http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: To England and back en Mon, 20 Apr 2026 03:42:11 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183598 Wed, 18 Mar 2015 13:19:33 +0000 DaveC 183598@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bruce,</p> <p>Have you considered as a temporary measure getting a backup power pack such as one of these?</p> <p><a href="http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/lithium-ion-2200mah-portable-power-bank-n49lk" rel="nofollow">http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/lithium-ion-2200mah-portable-power-bank-n49lk</a></p> <p>If you have a bar bag or tribag (on your top tube), you can plug in to your Garmin and charge, assuming it fits whle its on your Garmin Mount?</p> <p>As an alternatiev upgrade I'd recomend an eTrex 20 or 30. Takes AAs avaiable anywhere, and with Lithium Batts lasts over a week turned on! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183441 Tue, 17 Mar 2015 09:14:14 +0000 Uberuce 183441@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Excellent offers and advice, as ever.</p> <p>The PortaPow type devices look my best bet, since there's nothing wrong with the thing except the battery life. </p> <p>@amir: was that 300 in summer? I'm pretty sure the cold doesn't help batteries at all.</p> <p>@Laidback: I traced my route on Google Maps from the point I turned off the Garmin by the Collingwood Arms. It says 67 miles to home from there, and I'd done 69 till switching off, and while Google Maps does usually underestimate, I'll call it 136 miles, so 217k. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183387 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:54:33 +0000 Roibeard 183387@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I've got a Biologic device that taps into the dynamo wiring, and has a battery reservoir (to smooth the power to a downstream device at traffic lights, slow climbs, etc).</p> <p>You're welcome to give it a shot - for high power drain devices, it might not be possible to run it from the dynamo, or to not charge the reservoir with the device connected (i.e. output equals or exceeds dynamo input).</p> <p>It's currently attached to SON style spade connectors.</p> <p>It worked pretty well whilst on tour, particularly for running a GPS, or topping up a phone.</p> <p>I think running lights and reservoir simultaneously isn't recommended, so daytime use only.</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183386 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:51:04 +0000 amir 183386@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You may be able to get a replacement battery fitted if you google around. I also saw this</p> <p><a href="http://www.myorangebrompton.com/2013/06/dead-garmin-edge-200.html">"I have also had problems with it reporting the battery level as very low, although it wasn't. I did a full reset and then recycled it from full charge to no charge a few times which seemed to reset the battery monitoring. "</a> </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183384 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:43:39 +0000 amir 183384@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>For longer rides, you might want to find a device where you can replace batteries. Alternatively, as Roibeard says you can charge on the run. I have a PortaPow external battery that I can fit in a tribag.</p> <p>I've a 500. It's got around a 300km fine last year but only just squeezed around the 200km last week. Hopefully that was just a blip caused by inadvisedly switching on the course function 160km in or some such. This weekend's 100km only used 25%. Next test is a week on Saturday. Hopefully the battery will last a few more years! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183382 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:35:45 +0000 LaidBack 183382@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@uberuce</p> <p>B+M Luxos is the one with USB charging. Now in a mark 3 version on bike we handed over last weekend.<br /> So many kms was that jaunt? Sounded like an Erit Lass type experience. I would be up for a long day out but had an excuse (!)</p> <p><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66067108@N08/16769906496/"><img src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8587/16769906496_656a4b79d5_z.jpg"></a><br /> <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/66067108@N08/16769906496/">Nazca Gaucho 26 / Aerosteer / SON + B+M Luxos</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/people/66067108@N08/">LaidBackBikes</a>, on Flickr </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183381 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:34:11 +0000 steveo 183381@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The electricity part of it is fairly simple, the hardest part is finding a sturdy/stylish box to put it in. Or pay through the nose for a prebuilt one in an ahead set plug. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183375 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:27:55 +0000 Uberuce 183375@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Roibeard - I can swap disco floofy's wheel over to the distance steed, since they have the same size rotor. I'd probably be doing that anyway for 300's purely for peace of mind re: lighting, so I might as well look into the charging situation. I've only heard of it being done via the high-end lights like Darkerside has, though.</p> <p>Amir: Edge 200. It's done 130 miles before without conking out, but it's been noticeably shorter of life the last few months. Admittedly, the cold doesn't help matters. The 500 and Tour models claim 17/18 hour life, over the 200's 14, but it's the Tour's mapping function that interests me most. