' -- Jacek laughed at the last word -- 'If you had some alcohol free beer?' -- to which he laughed again, and brought a bottle of Croatian alcohol free lager! -- 'How that's possible?!' -- I inquired -- 'My wife is just back from her holiday, and she brought a bottle for me!'
The perfectionist Jacek did not leave the rest of the drivetrain alone, no! He gave it a total cleaning, too! (He is an unbelievable person, I tell you!) Eventually, he told me 'You need to buy and replace the derailleur pulleys! These are totally worn out!' Oh, well...
My wonderful bicycle! The shifting has become as crisp as if the drivetrain was brand new!
Well, I could not stop thinking of derailleur pulleys to be replaced. I recollected I could visit an interesting place on my way back home...
At Stajnia Rowerowa (Bike Stable), a famous LBS in Latchorzew.
The Bike Stable is a famous place. A huge almost totally MTB oriented LBS has got not only a big selection of bicycles (with very little e-bikes), a huge choice of bike accessories and apparel but also one of the best bike service around Warsaw. They are known of organizing big group rides (especially in the nearby Kampinos National Park) that brings them new loyal customers. Their wheel service is legendary, and yes, they are respected wheelset builders.
The sales person just sent me to the Service Dept. where a mechanic without much talking put my Fearless on a work-stand. Within several minutes, he handed out the e-bike back to me. 'Your pulleys were totally damaged! I installed the tension pulley and here is the box with the guide pulley -- please install it yourself -- (and he explained why). The labour is free by the way'. A great way to create a loyal customer!
Just before 8 p.m., a cold night started...
A 63 km, 3 h ride. There is a location known for permanent traffic jam en route. I cannot understand why so many people prefer driving cars and waiting for hours in their motor cans... No traffic jam for a bicycle!
Last edited:
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
A Ride In Clearwater Country
After several days of skies being blanketed by wildfire smoke, we finally received the much-needed break that we were waiting for so we headed out on a ride out in the country to make up for lost time. With clear skies forecasted, today’s ride would take us on a counterclockwise loop starting on the outskirts of the Town of Eckville west along Hwy 11 otherwise known as the David Thompson Highway.
There wasn’t much hesitation when it came to deciding which bikes to ride. Without having ridden this route before, we felt that it was safer to take the Creos with their beefier gravel rubber as we didn’t know the state of condition the side shoulders were in along the rural roads. It could have proved to be too much for the skinny tires on our analog bikes. In the end, we never felt the need to engage PAS for the entire length of the trip and the bikes were truly remarkable machines to ride. I did have it on Eco a few times during startup which explains the blips in the assist mode log.
Traffic along #11 which is considered to be a major corridor for the trucking industry was horrendous with drivers having little regard for cyclists flashing lights or not. I have no idea what was under cover along this rest stop but it was huge. Just typical of the loads one can expect truckers to be hauling.
The 33 km stretch to the turnoff south onto Hwy #22 (aka The Cowboy Trail) couldn’t have come sooner and we felt relieved after having made a hasty exit off of #11. Unfortunately, it was short lived as we lost count of the number of logging trucks that screamed by us on this 25km leg towards the Town of Caroline.
The region is situated in rolling farmland and ranches and is only a few km from the Eastern Slopes and 50km from the Banff National Park Boundary. The distant mountain backdrop can be seen just beyond this fields of haybales and grain.
A poignant reminder that we should treat all people with kindness, regardless of race, gender orientation, sexual orientation, religion...
Heading south along #22 towards the third leg of the loop boreal forests become more of a common sight on this short stretch rather than the typical prairie landscape which was a nice and welcoming change.
The Clearwater River stretches 203 km to its end at Rocky Mountain House.
An avid hunter no doubt.
Bales of hay sit in this field waiting to be picked up.
We treated ourselves to a well-deserved round of ice cream at the Clearwater Trading post located at the intersection of Hwys #22/54. Strawberry cheesecake for the Missus and caramel praline for me.
Approx 70km into the ride, we reached the sleepy town of Caroline, AB.
St Joseph the Workman. This Catholic church stands proud as you enter the west end of the village.
Some Canucks may be familiar with the town as being the former home of world figure skating champion Kurt Browning. In fact, the local arena is named after him. For someone who played a key role in putting the town on the map, you think that they could at least give his name on the building a coat or two of fresh paint.
One of the quaint local businesses in town. The owner apparently creates unique birdhouses and other wood carvings so my wife tells me. I watched over the bikes as she perused the goods inside.
One of several logging trucks that rolled down main street as I waited.
Seems like a decent place to stop for a cold one.
