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

[RabH]

My first bike ride of the racing season to Knockhill Racing Circuit for the Scottish Champs motorcycle racing, almost August so that tells you how bad the weather has been during the season! Today was just perfect for cycling and for watching the racing, a little cold in the morning but that doesn't bother me! Lots of downhills for the first 20 miles or so, with my top speed of 43.2 mph down the hill I climbed at 10mph 3 days ago! My first stop came at Grangemouth with the Kelpies lit up in the morning sunshine!

The view to the east wasn't too bad either!

I then joined the cycle path out to the Clackmannanshire bridge, I had to get this photo for Jeremy! @Jeremy McCreary The Ochil hills were looking amazing in the morning sun!

I then passed through Kincardine and joined the main road towards Forestmill! I had to put up with a lot of barking here to get this photo, there is a dog pound right next to where I stopped and they were letting me know it was their territory...the main pound was just to the left!

I continued on the main road to Forestmill and decided to stick to the main road there as it wasn't too busy at the time of the morning, I usually use the back road there but saved it for my return! I reached Powmill where I joined the 5 mile climb up to the circuit, its not too bad though as its mostly a gradual climb!

A selection of photos from the racing, one of the guys had a bad day but he was fine!

I spent 5 hours watching the racing and set off for home, I turned right leaving the circuit to head down to Saline which would be mostly downhill but directly into a 20mph headwind!

The hill that Knockill is named after in the background with the transmitters on top!

This is the awesome descent down into Steelend!

Then I had the even better descent down through Saline, I was freewheeling at 35mph! Now leaving Saline with the Ochils in view once again!

I then joined the back road to Forestmill and had the best views yet of the Ochils, these were taken from various positions down the back road!

The cows sure have a picturesque backdrop!

At Forestmill I joined the main road again and was glad to finally get off it at Kincardine, it was much busier on the way home! After crossing the Kincardine bridge I joined the cycle path that leads to Grangemouth, I avoided the town this time though and turned off to take the road to Carronshore and then into Falkirk! I stopped at the canal in Falkirk for a couple of photos and a final snack before taking on the big climbs awaiting me!

The first climb is a real beast at over 20% and the climbs just keep coming all the way to Slamannan where I finally had a descent, all be it a short but fast one! Then I used the back roads to Longriggend and headed down the brilliant descent to Upperton, I spotted a cyclist ahead and he was flying along but I knew I would probably catch him at the climb in Upperton! I wasn't wrong but only caught him just before the summit and told him he must have enjoyed that descent, he said he absolutely loved it and so did I!

Then I turned west for home and turned south at Wattston over the back roads to home, I was shattered when I got home but it was worth it as it was such an amazing day! I just love combining my cycling with a day at the races and I hope to do it again soon if the weather is good to me! I only need 26 miles to reach 4000 for the year, despite the weather it has been a very good year mileage wise!

@keithj69 Have you blocked me now?

 

[Prairie Dog]

So sad to hear that Jasper's largely gone now. Been there several times. Such a beautiful part of the Canadian Rockies!

Hope your air quality's improving. Maybe just lack of coverage in the US, but I don't recall hearing about Canadian wildfires before last year. Have conditions changed there, too?

Jasper was a jewel for many who lived and worked there and for those fortunate to have spent time visiting the park there was no other place like it. Some positive news is that 70% of the structures remain standing. Bad news is that most of the remaining 30% that burned to the ground were resident's homes. The two fires on either end of the town have now combined and continue to burn out of control. If it were not for the hundreds of firefighters who worked around the clock, it could have been much worse.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/jasper-national-park-wildfire-months-1.7277969

AQHI here is currently low to moderate risk and skies are clear. Winds were relatively calm as well on my ride this morning. There are currently 132 active wildfires reported in the province, 30 of which are out of control. Extreme heat, long term drought are only expected to worsen the situation.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Jasper was a jewel for many who lived and worked there and for those fortunate to have spent time visiting the park there was no other place like it. Some positive news is that 70% of the structures remain standing. Bad news is that most of the remaining 30% that burned to the ground were resident's homes. The two fires on either end of the town have now combined and continue to burn out of control. If it were not for the hundreds of firefighters who worked around the clock, it could have been much worse.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/jasper-national-park-wildfire-months-1.7277969

AQHI here is currently low to moderate risk and skies are clear. Winds were relatively calm as well on my ride this morning. There are currently 132 active wildfires reported in the province, 30 of which are out of control. Extreme heat, long term drought are only expected to worsen the situation.

Only been there a couple of times years ago. Stellar jewel.
Makes me sick and sad...

