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

[Chargeride]

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I was in 2 minds about going out today, with a 30mph WSW wind and heavy showers predicted I was reluctant to chance it! After lunch I had a look outside in all directions and it looked brighter to the east so the thought of having that 30mph tailwind filled me with enthusiasm so I went for it! I think this was actually my easiest ride for a very long time, especially the first 28 miles with that awesome tailwind! I had planned to head out to Dechmont and decide where to go from there depending on the rain clouds, when I reached the village I had a lightbulb moment and decided to continue east for another 8 miles and check out Edinburgh airport!

I arrived at the airport around 2.15pm and my average speed was 18.5mph, I was absolutely flying...excuse the pun! I had set 3pm as my cutoff to head back home and my luck was in as the awesome Qatar A350-900 departed just before 3pm! I took loads of photos of course, Edinburgh is very scenic with the Pentland Hills in the background!

EasyJet A320 Neo landing!

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British Airways A320 landing!

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Jet 2 737-800 landing!

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Aer Lingus ATR72-600 landing!

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British Airways A320 Neo departing!

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Ryanair Boeing 737 Max 8 departing!

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Norwegian 737-800 landing!

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A stunning view of the Pentland Hills in the background!

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The star of the show for me, Qatar A350-900 departing!

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It was now time to take on the wind all the way home, my first battery still had 76% remaining and I started with 90% so you can tell how much battery I used on the way to the airport! So I turned the assist up to level 2 and that pretty much negated the headwind on the flat for the first couple of miles! I grabbed these photos just as I was leaving the airport, I almost caught an EasyJet A320 landing in the same photo but I missed it by seconds...the River Almond runs alongside the airport!

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So far I had managed to avoid the rain but it wasn't looking promising out to the west!

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As I was approaching Winchburgh I could feel the rain in the air but it wasn't enough to even wet the road at this point, I continued west to Threemiletown and the rain started getting a little heavier and this time the roads were a bit wet! If I had continued west it would have taken me into Linlithgow, I decided to turn south towards Uphall despite it being darker that way but I wanted to avoid Linlithgow at all cost! I then turned west again on the back road to Beecraigs Country Park and thankfully the rain stopped, I made the decision not to take the road up to the park and opted to turn south towards Dechmont with the intention of using the back roads as much as possible!

At this point I was on Burnhouse road which is a cracking road and it was dry, its a proper rollercoaster road!

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This is just before the big dsecent looking SE with the Pentlands way in the distance!

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Time for the descent!

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Just before Dechmont I turned west to take the quiet back road which would take me to Torphicen, its such a fun road to ride as long as you don't meet any tractors (its very narrow) and my luck was in today! At this point things had cleared up and the roads were mainly dry, just before the big descent down into Torphicen I took this photo!

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The descent is just sublime and in 2 parts, each as good as the other and the headwind played no part thanks to the tree cover! I was now heading for Westfield and just as I was passing the viaduct the sun made a welcome appearance!

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When the sun came out the wind actually decreased significantly and the difference in temp was noticeable instantly, a short time later I turned north to take the back road into Avonbridge which starts with this awesome descent!

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I had the road all to myself all the way to Avonbridge, where I switched to my second battery at 47 miles! So I had loads of juice left for the climbs ahead, my second battery only had 80% but that was way more than enough! I passed through Avonbridge and continued west towards Limerigg, the sun stayed with me for now and I grabbed a couple of nice snaps half way between Avonbridge and Limerigg!

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As I neared Limeirigg the sun disappeared behind some dark clouds and it threatened to rain again, I stooped at the Black Loch for this photo!

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I continued on to Cladercruix where I joined the cycle path that leads to Plains, it was rush hour now so I stayed well away from the main roads! I came across some nice horses on the path, another photo opportunity!

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At Plains I took the back road up to the top of my home town to avoid the evening traffic and it worked a treat, arriving home soon after with a fraction under 60 miles in the bag so a little circuit near home brought up the 60 to satisfy my OCD... My bike was filthy so I decided to wash it before dinner or I would have been washing it in the dark! It turned out to be a cracking ride and I didn't get soaked which was a real bonus, only 3500ft of climbing for 60 miles is unusual in these parts and I wasn't complaining!