Just outside of the townsite, sits the Wheels of Time Museum and historical village. Would have loved to take a peek inside but they were closed for the season.
13km down the highway from the museum is the Raven Union Church and Cemetery. Built in 1926, this log structure which is a non-denominational community church is still used today. The tombstones likely reflected the nature of the people who lived here. Such a peaceful place to spend time just walking around.
Once we turned north on 766 and the final leg of the loop, we found ourselves alone on the road with few vehicles in sight. A nice feeling to have after a long and at times some anxious moments in the saddle.
Hard not to grin after seeing this near the end of the ride.
After several days of skies being blanketed by wildfire smoke, we finally received the much-needed break that we were waiting for so we headed out on a ride out in the country to make up for lost time. With clear skies forecasted, today’s ride would take us on a counterclockwise loop starting on the outskirts of the Town of Eckville west along Hwy 11 otherwise known as the David Thompson Highway.
There wasn’t much hesitation when it came to deciding which bikes to ride. Without having ridden this route before, we felt that it was safer to take the Creos with their beefier gravel rubber as we didn’t know the state of condition the side shoulders were in along the rural roads. It could have proved to be too much for the skinny tires on our analog bikes. In the end, we never felt the need to engage PAS for the entire length of the trip and the bikes were truly remarkable machines to ride. I did have it on Eco a few times during startup which explains the blips in the assist mode log.
Traffic along #11 which is considered to be a major corridor for the trucking industry was horrendous with drivers having little regard for cyclists flashing lights or not. I have no idea what was under cover along this rest stop but it was huge. Just typical of the loads one can expect truckers to be hauling.
The 33 km stretch to the turnoff south onto Hwy #22 (aka The Cowboy Trail) couldn’t have come sooner and we felt relieved after having made a hasty exit off of #11. Unfortunately, it was short lived as we lost count of the number of logging trucks that screamed by us on this 25km leg towards the Town of Caroline.
The region is situated in rolling farmland and ranches and is only a few km from the Eastern Slopes and 50km from the Banff National Park Boundary. The distant mountain backdrop can be seen just beyond this fields of haybales and grain.
A poignant reminder that we should treat all people with kindness, regardless of race, gender orientation, sexual orientation, religion...
Heading south along #22 towards the third leg of the loop boreal forests become more of a common sight on this short stretch rather than the typical prairie landscape which was a nice and welcoming change.
The Clearwater River stretches 203 km to its end at Rocky Mountain House.
An avid hunter no doubt.
Bales of hay sit in this field waiting to be picked up.
We treated ourselves to a well-deserved round of ice cream at the Clearwater Trading post located at the intersection of Hwys #22/54. Strawberry cheesecake for the Missus and caramel praline for me.
Approx 70km into the ride, we reached the sleepy town of Caroline, AB.
St Joseph the Workman. This Catholic church stands proud as you enter the west end of the village.
Some Canucks may be familiar with the town as being the former home of world figure skating champion Kurt Browning. In fact, the local arena is named after him. For someone who played a key role in putting the town on the map, you think that they could at least give his name on the building a coat or two of fresh paint.
One of the quaint local businesses in town. The owner apparently creates unique birdhouses and other wood carvings so my wife tells me. I watched over the bikes as she perused the goods inside.
One of several logging trucks that rolled down main street as I waited.
Seems like a decent place to stop for a cold one.
Just outside of the townsite, sits the Wheels of Time Museum and historical village. Would have loved to take a peek inside but they were closed for the season.
13km down the highway from the museum is the Raven Union Church and Cemetery. Built in 1926, this log structure which is a non-denominational community church is still used today. The tombstones likely reflected the nature of the people who lived here. Such a peaceful place to spend time just walking around.
Once we turned north on 766 and the final leg of the loop, we found ourselves alone on the road with few vehicles in sight. A nice feeling to have after a long and at times some anxious moments in the saddle.
Hard not to grin after seeing this near the end of the ride.
DiggyGun
Well-Known Member
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Buckinghamshire
A nice leisurely ride around the villages of North Buckinghamshire this morning.
Started at 0730, but then called at a friends for coffee for about an hour, then off again.
There was no fog early this morning and the temperature when I started was 17oC (63oF) but when I finished, it was 27oC (81oF).
I changed the strap on my Garmin Epix watch. I found that the silicone strap, albeit very comfortable, does get dirty and sweaty very quickly and I was having to clean it every day.
This was after todays ride and had been cleaned this morning.
I thought that I would try a Nylon strap to see if that makes any difference.
