Friserando
Active Member
- Region
- Europe
Our Rides in Words, Photos & Videos
Stefan Mikes
Gravel e-biker
- Region
- Europe
- City
- Mazovia, PL
You Would Have Never Believed That...
As I reached my Helsinki workplace by e-scooter and entered the office, I noticed that the next man coming in had a familiar battery in his hand.
– Are you riding a Specialized e-bike? – I asked.
– Indeed I do!
– What would that be?
– A Turbo Vado...
– I ride a Vado, too! – I exclaimed.
Meet Risto. A process engineer (same as I am). A MY 2017 Specialized Vado 5.0 (45 km/h), similar to mine only his is High-Step. Free electronics overhaul to TCD-w in 2020 (my own story!) He has recently bought a spare battery (as I have). His commute is 2 x 49 km! He charges the battery at work. And he makes no fuss about the number plate.
Would you ever believe in such an encounter?! And he is my trainee!
As I reached my Helsinki workplace by e-scooter and entered the office, I noticed that the next man coming in had a familiar battery in his hand.
– Are you riding a Specialized e-bike? – I asked.
– Indeed I do!
– What would that be?
– A Turbo Vado...
– I ride a Vado, too! – I exclaimed.
Meet Risto. A process engineer (same as I am). A MY 2017 Specialized Vado 5.0 (45 km/h), similar to mine only his is High-Step. Free electronics overhaul to TCD-w in 2020 (my own story!) He has recently bought a spare battery (as I have). His commute is 2 x 49 km! He charges the battery at work. And he makes no fuss about the number plate.
Would you ever believe in such an encounter?! And he is my trainee!
RabH
Well-Known Member
After 2 days of glorious sunny weather when I wasn't able to go cycling, today started off rainy but the forecast was looking better for the afternoon! Light winds for a change meant I was going to have a very enjoyable day and it turned out to be one of my best rides of the year so far! On Sunday I was at the British Superbikes at my local race circuit and with a massive crowd expected I left the bike at home this time, it was such a great day! Yesterday I was very tired after my long day at the bike racing so I decided to give the motorbike its first outing of the year, the weather was just glorious as you can see here!
Back to today, the stallion has been remounted after getting blown over in the storms...
I headed down into the Clyde Valley for the first time in a while, the bikers were enjoying the awesome roads also!
The River Clyde was very calm today!
I had a big climbing day today, this is the road that leads to the hardest climb of the day!
After this it just goes up very steeply and on reaching the top the views are very nice even on an overecast day, the horses totally ignored me today!
What a fantastic day that was, I timed it well to miss most of the traffic on the busier roads and the back roads were just sublime as always!
After a week off the bike I was very keen to get out and ride, I will rest tomorrow and I'm hoping to do a longer ride on Thursdsay as the weather isn't looking very nice from Friday onwards! I hope they are wrong but they seem to be getting better at the forecasting these days...I have added a mix of photos from my motorbike and cycle rides, its easy to tell which are which as the sun was hiding today!
Attachments
DiggyGun
Well-Known Member
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Buckinghamshire
A new route today, well, to be honest, an old route that has been partially re-opened. We have a lot of construction going on around here for East West Rail and a number of cycle paths have been closed.
However, out riding today I found that part of the National Cycle Network Path No. 51 has partially re-opened.
This is one of the new bridges and track being laid.
Nice to get down here and got to Milton Keynes.
This was the route for today.
However, out riding today I found that part of the National Cycle Network Path No. 51 has partially re-opened.
This is one of the new bridges and track being laid.
Nice to get down here and got to Milton Keynes.
This was the route for today.
DiggyGun
Well-Known Member
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Buckinghamshire
Norfolk Part One
As promised, a quick write up of our recent cycling holiday in Norfolk.
Lowestoft Seafront
We haven’t been out riding for couple of days as it has been pouring with rain. Good start to the holiday.
However, we managed to take advantage of a respite in the weather and do a quick first ride along Lowestoft’s seafront promenade.
