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

[Twin Valley]

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

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ok Art, I'm watching the Olympics too much as I sit here trying to identify those flowers, hmm, a bell flower or orchid of some sort? as for all you have to show for it the less obvious signs could be good health (by the look of that blue sky smoke doesn't seem too bad today) and so forth, and that Cannondale doesn't need to be plugged in before the next ride, and if 1 Rab = 100 miles well you rode a 0.3 Rab today give or take, um which is about 0.3 more than me

 

[Chargeride]

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!

Ah yes, but without brexit you wouldnt have that story to tell .

 

[Prairie Dog]

ok Art, I'm watching the Olympics too much as I sit here trying to identify those flowers, hmm, a bell flower or orchid of some sort? as for all you have to show for it the less obvious signs could be good health (by the look of that blue sky smoke doesn't seem too bad today) and so forth, and that Cannondale doesn't need to be plugged in before the next ride, and if 1 Rab = 100 miles well you rode a 0.3 Rab today give or take, um which is about 0.3 more than me

Bill, the missus informs me that it’s a hybrid Clematis. The skies have been clear for about a week now so we have to make the most of it until conditions change. Put it this way, smoke from the wild fires is nothing compared to what it must feel like when told that you’ve lost your home. Your spot on about the distance though...a paltry drop in the bucket compared to what RabH can accomplish in one fell swoop let alone those amazing alt gains of his.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Ah yes, but without brexit you wouldnt have that story to tell .

You've been cheated guys
----------
I almost missed the fact there was no Border Control in Dublin but was greatly surprised not to experience any border control back at Stansted! A good friend of mine who holds an important position at the Stansted Airport (16 years of career) explained the CTA to me. It later helped me during the discussion with Polish customs officers!

Some extra photos from my e-bike ride in the southwest corner of Co. Donegal:

A light shower in Creenveen. The sign reads "This way to Wild Atlantic Way South".

A beautiful small Lough Auva. The place was infested with black flies though!

Goats and sheep and goats again! Note the asphalt quality. It is the lowest rate local road and it still is smooth asphalt!
(Why would one need a gravel bike there @Rás Cnoic?)

Within several minutes it is sunny again, and you can see this view (Malin More).

Rathlin O'birne Island with its lighthouse. Hard to take a good photo without a good camera!

Another watchtower, exactly 5 miles away from the one at Siabh Liag. (Malin Beg).

 

[JGcycle]

Got out for a 23km ride this morning. I didn't take any pics, as I was trying to beat the rain. I almost made it--I only got rained on for the final half kilometer.

 

[BlackHand]

Was a little bummed that I didn't get to take my bike on our quick weekend trip so made up for it with an extra long wander on the way home from work.
Headed to Magnolia where I biked around Discovery Park and much of Magnolia before cutting across Queen Anne and heading over the Aurora Bridge.

Ended up doing 57 miles with 5000 ft of climbing for the day. I think that's my longest 'commute' so far.

The view from the Aurora Bridge

 

[RabH]

I have been slacking a bit lately so it was time for another imperial century, no 14 for the year and it was a brute but so much fun! Back in March I did a clockwise loop to Burntisland which is on the east coast of Scotland due north of the capital city of Edinburgh! So I went for the anticlockwise route this time around, when I set off just before 8am there was little to no wind at all and the forecast was showing it wouldn't increase much until late afternoon! Yeah right...

I made my way out to Linlithgow on mostly back roads, then I continued east for Winchburgh to avoid the busier road to Newton! At Winchburgh I turned north into Newton and stopped for my first photo of the 3 bridges over the Forth!

It was a pretty overcast day but that kept the temp nice and cool for me, just the way I like it! A couple of miles further and I stopped for this photo of the Queensferry Crossing, the main route from Edinburgh into Fife!

I then reached the Forth Road Bridge and had to use the eastern path over the bridge this time, the western side was closed! I was just about to take a photo of the rail bridge when I heard a good morning call from behind me, it was a couple on a tandem!