 

[Rexlion]

I went camping for a couple of weeks in Minnesota and Michigan. Riding the MUP along the 'north shore' (Lake Superior) south of Grand Marais, I came upon a nice little bridge over a stream.

On one side was the big lake, and looking the other way there was a nice waterfall.

That ride was only about 11 miles round trip, all paved. I parked at a wayside rest stop, rode north to the town, walked around Artist's Point (past the coast guard station) taking pictures, then got a pizza at Sven & Ole's, before pedaling back south.

When in Michigan's upper peninsula I took a 27 mile ride (round trip) to the tip of Stonington to see the lighthouse. This ride was nearly all paved road (very lightly traveled) with only a mile of graveled two-track at the end to reach the lighthouse. Rain clouds were in the air, and I did get rained on during the return leg but I'd packed my raincoat which helped.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Only been there a couple of times years ago. Stellar jewel.
Makes me sick and sad...

We cycled from Jasper to Athabasca Falls back in 2021 and to Maligne Lake in 2022. It’s still our favorite national park here even though it’s a longer drive to get there than Banff. It’s beautiful because it hasn’t become this huge city.

 

[JGcycle]

A few pics from this morning's 38km ride:

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Slieve League

On Saturday, we took an Atlantic guided tour on a sea cutter. The tour took 2 hours, cost €25 a person, and was focused on seeing Siabh Liag (Slieve League) or the highest accessible cliffs of Europe from the sea side. You could have a swim in the ocean if you wanted. Fishing tours are available as well as private trips.

It was a little bit rolling and heaving on the sea!

You can see a watchtower atop the rock. It was used early during Napoleonic wars. A chain of watchtowers (that communicated with each other by fire or other signals), each 5 miles apart was built. Since the failed French invasion of Ireland in 1798, the threat of another incursion was high. Watchtowers were abandoned in 1809.

On our return to London now. Waiting at the Dublin Airport for the flight!

 

[RandallS]

Only been there a couple of times years ago. Stellar jewel.
Makes me sick and sad...

Lived there for 3 months with my sister in '77. Skied during the day, including some part-time instructing, and washed dishes at night.

My late sister lived there for many years and she'd be in tears as her house would be gone now, and she and her family were very connected to the Jasper Rugby team and went there every year for their spring tournament.
One of my best friends sister lived there for many many years, and both of the houses they owned are gone. They moved to to Campbell River about 5 years ago.

I really liked Jasper - hopefully their rebuild is timely.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Lived there for 3 months with my sister in '77. Skied during the day, including some part-time instructing, and washed dishes at night.

My late sister lived there for many years and she'd be in tears as her house would be gone now, and she and her family were very connected to the Jasper Rugby team and went there every year for their spring tournament.
One of my best friends sister lived there for many many years, and both of the houses they owned are gone. They moved to to Campbell River about 5 years ago.

I really liked Jasper - hopefully their rebuild is timely.

Aw man... so brutal. Wishing for a speedy recovery from this disaster.

 

[dodgeman]

We rode 13 miles today. It’s turning very hot and humid with heat advisories. We finished before it got too bad. We rode through a neighborhood in town and saw this house that had a bad fire. I know someone who lives nearby and he said they are going to fix it. The pile of metal is the garage door the ripped down.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Donegal Town

Donegal Town is not the capital city of County Donegal! (It is Lifford). The city that gave the province its name was historically important but now it is just population of 2,750.

Donegal Town might have become a big city if not the British colonization of Ireland... But that's another story.

You can see a watchtower atop the rock. It was used early during Napoleonic wars. A chain of watchtowers (that communicated with each other by fire or other signals), each 5 miles apart was built. Since the failed French invasion of Ireland in 1798, the threat of another incursion was high. Watchtowers were abandoned in 1809.

In September 1798, a small French invasion force (4 battleships and 2,800 men) anchored in Donegal Bay. The intention was to support Irish rebellion against Britain. The invasion was ill prepared. The French force was spotted by some Loyalist (British) yeomen. The French understood the Royal Navy would be there soon, so they panicked, cut the anchor of frigate Romaine together with the chain and escaped. Found in 19th c., the anchor is now decorating Donegal Town.

As the next invasion could be prepared better, the chain of watchtowers along West Donegal coast was built. (see previous post of mine).

Now, staying overnight in a hotel at London Stansted Airport, and leaving for Warsaw tomorrow early in the morning.

 

[JGcycle]

A few pics of this morning's 23km ride:

 

[Chargeride]

Donegal Town

Donegal Town is not the capital city of County Donegal! (It is Lifford). The city that gave the province its name was historically important but now it is just population of 2,750.

Donegal Town might have become a big city if not the British colonization of Ireland... But that's another story.


