2024 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos

[Chargeride]

Awesome feat Rab! Well done. It was too windy yesterday so I decided instead to hit the trails plus heavy rain is expected to fall on our region over the next three days.

I rode two usual trails followed up by a gnarly DH section called the Phoenix. It branches off less than a kilometer in from the Bench single. Conditions were good with the exception of the Phoenix which likely doesn’t see much traffic as it’s not what I would consider much of a flowy trail due to the number of exposed roots and TTFs. I don’t believe the rudimentary structures were constructed with anything else in mind other than to keep folks suspended above the water table and to simply have them complete the run. I rode the Phoenix last season in the opposite direction and seemed like it was in better shape then.

X marks the spot where the Phoenix splits off from the Bench single.

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The first of several TTFs encountered along the way. The fallen trees made it nearly impossible to ride through.

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Not what I would consider a loamy section of trail and would have been more to my liking if approached from the opposite direction.

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This was far to risky to ride across as the earth was collapsing beneath it.

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Then there were the series of skinny planks that don't do a thing for me at my age although I was glad to see that the ground beneath was dry enough that I could walk across without getting my feet soaked.

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This one I'm happy to say that I did make across safely.

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The only rider I came across and it was near the bottom of the trail.

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Thats like a Universal studios...mtb mountain ride.

 

[Chargeride]

Gorgeous, dreamy hot day, rode down the private road and gold course towards the beach on the electric bmx.

Didn't stand a chance in the super soft sand, I really wasn't expecting it to.

The usual, fish and chips on a tall dune, not a hint of wind, so no crunchy teeth.

Titanic Captains door without a doubt.

Pushed the bike over the dunes to explore some tracks I used to use many years ago, getting proper hot now.

Every path was flooded and I stupidly had my good sneakers/trainers on.

Found a way and the karma came for me,, this little puddle turned out to be three foot deep.

And now the only way forward, I was past caring and my wet feet sure cooled me down.

The bike did me proud, controller complained a few times as the unsealed phase wires were dunked, a few buzzes and glitches, but soon fixed itself.

I'd forgotten how magical these trails are, haven't seen a soul since the beach 2 hours ago.

It amazes me how you can get such solitude on a sunny day in this overcrowded Island

Bang in the middle of the forest here, 2 hours of hard riding since the beach, I can't believe this little diy heap of botch got me here...will it get me home?

My first hoomans for three hours, all electric bikes of course.

Actually washed the bike, wonders never cease.

Completely epic day, stinking hot, no wind, no tourists, no punctures and shoes full of wet sand.

 

[JGcycle]

That totally is the bike my friend gave me, can it fit fat tyres?

I have heard of Bravo owners using up to 27.5 x 2.6 tires, after removing the fenders.

 

[RabH]

View attachment 175574
I think Rab should start in the Sudovia Gravel e-Sprint. He would be at the finish line an hour before me! The only condition is a single battery ride, though. Still I think Rab would win the race!

Well a couple of things, I have no interest in racing or gravel riding and I'm from Scotland...

Rab have you ever considered what e bike you'd get once the venerable Giant has to be put out to grass? I mean you're as fit as a racehorse, would you ever consider one of the lightweight e road bikes? You love the drop bars, descend like a demon and ride all day. Curious to see which dream bike has ever caught your fancy. Or would it be a case of sticking with what you know & love and has clearly been a great bike?

I haven't really thought about it to be honest, I know that day will come but I will just enjoy this awesome bike for as long as is humanly possible!

 

[Rás Cnoic]

Well a couple of things, I have no interest in racing or gravel riding and I'm from Scotland...

I haven't really thought about it to be honest, I know that day will come but I will just enjoy this awesome bike for as long as is humanly possible!

No further questions at this time ladies & gentlemen that will be all

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Just to let you know:

I specifically asked my young cousin to drive his small BMW 1 car up to my place today. I removed the e-bike wheels and the seat-post, and my big Vado snugly fit inside the car (with the rear seats folded). There was a lot of space above the e-bike lying flat! Meaning, there will be no transportation issues to get to Szurpiły agrotouristic farm in Sudovia on 17th!

Now I can sleep well

 

[Prairie Dog]

Gorgeous, dreamy hot day, rode down the private road and gold course towards the beach on the electric bmx.
View attachment 175584

Didn't stand a chance in the super soft sand, I really wasn't expecting it to.
View attachment 175585

The usual, fish and chips on a tall dune, not a hint of wind, so no crunchy teeth.
View attachment 175586

Titanic Captains door without a doubt.
View attachment 175587

Pushed the bike over the dunes to explore some tracks I used to use many years ago, getting proper hot now.
View attachment 175588

Every path was flooded and I stupidly had my good sneakers/trainers on.
View attachment 175589

Found a way and the karma came for me,, this little puddle turned out to be three foot deep.
View attachment 175590

And now the only way forward, I was past caring and my wet feet sure cooled me down.
View attachment 175591

The bike did me proud, controller complained a few times as the unsealed phase wires were dunked, a few buzzes and glitches, but soon fixed itself.
View attachment 175592

I'd forgotten how magical these trails are, haven't seen a soul since the beach 2 hours ago.
View attachment 175593

It amazes me how you can get such solitude on a sunny day in this overcrowded Island
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Bang in the middle of the forest here, 2 hours of hard riding since the beach, I can't believe this little diy heap of botch got me here...will it get me home?
View attachment 175595

My first hoomans for three hours, all electric bikes of course.
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Actually washed the bike, wonders never cease.