It is quite wide and they have put a cycle path down the centre of this, which is clearly marked, with many signs telling us cyclists to stay between the lines. Unfortunately, there are no signs telling pedestrians, children, dogs to stay outside the lines. Consequently, constant use of the bell.
Mind you, the price of Beach Huts isn’t getting any cheaper, for basically a shed
Our route and stats.
Weavers’ Way
For our second ride, we went on this old, disused railway line, originally running from Cromer to Great Yarmouth. The line was run by the Midland and Great Northern Railway Company. The track we rode was the section from Stalham to Bengate, which is in the Norfolk Broads National Park.
It is about 4.5 miles each way and the trail meanders through woodland and fields.
There is still some railway infrastructure remaining, with gradient markers, mile markers and the remains of the station at Honing. This operated from 1882 till it shut down in 1959.
We had our picnic lunch at Honing.
It is interesting to see some very large churches in the area, which have very nice architecture, in being faced with “Napped Flint”, which is local to the area. This example is St Peter and St Paul Honing and was built in 1333.
Saw this Memorial from World War One, a captured German mortar in the village.
Our route and stats.
As promised, a quick write up of our recent cycling holiday in Norfolk.
Lowestoft Seafront
We haven’t been out riding for couple of days as it has been pouring with rain. Good start to the holiday.
However, we managed to take advantage of a respite in the weather and do a quick first ride along Lowestoft’s seafront promenade.
It is quite wide and they have put a cycle path down the centre of this, which is clearly marked, with many signs telling us cyclists to stay between the lines. Unfortunately, there are no signs telling pedestrians, children, dogs to stay outside the lines. Consequently, constant use of the bell.
Mind you, the price of Beach Huts isn’t getting any cheaper, for basically a shed
Our route and stats.
Weavers’ Way
For our second ride, we went on this old, disused railway line, originally running from Cromer to Great Yarmouth. The line was run by the Midland and Great Northern Railway Company. The track we rode was the section from Stalham to Bengate, which is in the Norfolk Broads National Park.
It is about 4.5 miles each way and the trail meanders through woodland and fields.
There is still some railway infrastructure remaining, with gradient markers, mile markers and the remains of the station at Honing. This operated from 1882 till it shut down in 1959.
We had our picnic lunch at Honing.
It is interesting to see some very large churches in the area, which have very nice architecture, in being faced with “Napped Flint”, which is local to the area. This example is St Peter and St Paul Honing and was built in 1333.
Saw this Memorial from World War One, a captured German mortar in the village.
Our route and stats.
Last edited:
DiggyGun
Well-Known Member
- Region
- United Kingdom
- City
- Buckinghamshire
Norfolk Part Two
Bure Valley Path
This again, for our third ride, is an old disused railway line which closed in 1952 to passengers and freight in 1972.
It originally ran from Hoveton Wrexham to Aylsham. Built in 1877 and was initially operated by East Norfolk Railway, then Great Eastern Railway in 1882. Taken over by LNER in 1923, then Nationalised under British Railways in 1948.
It was reopened as a 15 inch Narrow Gauge Railway in 1991 and the cycle path runs alongside it for about nine miles.
We had our picnic lunch on the Station Platform at Buxton.
However, we found it to be a bit boring as it was relatively flat and straight, through basically, the same countryside with very little interesting features along the way. Additionally, the path was also very narrow for most of it and the overgrown vegetation meant that you kept getting caught by brambles.
Bizarrely, the information sheet made no mention at all of the Narrow Gauge Railway and gave a glowing description of the surrounding area that you never actually saw.
Our route and stats.
Themelthorpe Loop
Keeping with the disused railway lines, we did this one for our fourth ride.
All passenger traffic stopped in 1959 and the Themelthorpe Curve was built in 1960 to join two railway different railways lines together. Namely, the Great Eastern Railway, built in 1882 and the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway, built in 1883. It was to shorten the route of freight trains carrying concrete products running from a terminal at Lenwade and was closed by 1985.
Interestingly, this section was to be the final section of railway track built in Norfolk by British Rail and was the sharpest curve in the whole of the British rail network. Consequently, trains were Limted to 10 mph when going round
The starting point was the Whitwell and Reepham Station, which has a standard gauge Heritage Railway line. This opened in 2009 and runs for 21.5 miles between Cromer and Norwich City.