They were carrying quite a load, I didn't get a chance to ask them where they were headed though!

After crossing the Forth I arrived in Inverkeithing where I turned east passing through Aberdour and up the 16% climb to the top of the hill overlooking the Forth!

Then I enjoyed the descent down into Burntisland, a real fun descent this one but I knew what was coming next! The big climb up towards Mossmorran wind farm, the last time I came down it at 44mph so its a beast! I was glad to get to the top, this is looking back down!

Thankfully I now had a nice descent!

This is looking back up!

Of course as soon as I reached the bottom it was time to climb again up to the wind farm! At the end of the road I turned west for Crossgates, its a flattish road with just a gradual descent followed by a gradual climb! This is when I started to feel the wind picking up, it wasn't too bad at this point though! From Crossgates I headed north through Hill of Beath, more climbing ensued but at the top I had this awaiting me!

The last time I had to climb it but not this time! I stopped for lunch before descending and spotted a cyclist making his way up, he was really struggling and shouted its a beast! I replied saying I was going down it today after climbing it the last time and he said lucky you! I didn't go crazy though and only managed 41.1mph, it was slightly into the wind! I then arrived in Kelty where I turned west towards Steelend, it was time to climb again and directly into the now strengthening wind! I was very glad to reach the top of the climb and enjoy a bit of descending for a mile or 2! I was nearing the turn off for Knockhill racing circuit and decided to head up past the circuit despite the big climb!

I was glad to reach the top to enjoy this descent down past the entrance to the circuit!

This was the view to the east from the top!

I stopped for this photo a short time after passing the circuit, this was looking west down the valley!

The main reason I went this way was to take the back road down to Saline which is pretty much all descending and little to no traffic all the way down! I took these photos before heading down the descent, looking north with the Ochil Hills shrouded in nasty looking dark clouds!

Then it was descending time on brand new smooth tarmac for the first mile or so!

I stopped a bit further down to take this photo looking back up the hill!

Another couple of photos close to Saline!

I reached the village and was grinning from ear to ear after that descent, then I had even more descending to enjoy down the back road into Forestmill! The only downside was the ever increasing wind which was a direct headwind, I was starting to wish I had brought my third battery with me at this point...if I had known the wind was going to get this strong I certainly would have! I passed through Forestmill and turned south for Kincardine, stopping for some photos of the Ochils which were still shrouded in those dark clouds!

I was now on the main road into Kincardine and things were getting busy, I was glad to get off the main road as soon as possible and joined the cycle path at the other side of the bridge! I then headed for Carronshore and up the steep climb to the top end of Falkirk, level 2 assist was needed up this one and there were many more climbs to come and my second battery was now just under 50%! I knew I had only 30% or so to play with now because when it reaches 20% it just drops of a cliff! So I was in battery conservation mode going up the climbs to Slamannan, at least I was protected from the wind at this point!

That was until I turned on to the back road to Longriggend where the wind was fierce, at this point I had covered 89 miles so I knew I couldn't go directly home or I wouldn't get my 100 miles done! So I went down the awesome descent into Upperton saving my battery on the way, I now had to think carefully about my route to avoid the bigger climbs! So after Upperton I took the back road down towards Luggiebank, another descent but I knew I would eventually have to start climbing again!

I opted for the climb up to Glenmavis which is pretty steep in parts but I made it up in eco mode, arriving in the village with 29% remaining with 3 miles to go! I then made the decision to head for the main road into my home town which would be the least hilly but the most busy! Thankfully it worked well and I only had a couple of big climbs left and made it home with 22% left! Thats the first time I've had range anxiety for quite some time, its not fun!

Anyway what a brilliant day of riding once again, I only needed 20 odd miles to pass 4000 for the year so I ended up with 4074 after the ride! I was totally exhausted after this one and will sleep very well tonight I'm sure, the weekend weather isn't looking very promising so I will get a much needed rest now!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

That shot of Queensferry Crossing is quite stunning. Fully expected the bridge to start tacking.