Completely epic day, stinking hot, no wind, no tourists, no punctures and shoes full of wet sand.
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Impressive Macgyvering there, Charge! You need to take that ride to a pump park and show the kids how it’s really done.

 

[Chargeride]

Hey he's good for his ag....

Oh dear, 911.

 

[Chargeride]

Northern lights right over us now

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Northern lights right over us now

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We have a small chance of seeing them tonight from our vacation rental on Oregon's North Coast a little south of Tillamook. It's now about 45 min till sunset, and the air's crystal clear in all directions. Fingers crossed!

 

[DaveMatthews]

We have a small chance of seeing them tonight from our vacation rental on Oregon's North Coast a little south of Tillamook. It's now about 45 min till sunset, and the air's crystal clear. Fingers crossed!

Not sure what I'll see in Van.

 

[Rome]

Beautiful pictures and narration.
Rome here just checking in before Stefan Mikes starts thinking I'm dead.
Love that bike Charge Ride. I have a question @Prairie Dog .
What is a pump track?
I have a Da Pump Liquor Store.

 

[Chargeride]

The good news, it didn't crash satellites, or grids or mobile phones.

Or is that bad news?

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

If viewing them through your phone's eye counts, the Northern Lights put on quite a show last night at 45° north. Through my own eyes, they were dim and with little color most of the time.

Long hand-held exposures in my Note20's "night mode" really brought out the color and texture desite the camera shake. Tonight, I'll use my selfie stick's tripod. Newish moon and a large sea stack a mile offshore at lower left.

Best shot of all came from the night mode on my wife's well-braced iPhone.

For all its dusky magenta and green striations, the sky could have been made of elbaite.

Of course, as a Pacific Ocean worshipper, I'm still kinda partial to my Western Lights.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Love that bike Charge Ride. I have a question @Prairie Dog .
What is a pump track?
I have a Da Pump Liquor Store.

 

[Prairie Dog]

If viewing them through your phone's eye counts, the Northern Lights put on quite a show last night at 45° north. Through my own eyes, they were dim and with little color most of the time.

View attachment 175655
Long hand-held exposures in my Note20's "night mode" really brought out the color and texture desite the camera shake. Tonight, I'll use my selfie stick's tripod. Newish moon and a large sea stack a mile offshore at lower left.

View attachment 175654
Best shot of all came from the night mode on my wife's well-braced iPhone.

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For all its dusky magenta and green striations, the sky could have been made of elbaite.

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Of course, as a Pacific Ocean worshipper, I'm still kinda partial to my Western Lights.

Gorgeous. I’m afraid that we weren’t as fortunate although we did see the lights faintly moving above us there was no shimmer of color whatsoever.

Today the skies are filled with wildfire smoke from northern BC so no riding today or even chance viewings of the lights I'm afraid.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

No PEIROGIES Until The End Of June!

Of course the spelling is "pierogi" and it is plural I really hoped for pierogi in the Inn At The Trail but...

Past this landmark (14th km), your ride turns from boring into, well, less boring, as you are entering Kampinos National Park with its variety of surfaces. I hoped for a solid workout, so I rode my Vado SL at a ridiculously low assistance and low speed. That ended when I was taken over by a guy riding a medium class e-bike! Went into SL 60/60% and now my ride became "normal"

Loose gravel, pothole gravel, cobblestone or sand (choose yourself), asphalt poured on cobblestone... I was getting hungry!

No PEIROGIES! Now, Poland has entered the time of the Catholic First Communion (CFC). The religious occasion has totally commercialized nowadays. Once, a nice occasion for kids to get a wrist-watch or a bicycle, or a nice dress for girls, it is now an occasion almost as important or expensive as a wedding is! From the beginning of May to the end of June, all restaurants by bike trails are booked for posh CFC parties! As we say here 'I kissed the door-handle' and disgusted rode away.

No fuggin' way would a Grandpa hand a US$1,250 worth envelope out to a kid in them olden days! (And the priest is now asking for a commission out of that envelope!) 'Grandma, did you buy an iPhone for me, too?' That's gone overboard! (End rant.)

Even if big stores are all closed for Sundays, the small ones do operate (fortunately, it is not Germany...) At least I was not starving after my visit to a little store in Palmiry!

I'm not well versed in the history of the huge Kampinos Forest but I was sure I found myself on yet another Rail Trail there

Now you may understand why I'm taking the lightweight e-bike when I plan riding in the forest The other thing is, my Fearless has become extremely comfortable after my modifications done to the e-bike, and it rides smoothly even through the sand!