We had our picnic lunch in the Churchyard of St Andrew’s Church in Themelthorpe itself.
Came across an old World War Two Pill Box.
It is now part of the Marriott’s Way footpath.
Our route and stats.
Gorleston Seafront
A quick ride along the seafront promenade in the nice warm sunshine.
No picnic stop today, as only a short ride, but Mrs DG did want an ice-cream.
Our route and stats.
Bure Valley Path
This again, for our third ride, is an old disused railway line which closed in 1952 to passengers and freight in 1972.
It originally ran from Hoveton Wrexham to Aylsham. Built in 1877 and was initially operated by East Norfolk Railway, then Great Eastern Railway in 1882. Taken over by LNER in 1923, then Nationalised under British Railways in 1948.
It was reopened as a 15 inch Narrow Gauge Railway in 1991 and the cycle path runs alongside it for about nine miles.
We had our picnic lunch on the Station Platform at Buxton.
However, we found it to be a bit boring as it was relatively flat and straight, through basically, the same countryside with very little interesting features along the way. Additionally, the path was also very narrow for most of it and the overgrown vegetation meant that you kept getting caught by brambles.
Bizarrely, the information sheet made no mention at all of the Narrow Gauge Railway and gave a glowing description of the surrounding area that you never actually saw.
Our route and stats.
Themelthorpe Loop
Keeping with the disused railway lines, we did this one for our fourth ride.
All passenger traffic stopped in 1959 and the Themelthorpe Curve was built in 1960 to join two railway different railways lines together. Namely, the Great Eastern Railway, built in 1882 and the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway, built in 1883. It was to shorten the route of freight trains carrying concrete products running from a terminal at Lenwade and was closed by 1985.
Interestingly, this section was to be the final section of railway track built in Norfolk by British Rail and was the sharpest curve in the whole of the British rail network. Consequently, trains were Limted to 10 mph when going round
The starting point was the Whitwell and Reepham Station, which has a standard gauge Heritage Railway line. This opened in 2009 and runs for 21.5 miles between Cromer and Norwich City.
We had our picnic lunch in the Churchyard of St Andrew’s Church in Themelthorpe itself.
Came across an old World War Two Pill Box.
It is now part of the Marriott’s Way footpath.
Our route and stats.
Gorleston Seafront
A quick ride along the seafront promenade in the nice warm sunshine.
No picnic stop today, as only a short ride, but Mrs DG did want an ice-cream.
Our route and stats.
Attachments
Mulezen
Well-Known Member
My friend in town came out for his third Tuesday in a row. Can you tell if he's enjoying himself? We road 27miles through the Virginia countryside over unfamiliar roads for James.
We stopped at the chicken house when we saw the old couple outside. The husband was doing row work in their impressive garden while 'Mama' fanned herself in the shade. I'd include pictures of their garden but didn't want to act like a representative of National Geographic. James is 5' 7" (the smiling man), I'm in blue and am 6'2" to lend a yardstick
We stopped at the chicken house when we saw the old couple outside. The husband was doing row work in their impressive garden while 'Mama' fanned herself in the shade. I'd include pictures of their garden but didn't want to act like a representative of National Geographic. James is 5' 7" (the smiling man), I'm in blue and am 6'2" to lend a yardstick
Attachments
PatriciaK
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Pacific Northwest and Piedmont Triad
Took a nice about 11 mile ride today with my friend who was test riding a nice new La Free. I had turned my app off at the bike shop and forgot to turn it back on for a few miles, so the distance in the photo is not correct.
Was busy chatting and making suggestions for gearing and assistance as we rode, so no other pictures today. I really should have stopped at least once, because Mount Rainier was out for the first time in months, in all her glory!
Anyway, my friend loved the La Free! She was absolutely giggling as she flew effortlessly up the hills, and was amazed at how smooth and comfortable the ride was
. She's picking hers up tomorrow or Thursday, and we'll begin training for our Italian adventure!