Where does the King cross? And do they have separate bathroom sinks?

Contemplating a drop-bar ebike but having reservations about the posture. Just noticed that your bike has them, so why not learn from our master of endurance?

Ballpark, what percentage of time do you ride on the drops? Why — besides for bombing down descents at 50 mph? Same questions for the hoods and flats?

Knowing that wind is a serious problem in your area, would you consider the same bike with a flat bar?

Thanks!

 

[dodgeman]

We rode 17 miles today and 14 miles yesterday. No pictures from the ride but this was in our front yard before we rode.

 

[DaveMatthews]

View attachment 179917

I have been slacking a bit lately so it was time for another imperial century, no 14 for the year and it was a brute but so much fun! Back in March I did a clockwise loop to Burntisland which is on the east coast of Scotland due north of the capital city of Edinburgh! So I went for the anticlockwise route this time around, when I set off just before 8am there was little to no wind at all and the forecast was showing it wouldn't increase much until late afternoon! Yeah right...

I made my way out to Linlithgow on mostly back roads, then I continued east for Winchburgh to avoid the busier road to Newton! At Winchburgh I turned north into Newton and stopped for my first photo of the 3 bridges over the Forth!

View attachment 179925
It was a pretty overcast day but that kept the temp nice and cool for me, just the way I like it! A couple of miles further and I stopped for this photo of the Queensferry Crossing, the main route from Edinburgh into Fife!

View attachment 179926
I then reached the Forth Road Bridge and had to use the eastern path over the bridge this time, the western side was closed! I was just about to take a photo of the rail bridge when I heard a good morning call from behind me, it was a couple on a tandem!

View attachment 179927
They were carrying quite a load, I didn't get a chance to ask them where they were headed though!

View attachment 179928
View attachment 179929
After crossing the Forth I arrived in Inverkeithing where I turned east passing through Aberdour and up the 16% climb to the top of the hill overlooking the Forth!

View attachment 179930
Then I enjoyed the descent down into Burntisland, a real fun descent this one but I knew what was coming next! The big climb up towards Mossmorran wind farm, the last time I came down it at 44mph so its a beast! I was glad to get to the top, this is looking back down!

View attachment 179931
Thankfully I now had a nice descent!

View attachment 179932
View attachment 179933
This is looking back up!

View attachment 179934
Of course as soon as I reached the bottom it was time to climb again up to the wind farm! At the end of the road I turned west for Crossgates, its a flattish road with just a gradual descent followed by a gradual climb! This is when I started to feel the wind picking up, it wasn't too bad at this point though! From Crossgates I headed north through Hill of Beath, more climbing ensued but at the top I had this awaiting me!

View attachment 179935
The last time I had to climb it but not this time! I stopped for lunch before descending and spotted a cyclist making his way up, he was really struggling and shouted its a beast! I replied saying I was going down it today after climbing it the last time and he said lucky you! I didn't go crazy though and only managed 41.1mph, it was slightly into the wind! I then arrived in Kelty where I turned west towards Steelend, it was time to climb again and directly into the now strengthening wind! I was very glad to reach the top of the climb and enjoy a bit of descending for a mile or 2! I was nearing the turn off for Knockhill racing circuit and decided to head up past the circuit despite the big climb!

I was glad to reach the top to enjoy this descent down past the entrance to the circuit!

View attachment 179936
This was the view to the east from the top!

View attachment 179937
I stopped for this photo a short time after passing the circuit, this was looking west down the valley!

View attachment 179939
The main reason I went this way was to take the back road down to Saline which is pretty much all descending and little to no traffic all the way down! I took these photos before heading down the descent, looking north with the Ochil Hills shrouded in nasty looking dark clouds!

View attachment 179940
View attachment 179942
Then it was descending time on brand new smooth tarmac for the first mile or so!

View attachment 179941
I stopped a bit further down to take this photo looking back up the hill!

View attachment 179943
Another couple of photos close to Saline!

