CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Leisure

Little (or not so little) Adventures on your Bike

(36 posts)
  • Started 7 years ago by paddyirish
  • Latest reply from the canuck

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  1. paddyirish
    Member

    Inspired by Greenroofer and DaveC's rides on the audax thread and also by some of IWRATS' trips...

    Part of the attraction of cycling for me is being able to go on a little adventure, first to see if you can do it and then as experience kicks in, just because you can.

    It can be something as simple as deciding to commute to work by bike, can move on with getting "lost" on your commute "I've always wondered what was down that road/path and I'll take an extra 10 minutes this morning to find out" or a short night ride off road.

    It starts out small, but can turn into an addiction. Can tell @greenroofer's got it bad, no sooner was he home from the last ride, than the next route is up...

    None of my adventures have been on the scale of Dave C or Greenroofer's described on the other thread, but they've got me out of bed and provided lots of happy memories, even those which didn't quite go to plan...

    All it requires is an enquiring mind, a bicycle, and a willingness to keep going.

    Who is going to try something new?

    Posted 7 years ago #

  2. chdot
    Admin

    "All it requires is an enquiring mind, a bicycle, and a willingness to keep going."

    I'm sure most people here won't underestimate the middle one of those three.

    While a 'mountain bike' might be more versatile than a 'road bike' when it comes to off-road exploring, most bikes will manage most routes and clearly can go place cars can't and also cover distances that few would consider walking.

    I have definitely 'found' places by going 'I wonder where ...' additionally looking at maps helps to make things clearer before or after a trip.

    I found that 'secret' railway path (Myreside to Colinton Road) on an old map.

    In the early days of Google Earth I noticed a few 'cut throughs' that I wasn't previously aware of.

    Such things are now even easier with Open Street Mappers recording such details. OSM is a different sort of obsession. Edinburgh is pretty well covered now, but there are still places 'not on the map'. Worth checking, and updating if you've ever been anywhere 'remote'.

    CycleStreets routing relies on OSM accuracy especially on details including whether paths have been recorded as 'no bikes' - which of course is seldom true due to Access legislation - though with a bike, pushing - and lifting over styles/gates - are options.

    Planning with CS also gives you three options - fast, balanced and quiet - which might show possibilities that you weren't aware of.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  3. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    All it requires is an enquiring mind, a bicycle, and a willingness to keep going.

    That, @paddyirish, is a neater summation of my cycling philosophy than I could manage myself. I can't find it online or quite remember who said it to me but I believe it's a GK Chesterton quote that sums the whole thing up; The truly adventurous man jumps over his neighbour's garden fence.

    Furthermore I believe that anyone not engaged in or actively contemplating an adventure on some scale of some kind is missing out on part of what it is to be human. Not everyone can take off on a bicycle but adventure can be found in libraries as well as forests.

    Who is going to try something new?

    You are, clearly.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  4. ARobComp
    Member

    What a nice post. Very uplifting. I must say that alongside @chdot's resources above, I find Strava heatmap a useful addition. zoom in on the remote area you're interested to explore and see if there are any other wee routes you could take. I discovered quite a few paths on the pentlands using Strava Fly-by as well. Often meeting someone coming off a tiny side path and wondering where they came from.

    More bike adventures are a must.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  5. chdot
    Admin

    "a willingness to keep going" isn't always a good idea.

    (Map reading errors may have been involved.)

    Posted 7 years ago #

  6. chdot
    Admin

    "I discovered quite a few paths on the pentlands using Strava Fly-by as well."

    Interesting.

    Must take a look!

    Posted 7 years ago #

  7. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    I found that 'secret' railway path (Myreside to Colinton Road)

    Official CCE name: Greenroofer's Railway Snicket

    Posted 7 years ago #

  8. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    Of course you can take it too far.

    A spokesman: "We have been coming across people on bikes in places they shouldn't really be"

    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.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  9. chdot
    Admin

    From link

    "

    Our message is please don't try and be like Danny MacAskill.

