Our Rides in Words, Photos & Videos

[RabH]

From the Arran hills to the Campsie hills, there were lots of thrills and thankfully no spills! Another awesome ride in the Campsie hills today, last month I did the anticlockwise route so I went for the opposite route today! The weather was just perfect once again (after a very wet Thursday) and once again the winds were pretty light, it was just glorious for cycling! I reached Lennoxtown which is at the foot of the Campsies and started the climb, passing a couple of roadies who were very pleasant! Part way up I had to stop to grab some photos as the cloud was sitting low on the hills and looked pretty awesome!

I reached the top of the climb at just under 1200ft and I was looking forward to the lovely descent down into the Carron Valley, some of the road is in really nice condition but some is pretty rough also as you can see here! They are forever patching this road, hopefully some day soon they will fix it properly...

Its better here so I could get my speed up a bit but just a little further and its very rough and requires caution! I love the clouds sitting on the peaks of the mountains in the distance!

I was almost down in the valley when I stopped again to capture this lovely view! Just as I stopped I heard a noise of a rear wheel freewheeling, the 2 roadies I passed earlier hurtled past at high speed! I never saw them again after this so they obviously didn't take the climb I was about to take on!

I was now heading towards the Carron Valley Reservoir and once again some of the roads were in excellent condition but others were in need of repair, at least its easy to avoid the worst parts on the bike especially when you are climbing!

The view of the hill I just descended!

The Carron Valley Reservoir looking lovely in the sun!

I just love this part due mainly to the beautiful smooth surface!

I reached the turning point at the end of the valley and it was time for the big climb back over the Campsies at the Tak Ma Doon Road end, its certainly easier going up from the northern end and you get to enjoy a glorious descent down into Kilsyth! Once again there are really nice roads and really rough roads on the descent, the good thing is I didn't meet a single car all the way down!

Onwards towards home now with a big smile on my face and looking forward to a lovely shower, speaking of showers, it poured down not long after I got home! What a brilliant day once again, hopefully another ride on Sunday which is looking good until mid afternoon when the wind and rain will arrive...

 

[Chargeride]

I always charge my batteries full, often leave them a week fully charged and completely bottom them out on most rides...as in resetting the bms many times to eek the last mile.
My main battery is four years old and has been abused beyond belief, drawing 40 amps, charged at 4 amps. , too hot to hold, been under water many times.
Proper Samsung cells, cost me 350 quid...well worth buying quality when youre a battery torturer!
Its nearing the end for full power draw and cuts out around 30 amps.
Still working fine at normal, sensible power levels.
So there you go, they are much tougher than I thought they were from reading all the doom merchant websites.
Its done roughly 300 cycles, so a pound ride so far.

 

[Twin Valley]

After spending the last few weeks on the West Coast of northern British Columbia often with little or no cell service finally getting a chance to catch up on this biking thread. Our family group would raft down the Kitimat river pulling off at likely sandbars to fish for the Coho Salmon making their fall run. Later the retirees of our group slowly made our way back east biking many of the town's and surrounding area. We have discovered some biking paradise areas near Smithers BC which is in central BC and we will be back next summer for the biking. Now back at my daughter's ranch helping round up the free range cattle who didn't get the memo that they are supposed to come home. The e-bike is proving to be quite handy in the search. I'm finding the marine air horn useful in moving a healthy bear population off the trails.

 

[PatriciaK]

Had my final training ride with my buddy for the upcoming tour. Heading east for funeral and family time in OH, then down to NC for a little over a week til departure day! Will take a few rides on my Flow just to keep up some saddle time :



Pretty tree full of red berries - have no idea what it is:



Will return to the great PNW sometime in December!

 

[DaveMatthews]

Had my final training ride with my buddy for the upcoming tour. Heading east for funeral and family time in OH, then down to NC for a little over a week til departure day! Will take a few rides on my Flow just to keep up some saddle time :

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Pretty tree full of red berries - have no idea what it is:

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Will return to the great PNW sometime in December!

Enjoy the trip Patricia, bon voyage!

 

[Stefan Mikes]

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Sorry for my ignorance, Bill: Is the trumpet a repellent against bears?

 

[Twin Valley]

Sorry for my ignorance, Bill: Is the trumpet a repellent against bears?

