Search found 11 matches

by Miscology
2 Jun 2014, 10:28pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: Scotland adventure! Inverness to Dumfries
Replies: 17
Views: 8047

Re: Scotland adventure! Inverness to Dumfries

Then the canal towpath to Loch Oich, a short section of the A82 the B roads and forestry tracks (Great Glen Cycleway) west of Loch Lochy.


I did this last year, and while it is an absolutely stunning cycle it wasn't easy on my hybrid. I don't know if somebody on a road bike could enjoy it. I got a few punctures. Your average speed will have to come down dramatically. The canal towpath is a little easier, but still very bumpy.

OP, you should definitely swing by Aviemore and cycle up to the Glenmore Forest park. Maybe camp by the lake there. If you're up for it, you can even climb Mount Cairngorm. It's basically climbing stairs for 1000+ meters but the views are great.
by Miscology
9 Aug 2013, 2:10am
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Cyclist at fault, says Nottingham police
Replies: 57
Views: 23937

Re: Cyclist at fault, says Nottingham police

I looked at their course outline and saw that they get taken out onto the road with an instructor, so that's good, but then I saw this.

"No pass or fail tests"

Completely useless if this is given as an alternative to going to court.
by Miscology
9 Aug 2013, 1:29am
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Cyclist at fault, says Nottingham police
Replies: 57
Views: 23937

Re: Cyclist at fault, says Nottingham police

Anyone know what a Driver's Awareness Course might entail for this sort of offense.
by Miscology
2 Aug 2013, 11:07am
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: wearing headphones?
Replies: 125
Views: 17781

Re: wearing headphones?

I used to wear headphones while cycling, but I mostly listen to audiobooks, and they don't block the audio spectrum to the same degree music does. In fact, I usually switched them off because the wind made it so I couldn't hear it anyway. When I wanted to listen to music I'd leave my headphones on, and then switch on my mp3 player when I hit an offroad path.

However, I've changed my mind, and I don't even wear them at all. I don't think its dangerous if I listen to Stephen Fry while I cycle, but I guess the perception of it being unsafe persists. So I'd rather give other road users a good impression of cyclists, whether it makes me safer or not. Safety isn't just about me - it's about whether other road users can trust me to be aware of my surroundings.
by Miscology
30 Jul 2013, 10:35am
Forum: National Standard Cycle Training
Topic: Do you get 'experts' telling you what to do?
Replies: 54
Views: 160287

Re: Do you get 'experts' telling you what to do?

No cycling related experts so far, but I had a guy at traffic lights tell me to stop using my offroad shoes on concrete. I lived just around the corner and was heading to the trail, maybe about 300m on the streets in total. I had just used them a couple of days before to run to the top of Ben Nevis, so I knew what I was doing.

I wish people would mind their own business. His snotty superior attitude spoiled my run.
by Miscology
27 Jul 2013, 9:09pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Snowdonia to Edinburgh
Replies: 18
Views: 3193

Re: Snowdonia to Edinburgh

Mick, thanks for that! That will be really useful. I always get lost unless I have a pretty detailed list of landmarks along the way.

As for Edinburgh I live here so I know the route into town you describe very well. It's my work commute. The old railway is one of the best maintained cycle paths I've ever used, and even after the harsh winters a few years ago remained smooth too. It should be a model for all cycle paths.
by Miscology
27 Jul 2013, 6:18pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: 700c for the towpath?
Replies: 19
Views: 5426

Re: 700c for the towpath?

It depends on the towpath. I cycled the length of the great Caledonian Canal and Union Canal with 700c hybrid tyres, and had no troubles or punctures. It was fine at an average speed of 15mph, but extremely uncomfortable on bad surfaces. I put that down to my choice of speed, and lack of suspension. The surfaces of towpaths vary wildly. The Union Canal is brilliant around Edinburgh, but near Linlithgow it's horrible and rocky. Most uncomfortable ride of my life. I wouldn't take a road bike on either of those towpaths personally except around the populated areas..

