I've spent quite a bit of time over the last couple of weeks working out potential routes for the coming year ... some for my own entertainment and some for yours (BB 200 and WRT). Anyway, I went out today to check a few bits and surprisingly what was on the ground actually matched what's on the map. I also stumbled across a few interesting spots - shame this one was locked, I wouldn't have minded getting out of the wind and rain for 10 minutes.

I think there's something special riding a route you've planned for the first time, you've a good idea of what to expect but it's as though been there, colours in the picture you're carrying in your head ... very Zen.

nice isnt it

I always like trying out new routes or even sections, seeing whats there.

p.s. can we talk about morocco yet?

p.s. can we talk about morocco yet?

We can but I'm not much further on despite my best efforts

I think there's something special riding a route you've planned for the first time, you've a good idea of what to expect but it's as though been there, colours in the picture you're carrying in your head ... very Zen.

I thought you were colour blind

Serious reply: totally agree - my Pont Scethin trip was very much like that.

My trip this week started to go this way towards the second half of the first day. The sun kept poking back through the clouds and I was treated to wonderful views down long valleys. It had an air of familiarity; I think it's the feeling or experience that it is familiar though. I think it's the experience that we are looking for, why we are out there in the first place and the memories of how we have felt before makes these places feel familiar even though it might be the first time you might have been there.

It was a real shame my trip ended how it did. Man I'm actually really disappointed, such a waste of a week off in the end.

s8tannorm wrote:
I think there's something special riding a route you've planned for the first time.....

Yep that feeling you get when you realise that those hours pouring over the OS maps, Geograph & Google maps actually transcend into a rideable route. That when you freewheel back to the car wet and tired that you know you've entered a whole new universe of biking for years to come Its just a shame that it doesn't happen that often............

composite wrote:It was a real shame my trip ended how it did. Man I'm actually really disappointed, such a waste of a week off in the end.

What happened?

its been far too long since I sat with a new map and a highlighter pen, your post has reminded me of this simple pleasure

I've a week dog sitting on Anglesey coming up, and though I know the island really well its time to highlight those back roads I've never travelled on, link them together, get the Fargo out and ride new to me roads

Ian wrote:

composite wrote:It was a real shame my trip ended how it did. Man I'm actually really disappointed, such a waste of a week off in the end.

What happened?

Had a very minor emergency at home but with my girlfriend being in New York I had to go back to Brum to sort it out. I was just at that point where I was relaxing into the trip and really enjoying it so it was a real downer. It was so crap to get back as well, Birmingham sucks. Pretty much wasted an entire week off work as well. :/

That's no good composite, hopefully you'll be able to do the route sometime soon.

I'm getting a bit of a reputation with my riding friends now as most of my day rides always involve carrying the bikes. Guess I should study the contours a bit more! T'is a good feeling though when it all clicks together and you have a good ride

voodoo_simon wrote: most of my day rides always involve carrying the bikes

Its not a proper ride without a bit of bike-a-hike.
All the best Lakes rides start with a carry

SteveM wrote:its been far too long since I sat with a new map and a highlighter pen, your post has reminded me of this simple pleasure

I've a week dog sitting on Anglesey coming up, and though I know the island really well its time to highlight those back roads I've never travelled on, link them together, get the Fargo out and ride new to me roads

Sing out when youre there Steve, If you fancy some riding company..

Who knows, I may have my Fargo by then..