http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Little (or not so little) Adventures on your Bike en Wed, 17 Jun 2026 07:02:01 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665&page=2#post-254698 Sun, 09 Jul 2017 00:09:13 +0000 the canuck 254698@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>my biggest cycling holiday/adventure regret ever is not taking a photo of 'my' bike on the Isle of Lewis.<br /> i flew in for 5 days, and for 20 quid rented an 18 speed mountain-ish bike. it came with a bungee cord to strap my very small pack on to the pannier rack.</p> <p>i stopped at one point, and bike was locked up next to some 'barra to butt' riders who had every sort of bike bag going. i did not take a photo to compare. argh.</p> <p>(i'm sure they had a lovely time, and did not end up hanging 90% of their packed clothing off radiators in their hotel room after 6 hrs of rainy biking. i'm also sure they weren't nearly hit by a deer on a logging-type road.) </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665&page=2#post-249752 Thu, 11 May 2017 12:44:51 +0000 Murun Buchstansangur 249752@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Have just spotted this is on tonight - I can't make it myself but it may be of interest to someone:</p> <p><a href="https://bikepackingscotland.yapsody.com/event/index/78536/adventurous-edinburgh" rel="nofollow">https://bikepackingscotland.yapsody.com/event/index/78536/adventurous-edinburgh</a></p> <p>"Description</p> <p>Adventurous Edinburgh is an evening to inspire you to go and find your next adventure.</p> <p>Host Markus Stitz, founder of Bikepacking Scotland and round the world cyclist, will speak to Edinburgh-based cycling adventurers Naomi Freireich, Marion and Ed Shoote with very different approaches and backgrounds about their experiences and inspiration." </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665&page=2#post-248342 Sat, 29 Apr 2017 14:51:49 +0000 chdot 248342@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>The introduction of a walking route through the islands, from Vatersay in the south to Lews Castle, on the mostly northerly island of Lewis, adds a second string to the Hebridean Way, which already features a 185-mile cycling route. </p> <p>The Hebridean Way Cycling route was launched in March last year when endurance cyclist and adventurer Mark Beaumont tackled the route in a Hebridean Way Cycling Challenge, completing the journey in just 24 hours. </p> <p>The routes lead walkers or cyclists through the ever-changing landscapes of the islands of the Outer Hebrides and offer a chance for visitors to immerse themselves in the island experience.</p> <p>"</p> <p><a href="http://www.scotsman.com/news/hebridean-way-walking-route-offers-new-way-to-explore-islands-1-4430961" rel="nofollow">http://www.scotsman.com/news/hebridean-way-walking-route-offers-new-way-to-explore-islands-1-4430961</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665&page=2#post-248198 Fri, 28 Apr 2017 08:03:13 +0000 chdot 248198@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://www.scotsman.com/regions/inverness-highlands-islands/cyclists-warned-off-copying-danny-macaskill-after-skye-rescue-1-4431320" rel="nofollow">http://www.scotsman.com/regions/inverness-highlands-islands/cyclists-warned-off-copying-danny-macaskill-after-skye-rescue-1-4431320</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665&page=2#post-248178 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 19:39:49 +0000 gembo 248178@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@iwrats you will get an electric bike. We were down in Dumfries and gallowY in franz Ferdinand village moniaive and met octogenarian who was out Saturday morning smashing it with the pelotons on his lecky bike </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665&page=2#post-248175 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 19:22:06 +0000 I were right about that saddle 248175@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I find that it makes life slightly more enjoyable.</em></p> <p>If I ever come to a point in my life where I can no longer cycle I'm not quite sure what I'll do. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248173 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 18:47:20 +0000 Greenroofer 248173@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I love that for the past year or so that I've been doing rides that I find challenging, I've always had something to be slightly apprehensive about that preys gently on my mind (but which isn't stressful, because I know that it is, in the end, optional). I'm already thinking of the next ride, and will be gently mulling it over from now until it happens.</p> <p>Focus? Purpose? Something to aim for? I dunno, but I find that it makes life slightly more enjoyable. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248138 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:34:13 +0000 paddyirish 248138@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@IWRATS</p> <p>"Without risk there's no adventure"</p> <p>Agreed!</p> <p>I can't remember who said it, but I heard it through Alastair Humphreys that roughly "An adventure is something where the outcome is uncertain"</p> <p>His <a href="http://www.alastairhumphreys.com/blog/">site</a> is well worth browsing for inspiration. