Our Rides in Words, Photos & Videos

[mschwett]

Oh, I don't think so! Rab seems to be riding all year long! Year-to-date he's ridden for almost 7,400 km with 92+ kilometres of elevation gain! I see him getting past the 10,000 km mark this year! (I've only ridden for some 7,000+ km with 14.6 km of elevation gain). Rab is a hard contender! I also need to mention @mschwett who has similar achievements as Rab (more distance, slightly less of elevation gain) and @fooferdoggie who probably is the leader by distance!
…

@RabH’s ride reports are among my favorites! my stats for the year are 7,475km and 83,220m of climbing. quite similar! but i will note that those are all unassisted miles this year! there’s just one or two additional rides beyond those where my lonely creo had its motor turned on… for other purposes it gets a motor workout, as does my kid-transport and errand bike, but strava is for my touring/fitness rides. i suppose this is officially off-topic!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

i will note that those are all unassisted miles this year!

Ya, but you're far younger than Rab or me, I suppose

 

[Chargeride]

Those first five pictures.
Never should have given independence

It was a spectacularly sunny day as we rode up the Moraine Lake Road in Banff National Park then stopped by for a visit at Lake Louise earlier on in the evening. Another ride awaits us tomorrow as we head up the short climb to Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park, BC. We've visited the area many times in the past, but like Maligne Lake and Marmot Basin, have never cycled these roads before. The available side shoulders were very narrow but thankfully the traffic along the road during this time of the season was pleasantly light.

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Dusk shots of Lake Louise and Mount Victoria Glacier.

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A distant view of the Iconic Chateau Lake Louise.

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[dodgeman]

I did 24 miles today and found another barn I had yet to get a picture of.

 

[Prairie Dog]

The second day of our trip to Lake Louise and points beyond was a short 26 km out and back along the Yoho Valley Road up to Takakkaw Falls near the AB/ BC border. We only logged 52 km during the two days we were there with a total elevation gain of approx. 886 meters or just over 2900’. My battery level, starting from a full charge to what remained afterwards, was a decent 88% according to Mission Control. Not significant numbers but both Moraine Lake and the Falls were alpine destinations that we wanted to complete before it became too cold to ride. The fall scenery and views, in particular, were reason enough to make this a must do trip.

At we arrived near the Yoho Valley Road, we were greeted by the sun’s rays blanketing the craggy north face of Cathedral Mountain along the TransCan Highway. Quite a site to behold.

Once we got underway on the Yoho Valley Road, the fall colors began to show up and we seemed to be in no hurry to get to the top.

As we glanced across the road, we could see a train making its way through the upper spiral tunnel. Completed in 1909, these tunnels are an amazing feat of engineering that allows for safer albeit slower passage for the trains. On a typical day, 25 -30 trains make this journey.

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/yoho/culture/kickinghorse/visit/spirale-spiral

Looking back down the road, Cathedral was still evident as we approached one of the switchbacks on the way up towards the falls.

Meeting of two Rivers. Yoho and Kicking Horse.

One of several switchbacks that we would encounter. This one in particular sported a grade of 18%.

A bit further to go. No shoulder on the road to speak of but with autumn in full swing, traffic along the entire stretch was almost void of vehicles. I can’t imagine riding up or down this narrow road during the busy holiday season.

A nice view overlooking the canyon below and the turbulent Kicking Horse River.

Stunning Takakkaw Falls is notably the second highest in Canada towering above at 380 meters or 1224’ high. The fall’s name apparently originates from the Cree language meaning ‘Wonderful’.

A grand view of Michael Peak on the other side of the road.

After a quick snack at the falls it was time to head back down.

Another view of the Kicking Horse River this time from the roadside.

A parting shot of Mt Field taken from the TC Highway. Even though Moraine Lake and Takakkaw Falls were neither of our longest rides to date, it was nevertheless a glorious two days of cycling that we won't soon forget. When the weather conditions are this good, the fall season can sometimes be the best time to be out on the road.

 

[Mulezen]

Wonderful trip report…beautiful landscape.
“The fall’s name apparently originates from the Cree language meaning ‘Wonderful’.”
But what do they know? /S

 

[Readytoride]

Outstanding report @Prairie Dog ! Loved the gorgeous photos, too. It took me forever to pronounce "Takakkaw" without stumbling over my own tongue.

 

[Rome]

Those first five pictures.
Never should have given independence

I did not get the joke on the first read.
British Columbia ha ha
@Prairie Dog keep it coming with those Magnificent Photography. English is not not my 1st language, I speak Pidgin English.

Outstanding report @Prairie Dog ! Loved the gorgeous photos, too. It took me forever to pronounce "Takakkaw" without stumbling over my own tongue.

It probably sounds like 'Take a cow' or 'Talk a cow' .

 

[Djangodog]

Foliage is still a few days short of peak, but I took a nice 100 Kilometer ride yesterday and brought the GoPro along. This video is just a teaser. A bright blue sky and some Cumulus clouds will help, (maybe Thursday).

