Jeremy McCreary
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
Beautiful place to ride!
We just downsized to a place like Mentmore Towers. Half the dusting staff, but bicycle storage is gonna be tight.
;^}
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2024 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos
- Thread starter Saratoga Dave
- Start date
We just downsized to a place like Mentmore Towers. Half the dusting staff, but bicycle storage is gonna be tight.
;^}
MartsEbike
Well-Known Member
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Dunstable
Haha, yep the dusting must be a nightmare!! Those old country houses take a lot of work to keep right, and you need a small army of staff to do it.
Mulezen
Well-Known Member
Rode...mowed...dozed yesterday. Forgot to look for the Northern Lights...oh well, there is always the comet.
Today I chanced the fast route to check on Bobby's $$$"Pumpkin Patch" $$$. I didn't see him but did see two school buses and about 50 cars...noon on a Friday. There will be traffic jams this weekend.
Attached...a sampling of the latest decor along my roads.
Today I chanced the fast route to check on Bobby's $$$"Pumpkin Patch" $$$. I didn't see him but did see two school buses and about 50 cars...noon on a Friday. There will be traffic jams this weekend.
Attached...a sampling of the latest decor along my roads.
Attachments
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Yesterday was an off day from the bikes as we took time to visit with Sai’s 80 year old obasan (aunt) and pay respects to her father’s gravesite up in the hills. I like to think that he has a beautiful view atop.
I finally got around to editing the footage I shot on the first day. Follow Sai as she takes us along the scenic country roads in around her hometown.
I finally got around to editing the footage I shot on the first day. Follow Sai as she takes us along the scenic country roads in around her hometown.
Chargeride
Well-Known Member
Cool tunes, it all seemed very empty, was it for any reason, or am I too used to videos of Tokyo.
I was waiting for the Akira tune to kick in
I was waiting for the Akira tune to kick in
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
That’s what I love about the countryside. Life in Minobu is a far cry from what it’s like in Metro Tokyo. Population: 10,000 and likely declining. Problem here is that there are really no attractions other than a renown Buddhist temple where tourists pay through the nose to stay, chant and eat veggies.Cool tunes, it all seemed very empty, was it for any reason, or am I too used to videos of Tokyo.
I was waiting for the Akira tune to kick in
RabH
Well-Known Member
What a beautiful place to ride a bike, awesome video PD!
Sai is a machine!I've had a tough week or so prepping for a colonoscopy which I had on Thursday, no polyps this time thankfully! Ironically Thursday was the only nice day of the past week!
They took some biopsies so its a waiting game which could take months but I'm feeling fine and feel my strength coming back, looks like a nice day tomorrow but I think I will rest another day and hope to get out on Monday for a shorter ride!
DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
Best of luck mate!What a beautiful place to ride a bike, awesome video PD!
I've had a tough week or so prepping for a colonoscopy which I had on Thursday, no polyps this time thankfully! Ironically Thursday was the only nice day of the past week!
Your shorter rides are a "best of" for me!
Jeremy McCreary
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
Welcome back to the world outside your toilet! Fingers crossed on your biopsy results.What a beautiful place to ride a bike, awesome video PD!
I've had a tough week or so prepping for a colonoscopy which I had on Thursday, no polyps this time thankfully! Ironically Thursday was the only nice day of the past week!
Now that your colonoscopy's behind you, put it to work. No one loves cycling more than you. But we all have moments of doubt in the saddle.
So next time you hit an ice-cold 50-mph headwind in a downpour on a 10% climb — which seems to happen to you a lot — appreciate how much more fun it is than a colonoscopy prep.
RabH
Well-Known Member
Ain't that the truth, Jeremy!
Thanks for your kind words and awesome humour!You know me too well, Dave!Best of luck mate!
Your shorter rides are a "best of" for me!
Thanks buddy!
