2025 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos

[Chargeride]

Jokes are failing translation with Dima .
Stefan is going to have to be the mediator, thank god I didnt get that Eastern European diplomacy job.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

lets talk about ebikes better( or ebike's adventures )) Show yours !)

Chargeride's YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chargeriderepeat7024

a m a half Scandinavian

Now Dima, you buy and start wearing a helmet then you are our man!

Jokes are failing translation with Dima .
Stefan is going to have to be the mediator, thank god I didnt get that Eastern European diplomacy job.

Don't worry Dima, I cannot understand most of Chargeride's jokes; my impression is he speaks a language different from English

 

[Dima]

Chargeride's YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@chargeriderepeat7024

Now Dima, you buy and start wearing a helmet then you are our man!


Don't worry Dima, I cannot understand most of Chargeride's jokes; my impression is he speaks a language different from English

AHAHAHAHHAHAA

 

[RabH]

The last day of the month and November had been my worst of the year with only 379 miles covered, thankfully today was glorious but bitterly cold! I waited until almost midday to let the sun do its magic and melt the ice, I had to choose my route very carefully to avoid the very slippy back roads! Yesterday was very wet and very windy, today was almost cloudless with light winds! I decided to head east to avoid the blinding sun, as I passed the Black Loch at Limerigg I had to look twice as I spotted 2 women waist deep in the water and 2 riders on horseback! I assume the women were wearing waders... You couldn't pay me to stand in that frigid water!

From Limerigg I headed east towards Avonbridge, mostly downhill and the faster I was going the colder it felt! This photo is looking north, the back road in view is one I use a lot but I avoided it today as I'm certain it would have been covered in ice!

At Avonbridge I turned north towards the village of California, a tough 1.5 mile climb but it warmed me up nicely! The sun was doing a nice job of drying the roads!

I continued north to Shieldhill where I turned NE and enjoyed the big descent down through Reddingmuirhead and Polmont! I was now on the main road to Linlithgow but turned off at Whitecross to grab some photos! I knew the sun would have dried this awesome back road up and I wasn't wrong!

I had this stunning view of the Ochil Hills after the big descent and climb at the far side of the road!

I was only a mile away from Linlithgow now and although I was on a back road it was safe to ride, the centre of town was very busy but I managed to avoid most of the traffic by using some shortcuts! I was now heading towards Kingscavil but turned off just before the village to get some photos of the Union Canal! It was still frosty where the sun wasn't reaching!

I then made my way back to the main road and turned south at Kingscavil to take on the big dipper road, I had a little walk down it first to check for ice but it was fine on the descent!

I stopped part way up the very steep climb to get some photos, the views were amazing!

The big dipper road from the southern side, the gradient is just over 20% here!

I had a nice view of the Firth of Forth from up here also!

I could also see the bridges over the Forth to the NE!

I then headed for Burnhouse road, I avoided the steep part at the start as the sun doesn't get to that part! The alternative road offers some nice views anyway, the Pentland Hills can be seen in the distance!

The big descent at Burnhouse road, thankfully the road had been treated!

Another stunning view of the Pentlands!

I arrived in Dechmont where I usually join the cycle path but I wasn't sure if it would be safe, luckily it was totally dry and free of ice so I avoided the busy main road! I was heading west now and the sun was starting to get low and it was getting difficult to see properly! A short time later I arrived in Bathgate and decided to turn north to avoid the setting sun, it worked out perfectly and I had more stunning views of the Ochils at Torphicen!

Eventually I had to turn west into the sun and I got lucky as some clouds had moved in as I was heading for Westfield and Avonbridge, I passed the Black Loch again and stopped for a couple of photos of the setting sun shrouded in cloud!

Just 7 miles to go now and I made it home before dark with a clean bike for a nice change, it just needed a quick wipe down! I ended up with 432 miles for November, beating January by 5 miles! Who knows what Decmeber will bring, we have a yellow warning for heavy rain tomorrow but the rest of the week is looking hopeful for a possible ride or 2! I need just 281 miles to reach 7000 for the year now, it should be easily achievable but I'm not counting my chickens just yet...

I haven't seen @Saratoga Dave post for a while and on checking his profile he was last seen at the end of September! I hope all is ok buddy, its always a worry when regular posters disappear...

 

[Mulezen]

This article was a bit overheated if not hysterical In regards to ebikes. I noticed at the bottom links to a Simon Cowell affair of something or other. I doubt the journalist knows of Cowells‘ experience(s) with dangerous ebikes (motorcycles)

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/30/magazine/e-bikes-accidents-safety-legislation-california.html?unlocked_article_code=1.5E8.MTTi.bNLsVB34ZQ6R&smid=nytcore-ios-share

 

[Chargeride]

That article could be reduced to a quarter of its size.
Theres a bigger picture to limiting ebikes, it doesnt look good for an EV transition if they come down hard on the first step.

