Our Rides in Words, Photos & Videos

[steve mercier]

Snowing ....blossoms!

 

[steve mercier]

Socially distanced and nicely spaced out ( in more ways than one , after all it is legal here : )

 

[steve mercier]

I prefer this greener kind of grass

 

[Prairie Dog]

But your videos more than inspire where you think your photos don’t!!!
-BB

Thanks for those kind words, BB. I must admit that any credit for my photo/video submissions must go to the cameras and not the operator. That being said, I do, to a certain extent, enjoy the process involved with respect to editing the video footage. It was a bit of learning curve in the beginning but such is life.

 

[Deleted member 18083]

On guard!

Moreton Bay Cycleway
Woody Point, Redcliffe Peninsula
9:15 am; 35 km​

Presumably, this bike rack was designed by a roadie who could not imagine a bicycle having tyres wider than 25 mm.

The Moreton Bay Cycleway can be seen on our side of the wooden 'safety' barrier. The photo is taken looking approximately east with the cycleway skirting this section (Bramble Bay) of the bay. A short section of the 2.7km bridge connecting the Redcliffe Peninsula (where we are) to Brisbane can be seen on the far left.

 

[Alaskan]

I went for a great gravel ride yesterday with a bit of climbing. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon Neo 3 is really at home on road and trail.

 

[RabH]

Another beautiful day and another beautiful ride on my awesome back roads and light winds today made it feel much warmer! On days like this there is nothing to beat cycling, surprisingly I only saw a few cyclists but I guess most people are now back at work! Lots of lambs in the fields today enjoying the warm sun, the two below were enjoying a nice siesta with mom but somebody disturbed them!

One jumped up first and landed on the other and luckily I had my camera ready! They travelled a good 10 yards attached like this before they managed to separate! I really should have videod it, it was hilarious!

This beautiful Shetland Pony totally ignored me, I guess the grass was of more interest!

Nice view of the Firth Of Forth today although it was a little hazy!

This is where there was a massive flood recently (when I managed to break my rear mudguard) but today was a little different!

April is turning out to be a fabulous month despite still being a bit chilly in the morning, with conditions like this I'm certainly not complaining! I would happily ride in these conditions all year long! Tomorrow will start off around 3C but by mid afternoon it will be a very warm (for here) 17C! Much the same conditions as today so all going well another ride is in store tomorrow, rest day on Saturday and hopefully a longer ride on Sunday! No 100 miler this time though, my dad would disown me after last week!

 

[Chargeride]

Them Unleashed Dogs! (Or, Anita's First E-Bike Ride and Other Stories)

As an optimist, I trusted good weather forecast (rightly) and promised Anita and her husband a perfect riding day so my friend could finally try out her new Como 5.0 (EU edition). It was not a perfect day, certainly not for her. It started well: I gave Anita a brief introductory course (use of brakes, derailleur, assistance -- "ride in Eco initially") and rode we off. I must honestly say it was Lech (who rode a Giant Roam) who was slowing us down (another candidate for an e-bike...) I encouraged Anita to ride in front of us at any desired speed from entry to the exit of the Kabacki Forest. She sped up and was enchanted with the speed and ease of pedalling! (It was safe, as the "avenue" in the Forest is very wide). Then we entered an asphalt road by the Park of Powsin and then...

I was wondering when some disaster would strike. I felt it would be an unleashed dog. Anita was in the lead. Suddenly, I shouted: "UNLEASHED DOG! ATTEN..." and it was too late. A big white dog ran directly in the front of Como's wheel. Anita seemed to brake. Probably with the front brake. She flew into the air, resembling a ski-jumper. And fell -- resembling a cross -- flat on the front of her body...

Oh. It looked very very bad (she must have fainted and could not remember the cause of the crash initially). People around rushed for help, Lech and I were helping Anita and talking with her (she was laid on a large piece of cardboard found around), and an ambulance was called for. (I need to add the dog owner admitted his guilt and left his contact data). When the emergency took care of my friend, I fixed the Como -- unscathed save turned handlebars. Anita was lucky: Bruised arm, superficial wounds above the eyebrow and on the cheek, and some blood spilt from her nose. Optical glasses got partly damaged. (And yes, she was wearing a helmet that certainly reduced the risk of possible skull damage).

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After having gotten medical help, Anita was as brave as to ride back home (together with husband and me). Because of damaged glasses-frame, the return was dramatically slow.

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By their estate, we said "See you later", Lech took care of Anita, and I went to get some workout, especially as the weather improved even more.

I have found I used too much of assistance from my e-bikes. Now, I'm trying to reduce the amount of electric assist to ride the same distances: either slower/longer or faster with more of my own input. I rode to Góra Kalwaria (the mecca of Warsaw roadies, remember?) and I took the more dangerous outbound route, riding with traffic for some time.