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Biała Rawska with Krzysiek
The big issue these days is to select proper clothing. Morning and evening temperature can be as low as 6 C, while it can be as high as 14 C in the afternoon! (Never mind). As I got off the morning train in Jaktorów, I was even not surprised to meet Krzysiek (Chris) on his vintage road bike there It is enough to mention the place, date, and time on Facebook, and the chances are Krzysiek shows up without any hint or earlier confirmation Krzysiek is a way older than I am, and has been a road cyclist all his life. He is a dependable person: I could rely on him, and he could rely on me. That's why our trip was pleasant and successful!
Thanks to my selection of the ride starting point, we reached Radziejowice pretty quickly. My mate confessed that he never had time to see the Park & Palace in Radziejowice! You don't need to ask me twice So we immediately rode up there!
The site is run by the Government and is named The House of Creative Work. It is a haven for artists, who can relax and work there in peace. The park is full of statues of Polish artists. Although the restaurant/cafe was pre-booked (so closed), we got coffee and tea anyway.
As befits the home for artists, the interior of the Palace was gorgeous!
A former railway station in Mszczonów. Nowadays, only cargo trains are handled there.
The "Big Tree" business. Imagine you planted trees at the age of 25 and only start selling them as big trees when you are 45 years old.... I am not able to grasp this with my mind!
Approximately half of our trip meant climbing. I rode at only 20/50% Vado 6.0 assistance and had (intentionally) a single e-bike battery only. Krzysiek (as a lightweight person riding a road bike) was faster on climbs but I (a heavy man on a heavy e-bike) was making it up by being faster on the descents!
Visiting home of Mariusz Pudzianowski, a former Strong Man champion.
Technically, I ride to Biała Rawska for ice-cream in Caffe Adriano. It is off-season now. The selection of cake was huge (some 15-20 types and flavours but I settled for.., two pączki and coffee! I just wanted pączki, something I could get anywhere, haha! (No pictures from Biała Rawska then).
You know by now the immense size of the fruit (especially apple) industry of Poland, and that the area south of Warsaw is only orchards! The industry is shared by Mazovia and Land of Łódź.
A historical and protected Tree Avenue past Osuchów, Mazovia. There, the declines became prevalent, which was good for me, as it was still a long way home!
A mansion in Żabia Wola, which is a Community Centre. We took a little bit longer stop there, as hard pedalling took some toll on me by then!
I made a navigation error, and had to quickly re-plan our trip to Pruszków. Komoot chose a "gravel" shortcut, consisting of stone, gravel and some sand! I admire the patience of Krzysiek, who had to ride it on 28 mm road tyres! Anyway, that was a good shortcut! The rest of the trip was in my neighbourhood so it was uneventful. I escorted Krzysiek to the Pruszków train station and then...
...rode for a lunch in McDonald's. Rest assured, McD in Europe (especially in Poland) is really good!
A huge apple I picked from the ground in an orchard.
10% battery left after riding 108 km was not bad at all!
Ride map. 108 km is the distance actually ridden (excludes the train trip).
It was a good, good day!
The big issue these days is to select proper clothing. Morning and evening temperature can be as low as 6 C, while it can be as high as 14 C in the afternoon! (Never mind). As I got off the morning train in Jaktorów, I was even not surprised to meet Krzysiek (Chris) on his vintage road bike there
It is enough to mention the place, date, and time on Facebook, and the chances are Krzysiek shows up without any hint or earlier confirmation Krzysiek is a way older than I am, and has been a road cyclist all his life. He is a dependable person: I could rely on him, and he could rely on me. That's why our trip was pleasant and successful!Thanks to my selection of the ride starting point, we reached Radziejowice pretty quickly. My mate confessed that he never had time to see the Park & Palace in Radziejowice! You don't need to ask me twice
So we immediately rode up there!The site is run by the Government and is named The House of Creative Work. It is a haven for artists, who can relax and work there in peace. The park is full of statues of Polish artists. Although the restaurant/cafe was pre-booked (so closed), we got coffee and tea anyway.
As befits the home for artists, the interior of the Palace was gorgeous!
A former railway station in Mszczonów. Nowadays, only cargo trains are handled there.
The "Big Tree" business. Imagine you planted trees at the age of 25 and only start selling them as big trees when you are 45 years old.... I am not able to grasp this with my mind!