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183373 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 14:21:39 +0000 amir 183373@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@uberuce what is your current GPS device? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183323 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 10:40:30 +0000 Roibeard 183323@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@Uberuce - does the distance steed have a dynamo? If so, you could always go down the "charge as you go" route rather than replace the Garmin, and that might be cheaper and possibly more flexible than a new GPS.</p> <p>If you'd have to add a dynamo specially, then perhaps not cheaper!</p> <p>Robert </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830&page=2#post-183314 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 03:14:21 +0000 Uberuce 183314@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I was kicking myself on Strava for not going there until I read this and remembered that it was shut.</p> <p>In the course of my interkitten research last night I determined that no-one in the Duns-England section was going to be serving full lunches at that time, so I just packed sandwiches so laden with peanut butter, jam and butter as to make your arteries serve as angle grinder blades. I'd had one of them too soon before the Honey Farm, so had only planned to go in for a look at the place.</p> <p>I therefore stopped at the Collingwood Arms, but peeking through the window revealed it to be even fancier than the website suggests, so rather than lower the tone, I went to the cafe/minimarket a few doors up. It did indeed have a bit of the English tearoom vibe to it, but mostly it was just cheap and cheerful. Only not as cheap as it should have been for what I got. </p> <p>Previous to this I bumped into Portovelo when I was lost near the road up to Redstane Rigg. I had just about convinced myself I needed to double back a few miles when I saw them coming up the road and figured they must be heading there, so gave chase. </p> <p>The battery life on my Garmin has now shortened to the point that it can't serve me on rides longer than around 100, I think. In summer I expect it'll have a bit more juice, but given my inability to hold a map in my head for more than a couple of junctions, I think it's time to upgrade to one of the fancier ones anyway.</p> <p>Next stop was at the other cafe in Innerleithen. I can't actually find its name on the web, but it's the one that isn't Whistlestop. I'd aimed to stop there, but it was closing just as I arrived, but the chap putting the bins out happily directed me to the other one, so bravo to him. I gave up coffee a couple of weeks back, so it could just be the wagon-faller talking, but it was a darn good americano. Powered me up the Granites anyway.</p> <p>I can't decide whether it was just the &lt;10mph wind, my clean-livin' ways, the way my weekly commute is now 100 miles and 5000ft as opposed to 50 and 1300 or that coffee but I do seem to be rather fit at the minute. Had plenty of miles left in the legs by the time home rolled up. I believe it's time for a 300.</p> <p>The reason I'm awake at 2.15am typing this is because of cramp, so it's not like I'm crazy fit. Just rather. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-183281 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 22:52:15 +0000 sallyhinch 183281@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Check if the honey farm cafe is open before committing to it as I'm not sure it does in the winter </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-183275 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 18:57:28 +0000 amir 183275@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Cedar at Grantshouse is okay. Not sure how complete the meals can be. I never eat too much on any one stop. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-183268 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 16:57:44 +0000 Cyclingmollie 183268@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The Honey Farm bus café is more coffee, rolls, soup, cakes and scones than sit down meals. For that there are hotels in Duns which might be a better alternative. Or places in Berwick upon Tweed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-183264 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 14:33:23 +0000 gembo 183264@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If I recall the cafe is on a double decker bus, seemed more tea and scone maybe also sandwich than pie, pie pie wonderful pie 22/7 </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-183263 Sat, 14 Mar 2015 14:08:14 +0000 Uberuce 183263@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I'm having a crack at the cross-border raid tomorrow. Roslin-Loanhead-Ormiston-Gifford-Whiteadder-Horncliffe-Kelso then over the Granites and home. </p> <p>For halfway foodstops I was planning on the fancy-looking <a href="http://collingwoodarms.com/" rel="nofollow">http://collingwoodarms.com/</a> but this Honey Farm place sounds interesting too. </p> <p>I prefer to have a full meal rather than cake when on 100+ rides, so I ask: can the Honey Farm provide this? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-88114 Fri, 19 Oct 2012 09:40:56 +0000 Cyclingmollie 88114@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>+1 for the Honey Farm which we visited in the car on our way back from Alnwick yesterday. The cafe serves soup, sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee on an old London bus. There are lots of old vehicles sitting around and the chain bridge is only a short walk away. Next year we do need to try to get there by bike. And I saw six new farm chimneys from the A1 past Berwick Upon Tweed. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79463 Wed, 25 Jul 2012 22:08:45 +0000 Claggy Cog 79463@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Absolutely lovely part of the world, Northumberland at it's finest. Etal is lovely too and has a great teashop as well as a fine pub, the Black Bull. I can recommend the Chainbridge honey farm's honey mustard it is truly a wonderful confection and delicious with cheese or ham...as well as in salad dressings. The shop also has a very good selection of unguents and salves made from honey bee products like beeswax, the cafe is also very good and their coffee is excellent...recommended. Have a great time.</p> <p>@chdot yes, peanut butter and jam on the one piece, not everyone's cup of tea, so to speak, but very edible. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79355 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:55:58 +0000 DaveC 79355@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Route looks good. Think I'll be needing lots of food. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79348 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 22:33:58 +0000 Tom 79348@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><a href="http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=436171">Possible route</a>. Lunch at Norham, afternoon tea at Garvald? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79331 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:45:35 +0000 Tom 79331@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>amir "We'll be doing those on the Erit Lass" </p> <p>Don't remind me. </p> <p>One of the early astronauts chose liquidised peanut butter and jelly for his space meals. He never got to eat them as he fell ill and they had to be consumed by his replacement. </p> <p>Cyclops, I'll work that in to my map. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79325 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:29:14 +0000 Uberuce 79325@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I would say club sandwich for peanut butter and jam. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79322 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 21:11:05 +0000 Cyclops 79322@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If you're coming back from the Chain Bridge Honey Farm via the B6355 why not go via Chirnside and Preston and avoid A roads almost entirely? Unless you really want to go via Duns on the way back as well. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79319 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 20:43:43 +0000 kaputnik 79319@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>Combined? </em></p> <p>Recommended. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79311 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:56:26 +0000 amir 79311@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"I don't mind which route we take outwards but I think the triple climb back from Duns via Longformacus should be avoided."</p> <p>We'll be doing those on the Erit Lass </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79306 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:38:34 +0000 Tom 79306@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The <a href="http://www.chainbridgehoney.co.uk/visitorcentre.asp">Honey Farm</a> is a stroke of genius. It's been mentioned before and may meet the many and varied dietery needs of the group. It also has a collection of vintage vehicles.</p> <p>If you say the A road from Duns to the Chainbridge Honey Farm is reasonably safe then that sounds like a plan to me. </p> <p>The other interest I should declare is a hope that some old farm chimneys can be spotted. There are several in the area - three east of Duns.</p> <p>I don't mind which route we take outwards but I think the triple climb back from Duns via Longformacus should be avoided. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79305 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:38:12 +0000 chdot 79305@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>"peanut butter and jam"</p> <p>Combined? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79304 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:38:10 +0000 kaputnik 79304@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p><em>I believe I am going to acquire or produce rowies aka Aberdeen rolls aka butteries for my next long ride.</em></p> <p>Wilmington's Coo should have a recipe, that's his neck of the woods. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79301 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:25:25 +0000 Instography 79301@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Anything over 50 miles needs a supply of brown bread, peanut butter and jam sandwiches to be nibbled regularly in small doses. I swear it's the perfect mix of calorie types and fats. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=7830#post-79300 Tue, 24 Jul 2012 19:21:29 +0000 PS 79300@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Cyclops' is a good suggestion - Norham and Chain Bridge. Chain Bridge has the double decker bus cafe at the Honey Farm and a historic toll bridge to have a gander at. Rode the A road between Duns and Norham in December and they were perfectly fine - long sight lines, not much traffic.</p> <p>Not sure why the AMR route cuts across at Longformacus rather than using the road between Duns golf course and Longformacus. For my money the southern road straight on at the top of Redstone Rigg (the "Duns Road" on Google Maps rather than the B6355) is better than the B6355 - three long steady climbs and three long descents, with views of the Cheviots and Tweed Valley.</p> <p>The B6355 may be a better bet on the return as the climbing is steadier and kinder to tired legs (apart from the sharp one at Whiteadder and the long grind up to Redstone Rigg). </p>