Stefan the trumpet is an air horn - the bike pump is great for keeping the air volume up in the container - the thing with bears they are usually only dangerous if surprised - the air horn lets them know of your presence - momma's need time to organize the Cubs to vacate the area - in this area most are black bears that fill up on berries, the grizzly bears catch my attention for their unpredictability

 

[Prairie Dog]

After spending the last few weeks on the West Coast of northern British Columbia often with little or no cell service finally getting a chance to catch up on this biking thread. Our family group would raft down the Kitimat river pulling off at likely sandbars to fish for the Coho Salmon making their fall run. Later the retirees of our group slowly made our way back east biking many of the town's and surrounding area. We have discovered some biking paradise areas near Smithers BC which is in central BC and we will be back next summer for the biking. Now back at my daughter's ranch helping round up the free range cattle who didn't get the memo that they are supposed to come home. The e-bike is proving to be quite handy in the search. I'm finding the marine air horn useful in moving a healthy bear population off the trails.View attachment 136100View attachment 136099View attachment 136098View attachment 136097

Surf and turf...my kind of trip! Well done, Bill.

 

[Prairie Dog]

The Road to Maligne



Rated as Jasper’s top 100 km ride, the road to Maligne isn’t as challenging as it is scenic. Nevertheless, it certainly deserves attention and likely requires a full day to allow for plenty of stops along the way to absorb the spectacular views.

Cold morning starts prove to be difficult for us and donning more layers on road rides is something I’m not particularly fond of as I do prefer to travel as light as possible. All that additional clothing has to come off eventually and stowed away in a smallish 7L pack along with an internal drom bag, food, kit, bear repellent, and camera gear. Mornings before breakfast were colder than we expected sometimes dipping as low as -3C. We waited until the last possible moment when the temperature was bearably warm enough to venture out with the appropriate amount of clothing. My dress code was standard all black. My thinking was that it would help absorb the suns rays and heat my body up at a faster rate. It did in fact work so well that after an hour had passed, I was forced to remove both my windbreaker and lightweight vest underneath.

Once out of the townsite and the start of the climb up along Maligne Road, it wasn’t long before some of those great views came into sight.

Medicine Lake is a long 7 km narrow and shallow lake in the Maligne Valley and is host to a rather complex underground cave and sinkhole system. Every fall the water drains and exposes the muddy bottom. Water flows from the Maligne River into the lake and though it is shallow it remains a lake throughout the entire summer.

As we approached the other end of the lake, it became apparent that this phenomenon was occurring already and I suspect in a short matter of time there would only be large puddles left.

A stunning and well-rewarded view upon completing one of the steeper climbs as we start our approach to Maligne Lake.

The view of the snow capped range ahead wasn't that shabby either.

Maligne Lake has got to be one of the iconic highlights of Jasper National Park and could be the most spectacular lake in the Cdn Rockies.

Boat tours take visitors out on the water where people can clamor to get views of Spirit Island which lies at the end of the lake and is only accessible by boat. We kayaked this gorgeous lake and overnighted at both Coronet Creek and Fisherman’s Bay campsites twenty years ago in late August and can still clearly recall on the second morning when we unexpectedly awoke to snow which covered everything in a white pillowy blanket. It was strange to see but an awesome sight as we slowly paddled back to the boat launch.

Heading back towards Jasper with parting views of Medicine Lake along Maligne Road.

Before completing our memorable ride, we took time to visit a few lesser known spots before arriving back in town.

The graceful falls at Maligne Canyon

The small glacial fed Edith Lake and its tranquil waters. It's still considered the warmest lake in Jasper to swim in.

A quick stop over at the well appointed Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

It was nice to arrive back in Jasper for a hot shower and be rewarded with a hearty meal of fish pot stew after a long day of cycling. We look forward to our next visit to this wonderful resort town.

 

[Prairie Dog]

Climb up to Marmot Basin


We capped off our two-day trip the following morning with a short ride up to the Marmot Basin Ski Resort. We decided instead to start at the bottom near the hwy junction instead of opting to ride the 20km in from the townsite. It definitely added relief to our tired legs and also would make the long 5 hr drive home somewhat more tolerable. With still plenty of juice left in our batteries from the previous day’s ride to Maligne, we never thought to recharge them despite the 1600’ gain in elevation that we would face up the 10km climb.

As we approached the top of Marmot, the road leading up to the lodge and parking was closed to the public. All that was left to do was to head back down those lovely wide and flowing switchbacks.

On the drive back towards home, we stopped near the Columbia Icefields Center and took in the views from a couple roadside pullouts.

Closer to home along the David Thompson Highway, I managed to capture an overhead image of the bighorn sheep that frequent the area.

A parting shot of Abraham Lake with a spectacular mountain backdrop.

 

[Chargeride]

Sorry for my ignorance, Bill: Is the trumpet a repellent against bears?

I could make my own Trumpet noise if I saw one.

