Our Rides in Words, Photos & Videos

[DiggyGun]

We went for a ride around Grafham Water on Saturday. This is an Anglian Water reservoir and the last time we were there was in July.

We noted then, that the water level was very low. But we’re very surprised to see it even lower.

This was it on Saturday.

This was it in in July.

Hopefully it will fill up over the wetter, winter months.

DG….

 

[RabH]

After almost a week of incessant rain and wind, I was really determined to get out today! It was a murky overcast day with rain threatening as always but it wasn't stopping me today, I wasn't expecting to get any photos in the murky conditions but to my surprise it actually brightened up a bit after I reached my destination at Kirkmuirhill! It was pretty mild for near the end of October, around 12C and just a 10mph wind for a change!

This is brighter, honest! I enjoyed a lovely big descent just before this climb, its a tough climb going the other way!

Looking back towards Kirkmuirhill!

The autumn colours are really coming through now!

I continued the climb up to Auchenheath where I would have a lovely descent down into the Clyde Valley! The dark clouds were still looming but I still hadn't seen any rain so that was a bonus!

The climb ends here at this farm and I was looking forward to the descent now, the roads were very quiet so I was in cycling heaven!

Ready for the descent! We ride on the left over here but I prefer to take my photos facing the traffic, just after I took this photo a car came speeding round the tight bend and luckily there wasn't anything coming the other way! I was poised to throw the bike at the hedge just in case...

Part way down the descent I always like to stop here for photos of the valley below, amazing colours to enjoy today! I wouldn't mind living in this little cottage and seeing that amazing view every day!

I reached the valley and crossed over the River Clyde at Crossford, it was so good to see the river in full flow again!

The bridge at Crossford!

Looking west down the valley!

It has been quite some time since I have seen the river flowing so rapid!

Time for the big climb out of the valley, I elected to take the easier climb up to Carluke today as the steepest part is known for flooding down in the valley and I didn't want to chance it! It started to get pretty dark as I climbed up the hill and I really thought I was going to get wet, I turned the assist up and put the hammer down to get past the threatening clouds! I was in luck and managed to outrun the rain, I decided to stick to the main roads mostly on the way back home with the threat of rain all around!

I reached Newmains and took to the back roads again as it had brightened up thankfully! I had an uneventful ride home from there and I arrived home dry but with a very filthy bike, its all clean again and ready for a ride on Thursday which is looking hopeful so I might do a longer ride! It is looking a bit windy though but it will be mainly from the south which isn't a problem given the route I intend to take! It was so good to get out on the bike again, I did get out for some walks while the weather wasn't playing ball but its so much more fun on the bike! I only have around 160 miles to match last years total of 5037 miles so I'm pretty sure I will surpass that by quite a margin this year, I'm not sure if I will reach my 6223 miles from 2020 but it is possible if the weather plays ball...only 343 miles so far this month which isn't helping!

 

[Prairie Dog]

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After almost a week of incessant rain and wind, I was really determined to get out today! It was a murky overcast day with rain threatening as always but it wasn't stopping me today, I wasn't expecting to get any photos in the murky conditions but to my surprise it actually brightened up a bit after I reached my destination at Kirkmuirhill! It was pretty mild for near the end of October, around 12C and just a 10mph wind for a change!

This is brighter, honest! I enjoyed a lovely big descent just before this climb, its a tough climb going the other way!

View attachment 138648
Looking back towards Kirkmuirhill!

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The autumn colours are really coming through now!

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I continued the climb up to Auchenheath where I would have a lovely descent down into the Clyde Valley! The dark clouds were still looming but I still hadn't seen any rain so that was a bonus!

View attachment 138652

The climb ends here at this farm and I was looking forward to the descent now, the roads were very quiet so I was in cycling heaven!

View attachment 138653

Ready for the descent! We ride on the left over here but I prefer to take my photos facing the traffic, just after I took this photo a car came speeding round the tight bend and luckily there wasn't anything coming the other way! I was poised to throw the bike at the hedge just in case...

View attachment 138654

Part way down the descent I always like to stop here for photos of the valley below, amazing colours to enjoy today! I wouldn't mind living in this little cottage and seeing that amazing view every day!

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I reached the valley and crossed over the River Clyde at Crossford, it was so good to see the river in full flow again!

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The bridge at Crossford!

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Looking west down the valley!

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It has been quite some time since I have seen the river flowing so rapid!