Funny coincidence - when we took a little break in the ride, we were talking about perhaps getting a group together. My friend mentioned she thought her neighbor had a bike and might be interested. When we got back to the bike shop, there was the neighbor, getting some work done in her Aventon Pace 500! We all exchanged info, the neighbor had another friend who might be interested, and we're meeting for coffee next week to get organized
. We need to come up with a name ..
A very productive day!
Was busy chatting and making suggestions for gearing and assistance as we rode, so no other pictures today. I really should have stopped at least once, because Mount Rainier was out for the first time in months, in all her glory!
Anyway, my friend loved the La Free! She was absolutely giggling as she flew effortlessly up the hills, and was amazed at how smooth and comfortable the ride was
. She's picking hers up tomorrow or Thursday, and we'll begin training for our Italian adventure!Funny coincidence - when we took a little break in the ride, we were talking about perhaps getting a group together. My friend mentioned she thought her neighbor had a bike and might be interested. When we got back to the bike shop, there was the neighbor, getting some work done in her Aventon Pace 500! We all exchanged info, the neighbor had another friend who might be interested, and we're meeting for coffee next week to get organized
. We need to come up with a name ..A very productive day!
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
a 4 mile ride to test the update to my motor with more torque. I used everything the bike had the first time I did this now I save a bit left. lots of steep grades upto 18% in places almost all the hills are the last two miles. 8090 feet of climbing.
but great views and lots of very expensive houses. I bet they get special treatment for icy roads or they would be totally iced in you could not even walk the streets.
this was so keep I could hardly get my bike to stay put to take the picture.
but great views and lots of very expensive houses. I bet they get special treatment for icy roads or they would be totally iced in you could not even walk the streets.
this was so keep I could hardly get my bike to stay put to take the picture.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
You had me at dolphins....that and sun, sand, and surf. Sounds like a good life!
Friserando
Active Member
- Region
- Europe
ChezCheese:)
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- Kitsap Co, WA
Love the red, but wow those are wide handlebars. I cut mine down and find it is easier on the shoulders and easier to get through doorways.
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
ya they are a little wide though I need a bit more because of the bar tape. but the bar tape is really expensive so it will wait till I have to replace it.
kahn
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- northWET washington
It was a very nice first day of Summer.Took a nice about 11 mile ride today with my friend who was test riding a nice new La Free. I had turned my app off at the bike shop and forgot to turn it back on for a few miles, so the distance in the photo is not correct.
Was busy chatting and making suggestions for gearing and assistance as we rode, so no other pictures today. I really should have stopped at least once, because Mount Rainier was out for the first time in months, in all her glory!
View attachment 126704
Anyway, my friend loved the La Free! She was absolutely giggling as she flew effortlessly up the hills, and was amazed at how smooth and comfortable the ride was
Funny coincidence - when we took a little break in the ride, we were talking about perhaps getting a group together. My friend mentioned she thought her neighbor had a bike and might be interested. When we got back to the bike shop, there was the neighbor, getting some work done in her Aventon Pace 500! We all exchanged info, the neighbor had another friend who might be interested, and we're meeting for coffee next week to get organized
A very productive day!
Day before summer - Smith Cove Park, 22.8 and about 800 feet of UP:
First day of summer. The same approximately 800 of UP but only 2 miles. Heybrook Lookout:
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
What a way to celebrate the summer solstice!
kahn
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- northWET washington
And Seattle never fails to amaze. Today it is a very light mist/drizzle. But now they are talking about 90F (32.2C) next Monday.What a way to celebrate the summer solstice!
RabH
Well-Known Member
I had a truly epic ride today, its been 10 years since I last attempted this route and everything was going exactly to plan until I came across a closed road which meant diverting around 8 miles! This resulted in me ending up in the town centre in Dunfermline which wasn't very enjoyable, at least I missed all the school traffic though so that was a bonus! I put the bike in the car and drove 30 miles to the village of Powmill which is very close to my local racing circuit, my plan was to ride from here to the home of golf in St Andrews and return down the coast road and cycle past the race circuit which means a lovely descent back down to the car!
