Our Rides in Words, Photos & Videos

[RabH]

With beautiful weather forecast yesterday it was time to cycle to the car racing again, thankfully there was a cooling breeze blowing which made it a beautiful ride up to the circuit!

The Clackmannan bridge and the Ochil hills were lookin nice in the morning sun!

The road up to the circuit was pretty quiet as it was just a normal run of the mill race meeting which doesn't attract much of a crowd! In 3 weeks it will be a very different story with the British Touring Car Championship arriving for their annual visit, a crowd of around 20,000 will descend on the circuit that day so the bike will remain at home!

There was a real mix of cars at the circuit this time with a club from Darlington in England visiting, the stand out was this VW Beetle (I know it doesn't look much like a Beetle) which had 2 Hyuabusa motorcycle engines fitted so it was pretty rapid!

The highlight of the day is always the Legends which have Yamaha 1250cc engines fitted, these cars are so much fun to watch with very close racing most of the time!

A nice view of the Forth bridges from the circuit!

After 6 hours in the sun I was feeling a little tired but looking forward to the ride home as I was now riding into the cool breeze! Roads like this were making it a very enjoyable trip back!

Eventually I reached the town of Falkirk and the road I usually take was closed for repairs, it keeps you well away from the traffic! So I had to use a busier road and as I was climbing a big hill there was a set of traffic signals ahead which were at red, so I slowed hoping the lights would change and I wouldn't have to stop! I was getting very close and they were still red but just as I was about to put my foot down they changed to green so I put my foot back on the pedal and managed to keep my momentum going!

There were quite a few cars coming up behind me so I decided to take to the empty pavement (sidewalk) as the kerb had been lowered to allow wheelchairs and the like to cross the road, to allow the cars to pass! I managed to misjudge the lip on the kerb as it was slighlty raised and my wheel caught it at a bad angle, resulting in me flying over the handlebars and landing head first on the pavement ! Thankfully I didn't land on the road which could have resulted in a car running over me, a very scary thought!

The first car behind me stopped to check I was ok, thankfully I was fine and very glad I was wearing a good helmet! Time for a new helmet....I was also glad I was wearing gloves as I had lost some skin on my left hand under the gloves, it would have been way worse without them! I have quite a few cuts and bruises but I'm absolutely fine, as is the bike! It was entirely my fault and probably happened due to tiredness after a long day, these things happen to us all and I'm glad I had a good outcome this time! The next time I will let the cars queue behind me... Despite the accident I had a brilliant day and I can't wait to get back in the saddle!

 

[Prairie Dog]

@Prairie Dog That video was just breathtaking, spectacular scenery from start to finish!
@Chargeride Amazing video but I was having palpatations at times with those big drops! You ride your bike where I wouldn't even dare to walk!
You asked the question "who falls going uphill?" *raises hand* I managed it yesterday on my way back from the car racing, stupid mistake on my part and a lesson learned! Just a few cuts and bruises but I'm fine and very glad I was wearing a helmet as I went right over the bars...my bike is fine with just a scuff on the left brifter and some torn bar tape, I actually have new bar tape and haven't got round to fitting it yet, I guess I was waiting for this to happen!Amazingly all of my cycling gear remained intact! Report coming soon...

Thanks for those kind words, Rab. We overnighted with friends in nearby Cochrane which takes the sting out from an otherwise spendy trip if we stayed in hotel digs. Post Covid and a peak summer season have really created a spur of activity at all of the mtn resorts resulting in exorbitant prices. We were planning a two-day trip to Jasper > Maligne Lake this week but at $300 Cdn/night we decided to defer it until the fall.

Sorry to hear about your tumble but if it’s any consolation, I also performed a not so graceful end over along one of our local trails a month ago and sprained a couple of digits. Sh*t happens…what can I say.

If you recall on the downhill leg portion of our Highwood trip, my back tire suffered a puncture but fortunately I was able to reinflate it for the final few km until we reached Ribbon Creek. Back at home, it didn’t take long to find the culprit….



@Chargeride – I was going to suggest that, as a safety measure, you really do need a companion on those daring rides that you undertake but then who would be crazy enough to tag along! Gorgeous scenery, BTW, or as you aptly described it….’Pure heaven’. Well done!