Approximately half of our trip meant climbing. I rode at only 20/50% Vado 6.0 assistance and had (intentionally) a single e-bike battery only. Krzysiek (as a lightweight person riding a road bike) was faster on climbs but I (a heavy man on a heavy e-bike) was making it up by being faster on the descents!
Visiting home of Mariusz Pudzianowski, a former Strong Man champion.
Technically, I ride to Biała Rawska for ice-cream in Caffe Adriano. It is off-season now. The selection of cake was huge (some 15-20 types and flavours but I settled for.., two pączki and coffee!
I just wanted pączki, something I could get anywhere, haha! (No pictures from Biała Rawska then).You know by now the immense size of the fruit (especially apple) industry of Poland, and that the area south of Warsaw is only orchards!
The industry is shared by Mazovia and Land of Łódź.A historical and protected Tree Avenue past Osuchów, Mazovia. There, the declines became prevalent, which was good for me, as it was still a long way home!
A mansion in Żabia Wola, which is a Community Centre. We took a little bit longer stop there, as hard pedalling took some toll on me by then!
I made a navigation error, and had to quickly re-plan our trip to Pruszków. Komoot chose a "gravel" shortcut, consisting of stone, gravel and some sand! I admire the patience of Krzysiek, who had to ride it on 28 mm road tyres! Anyway, that was a good shortcut! The rest of the trip was in my neighbourhood so it was uneventful. I escorted Krzysiek to the Pruszków train station and then...
...rode for a lunch in McDonald's. Rest assured, McD in Europe (especially in Poland) is really good!
A huge apple I picked from the ground in an orchard.
10% battery left after riding 108 km was not bad at all!
Ride map. 108 km is the distance actually ridden (excludes the train trip).
It was a good, good day!
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Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Rest up Rab. You’ll be back in saddle before you know it as we all know how much you love to ride. All best buddy.I've had a tough week or so prepping for a colonoscopy which I had on Thursday, no polyps this time thankfully! Ironically Thursday was the only nice day of the past week!
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Yesterday’s ride would take us north from our homebase in Minobu to the village of Narada located in the mountainous region east of the Minami Alps. Considered a hidden gem, it’s relatively still undiscovered by many tourists. A distinct landmark is the Nishiyama dam constructed back in 1960s along with a suspension bridge that spans a small lake.
Heading out, we thought we would encounter a few more cyclists taking advantage of the superb weather conditions but only came across two including this roadie.
We started later in the morning so frequent stops along the way were limited and brief as we wanted to return home before it became too dark. Darkness comes early and the sun quickly disappears behind the mountains here.
The view overlooking the Haya River from the Minami Alps Highway.
This area is known throughout Japan for the type of rock employed in the making of inkstones or ‘Suzuri’ used for traditional Japanese calligraphy.
We dropped by a roadside tourism midway in Hayakawa and asked about places to eat in Narada. There would be few places to seek nourishment between here and our final destination.
More views of the Haya River from this bridge above. We were intrigued by a man below who looked like he was panning for gold.
It never dawned on me that we would encounter so many tunnels along the highway and so naturally I neglected to attach a light to my bike. Most were short and well lit but, on several occasions, I needed to follow closely behind Sai wishing I had her integrated light system. The situation was made worse whenever cars passed us by in the dark.
Construction seemed to take place on various sections of the Minami Hwy but never disrupted the flow of traffic.
The monument to the right apparently was dedicated to a couple who plunged to their deaths from a nearby waterfall. A tragic Romeo and Juliet love story.
Another view of the Haya tributary after exiting a short tunnel.
This lush gorge seen from atop a bridge caught my attention on our approach to Narada.
We passed a trio of riders who likely had spent time in Narada before heading back south.
Our arrival in Narada - Nishiyama Dam and Narada Lake offer splendid views including a suspension bridge that spans across the water.
We decided to ride rather than take the time to walk our bikes up this steep 14% grade to the restaurant and barely managed to squeeze our way past this car on the way up.
