2024 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos
- Thread starter Saratoga Dave
- Start date
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
FRANKFURT, continued...
What a beautiful, lively city!
Attending ACHEMA trade show...
...as an exhibitor...
Our stand. This time, representing a Texas technical software company.
Currywurst: German iconic fastfood.
A modern city of business with a nice old town.
I just love German food! Spiessbraten mit Kartoffelsalat
Yes you can buy American craft beer here!
Fire alarm at 5 am.
I needed an hour to walk up to an ATM, pay a hairdresser a visit, mount an e-scooter and be on time at work!
What a beautiful, lively city!
Attending ACHEMA trade show...
...as an exhibitor...
Our stand. This time, representing a Texas technical software company.
Currywurst: German iconic fastfood.
A modern city of business with a nice old town.
I just love German food! Spiessbraten mit Kartoffelsalat
Yes you can buy American craft beer here!
Fire alarm at 5 am.
I needed an hour to walk up to an ATM, pay a hairdresser a visit, mount an e-scooter and be on time at work!
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
There’s no doubt in my mind that Canmore, AB is a mountain biker’s paradise. With a vast network of trails ranging from beginner to extreme, riders can experience everything from mellow cruises to knee numbing climbs. If you’re more of an adrenaline junkie, one can always head over to the Nordic Center with over 100 km of trails that would challenge even the most seasoned two wheeled warriors.
This past weekend, I joined a couple of friends neither of whom own or ride emtbs. We thought that Canmore would be an appropriate venue to allow me to share some shred time with the Epic Evo amongst good company and some spectacular surroundings. This would be the first real test for the bike as well as myself having ridden the EE only once up to this point on a local trail. My only concern on this trip would be some of the more arduous climbs as I would have no PAS to get me to the top. Therefore, I would have to rely on my weekly road training rides which might provide me with the endurance boost that I would need as well bike handling skills from riding a much heavier emtb. I felt that I was up to to the challenge and looking forward to it.
We arrived in Canmore at 11am and immediately prepped our gear for the first ride which would be on the northern edge of the townsite. The Horseshoe Loop is one of the older singletracks which is accessed from the Cougar Creek Trailhead. It’s a network of rolling and semi-technical trails. We also linked up with G8 which involves a creek crossing and a steep descent/assent depending on one’s choice of direction. We would ultimately end up riding it both ways as a figure eight for a total of 11km. I was unable to pair my crank power meter with my Garmin so no ride metrics on this first loop.
Horseshoe and G8 Loop (The Appetizer)
The Evo in not so pristine condition since its first ride back on home trails several days ago.
View from the Cougar Creek parking lot with the Three Sisters on prominent display in the center of the image.
Canmore is a busy town on weekends but surprisingly we didn’t see as many riders on the trails as we did vehicles which were jammed bumper to bumper heading towards the town center.
Richard is old school and doesn’t have any plans on moving to an ebike anytime soon. He rides a slightly modified XT prepped Trek Top Fuel and isn’t shy about using his vintage clipless pedals on technical trails.
Some fine examples of lush deciduous forests and meadows that we encountered along the trail.
We met these three fit locals who hailed from different regions including one Aussie lassie. Two of them are co-owners of a wine cheese shop in town and see a bright future for their business.
Did I mention that they were fit? Must be the town water.
We rode this section in both directions which included a creek crossing at the bottom. Descending is by far my preferred approach.....
...but this fit rider would likely tell you otherwise as he never once released from his pedals.
This past weekend, I joined a couple of friends neither of whom own or ride emtbs. We thought that Canmore would be an appropriate venue to allow me to share some shred time with the Epic Evo amongst good company and some spectacular surroundings. This would be the first real test for the bike as well as myself having ridden the EE only once up to this point on a local trail. My only concern on this trip would be some of the more arduous climbs as I would have no PAS to get me to the top. Therefore, I would have to rely on my weekly road training rides which might provide me with the endurance boost that I would need as well bike handling skills from riding a much heavier emtb. I felt that I was up to to the challenge and looking forward to it.
