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

[Jeremy McCreary]

I also have a range extender! I rode to St Albans on virtually no power, just a couple of squirts of eco mode to help on a few small hills but otherwise over half of this ride was unpowered. When I got to St Albans I still had 142% of charge. The built-in lights had used up around 5-6% of charge!

Find myself riding my SL in OFF more and more. Very peaceful, but it seems a little too easy at times. Maybe it has a hidden motor. Or maybe the mothership's messing with me with their tractor beam again.
;^}

By the time I reached Hemel Hempstead I still had 122% of charge available! After that I was in "get home mode", and knowing I had power to spare it was pretty much all Sports and Turbo mode - especially down the bridleways and canal towpath. My legs didn't have much left in them by then!

My last comment notwithstanding, I also find myself staying out a little longer than I should — partly because I'm enjoying the bike, and partly to have a good excuse to dash home in SPORT. The Carrot Effect definitely kicks in here, as my own power output also goes up.

These SLs seem to have a curious psychology of their own.

 

[MartsEbike]

Find myself riding my SL in OFF more and more. Seems a little too easy at times. Maybe it has a hidden motor. Or maybe the mothership's messing with me with their tractor beam again.
;^}


My last comment notwithstanding, I also find myself staying out a little longer than I should — partly because I'm enjoying the bike, and partly to have a good excuse to dash home in SPORT. The Carrot Effect definitely kicks in here, as my own power output also goes up.

These SLs have a curious psychology all their own.

I completely get it now Jeremy! You can get so far on leg power alone that it allows you to be more liberal with the power on the run home! Have to say on my Frey I never really had a carrot effect - you could settle into "ghost pedalling", but on the Vado SL you're 100% right, as you up the power your legs want to spin faster! Cadence goes up considerably! I had to knock it back to Eco/Sports on occasion to give my legs a rest!

 

[JGcycle]

A few pics from today's 27km ride:

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Hi Stefan haha I'm getting fitter and more confident on this bike! Its liberating knowing you won't be completely stranded if you run out of power!

I'm definitely going to invest in mudguards, and a suspension seat post! I have some Crankbrothers pedals being delivered tomorrow too

I also have a range extender! I rode to St Albans on virtually no power, just a couple of squirts of eco mode to help on a few small hills but otherwise over half of this ride was unpowered. When I got to St Albans I still had 142% of charge. The built-in lights had used up around 5-6% of charge!

By the time I reached Hemel Hempstead I still had 122% of charge available! After that I was in "get home mode", and knowing I had power to spare it was pretty much all Sports and Turbo mode - especially down the bridleways and canal towpath. My legs didn't have much left in them by then!

The "off-road" sections used up most of the charge but I still reached home with 86% charge in the batteries. This might be the first bike I'll do a 100 mile ride on.

I'm proud of you Marts, I really am! I think your leg output is twice of mine, and that's a real battery charge saver! (I am also proud of Jeremy, as you both guys have really won new life with your SLs!) The Range Extender will surely enable you Martin to do Centuries, I'm sure! Now, reconsider the suspension seat-post. Do you really need it?

Now guys, @RabH, @Jeremy McCreary, @JGcycle, @MartsEbike please report the weather! As for myself, I'm just back from an evening shopping ride, which involved dense fog and -1 deg C (that's the proper Polish November for you). The fog caused a very low average speed for my ride, around 18 km/h, which is very slow as for the big Vado!

 

[JGcycle]

I'm proud of you Marts, I really am! I think your leg output is twice of mine, and that's a real battery charge saver! (I am also proud of Jeremy, as you both guys have really won new life with your SLs!) The Range Extender will surely enable you Martin to do Centuries, I'm sure! Now, reconsider the suspension seat-post. Do you really need it?

Now guys, @RabH, @Jeremy McCreary, @JGcycle, @MartsEbike please report the weather! As for myself, I'm just back from an evening shopping ride, which involved dense fog and -1 deg C (that's the proper Polish November for you). The fog caused a very low average speed for my ride, around 18 km/h, which is very slow as for the big Vado!