WOW. Absolutely incredible scenery and camera shots/editing. Sublime. Wonderful. Am I emoting too much?

@kahn - The images only touch the surface of what it’s actually like to ride there. We stopped frequently to admire the views but knew that eventually we had to move on. I enjoy riding the rural roads here but biking in the Rockies is, as you described it, sublime.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I didn’t realise that it was not such a long distance.

That’s why we swapped the car for a panel van.

Two Riese and Müller eBikes are too heavy for a rear rack, plus too heavy to get on a roof mounted bike rack.

Since we got the can, we get much further afield, plus if staying overnight somewhere, the eBikes are a bit more secure, being out on sight.

A van….that is the proverbial ticket, IMO! We utilize a hitch rack but from time to time we will transport our bikes in our vehicle if it’s raining or if we overnight as some places won’t allow you to take the bikes up to the room. The only downside to our setup is that the front wheels and saddles require removal and the entire process is a bit of a time-consuming hassle.

Here is a vantastic way to transport you and your rides and maybe a few of your buddies.

 

[DiggyGun]

Thanks for those kind words, Rab. We overnighted with friends in nearby Cochrane which takes the sting out from an otherwise spendy trip if we stayed in hotel digs. Post Covid and a peak summer season have really created a spur of activity at all of the mtn resorts resulting in exorbitant prices. We were planning a two-day trip to Jasper > Maligne Lake this week but at $300 Cdn/night we decided to defer it until the fall.

Sorry to hear about your tumble but if it’s any consolation, I also performed a not so graceful end over along one of our local trails a month ago and sprained a couple of digits. Sh*t happens…what can I say.

If you recall on the downhill leg portion of our Highwood trip, my back tire suffered a puncture but fortunately I was able to reinflate it for the final few km until we reached Ribbon Creek. Back at home, it didn’t take long to find the culprit….

View attachment 128693View attachment 128694

@Chargeride – I was going to suggest that, as a safety measure, you really do need a companion on those daring rides that you undertake but then who would be crazy enough to tag along! Gorgeous scenery, BTW, or as you aptly described it….’Pure heaven’. Well done!

WOW. Absolutely incredible scenery and camera shots/editing. Sublime. Wonderful. Am I emoting too much?

@kahn - The images only touch the surface of what it’s actually like to ride there. We stopped frequently to admire the views but knew that eventually we had to move on. I enjoy riding the rural roads here but biking in the Rockies is, as you described it, sublime.

What is it with falls?

When we were out last Friday doing the Phoenix Trail, Ridgeway and Chilterns Cycleway, I too, took a tumble.

We we’re going down a Bridleway between two wheat fields which was very narrow and bumpy, when my front wheel came of this and into a small shallow ditch. That was it, the bike decided it wasn’t going any further and deposited me to the ground on the right hand side.

Fortunately no damage to the bike or me, apart from a bit of dust. Still Mrs DG was concerned and came rushing to my aid.

 

[RabH]

A van….that is the proverbial ticket, IMO! We utilize a hitch rack but from time to time we will transport our bikes in our vehicle if it’s raining or if we overnight as some places won’t allow you to take the bikes up to the room. The only downside to our setup is that the front wheels and saddles require removal and the entire process is a bit of a time-consuming hassle.

Here is a vantastic way to transport you and your rides and maybe a few of your buddies.

The place I used to work at kitted out a van for Danny McCaskill, we did van conversions and built bodies! I had the fun part of ordering all the parts, the tech in Danny's van was amazing! It wasn't quite £150,000 but it wasn't cheap!

 

[kahn]

No problem.

A van….that is the proverbial ticket, IMO! We utilize a hitch rack but from time to time we will transport our bikes in our vehicle if it’s raining or if we overnight as some places won’t allow you to take the bikes up to the room. The only downside to our setup is that the front wheels and saddles require removal and the entire process is a bit of a time-consuming hassle.

Here is a vantastic way to transport you and your rides and maybe a few of your buddies.

Mortgage the house and bike and it's mine!