 

[Prairie Dog]

Outstanding report @Prairie Dog ! Loved the gorgeous photos, too. It took me forever to pronounce "Takakkaw" without stumbling over my own tongue.

It seems that there are a number of loose interpretations of the name floating around including magnificent, amazing, awe and wonder. According to the Cree dictionary (yes there is one) wonderful means Mamuskatayetak-oosew so it’s not even close. The Cree Assoc here in my home town might be able to provide a definitive answer as to the origin of the name.

 

[Chargeride]

Only two and a half minutes, as usual couldnt be axsed making stills, so heres a super fast edit of 3 hours riding around Newton Ferrers.
In the summer you can barely move and a few days into October and its deserted.
Tried to make for the coast but got lost in gorgeous waterside, woodland paths, which was perfect really.
Brakes failed, got lots of strange looks, but the battery lasted three hours.
Great day out exploring every nook and cranny.

 

[RabH]

The second day of our trip to Lake Louise and points beyond was a short 26 km out and back along the Yoho Valley Road up to Takakkaw Falls near the AB/ BC border. We only logged 52 km during the two days we were there with a total elevation gain of approx. 886 meters or just over 2900’. My battery level, starting from a full charge to what remained afterwards, was a decent 88% according to Mission Control. Not significant numbers but both Moraine Lake and the Falls were alpine destinations that we wanted to complete before it became too cold to ride. The fall scenery and views, in particular, were reason enough to make this a must do trip.

At we arrived near the Yoho Valley Road, we were greeted by the sun’s rays blanketing the craggy north face of Cathedral Mountain along the TransCan Highway. Quite a site to behold.

View attachment 137089

Once we got underway on the Yoho Valley Road, the fall colors began to show up and we seemed to be in no hurry to get to the top.

View attachment 137090

As we glanced across the road, we could see a train making its way through the upper spiral tunnel. Completed in 1909, these tunnels are an amazing feat of engineering that allows for safer albeit slower passage for the trains. On a typical day, 25 -30 trains make this journey.

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/bc/yoho/culture/kickinghorse/visit/spirale-spiral

View attachment 137091

Looking back down the road, Cathedral was still evident as we approached one of the switchbacks on the way up towards the falls.

View attachment 137092

Meeting of two Rivers. Yoho and Kicking Horse.

View attachment 137093
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One of several switchbacks that we would encounter. This one in particular sported a grade of 18%.

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A bit further to go. No shoulder on the road to speak of but with autumn in full swing, traffic along the entire stretch was almost void of vehicles. I can’t imagine riding up or down this narrow road during the busy holiday season.

View attachment 137096

A nice view overlooking the canyon below and the turbulent Kicking Horse River.

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Stunning Takakkaw Falls is notably the second highest in Canada towering above at 380 meters or 1224’ high. The fall’s name apparently originates from the Cree language meaning ‘Wonderful’.

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A grand view of Michael Peak on the other side of the road.

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After a quick snack at the falls it was time to head back down.

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Another view of the Kicking Horse River this time from the roadside.

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A parting shot of Mt Field taken from the TC Highway. Even though Moraine Lake and Takakkaw Falls were neither of our longest rides to date, it was nevertheless a glorious two days of cycling that we won't soon forget. When the weather conditions are this good, the fall season can sometimes be the best time to be out on the road.

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What an incredible place to ride a bike, truly breathtaking wow You sure won with the weather

In stark contrast I'm almost certain Noah's Ark sailed past my house last night I'm glad I live at 550ft above sea level

 

[reed scott]

David Berry gone . Though I mostly just lurk these days ... this is heart breaking. I am truly truly sorry to see this.

I have just recently broken out the e-bikes and put them back into service after the long Texas summer. I would have to be a truly early morning riser to ride during the summer and that ain't happening. The dog can't take running in the heat and I can't bear leaving him locked up as well. So the bikes languished in the storage trailer all summer. It pained me but ... there you have it.

And now fall chores get in the way. Have to mow the explosive grass growth we got from the blessed rains that have recently come after a full spring and summer with zero rain.

 

[Prairie Dog]

What an incredible place to ride a bike, truly breathtaking wow You sure won with the weather

In stark contrast I'm almost certain Noah's Ark sailed past my house last night I'm glad I live at 550ft above sea level

Yes, one never knows when the weather will turn. In your case, it might be more like the tide. Hope the rains subside soon and that you’ll be out for another epic ride. We’re trying to make the best of it here while it’s still pleasant enough. Mornings are hovering just above freezing and with fall chores still to be completed it might be a long shot for another out-of-town ride.

 

[Chargeride]

I took my dad to the hospital in Plymouth and nipped out to have a look at Plymouth Hoe, which is a sort of memorial park on the front.

Plymouth itself is a very tired and nondescript city, I'd call it mostly ugly and uninspiring.