View attachment 138661

Time for the big climb out of the valley, I elected to take the easier climb up to Carluke today as the steepest part is known for flooding down in the valley and I didn't want to chance it! It started to get pretty dark as I climbed up the hill and I really thought I was going to get wet, I turned the assist up and put the hammer down to get past the threatening clouds! I was in luck and managed to outrun the rain, I decided to stick to the main roads mostly on the way back home with the threat of rain all around!

I reached Newmains and took to the back roads again as it had brightened up thankfully! I had an uneventful ride home from there and I arrived home dry but with a very filthy bike, its all clean again and ready for a ride on Thursday which is looking hopeful so I might do a longer ride! It is looking a bit windy though but it will be mainly from the south which isn't a problem given the route I intend to take! It was so good to get out on the bike again, I did get out for some walks while the weather wasn't playing ball but its so much more fun on the bike! I only have around 160 miles to match last years total of 5037 miles so I'm pretty sure I will surpass that by quite a margin this year, I'm not sure if I will reach my 6223 miles from 2020 but it is possible if the weather plays ball...only 343 miles so far this month which isn't helping!

Your images portray such beautiful scenery regardless of the season. Good to know that you were finally able to escape the wind and rain for a change. Nothing worse than riding in those type of conditions.

My analog ride yesterday was far from perfect as I donned an extra layer, leggings and did my best to stay warm as the temp dropped steadily to just above freezing. Such a drastic change from just a few days ago. Meanwhile, my wife who had just logged 10km on the indoor roller trainer decided to join me on another 18km ride with just a pair of lycra shorts, short sleeved jersey, short finger gloves and a light windbreaker on. Amazing. I almost felt sorry for her but she calls her own shots when it comes to dressing for the conditions. At least she was plenty warm and lithe after her indoor session. No snow to speak of but a brisk head wind made it feel even colder. The short-term forecast looks more promising this week and I’m hopeful that we can venture out a few more times before the first significant snowfall.

 

[RabH]

Your images portray such beautiful scenery regardless of the season. Good to know that you were finally able to escape the wind and rain for a change. Nothing worse than riding in those type of conditions.

My analog ride yesterday was far from perfect as I donned an extra layer, leggings and did my best to stay warm as the temp dropped steadily to just above freezing. Such a drastic change from just a few days ago. Meanwhile, my wife who had just logged 10km on the indoor roller trainer decided to join me on another 18km ride with just a pair of lycra shorts, short sleeved jersey, short finger gloves and a light windbreaker on. Amazing. I almost felt sorry for her but she calls her own shots when it comes to dressing for the conditions. At least she was plenty warm and lithe after her indoor session. No snow to speak of but a brisk head wind made it feel even colder. The short-term forecast looks more promising this week and I’m hopeful that we can venture out a few more times before the first significant snowfall.

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She is one tough lady, I had 4 layers on today! I hope the weather holds and you can both enjoy more rides before the snowfall!

 

[Prairie Dog]

She is one tough lady, I had 4 layers on today! I hope the weather holds and you can both enjoy more rides before the snowfall!

It’s unusual for her to be out when it’s that cold so I guess the extended ride outside was just an excuse for her to cool off as a result of the indoor workout. It appeared to work as she didn’t seem to be suffering from any ill effects afterwards. I advised her to dress accordingly but she was off to the races before I even could put my cycling shoes on.

 

[fooferdoggie]

a nice ride on a newly paved road that I wish had some shoulder. usually its to this busy on Sunday. along the Clacamas river. lots of farms including a rock farm. no waterfalls going yet but soon. we had to stop with a landslide last year. I finally checked out the end of the Oregon trail location. its a giant covered wagon stage and a few other displays and I guess a education center? to as much as I thought. right at the start of this run is a bar with almost no parking. seems a very bad location.

 

[snipechief]

Winged Deer Park, Johnson City Tn

 

[Chargeride]

I'm in England and Wales from 26th Oct to 2nd of November 2022. Attending a concert of The Original Damned at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith on Oct 29th. Anyone?

• 26th Oct: Cotswolds (LHR - Cheltenham)
• 27th Oct: Wales (Caernarfon, Llanberis)
• 28th Oct: Mt. Snowdon, Buxton in the Peak District
• 29th Oct: London Hammersmith (The Damned concert)
• 30th Oct: Isle of Wight
• 31st Oct: Stonehenge
• 1st Nov: Brighton
• 2nd Nov: Return from Heathrow.

@Chargeride, @DiggyGun: What do you think?

Well firstly, thats an epic tour.
28th, Snowdon - Buxton, whos flying the helicopter?
If youre talking Snowdon on 28th, are you visiting the top?
Im only 50 mins away

 

[DaveMatthews]

Winged Deer Park, Johnson City Tn

Somebody's a Rush fan!