We arrived in Canmore at 11am and immediately prepped our gear for the first ride which would be on the northern edge of the townsite. The Horseshoe Loop is one of the older singletracks which is accessed from the Cougar Creek Trailhead. It’s a network of rolling and semi-technical trails. We also linked up with G8 which involves a creek crossing and a steep descent/assent depending on one’s choice of direction. We would ultimately end up riding it both ways as a figure eight for a total of 11km. I was unable to pair my crank power meter with my Garmin so no ride metrics on this first loop.
Horseshoe and G8 Loop (The Appetizer)
The Evo in not so pristine condition since its first ride back on home trails several days ago.
View from the Cougar Creek parking lot with the Three Sisters on prominent display in the center of the image.
Canmore is a busy town on weekends but surprisingly we didn’t see as many riders on the trails as we did vehicles which were jammed bumper to bumper heading towards the town center.
Richard is old school and doesn’t have any plans on moving to an ebike anytime soon. He rides a slightly modified XT prepped Trek Top Fuel and isn’t shy about using his vintage clipless pedals on technical trails.
Some fine examples of lush deciduous forests and meadows that we encountered along the trail.
We met these three fit locals who hailed from different regions including one Aussie lassie. Two of them are co-owners of a wine cheese shop in town and see a bright future for their business.
Did I mention that they were fit? Must be the town water.
We rode this section in both directions which included a creek crossing at the bottom. Descending is by far my preferred approach.....
...but this fit rider would likely tell you otherwise as he never once released from his pedals.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Canmore Nordic Center
I have to admit that my heart skipped a beat when I heard we were going to ride this single but EKG said everything was normal.
EKG Loop (The Main Course)
This is some exceptionally long footage but I hope that by watching it you can understand why. It was well worth the leg burning climbs and super fun rolling descents. It’s likely the most popular trail at the Nordic Center as it winds through forests and meadows with many climbs/descents and rooty, rocky sections. Less experienced riders can definitely maximize their enjoyment by using a full suspension bike, but anything heavier than a light trail bike would be overkill and a burden on the ups.
Not your typical backyard picnic table but one can dream.
Various screen shots that I pulled from footage.
Heading back to our vehicle at the Nordic Center. An Epic ride (pardon the pun) with grins and fist bumps all around.
I have to admit that my heart skipped a beat when I heard we were going to ride this single but EKG said everything was normal.
EKG Loop (The Main Course)
This is some exceptionally long footage but I hope that by watching it you can understand why. It was well worth the leg burning climbs and super fun rolling descents. It’s likely the most popular trail at the Nordic Center as it winds through forests and meadows with many climbs/descents and rooty, rocky sections. Less experienced riders can definitely maximize their enjoyment by using a full suspension bike, but anything heavier than a light trail bike would be overkill and a burden on the ups.
Not your typical backyard picnic table but one can dream.
Various screen shots that I pulled from footage.
Heading back to our vehicle at the Nordic Center. An Epic ride (pardon the pun) with grins and fist bumps all around.
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dodgeman
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Macomb, Illinois
Tough to compete with that Prairie Dog, looked like a spectacular ride and scenery.
My wife and I rode13 miles today. We stopped and took a short break at a church. I’m not sure but I don’t think they have services there any more. We were trying to figure out if the concrete things with weeds growing out of them were old horse troughs.
My wife and I rode13 miles today. We stopped and took a short break at a church. I’m not sure but I don’t think they have services there any more. We were trying to figure out if the concrete things with weeds growing out of them were old horse troughs.
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Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
Thanks D-Man. It’s just the break from routine that I needed.
It doesn’t matter how far or how intense your ride is, what’s more important is that you get out and enjoy what you’re doing. Perhaps this style of riding may not be for everyone but that’s just how I roll. I’ll keep shredding as long as my mind and body are willing participants.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
FFM, continued...
I enjoy the stay in FFM very much! Only someone didn't think the ACHEMA Fair would overlap with the beginning of the Euro 2024 Football Championship that is starting this Friday! How lucky I am to be leaving on Thursday...