    "

    Just a reminder of 'where it all started' -

    https://cyclingedinburgh.wordpress.com/2009/04/20/edinburgh-bike-video-runaway-success

    About to have its 38 MILLIONTH view

    [+] Embed the video | Video DownloadGet the Video Player

    Posted 7 years ago #

  10. chdot
    Admin

    Amazing tricks, skill, determination and dedication which was captured in an outstanding video.

    Does anyone know what Dave Sowerby is doing now?

    https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=WxwXDAAAQBAJ&pg=PT92&lpg=PT92&dq=dave+sowerby+filmmaker&source=bl&ots=arH87DFtr-&sig=HDLP3mq3QR53KJ9pa42UlyKxDRo&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiTn-7urcTTAhXqIsAKHewIC584ChDoAQghMAI#v=onepage&q=dave%20sowerby%20filmmaker&f=false

    Posted 7 years ago #

  11. DaveC
    Member

    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
    Beyond the Dales We Know 300km. 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....

    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.

    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.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  12. chdot
    Admin

    "

    Bikepacking Scotland (@bikepackingscot)
    27/04/2017, 10:34
    We are excited 2 have Hazel & Luke speaking about their world-first adventure crossing Alaska on human power tonight

    http://bikepackingscotland.com/adventurous-edinburgh-is-back-tonight-to-inspire-you-to-find-your-next-adventure/

    http://pic.twitter.com/OOglAYDXEQ

    "

    Posted 7 years ago #

  13. steveo
    Member

    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.

    I'm eyeing up a couple of train -> trail run -> kip at bothy -> run back for train type nights out though so not completely neglecting my soul.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  14. amir
    Member

    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.

    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.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  15. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    so not completely neglecting my soul

    That's it. That's just it.

    @DaveC

    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.

    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.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  16. gembo
    Member

    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.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  17. crowriver
    Member

    This seems rather adventurous:

    "Around the world in seven years... on a bike"

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-39637967

    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.

    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.

    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.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  18. chdot
    Admin

    "once you go to three or more you have a problem"

    Really time SG/TS and bus operators did a big info campaign on taking (and facilitating) bikes on buses.

    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.

    Maybe a small hire fee (£2?) and a booking system??

    Posted 7 years ago #

  19. barnton-to-town
    Member

    For too many years, the story of April & 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.

    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 ...

    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 & 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!

    Posted 7 years ago #

  20. chdot
    Admin

    "I've just discovered (albeit involuntarily because of other transport issues) using couriers (remarkably cheap & efficient) to get the bike to the start point"

    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).

    Posted 7 years ago #

  21. chdot
    Admin

    "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."

    Same here (probably). Closer to home too -

    https://jamescarron.wordpress.com/features/elie-chainwalk-step-by-step-guide

    Posted 7 years ago #

  22. chdot
    Admin

    Presume this isn't really for cycling.

    http://www.southernuplandway.gov.uk

    Posted 7 years ago #

  23. crowriver
    Member

    @chdot, no but there are bits of it I hope to walk sometime soon.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  24. crowriver
    Member

    @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...

    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.

    I've used these guys 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?

    Posted 7 years ago #

  25. crowriver
    Member

    "For too many years, the story of April & 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."

    That sounds familiar! Real Life, weather, illnesses, and energy levels all seem to conspire against it sometimes.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  26. paddyirish
    Member

    Cool, what a lot of good responses!

    @chdot

    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...

    "a willingness to keep going" isn't always a good idea.

    (Map reading errors may have been involved.)

    I refer you to the Transcontinental FAQ response...

    Q. What happens if I get lost?

    A. Get unlost!

    Posted 7 years ago #

  27. paddyirish
    Member

    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.

    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.

    One example - it doesn't have to be this much...
    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...

    Choose a night with a full moon and the sounds of owls, foxes etc are amazing.

    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.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  28. Cyclingmollie
    Member

    That sounds familiar! Real Life, weather, illnesses, and energy levels all seem to conspire against it sometimes.

    I'd second that.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  29. paddyirish
    Member

    @IWRATS

    "Without risk there's no adventure"

    Agreed!

    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"

    His site is well worth browsing for inspiration.

    Posted 7 years ago #

  30. Greenroofer
    Member

    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.

    Focus? Purpose? Something to aim for? I dunno, but I find that it makes life slightly more enjoyable.

    Posted 7 years ago #

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