I used to be a planespotter in the 80's and 90's but sort of got bored due to a lack of variety at Glasgow and Edinburgh in those days, Glasgow is still struggling but Edinburgh has really taken off (excuse the pun again) and they are getting some really nice planes these days, including 4 United 757's daily until recently which are one of my favourite aircraft!I really enjoyed my 45 mins or so at the airport and will probably make a habit of returning when the weather suits!

@Prairie Dog The Mt Fuji photos have me salivating!

Uded to be a plane spotter ..eh
Couldnt have guessed

 

[Chargeride]

We thought about taking the Creos, removing their internal batteries and bringing the extenders but then it would be up to the discretion of the airline agents to allow them to be brought on board as carry on items. We couldn’t get a definitive answer from our carrier one way or the other. With the analog bikes, it would just be a matter of staying within the weight and dimensional standards set out by the airline so we were good to go. The Creos won’t be lonely too long as we’ll use them on the indoor trainer over the winter months.

We’ve had a wonderful time so far here but I suspect these trips will become an annual event as my wife’s mother is still among the present. She has been ill for a while and we don’t know how much longer she will be with us. Her care home is just around the corner from the family house which makes it much easier on everyone.

It certainly has been the highlight of our rides so far. No telling what’s next to come.

It’s a keeper for sure. I can only imagine what it’s like having a view of this beloved landmark from your front window.

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No ride today due to rain showers. From yesterday morning’s unremarkable recovery ride.

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A bit of self indulgence so early in the day.

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I was watching a youtube video of westerners buying old japanese classic houses because they are worthless to the locals, no one wants them.
You can end up with a beautiful vintage house for buttons and change ithe interior to a modern style.

 

[RabH]

Uded to be a plane spotter ..eh
Couldnt have guessed

Well I have maintained an interest and watch live streams all the time, its actually around 3 decades since I visited an airport though! I forgot to mention a total moron in a BMW X7 that blasted his horn and pointed to a cycle path next to the road when I was doing over 30mph, there were people walking the path....

 

[MartsEbike]

I'm no plane spotter... But I have found myself intrigued while watching BigJetTV on youtube! I swear the presenter is hoping for a crash, he has too much enthusiasm for when its about to go wrong!

 

[RabH]

I'm no plane spotter... But I have found myself intrigued while watching BigJetTV on youtube! I swear the presenter is hoping for a crash, he has too much enthusiasm for when its about to go wrong!

You are correct about Jerry's enthusiam, he lives and breathes aviation but he would never want to see a crash like all of us that watch! I have been a paying member of BigJetTv for over 4 years! He travels the world streaming and is actually live form DFW as we speak, its a members only show though...

 

[Prairie Dog]

I was watching a youtube video of westerners buying old japanese classic houses because they are worthless to the locals, no one wants them.
You can end up with a beautiful vintage house for buttons and change ithe interior to a modern style.

The family abode where we are staying at is likely one of those homes that you referred to. However, seeing that it’s facing a mountain side, there’s a good chance that it could be wiped out by a landslide. Same goes with some of the other homes and businesses along the street.

 

[MartsEbike]

You are correct about Jerry's enthusiam, he lives and breathes aviation but he would never want to see a crash like all of us that watch! I have been a paying member of BigJetTv for over 4 years! He travels the world streaming and is actually live form DFW as we speak, its a members only show though...

Yeah he's a great host, and like you say his enthusiasm is the draw for me watching it every now and then. I must admit I work for the orange airline based at LTN. You'll know which one! So would never want to see anyone come to any harm. But the pilots certainly earn their money on the windy days!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I must admit I work for the orange airline based at LTN.

Good that you do not work for another airline based there!
Never flew EasyJet but the Wizzair'/LTN combination makes me shudder
Nowadays, it is RYR/STN or BAW/LHR or LOT/LHR for me!

Our main Chopin Airport (WAW) is located very close to the centre of Warsaw. Although I cannot describe myself as a plane-spotter, I like watching aeroplanes, especially as I sit outside Burger King Okęcie The other airport Modlin (WMI) is small (so beautiful) but is far away from the city. WMI only serves Ryanair.

 

[MartsEbike]

Good that you do not work for another airline based there!
Never flew EasyJet but the Wizzair'/LTN combination makes me shudder
Nowadays, it is RYR/STN or BAW/LHR or LOT/LHR for me!

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Our main Chopin Airport (WAW) is located very close to the centre of Warsaw. Although I cannot describe myself as a plane-spotter, I like watching aeroplanes, especially as I sit outside Burger King Okęcie The other airport Modlin (WMI) is small (so beautiful) but is far away from the city. WMI only serves Ryanair.