Pursuing a Roadie

I don't overtake roadies anymore (no point). However, if a roadie overtakes me (and he/she is not very good), I cannot stand it A relatively young roadie with his long platinum-dyed hair had made the mistake. And he was good enough, riding at 35 km/h sometimes. I vindictively increased the assistance from 20 to 35% and rode into hot pursuit Trust me, it was a real workout for me! I started getting tired but followed the guy maintaining a decent but constant distance between both bikes. He became nervous... throwing glances behind his back more and more often After many kilometres he gave up and stopped at a bend popular for taking rest (as the Góra Kalwaria climb was starting soon). I think I must have spoilt his good mood... but I didn't overtake him, right?

The Climb
Per mountain standards, the 10% short climb just before entering the town is nothing. It is a challenge for Warsaw roadies, though. This time, it was a challenge for me as well! Because my Turbo mode was set to only 50%... I ended up with grinding in the granny gear, my heart rate went up very much, and my arthritic legs became soft... but I made the climb! I will honestly confess my legs were tired to the ride end from that very moment...

View attachment 85123
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I rewarded myself with delicious apple-pie and coffee with sugar

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At mouth of river Jeziorka (into Vistula).

An Impressive Roadie

I was riding against very mild headwind towards Warsaw via Vistula Trail. Out of sudden, something just swished at my left side! Oh. It was a petite female cyclist riding a road-bike (with aero wheels). She was riding in the drop bars (unlike most of roadies who ride in the hoods). Impressive! I wouldn't be able to pursue her even in 100% Turbo mode...

Epilogue

I rode back to Anita and Lech to see how she was doing. Lech got me a delicious lunch while Anita was resting. We had a talk before I left. Anita said she was not deterred from riding e-bike by her crash. I told the couple I found a safe and interesting route for some future group ride, perhaps involving more friends. I have good hope. Anita is a fighter!

View attachment 85136
So, 60+ km for the day.

Ive gone over the bars hitting a dog, it seems quite incredible that such a relatively light animal can cause such a crash, I didnt even have time to brake, so it was purely the collision that caused my flight.
Im glad she has brushed it off, that can be a very traumatic crash and actually landing flat is much better than landing on your head, though it does result in mysterious aches for weeks.


Some pics from the 2nd half of my ride where I got lost in the forest on 1 battery bar.

The chain came off again and I had to dismantle the chainring as usual, all getting slightly stressful as I was deep into the forest on a declining battery, then I lost the allen key in the brush.
A few curses and prayers to the monkeygod and I was back on my way.

This bit was beautiful but daunting, not really sure if it led anywhere, might just be downhill to a dead end and an empty battery.

Luckily it led to a path which connected to a track on my maps and led me to a tarmaced road, I could possibly manual it on proper roads...though I'd much rather not.

Nearly home and riding on a flashing empty icon.
These buildings are where Beatrix Potter lived and normally this area is full of Japanese tourists.
You imagine tourists visiting a famous place to try to have a part of the fantasy and being disappointed, well the scenery and gorgeous structures around here wouldnt let them down.

 

[steve mercier]

View attachment 85486

Another beautiful day and another beautiful ride on my awesome back roads and light winds today made it feel much warmer! On days like this there is nothing to beat cycling, surprisingly I only saw a few cyclists but I guess most people are now back at work! Lots of lambs in the fields today enjoying the warm sun, the two below were enjoying a nice siesta with mom but somebody disturbed them!

View attachment 85490

One jumped up first and landed on the other and luckily I had my camera ready! They travelled a good 10 yards attached like this before they managed to separate! I really should have videod it, it was hilarious!

View attachment 85487

This beautiful Shetland Pony totally ignored me, I guess the grass was of more interest!

View attachment 85488

Nice view of the Firth Of Forth today although it was a little hazy!

View attachment 85491

This is where there was a massive flood recently (when I managed to break my rear mudguard) but today was a little different!

View attachment 85492

April is turning out to be a fabulous month despite still being a bit chilly in the morning, with conditions like this I'm certainly not complaining! I would happily ride in these conditions all year long! Tomorrow will start off around 3C but by mid afternoon it will be a very warm (for here) 17C! Much the same conditions as today so all going well another ride is in store tomorrow, rest day on Saturday and hopefully a longer ride on Sunday! No 100 miler this time though, my dad would disown me after last week!

Baby sheep playing is a great pic!

 

[Art Deco]

Ive gone over the bars hitting a dog, it seems quite incredible that such a relatively light animal can cause such a crash, I didnt even have time to brake, so it was purely the collision that caused my flight.
Im glad she has brushed it off, that can be a very traumatic crash and actually landing flat is much better than landing on your head, though it does result in mysterious aches for weeks.


Some pics from the 2nd half of my ride where I got lost in the forest on 1 battery bar.
View attachment 85507
The chain came off again and I had to dismantle the chainring as usual, all getting slightly stressful as I was deep into the forest on a declining battery, then I lost the allen key in the brush.
A few curses and prayers to the monkeygod and I was back on my way.
View attachment 85511
This bit was beautiful but daunting, not really sure if it led anywhere, might just be downhill to a dead end and an empty battery.

View attachment 85512
Luckily it led to a path which connected to a track on my maps and led me to a tarmaced road, I could possibly manual it on proper roads...though I'd much rather not.