Crusty Roast in a Bun (Krustenbratenbrötchen). If you are a meat eater, there's no better place than to eat at the butcher shop (Metzgerei). That single sandwich was as nourishing as a dinner!
If you, however, are a vegan, prepare for a long waiting to be sat at an Indian veg restaurant!
An iconic sign at the "At the Railway Station" (Am Hauptbanhof) square.
A good ale to complete the evening. There is something I could not quite understand. If you wanted to have that very ale poured from the keg, you would pay, say, €6.90 for a quarter litre. If you, however, took a half litre can from the fridge and asked the bartender to pour it for you, you'd pay €7.90 only. Funny, isn't it
I couldn't spot any stereotypic German things in Frankfurt (for instance, no one was wearing white socks with sandals) but those selective glass collecting bins made me smile Where do you throw a blue bottle if you have it? There are more dilemmas for an average German. Does a pizza box qualify as paper or organics or mixed waste (Restmüll)?
If you want a little laugh, please watch Reels of one Liam Carpenter on Facebook or Instagram.
Or, try that first
'What have you learned from this German citizenship test?'
'I know a lot of former chancellors now. Why was Konrad late to the party?'
'Why?'
'Because he add an hour to his watch!
'
'???'
(Konrad Adenauer)
I enjoy the stay in FFM very much! Only someone didn't think the ACHEMA Fair would overlap with the beginning of the Euro 2024 Football Championship that is starting this Friday! How lucky I am to be leaving on Thursday...
Crusty Roast in a Bun (Krustenbratenbrötchen). If you are a meat eater, there's no better place than to eat at the butcher shop (Metzgerei). That single sandwich was as nourishing as a dinner!
If you, however, are a vegan, prepare for a long waiting to be sat at an Indian veg restaurant!
An iconic sign at the "At the Railway Station" (Am Hauptbanhof) square.
A good ale to complete the evening. There is something I could not quite understand. If you wanted to have that very ale poured from the keg, you would pay, say, €6.90 for a quarter litre. If you, however, took a half litre can from the fridge and asked the bartender to pour it for you, you'd pay €7.90 only. Funny, isn't it
I couldn't spot any stereotypic German things in Frankfurt (for instance, no one was wearing white socks with sandals) but those selective glass collecting bins made me smile
Where do you throw a blue bottle if you have it? There are more dilemmas for an average German. Does a pizza box qualify as paper or organics or mixed waste (Restmüll)? If you want a little laugh, please watch Reels of one Liam Carpenter on Facebook or Instagram.
'What have you learned from this German citizenship test?'
'I know a lot of former chancellors now. Why was Konrad late to the party?'
'Why?'
'Because he add an hour to his watch!
''???'
(Konrad Adenauer)
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RabH
Well-Known Member
After 8 days off the bike due to the awful weather I finally caught a break yesterday and took full advantage! I was going to depart very early but the 5C temp wasn't too inviting with a chilly NW wind blowing, so I waited until 10am when the temp was a perfect 11C! It seems every ride is 100 miles+ these days...give me a break weather!
I headed down to Falkirk and out to Carronshore in the hope of seeing the young Clydesdale horse again, I was in luck, its growing fast!A lady and a young girl appeared just before I left and the little one was in love with the foal!
Mom said, you can't have one... I then headed due north through Letham towards Airth and on to the city of Stirling where I headed NW for Bridge of Allan to avoid the city traffic! From there I took the road to Doune where I had these amazing views of the mountains!Then I had this awesome descent to enjoy on lovely smooth tarmac!
From Doune I joined the main A84 to Callander, thankfully the road wasn't too busy! The view from the bridge in the centre of town wasn't too shabby!
I had the wind in my face for 50 miles at this point and was glad to turn south for the Dukes Pass, passing Loch Venachar first!
I wouldn't mind living here with those views!
The next loch was Achray!
Another view of Achray from the southern side before starting the 3 mile climb over the Dukes Pass!