Haha I'm a little biased as you might expect but you should give them a try one day!

The best part about LTN airport is the speed you can get out of it! It usually only takes 20mins to wait for baggage, get through customs and be out the door.. You can get to central London in around 30mins down the M1 motorway, or by using the train station linked to the airport. Businessmen / celebs often use LTN for its quick access to London, so lots of private jets to look at.

WizzAir are a funny airline, they appear to be constantly busy, but not really making any profit! They have flights (often delayed) landing at 3/4/5am some days. Engineers then have to do a daily check and carry out any minor repairs, ready for it to fly again from 6am! It doesn't leave much time.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The best part about LTN airport is the speed you can get out of it! It usually only takes 20mins to wait for baggage, get through customs and be out the door.. You can get to central London in around 30mins down the M1 motorway, or by using the train station linked to the airport. Businessmen / celebs often use LTN for its quick access to London, so lots of private jets to look at.

I like the size of LTN but would say the transport to London is not the airport's best asset

Once, I arrived in LTN by a train from South London. So far, so good. Then, it turned out the Wizz flight was cancelled! There was some 200 people queue to the handler. It also turned out the next connecting flight would be available in 2 or 3 days. Instead of waiting for a hotel provided by the airline (that would be located in the middle of nowhere, haha), I tried to get back to London. It then turned out there were so many people trying to get out from the airport any transportation means were unavailable!

After several hours, I was back in South London, and re-booked my hotel in Old Kent Road to patiently wait for my return flight...

Never Wizzair again and at best avoiding Luton!

Nothing beats taking the Tube from LHR

 

[MartsEbike]

I like the size of LTN but would say the transport to London is not the airport's best asset

Once, I arrived in LTN by a train from South London. So far, so good. Then, it turned out the Wizz flight was cancelled! There was some 200 people queue to the handler. It also turned out the next connecting flight would be available in 2 or 3 days. Instead of waiting for a hotel provided by the airline (that would be located in the middle of nowhere, haha), I tried to get back to London. It then turned out there were so many people trying to get out from the airport any transportation means were unavailable!

After several hours, I was back in South London, and re-booked my hotel in Old Kent Road to patiently wait for my return flight...

Never Wizzair again and at best avoiding Luton!

Nothing beats taking the Tube from LHR

Haha! If you arrived anytime in the last 3-4 years (In fact I forget exactly how long myself! Its felt like forever) the place was manic - LTN was voted worse airport in the UK , but they were doing a lot of building work behind the scenes. The airport looked embarrassing while they were undertaking it! Everyone rightly slated it at the time because it did create delays and confusion for travellers. Since then many of these works have now completed, with new departure area upgrades, new security area -much larger and quicker than before, new bag drop areas, customs improvements etc and outside bus station improvements. Also relocated the taxi rank for better access, and opened a "Dart" system (like a monorail thing) connected to the train station - so no more of those packed shuttle buses. Its quite funny really because when they finished the building works the brand new multi-story car park burnt down, hundreds of cars were ablaze, and it partially collapsed! They're building another one now.

Around this time of all this manic building works, I made the big mistake of walking through the terminal wearing my company branded jacket - everyone (and I mean hundreds of people!) flocked to me like I was customer support asking where they needed to go, what they needed to do. I was out of my depth big time! Being an engineer just trying to buy my lunch I hadn't a clue - I wasn't expecting it, I couldn't handle it and quickly got the hell out of there!!!!! I learnt a lesson that day and have never worn my work coat in the terminal ever again.

Never ever fly WizzAir.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Thank you Marts for your eye-opening post!

The main issue is the WAW-LTN destination is only operated by the infamous WZZ Yes, there are direct flights of EZY from LTN to KRK, and that explains the big number of Englishmen in our old capital city!

 

[Chargeride]

This my enduring memory of Luton airport.

 

[JGcycle]

A couple of pics from today's 23km ride:

 

[Chargeride]

The week so far of married men let loose on ebikes mules from home.
My mate Brain has never been to Devon before, so I did a grand tour

The pubs, lanes, and cute little Coves first.

Then the impossible trail, he was quite confident for this, but collapsed quickly.
His super trick unrestricted bike was of no use.

Followed by guess how deep it will get.

Then miles of muddy bog.

Followed by the Devon bull run, two of them gave us the 'shall not pass', we ran at them shouting and turboed past, pretty scary.

