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

[Stefan Mikes]

Complicated Warsaw suburbs, Bike Centre, and headwind!

I was in a silly situation on Tuesday's late afternoon. I was thinking I would replace the chainring (that I was not happy with) on my Vado SL to discover the "thread-locked" (Loctite) chainring bolts could not be unscrewed without the "chainring bolt wrench"; and I seem to have lost my Park Tool CNW-2 somewhere! Desperate, I gave the nearest LBS, the Jakoobcycles, a phone call. The owner (who knows me well) told me to ride up fast as they were closing soon, and yes, he would lend me the wrench. He added:

'Do not try do the things in a hurry. You'd return the wrench to me tomorrow at 11 a.m. Now, go home, make some coffee, sit down, and do your work slowly but surely!' -- and the man was right! Yes, I could replace the chainring with a new Garbaruk one (I love the brand!) but the chain was still dropping from the ring... I took a closer look! Darn Shimano and their "chain connecting pins"! Oh yes, I had installed the connecting pin wrongly! Fuming, I found the last Quick-Link I had and connected the chain again! Then I perfectly adjusted the derailleur and the work was done.

In the morning, I returned the wrench to Jakub and his twin brother at 11 am sharp* Then I thought I could ride to the Centrum Rowerowe (Bike Centre) in Warsaw to buy more Quick-Links and re-buy the CNW-2 wrench. I told Komoot to find me a "gravel e-bike route" and became surprised again! So little I knew of my direct neighbourhood!

Totally off-road along the railroad. I met an elegant woman walking her dog at the beginning of the trail, and yes, she confirmed the trail was for real!

Then I visited the Bike Center and found myself in the bicycle heaven again.

Wahoo Kickr tread-mills... sorry, indoor bike trainers

A US$1,000+ SRAM XX1 crank with a chainring and a power meter.

A SRAM XX1 unserviceable 12-speed cassette for US$400.

A 12-speed, SRAM XX1 replacement cassette from Garbaruk. US$269.

Yes, I bought my parts and the tool and happily rode home without a plan. I rode off-road more than I ever expected could be doable in Warsaw suburbs! Eventually, I could ride in the far Jerusalem Avenues against 30 km/h headwind! The funny part was I had to ride a segment of a wide gravel road shoulder against the traffic (it is acceptable for bikes here).

It was only 41.6 km at low average speed but trust me: not many cyclist ventured to ride on that day!

*) An anecdote
After the Jakub's twin had opened the LBS gate, he said: 'We have no power supply today!' -- to which I responded -- 'How can you work then?' -- and he said -- 'No work today! At least you have the electric power!'

 

[RabH]

Thank you! I recently got a 3rd 500wh powertube on clearance. Nominal wh is actually 482.

I think the 3rd battery served more to alleviate range anxiety than anything else. On the first day I put in the third battery when I got to my destination 78 miles into the ride, where I unloaded the bike before doing the last 22mi around Port Angeles. My 2nd battery was still showing 15 miles of range, so would have been plenty if I had just plugged in while I ate lunch or for the 30 minute break I took at the hotel.

I got into the 3rd battery more on the second day, but again just charging during lunch or at the ferry docks would have been enough along with riding a little slower. Though it was nice not to have to think about conserving battery and just getting after it.

I was a little surprised how much the additional battery affected handling.

Cool, a 3rd battery really does give you peace of mind and lessens the range anxiety! I take 3 everytime I'm going for a century ride now as it gives me the option to extend my ride if time allows, on my last ride I did 85 miles and was thinking about going for a century but I only had 2 batteries that day and my first battery only managed 42 miles due to the headwind and climbing! Interesting that your 3rd battery affects your bikes handling, I've never noticed any difference myself!

In other news our weather is truly awful at the moment, weather warnings in place almost every day due to wind and rain! The wind has subsided today but its due to increase again this evening and the rain is incessant, its looking more promising after Saturday though so fingers crossed...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The wind has subsided today but its due to increase again this evening and the rain is incessant

Are you riding together with me now? That's exactly the weather here, and I am at the end of my off-road ride now. Wet a little, I'm waiting for the return train at a restaurant.

 

[Taylor57]

So on the way home from the gym, Sport met 4 Italian tourists on their rental motorscooters. They were very nice and asked me to take their picture. I then asked if Sport could pose with the Italian stallions!

 

[RabH]

Are you riding together with me now? That's exactly the weather here, and I am at the end of my off-road ride now. Wet a little, I'm waiting for the return train at a restaurant.

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That's the beauty of being retired, I can pick my days so no thank you!

 

[DiggyGun]

More exploring of Milton Keynes.

Saw the track testing of the recently laid EWR railway line.