It was 16c, with a mix of sun and clouds for today's ride.

 

[MartsEbike]

I'm proud of you Marts, I really am! I think your leg output is twice of mine, and that's a real battery charge saver! (I am also proud of Jeremy, as you both guys have really won new life with your SLs!) The Range Extender will surely enable you Martin to do Centuries, I'm sure! Now, reconsider the suspension seat-post. Do you really need it?

Yep, a suspension seat post brings its challenges in fitting it, but it needs something! If I'm ever to achieve a century ride I need to make it as comfortable as possible.

On many roads and cycle paths, it's not too bad. But gravel/hardpacked ground can be bumpy. The Future Shock helps keep the arms fresh removing much of the jolting, but it's the rear end that starts hurting over long runs. It tires you out being bumped around! I'm thinking of changing the seat first... My other bike has a Selle SMP TRK which is quite comfortable. It has more cushioning than the seat that came with the bike. I just need to work out a way of mounting the built-in rear light. I don't want to lose the built-in lights as it was a life-saver on this ride. The extra rear light I fitted ran out of charge about halfway and on dark countryside roads with cars travelling at up to 60mph (sometimes more!), you need that visibility.

The weather was pretty good on the last ride 10-12C, cloudy to begin with and a little misty later on. But wouldn't want to ride it in -1C, you need thermals for that weather!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Now guys, @RabH, @Jeremy McCreary, @JGcycle, @MartsEbike please report the weather!

At noon today, 74°F with clear skies — about 10° warmer than usual for early November due to an ongoing Santa Ana wind event.

Instead of coming off the Pacific, the flow is coming off the deserts and then over the mountains to our NNE. These unusually warm, dry winds — in places, well over 50 mph — happen to be flowing over the driest vegetation of the year, as our winter rains have yet to start up.

Getting little wind here at the coast, but the inland wildfire danger is extreme. Authorities fear a repeat of the SoCal wildfire beakout around LA earlier this fall. But this time, San Diego County could be involved.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I'm thinking of changing the seat first...

While your Selle SMP TRK looks nice, I'd say the Specialized Bridge Sport supplied with the Vado SL proved to be the most comfortable saddle I've ever owned. Ya, but I did a lot to make my riding position as sporty (forward leaning) as practical, which relieved a lot of my body mass from the saddle. Not the way everybody wanted to go for sure!

. I just need to work out a way of mounting the built-in rear light.

This would also relate to the wire routing through the suspension seat-post, which leaves the Kinekt 2.1 as the best option (I am not a fan of the Thudbuster). I think a person of your profession would be capable to manage the wire routing FYI, my both suspension seat-posts are now set to Firm setting, so these only activate in a rough terrain, and I never experience the 'pedal-bob' phenomenon.

The extra rear light I fitted ran out of charge about halfway and on dark countryside roads with cars travelling at up to 60mph (sometimes more!), you need that visibility.

As I had to eliminate the stock tail-light of Vado SL, I had to use an external seat-post tail-light. I lost my Knog on the September race but that was found. Now, I lost my Knog again for good on "All Bridges of Warsaw"! (It could be nicked by someone when I had a lunch in Fregata!) Going for a new Lezyne Strip Drive Pro 400+ but I'm not happy at all!

Guys, I'm jealous of temperatures you enjoy on your rides. My -1C clothing is:

• Merino wool long johns and long sleeve shirt
• Warm socks
• Long padded trousers with braces made from thermal fabric
• A Helly Hansen midlayer sailing jacket (the Best Buy: lightweight, breathable, perfectly insulating, not restraining body movements)
• A balaclava
• A snowboarding helmet
• Cycling goggles
• Very warm cycling gloves (with an inner membrane).

I hate the cold season!

Fog at 0 C (temperature dropping). I'm so proud of my Vado 6.0 lighting! The Polish name for November -- Listopad -- translates to "Leaf Fall"

I also have a range extender!

Now fancy my range (Main + RE) in my default 55/55% assistance is only 116 km! (It is because my own input is so low, and I ride assisted at all times).

