Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Spongebob tshirt rulz.
2024 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos
- Thread starter Saratoga Dave
- Start date
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Moved further up the coast nearer Aberystwth.
Proper Welsh here, you will most people speaking it in the streets and shops.
Carew castle sits in a scenery that gives it a real authentic look, I'd have loved to have visited on a misty morning.
I presume its mostly a mock castle, dont think those large windows would be of much use
Were in a 'five star' Pod on top of the hill near Aberaeron with a spectacular panoramic view ..when its not misty.
The little village at the bottom of the lane only has 280 occupants, and after a quick ride around on the bike they give the vibe of mountain hillbillies vs hippy commune.
I was sat outside a locals bar , the wife was inside and I started getting chatted up by the gayest man in Wales..which is a UK meme you may not understand.
So it turns out hes a UK soap star...never watch them... and he knows people we know and his family turn up and hes on stage in Willy Wonka and next hes doing all the dance moves in the gayest style ever in front of the pub.
All the spins and poses, the local old farmers were sat there probably thinking that Caligula himself had turned up.
Anyway the sunsets are very dramatic.
Proper Welsh here, you will most people speaking it in the streets and shops.
Carew castle sits in a scenery that gives it a real authentic look, I'd have loved to have visited on a misty morning.
I presume its mostly a mock castle, dont think those large windows would be of much use
Were in a 'five star' Pod on top of the hill near Aberaeron with a spectacular panoramic view ..when its not misty.
The little village at the bottom of the lane only has 280 occupants, and after a quick ride around on the bike they give the vibe of mountain hillbillies vs hippy commune.
I was sat outside a locals bar , the wife was inside and I started getting chatted up by the gayest man in Wales..which is a UK meme you may not understand.
So it turns out hes a UK soap star...never watch them... and he knows people we know and his family turn up and hes on stage in Willy Wonka and next hes doing all the dance moves in the gayest style ever in front of the pub.
All the spins and poses, the local old farmers were sat there probably thinking that Caligula himself had turned up.
Anyway the sunsets are very dramatic.
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Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
A friend told me about this website:
MyWindsock.com
Here is the wind I met on my Sunday ride. The more red the line becomes the stronger headwind is. The app told me the headwind I met on the ride was 25.4 to 46.2 km/h (15.6 to 28.7 mph). No wonder I had to complete my ride in Turbo mode!
I can recommend the app to anyone interested in planning and analyzing their long rides!
MyWindsock.com
Here is the wind I met on my Sunday ride. The more red the line becomes the stronger headwind is. The app told me the headwind I met on the ride was 25.4 to 46.2 km/h (15.6 to 28.7 mph). No wonder I had to complete my ride in Turbo mode!
I can recommend the app to anyone interested in planning and analyzing their long rides!
RabH
Well-Known Member
We had our best weather for a long time yesterday but I couldn't go cycling as I was attending the British Touring Car championships at Knockhill, cycling wasn't an option with a crowd of over 10000 spectators and most of them had a car! I got burnt to a crisp
most unusual weather for Knockhill but very welcome and it was such a brilliant race meeting!
This morning we had thunderstorms and very strong winds but the forecast was looking better in the afternoon, the wind was supposed to die down as the afternoon progressed but was still around 30mph when I left at 12.45pm! So I made use of the strong tailwind and headed east for Uphall, the back roads were ruled out as there was a good chance of flooding so I made use of the cycle paths as much as possible! The strong wind really helped to dry things up though and the sun shone for the whole ride so that really helped! When I reached Uphall my average speed was almost 18mph, that tailwind sure was fun!
At Uphall I turned north towards Threemiletown, turning west before the village and on the road to Beecraigs Country Park! Time for some photos while I had a short break and a snack!
The Ochill hills were looking very nice today!
I also had a nice view of the bridges over the Forth!
I was battling the wind now and it was still very strong at this point, I did have a lot of tree cover helping though! This was the view to the south!
Another nice view of the Ochils to the north!
I decided not to take the road to the country park due to the wind and opted for the descent down into Bridgend instead, from there I turned west for Linlithgow! The town was very busy and I was glad to reach the back road out of town which leads to Torphicen, its such a great road and is well protected from the wind thanks to all the trees!
I had this awesome view of the Ochils from the back road also!
The road is very smooth for the most part, the main reason I love road riding is amazing roads like these!
I reached the turning point for Torphicen and tackled the big climb which is worth it for the views from near the top!
The road does start with a nice descent before ramping up!