A meal deserving of our arrival at the destination. Soba noodles and dipping sauce, rice, onion tempura, and pickles. One simply selects a choice from a display menu, then inserts currency in the slot of a vending machine and presses the button designating the item selected. The machine spits out a ticket and you hand it to the staff and patiently wait until your number is called then pick up your order. Your food is diligently prepared fresh while you take in the view from your tableside window. The quaint restaurant is located adjacent to the building where one can rest aching muscles in the soothing mineral waters of the Naradanosato Hot springs.
No time to relax as we pushed off for the return leg home. Good to know that most of the trip back would be along long winding descents. Nothing left to do but to set the bikes on cruise control and enjoy the ride.
With the sun setting behind our backs, it was good to be riding on familiar roads closer to home.
Heading out, we thought we would encounter a few more cyclists taking advantage of the superb weather conditions but only came across two including this roadie.
We started later in the morning so frequent stops along the way were limited and brief as we wanted to return home before it became too dark. Darkness comes early and the sun quickly disappears behind the mountains here.
The view overlooking the Haya River from the Minami Alps Highway.
This area is known throughout Japan for the type of rock employed in the making of inkstones or ‘Suzuri’ used for traditional Japanese calligraphy.
We dropped by a roadside tourism midway in Hayakawa and asked about places to eat in Narada. There would be few places to seek nourishment between here and our final destination.
More views of the Haya River from this bridge above. We were intrigued by a man below who looked like he was panning for gold.
It never dawned on me that we would encounter so many tunnels along the highway and so naturally I neglected to attach a light to my bike. Most were short and well lit but, on several occasions, I needed to follow closely behind Sai wishing I had her integrated light system. The situation was made worse whenever cars passed us by in the dark.
Construction seemed to take place on various sections of the Minami Hwy but never disrupted the flow of traffic.
The monument to the right apparently was dedicated to a couple who plunged to their deaths from a nearby waterfall. A tragic Romeo and Juliet love story.
Another view of the Haya tributary after exiting a short tunnel.
This lush gorge seen from atop a bridge caught my attention on our approach to Narada.
We passed a trio of riders who likely had spent time in Narada before heading back south.
Our arrival in Narada - Nishiyama Dam and Narada Lake offer splendid views including a suspension bridge that spans across the water.
We decided to ride rather than take the time to walk our bikes up this steep 14% grade to the restaurant and barely managed to squeeze our way past this car on the way up.
A meal deserving of our arrival at the destination. Soba noodles and dipping sauce, rice, onion tempura, and pickles. One simply selects a choice from a display menu, then inserts currency in the slot of a vending machine and presses the button designating the item selected. The machine spits out a ticket and you hand it to the staff and patiently wait until your number is called then pick up your order. Your food is diligently prepared fresh while you take in the view from your tableside window. The quaint restaurant is located adjacent to the building where one can rest aching muscles in the soothing mineral waters of the Naradanosato Hot springs.
No time to relax as we pushed off for the return leg home. Good to know that most of the trip back would be along long winding descents. Nothing left to do but to set the bikes on cruise control and enjoy the ride.
With the sun setting behind our backs, it was good to be riding on familiar roads closer to home.
MTO
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
LMAO!
MTO
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
I knew Bigfoot exists. I’ve been telling everyone for years!
MartsEbike
Well-Known Member
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Dunstable
Back to work tomorrow so took the opportunity for a ride out...
Unfortunately it wasn't the best day for photography!
The Old Town Hall - Leighton Buzzard. Originally built in the 16th century, it fell into dilapidation and was rebuilt in 1851. In 1918 it was converted into a Fire Station. Today its a Pizza Express outlet!
This is a Shand Mason, a horse-drawn fire engine that would have been used in the fire station above. Imagine this coming to your rescue!!
The work of local artists, making a name for themselves
Old Canal Lock built in 1857.... Everything is old in Britain!
This is what's left of King Henry VIII hunting lodge, it sits on the Ashridge Estate. First built in 1280. It was badly damaged by Oliver Cromwell's forces during the English Civil War (1642-1651). It was rebuilt again in 1823! Today its a private home.