 

[Mulezen]

That transition is accelerating with the micro-mobility revolution. Soon, very soon there will be more compact power sources like solid state batteries. I don’t think there is any stopping it…think newly designed wheelchairs…I just hate to see kids on these powered devices including ICE dirt bikes.

 

[Dima]

some riders in photos in one video

 

[Dima]

I rely on assistance only when I’m fighting my way up long climbs, pressed for time and need to accelerate, hauling a heavy load (around 30 kg+), or on those charming occasions when local dogs decide I’d make a good sprint targe

 

[RabH]

Another nice day after a very wet Monday, with a temp of 6C when I set off at 11.40am there was no danger of ice this time! So I was on the back roads again and although they were very wet with some flooding I was happy to be off the main roads! It was pretty windy, a southerly around 25mph so I headed south for Lanark to have the wind at my back on the way home! I joined the back road to Hareshaw after a few miles, a fun road to start my ride on!

The Christmas decorations are starting to appear!

After some big climbs I was looking forward to the awesome descent down into Allanton, it didn't disappoint! I then took the back road to Carluke and joined the road to Yieldshields only to be stopped in my tracks by a road closure! So I headed down the big descent into the eastern end of Carluke and took the back road to Braidwood! From there I joined the main A73 down into Lanark, thankfully it wasn't too busy! From Lanark I headed north towards Cleghorn, the road was closed for almost 7 days for repairs last week so I was hoping to see some nice new tarmac!

I stopped for some photos along the way!

At the bottom of the valley there is a fast flowing river called Mouse Water (strange name I know ) and it was making quite a noise as I passed over the bridge, so I stopped for a couple of photos!

I passed the aptly named Waterfall Meadows a short time later!

It was time to start climbing up over the railway crossing at Cleghorn with a lovely 25mph tailwind, a train passed as I was heading up the climb and the barriers opened just in time to head through without stopping on the steep hill!

The road was in good condition, it was just a patch job though but it was fine! I stopped for another couple of photos on the way up to Harelaw, Tinto Hill wasn't very clear today!

I stopped again at Harelaw for a couple of photos of the Pentland Hills to the east!

From Harelaw I turned east towards Carstairs and from there I headed north on the back road to Auchengray, it starts with a steep climb and then this fun and very fast twisty descent! The photo doesn't do it justice, its very steep!

I had this view of the Pentlands from up here also!

I then passed the Alpacas as I headed up the next climb!

At the top of the climb I turned east towards Auchengray and stopped for photos at every opportunity!

I loved this one of the Pentlands across the fields, its just a shame a train didn't pass while I was stopped! Just after I set off again I heard one passing....

Another awesome road to enjoy, I got a clear run over the railway crossing again as I tuned the corner and started up the climb to Auchengray!

A sign of the recent floods!

I passed through Auchengray and stopped once again for photos!

At this point I decided to get my head down and stop taking photos or I would have been riding home in the dark, it was a very wise decision! I then passed through Woolfords and made my way up another climb before blasting down into the valley at just over 40mph! At the end of the road I turned NE towards West Calder where it was time to turn west for home, passing through Addiewell and Stoneyburn! Then I turned north up the big climb through Longridge, that 25mph tailwind was very welcome here!

Then I had a very fast descent down into Whitburn before turning west again towards Harthill, then north to Blackridge! I arrived in the village at just over 54 miles with around 9 to go and made it home just as it was starting to get dark, I was glad I stopped taking photos or it would have been very dark now! Only 218 miles more to hit 7000 for the year, a good start to December on a lovely day for the time of year!

 

[Chargeride]

Those undulating, windy road shots are gorgeous

 

[Rás Cnoic]

View attachment 202897

Another nice day after a very wet Monday, with a temp of 6C when I set off at 11.40am there was no danger of ice this time! So I was on the back roads again and although they were very wet with some flooding I was happy to be off the main roads! It was pretty windy, a southerly around 25mph so I headed south for Lanark to have the wind at my back on the way home! I joined the back road to Hareshaw after a few miles, a fun road to start my ride on!

View attachment 202898
The Christmas decorations are starting to appear!