 

[dodgeman]

Prairie Dog, spectacular scenery. Looks like it jumped out of a Bob Ross painting.

 

[Tom@WashDC]

Climb up to Marmot Basin

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We capped off our two-day trip the following morning with a short ride up to the Marmot Basin Ski Resort. We decided instead to start at the bottom near the hwy junction instead of opting to ride the 20km in from the townsite. It definitely added relief to our tired legs and also would make the long 5 hr drive home somewhat more tolerable. With still plenty of juice left in our batteries from the previous day’s ride to Maligne, we never thought to recharge them despite the 1600’ gain in elevation that we would face up the 10km climb.

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As we approached the top of Marmot, the road leading up to the lodge and parking was closed to the public. All that was left to do was to head back down those lovely wide and flowing switchbacks.

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On the drive back towards home, we stopped near the Columbia Icefields Center and took in the views from a couple roadside pullouts.

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Closer to home along the David Thompson Highway, I managed to capture an overhead image of the bighorn sheep that frequent the area.

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A parting shot of Abraham Lake with a spectacular mountain backdrop.

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So jealous!

 

[PatriciaK]

Hopefully not paywalled, as I NYT says I can share several articles per month ..

Runners and Cyclists Use GPS Mapping to Make Art https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/24/...I_6cdeMb4UOKX-Lx0neKnukOex2VvucOSukwf9CTzfmAE

 

[Stefan Mikes]

Just Back From A 147.47 Km Trip On My Vado SL
Of which 111.4 km was a group gravel ride of 45 people. Hard and fast

Graveloza x Babska Korba Group Ride. Phenomenal!

 

[fooferdoggie]

went to north portland today 42 miles round trip and tested out the saddle. hard as a rock but not too bad really.

along the Columbia river could not figure out what that concrete cylinder was. so a dry dock of sorts .

the required burned up thing I usually find on a ride.

Columbia slough on one side golf corse on the other and PIR raceway maybe 1/2 mile away making a nice peaceful natural background sound while golfing.

our new bride two big lanes for bikes and one for people. I was wondering where it was.

anyone need some extra limbs? I always got a kick out of this place.

we have lots of goats in the city.

 

[Readytoride]

Tour de Conservation Gravel Road Ride

Saturday was the 3rd of the 6 weekend charity rides I've signed up for this month and next. Again, lucked out with great weather, great routes, and crowds of cyclists (capped at 500 but they always have a bit more) sharing the roads. Since this ride was taking place in my neighborhood, I had spent the prior 4 days with my bike and trash trailer (and once with the car) picking up litter from 40 miles of road to ensure they were spotless for the people coming out to bike on Saturday. My knee had been starting to complain by the 3rd day but I ignored it. The clean up was more important.

The Land Trust of Virginia, who hosted the ride, does a stellar job in organizing and setting up the 3 routes - a metric century, a half metric, and a "family friendly" 18 mile for the 525 registered riders. The farm across from the ride site provided their huge front field for the parking. This was a shot of only a portion of the cars. Imagine this picture x5 rows of cars.

While this is my home territory and I'm more than familiar with all the public gravel roads the ride was using, the metric century offered the very rare opportunity to cycle through 4 huge private estates that had opened their properties to the ride. A special not-to-be-missed treat indeed. I was going to need to pack my extra battery for the Gazelle, but decided I'd be able to save a bit of battery by taking the LaFree to the start and through the 1st of the 5 estate "visits".

The start was organized chaos with hundreds of bikes lined up in each division. Everyone waved to the drone hovering overhead to take video of the crowds...and then we were off! What a crush of bikes! It was like rush hour on the interstate. At the first estate the crush eased as the cyclists spread out, but there was no time to stop for photos, not that I needed them. These were my regular roads and the views had been shared here many times already. But I will share one more time:

At 13 miles all 3 routes pass within a half mile of my farm, making it easy to swing by my place to switch bikes, grab a bite to eat, and check on my hubby who was recovering from a recent operation and had to abide by doctor's orders to stay home and recuperate.

The LaFree was put away and I set off down the driveway to rejoin the ride on the Gazelle with it's new 2nd battery strapped to the back rack. The saga of this 2nd battery arriving without a cover, and still waiting for one that had been ordered 3 months ago, is a story for another time. The bike shop had graciously given me a cover from one of their sale bikes to use, which I plan to return after the 5th ride next weekend.

My game plan was to shortcut about 10 miles off the route by making a beeline straight to the road that would start the tour through the private estates.

A delightful, unexpected "gift" from one landowner. A sweet gesture in more ways than one!