His brand new motor outperformed mine, his legs and lungs also.

An hour on the coastal path blew him away, it was hard trying to keep up and after one climb I nearly puked up from the effort.

It reached 16 degrees in late October and not a soul on the track, pure bliss.

Sharing the view is actually more fulfilling.

The visibility was 30 miles, very little wind and just two old men challenging each other against the terrain

I got some amazing footage of our descents.

Leg wobbling drops

Soul satisfying scenery to roll into.

Ended the day in a cute pizza bar, gorgeous waitress, rum and coke and
tired limbs

Got home to zero bars.
Simply perfect first two rides

 

[MartsEbike]

That looks like fun

The week so far of married men let loose on ebikes mules from home.
My mate Brain has never been to Devon before, so I did a grand tour
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The pubs, lanes, and cute little Coves first.
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Then the impossible trail, he was quite confident for this, but collapsed quickly.
His super trick unrestricted bike was of no use.
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Followed by guess how deep it will get.
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Then miles of muddy bog.
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Followed by the Devon bull run, two of them gave us the 'shall not pass', we ran at them shouting and turboed past, pretty scary.
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His brand new motor outperformed mine, his legs and lungs also.
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An hour on the coastal path blew him away, it was hard trying to keep up and after one climb I nearly puked up from the effort.
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It reached 16 degrees in late October and not a soul on the track, pure bliss.
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Sharing the view is actually more fulfilling.
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The visibility was 30 miles, very little wind and just two old men challenging each other against the terrain
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I got some amazing footage of our descents.
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Leg wobbling drops
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Soul satisfying scenery to roll into.
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Ended the day in a cute pizza bar, gorgeous waitress, rum and coke and
tired limbs
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Got home to zero bars.
Simply perfect first two rides
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Great photos, what a great place to ride! Those wet muddy sections are what I love to ride myself on my Frey EX! If you get too bogged down just hit the throttle and plough through it!

The only problem is if you do fall off you can't go to the pub afterwards!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Followed by guess how deep it will get.

Then miles of muddy bog.

Reminds me of Poland on some months

Followed by the Devon bull run, two of them gave us the 'shall not pass', we ran at them shouting and turboed past, pretty scary.

England is so different from Poland! You cannot ride across a private land in Poland but we have a lot of public land and trails instead.

I once met a bull that was allowed to graze on a public dirt road by a foreign shepherd I was scared to death!

Soul satisfying scenery to roll into.

I wouldn't dare to ride trails you are riding, even not on an e-MTB

rum and coke

My man!

 

[Prairie Dog]

A few images from yesterday’s 55 km brisk ride up to the village of Amehata and back.

Water levels of both the Amehata River and Lake were low and we noticed that the work crews on the dam were dredging sections of the river below the road. It was our guess that they were reusing the accumulated sediment created from the last typhoon as aggregate for other construction projects.

One of two tunnels that we rode through. We didn’t encounter any vehicles on these occasions but coming back was a different story.

The Amehata suspension bridge is the second one that we’ve been on. If you might recall, the other was on our trip to Narada.

It would have been nice to see the river flowing but with the dam floodgates diverting the water for the work crews, this was the view from the bridge.

For 200 yen, a tour through this Japanese ink stone (suzuri) museum and shop was well worth the price of admission for a chance to see some of the intricately carved works. The mine near the village is known throughout the country as one of the best sources of silica slate which the ink vessels are made from. The suzuri are used in the art of Japanese calligraphy but it’s the hardened charcoal stick that produces the ink when combined with water.

Sai tries her hand at the art form which she was taught as a young school girl.

The character symbolizes sky or heaven above.

Another 2km up the road was Kennshino Falls. At 500 meters high it was quite impressive. According to legend there supposedly is gold up at the second basin of the falls.

We start heading back down towards the main hwy but have to be cautious about the narrow roads and vehicles coming up in the opposite direction particularly along the wet roads through the tunnels. Otherwise it was an absolute blast hurtling down the descent.

Afterwards, we stopped at a tourist info center in nearby Hayakawa beside a nice restaurant where we treated ourselves to some warm bowls of ramen. Soo good.

Our rides up to this point have been outstanding and the mountainous terrain certainly makes up for the flatlands back at home. A little more than two weeks remain in our stay here and we hope to make the most of it.

Followup footage from our ride up Inokashira Rindo (Mountain Road)

 

[RabH]

Imperial century #20 for the year!