View attachment 85516
Nearly home and riding on a flashing empty icon.
These buildings are where Beatrix Potter lived and normally this area is full of Japanese tourists.
You imagine tourists visiting a famous place to try to have a part of the fantasy and being disappointed, well the scenery and gorgeous structures around here wouldnt let them down.

Well done. You could almost write a Beatrix Potter story from that adventure alone. Maybe Biktrix Potter ?

 

[Chargeride]

Sometimes I look at the pics and video and think to myself, who would ride there alone?
It seems perfectly safe and natural while Im doing it, but in reality, if I didnt have a phone signal, I could be stuck there for a few days.
I certainly didnt see another walker or rider in that remote part the whole time I was there.

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Brake Pads, etc.

The day was sunny but cold and very windy. My brother told me he would be at my place "before 17:00 hours" to fix my mailbox. At 15:52, I rode out to my old home to see whether my Vado was still there in the cellar The wind was very strong and cold, yet an 8 km (5 mi) ride took me just 20 minutes; I would spend the same driving a car because of heavy afternoon traffic. When I reached my old home, my brother reported he was "very close to the smoke stack" (or, to the new home). He made me upset -- why to come so early? So I sped back. And was riding in hail! Coming back wet

Now, Jacek actually fixed the mailbox and then tried the brakes of my Lovelec. "You have no front brake" he announced, then left soon Oh, no. He was right. The brake pads in the front brake worn again! I mumbled something to myself, put dry cycling clothes on and rode out again. Now, the wind was really blowing. I reached an LBS, bought a pair of Shimano brake pads and sped up home. (When I say "sped up" I really mean it). Just to discover I forgot to make vital shopping back in Brwinów

So I rode to Pruszków-Żbików for shopping... 35 km on the day.

Then, I replaced the brake pads.

Worn pads.

New pads.

After having the work done, I called Jacek:
-- "Bro, the brake doesn't work. No action whatsoever"
-- "Have you turned the bike back to normal position? Heheh"
-- "Okay. Turning it. Well, no braking. What's wrong?"
-- "Maybe the brakes need bleeding. Yet, can you remember that little screw in the brake lever? Give it a few turns anti-clockwise".
-- "What's the point?"
-- "Just do it".
...
...
-- "Thank you, bro. Everything's working now".

It's so good to have a knowledgeable brother!

 

[Art Deco]

Snip... I could be stuck there for a few days.
I certainly didnt see another walker or rider in that remote part the whole time I was there.

Certainly not an electric outlet in the woods.

 

[Chargeride]

Amazingly I did pass a cellsite right in the middle of nowhere.
Triggered my wild charging fantasy.
Two croc clips and a 6a charger in my backpack.

 

[Chargeride]

Thanks for those kind words, BB. I must admit that any credit for my photo/video submissions must go to the cameras and not the operator. That being said, I do, to a certain extent, enjoy the process involved with respect to editing the video footage. It was a bit of learning curve in the beginning but such is life.

Yes I agree, the little gopro does 90% of the work and more importantly doesnt hinder my day in anyway.
I just leave it in an outside pocket, it starts from standby in 3 seconds, just hold it up and back in my pocket.
Everything on auto and its good enough for most people.

 

[Dallant]

Yes I agree, the little gopro does 90% of the work and more importantly doesnt hinder my day in anyway.
I just leave it in an outside pocket, it starts from standby in 3 seconds, just hold it up and back in my pocket.
Everything on auto and its good enough for most people.

I think I’m in need of a new GoPro as I’ve been having a bear of a time getting my old Hero 5 Session to talk to my new iPhone. Battery seems to work but I can’t get the old GP updated with any new firmware.

 

[Dallant]

Got out for a 16+ miler in, yet again, 15-20 mph winds. Fortunately, it was a beautiful 60+ degree day!

 

[Cowlitz]

The wind blew and the dawg got run. She is a good dog now.....a tired dog is a good dog.

 

[Art Deco]

The wind blew and the dawg got run. She is a good dog now.....a tired dog is a good dog.
View attachment 85552

Any sore paws this time?

 

[RabH]

I thought I wasn't getting a ride today as my dad wasn't very well this morning, thankfully he had improved by 9am and actually told me to get my bike out! Who am I to argue? It was another gorgeous day, I'm beginning to think I have left Scotland! Our garden centres are now open again so one of my favourite roads has gotten busy again, thankfully I didn't meet any idiots though...I think they were enjoying the sun too much!

I wouldn't mind living with a view like this from my garden!

This is actually another garden centre from the top of the valley! Only 1 car passed me going up here, luckily while I was stopped as its single track all the way up! Pretty awesome view on a glorious day, cycling doesn't get much better than this!

The horses were enjoying the grass, the warm sunshine and the spectacular view!

Next ride will be Sunday, hopefully a longish one all going well...that will probably be my last e bike ride for a couple of weeks as I intend to remove my motor and send it for a complete overhaul at the start of next week! Back to my old trusty Giant CRS Hybrid which I bought new in 2009, I will soon find out how fit I am!

This photo was taken in 2012, my dad and sisters were on holiday and I surprised them with a visit on the bike! They thought I had cycled from home which would have been 154 miles all told, I had parked the car 40 miles from home and only cycled 100 miles!