View attachment 179944
View attachment 179945
I reached the village and was grinning from ear to ear after that descent, then I had even more descending to enjoy down the back road into Forestmill! The only downside was the ever increasing wind which was a direct headwind, I was starting to wish I had brought my third battery with me at this point...if I had known the wind was going to get this strong I certainly would have! I passed through Forestmill and turned south for Kincardine, stopping for some photos of the Ochils which were still shrouded in those dark clouds!

View attachment 179946
View attachment 179948
View attachment 179949
View attachment 179950
I was now on the main road into Kincardine and things were getting busy, I was glad to get off the main road as soon as possible and joined the cycle path at the other side of the bridge! I then headed for Carronshore and up the steep climb to the top end of Falkirk, level 2 assist was needed up this one and there were many more climbs to come and my second battery was now just under 50%! I knew I had only 30% or so to play with now because when it reaches 20% it just drops of a cliff! So I was in battery conservation mode going up the climbs to Slamannan, at least I was protected from the wind at this point!

That was until I turned on to the back road to Longriggend where the wind was fierce, at this point I had covered 89 miles so I knew I couldn't go directly home or I wouldn't get my 100 miles done! So I went down the awesome descent into Upperton saving my battery on the way, I now had to think carefully about my route to avoid the bigger climbs! So after Upperton I took the back road down towards Luggiebank, another descent but I knew I would eventually have to start climbing again!

I opted for the climb up to Glenmavis which is pretty steep in parts but I made it up in eco mode, arriving in the village with 29% remaining with 3 miles to go! I then made the decision to head for the main road into my home town which would be the least hilly but the most busy! Thankfully it worked well and I only had a couple of big climbs left and made it home with 22% left! Thats the first time I've had range anxiety for quite some time, its not fun!

Anyway what a brilliant day of riding once again, I only needed 20 odd miles to pass 4000 for the year so I ended up with 4074 after the ride! I was totally exhausted after this one and will sleep very well tonight I'm sure, the weekend weather isn't looking very promising so I will get a much needed rest now!

Killer ride, and...
Decent descents...

 

[BlackHand]

Summer weather returned yesterday so I couldn't resist another roundabout way home through Magnolia on (mostly) different roads.

A little over 42 miles on the day with 3600ft of climbing.


Mt Rainier from the bluffs looking across Elliott Bay

One of the cool things about trying to always ride different streets is when you discover someplace new. Went down a dead end block and found a tiny overlook park that has to have some of the best views in Seattle - if you don't mind the power lines bisecting the view . Probably one of the few spots where you can see Rainier to the South and Mt Baker to the north just by turning your head.

Looking down on Lake Union and Gasworks Park.

Lots of activity on Lake Union. With the zoom you can see a ship in drydock and what looks to be some 2 and 4 man crews out practicing.

Ended the month with 601 miles ridden and 49000+ ft climbed!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Summer weather returned yesterday so I couldn't resist another roundabout way home through Magnolia on (mostly) different roads.

A little over 42 miles on the day with 3600ft of climbing.

I envy your commute and that view of Rainier is sublime. I finished the month off with about the same kms/miles logged but about 4x less in elevation. I guess that's what I get for living on the flatlands.

A mélange of golden green beards. This field of wheat is starting to ripen and will turn more of a golden hue in the weeks to come.

$1500 will put you in the saddle of this vintage tractor. No idea if it runs but it does make for a cool looking lawn ornament.

 

[RabH]

That shot of Queensferry Crossing is quite stunning. Fully expected the bridge to start tacking.

Where does the King cross? And do they have separate bathroom sinks?

Contemplating a drop-bar ebike but having reservations about the posture. Just noticed that your bike has them, so why not learn from our master of endurance?

Ballpark, what percentage of time do you ride on the drops? Why — besides for bombing down descents at 50 mph? Same questions for the hoods and flats?

Knowing that wind is a serious problem in your area, would you consider the same bike with a flat bar?

Thanks!