I looked at the forecast last night and it looked fine for a long ride out to Burntisland but when I woke this morning it was showing rain from 8am to after 10am! I looked outside and it was a little damp but certainly not wet at this point, the weather was supposed to improve as the day progressed so I set off before 8am and headed north for Kincardine! There was very little wind at this point and the temp was about 8C and it was a little misty, the wind was forecast to increase throughout the day from the ENE!

I made my way down to Falkirk on the back roads, hurtling down the big descent into Glen Village at 42mph! Up until now it remained dry and I was buzzing after that descent, I continued on into Grangemouth and grabbed a photo of the Kelpies! It wasn't the best day for photos as it was very murky but we can't have it all...

I then continued on to Kincardine where I felt the first spots of rain at just over 22 miles, the clouds didn't actually look threatening but soon the rain started to increase! I stopped for a couple of photos of the misty Ochil Hills just after Kincardine, at least I could see them!

I was now heading for Forestmill where I would take the back road to Saline, the rain was getting heavy now and visibility was getting worse! At Saline I started up the big climb which levels out and then ramps up again at Steelend, thankfully it had cleared up a bit but it was still raining!

The climb at Steelend!

I reached the top and could now feel the wind in my face, a direct headwind but not too bad for now! I was now heading due east for Kelty, I enjoyed the big descent down into the town and turned south for Crossgates! I had a beast of a climb ahead up to Hill of Beath, this is almost at the top looking back down! The last time I got to descend this one, that sure was fun!

Yes it was still raining but it didn't dampen my spirit as I wasn't cold, at Crossgates I turned east again towards Mossmorran wind farm and the wind was picking up but nothing like the crazy winds we have been experiencing for a while! At the wind farm I turned SE and had a lovely descent for almost 2 miles before the road ramped up again!

This was part way up looking back down!

Stenhouse Reservoir part way up the climb!

Looking back down again!

I then reached the summit and had the long fast descent down into Burntisland ahead, shame it was wet though!

The descent was still awesome though and I arrived in Burntisland with 50 miles covered, the half way point! Now it was time to head SW which meant I had the wind at my back now, not quite the 30mph tailwind I enjoyed on Tuesday but it made quite a difference! I stopped for this photo looking across the Forth at Burntisland!

I now had a big climb again for 1.5 miles but with the tailwind it was pretty easy, the road then flattens out for a bit and I stopped for these photos! Edinburgh is across the water but it was hidden today!

I was now approaching Aberdour where I had a lovely 16% descent, I stopped for more photos before hurtling down it!

Normally you can see the Forth bridges from here but they were hidden in the murk today, the rain still continued and showed no sign of letting up! I continued towards Inverkeithing where I stopped for lunch and headed south over the Forth Road Bridge, grabbing the obligatory photos of the iconic rail bridge to the east!

The Queensferry Crossing to the west!

After crossing I turned west towards Newton and got another couple of photos of the bridges while they were still in view!

At Newton I turned south for Winchburgh to get off the main road and enjoy some quieter roads, there is a lot of building work going on in Winchburgh with a massive new housing scheme progressing well but it will take a long time to complete! At least they have built some really nice wide cycle paths and I took advantage of them! I was now on the road to Threemiletown and like Tuesday I turned south there to take the road towards Uphall and once again I turned west towards Beecraigs Country Park and joined Burnhouse road to enjoy the descent down to Dechmont!

From there I used the cycle paths all the way to Whitburn and turned north on to the cycle path up to Armadale! Then I took the cycle path west to Blackridge and used the quiet back road that joins the main road from Harthill to Salsburgh, time for a big climb again but I turned for Shotts part way up and took the back road past the prison! Then I had the big climb up to Kirk of Shotts, part way up I stopped for a photo of the Ostriches at one of the farms!

Then I turned on to my favourite back road to Hareshaw which is pretty much downhill for about 3 miles and I had the wind at my back all the way, that sure was fun!

I usually don't stop on this road because its so much fun but I decided to stop for a couple of photos as I hadn't taken so many due to the conditions today!

Thankfully the rain had now stopped and I enjoyed dry roads all the way home! It wasn't the best day for a ride, certainly my wettest 100 miler this year! I wanted to get this done before the clocks change at the weekend to get my 20th imperial century for the year! By far the most I have done since 2012 when I managed 14!

 

[JGcycle]

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Imperial century #20 for the year!