Many of the sections of the route were tough, hilly, and hard. At times the climbs were harsh enough for the back tires to spin, kicking up gravel while trying to get a purchase on the slick road. I like to take my time on these roads, but I was surrounded by young, fit, and intense cyclists who passed me like I was standing still...except on the hills. To them it was nothing to bomb down the hills, ignoring the sliding of their lightweight bikes on the loose gravel and washout. I was out of my league, but managed to keep a respectable pace. And to enjoy the scenery.

The views were nonstop in all directions. It was nice to stop periodically to take pictures and get away of the frontrunner race.

The tough sections of the route, plus the speed, had taken a toll not only on my knees but also on my battery which bottomed out after only 30 miles. By then the private estates were behind me with just one left to go. I stopped to switch to the 2nd battery, opted to take the "bailout" route which lopped off 6 miles of road that was both familiar and part of my routine rides in this county, and cruised into the final estate followed by fellow metric century riders

It was a beautiful ride, full of great people and great scenery and a fabulous catered lunch afterwards. My knees are not on speaking terms with me at the moment, so I'll give them a rest today to recover.

Next week is a 33 mile paved ride down in Culpeper County. The forecast is calling for rain, so I'll have to keep my fingers crossed the weather will cooperate and Hurricane Ian doesn't overrun us on his trip up the east coast after crossing Florida...or wherever he ends up making landfall. Will be taking the Gazelle on this ride. Normally the paved road rides are a job for the Vado, but it is still in the bike shop with no word from Specialized yet regarding the blown motor.

 

[RabH]

My legs were still feeling Fridays ride but I was determined to get a metric century in the bag today! I was intending to get out at first light but forgot to set my alarm, thankfully I woke at 7.30am and was soon out on the local roads with very little traffic around! It was very overcast and very breezy and the forecast was showing rain in the afternoon with the wind picking up strength! I sort of zig zagged today to keep out of the wind and it worked really well, I didn't really have a route in mind but I wanted to end up in the Clyde Valley as I haven't been there for a couple of weeks!

Thankfully by the time I reached the valley it had brightened up a bit and I managed to grab some photos, the roads were still quiet and mostly in good condition like this!

This lovely cottage caught my eye as I passed, it also had a beautiful garden which I'm sure takes a lot of hard work to keep it in this condition!

I continued along the valley to Crossford where I would start the big climb out of the valley, definitely e bike territory this!

Part way up the climb!

The gradient eases a bit here before hitting 20% around the corner!

After the steep part the gradient eases a bit once again before it once again hits almost 20%!

I reached the top of the climb and was glad to get some flat roads for a mile or so heading into Carluke! I then turned off the main route and had a nice descent to enjoy on the road to Law Village, I got a nice surprise when I finished the descent and reached the flat road which has been in poor condition for many years to find lovely new tarmac!

Some barns for @dodgeman

It was starting to cloud over again and threatening rain and the wind was strengthening, I had a right turn to make before yet another big climb but this time I had the strong wind behind me which made the climb very easy! Once again the camera makes it look flat but its around 17% at the steepest part!

At the top of the climb its a flat road for half a mile or so before yet another big climb up through Law Village, luckily I still had the wind right behind me so it was a breeze so to speak! As I passed through the village my mileage was showing 42, should I just head straight home now which would have taken me over 50 miles or complete my metric century? I had a good look at the sky and decided to chance it and made the decision to keep the wind behind me despite having to climb yet again!

I reached Shotts on the 50 mile mark and turned towards Harthill with the tailwind still pushing me on, I then turned north towards Blackridge and knew I would have to cycle into a strong headwind for the last 10 miles! Thankfully I had lots of juice left in my second battery which i had to change at 40 miles and turned the assist up to level 3 for the remainder of my trip! As I approached Blackridge the rain started to fall but it wasn't too bad and the roads were still dry, the rain continued for a few miles but it wasn't even wetting the roads! Eventually it eased as I approached Caldercruix, ironically I usually get soaked here as its notorious for rainy weather!

I reached home with 65 miles covered, despite the weather I really enjoyed the ride! Another day of climbing so I will give myself a rest for a few days now, Thursday is looking good for my next ride with light winds returning!

@Prairie Dog I'm sure that 5 hour drive was very gruelling but what a place to ride a bike, a truly spectacular part of the world!

@Readytoride What a fantastic effort to cover all those miles on gravel and grass, I only just beat your distance today but I had tarmac all the way! Any news about your broken motor?

@Stefan Mikes Awesome effort once again, not far from an imperial century and it was mostly gravel I'm looking forward to your ride report when you have time!