DG…
Started at 0730, but then called at a friends for coffee for about an hour, then off again.
There was no fog early this morning and the temperature when I started was 17oC (63oF) but when I finished, it was 27oC (81oF).
I changed the strap on my Garmin Epix watch. I found that the silicone strap, albeit very comfortable, does get dirty and sweaty very quickly and I was having to clean it every day.
This was after todays ride and had been cleaned this morning.
I thought that I would try a Nylon strap to see if that makes any difference.
DG…
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Thats America right there.A Ride In Clearwater Country
After several days of skies being blanketed by wildfire smoke, we finally received the much-needed break that we were waiting for so we headed out on a ride out in the country to make up for lost time. With clear skies forecasted, today’s ride would take us on a counterclockwise loop starting on the outskirts of the Town of Eckville west along Hwy 11 otherwise known as the David Thompson Highway.
View attachment 162182
View attachment 162181
View attachment 162180
There wasn’t much hesitation when it came to deciding which bikes to ride. Without having ridden this route before, we felt that it was safer to take the Creos with their beefier gravel rubber as we didn’t know the state of condition the side shoulders were in along the rural roads. It could have proved to be too much for the skinny tires on our analog bikes. In the end, we never felt the need to engage PAS for the entire length of the trip and the bikes were truly remarkable machines to ride. I did have it on Eco a few times during startup which explains the blips in the assist mode log.
Traffic along #11 which is considered to be a major corridor for the trucking industry was horrendous with drivers having little regard for cyclists flashing lights or not. I have no idea what was under cover along this rest stop but it was huge. Just typical of the loads one can expect truckers to be hauling.
View attachment 162183
The 33 km stretch to the turnoff south onto Hwy #22 (aka The Cowboy Trail) couldn’t have come sooner and we felt relieved after having made a hasty exit off of #11. Unfortunately, it was short lived as we lost count of the number of logging trucks that screamed by us on this 25km leg towards the Town of Caroline.
View attachment 162184
The region is situated in rolling farmland and ranches and is only a few km from the Eastern Slopes and 50km from the Banff National Park Boundary. The distant mountain backdrop can be seen just beyond this fields of haybales and grain.
View attachment 162185
A poignant reminder that we should treat all people with kindness, regardless of race, gender orientation, sexual orientation, religion...
View attachment 162186
Heading south along #22 towards the third leg of the loop boreal forests become more of a common sight on this short stretch rather than the typical prairie landscape which was a nice and welcoming change.
View attachment 162187
The Clearwater River stretches 203 km to its end at Rocky Mountain House.
View attachment 162188
An avid hunter no doubt.
View attachment 162189
Bales of hay sit in this field waiting to be picked up.
View attachment 162190
We treated ourselves to a well-deserved round of ice cream at the Clearwater Trading post located at the intersection of Hwys #22/54. Strawberry cheesecake for the Missus and caramel praline for me.
View attachment 162191
View attachment 162192
Approx 70km into the ride, we reached the sleepy town of Caroline, AB.
View attachment 162193
View attachment 162194
St Joseph the Workman. This Catholic church stands proud as you enter the west end of the village.
View attachment 162195
Some Canucks may be familiar with the town as being the former home of world figure skating champion Kurt Browning. In fact, the local arena is named after him. For someone who played a key role in putting the town on the map, you think that they could at least give his name on the building a coat or two of fresh paint.
View attachment 162196
One of the quaint local businesses in town. The owner apparently creates unique birdhouses and other wood carvings so my wife tells me. I watched over the bikes as she perused the goods inside.
View attachment 162197
One of several logging trucks that rolled down main street as I waited.
View attachment 162198
Seems like a decent place to stop for a cold one.
View attachment 162199
Just outside of the townsite, sits the Wheels of Time Museum and historical village. Would have loved to take a peek inside but they were closed for the season.
View attachment 162200
View attachment 162201
View attachment 162202
13km down the highway from the museum is the Raven Union Church and Cemetery. Built in 1926, this log structure which is a non-denominational community church is still used today. The tombstones likely reflected the nature of the people who lived here. Such a peaceful place to spend time just walking around.
View attachment 162203
View attachment 162205
Once we turned north on 766 and the final leg of the loop, we found ourselves alone on the road with few vehicles in sight. A nice feeling to have after a long and at times some anxious moments in the saddle.
View attachment 162212
View attachment 162211
View attachment 162208
View attachment 162210
Hard not to grin after seeing this near the end of the ride.
View attachment 162209
I always imagine if you knocked on the door..and didnt get shot
, youd leave with a slice of homemade apple pie.