Due to back problems I never use the drops these days, I find the hoods the most comfortable and only use the flats very occasionally! I like the flat bars on my Hybrid bike but the drop bars on my e bike are just perfect for fast descents!

Summer weather returned yesterday so I couldn't resist another roundabout way home through Magnolia on (mostly) different roads.

A little over 42 miles on the day with 3600ft of climbing.


Mt Rainier from the bluffs looking across Elliott Bay
View attachment 179961

One of the cool things about trying to always ride different streets is when you discover someplace new. Went down a dead end block and found a tiny overlook park that has to have some of the best views in Seattle - if you don't mind the power lines bisecting the view . Probably one of the few spots where you can see Rainier to the South and Mt Baker to the north just by turning your head.

Looking down on Lake Union and Gasworks Park.
View attachment 179962
View attachment 179963

Lots of activity on Lake Union. With the zoom you can see a ship in drydock and what looks to be some 2 and 4 man crews out practicing.
View attachment 179959

Ended the month with 601 miles ridden and 49000+ ft climbed!

Just as a comparison, last month I rode 604 miles with 38,749ft of elevation gain and my area is very hilly! Seattle must be very mountainous indeed!

 

[JGcycle]

A few pics from this morning's 26km ride:

 

[dodgeman]

My wife and I road 12 miles today to Tennessee Illinois. I shot a picture of the Tennessee Tap, the local bar. It was about 9:00 am. I was surprised it wasn’t open.

 

[Chargeride]

Thats some cheap beer there

 

[BlackHand]

Just as a comparison, last month I rode 604 miles with 38,749ft of elevation gain and my area is very hilly! Seattle must be very mountainous indeed!

No mountains, just plenty of hills and ridges and lots of 15-20% grades. But as you know, what goes up, must come down and that's half the fun!

I did have a niggling worry after I posted because I wasn't expecting to top 600 miles in July. After checking my rides I had forgotten that my first ride of July my bike had a GPS glitch which caused Strava to duplicate about 10 miles of a ride

Actual mileage was about 591 miles with ~47696ft (Strava). Bosch uses either UTC or German time, so it always cuts off the month in the middle of my day which is annoying to keep track of.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

@Chargeride: I eventually could watch your Welsh experience on Haibike FatSix: impressive! You seem to have complained on weather, and I think going to Ireland could be a better choice

Landing at the Donegal Airport Carrickfinn. A photo by @Brix Two laptops and a mouse broke during the last few days. Now, I have a new laptop, mouse, and photo software

Mt. Errigal, the highest peak in Co. Donegal.

I am completing several photo albums from the trip, English and Polish descriptions. If any of you wants to join me on Facebook, you are welcomed! Only write me on Messenger your EBRF handle

My Facebook profile.

 

[Prairie Dog]

It was another gorgeous day out for a ride despite strong winds gusting out of the north. The missus has been off the bike for over a week due to a sore back. Being this was only her second ride since the injury, she’s brought down the intensity of her rides not wanting to place any further strain on her lower back.

I stand corrected. The asking price of the vintage tractor which I referred to in my previous post was incorrect and I suspect for good reason as it is very much in sound working order. The robust little 1939 Ford 9N puts out a decent 35 HP and is fitted with a three-speed gearbox. The owner is hoping to get $5500 for it and feels that it would make an ideal snow plow.

 

[Chargeride]

@Chargeride: I eventually could watch your Welsh experience on Haibike FatSix: impressive! You seem to have complained on weather, and I think going to Ireland could be a better choice

View attachment 179990
Landing at the Donegal Airport Carrickfinn. A photo by @Brix Two laptops and a mouse broke during the last few days. Now, I have a new laptop, mouse, and photo software

View attachment 179991
Mt. Errigal, the highest peak in Co. Donegal.

I am completing several photo albums from the trip, English and Polish descriptions. If any of you wants to join me on Facebook, you are welcomed! Only write me on Messenger your EBRF handle

My Facebook profile.

I dont do facebook, but I'll have a look as I always fancy NI.
Im off to Pembrokeshire for a week, taking the fattie.