 

[kahn]

Today's 22 miler with a detour into the Seattle Art Museum's (SAM) Olympic Sculpture Park

Glass shadows

Space Needle in the center

Calder and Space Needle

Can't have too many of THE MOUNTAIN when it shows itself

Richard Serra. I was going to acquire it for my backyard but that van took my reserve cash!

And once again, Upon Adjacent and who knows what... With Rainier

 

[Prairie Dog]

Mortgage the house and bike and it's mine!

NOOOoooooo...Not the Creo!

 

[kahn]

NOOOoooooo...Not the Creo!

Okay, how 'bout the Trek Madone and the Davidson conversion.

 

[Prairie Dog]

That’s a toughie or perhaps a good problem to have. A hand-built Davidson would also be difficult to part with. Good thing you have backup rides if the Creo ever needs to head into the shop….God forbid!

 

[Prairie Dog]

@kahn - Nice neighborhood with a killer view. Kind of reminds me of parts along Dallas Road/Ogden Point in Victoria.

 

[DiggyGun]

Today's 22 miler with a detour into the Seattle Art Museum's (SAM) Olympic Sculpture Park

And once again, Upon Adjacent and who knows what... With Rainier

Nice views of Seattle. Been a while since I was there last.

 

[DiggyGun]

A very pleasant ride last night on a nice and dry summer’s evening.

Went to Milton Keynes using the National Cycle Path No. 51.

Normally a fairly straight route, but had to make a detour through the village of Mursley as part of it closed for the construction of the East West Rail, (EWR) railway line.

 

[kahn]

View attachment 128733
@kahn - Nice neighborhood with a killer view. Kind of reminds me of parts along Dallas Road/Ogden Point in Victoria.

Oh, yeah. I would imagine one to two million, at least! Most have immaculate landscaping, too. When my bike broke down last winter I sat on someone's steps, freezing but enjoying the view, especially as sunset was fast dimming the light and making it even chillier.

I do like that ride because of the views. In some areas there are houses on the "west" side of the street above the bluff.

Picture taken while freezing to death!!!

 

[kahn]

Nice views of Seattle. Been a while since I was there last.

What brought you here? Vacation, Boeing or other business. Lots of Brits worked at Boeing - I did not. I hate to admit it but the last and first time I was in England was in 1968, way before some of these folks were born! Mostly London but managed to get to the real Stonehenge.

 

[DiggyGun]

What brought you here? Vacation, Boeing or other business. Lots of Brits worked at Boeing - I did not. I hate to admit it but the last and first time I was in England was in 1968, way before some of these folks were born! Mostly London but managed to get to the real Stonehenge.

First time was back in 1994 and was an escorted coach tour of the Rockies, starting and finishing in Seattle.

Second time was for a cruise up into Alaska, but don’t remember the year.

Glad you liked the UK.

 

[Prairie Dog]

I do like that ride because of the views. In some areas there are houses on the "west" side of the street above the bluff.

Picture taken while freezing to death!!!

That sure doesn’t look anything like winter in my neck of the woods but I imagine the damp air during that time of year can send a chill through the bones.

Ocean sunsets are the best.

Dallas Road Waterfront Trail, Victoria BC

Ogden Point, Dallas Road

On some days it was clear enough to get unobscured views of the Olympic Range.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Miss Me?

Stuck in London since last Sunday because of a cancelled flight. Hoping for getting out today... Many e-bike stories to tell but I need to be at a large screen PC to do that

 

[kahn]

That sure doesn’t look anything like winter in my neck of the woods but I imagine the damp air during that time of year can send a chill through the bones.

Ocean sunsets are the best.

Dallas Road Waterfront Trail, Victoria BC

View attachment 128755
Ogden Point, Dallas Road

View attachment 128756
On some days it was clear enough to get unobscured views of the Olympic Range.
View attachment 128757

Neat pictures. Wait, you were taking spy pictures across the border?
We don't generally get snow during Winter but on occasion it happened. And in my youth (40's or 50's), I have ridden in the snow. No studs back then, other than me!!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Neat pictures. Wait, you were taking spy pictures across the border?

Yep, sometimes I would surreptitiously slip out early in the morning before the flurry of harbor traffic.