Firstly, this is my first post here (I searched for a similar thread that I could add to, but couldn't find anything directly relevant).
So, i'm just saying g'day and interested to know where you guys ride on a regular basis. I used to ride BMX freestyle when I was younger (and used to ride many miles/kms per day), and have been meaning to get back on a bike for ages. Finally got myself a mountain bike.
Fortunately, there is a national park right near my house where I can ride, so i've been getting into it. Here is a pic of some scenery that I see every time I head out there:
I am riding for a personal fitness and enjoyment perspective for now, i'm really enjoying it. Where do you guys ride regularly? Pics would be good to see, I enjoy seeing other locations around the world.
It is a 45 minute drive to get to the trailhead for me, but more than worth it. for 19+ miles there is NO automobile traffic or cross roads except for one isolated parking lot used only by other cyclists and hikers on the trail.
Other than that, I tend to ride relatively flat sections of road, as long as they have nice shoulders, and I have found a favorite ride or two with the help of other local cyclists.
I live 2 hours away from that park. I will have to go and check it out.
Valley Forge to Philly is O.K. till I get stronger
I did a Parkinson's charity walk at Perkiomen Creek Park earlier this year (I think that was the name) that ended up going into Valley Forge NHS before we turned around. That also looks like it would be a very nice place to ride. If you haven't tried yet, it would be an interesting ride if you like multi-use trails. Or is that the ride you do? I fon't know how far it goes.
I did a Parkinson's charity walk at Perkiomen Creek Park earlier this year (I think that was the name) that ended up going into Valley Forge NHS before we turned around. That also looks like it would be a very nice place to ride. If you haven't tried yet, it would be an interesting ride if you like multi-use trails. Or is that the ride you do? I fon't know how far it goes.
If you where going south on the Perkiomen trail, at some point you have to hit Egypt road. Follow Egypt road EAST more or less a mile and at the bridge that crosses 422 (no exit) there is a parking lot that overlooks 422. That is the Valley Forge trail. Follow the trail South - it will be bearing EAST a little later on - and you can go all the way Philly touching the Norristown Train Station, Wishahicon, Manayunk, and then you are in Fairmount Park!
I hope that was the question.
Anyhow ... slope almost negligible mostly DOWN going to Philly.
A way to go on your car all the way to the Egypt road parking lot - open and free - and ride all the way to Philly. I think is 22 miles at that point, which I understand that is a desireable distance. I do it in the bike on my signature.
I am very lucky in that regard. I live in a very small town that sits alongside a small river that empties into the Pacific Ocean. There is a road that follows the river for most of its length, from its source in the Coast Range Mountains to the Ocean. About 20-25 miles. It has everything from grueling climbs to dead straight flats, all surrounded by gorgeous scenery. In addition there are a couple of nice loops that join up with this road in and around my village. I'm in bike heaven as far as roads go. Now let me tell you about the weather....
I'm from Melbourne, Australia, which has the same reputation for bad weather as i'm sure your location does. I visited Seattle a couple of years ago, and was told that Seattle has over 250 days per year of overcast weather! Mind you, it was perfect while I was there, cloudless blue skies for most of the time.
I forgot to mention in my first post that the national park I ride in is the location for the 2006 Commonwealth Games mountain bike track. I rode the entire track today, it's awesome (and handy for me being so close 😄 ). I've attached a few pics of the track. The large gravel area in one of the pics is the finish line/officials area I beleive.
I live in Wellington, CO, USA, which is about 22 km North of Fort Collins. On my road bike, I ride a lot of the roads around the lake shown in this photo. Also I ride out towards the Front Range of the Rockies on dirt roads that go for miles.
I'm from Melbourne, Australia, which has the same reputation for bad weather as i'm sure your location does. I visited Seattle a couple of years ago, and was told that Seattle has over 250 days per year of overcast weather! Mind you, it was perfect while I was there, cloudless blue skies for most of the time.
That surprises me. Usually we trot out the rain so as not to disappoint the tourists! 😄
At least things are consistent there. Here the weather has some identity issues ranging from -30's in the winter to 90's in the summer. Today is perfect though. Upper 70's and sunny with a little wind starting to build up out of the north. I took a 52 mile ride down along the edge of the Champlain valley this morning. Pretty easy climbing by Vermont standards and a lot of big open views of the Adirondak and Green Mountains.
At least things are consistent there. Here the weather has some identity issues ranging from -30's in the winter to 90's in the summer. Today is perfect though. Upper 70's and sunny with a little wind starting to build up out of the north. I took a 52 mile ride down along the edge of the Champlain valley this morning. Pretty easy climbing by Vermont standards and a lot of big open views of the Adirondak and Green Mountains.
sounds nice. our climbs here tend to be short but very steep. probably good for cardio training. all i know is that at the begining of the summer it took me an hour to do my "almost daily" 11 mile morning ride. now i've gotten that down to 40-45 minutes. hey! It's working!😄
