Originally from just south of Glasgow, but now calling Aalsmeer in The Netherlands home, Iain Crawford has contributed a number of fun and unique routes to FulGaz over the last few years.
It was whilst living in London, on the Surrey periphery, he acknowledged his 40th birthday with a sports bicycle and the rest, as they say, is history.
Family camping holidays to mainly France included the bikes and when in the Alps or near the Pyreneans, Iain snuck away to bag a famous ascent or two.
Residing in the Netherlands, Iain and his wife do everything on their bikes and really only use their car (small camper) for holidays, and of course, the bikes go too.
Tell us about your most recent ride collection.
We had always wanted to visit the Outer Hebrides of Scotland, but never got around to it until this summer and we were very fortunate that our trip coincided with great weather. We spent three weeks there in our small campervan and toured; Lewis, Harris, Benbecula, Barra and the Uists.
Since we weren’t sure of; the weather, wind, terrain and road surfaces we took our day-to-day ebikes and I think that was a good choice for a ‘non-cycling’ holiday. The Butt of Lewis ride (97 Km) actually started and ended in Stornoway and I thought that little stretch looked quite attractive and interesting, considering it’s remoteness.
Prior to that, I was battling into a NE headwind all the way and the camera battery ran out on the way back.
The Valtos Peninsula ride started next to our campsite and I was again able to go out alone and film it. It was such a nice day and the short loop and varied scenery was just a no-brainer to film. I am glad that I was on my ebike as I would have struggled up that steep climb without wobbling at a crawl. Even though I say it myself, it’s a favourite and I would hope that members enjoy it as much as I did IRL.
The Clunch Road ride is a tough one that I have done a number of times over the years when I am back in the Glasgow area. However, the road surface on the Windy Yett section is disgraceful and I have had many punctures on it. This was my third attempt at filming it after a number of glitches and even this one, I had to start at a point beyond where I had intended.
It’s a testament to video processing that riding this one virtually banishes all the negative feelings I had while recording it. I could have taken the sports bike that I keep in Scotland but used my eBike with it’s fatter and more puncture-resistant tyres.
What’s your next big ride to do in the real world?
I haven’t done the Stelvio yet and possibly time is running out for me, but I always fancied Transfăgărășan: Romania’s Best Mountain Road Trip. Maybe someone will film it for FulGaz?
Favourite FulGaz ride & why?
I like many of the rides in France filmed by Rob Bennett; they are always bright, colourful and interesting and invoke the desire to go there and do them IRL.
France is one of my favourite destinations and is easy to get to for me. I particularly like the Alps around Embrun where I have enjoyed cycling and white water kayaking.
How did you start filming rides for FulGaz?
I use Zwift and FulGaz and find them both very enjoyable in their own way. With an IT background, I was always into the next gadget and the fact that I have been effectively retired for 8 years with time and fantastic cycling infrastructure on my doorstep, it seemed the logical step to film and share. Now wherever I go, I take my GoPro gear with me.
Favourite cycling memory?
Riding the three ascents of Mont Ventoux in 2014 for the Cinglés du Mont Ventoux. He rode: Bédoin, Malaucène, Sault and saw aw the sun come up and the sun go down during this challenge. That day combined with such a beautiful area and pleasant vibe.
Dream bike or favourite bike?
I like my Focus Cayo Evo 4, which is now 10 years old. However, I think that I may succumb to an Orbea Gain ebike in the next few years.
