2026 - Our Rides in Words, Photos, Maps and Videos

[RabH]

I will give the weather forecasters their due, they got it right today! It rained all morning and it didn't look like it would stop, just after midday the sky started to clear and within 20 minutes the sun broke through! I grabbed my chance and set off at 12.40pm with blue skies and sunshine greeting me! Just a couple of miles into my ride I came across this just after passing through Hareshaw, I have cycled this road for over 50 years and I have never seen it flooded here!

I thought I was going to have to turn around but on checking the depth at the right hand side it was fine to skirt the edge, I did manage to get my feet wet after stupidly stepping on the grass... I continued down the descent into Allanton and turned east towards Shotts, lots of climbing but I had a 20mph wind at my back! From Shotts I continued east on the A71 and turned south to take the road up to Climpy, another big climb but it was a good bit colder today so the climbs were welcome!

The start of the climb!

Then the steep part!

I passed through the village and I was looking forward to the big descent down into Forth!

The view looking back up the hill!

From Forth I turned north on the A706, its a cracking road with a gradual climb up to almost 1100ft!

I stopped near the top at the recycling centre for a snack and a short break!

This was the view to the east!

At the top of the climb now looking north with Ochil Hills way in the distance!

I usually take the left here at the fork in the road and go down the big descent to Breich but decided to take the right fork this time and head for West Calder! Its a 3 mile gradual descent and I had the wind at my back all the way down it, I was absolutely flying down it!

I managed to grab a photo of the road to Breich before heading down, you can see how undulating the road is from here!

From West Calder I turned west towards Addiewell and was now facing that 20mph wind that I had been enjoying, the difference in temperature was instant so I cranked the heat up on my gloves! At Addiewell I turned north for Blackburn and got a little break from the chilly SW wind, it was short lived though as I turned west again towards Whitburn! I joined the cycle path here which runs to Harthill and turned north for Blackridge from there, then it was west for home! I stopped at Hillend Loch for some photos, like the Black Loch yesterday it was also partially frozen!

Near home I caught the sun setting just before it disappeared behind some clouds!

I got home soon after and just had enough time to wash the bike before total darkness, it actually rained just as I got home but it was short lived! Another enjoyable ride, not as taxing as yesterday but I sure got a workout once again!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

View attachment 204535

I grabbed my chance and set off at 12.40pm with blue skies and sunshine greeting me! Just a couple of miles into my ride I came across this just after passing through Hareshaw, I have cycled this road for over 50 years and I have never seen it flooded here!

View attachment 204536
I thought I was going to have to turn around but on checking the depth at the right hand side it was fine to skirt the edge, I did manage to get my feet wet after stupidly stepping on the grass...

OMG, that first shot needs to go on a poster! With some motivational slogan like, "There's a beautiful ride on the other side of that puddle", or "C'mon, how deep could it be?"

 

[dodgeman]

I rode 14 miles today. Cloudy and breezy but 50 degrees so I took advantage of it. It’s suppose to cool off so it’ll be a while before I can ride again. This is an old cemetery I ride by on occasion.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

"Man fahrt, man hat" (German: You ride, you get it) Green snow in the front of the Little Frog. Żabka is the ubiqutous Poland's convenience store similar to 7-11. A pretty high quality shop, a good choice of products. It can work on Sundays and public holidays because of its small size, making it a life saver for so many Poles, especially cyclists.

I had my first spill this year but that was all my fault. I should've stopped my Vado on the road, "scooter" myself into the parking lot then dismount the bike. I attempted cornering there. There was a little curb; the angle of attack of my front wheel was too shallow, and the fall was imminent. As I expected that, I slid myself onto the snow with my back facing the ground while holding my bike for dampening. It worked! No hit, no pain, no slightest harm to my body, yay! And now I know parking lots are a no-go for me! (I could see a car maneuvering on our access road in deep snow; its front wheels were spinning!)

I also collected an SDXC memory card from the InPost parcel locker, so I can use my full-frame camera now

I had a look at my Strava to see what Polish cyclists were doing during the winter:

1. Travel to warm countries such as Spain to cycle there
2. Pedal on indoor bike trainers
3. Hike
4. Run
5. Ski and do other winter sports
6. Lift weights...

