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Written by Snowcycle

Category: Bike Rides 2010

Published: 26 August 2010

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Winter still holds it cold grip on the Land

"Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a state and remain in it. This is a kind of death." ~ Anais Nin (1903 - 1977), Winter of Artifice

The last winter rides saw 22 people turn up at the Usher Hall for the March Spokes Ride. A repeat of last year's ride, with a bit of October thrown in, only more snow, and no canal path. This does make the ride a tad hilly. Yes, we all know it has been chilly, too slippy to ride the bike as often as we would like. You have to ask where would we be if we always took the safe option? Bored for a start. I've had a busy time of late, hence the silence.

Read more: Linlithgow Winter Trip

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Written by Snowcycle

Category: Bike Rides 2010

Published: 05 August 2010

Hits: 5103

A Flock of Cyclists

"All creatures who have ever walked have wished that they might fly. With highwheelers a flesh and blood man can hitch wings to his feet." ~ Karl Kron, Ten Thousand Miles on a Bicycle

16 people turned up for the Spokes Ride to Gifford. A weather forecast that was not too good turned out to be not as bad as expected, but I was prepared for it. However, it was a very pleasant ride, rolling and climbing slowly in the morning, descending in the afternoon, followed by a damp spell on the way home.

Read more: August Gifford More Rain Inn Ride

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Written by Snowcycle

Category: Bike Rides 2010

Published: 20 August 2010

Hits: 5680

"When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments. Here was a machine of precision and balance for the convenience of man. And (unlike subsequent inventions for man's convenience) the more he used it, the fitter his body became. Here, for once, was a product of man's brain that was entirely beneficial to those who used it, and of no harm or irritation to others. Progress should have stopped when man invented the bicycle." ~ Elizabeth West, Hovel in the Hills

I looked out of the window, it didn't look good. I ignored the fact I couldn't see across the road. 5 people turned out for what would possibly the most beautiful, if a little hilly, bike ride to the Borders. This report is only a précis of what happened. When I lead a ride, I am not just looking out for you; I am drinking in the landscape, the conversations. Nothing should pass in a blur, it helps to have a remembrance of where you have been and don't concentrate too much on the road or path, Although I must admit that not concentrating enough can result in you landing in a hedge, or the back of a vehicle. I am also constantly thinking which way is the best for time and for views, how can I keep the group together, but allow for socialising and keep everyone moving at a comfortable pace. It is difficult to decide what to keep in and what to throw out in a report. Ultimately, most of it could not be included. Some of it is extra. How else do you to find out about Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller?

Read more: Border Ride Who needs Blue Sky thinking when you have the real thing

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Written by Snowcycle

Category: Bike Rides 2010

Published: 20 July 2010

Hits: 4444

Concentrate on the detail, emphasise

"Nothing is less real than realism;
Details are confusing.
It is only be selection, elimination, by emphasis
that we get at the real meaning of things." ~

10 people turned up for the Summer Spokes Ride. A lovely ride of just over 50 miles to Muiravonside Country Park in Falkirk District. The BBC weather forecast was wrong, and we only experienced a couple of light showers. The rest of the time, it was quite pleasant. Yes, it was breezy on the way out, but that's the way it should be. Cycling home in to the wind after already having have cycled for 1/2 a day, can be incredibly tiring. Generally a ride of four halves.

Read more: The 18th And An (Almost) No Rain Muiravonside Ride