Then Loch Drunkie near the top of the pass!
The descent down into Aberfoyle was just superb, no cars holding me up like the last time I went this way!
From Aberfoyle I headed east on the A81 for Thornhill, passing the Lake of Menteith! This descent on fresh tarmac was amazing...I didn't want to stop!Another view of the 'lake' loch...
I was sure enjoying having the breeze at my back and at Thornhill I was heading due south and downhill for a mile or so and it was such a blast! I knew that would change at Kippen though with a 3.5 mile beast of a climb but it was worth it for these views and amazing roads!
Now came the main reason I chose this route, the descent down into Fintry is one of the best in the country and I had the wind at my back! I was grinning from ear to ear!
From Fintry I had the choice of going over the Campsie hills or taking the road past Carron Valley Reservoir, with the time close to 5pm I chose the Carron Valley to avoid the traffic in Lennoxtown! I made the right choice for sure, I didn't see a single car all the way along the valley and had these views to enjoy!Then I had a lovely long descent to look forward to all the way down into Denny, part way down the rain appeared from nowhere but luckily it didn't last and the roads remained dry! From Denny I headed down into Bonnybridge and up the climbs to Falkirk, stopping for my last photos with the Ochil Hills lit up in the distance!
Then it was back roads all the way home and boy was I tired but absolutely buzzing, that was one of my best days on the bike ever and what a way to pass the 3000 mile mark for the year!
3048 to be exact from 41 rides, an average of just over 74 miles! Imperial century number 8 and only half way through the year...Attachments
Watana Bob
Active Member
- Region
- USA
You sure have a beautiful country to ride in Rab and the legs to do it!View attachment 177383
After 8 days off the bike due to the awful weather I finally caught a break yesterday and took full advantage! I was going to depart very early but the 5C temp wasn't too inviting with a chilly NW wind blowing, so I waited until 10am when the temp was a perfect 11C! It seems every ride is 100 miles+ these days...give me a break weather!
View attachment 177392
View attachment 177393
A lady and a young girl appeared just before I left and the little one was in love with the foal!
View attachment 177394
View attachment 177395
Then I had this awesome descent to enjoy on lovely smooth tarmac!
View attachment 177396
From Doune I joined the main A84 to Callander, thankfully the road wasn't too busy! The view from the bridge in the centre of town wasn't too shabby!
View attachment 177397
I had the wind in my face for 50 miles at this point and was glad to turn south for the Dukes Pass, passing Loch Venachar first!
View attachment 177398
View attachment 177399
View attachment 177400
View attachment 177401
I wouldn't mind living here with those views!
View attachment 177402
The next loch was Achray!
View attachment 177403
View attachment 177404
View attachment 177405
Another view of Achray from the southern side before starting the 3 mile climb over the Dukes Pass!
View attachment 177406
Then Loch Drunkie near the top of the pass!
View attachment 177407
The descent down into Aberfoyle was just superb, no cars holding me up like the last time I went this way!
View attachment 177408
View attachment 177409
Another view of the 'lake' loch...
View attachment 177410
I was sure enjoying having the breeze at my back and at Thornhill I was heading due south and downhill for a mile or so and it was such a blast! I knew that would change at Kippen though with a 3.5 mile beast of a climb but it was worth it for these views and amazing roads!
View attachment 177411
View attachment 177412
View attachment 177413
Now came the main reason I chose this route, the descent down into Fintry is one of the best in the country and I had the wind at my back! I was grinning from ear to ear!
View attachment 177414
View attachment 177415
Then I had a lovely long descent to look forward to all the way down into Denny, part way down the rain appeared from nowhere but luckily it didn't last and the roads remained dry! From Denny I headed down into Bonnybridge and up the climbs to Falkirk, stopping for my last photos with the Ochil Hills lit up in the distance!
View attachment 177416
View attachment 177417
Then it was back roads all the way home and boy was I tired but absolutely buzzing, that was one of my best days on the bike ever and what a way to pass the 3000 mile mark for the year!