Only 4 Poles including myself (among the persons I follow) actually do winter cycling! Well, I feel proud a little

 

[Mulezen]

View attachment 204562
"Man fahrt, man hat" (German: You ride, you get it) Green snow in the front of the Little Frog. Żabka is the ubiqutous Poland's convenience store similar to 7-11. A pretty high quality shop, a good choice of products. It can work on Sundays and public holidays because of its small size, making it a life saver for so many Poles, especially cyclists.

I had my first spill this year but that was all my fault. I should've stopped my Vado on the road, "scooter" myself into the parking lot then dismount the bike. I attempted cornering there. There was a little curb; the angle of attack of my front wheel was too shallow, and the fall was imminent. As I expected that, I slid myself onto the snow with my back facing the ground while holding my bike for dampening. It worked! No hit, no pain, no slightest harm to my body, yay! And now I know parking lots are a no-go for me! (I could see a car maneuvering on our access road in deep snow; its front wheels were spinning!)

I also collected an SDXC memory card from the InPost parcel locker, so I can use my full-frame camera now

I had a look at my Strava to see what Polish cyclists were doing during the winter:

1. Travel to warm countries such as Spain to cycle there
2. Pedal on indoor bike trainers
3. Hike
4. Run
5. Ski and do other winter sports
6. Lift weights...

Only 4 Poles including myself (among the persons I follow) actually do winter cycling! Well, I feel proud a little

You feel proud? What does that say about those in Spain. Do you imagine they are sunning themselves thinking...boy I wish I was up there with Stefan! I'm proud of him.
Happy no damage to you or your bike...

 

[Stefan Mikes]

What does that say about those in Spain.

c*nts Or, French puppies
I've got enough words of admiration from people met outdoor to feel really good
No damage, no harm. I learned the hard lesson of falling since February 2021

 

[Mulezen]

I rode the last few days for the first time since the end of November. I got my bike back from my rediscovered mechanic. She replaced my long running tires (10K...back one slick) with a similar Schwalbe Marathon Mondial. She downloaded updates the last mech missed as well as replacing the newly installed chain and a chewed up cassette. Other than that how was the play Mrs. Lincoln. The bike is worth it and is running smoothly. Physically I'm grinding a few figurative gears but with a new heated vest pleased to be on the road in January. For this old Vet the road is the perfect tonic.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

There Are Still Good People Out There...

A knocking on my door in the evening. I open the door a tad. It's the neighbour, one who mostly spends his spare time sitting on a chair in the corridor, having cigarettes, playing with his smartphone, bare torso, tattoos.

'Neighbour' -- he says -- 'Isn't it yours?' - and me hands me a Shimano Quick Link Tool.
'Indeed, it's mine! Where did you guys find it?'
'My wife walked to the store and found it on the pavement'
'Right! I repaired my bike two evenings ago there, and apparently left the tool on the pavement. Thank you so much!'

Well, people here have an idea what their neighbour is I was so happy the tool was found I immediately took the Vado chain off, cleaned it, put back on the bike and lubricated it

I took the photo with my Pentax K-1 camera I intend to use frequently now

 

[RunForTheHills]

There Are Still Good People Out There...

A knocking on my door in the evening. I open the door a tad. It's the neighbour, one who mostly spends his spare time sitting on a chair in the corridor, having cigarettes, playing with his smartphone, bare torso, tattoos.

'Neighbour' -- he says -- 'Isn't it yours?' - and me hands me a Shimano Quick Link Tool.
'Indeed, it's mine! Where did you guys find it?'
'My wife walked to the store and found it on the pavement'
'Right! I repaired my bike two evenings ago there, and apparently left the tool on the pavement. Thank you so much!'

Well, people here have an idea what their neighbour is I was so happy the tool was found I immediately took the Vado chain off, cleaned it, put back on the bike and lubricated it

View attachment 204583
I took the photo with my Pentax K-1 camera I intend to use frequently now

That is so much more interesting looking than the Park version of the tool.

 

[Chargeride]

There Are Still Good People Out There...

A knocking on my door in the evening. I open the door a tad. It's the neighbour, one who mostly spends his spare time sitting on a chair in the corridor, having cigarettes, playing with his smartphone, bare torso, tattoos.