View attachment 202899
After some big climbs I was looking forward to the awesome descent down into Allanton, it didn't disappoint! I then took the back road to Carluke and joined the road to Yieldshields only to be stopped in my tracks by a road closure! So I headed down the big descent into the eastern end of Carluke and took the back road to Braidwood! From there I joined the main A73 down into Lanark, thankfully it wasn't too busy! From Lanark I headed north towards Cleghorn, the road was closed for almost 7 days for repairs last week so I was hoping to see some nice new tarmac!

I stopped for some photos along the way!

View attachment 202900
View attachment 202901
At the bottom of the valley there is a fast flowing river called Mouse Water (strange name I know ) and it was making quite a noise as I passed over the bridge, so I stopped for a couple of photos!

View attachment 202903
View attachment 202904
I passed the aptly named Waterfall Meadows a short time later!

View attachment 202907
It was time to start climbing up over the railway crossing at Cleghorn with a lovely 25mph tailwind, a train passed as I was heading up the climb and the barriers opened just in time to head through without stopping on the steep hill!

View attachment 202906
The road was in good condition, it was just a patch job though but it was fine! I stopped for another couple of photos on the way up to Harelaw, Tinto Hill wasn't very clear today!

View attachment 202908
View attachment 202909
I stopped again at Harelaw for a couple of photos of the Pentland Hills to the east!

View attachment 202910
View attachment 202911
From Harelaw I turned east towards Carstairs and from there I headed north on the back road to Auchengray, it starts with a steep climb and then this fun and very fast twisty descent! The photo doesn't do it justice, its very steep!

View attachment 202912
I had this view of the Pentlands from up here also!

View attachment 202913
I then passed the Alpacas as I headed up the next climb!

View attachment 202915
View attachment 202916
At the top of the climb I turned east towards Auchengray and stopped for photos at every opportunity!

View attachment 202917
I loved this one of the Pentlands across the fields, its just a shame a train didn't pass while I was stopped! Just after I set off again I heard one passing....

View attachment 202918
View attachment 202919
Another awesome road to enjoy, I got a clear run over the railway crossing again as I tuned the corner and started up the climb to Auchengray!

View attachment 202920
A sign of the recent floods!

View attachment 202921
I passed through Auchengray and stopped once again for photos!

View attachment 202922
View attachment 202923
At this point I decided to get my head down and stop taking photos or I would have been riding home in the dark, it was a very wise decision! I then passed through Woolfords and made my way up another climb before blasting down into the valley at just over 40mph! At the end of the road I turned NE towards West Calder where it was time to turn west for home, passing through Addiewell and Stoneyburn! Then I turned north up the big climb through Longridge, that 25mph tailwind was very welcome here!

Then I had a very fast descent down into Whitburn before turning west again towards Harthill, then north to Blackridge! I arrived in the village at just over 54 miles with around 9 to go and made it home just as it was starting to get dark, I was glad I stopped taking photos or it would have been very dark now! Only 218 miles more to hit 7000 for the year, a good start to December on a lovely day for the time of year!

That time of the year again- Rab what heated gloves do you recommend? My circulation is not what it once was and my right thumb in particular (for some reason) was like a block of ice on recent rides no matter which of my winter gloves I try. I've come up with a combo of skinny but warm wool glove underneath and a more heavy ski gauntlet type over, but then I remembered you discussing heated gloves on here once upon a time. Only pair I see advertised are the Sealskin ones.

 

[Chargeride]

I started this ride off in Stretton Cheshire

The navigation computer will take some getting used to, its constantly pausing, starting and losing the route alltogether, turns out my GPX file had too many way points

I'm riding the bridleways to Knutsford, they are well groomed by tractors

Very horsey around here and people build large Equstrian centres over the bridleways, so you get to ride straight through the paddocks, as Im opening the gate these three
made a break for freedom, I'm in a panic trying to get the bike through and close it.

All the back lanes are tree lined, I dont know why but I'm glad they did,they are simply beautiful

Little Hamlets of real and mock Tudor everywhere.

This is in the grounds of Arley Hall,owned by the Viscount and Viscountess of the area

The bridleway goes right through the grounds, these are just workers accomodation.

Miles of tree lined bridleway paths, but occasionally they cross motorways and you get a quick cacophony of traffic and back to silent loam riding.

I was going to push the bike along this footpath to a bridleway, but some one hit the motorway bridge and it was demolished so the entire route is closed

As you can guess Farmers make minimum effort with the bridleways, this gate just fell off when I opened it.

A lot of them are their own farming paths so its every man for themselves

Knutsford is a very posh town and the mainroad is a pub crawl fantasy of original and mock buildings , its simply delcicious to slowly get tipsy and enter the atmospheres
of each one, but bring your creditcard.