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248137 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:33:01 +0000 Cyclingmollie 248137@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>That sounds familiar! Real Life, weather, illnesses, and energy levels all seem to conspire against it sometimes.</em></p> <p>I'd second that. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248136 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:29:29 +0000 paddyirish 248136@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Those who aren't planning an activity because of lack of time or a pass can try just getting up early and setting off in the dark.</p> <p>That's how I discovered Dalmeny Estate, Hopetoun and other favourites- the wild garlic on the canal between Philipstoun and Winchburgh is amazing in spring.</p> <p>One example - it doesn't have to be this much...<br /> I have an annual new year's resolution to find a new route to work and last year's was via Stirling, probably 60% on cycle paths/off road. I was on a roll of consecutive monthly 100km rides with a friend which we didn't want to break. But we'd rather spend the weekends with our young families, so found that if we got up at 4am and rode, we'd get to work on time, or acceptably late...</p> <p>Choose a night with a full moon and the sounds of owls, foxes etc are amazing.</p> <p>But, "I'll be tired at work" - A couple of well timed cups of coffee and the exhilaration of having done something unusual will get you through the day. You won't remember the tiredness a couple of days later. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248133 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:15:32 +0000 paddyirish 248133@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Cool, what a lot of good responses!</p> <p>@chdot</p> <p>lots of good references there to mapping. I definitely feel that if you have the confidence to look after (rather than before) it is more fun. As you get more familiar with the paths in an area you can follow a road at random, knowing that sooner or later you'll end up at a point you recognise...</p> <p><em>"a willingness to keep going" isn't always a good idea.</p> <p>(Map reading errors may have been involved.)</em></p> <p>I refer you to the Transcontinental FAQ response...</p> <p>Q. What happens if I get lost?</p> <p>A. Get unlost! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248132 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:13:52 +0000 crowriver 248132@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"For too many years, the story of April &amp; May have been has been "we [whether family/friends/workmates] must do this cycle, that camp, that mountain climb" ... and too often, it's late September and hardly any of it has been achieved."</p> <p>That sounds familiar! Real Life, weather, illnesses, and energy levels all seem to conspire against it sometimes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248130 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:08:37 +0000 crowriver 248130@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@barnton-to-town, sounds interesting, but maybe a bit pricey to courier more than a couple of bikes? At least on the train there's no extra charge, but space is an issue, as is changing trains...</p> <p>Worth looking into though. My experience of bikes received by courier has been mixed, it must be said. Need to be very well packed and padded, I'd say.</p> <p>I've used <a href="https://www.paisleyfreight.com/bike-courier">these guys</a> a few times. The bikes all arrived in one piece, but were sometimes poorly packed and packaging falling to bits, or arrived late due to no-one being home. How to solve that latter issue if travelling to a schedule? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248127 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 15:04:28 +0000 crowriver 248127@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@chdot, no but there are bits of it I hope to walk sometime soon. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248124 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 14:55:35 +0000 chdot 248124@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Presume this isn't really for cycling. </p> <p><a href="http://www.southernuplandway.gov.uk" rel="nofollow">http://www.southernuplandway.gov.uk</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248120 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 14:36:08 +0000 chdot 248120@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"there is a mountain pass somewhere in the alps that tops out with iron rungs hammered into the rockface that you have to climb up. Someone has done that with a bike slung over their shoulder."