DG…

 

[Djangodog]

Our foliage is coming along, but peek is probably still about a week away. Yesterday, October 4th was in the mis 80s, (I think that was a record). The images are from my GoPro and taken on the road that connects Tyson and Reading Vermont. The ten mile road ascends and descends approximately 1200'. The foliage was as expected, better at the high point.

The ride covered 55.56 miles with a little under 4,000' of climbing.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

A Recon By Combat
A Bolimów Forest Gravel/MTB Pre-Ride

Some group ride organizers seem to be irresponsible. One of them going by a nickname of Accountant Adam and representing a "club" by name of Ordeal of Legionowo (what a name: the guy seems to be a cycling masochist!) has invited people for a group ride in the Bolimów Forest (so familiar to me!) for this Saturday. It smelled bad to me right from the beginning; he suggested the start time at noon, which seemed strange as you need time to complete the ride before the dark, and you also need to get onto the return train to Warsaw (the trains leave every hour).

Having time on Thursday, I took a train to Skierniewice Rawka to test the ride plan feasibility despite the cold, a strong wind (it is dampened in the forest) and raining forecast for 4 pm. When I was in the Army, we were calling a reconnaissance involving fighting the enemy "recon by combat", not sure what the American military term is but that was what I actually did riding my Vado SL

It soon turned out Adam had never ridden in the Bolimów Forest, and he was actually clueless about the types of roads available there and which trails you should ride in the Forest...

The Bolimów Landscape Park is known as a "Gravel Cyclist Paradise" with plethora of premium gravel "highways"... The ride plan author has not included any of them even once in his route!

The route led through numerous "wood-cutting zones". You do not ride into any of them -- not because it is not allowed! -- but because the fire-roads there are damaged by heavy forestry machinery... While there was always a premium gravel road nearby!

According to the sick ride plan, I had to ride purely hiking trails...

...wild paths damaged by wild boar...

...And mostly sand, sand, and sand! I stopped my bike there as suddenly I got a spray of sand from the front wheel and was afraid the tyre had exploded! Not. It was a twig that got entangled between the fork and the front wheel. Fortunately that did not end with an Over-The-Bars!

The only thing the man planned right was riding along the beautiful Bolimów Lake (that POI is always included into any good route for the Bolimów Forest).

I also spent some time caressing a kitty at the Bolimów Sawmill

Because of the very slow ride speed, I was still riding at 4 pm, and it started raining as forecast...

I missed my train home. Having to wait for over an hour, I found a safe haven at a new restaurant in Skierniewice Rawka. Alas! That was a hipster establishment with hardly any food good for me! Desperate, I settled on a small piece of salmon with a handful of lentils. And tea. All at an exorbitant price!

Despite the ride was a real ordeal, I could prove to myself I was endurant, and knew the Forest very well! The day was not certainly lost!

It is going to be raining on Saturday, and the organizer would certainly cancel or postpone the ride. He will be hated by any participant of the group ride, if any! As for myself, I made a good plan for Sunday and invited some people. If anybody joins, good. If not, I will enjoy a good ride myself!

 

[Chargeride]

It soon turned out Adam had never ridden in the Bolimów Forest, and he was actually clueless about the types of roads available there and which trails you should ride in the Forest...

Was glared at all day by Stefan

 

[Stefan Mikes]

It soon turned out Adam had never ridden in the Bolimów Forest, and he was actually clueless about the types of roads available there and which trails you should ride in the Forest...

Was glared at all day by Stefan

You would love that route with your fat tyre e-bike! I say this because I met a dirt motorbike on one of singletracks; the singletrack was as bad as I narrowly avoided a crash in the mud!

 

[DiggyGun]

Slightly different route today.

Picked up another 8.0 kg of windfall apples.

Update;
Got another 4.0 kg from this lot which are now bagged and in the freezer.

DG…

 

[RabH]

A nice bonus ride today, amazingly I woke up to dry roads and looked at the lastest forecast and it was showing dry weather until mid afternoon! A far cry from yesterdays forecast which was showing heavy rain for most of the day... It was a blustery day with winds around 30mph from the SW so I headed NE and enjoyed that wind at my back for 22 miles, arriving in Dechmont where I turned north on to a real rollercoaster road! I have ridden part of this road before but from the other direction and I was joining it part way along so it was nice to check out the full road for the first time and I will be using it again for sure! It starts with a big climb followed by a nice descent which leads straight into another big climb!

Looking north!

This is looking south at the same road!

There are some nice views at the summit of the Pentalnd Hills!

This was my favourite photo of the day, a plane which had departed nearby Edinburgh Airport into some amazing cloud formations!

Then another big descent!