I have some Crankbrothers pedals being delivered tomorrow too

I didn't mention the pedals yet but it is the best buy for you!

 

[Readytoride]

Thank you, Flora! I miss your wonderful posts, I hope you are doing ok?

Yes, thank you. We're doing fine, but my riding has been severely limited by the exceptionally high scorching temperatures and/or unrelenting rain we've suffered this summer here in Virginia. My bikes were actually gathering dust and cobwebs in the garage (I kid you not) this summer as the house's dual HVAC systems did a yeoman's job keeping the house interior at a livable cool temp.

Now that the stranglehold of a record breaking summer is over, and slightly less intense, albeit still above normal, temps prevail, the siding renovation project of our almost 40 year old barn has taken up all our time. Slotted in as well has been delightfully fun midday grandma/toddler grandson playdates every week, leaving precious little for the bike on any fair riding days of Autumn. When I can squeeze in a ride, the time is brief and distances are even briefer, no thanks to us being the unwilling participants in a record breaking drought- 6 weeks without measurable rain - resulting in our marvelous network of gravel roads being overlaid by heavy blankets of choking dust that rise into the air in a thick foggy cloud with the passing of any car or truck, and remain airborne for what seems to feel like forever. It is tough breathing in that road dust, and the views are obscured until one has petaled long enough to emerge into breathable clear air before another vehicle comes along to continue the same sing and dance of coughing and strained breathing. The dry dust also makes the road surface thick and slippery, and the washboard surface created by the traffic is a nightmare to negotiate. Even the local vultures are staying well out of reach of that road dust.

It's not been any fun.

For the time being, until we get rain, I'm relegated to the sparce offerings of our limited supply of paved roads. Which means mostly "up and back" rides which, while the views are generally nice and traffic is exceptionally polite and friendly and the air breathable, is simply exercise and not particularly noteworthy.

I did, however, manage to toss all my adult obligations to the wind the other day and head the Gazelle south on the paved roads into the lower county for 20 miles of morning bliss. The trees everywhere are slowly releasing their bounty of brown and pastel colored autumn leaves to blanket the ground below, even as the fields stubbornly refuse to give up the remaining summer green grass being kept healthy and alive by copious amounts of heavy morning dew.

My route happened to coincide with the Thursday territory of the hunt. As luck would have it I bumped into them midway, so stopped to watch as the hounds were working a line just out of sight up a rise next to the road. One of the hunt Whips rode up to me, and the two of us stood, quietly chatting while we listened to the Hounds. We lucked out being front row and center to a beautiful "tally-ho", and both of us watched entranced as a fox trotted at length across our field of view, laying a line that became a scent puzzle for the hounds a few minutes later. It is fascinating to watch the natural talents of the hounds as they found, lost, re-found, re-lost, and found once again the line laid by the fox. Up and over the rise the hounds streamed in a flood of orange and white, finally disappearing into a deep woods where their song bounced and echoed among the half naked trees. In short order the Field came into view, one and all impeccably groomed in hunt attire on horses that were no less impeccably groomed, dutifully riding in an orderly line following the fading music still echoing in the woods out of view. As the last of the riders disappeared into the woods, the Whip standing next to me took her leave as well. We said our goodbyes and rode off in different directions - me holding true to the paved road while she took a jump into the field and galloped up the rise in the direction of the now silent hounds who had obviously lost the line.

The remainder of the ride was quiet and unassuming, the temperatures slowing rising into summertime range as the roads looped me back towards home, the trees randomly dropping bits of dried brown leaves here and there over my head as I passed beneath.

With the barn renovation project completed, I have had more time with the Gazelle between grandma duties, and managed one or two outings with my neighbor, but all have been limited distances. If I have any rides of note come up, I'll be back in this thread to share.

 

[MartsEbike]

While your Selle SMP TRK looks nice, I'd say the Specialized Bridge Sport supplied with the Vado SL proved to be the most comfortable saddle I've ever owned. Ya, but I did a lot to make my riding position as sporty (forward leaning) as practical, which relieved a lot of my body mass from the saddle. Not the way everybody wanted to go for sure!