The Caledonian Canal is neither brilliant nor terrible, mostly gravel the entire way, but its wide so you have room to navigate around rough sections, and the views are great. Once you're in between towns they're not maintained very well. I'm sure most other towpaths are no different.
by Miscology
27 Jul 2013, 5:55pm
Forum: Does anyone know … ?
Topic: Snowdonia to Edinburgh
Replies: 18
Views: 3193

Re: Snowdonia to Edinburgh

Mick F wrote:Yes, I did! :D
Mind you, I took the train to Edinburgh from Plymouth, then rode to Inverness, then to the West of Scotland. From there I came via SE Scotland and to Whitby over the North Pennines, then through the North York Moors to Lancashire, then through North Wales - and Snowdonia - and south through Mid Wales, before heading home via the Severn Bridge and Somerset. 1,400miles ridden.


Just curious what route you took from Edinburgh. I'm cycling to Aviemore next week, but I'm thinking of going the long way around the Cairngorms, and coming down the NCN7 that goes by the A9. That way I get a whole tour of the park.
by Miscology
22 Jul 2013, 5:23pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: My first tour around Glen Nevis and the Great Glen Way
Replies: 3
Views: 1043

Re: My first tour around Glen Nevis and the Great Glen Way

I'm planning my second tour for August. I'm thinking of returning to Glen Nevis to take another shot at Ben Nevis in good weather, or maybe doing Aviemore to Cairngorm. I found trains to be very expensive last time so I'm hoping to replace one train journey with a cycle trip.

Anyone know if there are any good\fast cycle routes from Fort William to Edinburgh? Or even just to Glasgow. The Sustran maps seem to be limited. However...

Anyone ever do Edinburgh to Aviemore? There's a NCN all the way. I might do that instead. Anyone ever try it?
by Miscology
17 Jul 2013, 1:19pm
Forum: Touring & Expedition
Topic: My first tour around Glen Nevis and the Great Glen Way
Replies: 3
Views: 1043

My first tour around Glen Nevis and the Great Glen Way

So I took about 3 days to try out how I felt about touring and wild camping. I took the train to Fort William from Edinburgh, and then camped over night in Glen Nevis. Climbed Ben Nevis the next morning, then cycled along the Great Glen Way, camping overnight. It was a tough route, mostly unsuitable for a cycle tour due to the quality of paths, and I got one puncture . However, I'd recommend it to anyone provided you're willing to drop your average speed to <10mph and are prepared to push your bike and equipment up a lot of hills, some extremely steep. I covered the distance in 8 hours according to my cycle computer, though it was more like a day and a half due to the stops in between.

There are a lot of beautiful forests along the way.
Image

Here's a great little resting spot at the highest point of the trail over Loch Ness
Image

I was alone for most of it, and barely met any other hikers or cyclists for the 75 miles or so. I did stumbled upon a group of doggers, who had a different reason to appreciate the seclusion!

It was a great experience though, I underestimated how difficult it was to manage without showering, and most days were spent thinking about water, where to find it(it was very hot), or just trying to wash up. I'm a compulsive handwasher and twice daily shower. I guess I'm not ready for the adjustment. I wanted to wash in the lochs, but there were some algae warnings, and not being a local I didn't want to take the risk.

I'm planning on going back in a few weeks and explore the south west side of Fort William, and maybe even cycle home!
by Miscology
15 Jul 2013, 6:05pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Another Cyclist v HGV Incident 11/7/2013
Replies: 4
Views: 1963

Re: Another Cyclist v HGV Incident 11/7/2013

I'm always afraid to use roads that have a 60mph speed limit unless they have some kind of clear path. Even then I'll look for a better option. I always use the path on the B9080, or sometimes I'll take the canal path home to Edinburgh if the roads are busy. Maybe I'm just overly cautious. I'd never cycle that road like the guy in the picture is doing. Not that I'm saying he's wrong to do that. I wish I could. I just don't trust drivers all that much.