An excellent asphalt road with wide bike lanes, alternating between road sides. Here, in Strawberry (although the original place-name might mean something totally different!)
@Chargeride please do pronounce truce-'kaf-kah Easy, innit

Food at last! I started with Rose and Mango ice-cream in Klimatyczna Cafe.

The charming young daughter of the owner made me take a huge piece of cheesecake. It was as big as I had to ask for packing half of it as leftovers!

A bad surprise! This happens when you didn't use a torque wrench while tightening the chainring bolts! As I got home, I discovered (to my horror) all the remaining bolts were loose, too! (That's why MTB chainring bolts are sold in packs of five). @mfgrep, please inspect yours!

Ride map involving the interesting part of the ride.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Secy Behind The Embankment & Batorówka Farmstead Ride With Staszek C.

I only pressed the "Start Ride" button on my Wahoo when we already were 13 minutes into our group ride (fortunately, the Vado odometer and timer were working since I left home for the train station). That time, I had not uploaded the route to my GPS bike computer, so I was dependent on Staszek C. as the ride navigator and leader; he is a dream person to ride with! As we had an adverse wind on the most of the ride, I was "motor pacing" Staszek, and he was drafting (as any proper roadie would do) when we were riding low-to-zero traffic perfect small asphalt roads. My assistance was only 15/20% for the first 50 km, and that was exactly what we needed to ride at the same speed!

To avoid boredom, Staszek took us to the River Bzura embankment again. The day was simply gorgeous, and it was not hot!

At one of Hauländer graveyards.

Hauländers
Old time participants of this thread must already know everything about Hauländers. For newer readers, a summary. Hauländers were the Mennonites and Amish of Poland. Originally the religious refugees from the Netherlands (and German people later) -- who knew everything about the river control -- settled in masses along major Polish rivers since 16 c. They enjoyed freedom and always acted as a community, not the individuals. Hauländers formed a great culture. Sadly, most of them were deported to Germany post WW2, putting the end to the great past... I could decipher 1909 on the gravestone.

• Top: Lovely Highway 575, the haven of road cycling groups.
• Centre: "At Marta's" store in Secymin Polski. It often happens a peloton of 150 riders stops there, leaving the store empty of the stock! I bought me a bottle of "Kampinoskie Double", an excellent Lager from a local brewery for later.
• Bottom: That's what the roadies come for there: filled buns. We had a choice of strawberry or bilberry, and of course chose the latter as the mark of the new warm season (bilberries are common fruit picked in Polish forests).

Around 42 km into the ride, we stopped at "Secymin Behind The (Vistula) Embankment" -- in the Hauländer Land -- which is a very small restaurant and a recreation place. (As the restaurant is extremely small, nobody organizes Catholic First Communion parties there!) I had Silesian Dumplings with Truffles.

Staszek decided to modify his own ride plan to take me to the Batorówka Farmstead. It is a recreation farm established by a Hungarian family. Everything there screams: "Hungary!"

• Top: The Hungarian Countryside House
• Centre: The bar. The bar only serves Hungarian food, which is pretty exotic Unfortunately, we were too full to try the Hungarian Shepherd Soup (goulash soup) or Lángos.
• Bottom: A recreation hut.

'Have look over there Stefan! A Chinese cr*p!' -- merrily exclaimed Staszek. He hates the very idea of the throttle riding the same as I do!

A three day old baby goat! Fed with cow milk by the farmer.

What happened next was hard for me. We had no other choice than to ride forest roads of Kampinos National Park. To Staszek's credit, I admit he chose a possibly sand free route. Yes, we had to negotiate sand patches over and over; my Vado on 47 mm tyres only inflated to 2.5 bar and at 40 or 60% assistance could ride through the sand but that was a scary experience! Later, we had a series of climbs and descents on a narrow trail full of tree-roots! Trust me: It was not the best experience for me and my Vado! (I even lost a water bottle because of violent vibrations!)

A Cheater
At some forest crossroads, we said our goodbyes with Staszek, as we live in somewhat different locations. He said he should be at home at 17:00 while I lied to him saying I would take an hour's worth rest at Biker Pub. Then I thought 'Let us see who's faster: a gravel cyclist or an e-biker?' and went on an insane sprint home at 40-60% assistance. Came home just one minute before Staszek could upload his workout to Strava I'm sure he was sprinting, too!

Now my legs are now totally ruined!

102.6 km for the day, approximately 95 km on the group ride. Again, we came at our standard 21 km/h average speed. 11% of the single battery left.

Ride Map.

 

[Chargeride]

Im trying to convince myself all these cafes serve burgers and chips and Stefan just buys instagram food, cos it all looks fleakin gorgeous.

 

[Chargeride]

Country park ride overlooking Merseyside, the wife bought that bike for a 100 quid from a charity shop, its in superb condition but far too big for her, and theres me riding a bike far too small.