'Neighbour' -- he says -- 'Isn't it yours?' - and me hands me a Shimano Quick Link Tool.
'Indeed, it's mine! Where did you guys find it?'
'My wife walked to the store and found it on the pavement'
'Right! I repaired my bike two evenings ago there, and apparently left the tool on the pavement. Thank you so much!'

Well, people here have an idea what their neighbour is I was so happy the tool was found I immediately took the Vado chain off, cleaned it, put back on the bike and lubricated it

View attachment 204583
I took the photo with my Pentax K-1 camera I intend to use frequently now

How lucky you are to have an English neighbour.

 

[Chargeride]

Due to the incoming total messaging and posting surveillance by the UK government on all our devices, I will soon be forced to use codewords.
Bike is now 'Tarantula slippers.'
I'll see you down the Nags Head will become.
'Im shaving the potatoes down at the toothbrush toenail'
And 'The torque wrench is sunbathing under the tractor wheel' is obvious to us all Im sure.

This will be written backward and sideways on a weekly orangutang

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Due to the incoming total messaging and posting surveillance by the UK government on all our devices, I will soon be forced to use codewords.
Bike is now 'Tarantula slippers.'
I'll see you down the Nags Head will become.
'Im shaving the potatoes down at the toothbrush toenail'
And 'The torque wrench is sunbathing under the tractor wheel' is obvious to us all Im sure.

This will be written backward and sideways on a weekly orangutang

The slithey tove has left the building, and the torque wrench is sunbathing under the tractor wheel. Do you copy?

 

[Stefan Mikes]

"There was raining last year this season"
"It was sleet"
"The best sweet chestnuts can be found in Place Pigalle"
"Susan likes them only in the autumn"

 

[Chargeride]

"There was raining last year this season"
"It was sleet"
"The best sweet chestnuts can be found in Place Pigalle"
"Susan likes them only in the autumn"

How dare you, I put them back in the gorillas handbag

 

[Chargeride]

Today I rode a 25 mile loop starting at Burton, it was around 2C.

Its a picture postcard small village, next to the river Dee.

I'm sure these houses are a nightmare to own.

It all very middle class playing medieval.

this is the bridle way, I presume the horses are very skinny, you just know the landowner wouldnt give an inch with his fence.

Preumably this horse is on a diet.

Choices, choices

No corners for the win.

Willaston is also very locked in time cute

This is Inglewood Manor, looks very built last week to me.

Gets a ticket while reading the sign.

This style is quite the thing in these parts

Whats on Earth is this?

I was frozen and the were pubs everywhere with warm people eating and drinking

I managed to resist the fish and chips

Im pretty sure there used to be a beach, but it has been reclaimed by grass.

This was also open and full of stuffed and drunk patrons

So yes, a lovely day out with challenging bridleways, ancient buildings everywhere and back to the van on 2 bars, Neston is a victorian,mock Tudor ,posh seaside resort that has lost its beach and cant challenge the heat of Spain, but still kept its cuteness and style.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Whats on Earth is this?

Mostyń? Мастынь You must have ridden into Belarus!

it was around 2C.

Plucky you!

 

[Chargeride]

Ive just read that Burton is the 8th richest village in the UK, with 16% of its residents millionaires

 

[Chazmo]

Great stuff, Charge!

 

[RabH]

My 3rd ride in 4 days, after a slow start to the year things have got going nicely! 192 miles with over 12k ft of climbing already, my 60 miler on Monday had more elevation gain than today but only just! The elevation map tells the story of today's ride...

It was 4C when I set off at 9am with a feels like temp of -1C thanks to the chilly 25mph SW wind, it was a no brainer to have a tailwind at the start and I enjoyed it for almost 36 miles! I made my way down to Falkirk, with the descent down to Glenn Village the highlight with a speed of 45.8mph! Then I made my way east through Linlithgow and out to Winchburgh where I turned north towards Newton, things had cleared up nicely after a rainy start to the day (I waited for the rain to stop before I set off ) and I grabbed my first and only photo of the Pentland Hills!

I stopped at Newton for a photo of the 3 bridges over the River Forth, it was so clear today for a nice change!

A short time later it was time to cross the bridge, stopping for photos all the way across of course!

The iconic rail bridge from the southern side!

The new Queensferry crossing to the west, very busy as always with cars and trucks!

A lady cyclist was enjoying the views also!

I managed to catch a train crossing the rail bridge!