</p> <p>Same here (probably). Closer to home too -</p> <p><a href="https://jamescarron.wordpress.com/features/elie-chainwalk-step-by-step-guide" rel="nofollow">https://jamescarron.wordpress.com/features/elie-chainwalk-step-by-step-guide</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248112 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 14:22:13 +0000 chdot 248112@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I've just discovered (albeit involuntarily because of other transport issues) using couriers (remarkably cheap &amp; efficient) to get the bike to the start point"</p> <p>Could you please start a new thread on this, with info on couriers, packing and actual experiences (I'm sure others will have thought/done same). </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248110 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 14:17:34 +0000 barnton-to-town 248110@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For too many years, the story of April &amp; May have been has been "we [whether family/friends/workmates] must do this cycle, that camp, that mountain climb" ... and too often, it's late September and hardly any of it has been achieved.</p> <p>But in the most recent couple of years, as the kids have become adults, the events DO tend to happen, and it's pretty satisfying. Cycling the length of the Western Isles, many inner Hebrides trips, cycling trips to Europe involving overnight sleepers (sadly much reduced since the Germany carrier cut back its operations last December), backpacking the AffricKintail way ...</p> <p>The one I'm about to embark on with my son is LeJoG, and I've just discovered (albeit involuntarily because of other transport issues) using couriers (remarkably cheap &amp; efficient) to get the bike to the start point. That is definitely going to open the door to many other trips, looking forward to them already! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248078 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 12:34:44 +0000 chdot 248078@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"once you go to three or more you have a problem"</p> <p><em>Really</em> time SG/TS and bus operators did a big info campaign on taking (and facilitating) bikes on buses.</p> <p>IF (quite reasonably for dirty mountain bikes) they need to be covered maybe long distance buses should have a few bags in their luggage compartments.</p> <p>Maybe a small hire fee (£2?) and a booking system?? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248074 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 12:24:50 +0000 crowriver 248074@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>This seems rather adventurous:</p> <p>"Around the world in seven years... on a bike"</p> <p><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39637967" rel="nofollow">http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39637967</a></p> <p>Personally I seem to be doing fewer bicycle based adventures at the moment. However spring is sort of here (at least the flora and fauna seem to think so) and longer days offer the potential for some bike riding, maybe a bit of touring / cycle camping too. I've also a desire to do some old fashioned hill walking / backpacking. Whether these two things combine into bikepacking, I'm not sure at the moment. The trade off between weight and creature comforts while camping is a big issue there. Also if you do want to head into the hills, the bike often can't come with you. </p> <p>I hope to take my family on some cycling adventures too, but I am coming up against the difficulties with trying to get the train to the interesting destinations where adventures can happen. One, maybe two bikes on a train not such a big deal, but once you go to three or more you have a problem! Folding bikes get around some of the space issues on trains but again involve trade offs in terms of performance, load carrying, weight, etc.</p> <p>Amidst all these logistical problems the main idea is to try and go to some places (mainly in Scotland) where we haven't been by bike or on foot. We have such an amazing landscape to explore, seems a pity to stick to habitual routes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248073 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 12:15:49 +0000 gembo 248073@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>there is a mountain pass somewhere in the alps that tops out with iron rungs hammered into the rockface that you have to climb up. Someone has done that with a bike slung over their shoulder. It is rumoured. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248067 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:44:16 +0000 I were right about that saddle 248067@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>so not completely neglecting my soul</em></p> <p>That's it. That's just it.</p> <p>@DaveC</p> <p>Rannoch Moor is no place for a bicycle I fear. The classic C2C is Fort Bill, Fort Augustus by the canal, Corrieyairick Pass, Speyside Way, Glen Feshie, Glen Geldie, Deeside Way, Glen Tanar, Mounth Road, Glen Esk, Montrose.</p> <p>It is a thing of joy, though we did Cairn O'Mount instead of Mounth Road cos my mate was knackered but that involved snouting round Glen Dye and seeing Daubenton's Bats. Adventure will do that. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248066 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:37:22 +0000 amir 248066@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm thinking of what do with my new-ish mtb given that I have no skills. Trips into the Lammermuirs and Fala Moor are currently occupying my day-dreams.</p> <p>On a proper bike, I'd like to do some rides in Perthshire, possibly a DIY 200km audax, possibly not. Aim to see new countryside and to find great cafes. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248061 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:12:43 +0000 steveo 248061@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've no bike based adventures planned this year unless I can get a pass for IWRATS jaunt and get some form of cycle conditioning. I've got a couple of longer off road rides I've half planned stored in ride with gps but I know that currently they'd kill me.</p> <p>I'm eyeing up a couple of train -&gt; trail run -&gt; kip at bothy -&gt; run back for train type nights out though so not completely neglecting my soul. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248059 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 11:04:05 +0000 chdot 248059@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"</p> <p>Bikepacking Scotland (@bikepackingscot)<br /> 27/04/2017, 10:34<br /> We are excited 2 have Hazel &amp; Luke speaking about their world-first adventure crossing Alaska on human power tonight </p> <p><a href="http://bikepackingscotland.com/adventurous-edinburgh-is-back-tonight-to-inspire-you-to-find-your-next-adventure/" rel="nofollow">http://bikepackingscotland.com/adventurous-edinburgh-is-back-tonight-to-inspire-you-to-find-your-next-adventure/</a></p> <p><a href="http://pic.twitter.com/OOglAYDXEQ" rel="nofollow">http://pic.twitter.com/OOglAYDXEQ</a></p> <p>" </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248056 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 10:56:30 +0000 DaveC 248056@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>As I have ridden a good chunk the Audax rides in Scotland I am moving slightly further afeild. This Saturday I'm riding an Audax which circles the Yorkshire Dales, the<br /> <strong>Beyond the Dales We Know 300km</strong>. Its got a lot of new roads for me so I won't be able to rely on my memory for how far it is to the next stop, by thinking its over that hil, through the next valley and over another wee hill....</p> <p>My 600 was a long planned 400 I had never ridden to my parents house, with another 200 I'd planned but never ridden, tacked on.</p> <p>I have a hankering to ride from Coast to Coast as someone on here planned a coule of years ago. Starting off near Oban I think, it runs off road up thought Rannoch Moor, over to and down Glen Freshie, and finishes off on the Spayside way on the Moray coast I think. I'd like a few slower paced camping trips next, and hope to be able to take my children too. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248055 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 10:54:23 +0000 chdot 248055@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Amazing tricks, skill, determination and dedication which was captured in an outstanding video.</p> <p>Does anyone know what Dave Sowerby is doing now?</p> <p><a href="https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=WxwXDAAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PT92&amp;lpg=PT92&amp;dq=dave+sowerby+filmmaker&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=arH87DFtr-&amp;sig=HDLP3mq3QR53KJ9pa42UlyKxDRo&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiTn-7urcTTAhXqIsAKHewIC584ChDoAQghMAI#v=onepage&amp;q=dave%20sowerby%20filmmaker&amp;f=false" rel="nofollow">https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=WxwXDAAAQBAJ&amp;pg=PT92&amp;lpg=PT92&amp;dq=dave+sowerby+filmmaker&amp;source=bl&amp;ots=arH87DFtr-&amp;sig=HDLP3mq3QR53KJ9pa42UlyKxDRo&amp;hl=en&amp;sa=X&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiTn-7urcTTAhXqIsAKHewIC584ChDoAQghMAI#v=onepage&amp;q=dave%20sowerby%20filmmaker&amp;f=false</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248054 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 10:40:58 +0000 chdot 248054@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>From link</p> <p>"</p> <p>Our message is please don't try and be like Danny MacAskill.</p> <p>"</p> <p>Just a reminder of 'where it all started' -</p> <p><a href="https://cyclingedinburgh.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/edinburgh-bike-video-runaway-success" rel="nofollow">https://cyclingedinburgh.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/edinburgh-bike-video-runaway-success</a></p> <p>About to have its 38 MILLIONTH view</p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z19zFlPah-o" rel="nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z19zFlPah-o</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248049 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 10:17:10 +0000 I were right about that saddle 248049@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Of course you can take it too far.</p> <p><em>A spokesman: "<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-39720632">We have been coming across people on bikes in places they shouldn't really be"</a></em></p> <p>Without risk there's no adventure, but if you're not ready to take the consequences or willing to control those risks to some extent by modifying your behaviour you may well be a bit selfish or a bit of a daftie. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=17665#post-248024 Thu, 27 Apr 2017 08:43:29 +0000 I were right about that saddle 248024@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I found that 'secret' railway path (Myreside to Colinton Road)</em></p> <p>Official CCE name: Greenroofer's Railway Snicket </p>