The Bridge Sport isn't a bad seat, it's much more comfortable than the seat that came on my Sirrus. I forget the name of it but it is very similar in design but with less padding. I had to remove it after one ride! I noticed on the Specialized website that the Bridge Sport seat comes in two sizes and I probably have the wrong size.

This would also relate to the wire routing through the suspension seat-post, which leaves the Kinekt 2.1 as the best option (I am not a fan of the Thudbuster). I think a person of your profession would be capable to manage the wire routing FYI, my both suspension seat-posts are now set to Firm setting, so these only activate in a rough terrain, and I never experience the 'pedal-bob' phenomenon.

Yeah I see others have already done it so it shouldn't be an issue. But I have the usual issue of stock. In the UK they only seem to be available from Amazon and eBay. No "bike shop" has them listed. So I'm a little worried the ones on Amazon/ebay are fake knock-offs. Plus they're listed at a premium compared to US prices. US websites are selling them for $269. Which is about £210. But on Amazon UK, they're selling for £320.

I checked the Kinekt website too, but no stock, and also it shows no dealers located in the UK either. This is giving me bad vibes about the ebay/Amazon listings.

I may have to look to a US/EU vendor instead. Even with shipping costs its still cheaper than buying from Amazon.

Fog at 0 C (temperature dropping). I'm so proud of my Vado 6.0 lighting! The Polish name for November -- Listopad -- translates to "Leaf Fall"

Wow, those front lights work well - much brighter than mine! The standard lights that come with the bike are "ok", I've had brighter ones, but it's the piece of mind knowing you have them. bolted on too so nobody can steal it!

I also lost a rear light myself recently. Fell off somewhere during a ride! Very annoying!

New pedals arrived this morning too!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

The Bridge Sport isn't a bad seat, it's much more comfortable than the seat that came on my Sirrus. I forget the name of it but it is very similar in design but with less padding. I had to remove it after one ride! I noticed on the Specialized website that the Bridge Sport seat comes in two sizes and I probably have the wrong size.

Padded shorts or bibs, maybe?

Yeah I see others have already done it so it shouldn't be an issue. But I have the usual issue of stock. In the UK they only seem to be available from Amazon and eBay. No "bike shop" has them listed. So I'm a little worried the ones on Amazon/ebay are fake knock-offs. Plus they're listed at a premium compared to US prices. US websites are selling them for $269. Which is about £210. But on Amazon UK, they're selling for £320.

This is a genuine product. I used to buy suspension seat-posts and other parts from Amazon. Amazon keeps the items in STOCK in their UK warehouse, so you are getting your product quickly. Please read the Cirrus Cycle website whether you need an LR or XR. Check the diameter (27.2 mm) and the length!

Regarding the price: US gives net prices that are increased by sales tax at the checkout. British and Euro prices are increased by VAT and the import tax, and these taxes are included in the listed price.

Wow, those front lights work well - much brighter than mine! The standard lights that come with the bike are "ok", I've had brighter ones, but it's the piece of mind knowing you have them. bolted on too so nobody can steal it!

As Vado 6.0 is a moped Specialized had to equip the e-bike with automotive class, Type Rated Supernova 99 Pro lighting With a STOP indicator!

New pedals arrived this morning too!

Hurray!

 

[Frank/Delaware]

Yes, thank you. We're doing fine, but my riding has been severely limited by the exceptionally high scorching temperatures and/or unrelenting rain we've suffered this summer here in Virginia. My bikes were actually gathering dust and cobwebs in the garage (I kid you not) this summer as the house's dual HVAC systems did a yeoman's job keeping the house interior at a livable cool temp.