The rail bridge from the northern side with North Queensferry in the foreground!

After crossing the bridge I continued north into Inverkeithing where I stopped for lunch before turning west for Rosyth and into a 25mph headwind, the difference was noticeable immediately and I cranked the heat up on my gloves to level 2! Just the back of the hand to conserve the batteries as it was going to be a long day, I love that they have 2 elements! After passing through Rosyth I turned off the main road at Limekilns and took this photo before enjoying the descent down the shore!

For once I actually caught the high tide!

The Forth was a bit choppy thanks to the wind...

Just before climbing the cobbles into Charlestown I stopped for this photo!

Another distant view of the Forth from Charlestown with the now defunct Grangemouth oil refinery way in the distance!

I joined the cycle path towards Crombie a short time later, before turning on to the coast road through Torryburn and Newmills followed by Low Valleyfield and Culross! Its such a great road to ride as it runs alongside the Forth for miles and with a smooth road like this what's not to like?

At the end of the road I joined the cycle path which runs to the Kincardine Bridge, I stopped for some photos on the bridge!

This is looking north at the Clackmannanshire bridge with the stunning Ochils Hills in the background!

A closer view of the Clackmannanshire bridge!

I stayed on the cycle path for a couple of miles before turning west towards Larbert and then south to Camelon where I encountered major roadworks with a big line of cars! Thankfully the path was clear of pedestrians so I bypassed the line of cars with a big grin on my face! I then took the cycle path that leads to the Falkirk Wheel, I was hoping I might catch it in action but it was closed for repair work! I grabbed a few photos at the canal and got 1 of the Falkirk Wheel!

I then headed west for Bonnybridge on the canal path!

At Bonnybridge I turned south up the big climb which eventually takes you to Falkirk, its a great road and you get amazing views of the Ochils all the way along it!

I even caught a feint rainbow!

The headwind and climbing had taken a toll on my second battery, I got 48 miles from my first one and I had a lot of climbing ahead of me from Falkirk up to Slamannan! At Slamannan I only had 36% left with just over 10 miles to go, I was only using eco now and turning the power off as much as possible! I made it home with 15% remaining, I just had enough juice to get me up the climbs at home! I had changed my first battery at 22% so I may have got a little more out of it if needed!

More often than not though the batteries drop like a stone at 20%, so I was a little worried! All's well that ends well! I had been getting a strange rattle from the front of my bike occasionally, I stopped and checked all the bolts and found no issues! Imagine my shock when I was washing my bike and I discovered my front brake disc (rotor) was moving from side to side, its a centrelock type and the nut had managed to come loose! My brakes were working perfectly though with no judder or anything, very strange indeed! My gloves ran out of juice just 2 miles from home, they lasted for over 7 hours!

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Today I rode a 25 mile loop starting at Burton, it was around 2C.
View attachment 204591

Its a picture postcard small village, next to the river Dee.
View attachment 204592

I'm sure these houses are a nightmare to own.
View attachment 204593

It all very middle class playing medieval.
View attachment 204594

this is the bridle way, I presume the horses are very skinny, you just know the landowner wouldnt give an inch with his fence.
View attachment 204595

Preumably this horse is on a diet.
View attachment 204596

Choices, choices
View attachment 204597

No corners for the win.
View attachment 204598

Willaston is also very locked in time cute
View attachment 204599

This is Inglewood Manor, looks very built last week to me.
View attachment 204600

Gets a ticket while reading the sign.
View attachment 204601

This style is quite the thing in these parts
View attachment 204602

Whats on Earth is this?
View attachment 204603

I was frozen and the were pubs everywhere with warm people eating and drinking
View attachment 204604

I managed to resist the fish and chips
View attachment 204605

Im pretty sure there used to be a beach, but it has been reclaimed by grass.
View attachment 204606

This was also open and full of stuffed and drunk patrons
View attachment 204607

So yes, a lovely day out with challenging bridleways, ancient buildings everywhere and back to the van on 2 bars, Neston is a victorian,mock Tudor ,posh seaside resort that has lost its beach and cant challenge the heat of Spain, but still kept its cuteness and style.
View attachment 204608

Excellent! Exploring's one of my favorite things to do on an ebike. Glad you take the time to share your forays. Keep 'em coming!

Just one thing: You got that horse's permission to show its face on the internet, right?
;^}