This was quickly followed by another steep climb and then the road drops off a cliff, there is a sharp right turn into an s bend so I was on the brakes all the way round it! This is looking back at the s bend, what an incredible road and to think I have been passing it by for years without realising how good it was!

The end of the road is actually in the middle of the big descent I have ridden many times which then leads to Beecraigs Country Park!

This is looking north with the Ochil Hills in the distance, it was such a clear day today!

After the fast descent its another big climb up to the country park, I stopped part way up the climb for a couple of photos and a tree branch embedded itself in the sole of my shoe...it was full of sharp thorns! I'm glad it got my shoe and not one of my tyres!

This is looking east with the Forth bridges in the distance!

I passed the park and reached the road end where I would turn SW directly into the strong wind and heading for Torphicen which starts with another big climb followed by a cracking descent!

I grabbed this photo before I started the climb, looking north with the oil refinery next to the Firth of Forth and the Campsie Hills to the left, the Ochill Hills to the right!

I passed through Torphicen and then took the road to Westfield and Avonbridge where I took to the back roads to Slamannan which would mean yet another big climb directly into a 30mph headwind, I mostly descend this road at high speed!

This is looking back down the road!

I reached Slamannan and used the quiet back roads to Longriggend and battled a nasty crosswind down the Telegraph Road into Caldercruix, then it was a straight road home! What a brilliant bonus ride, almost 4000ft of climbing with Ridewithgps being way off once again...

 

[Chargeride]

Theres rain coming Rab, get the haggis in its bed.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Theres rain coming Rab, get the haggis in its bed.

He's even not drinking Scotch
(Me neither!)

 

[Prairie Dog]

Prairie View Trail to Barrier Lake Lookout – Kananaskis Country

Riding conditions were phenomenal today so I decided to take a day trip to K-Country and ride a trail that I’ve had my eye on for a while, Prairie View to Jewell Pass. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to complete the return loop via Jewell as the incredibly steep hike and bike climb up to the top was the only way to reach it.


Start of the ride along the Barrier Lake Dam Road. This man-made lake is located in Bow Valley Provincial Park in K-Country and is easily accessed off Hwy #40. There are plenty of hiking trails here as well as a boat launch making it a popular destination for canoeists and kayakers. We’ve paddled this lake before and it can get very windy at times and those same prevailing winds can create significant chop so choosing a calm morning to be out on the water is strongly recommended.

It was great to be riding the Levo on the steep uphill sections but lighter analog bikes like this young couple were riding would no doubt be easier to hand bomb up at the top.

One of five of Prairie View's switchbacks one encounters along the way.

Some great views of Barrier Lake further up the trail.

Hwy 40 is clearly visible as it snakes it way along the valley below. The same road traverses through to the Highwood Pass which is the highest paved road in the country.

There is no doubt that this is a hiking trail first and foremost. That being said, biking up Prairie View isn’t that difficult until you start to approach the top. I rode as far as I could but I left the bike below while I scrambled up the remaining 200 meters to the view point. Carrying the Levo without any help was a bit more than I could manage and Even though it was a bit of a let down, I did manage to reach the top and take in the majestic vistas of Barrier Lake.

I came across traces of snow left behind from a few days ago when a storm passed through. I’m sure there was more that had accumulated near the lookout but with the recent warm temps it wouldn’t have stuck around for very long.

I should have packed my hiking poles for the hike back down to the bike.

Closing in near the top couldn’t have come sooner as my mtb shoes were not the best at negotiating the steep rocky pitch. Hard to imagine people carrying their bikes up this craggy accent.

Up top, the views of Barrier Lake and the surrounding mountains were incredible. I can see why this trail is so popular with hikers.

No pic of my bike hanging out alongside me on the outcrop but nevertheless it was still a sublime moment.

Back down closer to the lakeshore, the fall colors were impressive. I enjoyed my afternoon fix out on the trail even though I didn't complete the task at hand. That being said, I did arrive home in time to help the Missus with fall yard work.

@RabH - With all of the nasty weather that you've been experiencing recently, it was nice to see that you were able to get a bonus ride in. It's also been blustery here over the past week but the weekend is shaping up to be stellar for fall riding.

 

[Taylor57]

Prairie View Trail – Kananaskis Country

Riding conditions were phenomenal today so I decided to take a day trip to K-Country and ride a trail that I’ve had my eye on for a while, Prairie View to Jewell Pass. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to complete the return loop via Jewell as the incredibly steep hike and bike climb up to the top was the only way to reach it.


Start of the ride along the Barrier Lake Dam Road. This man-made lake is located in Bow Valley Provincial Park in K-Country and is easily accessed off Hwy #40. There are plenty of hiking trails here as well as a boat launch making it a popular destination for canoeists and kayakers. We’ve paddled this lake before and it can get very windy at times and those same prevailing winds can create significant chop so choosing a calm morning to be out on the water is strongly recommended.