Ashridge House (and Estate), has been home to kings and queens over the years. Today its owned by the National Trust and open to the public. A truly magnificent building. My photography isn't doing it any justice!
Dunstable Downs - views as far as the eye can see. During the summer you'll find gliders, parasailers and kites flying over this hill taking advantage of the updraft!
Unfortunately it wasn't the best day for photography!
The Old Town Hall - Leighton Buzzard. Originally built in the 16th century, it fell into dilapidation and was rebuilt in 1851. In 1918 it was converted into a Fire Station. Today its a Pizza Express outlet!
This is a Shand Mason, a horse-drawn fire engine that would have been used in the fire station above. Imagine this coming to your rescue!!
The work of local artists, making a name for themselves
Old Canal Lock built in 1857.... Everything is old in Britain!
This is what's left of King Henry VIII hunting lodge, it sits on the Ashridge Estate. First built in 1280. It was badly damaged by Oliver Cromwell's forces during the English Civil War (1642-1651). It was rebuilt again in 1823! Today its a private home.
Ashridge House (and Estate), has been home to kings and queens over the years. Today its owned by the National Trust and open to the public. A truly magnificent building. My photography isn't doing it any justice!
Dunstable Downs - views as far as the eye can see. During the summer you'll find gliders, parasailers and kites flying over this hill taking advantage of the updraft!
MTO
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
It was U.S. Navy fleet week in San Francisco, so Friday we loaded up and drove 60 miles South to the North end of the Golden Gate Bridge, down by the water and rode up the hill to the bridge. Here’s the underside of the north end.
Suicide nets!
Getting onto the bridge.
A view of the city by the bay from the bridge.
We made it to the other end, where there is a restaurant, gift shop, vistas, etc.
A cross section of the cables
Down at the beach, en route to the marina district. Alcatraz!!
We have arrived!
Some cool military vehicles.
Some of USA’s finest!
The Blue Angels! Some fun facts:
-When in formation, their wing tips are 18 inches from the next Angel, at speeds of up to 700 miles per hour.
-They fly to all of their shows. When they flew to Hawaii across the Pacific, they were escorted by a fuel tanker and each one had to refuel mid flight 10 times.
The Boeing 777. The pilot flew this thing like a stunt plane, it was unbelievable!
This guy watched the whole thing from a balcony across the street.
America! **** yeah!!
After the air show, we started heading towards the piers to check out the Naval ships, but it was so crowded, we were moving too slow and it was getting late, so we decided to turn around and head back.
Have a great day everyone , and keep the rubber side down!
.
Suicide nets!
Getting onto the bridge.
A view of the city by the bay from the bridge.
We made it to the other end, where there is a restaurant, gift shop, vistas, etc.
A cross section of the cables
Down at the beach, en route to the marina district. Alcatraz!!
We have arrived!
Some cool military vehicles.
Some of USA’s finest!
The Blue Angels! Some fun facts:
-When in formation, their wing tips are 18 inches from the next Angel, at speeds of up to 700 miles per hour.
-They fly to all of their shows. When they flew to Hawaii across the Pacific, they were escorted by a fuel tanker and each one had to refuel mid flight 10 times.
The Boeing 777. The pilot flew this thing like a stunt plane, it was unbelievable!
This guy watched the whole thing from a balcony across the street.
America! **** yeah!!
After the air show, we started heading towards the piers to check out the Naval ships, but it was so crowded, we were moving too slow and it was getting late, so we decided to turn around and head back.
Have a great day everyone , and keep the rubber side down!
.Attachments
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Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
@MartsEbike: Could you tell me something about the Cycle Superhighway 1 in England?
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Wowsa! The hills around Minobu really pack a punch. It sure beats the heck out of the flat as a flounder routes where we normally ride back home. Plenty of ups and downs this morning to keep us on our toes plus a great cardio workout.
But upon reflection, it was all worth it in the end.
We stopped to hydrate at one of the many vending machines that can be seen virtually on every street corner.
Eventually making our way along the road beneath the Chubu Odan Expressway.
Then stopped briefly for this express train headed to Shizuoka.