It gets very busy at night, but all tables are fully booked weeks ahead, ithelps to have amissus who can blag her way into anywhere.

Even the Irish pubs are full of posh people drinking Guiness

The wife blagged us into a very popular restaurant by claiming she had booked with an elaborate story of the chef answering the phone, they apologised
and knocked the drinks off the bill, I was cringing the entire time in case we were rumbled.

This town has McLaren, Bugatti and Bentley showrooms to give you an idea of its status

A distinct lack of false eyelashes and ducklips amongst the young women, I sound like a right boomer snob.

Then I realised I had 12 miles back to the van and four bar, 5 mins later I had three bar

I had to pedal on red for three miles, completely goosed

 

[JGcycle]

I started this ride off in Stretton Cheshire
View attachment 202933

The navigation computer will take some getting used to, its constantly pausing, starting and losing the route alltogether, turns out my GPX file had too many way points
View attachment 202934

I'm riding the bridleways to Knutsford, they are well groomed by tractors
View attachment 202935

Very horsey around here and people build large Equstrian centres over the bridleways, so you get to ride straight through the paddocks, as Im opening the gate these three
made a break for freedom, I'm in a panic trying to get the bike through and close it.
View attachment 202936

All the back lanes are tree lined, I dont know why but I'm glad they did,they are simply beautiful
View attachment 202937

Little Hamlets of real and mock Tudor everywhere.
View attachment 202938

This is in the grounds of Arley Hall,owned by the Viscount and Viscountess of the area
View attachment 202939

The bridleway goes right through the grounds, these are just workers accomodation.
View attachment 202940

Miles of tree lined bridleway paths, but occasionally they cross motorways and you get a quick cacophony of traffic and back to silent loam riding.
View attachment 202941

I was going to push the bike along this footpath to a bridleway, but some one hit the motorway bridge and it was demolished so the entire route is closed
View attachment 202942

As you can guess Farmers make minimum effort with the bridleways, this gate just fell off when I opened it.
View attachment 202943

A lot of them are their own farming paths so its every man for themselves
View attachment 202944

Knutsford is a very posh town and the mainroad is a pub crawl fantasy of original and mock buildings , its simply delcicious to slowly get tipsy and enter the atmospheres
of each one, but bring your creditcard.
View attachment 202945

It gets very busy at night, but all tables are fully booked weeks ahead, ithelps to have amissus who can blag her way into anywhere.
View attachment 202946

Even the Irish pubs are full of posh people drinking Guiness
View attachment 202947

The wife blagged us into a very popular restaurant by claiming she had booked with an elaborate story of the chef answering the phone, they apologised
and knocked the drinks off the bill, I was cringing the entire time in case we were rumbled.
View attachment 202948

This town has McLaren, Bugatti and Bentley showrooms to give you an idea of its status
View attachment 202949

A distinct lack of false eyelashes and ducklips amongst the young women, I sound like a right boomer snob.
View attachment 202950

Then I realised I had 12 miles back to the van and four bar, 5 mins later I had three bar
View attachment 202951

I had to pedal on red for three miles, completely goosed
View attachment 202952

Very amusing ride report, and great pics as always.

 

[JGcycle]

View attachment 202897

Another nice day after a very wet Monday, with a temp of 6C when I set off at 11.40am there was no danger of ice this time! So I was on the back roads again and although they were very wet with some flooding I was happy to be off the main roads! It was pretty windy, a southerly around 25mph so I headed south for Lanark to have the wind at my back on the way home! I joined the back road to Hareshaw after a few miles, a fun road to start my ride on!

View attachment 202898
The Christmas decorations are starting to appear!

View attachment 202899
After some big climbs I was looking forward to the awesome descent down into Allanton, it didn't disappoint! I then took the back road to Carluke and joined the road to Yieldshields only to be stopped in my tracks by a road closure! So I headed down the big descent into the eastern end of Carluke and took the back road to Braidwood! From there I joined the main A73 down into Lanark, thankfully it wasn't too busy! From Lanark I headed north towards Cleghorn, the road was closed for almost 7 days for repairs last week so I was hoping to see some nice new tarmac!

I stopped for some photos along the way!

View attachment 202900
View attachment 202901
At the bottom of the valley there is a fast flowing river called Mouse Water (strange name I know ) and it was making quite a noise as I passed over the bridge, so I stopped for a couple of photos!

View attachment 202903
View attachment 202904
I passed the aptly named Waterfall Meadows a short time later!

View attachment 202907
It was time to start climbing up over the railway crossing at Cleghorn with a lovely 25mph tailwind, a train passed as I was heading up the climb and the barriers opened just in time to head through without stopping on the steep hill!