I then continued the climb up through the village and turned west to enjoy the descent down towards Westfield, I really enjoyed that despite the strong headwind! Speaking of which it wasn't getting less windy at all like the forecast said, I wasn't surprised though and half expected it...my intention was to do just 50 miles today as I had a long tiring day on Sunday and I had this headwind to contend with! I arrived in Westfield with 38 miles covered but I was feeling pretty strong so I turned south and took the back road to Bridgehouse which starts with a climb followed by a big descent into the village!
Then its a big climb up towards Heights, just over a mile and directly into the wind with no tree cover, no problem for level 2 assist though!
At the top of the climb I reached the turn off for Heights but decided to take the descent down into Avonbridge instead as its been a while since I enjoyed this awesome descent! Of course after descending its time to go up again, thankfully it was a gradual climb to start with but soon ramped up! It was time for another snack break before the steeper parts and some photos!I was tempted to take the road in the background here but decided against it due to the exposed climb into that headwind!
Time for the first climb which is well sheltered and the reason I took this road!
The road leads to Limerigg and passes the Black loch which was very choppy today, I didn't bother taking any photos this time! At this point I had covered 45 miles and I was still feeling strong so I decided to go for a metric century! At Limerigg I headed down the big descent into Slamannan, I have been mostly climbing this one recently so it was good to enjoy this amazing descent again! From Slamannan I headed west which means some climbing again but nothing difficult although it was directly into the wind! I was now approaching Greengairs and had just passed the 50 mile mark so I turned north before the village and enjoyed another big descent I haven't been down for quite a while!
I then took the road towards Palacerigg Country Park which is a big climb followed by a really nice descent down into Cumbernauld! From there I turned south through Luggiebank and up the big climb to Wattston with almost 58 miles in the bag now! I had planned it perfectly as I had 4 miles to go from here, over the quiet back roads to home! Of course a couple of miles from home the wind finally subsided, still around 20mph but it felt like a light breeze now!
What a great ride that was, especially that tailwind which lasted for almost 20 miles!Attachments
Saratoga Dave
Well-Known Member
I’ve been riding pretty much every day, but nothing particularly compelling as far as visuals. Went out with a couple of friends today over in Washington County, NY (right next door, so to speak), near the Vermont border on some roads we really love, and actually got some decent pictures.
This lovely gravel road goes from open fields to dark woods again and again and is a real favorite.
Looking back west across the Hudson into Saratoga County
We had a great ride for a few hours and dodged a pretty good rainstorm while we were at it. Always good riding with these guys. Mike dug out an old Giant hard tail from 1994 with the three chain rings in the front, and the thing performed extremely well. It was $700 new when he bought it, which in those days was a pretty good hunk of change for a bike.
This lovely gravel road goes from open fields to dark woods again and again and is a real favorite.
Looking back west across the Hudson into Saratoga County
We had a great ride for a few hours and dodged a pretty good rainstorm while we were at it. Always good riding with these guys. Mike dug out an old Giant hard tail from 1994 with the three chain rings in the front, and the thing performed extremely well. It was $700 new when he bought it, which in those days was a pretty good hunk of change for a bike.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Yep, that pretty well sums up my summer ride calendar too. With the season here shorter than most, it doesn’t leave much choice other than to take advantage of each day the weather gods are smiling down on us. Even on those days when the wind is unrelenting, we’re usually out riding. Once the cold winter is upon us, I don’t want to look back and be kicking myself for having missed those days when there was absolutely no excuse not to be in the saddle. From today’s ride. An all too familiar road but still somewhat visually compelling.
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
Providence Bridge pedal ride
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
I love a bridge me.
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
So I was stopped admiring the view and a man with a very obvious German accent came over to ask me about the tyres on my bike.
Straight away I took the opportunity to ask him about the sharkbike name.
'Where are you from?'
I live here he replied
This is where it gets a bit weird, but less weird for two caucasians.
'Yes but your accent is obviously...'
An uncomfortable 'I grew up in Germany'
I dont know if somehow he thought Id start rambling about the war or something.
Anyway I replied, pointing at the battery, 'does that say Sharkbike.'
Well yes, the german word for shark and the english word for bike put together.
He loved the bike and I pointed out it was a German brand.
Never heard of them he said.
I replied, 'you want one now ,dont you'.
Yes, yes I do.
Straight away I took the opportunity to ask him about the sharkbike name.
'Where are you from?'
I live here he replied
This is where it gets a bit weird, but less weird for two caucasians.
'Yes but your accent is obviously...'
An uncomfortable 'I grew up in Germany'
I dont know if somehow he thought Id start rambling about the war or something.