 

[Chargeride]

I know its not a ride, but its all Ive got, found out why my spare hub was slipping , the magnets have unbonded and just spin around instead of the wheel.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

If youre talking Snowdon on 28th, are you visiting the top?
Im only 50 mins away

We've got the tickets for the train to the Summit Station. Depending on the weather (and what I will see in front of me!) I might attempting the climb or give up!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Here a few pics of my ride last week on the BD rated Top Notch during my first day in Banff. It wasn’t pretty but I made it through this very tough and technical single track. It has a little bit of everything from tight rolling switchbacks, to a number of tricky TTFs (technical trail features), to gnarly rock gardens. There are not many technical trails within the townsite so this one ranks pretty high with the local folks.

Fortunately, there wasn’t a soul around and so I was able to take my sweet time negotiating the tight hairpins and steep descents. A tumble or two along the way was expected and I didn't disappoint. The climbs were no issue as the Levo was able to make quick work of them with the exception of a few tricky corners. Slow and easy was the mantra of the day.

Topp Notch Trail at Banff

Topp Notch begins with a squirrel catcher [mandatory feature] meant to weed out the less experienced. If you cannot ride this feature, head back down to Star Wars. Once past...

www.trailforks.com

 

[Chargeride]

I love a bit of boardwalk.

 

[snipechief]

Looks like fun, but way over my comfort level. Cool pictures.

 

[Chargeride]

Well Ive arrived, unfortunately, so has the weather.
Thats Cader Idris behind that fog, a 3000 fter.
This airbnb was built off the back of Welsh Gold.
There is a 16m mtb loop to the top, going to scout it out for the future.

 

[dodgeman]

I rode 23 miles today, finally a decent day. The winds have been strong here and yesterday was rainy. Today 10 mph winds, not great but not bad. A picture of a barn and abandoned farm house.

 

[Chargeride]

Are you climbing Snowdon tomorrow?

Im climbing Ciader Idris , I'll have to wave to you from the top

We've got the tickets for the train to the Summit Station. Depending on the weather (and what I will see in front of me!) I might attempting the climb or give up!

Personally, I'd get the train.

 

[RabH]

Epic Ride To Peebles By Bike Only (in the rain)

I have been to Peebles twice this year but on both occasions I transported my bike in the car, I put that right today by cycling all the way from home! The forecast was showing light rain from around 8am, I set off at first light at 7.35am and didn't like the look of the sky! The downside of leaving at this time was the morning rush hour but I made use of the cycle paths and had a good laugh at all the cars stuck in long queues! 5 miles in and the rain started and it certainly wasn't light! It poured down all the way to Newbigging at 30 miles, the next village was Elsrickle and I was glad the rain had gone as the roads here are just awesome!

The road leading to Elsrickle, its quite a climb here and some lovely hairpins to enjoy!

After the climb, I just love this road!

I had to change my first battery at 36 miles just past Elsrickle, the 25mph wind sure depleted it quickly! I took all 3 batteries today as I knew it would be a day for all 3 with the strong southerly breeze, after the battery change I had a break from the wind as I was heading north east for around 10 miles to Leadburn!

Some nice views on this road!

Then it was time to turn south for Peebles so I was heading into the strong breeze again, thankfully its mostly downhill to Peebles from here! I arrived in Peebles and the rain had returned but this time it was only spitting!

It was looking rather murky, the River Tweed was fast flowing today after all the recent rain!

I stopped for lunch here and by the time I was finished the rain had stopped and it was looking a little brighter, just outside Peebles I spotted this little road which leads to an old castle! I didn't go down the road to have a look at the castle, another day maybe!

Some blue sky starting to appear here, honest!

Just along the road the sun actually broke through and the temp changed almost immediately, not that it was cold but with the sun it felt more like a Spring day!

I was really enjoying the ride now with the wind now at my side and with lots of tree cover it wasn't an issue, I was actually on the main road out of Peebles but it wasn't that busy which was a bonus! I had to stop to grab a photo of this beautiful home with stunning grounds! The sun was drying the roads up very quickly!

Looking back towards Peebles!

I was now heading for Biggar where I would turn north and finally have the strong breeze at my back after 75 miles, the views were still very easy on the eye!

A nice downhill to enjoy here, despite the wet roads!

Nearing Biggar I spotted a sign warning of flooding, how bad was it going to be? I opted to pass on the right but in hindsight maybe I should have tried the left as I ended up with soaking wet feet as the water was still around a foot deep at the edge....