View attachment 179776
In September 1798, a small French invasion force (4 battleships and 2,800 men) anchored in Donegal Bay. The intention was to support Irish rebellion against Britain. The invasion was ill prepared. The French force was spotted by some Loyalist (British) yeomen. The French understood the Royal Navy would be there soon, so they panicked, cut the anchor of frigate Romaine together with the chain and escaped. Found in 19th c., the anchor is now decorating Donegal Town.

As the next invasion could be prepared better, the chain of watchtowers along West Donegal coast was built. (see previous post of mine).

Now, staying overnight in a hotel at London Stansted Airport, and leaving for Warsaw tomorrow early in the morning.

The French at it again, theyve even got reverse in a sailing ship.

 

[Chargeride]

Very strange ride from Bolton Abbey railway station.
Took the Fam there for a Fawlty towers themed vintage train ride.

I couldnt leave with the car because they might have needed it, so I searched around for a bridleway that was showing on the map.
Found some interesting derelict carriages.

The hilarity began with Manuel and Basil scrapping on the platform

I discovered the trail and it took me through a lot of sheep and across the line to a path through fields of cows and sheep, rattling along on the bmx.

Visited a few quaint villages and then set off up the hill past this convenient rest point , to join the offroad Dales Highway.

Some lovely views of distant mountains

Came across a huge stack of large sandstone cuttings, no one around for miles.

Then the fun started, I developed a visual migraine, which I get a few times a year, so I could barely see the track or the gopro, but Im used to it and soldiered on with peripheral vision.

Then I get a rear puncture, bit difficult with my vision blocked by kaliedescope flashing lights.
So Im sat there fixing it and some old guy with presumably the same visual issues ploughs into me on his ebike, he proper rolled me over and whacked my back with his bike.
He was full of northern apologies while Im calling him a daft blind bugger, but we parted on good terms.

But then the trail turned into a wasteland of sharp rocks and landscapes of massive roots.
I proper lost my rag while nursing a migraine and a sore back.

So finally I reach the road and set off like a bullet down a steep descent, a taxi driver flashed me through and then pulled out right in front of me, I was doing a good 40 mph.
I called him a few choice words and steered around his back end only for him to reverse, I had to use my foot on his rear bumper to stay upright.
He then followed me around the town, I just didnt need the hassle because he was Indian and Im a scouser and you can be sure which side they would pick.
So I lost him in the backroads and visited the castle.

Im trying to take a cheeky shot past the 13 quid entrance and I realise the guy was nervously eyeing me up holding the cable into my backpack!

Anyway, visited the town centre which was very vibrant and full of classic cars, mods on scooters and expensive cars driven by old men.

A nice 2.0L Capri.

It was time to leave and I set off with a failing battery through the backroads, this is the bus stop in a tiny hamlet I passed through.

The buildings are gorgeous but also very starkly built from local stone

The one good thing is the bmx puts a smile on everyones face

I needed to find a path across to the station or it was another three miles on the road, I found a footpath and was met with this hilariously small gate on top of a wall with strict instructions on closing it.

I arrived exactly on time, bought an ice cream and met the missus, who was rather drunk and full of Basil Fawlty stories.
Great day for both of us.

 

[Mulezen]

View attachment 179698

My first bike ride of the racing season to Knockhill Racing Circuit for the Scottish Champs motorcycle racing, almost August so that tells you how bad the weather has been during the season! Today was just perfect for cycling and for watching the racing, a little cold in the morning but that doesn't bother me! Lots of downhills for the first 20 miles or so, with my top speed of 43.2 mph down the hill I climbed at 10mph 3 days ago! My first stop came at Grangemouth with the Kelpies lit up in the morning sunshine!

View attachment 179699
View attachment 179700
The view to the east wasn't too bad either!

View attachment 179701
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I then joined the cycle path out to the Clackmannanshire bridge, I had to get this photo for Jeremy! @Jeremy McCreary The Ochil hills were looking amazing in the morning sun!

View attachment 179703
View attachment 179704
I then passed through Kincardine and joined the main road towards Forestmill! I had to put up with a lot of barking here to get this photo, there is a dog pound right next to where I stopped and they were letting me know it was their territory...the main pound was just to the left!

View attachment 179705
I continued on the main road to Forestmill and decided to stick to the main road there as it wasn't too busy at the time of the morning, I usually use the back road there but saved it for my return! I reached Powmill where I joined the 5 mile climb up to the circuit, its not too bad though as its mostly a gradual climb!

A selection of photos from the racing, one of the guys had a bad day but he was fine!

View attachment 179707
View attachment 179708
View attachment 179709
View attachment 179710
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I spent 5 hours watching the racing and set off for home, I turned right leaving the circuit to head down to Saline which would be mostly downhill but directly into a 20mph headwind!

