Highland Commute

meanredspider

This morning was what makes bike commuting so special. As it happens, I'd chucked on my GoPro camera the night before and could hardly have chosen a better morning. 30 sec clips from my 15-mile commute south into Inverness. Stark contrast with some of the city commutes.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0Qs5gMz8cM

unixnerd

Interesting route, I just assumed you went through Munlochy.

What camera is that?

meanredspider

That's the route I normally take - keeps me on the quietest roads - though I often go back through Munlochy on the way home (nasty climb out of Munlochy though - which is why I do it...)

The camera is the GoPro HD I've got for my motor racing. Don't think much of the GoPro mounts though - wobble like mad - use a Manfrotto clamp in the car - gives a much better result

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwwjr8lLM4E (not my car - it broke - but my camera)

unixnerd

Long time since I've driven at Knockhill. I play with classic BMWs but I don't race them, I've done the odd track day. But I'm more interested in cycling these days.

When I mentioned to the wife you were into old Alfas she asked if that's why you cycle to work :-) A bit unkind I thought..... I'd love an old '80s Sprint 1.7 Veloce, almost bought one years ago.

meanredspider

unixnerd wrote:

When I mentioned to the wife you were into old Alfas she asked if that's why you cycle to work :-)

She's not too far off but for the wrong reasons (I guess). One of the key reasons I started to cycle was to lose weight for racing. I was spending money to get my race car lighter (about 100 quid per kg lighter) and realised that I could make the driver lighter for free. I lost 15kg. Cost me a bloody fortune because none of my clothes fitted any more - including several suits etc. Anyhow, cycling is phase 2 of that and to get me fitter too which is really useful for motorsport.

jeremyrundle

My only regret is that I didn't take up cycling before I moved away from Invergordon, the pleasure I would have had riding from Invergordon to Inverness, Alness, Tain etc annoys me.

meanredspider

jeremyrundle wrote:

My only regret is that I didn't take up cycling before I moved away from Invergordon, the pleasure I would have had riding from Invergordon to Inverness, Alness, Tain etc annoys me.

Yup - I've met a guy who commutes from Invergordon to Inverness. That's got to be 30 miles each way with the Black Ilse climb in the middle of it. Makes my commute seem like a sprint.

unixnerd

My only regret is that I didn't take up cycling before I moved away from Invergordon

I have the same issue with Aberdeen. I lived there for 12 years and also went to uni there, most of it in my "car" phase as a young man. Some lovely routes around Deeside and Donside. I drive that way once a week and always wish I was on the bike :-(

Stevo_666

Very nice - makes me want to move. Even though I quite like the London commute with all its challenges, I know what I'd prefer. Do you do that every day?

meanredspider

Stevo 666 wrote:

Very nice - makes me want to move. Even though I quite like the London commute with all its challenges, I know what I'd prefer. Do you do that every day?

Thanks. Here's the return ride going the Munlochy route (busier roads) speeded up 8x

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnAIFf6ulTo

I try to do it every day though don't often succeed in a full 5 days - especially at the moment whilst dealing with my son's cancer treatment (which is going well). The weather rarely stops me (unless it's so windy I'd need to walk across the bridge) but work commitments or the need for the car for other things do get in the way.

Stevo_666

meanredspider wrote:

Thanks. Here's the return ride going the Munlochy route (busier roads) speeded up 8x

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EnAIFf6ulTo

Nice one 8) I grew up the the NE of England so appreciate being able to get out of town quickly and into nice/scenic countryside. Guess it must be a bit tough doing that in winter...

meanredspider

Stevo 666 wrote:

Guess it must be a bit tough doing that in winter...

Yup - on the MTB with Ice Spikers it's a labour of love. I have various options for routes depending upon wind direction etc Also it's dark much longer up here so that's also a factor - but I've the right clothing & lights to cope and there's a sense of achiement when you arrive at work on your bike and it's -11C out.

uphillstruggle

Fair play for doing that all year round. I do a similar journey this time of year onwards from beyond Evanton- 20 miles each way which involves 9 miles on the A9 which isn't ideal and the risks in the winter outweigh the benefits.

Good footage of the journey from Tore.

The Kessock bridge can be 'interesting' depending on the wind!

Every other ride I do though is a pure dream up here with no traffic lights etc etc and the purest of air and the hills are just a bonus.

meanredspider

That's a good ride from Evanton - good climb. Wouldn't fancy the A9 much so you are wise to avoid it in the winter.

Yup - with a strong wind from the east, the bridge is pretty exciting - I've got off and walked before now as I don't fancy going under the wheels of an artic.

But that's rare - mostly the rides are brilliant.