After passing the flood the roads were dry once again and I had the strong breeze at my back, I was on a climb but it didn't feel like it with that wind pushing me on!

This tree has seen better days, I wouldn't have parked the bike there if the wind was coming in that direction!The bike looks fairly clean here but it was actually filthy...

As I reached Biggar the weather was starting to look rather nasty again with very dark clouds appearing, thankfully my luck was in and I had a nice 25 mile ride north with the breeze behind me and no rain to spoil the fun! I changed my second battery at 82 miles so I had an almost full battery with around 30 miles to go so it was time to turn the assist up and enjoy all the big climbs back home! Despite the soaking at the start I had such a brilliant day on the bike, I was pretty tired when I got home but very contended with my ride! I only have 20 miles to go to reach 5000 miles for the year, hopefully I will get out again before the end of the month but the weather isn't looking promising....

 

[Chargeride]

The cute little toll bridge to Barmouth.
Its 30p per bike.

The train used to go past those buildings and across the estuary on a bridge to the seaside town.

There was a woman in the pub with a tiny parrot on a perch inside a see through backpack.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Epic Ride To Peebles By Bike Only (in the rain)

View attachment 138889

I have been to Peebles twice this year but on both occasions I transported my bike in the car, I put that right today by cycling all the way from home! The forecast was showing light rain from around 8am, I set off at first light at 7.35am and didn't like the look of the sky! The downside of leaving at this time was the morning rush hour but I made use of the cycle paths and had a good laugh at all the cars stuck in long queues! 5 miles in and the rain started and it certainly wasn't light! It poured down all the way to Newbigging at 30 miles, the next village was Elsrickle and I was glad the rain had gone as the roads here are just awesome!

The road leading to Elsrickle, its quite a climb here and some lovely hairpins to enjoy!

View attachment 138890

After the climb, I just love this road!

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I had to change my first battery at 36 miles just past Elsrickle, the 25mph wind sure depleted it quickly! I took all 3 batteries today as I knew it would be a day for all 3 with the strong southerly breeze, after the battery change I had a break from the wind as I was heading north east for around 10 miles to Leadburn!

Some nice views on this road!

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Then it was time to turn south for Peebles so I was heading into the strong breeze again, thankfully its mostly downhill to Peebles from here! I arrived in Peebles and the rain had returned but this time it was only spitting!

It was looking rather murky, the River Tweed was fast flowing today after all the recent rain!

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I stopped for lunch here and by the time I was finished the rain had stopped and it was looking a little brighter, just outside Peebles I spotted this little road which leads to an old castle! I didn't go down the road to have a look at the castle, another day maybe!

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Some blue sky starting to appear here, honest!

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Just along the road the sun actually broke through and the temp changed almost immediately, not that it was cold but with the sun it felt more like a Spring day!

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I was really enjoying the ride now with the wind now at my side and with lots of tree cover it wasn't an issue, I was actually on the main road out of Peebles but it wasn't that busy which was a bonus! I had to stop to grab a photo of this beautiful home with stunning grounds! The sun was drying the roads up very quickly!

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Looking back towards Peebles!

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I was now heading for Biggar where I would turn north and finally have the strong breeze at my back after 75 miles, the views were still very easy on the eye!

View attachment 138910

A nice downhill to enjoy here, despite the wet roads!

View attachment 138911

Nearing Biggar I spotted a sign warning of flooding, how bad was it going to be? I opted to pass on the right but in hindsight maybe I should have tried the left as I ended up with soaking wet feet as the water was still around a foot deep at the edge....

View attachment 138912

After passing the flood the roads were dry once again and I had the strong breeze at my back, I was on a climb but it didn't feel like it with that wind pushing me on!

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This tree has seen better days, I wouldn't have parked the bike there if the wind was coming in that direction!The bike looks fairly clean here but it was actually filthy...

View attachment 138914

As I reached Biggar the weather was starting to look rather nasty again with very dark clouds appearing, thankfully my luck was in and I had a nice 25 mile ride north with the breeze behind me and no rain to spoil the fun! I changed my second battery at 82 miles so I had an almost full battery with around 30 miles to go so it was time to turn the assist up and enjoy all the big climbs back home! Despite the soaking at the start I had such a brilliant day on the bike, I was pretty tired when I got home but very contended with my ride! I only have 20 miles to go to reach 5000 miles for the year, hopefully I will get out again before the end of the month but the weather isn't looking promising....

Spectacular!