Now that the stranglehold of a record breaking summer is over, and slightly less intense, albeit still above normal, temps prevail, the siding renovation project of our almost 40 year old barn has taken up all our time. Slotted in as well has been delightfully fun midday grandma/toddler grandson playdates every week, leaving precious little for the bike on any fair riding days of Autumn. When I can squeeze in a ride, the time is brief and distances are even briefer, no thanks to us being the unwilling participants in a record breaking drought- 6 weeks without measurable rain - resulting in our marvelous network of gravel roads being overlaid by heavy blankets of choking dust that rise into the air in a thick foggy cloud with the passing of any car or truck, and remain airborne for what seems to feel like forever. It is tough breathing in that road dust, and the views are obscured until one has petaled long enough to emerge into breathable clear air before another vehicle comes along to continue the same sing and dance of coughing and strained breathing. The dry dust also makes the road surface thick and slippery, and the washboard surface created by the traffic is a nightmare to negotiate. Even the local vultures are staying well out of reach of that road dust.
View attachment 185464
It's not been any fun.

For the time being, until we get rain, I'm relegated to the sparce offerings of our limited supply of paved roads. Which means mostly "up and back" rides which, while the views are generally nice and traffic is exceptionally polite and friendly and the air breathable, is simply exercise and not particularly noteworthy.

I did, however, manage to toss all my adult obligations to the wind the other day and head the Gazelle south on the paved roads into the lower county for 20 miles of morning bliss. The trees everywhere are slowly releasing their bounty of brown and pastel colored autumn leaves to blanket the ground below, even as the fields stubbornly refuse to give up the remaining summer green grass being kept healthy and alive by copious amounts of heavy morning dew.

My route happened to coincide with the Thursday territory of the hunt. As luck would have it I bumped into them midway, so stopped to watch as the hounds were working a line just out of sight up a rise next to the road. One of the hunt Whips rode up to me, and the two of us stood, quietly chatting while we listened to the Hounds. We lucked out being front row and center to a beautiful "tally-ho", and both of us watched entranced as a fox trotted at length across our field of view, laying a line that became a scent puzzle for the hounds a few minutes later. It is fascinating to watch the natural talents of the hounds as they found, lost, re-found, re-lost, and found once again the line laid by the fox. Up and over the rise the hounds streamed in a flood of orange and white, finally disappearing into a deep woods where their song bounced and echoed among the half naked trees. In short order the Field came into view, one and all impeccably groomed in hunt attire on horses that were no less impeccably groomed, dutifully riding in an orderly line following the fading music still echoing in the woods out of view. As the last of the riders disappeared into the woods, the Whip standing next to me took her leave as well. We said our goodbyes and rode off in different directions - me holding true to the paved road while she took a jump into the field and galloped up the rise in the direction of the now silent hounds who had obviously lost the line.
View attachment 185465

The remainder of the ride was quiet and unassuming, the temperatures slowing rising into summertime range as the roads looped me back towards home, the trees randomly dropping bits of dried brown leaves here and there over my head as I passed beneath.
View attachment 185466

With the barn renovation project completed, I have had more time with the Gazelle between grandma duties, and managed one or two outings with my neighbor, but all have been limited distances. If I have any rides of note come up, I'll be back in this thread to share.

so good to have you back - look forward to more

 

[MartsEbike]

This is a genuine product. I used to buy suspension seat-posts and other parts from Amazon. Amazon keeps the items in STOCK in their UK warehouse, so you are getting your product quickly. Please read the Cirrus Cycle website whether you need an LR or XR. Check the diameter (27.2 mm) and the length!

Regarding the price: US gives net prices that are increased by sales tax at the checkout. British and Euro prices are increased by VAT and the import tax, and these taxes are included in the listed price.

Hi Stefan, when Amazon and eBay are the only options it raises massive red flags for me, even if it says sold by Amazon.

I'd normally expect a product like this to be widely available through bike shops.

I accounted for taxes and shipping. But I've never paid import duties on anything except my Frey bike - and another UK member on EBR received their bike on the same day and paid no import taxes - and it was the same bike delivered to the UK on the same flight! You have to be unlucky to pay import duties!

I'm going to use the contact form on the Cirrus website and ask about it

 

[dodgeman]

We hauled our bikes to Gulf Shores Alabama. They have lots of bike trails in the park. We are taking fairly short rides, a little under 10 miles. This picture is through the woods.