View attachment 202906
The road was in good condition, it was just a patch job though but it was fine! I stopped for another couple of photos on the way up to Harelaw, Tinto Hill wasn't very clear today!

View attachment 202908
View attachment 202909
I stopped again at Harelaw for a couple of photos of the Pentland Hills to the east!

View attachment 202910
View attachment 202911
From Harelaw I turned east towards Carstairs and from there I headed north on the back road to Auchengray, it starts with a steep climb and then this fun and very fast twisty descent! The photo doesn't do it justice, its very steep!

View attachment 202912
I had this view of the Pentlands from up here also!

View attachment 202913
I then passed the Alpacas as I headed up the next climb!

View attachment 202915
View attachment 202916
At the top of the climb I turned east towards Auchengray and stopped for photos at every opportunity!

View attachment 202917
I loved this one of the Pentlands across the fields, its just a shame a train didn't pass while I was stopped! Just after I set off again I heard one passing....

View attachment 202918
View attachment 202919
Another awesome road to enjoy, I got a clear run over the railway crossing again as I tuned the corner and started up the climb to Auchengray!

View attachment 202920
A sign of the recent floods!

View attachment 202921
I passed through Auchengray and stopped once again for photos!

View attachment 202922
View attachment 202923
At this point I decided to get my head down and stop taking photos or I would have been riding home in the dark, it was a very wise decision! I then passed through Woolfords and made my way up another climb before blasting down into the valley at just over 40mph! At the end of the road I turned NE towards West Calder where it was time to turn west for home, passing through Addiewell and Stoneyburn! Then I turned north up the big climb through Longridge, that 25mph tailwind was very welcome here!

Then I had a very fast descent down into Whitburn before turning west again towards Harthill, then north to Blackridge! I arrived in the village at just over 54 miles with around 9 to go and made it home just as it was starting to get dark, I was glad I stopped taking photos or it would have been very dark now! Only 218 miles more to hit 7000 for the year, a good start to December on a lovely day for the time of year!

Very scenic and a great ride report.

 

[RabH]

That time of the year again- Rab what heated gloves do you recommend? My circulation is not what it once was and my right thumb in particular (for some reason) was like a block of ice on recent rides no matter which of my winter gloves I try. I've come up with a combo of skinny but warm wool glove underneath and a more heavy ski gauntlet type over, but then I remembered you discussing heated gloves on here once upon a time. Only pair I see advertised are the Sealskin ones.

I use the Sealskinz heated gloves, had them for years now but they don't heat the thumbs very well I'm afraid! Yesterday with the 6C temp I used a normal thin pair of gloves under a pair of Castelli Corsa winter gloves and they work very well in temps just above freezing!

 

[Rás Cnoic]

I use the Sealskinz heated gloves, had them for years now but they don't heat the thumbs very well I'm afraid! Yesterday with the 6C temp I used a normal thin pair of gloves under a pair of Castelli Corsa winter gloves and they work very well in temps just above freezing!

Drat & they're not cheap to just try and see. I'll give the double layer a good go first and see if they'll be enough. Ta.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I had to pedal on red for three miles, completely goosed

View this content on Instagram

View this content on Instagram

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Anyway, I came to post 'Itchy Boots', this isnt about ebikes, just a human travelling the same dream on a motorbike.
She is an incredibly popular Dutch adventurer who rides and documents the world.
She is in Tajikistan, next to Afghanistan, which is a hot topic in the US.
This video is probably the most incredible solo trip by a female I have ever seen, the trail and the scenery is beyond belief and her interactions with peoples who live in these remote areas are so honest and human in smashes a lifetime of western bias.
She is stuck until locals divert the river, she lost all her documents on the trail and had them returned by locals.
It warms my heart and blows my mind.

I have spent a good time of my recovery on watching Itchy Boots videos. I have been able to backtrack her life story and the motivation that pushed her on the trails worldwide.
Whatever -- she puts her health and life to a big risk riding off-road alone. The crash she had in Tanzania in 2024 was a bad one, and it's a miracle she was found and rescued. Additionally, a Dutch hospital "helped" her with puncturing her lung.

Yes, she's a legend. Still, riding off-road (especially in the wilderness) alone is not really wise. Even an InReach would not save her like it didn't help her in Tanzania.

(Besides, she crossed the U.S. all way from south to north on a full visa as she had visited Iran and several other rogue countries before).

 

[Chargeride]

Her latest video is beyond belief, Ive ridden some crazy stuff, but thats madness as the title states.