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It was great to be riding the Levo on the steep uphill sections but lighter analog bikes like this young couple were riding would no doubt be easier to hand bomb up at the top.

View attachment 164151

One of five of Prairie View's switchbacks one encounters along the way.

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Some great views of Barrier Lake further up the trail.

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Hwy 40 is clearly visible as it snakes it way along the valley below. The same road traverses through to the Highwood Pass which is the highest paved road in the country.

View attachment 164156

There is no doubt that this is a hiking trail first and foremost. That being said, biking up Prairie View isn’t that difficult until you start to approach the top. I rode as far as I could but I left the bike below while I scrambled up the remaining 200 meters to the view point. Carrying the Levo without any help was a bit more than I could manage and Even though it was a bit of a let down, I did manage to reach the top and take in the majestic vistas of Barrier Lake.

View attachment 164157
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I came across traces of snow left behind from a few days ago when a storm passed through. I’m sure there was more that had accumulated near the lookout but with the recent warm temps it wouldn’t have stuck around for very long.

View attachment 164159

I should have packed my hiking poles for the hike back down to the bike.

View attachment 164160

Closing in near the top couldn’t have come sooner as my mtb shoes were not the best at negotiating the steep rocky pitch. Hard to imagine people carrying their bikes up this craggy accent.

View attachment 164161
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Up top, the views of Barrier Lake and the surrounding mountains were incredible. I can see why this trail is so popular with hikers.

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No pic of my bike hanging out alongside me on the outcrop but nevertheless it was still a sublime moment.

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Back down closer to the lakeshore, the fall colors were impressive. I enjoyed my afternoon fix out on the trail even though I didn't complete the task at hand. That being said, I did arrive home in time to help the Missus with fall yard work.

@RabH - With all of the nasty weather that you've been experiencing recently, it was nice to see that you were able to get a bonus ride in. It's also been blustery here over the past week but the weekend is shaping up to be stellar for fall riding.

View attachment 164167

Gorgeous. Can ya fish in Barrier Lake?

 

[RabH]

@Chargeride The rain started about 2 hours after I got home and it hasn't stopped since, the haggis is sleeping through it...
@Prairie Dog What a spectacular ride, not my terrain but it sure was worth it for those incredible views!I'm glad your weekend weather is promising, I hope you have a great ride!

I was hoping to cycle to the last motor racing meeting of the season tomorrow but...

 

[Prairie Dog]

Gorgeous. Can ya fish in Barrier Lake?

Yes. The lake is stocked with browns and rainbows but apparently changes in water levels in the reservoir make catch rates relatively low when fishing from the shoreline. I’ve seen people casting their lines out from small boats but not sure how successful they were at hooking onto one.

@Prairie Dog What a spectacular ride, not my terrain but it sure was worth it for those incredible views!I'm glad your weekend weather is promising, I hope you have a great ride!

With excellent weather in the forecast, we’ll likely be sticking to local roads as the Thanksgiving weekend usually means people will be heading out on the roads in droves. I was stuck in traffic returning home on the QE 2 for almost an hour yesterday as traffic was backed up due to road bridge construction. With so many travelling on Friday in hope of getting an early start, it only made it worse.

 

[DiggyGun]

Took a trip out today to Sawtry, Huntingdonshire in the Fens as Mrs DG had the day off. This reclaimed land from the sea, which was drained about 400 years ago and is now good farming land.

At one stage we were going along a road between two fields, which was over four miles, straight as an arrow and, showing on the Nyon screen, some three feet (1 m) below sea level. This was actually a hard part of the ride as we were cycling directly in to a 25 mph (40 kph) head wind, so had to use the EMTB just to make headway. Fortunately, it wasn’t a cold wind, the temperature being around 22 degrees C (73 degrees F).

Some sights along the way;
WW2 Pillbox at Ramsey Forty Foot

Ramsey Church and area

DG…

 

[PatriciaK]

Took a trip out today to Sawtry, Huntingdonshire in the Fens as Mrs DG had the day off. This reclaimed land from the sea, which was drained about 400 years ago and is now good farming land.
View attachment 164193

At one stage we were going along a road between two fields, which was over four miles, straight as an arrow and, showing on the Nyon screen, some three feet below sea level. This was actually a hard part of the ride as we were cycling directly in to a 25 mph head wind, so had to use the EMTB just to make headway.

Some sights along the way;
WW2 Pillbox at Ramsey Forty Foot
View attachment 164194

Ramsey Church and area
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DG…

Love the bench!