 

[RabH]

Another decent day for a ride with light winds and a temp of 12C @Stefan Mikes which is very mild for here in November! I headed out to Shieldhill on the back roads and stopped for a couple of photos of the Forth Valley with the Ochil Hills in the background before hurtling down the fast descent to Glenn Village at almost 43mph!

It was a very cloudy day as you can see!

From Glenn Village I took the road through Hallglen and enjoyed the big descent down into Falkirk and then up through Brightons and down another big descent into Polmont! From there I headed east to Linlithgow which was thankfully quiet for a change, although I didn't head into the town centre proper and opted to head up the big climb to Beecraigs Country Park! Its almost 4 miles up the climb with an average gradient of 6.3%, part way up I stopped at the canal for a couple of photos!

I stopped again before the next tough part of the climb for a snack and more photos!

The camera doesn't show how steep the climb really is here, it gets your heart pumping!

Somebody was checking me out in the field!

I continued up the climb past the country park and joined the back road to Dechmont, the road starts off with a couple of slight uphills!

Then comes the fun part with a big fast descent after this twisty part! I actually did this same road last week but in the opposite direction, its more fun this way for sure!

At the bottom of the descent I spotted these two enjoying a meal!

I then turned on to the back road which leads to Burnhouse Road, its very narrow but also very quiet and super smooth!

A little further on I could see the bridges over the Forth way in the distance!

On to the awesome rollercoaster Burnhouse Road!

A view of the Pentland Hills just before the big descent down into Dechmont!

Somebody was getting the sun, it sure wasn't me...

As I was flying down the descent I was going up through the gears and seemed to be spinning way more than usual, that's when I noticed my rear derailleur wasn't shifting by the middle cog which meant my rear cable was almost certainly frayed up at the shifter again! It wasn't really a problem as I was able to shift between the first and fifth cogs so climbing was easy! I checked when I got home and I was correct in my assumption regarding the cable being frayed at the shifter, I had 2 spares so it was a quick and easy change! A quick photo looking back up the hill before turning west at Dechmont!

Another view of the Pentlands from the same spot!

I used the cycle paths all the way to Whitburn and by this time the wind had started picking up and it was a direct headwind, nothing more than 20mph at a guess though! I used the main road from Whitburn for a mile or so before taking to the nice wide cycle path that runs all the way to Harthill before rejoining the main road for about half a mile! I then took the quieter road up through Eastfield and West Benhar! Then on to the back road into Shotts where I tackled the big climb up to Kirk of Shotts!

I was hoping to get photos of the ostriches again but they were nowhere to be seen today! Near the top of the climb I turned on to my favourite road to Hareshaw, its just a cyclists dream this road with only one short climb and the remainder flat or downhill! From Hareshaw I headed home on my usual roads out to Newhouse, with one last photo of the awesome back road before heading NE into my home town!

Once again I remained dry, 2 in a row now!I arrived home with a clean but broken bike, its ready and raring to go though and I can't wait to get out again! I'm only 89 miles away from 6000 miles now and only 312 miles to go to beat my all time record of 6223 miles! I also noticed I'm at 49938 miles since I started using a gps at the very end of 2011, so I should see 50000 miles on my next ride all going well! My elevation gain is currently at 3,100,988ft since the end of 2011, that stat just blows my mind!

Thank you for your update, Flora! @Readytoride I figured you would be busy on the farm, I'm glad you are doing fine! I don't think I could survive in those temps you encounter, I hope you catch a break and get some nice rides in before winter sets in! I just love reading your reports, it always feels like I'm actually there on the ride!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Another decent day for a ride with light winds and a temp of 12C @Stefan Mikes which is very mild for here in November!

Oh. We are in the 4 C season...

I have found something interesting for you, folks!

The dragon (Temple Bar Memorial) is located on the border of the City of London and the City of Westminster (photo: @Brix).

So you ride a traditional bike through the streets of London, and you are under such a high stress...

...that you even do not notice The Dragon as you ride past it!

 

[MartsEbike]

Oh. We are in the 4 C season...