St Andrews actually holds a special place in my heart, my parents took myself and my 5 siblings there for our annual vacation almost every year when we were youngsters! It was particularly special to my dad as he had a very busy work life and it was his time to relax, not easy with 6 kids though!
I stayed inland on the road up and some of the views are just spectacular!I stopped for the toilet at the Scottish Deer Centre near the town of Cupar and I was treated to some blasts from the past!
A few miles on I passed through the village of Dairsie and more beautiful scenery caught my eye!
When I reached St Andrews I headed for the beach, no sign of @Chargeride though!
The old course at St Andrews backs on to this beach, in 3 weeks time it will host the 150th Open Golf Championship so it will be extremely busy! I could see all the grandstands being erected, I was here in the 80's when Seve Ballesteros won in fine style on the 18th green! I then headed for the harbour which was pretty quiet despite the gorgeous weather!
The caravan site in the distance is where we stayed during our holidays, its quite a walk up to the site!
The view of the town from the hill next to the caravan site!
It was now time to leave St Andrews and head down the coast road, this is the tiny harbour at the village of Crail!
What a fantastic day, I think I will sleep well tonight after that epic ride! I will have a well earned rest for a few days now and hope the weather will improve as the forecast isn't looking too good for the next week or so....
Attachments
RabH
Well-Known Member
More photos from my ride!
Attachments
-
20220623_075659.jpg -
20220623_080701.jpg -
20220623_081245.jpg -
20220623_081319.jpg -
20220623_081427.jpg -
20220623_085723.jpg -
20220623_091303.jpg -
20220623_091930.jpg -
20220623_091947.jpg -
20220623_101447.jpg -
20220623_101451.jpg -
20220623_101514.jpg -
20220623_102236.jpg -
20220623_102423.jpg -
20220623_102509.jpg -
20220623_123554.jpg -
20220623_131013.jpg -
20220623_131551.jpg -
20220623_134832.jpg
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
I could say that you’ve outdone yourself but then I would have to keep repeating that statement every time you post a ride report.View attachment 126825
I had a truly epic ride today, its been 10 years since I last attempted this route and everything was going exactly to plan until I came across a closed road which meant diverting around 8 miles! This resulted in me ending up in the town centre in Dunfermline which wasn't very enjoyable, at least I missed all the school traffic though so that was a bonus! I put the bike in the car and drove 30 miles to the village of Powmill which is very close to my local racing circuit, my plan was to ride from here to the home of golf in St Andrews and return down the coast road and cycle past the race circuit which means a lovely descent back down to the car!
St Andrews actually holds a special place in my heart, my parents took myself and my 5 siblings there for our annual vacation almost every year when we were youngsters! It was particularly special to my dad as he had a very busy work life and it was his time to relax, not easy with 6 kids though!
View attachment 126829 View attachment 126830
I stopped for the toilet at the Scottish Deer Centre near the town of Cupar and I was treated to some blasts from the past!
View attachment 126831
View attachment 126832
View attachment 126833
A few miles on I passed through the village of Dairsie and more beautiful scenery caught my eye!
View attachment 126834
View attachment 126835
When I reached St Andrews I headed for the beach, no sign of @Chargeride though!
View attachment 126836
View attachment 126837
The old course at St Andrews backs on to this beach, in 3 weeks time it will host the 150th Open Golf Championship so it will be extremely busy! I could see all the grandstands being erected, I was here in the 80's when Seve Ballesteros won in fine style on the 18th green! I then headed for the harbour which was pretty quiet despite the gorgeous weather!
View attachment 126838
View attachment 126839
The caravan site in the distance is where we stayed during our holidays, its quite a walk up to the site!
View attachment 126840
The view of the town from the hill next to the caravan site!
View attachment 126841
It was now time to leave St Andrews and head down the coast road, this is the tiny harbour at the village of Crail!
View attachment 126842
What a fantastic day, I think I will sleep well tonight after that epic ride! I will have a well earned rest for a few days now and hope the weather will improve as the forecast isn't looking too good for the next week or so....
Similar threads