Jeremy McCreary
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
I think we should petition the National Institute of Standards and Technology for a new unit of distance: 1 Rab = 100 mi.
DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
I find it difficult to go even half a Rab!
Jeremy McCreary
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Carlsbad, CA
0.28 Rab is my butt-limited max so far, but I have a better saddle now, and my knees are between spells, so going for 0.40 Rab next.
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
1.63 Rab on a two day race and only 1.29 Rab on a single day!
Frankfurt Innenstadt
I visited Frankfurt for five times and only now I could discover it had an Old Town!
I got there with a Lime/Uber e-scooter, which was the fastest, the most logical, safe, and exciting way of transportation, especially given the excellent bike infrastructure and the respectful German drivers.
Only the new e-scooter parking rules made such a trip less exciting
The "Cathedral" or a huge Collegiate church. Since 1356, the site of the election and coronation of the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.
I attended the company dinner that was held at Paulaner am Dom, a huge brewery restaurant.
Bavarian food of Munich was the restaurant specialty. Here, Munich Pork Roast. The portion size would be normal in the United States but it was HUGE by European standards!
You can see me fighting to find a proper parking zone, then walking The German grammar makes me weep. You go "zum" (to: Neuter) Restaurant but "zur" (to: Feminine) Kneipe!
Leaving for Warsaw soon!
Frankfurt Innenstadt
I visited Frankfurt for five times and only now I could discover it had an Old Town!
I got there with a Lime/Uber e-scooter, which was the fastest, the most logical, safe, and exciting way of transportation, especially given the excellent bike infrastructure and the respectful German drivers.
Only the new e-scooter parking rules made such a trip less exciting
The "Cathedral" or a huge Collegiate church. Since 1356, the site of the election and coronation of the rulers of the Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation.
I attended the company dinner that was held at Paulaner am Dom, a huge brewery restaurant.
Bavarian food of Munich was the restaurant specialty. Here, Munich Pork Roast. The portion size would be normal in the United States but it was HUGE by European standards!
You can see me fighting to find a proper parking zone, then walking
The German grammar makes me weep. You go "zum" (to: Neuter) Restaurant but "zur" (to: Feminine) Kneipe! Leaving for Warsaw soon!
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DaveMatthews
Well-Known Member
Not sure about you lads, but I think we've all become Rabid...
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
It will soon end up with a Metric Century ride!
JGcycle
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Saint John
Not sure my battery, or my butt, could manage 100km.It will soon end up with a Metric Century ride!
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
Ready for the Mazovian Gravel 120 (2024)!
My Fearless is ready to go! 42 mm gravel tyres (tubeless at 2.8 bar/40 psi), new brake pads, 32T chainring, 11-51T 11-speed drivetrain and what not Using the main battery and 4 Range Extenders
MG 120 Race Route on Komoot
If you wouldn't be asleep, you can track me on BBTracker. I'm starting at 9:40 am CET on Saturday June 15th, 2024. Those of you who are in North America would probably be able to watch the ending kilometres of my ride. It is possible to search for the rider #720 and then just track me riding (Note: It is possible to set the tracker language to English).
I feel wonderfully! The organizers have modified the route according of my remarks of March 30th, making it safer, less exhausting yet still adventurous! I just can't wait!
My Fearless is ready to go! 42 mm gravel tyres (tubeless at 2.8 bar/40 psi), new brake pads, 32T chainring, 11-51T 11-speed drivetrain and what not
Using the main battery and 4 Range Extenders MG 120 Race Route on Komoot
If you wouldn't be asleep, you can track me on BBTracker. I'm starting at 9:40 am CET on Saturday June 15th, 2024. Those of you who are in North America would probably be able to watch the ending kilometres of my ride. It is possible to search for the rider #720 and then just track me riding
(Note: It is possible to set the tracker language to English).I feel wonderfully! The organizers have modified the route according of my remarks of March 30th, making it safer, less exhausting yet still adventurous! I just can't wait!