RabH
Well-Known Member
Only one problem, its Canada!Thats America right there.
I always imagine if you knocked on the door..and didnt get shot
@Prairie Dog What a day on the bike PD, shame about those logging trucks though!
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Yeah..North, north America.
Jeremy McCreary
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
View attachment 161861
I was hoping to go to the motorcycle racing at Knockhill today but with winds over 30mph I decided to give it a miss, I could have gone in the car but I preferred to get the bike out as the winds weren't as gusty at home! I was hoping to head down the Clyde Valley on my last ride but the weather put paid to that, so that was my first choice today! It was a little nicer shall we say!
View attachment 161862
I joined the valley road at Carluke and took the awesome descent down to Crossford before turning right at the road end and taking on the big climb up to Blackhill Viewpoint, a real beast of a climb with an average gradient of 9.1%! I stopped part way up for some photos of course and I couldn't get my bike stand to deploy, it wasn't for locking into position for some reason! Thankfully there was a handy kerb available....
View attachment 161863
A lovely view of the valley and the clouds looked incredible also!
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I reached the summit and stopped just before the scary descent, the reason its so scary is the road just drops away on you and there's actually another road just beyond the steepest part so you have to make sure you are able to stop at the junction! I virtually freewheeled it at 43.3mph...
View attachment 161866
This road then takes you back down into the Clyde Valley at Kirkfieldbank, then its another beast of a climb up to Lanark! Its only 1/2 a mile of ascent but an average gradient of 9.6%! Thankfully I caught Lanark at a quiet time and breezed through without any problems, taking the lovely descent down to the Hyndford Bridge in the valley! Then I joined the main A73 which is a road to be avoided during the week with many massive trucks hammering along it, no problems today though! I found another handy kerb to grab another photo part way along the road, the scenery is lovely all the way along this route with the Tinto Hills on one side and the Pentland Hills on the other!
View attachment 161869
This is the main Tinto Hill which is very popular on a day like today although I'm sure it was very windy up at over 2300ft!
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You can see why I love this road so much here!
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A few miles later I was nearing the junction for Symington which then leads to Biggar, the views to the north here are lovely!
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I tried my bike stand again and it actually locked down this time, although when I attempted to put it back up it didn't want to stay up so I had to tie it up! (new one now ordered)
View attachment 161873
The Pentland Hills then came into view!
View attachment 161874
I reached the bridge over the River Clyde just before the turn off for Biggar and was shocked to see the water so low, especially considering all the rain we have had recently!
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A handy wall to support the bike...
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I soon arrived in Biggar and would finally have the wind at my back heading north to Carnwath, lots of farms along this road and its a very busy time for the farmers!
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This road is just amazing also, lots of climbs and fast descents and twists and turns! Just my kind of road and today the motorbikes were enjoying it also, it has been a long time since I saw so many motorbikes on my cycling roads and you can see why here!
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I was soon in Carnwath and continued north to enjoy that tailwind all the way to Whitburn where I turned west for home and the wind had shifted to the west now, so I had 14 miles of a 25-30mph headwind to contend with! Level 3 assist was now selected and was I glad I had lots of juice left! Another fantastic ride today, from start to finish it was just amazing despite the bike stand problems! I think I will sleep well tonight after that...
@DiggyGun @Readytoride Sorry to hear about your falls, I'm glad you are both fighting fit and healing up!
Yesterday, I took one of my bigger rides to date — a hilly inland route to a geologic POI I've been eager to explore (photos coming soon). Grades of up to 15%, mostly at PAS 1/9 and 2/9, with a blazing average moving speed of 11 mph.
Horizontally and vertically, about 1/3 of a @RabH recovery ride, only slower.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Yep, though folks in these rural areas are downright friendly you certainly get the feeling that you’re right in the belt of social conservatism.Thats America right there.
I always imagine if you knocked on the door..and didnt get shot
I’ll say. It was like they were all in a mad rush to get to the mill before it closed.
I think the residents clearly wanted to make a point as there was a large no trespassing sign posted along the fence on the other side.
RabH
Well-Known Member
Great effort, Jeremy!
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Demo riding a Turbo Levo SL tomorrow
I'm fed up with heavy e-bikes. Wondering whether the LSL will carry me through a sandy climb? Given its mountain gearing 30-50T, it sounds doable!
A 32 km (20 mi) trail to be ridden together with some friends.
I'm fed up with heavy e-bikes. Wondering whether the LSL will carry me through a sandy climb? Given its mountain gearing 30-50T, it sounds doable!
A 32 km (20 mi) trail to be ridden together with some friends.