I looked at the forecast last night and it looked fine for a long ride out to Burntisland but when I woke this morning it was showing rain from 8am to after 10am! I looked outside and it was a little damp but certainly not wet at this point, the weather was supposed to improve as the day progressed so I set off before 8am and headed north for Kincardine! There was very little wind at this point and the temp was about 8C and it was a little misty, the wind was forecast to increase throughout the day from the ENE!

I made my way down to Falkirk on the back roads, hurtling down the big descent into Glen Village at 42mph! Up until now it remained dry and I was buzzing after that descent, I continued on into Grangemouth and grabbed a photo of the Kelpies! It wasn't the best day for photos as it was very murky but we can't have it all...

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I then continued on to Kincardine where I felt the first spots of rain at just over 22 miles, the clouds didn't actually look threatening but soon the rain started to increase! I stopped for a couple of photos of the misty Ochil Hills just after Kincardine, at least I could see them!

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I was now heading for Forestmill where I would take the back road to Saline, the rain was getting heavy now and visibility was getting worse! At Saline I started up the big climb which levels out and then ramps up again at Steelend, thankfully it had cleared up a bit but it was still raining!

The climb at Steelend!

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I reached the top and could now feel the wind in my face, a direct headwind but not too bad for now! I was now heading due east for Kelty, I enjoyed the big descent down into the town and turned south for Crossgates! I had a beast of a climb ahead up to Hill of Beath, this is almost at the top looking back down! The last time I got to descend this one, that sure was fun!

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Yes it was still raining but it didn't dampen my spirit as I wasn't cold, at Crossgates I turned east again towards Mossmorran wind farm and the wind was picking up but nothing like the crazy winds we have been experiencing for a while! At the wind farm I turned SE and had a lovely descent for almost 2 miles before the road ramped up again!

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This was part way up looking back down!

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Stenhouse Reservoir part way up the climb!

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Looking back down again!

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I then reached the summit and had the long fast descent down into Burntisland ahead, shame it was wet though!

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The descent was still awesome though and I arrived in Burntisland with 50 miles covered, the half way point! Now it was time to head SW which meant I had the wind at my back now, not quite the 30mph tailwind I enjoyed on Tuesday but it made quite a difference! I stopped for this photo looking across the Forth at Burntisland!

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I now had a big climb again for 1.5 miles but with the tailwind it was pretty easy, the road then flattens out for a bit and I stopped for these photos! Edinburgh is across the water but it was hidden today!

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I was now approaching Aberdour where I had a lovely 16% descent, I stopped for more photos before hurtling down it!

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Normally you can see the Forth bridges from here but they were hidden in the murk today, the rain still continued and showed no sign of letting up! I continued towards Inverkeithing where I stopped for lunch and headed south over the Forth Road Bridge, grabbing the obligatory photos of the iconic rail bridge to the east!

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The Queensferry Crossing to the west!

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After crossing I turned west towards Newton and got another couple of photos of the bridges while they were still in view!

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At Newton I turned south for Winchburgh to get off the main road and enjoy some quieter roads, there is a lot of building work going on in Winchburgh with a massive new housing scheme progressing well but it will take a long time to complete! At least they have built some really nice wide cycle paths and I took advantage of them! I was now on the road to Threemiletown and like Tuesday I turned south there to take the road towards Uphall and once again I turned west towards Beecraigs Country Park and joined Burnhouse road to enjoy the descent down to Dechmont!

From there I used the cycle paths all the way to Whitburn and turned north on to the cycle path up to Armadale! Then I took the cycle path west to Blackridge and used the quiet back road that joins the main road from Harthill to Salsburgh, time for a big climb again but I turned for Shotts part way up and took the back road past the prison! Then I had the big climb up to Kirk of Shotts, part way up I stopped for a photo of the Ostriches at one of the farms!

View attachment 184943
Then I turned on to my favourite back road to Hareshaw which is pretty much downhill for about 3 miles and I had the wind at my back all the way, that sure was fun!

I usually don't stop on this road because its so much fun but I decided to stop for a couple of photos as I hadn't taken so many due to the conditions today!

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Thankfully the rain had now stopped and I enjoyed dry roads all the way home! It wasn't the best day for a ride, certainly my wettest 100 miler this year! I wanted to get this done before the clocks change at the weekend to get my 20th imperial century for the year! By far the most I have done since 2012 when I managed 14!

20 imperial centuries--very impressive--congrats.