I have found something interesting for you, folks!

View attachment 185501
The dragon (Temple Bar Memorial) is located on the border of the City of London and the City of Westminster (photo: @Brix).

View attachment 185503
So you ride a traditional bike through the streets of London, and you are under such a high stress...

View attachment 185504
...that you even do not notice The Dragon as you ride past it!

Riding a bike around central London takes a lot of skill and some bravery. As you know it can be extremely busy at times, with buses, taxis and even heavy goods vehicles all vying for the same bit of tarmac. All in a rush to get somewhere. You have to keep your wits about you.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Riding a bike around central London takes a lot of skill and some bravery. As you know it can be extremely busy at times, with buses, taxis and even heavy goods vehicles all vying for the same bit of tarmac. All in a rush to get somewhere. You have to keep your wits about you.

That's why my 5 mile ride took me 40 minutes

I usually mimic what other cyclists are doing.

Rowerem po Londonie 😊 | Strava

Nice! Santander hire traditional bicycle. Walking from Bloomsbury via Seven Dials down to Leicester Square 😊 | Strava

www.strava.com

I actually walked from Bloomsbury via Seven Dials down to Leicester Square That's why there is a straight line on the map.

 

[Chargeride]

We did the Polzeath loop, starting at Rock

The tide was low enough to allow us to ride the beach halfway and miss the killer climbs.

Completely random Scots wedding

The weather has been unbelievable, there is actually a warm breeze off the sea.

Stopped at Polzeath for coffee and sandwiches. luckily its winter prices.

More beach riding, but we had to push up this stupidly slippery slope

Now on the more rugged and exposed tracks and Rumps Point

Getting a bit hairy, not helped by Brains rate of climb and descent, everything is a challenge, constantly checking his Garmin

The picture doesn't do the remoteness and panoramic view justice.

We drove a few miles to Port Isacc, which is the very famous location for the tv series DocMartin

Doc Martin is undoubtedly the inspiration for the US House series, same encyclopaedic medical knowledge and autistic lack of compassion.

That's the house used as his surgery on the right, a small polite notice for people to respect their privacy ,no doubt a thousand tourists a day
peeking in

A strange place to live, people visit almost solely for a Doc Martin experience and access is next to zero, though the local easily navigate trucks around these roads

There is a very popular German version of the show.. they probably think its a documentary of a very sensible and no nonsense doctor they would love to have as their own.

 

[MartsEbike]

We did the Polzeath loop, starting at Rock
View attachment 185514

The tide was low enough to allow us to ride the beach halfway and miss the killer climbs.
View attachment 185515

Completely random Scots wedding
View attachment 185516


The weather has been unbelievable, there is actually a warm breeze off the sea.
View attachment 185517


Stopped at Polzeath for coffee and sandwiches. luckily its winter prices.
View attachment 185518

More beach riding, but we had to push up this stupidly slippery slope
View attachment 185519


Now on the more rugged and exposed tracks and Rumps Point
View attachment 185520

Getting a bit hairy, not helped by Brains rate of climb and descent, everything is a challenge, constantly checking his Garmin

View attachment 185521


The picture doesn't do the remoteness and panoramic view justice.
View attachment 185522


We drove a few miles to Port Isacc, which is the very famous location for the tv series DocMartin
View attachment 185523

Doc Martin is undoubtedly the inspiration for the US House series, same encyclopaedic medical knowledge and autistic lack of compassion.
View attachment 185524


That's the house used as his surgery on the right, a small polite notice for people to respect their privacy ,no doubt a thousand tourists a day
peeking in
View attachment 185525


A strange place to live, people visit almost solely for a Doc Martin experience and access is next to zero, though the local easily navigate trucks around these roads
View attachment 185526


There is a very popular German version of the show.. they probably think its a documentary of a very sensible and no nonsense doctor they would love to have as their own.
View attachment 185527

Spectacular place to ride! The photos look great. I've got to buy myself a van to transport my frey bike down there! One day maybe! Not sure about the massive drops on the cliff edges though!