Considering its history and centerpiece for many turning points in English history, it seems a shame that it feels so rundown and lacking in imagination at the front where tourists gather.

Theres this nice memorial to Drake, pirate, privateer and Spanish Armada defeater.
Without this guy North America would be Spanish , there would have been no British Empire and....well you can decide on that one.
The accepted myth is he calmly played bowls here as the Armada approached the port.

The Mayflower made its final departure from here, there is a seperate memorial called the steps, I appreciate its the actual departure point, but its so underwhelming that it takes british understatement right to the edge.

There is this lighthouse, which is actually the top half of a sea based version that was taken apart and rebuilt here.

There is so little to look at that I filmed this Moby Dick recycling statue.

This fortress is pretty dam impressive and featured an actual soldier with a rifle flirting with tourists.
It is called the Royal Citadel and was built in 1660 mainly to defend against the Dutch and keep the locals in check during the civil war.

A couple of canons were put here mainly for tourists, they have no historical connection with the port.

You can just see there is a homeless tent next to one of the Citadel entrances, seems a rather tidy person.

So, yes, Im being rather negative, but I cant help but feel other countries would make more of an effort.
Its just an English thing I suppose.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

I will do a training (the last of the three days) to the Polish Oil & Gas Company in Warsaw on Thursday. The commute has been rather unpleasant so far: Driving my car to the train station in Pruszków very early in the morning to find the parking space at a Park + Ride lot. Then travelling to Warsaw by a commuter train. Finally, taking a crowded bus and eventually walking to the company gate and beyond.

As my trainees are fine people, they said I could wear casual clothes for the last day of training. I will set off for a Vado SL ride at 7 a.m. (instead of the usual 6:30). Just an hour ride in dry and warm weather! I'm so happy!

I was asked by a security guard not to take any pictures within the company grounds... The glass building is the Central Laboratory.

The Museum of Gas Mining is a public site though.

My trainees during a break. 11 people altogether (I'm the twelfth one).

I've been working with Chemstations Inc. CHEMCAD (process simulation software from Houston TX) for 31 years and am a regional expert.

 

[Djangodog]

I will do a training (the last of the three days) to the Polish Oil & Gas Company in Warsaw on Thursday. The commute has been rather unpleasant so far: Driving my car to the train station in Pruszków very early in the morning to find the parking space at a Park + Ride lot. Then travelling to Warsaw by a commuter train. Finally, taking a crowded bus and eventually walking to the company gate and beyond.

As my trainees are fine people, they said I could wear casual clothes for the last day of training. I will set off for a Vado SL ride at 7 a.m. (instead of the usual 6:30). Just an hour ride in dry and warm weather! I'm so happy!

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I was asked by a security guard not to take any pictures within the company grounds... The glass building is the Central Laboratory.

View attachment 137193
The Museum of Gas Mining is a public site though.

View attachment 137194
My trainees during a break. 11 people altogether (I'm the twelfth one).

View attachment 137195
I've been working with Chemstations Inc. CHEMCAD (process simulation software from Houston TX) for 31 years and am a regional expert.

I love the old steam engine. Are those gear teeth on the flywheel?

My engines are not that big. The largest is a hybrid launch engine that could power a 14’ to 20’ boat. My father built a lot of it and I finished it after he passed, (way off subject).

 

[Mulezen]

Bobby Lloyd's family farm Pumpkin Patch is now open for business. His children and their wives came up with the idea some years back about when he was easing out of the hard work. In recent years with suburbia knocking on the door the three week extravaganza has proved to be a bonanza surpassing the other farm income . On weekends the cars back up the road, while during the week, as you can see, school buses stop by. BTW...the size of the hay operation is one of the largest on the east coast (US).

 

[Chargeride]

I will do a training (the last of the three days) to the Polish Oil & Gas Company in Warsaw on Thursday. The commute has been rather unpleasant so far: Driving my car to the train station in Pruszków very early in the morning to find the parking space at a Park + Ride lot. Then travelling to Warsaw by a commuter train. Finally, taking a crowded bus and eventually walking to the company gate and beyond.

As my trainees are fine people, they said I could wear casual clothes for the last day of training. I will set off for a Vado SL ride at 7 a.m. (instead of the usual 6:30). Just an hour ride in dry and warm weather! I'm so happy!

View attachment 137192
I was asked by a security guard not to take any pictures within the company grounds... The glass building is the Central Laboratory.

View attachment 137193
The Museum of Gas Mining is a public site though.

View attachment 137194
My trainees during a break. 11 people altogether (I'm the twelfth one).

View attachment 137195
I've been working with Chemstations Inc. CHEMCAD (process simulation software from Houston TX) for 31 years and am a regional expert.

Have they given you a diving suit and a welding torch by any chance?

 

[Djangodog]

Here is part 2 of my 101 km Vermont foliage ride. The best color starts about 2.75 minutes into the video. Please set your device to HD. The sky wasn't very cooperative, but I think that Vermont is beautiful any time.