 

[Prairie Dog]

Tour de Conservation Gravel Road Ride

Saturday was the 3rd of the 6 weekend charity rides I've signed up for this month and next. Again, lucked out with great weather, great routes, and crowds of cyclists (capped at 500 but they always have a bit more) sharing the roads. Since this ride was taking place in my neighborhood, I had spent the prior 4 days with my bike and trash trailer (and once with the car) picking up litter from 40 miles of road to ensure they were spotless for the people coming out to bike on Saturday. My knee had been starting to complain by the 3rd day but I ignored it. The clean up was more important.

The Land Trust of Virginia, who hosted the ride, does a stellar job in organizing and setting up the 3 routes - a metric century, a half metric, and a "family friendly" 18 mile for the 525 registered riders. The farm across from the ride site provided their huge front field for the parking. This was a shot of only a portion of the cars. Imagine this picture x5 rows of cars.
View attachment 136282
While this is my home territory and I'm more than familiar with all the public gravel roads the ride was using, the metric century offered the very rare opportunity to cycle through 4 huge private estates that had opened their properties to the ride. A special not-to-be-missed treat indeed. I was going to need to pack my extra battery for the Gazelle, but decided I'd be able to save a bit of battery by taking the LaFree to the start and through the 1st of the 5 estate "visits".

The start was organized chaos with hundreds of bikes lined up in each division. Everyone waved to the drone hovering overhead to take video of the crowds...and then we were off! What a crush of bikes! It was like rush hour on the interstate. At the first estate the crush eased as the cyclists spread out, but there was no time to stop for photos, not that I needed them. These were my regular roads and the views had been shared here many times already. But I will share one more time:
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At 13 miles all 3 routes pass within a half mile of my farm, making it easy to swing by my place to switch bikes, grab a bite to eat, and check on my hubby who was recovering from a recent operation and had to abide by doctor's orders to stay home and recuperate.

The LaFree was put away and I set off down the driveway to rejoin the ride on the Gazelle with it's new 2nd battery strapped to the back rack. The saga of this 2nd battery arriving without a cover, and still waiting for one that had been ordered 3 months ago, is a story for another time. The bike shop had graciously given me a cover from one of their sale bikes to use, which I plan to return after the 5th ride next weekend.


View attachment 136296

My game plan was to shortcut about 10 miles off the route by making a beeline straight to the road that would start the tour through the private estates.

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A delightful, unexpected "gift" from one landowner. A sweet gesture in more ways than one!
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Many of the sections of the route were tough, hilly, and hard. At times the climbs were harsh enough for the back tires to spin, kicking up gravel while trying to get a purchase on the slick road. I like to take my time on these roads, but I was surrounded by young, fit, and intense cyclists who passed me like I was standing still...except on the hills. To them it was nothing to bomb down the hills, ignoring the sliding of their lightweight bikes on the loose gravel and washout. I was out of my league, but managed to keep a respectable pace. And to enjoy the scenery.
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The views were nonstop in all directions. It was nice to stop periodically to take pictures and get away of the frontrunner race.
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The tough sections of the route, plus the speed, had taken a toll not only on my knees but also on my battery which bottomed out after only 30 miles. By then the private estates were behind me with just one left to go. I stopped to switch to the 2nd battery, opted to take the "bailout" route which lopped off 6 miles of road that was both familiar and part of my routine rides in this county, and cruised into the final estate followed by fellow metric century riders
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It was a beautiful ride, full of great people and great scenery and a fabulous catered lunch afterwards. My knees are not on speaking terms with me at the moment, so I'll give them a rest today to recover.

Next week is a 33 mile paved ride down in Culpeper County. The forecast is calling for rain, so I'll have to keep my fingers crossed the weather will cooperate and Hurricane Ian doesn't overrun us on his trip up the east coast after crossing Florida...or wherever he ends up making landfall. Will be taking the Gazelle on this ride. Normally the paved road rides are a job for the Vado, but it is still in the bike shop with no word from Specialized yet regarding the blown motor.

What a great way to spend your weekends and for such great causes and on your home turf to boot! Look forward to the final rides. Well Done!

Here’s hoping that you get your Vado back soon with a new motor. Consider yourself in good company as both of the motors in our Creos were recently replaced.

 

[Prairie Dog]

@Prairie Dog I'm sure that 5 hour drive was very gruelling but what a place to ride a bike, a truly spectacular part of the world!

Just like Arran, Maligne Lake is certainly worth the effort in getting there and, once you’ve arrived, there’s no greater feeling than cycling amid such wonderful scenery. But as Dorothy would say, ‘There’s no place like home’.