The hill that Knockill is named after in the background with the transmitters on top!

View attachment 179716
This is the awesome descent down into Steelend!

View attachment 179717
Then I had the even better descent down through Saline, I was freewheeling at 35mph! Now leaving Saline with the Ochils in view once again!

View attachment 179718
I then joined the back road to Forestmill and had the best views yet of the Ochils, these were taken from various positions down the back road!

View attachment 179719
The cows sure have a picturesque backdrop!

View attachment 179720
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View attachment 179724
View attachment 179725
At Forestmill I joined the main road again and was glad to finally get off it at Kincardine, it was much busier on the way home! After crossing the Kincardine bridge I joined the cycle path that leads to Grangemouth, I avoided the town this time though and turned off to take the road to Carronshore and then into Falkirk! I stopped at the canal in Falkirk for a couple of photos and a final snack before taking on the big climbs awaiting me!

View attachment 179726
View attachment 179727
The first climb is a real beast at over 20% and the climbs just keep coming all the way to Slamannan where I finally had a descent, all be it a short but fast one! Then I used the back roads to Longriggend and headed down the brilliant descent to Upperton, I spotted a cyclist ahead and he was flying along but I knew I would probably catch him at the climb in Upperton! I wasn't wrong but only caught him just before the summit and told him he must have enjoyed that descent, he said he absolutely loved it and so did I!

Then I turned west for home and turned south at Wattston over the back roads to home, I was shattered when I got home but it was worth it as it was such an amazing day! I just love combining my cycling with a day at the races and I hope to do it again soon if the weather is good to me! I only need 26 miles to reach 4000 for the year, despite the weather it has been a very good year mileage wise!

@keithj69 Have you blocked me now?

Slieve League

On Saturday, we took an Atlantic guided tour on a sea cutter. The tour took 2 hours, cost €25 a person, and was focused on seeing Siabh Liag (Slieve League) or the highest accessible cliffs of Europe from the sea side. You could have a swim in the ocean if you wanted. Fishing tours are available as well as private trips.
View attachment 179754
It was a little bit rolling and heaving on the sea!

You can see a watchtower atop the rock. It was used early during Napoleonic wars. A chain of watchtowers (that communicated with each other by fire or other signals), each 5 miles apart was built. Since the failed French invasion of Ireland in 1798, the threat of another incursion was high. Watchtowers were abandoned in 1809.

On our return to London now. Waiting at the Dublin Airport for the flight!

I believe James Joyce opens “Ulysses” in one of these towers (Martel?)

 

[Mulezen]

@Chargeride It seems as if the real Basil was on the BMX.

 

[DaveMatthews]

@Chargeride It seems as if the real Basil was on the BMX.

Just checking the walls!!!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I believe James Joyce opens “Ulysses” in one of these towers (Martel?)

'Ullysses' was as much unreadable for me as I can't even remember any details!

Some photos from the Slieve League sea tour:

Paddy Byrne the skipper (in hat) was indeed a good sport!

First cliffs en route.

The aforementioned watchtower.

Sharp rocks and a twin boat on the same tour.

If you wanted some swim in the ocean, you were allowed to do that!

The watchtower from another side.

The waves were terribly rolling our cutter. No one puked though as fixing the sight on the horizon or the rocks certainly helped!

We were told those cliffs were 600 metres high!

The natural beauty you cannot quite show in the pictures!

An extra photo:

'FETCH!' A photo from a party we threw at Pinebrook House, Roshine Road, Killybegs, a cozy B&B I can recommend to anyone! @Brix playing with the hosts' doggie

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The Smuggler

I was stopped by the Polish Customs last morning. The contents of my baggage revealed:

• 0.7 litre of whisky (Ireland, EU)
• 2 litres of rum (London, UK, duty free, sealed)
• A bottle of ale (Ireland, EU)
• Cheese (Ireland, EU)
• Cheese (France, EU).

I was clearly a smuggler! I could salvage a chosen bottle then the other bottles would be smashed and I would have to pay a fine!

To my defence, I said all the countries of origin except the rum were in the EU, and the limits are high there. Moreover, the cheese was of European origin as well!

It was difficult for me to prove anything. I was also told all the products became British on my transit! To which I politely explained all British Isles including Republic of Ireland (!) were in the Common Travel Area CTA, and the travel there is domestic!

Certainly, my romantic story of travelling through London to pick up my Polish love there for vacation (instead flying to Ireland directly) could have helped. No consequences in the end.

'Were I to believe all the stories people told me of their fantastic vacation, I would not be a Customs officer...'

Thank you Brexit... Not!

 

[Prairie Dog]

A 46 km ride this morning and this is all I have to show for it.