Before hitting one more dastardly climb. A 1.2 km stretch with a max gradient of 10%.
But upon reflection, it was all worth it in the end.
We stopped to hydrate at one of the many vending machines that can be seen virtually on every street corner.
Eventually making our way along the road beneath the Chubu Odan Expressway.
Then stopped briefly for this express train headed to Shizuoka.
Before hitting one more dastardly climb. A 1.2 km stretch with a max gradient of 10%.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Announcement
Between 26 and 28th of this October, I am open for a meeting or a ride with any EBR member in London UK
I plan to ride a Santander bike or e-bike over a 26 km/16 mile route I named "All Cycling Bridges of London". In fact, these might not be all but it is 11 bridges from Battersea to Tower plus walking the bike through the Millenium Bridge. (The starting point is SE1 0JA: Southwark Street in The Bankside).
I was also thinking of renting a demo e-bike at one of Specialized dealers in The Cut, Waterloo but decided I needed nothing fancy for the London ride, and nobody would even try to steal a Santander from me
Combatant Cuisine
Not to confuse Jeremy more! As you now know, a 'partisan' is an adherent of a political party in North America but it is a Resistance Movement combatant in continental Europe Sunday was a rainy day. I almost gave up but eventually put my rainproof and warm clothes and set off for a Vado 6.0 ride at 16:00. Just several minutes ago the clouds broke and the Sun started shining! Temperature instantly dropped to 6-7 C but I didn't care! (I chose my heavy e-bike because it had proper mudguards, and only because of that!)
28 minutes later, I arrived in Combat Cuisine Bar.
I took a bowl of Military Pea Soup for the starter (it is a staple Polish meal, packed with sausage and bacon!) Honestly, the bowl was good for me and I could leave then.
I, however, felt sorry for the owners and poor business they were getting this cold and rainy October. Had apple juice, spent some time browsing the Internet, and eventually felt I could eat a little bit more
(I was sitting inside a hut, and was still warm from the effort on the ride and because of the warm soup!)
So I got me grilled pork-neck with a fermented cucumber, horseradish, mustard, ketchup and a bun (chips/French fries would be too much for me!)
The Combatant Cuisine closes next Monday. I hope for some lunches there this week!
Well, low assistance means low battery consumption! (21.6 kilometres).
Between 26 and 28th of this October, I am open for a meeting or a ride with any EBR member in London UK
I plan to ride a Santander bike or e-bike over a 26 km/16 mile route I named "All Cycling Bridges of London". In fact, these might not be all but it is 11 bridges from Battersea to Tower plus walking the bike through the Millenium Bridge. (The starting point is SE1 0JA: Southwark Street in The Bankside).
I was also thinking of renting a demo e-bike at one of Specialized dealers in The Cut, Waterloo but decided I needed nothing fancy for the London ride, and nobody would even try to steal a Santander from me
Combatant Cuisine
Not to confuse Jeremy more! As you now know, a 'partisan' is an adherent of a political party in North America but it is a Resistance Movement combatant in continental Europe
Sunday was a rainy day. I almost gave up but eventually put my rainproof and warm clothes and set off for a Vado 6.0 ride at 16:00. Just several minutes ago the clouds broke and the Sun started shining! Temperature instantly dropped to 6-7 C but I didn't care! (I chose my heavy e-bike because it had proper mudguards, and only because of that!)28 minutes later, I arrived in Combat Cuisine Bar.
I took a bowl of Military Pea Soup for the starter (it is a staple Polish meal, packed with sausage and bacon!) Honestly, the bowl was good for me and I could leave then.
I, however, felt sorry for the owners and poor business they were getting this cold and rainy October. Had apple juice, spent some time browsing the Internet, and eventually felt I could eat a little bit more
(I was sitting inside a hut, and was still warm from the effort on the ride and because of the warm soup!)
So I got me grilled pork-neck with a fermented cucumber, horseradish, mustard, ketchup and a bun (chips/French fries would be too much for me!)
The Combatant Cuisine closes next Monday. I hope for some lunches there this week!
Well, low assistance means low battery consumption! (21.6 kilometres).
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