Anyway I replied, pointing at the battery, 'does that say Sharkbike.'
Well yes, the german word for shark and the english word for bike put together.
He loved the bike and I pointed out it was a German brand.
Never heard of them he said.
I replied, 'you want one now ,dont you'.
Yes, yes I do.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
An entertaining story indeed!
Not sure how it is now but Haibike used to be a huge bike and e-bike manufacturer of Germany.
This traditional Sharkbike (belonging to a friend) is the 2016 model.
dodgeman
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Macomb, Illinois
My wife and I rode 25 miles today, all the rural roads near our house. Once again near perfect day, light winds and temps in the low 70’s. We stopped to take a break on a ridge over a larger creek, a picture looking downstream, a bit of a log jam.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
We hit the C & E Trail once again today but ventured further south, bypassing the hamlet of Penhold while riding another 20km into the town of Innisfail.
We came across a few stately homes along the way including one with a well crafted bright red garage. I have to admit that the adjacent home paled in comparison.
A bee’s work is never done.
A seemingly pastoral setting but what was once known as a sure crop area isn’t anymore. Increasing temperatures combined with powerful winds, hailstorms, and reduced levels of ground moisture have resulted in massive feed shortages both here and in other parts of the province. Bales of hay can fetch up to over $200 making it extremely difficult for ranchers to feed their animals.
Amidst the pastureland, these four farm buildings still stand, a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who built them.
For over 60 years, the Daine’s Ranch has played host to their annual pro rodeo which attracts cowboys and cowgirls from all parts of the province but also draws it’s share of Americans who want to qualify for the CFR (Canadian Finals Rodeo)
These Charolais cattle strike a pose as they curiously gaze at the stupid human taking their photo.
Another typical albeit poignant prairie landscape and the township road that we are about to cross as we continue our march into the Town of Innisfail.
We dropped by this brew pub/coffee roaster/eatery but service was lacking so we went looking elsewhere.
Naturally, no visit to the town center should be without an obligatory pic of a 104 Starfighter jet.
We finally settled on the Coffee Cottage which doesn’t look like much at first glance but the staff were exemplary and the breakfast croissants and Italian sodas delightful.
Nice mural on the side of the building with an international flavor.
After lunch, we casually head north back towards homebase.
What a small world. A roadie friend, Dave, just happened to be riding the same out-and-back route and we obligingly stopped for a brief chat before moving on.
A view lot for sale. Any takers?
A 61km outing turned out to be somewhat a celebratory ride for the missus since acquiring her road bike almost two years ago. Decent considering she only rides six months out of the year.
We came across a few stately homes along the way including one with a well crafted bright red garage. I have to admit that the adjacent home paled in comparison.
A bee’s work is never done.
A seemingly pastoral setting but what was once known as a sure crop area isn’t anymore. Increasing temperatures combined with powerful winds, hailstorms, and reduced levels of ground moisture have resulted in massive feed shortages both here and in other parts of the province. Bales of hay can fetch up to over $200 making it extremely difficult for ranchers to feed their animals.
Amidst the pastureland, these four farm buildings still stand, a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who built them.
For over 60 years, the Daine’s Ranch has played host to their annual pro rodeo which attracts cowboys and cowgirls from all parts of the province but also draws it’s share of Americans who want to qualify for the CFR (Canadian Finals Rodeo)
These Charolais cattle strike a pose as they curiously gaze at the stupid human taking their photo.
Another typical albeit poignant prairie landscape and the township road that we are about to cross as we continue our march into the Town of Innisfail.
We dropped by this brew pub/coffee roaster/eatery but service was lacking so we went looking elsewhere.
Naturally, no visit to the town center should be without an obligatory pic of a 104 Starfighter jet.
We finally settled on the Coffee Cottage which doesn’t look like much at first glance but the staff were exemplary and the breakfast croissants and Italian sodas delightful.
Nice mural on the side of the building with an international flavor.
After lunch, we casually head north back towards homebase.
What a small world. A roadie friend, Dave, just happened to be riding the same out-and-back route and we obligingly stopped for a brief chat before moving on.
A view lot for sale. Any takers?
A 61km outing turned out to be somewhat a celebratory ride for the missus since acquiring her road bike almost two years ago. Decent considering she only rides six months out of the year.
DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
Fabulous!We hit the C & E Trail once again today but ventured further south, bypassing the hamlet of Penhold while riding another 20km into the town of Innisfail.
View attachment 180475
We came across a few stately homes along the way including one with a well crafted bright red garage. I have to admit that the adjacent home paled in comparison.
View attachment 180477
View attachment 180478
View attachment 180479
View attachment 180480
A bee’s work is never done.
View attachment 180483
A seemingly pastoral setting but what was once known as a sure crop area isn’t anymore. Increasing temperatures combined with powerful winds, hailstorms, and reduced levels of ground moisture have resulted in massive feed shortages both here and in other parts of the province. Bales of hay can fetch up to over $200 making it extremely difficult for ranchers to feed their animals.
View attachment 180485
Amidst the pastureland, these four farm buildings still stand, a testament to the hard work and dedication of those who built them.
View attachment 180486
For over 60 years, the Daine’s Ranch has played host to their annual pro rodeo which attracts cowboys and cowgirls from all parts of the province but also draws it’s share of Americans who want to qualify for the CFR (Canadian Finals Rodeo)
View attachment 180487
These Charolais cattle strike a pose as they curiously gaze at the stupid human taking their photo.
View attachment 180488
Another typical albeit poignant prairie landscape and the township road that we are about to cross as we continue our march into the Town of Innisfail.
View attachment 180489
View attachment 180490
We dropped by this brew pub/coffee roaster/eatery but service was lacking so we went looking elsewhere.
View attachment 180491
Naturally, no visit to the town center should be without an obligatory pic of a 104 Starfighter jet.
View attachment 180492
We finally settled on the Coffee Cottage which doesn’t look like much at first glance but the staff were exemplary and the breakfast croissants and Italian sodas delightful.
View attachment 180493
Nice mural on the side of the building with an international flavor.
View attachment 180494
After lunch, we casually head north back towards homebase.
View attachment 180495
What a small world. A roadie friend, Dave, just happened to be riding the same out-and-back route and we obligingly stopped for a brief chat before moving on.
View attachment 180496
A view lot for sale. Any takers?
View attachment 180497
A 61km outing turned out to be somewhat a celebratory ride for the missus since acquiring her road bike almost two years ago. Decent considering she only rides six months out of the year.
View attachment 180498
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
I was surprised he hadnt heard of them, he was quite a thoughtful fellow with long pauses before he spoke, I might have mistaken that for him being a little reticent to reveal his obvious german ubringing.
When I joked he wanted one now, it was a good ten seconds before he replied.
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
This is Aberystwyth from the top of constitution hill, it resides in Cardigan bay which ultimately is the source of the name of the button up wool Sweater invented by the Earl of Cardigan.
I had considered riding up here, but the trail was very busy with families, so we took the funicular railway up.
I'll keep it in mind for a future early morning scoot up there.
Inland from the town is some of the most remote and stunningly atmospheric scenery in Britain where you can, and we have, get lost in endless forestry trails , ancient Roman roads over misty mountains and entirely slate built villages, thousands of miles of mining tunnels and extreme mountain bike trails.
Dyfi bike park, home of the complete nutter Gee Atherton is just down the road.
I must visit soon just to see it and say.
Nope!!
I had considered riding up here, but the trail was very busy with families, so we took the funicular railway up.
I'll keep it in mind for a future early morning scoot up there.
Inland from the town is some of the most remote and stunningly atmospheric scenery in Britain where you can, and we have, get lost in endless forestry trails , ancient Roman roads over misty mountains and entirely slate built villages, thousands of miles of mining tunnels and extreme mountain bike trails.
Dyfi bike park, home of the complete nutter Gee Atherton is just down the road.
I must visit soon just to see it and say.
Nope!!
Jeremy McCreary
Very Stable Genius
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
So who pays for the expensive helicopter rescue? Red Bull? UK taxpayers?
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Obviously Red Bull didn’t give him wings on this day. A full-face helmet and what appears to be no other body protection other than his pajamas.
A full-face helmet and what appears to be no other body protection other than his pajamas.Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Taxpayers and charity donations, plus every penny of his treatment as well .
And not the slightet hint of complaint from the public, smashing yourself to bits just because you want to at the collective expense is a fundamental cornerstone of the british psyche.
We moan about people turning up in boats and getting free hotels, but if johnny foreigner turned up and announced he was going to jump a hundred buses on a jetbike, and then crashing and breaking every bone in his body, the papers would be showing him in a 50K a day intensive care bed with the headline.
Dont worry, hes ok.
Yes you will get comments that the mad bar steward should pay for his hospital trestment as hes making money off the video, but its always shouted down that limiting free healthcare is a slippery slope.
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JGcycle
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Saint John
Congrats to Mrs. PD on reaching the 10k mark.
