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I’m booked in for my Firmware update tomorrow morning, so wanted get get a decent ride done in case I feel rough after it.
5.15 start at Corfe with the Sun and wind behind me, up to the radio mast along nine barrow and down Godlingston, up to the Obelisk and then the South west coastal path into Swanage, grabbed a beer from the shop and rode up to Durlston to drink it, before dropping back into Swanage and some fish and chips, road out of Swanage up to the golf course and Franks Tank, Rempston back to Corfe.
https://strava.app.link/TcOJpvGnLeb
A very sharp exit from Ormskirk got me home in daylight, so what’s a bloke to do.
A wonderful hack around Rossendale with the legs beginning to get stronger.
Have a wonderful weekend folks and as ever Happy Trails
Day started well with some rare pics on the way to work.
Willisham Church
Sacked it off early for a long ride home and went to see mum. (Under the tree with the ivy with, my Nan and Uncle)
There's a Henry Moore Pieta inside the church and lots of alarms!
Lord Cobbold is a bit lax with getting his bin in!
Looks like the Puritans did for the stained glass at Helmingham Church.
Took a selfie looking out to Clopton Churches
I should have been out bivvying tonight. I got involved in a "virtual" winter event on the Bearbones Bikepacking site, the gist of which was that we were assigned a partner and then had to find 10 grid references for each other to visit, in each persons own area (thereby keeping it local).
I'd planned to do my ride while it was still actually Winter and as the equinox was fast approaching I thought I'd just combine my normal equinox/solstice bivvy on Friday/Saturday but I got a call to go get my AZ vaccine on Friday morning and knowing how bad some folk have reacted to that I brought my plans forward to Wed/Thu.
I'd planned a route that would be two loops from home, enabling me to come home in the middle.
Setting off from home, I had quite a long first stint, including a fair hill towards the end. It takes me up to a lovely loch that I've long considered as an overnight spot.
Checkpoint 1 - Loch Gynack
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From there, it was downhill to Newtonmore, a quick shopping trip in the Co-op and then along to the famous Motor Grill where I was able to buy a coffee and black pudding roll, sitting outside in the lovely sunshine.
The next leg was to my furthest South point
Checkpoint 2 - Phones Lodge
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Some beautiful artwork on the gateway
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More than can be said for the lodge itself, which looks quite out of place on this Highland moor.
From here, it's a trip along an old General Wade Road, now mostly consumed by the moor, but this lovely old bridge remains.
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Checkpoint 3 - Ruthven Barracks.
This is where General Wade was making for!
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A short tarmac section took me to Tromie Bridge and then a section of the CL300 route before I detoured up Glen Feshie on one of my few out-and-backs.
Checkpoint 4 - Carnachuin "Bridge"
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Only a couple of fragments remain and the original track down to it is completely overgrown. I took a look at it and quickly decided that I wasn't going to get any closer.
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Back down Glen Feshie and then a bit more tarmac bashing to the next GR.
Checkpoint 5 - Loch an Eilean
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I looked at my Garmin and realised I'd have done 95km by the time I made it home. That's just plain untidy so I took an extra wee detour to round it up to 100km.
I stopped at the friendliest (if not the best) pizza restaurant in Aviemore. The proprietor let me have a bath, take some clean clothing and even to swap bikes over 🙂
After dinner, I set off up towards Loch Morlich for my "Brucie Bonus". I thought it was only right that at least one of my checkpoints should be done in the dark.
Checkpoint 6 - Badaguish Outdoor Centre.
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From here, I made a short trip down to a relatively secluded lochan and set out the bivvy bag. The only dry spot was a bit of a slope but it worked fine. I fell asleep listening to the croaking of many frogs/toads.
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Day 2
I woke up just as the sky was beginning to get a bit lighter and fired up the stove for a brew.
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It was lovely and calm with just a chill in the air so I was in no hurry to move but I really needed to get underway.
My penance was the toughest climb of the day, up a big gravel track.
Checkpoint 7 - Rothiemurchus Lodge
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I reckoned that was close enough as I didn't want to disturb anyone so early.
Back down to Loch Morlich and up past Ryvoan Bothy. I had very tired legs at this point. I think I'm just not re-hydrating enough on these longer days.
Still some snow in the lee of Meall a Bhuachaille.
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I found the turn off I was looking for though.
Checkpoint 8 - Ford on the River Nethy
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Not many folk using it these days. There's a bridge a couple of km downstream that works out much better. This used to be much, much narrower and there was a fallen tree you cold just about scramble across to the other side.
Back up to the main track and all I could think about was the shop in Nethy Bridge. I got there, bought some more water, hot food and a coffee and sat outside in the sunshine again. Very pleasant it was.
From here, I had what I'd always thought was to be the worst part of the experience. My next GR meant I had to ride on the very busy A95. This is frequented by big lorries carrying whisky (and supplies) and I'd always choose to avoid it. I made a couple of wee detours - old roads/forest tracks - but then had to endure it for a couple of km before my turn-off.
Checkpoint 9 - Standing Stones
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These aren't signposted and probably get very few visitors. The tallest is just over 2 metres in height. Not a bad outlook South over the mountains.
Now I had to get back onto the A95 for another 3km or so before I could find a quieter route. Only one close-pass!
Checkpoint 10 - Kinveachy
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Well, I'm not sure what my partner had in mind when he sent me to this one but this is the only notable signpost so it would have to do.
From here it was a pleasant spin back home on very familiar tracks.
Overall, I did 162km with 1,556m of ascent. Elapsed time was 26 hours but I was only moving for 11 hours of that.
That felt almost like a "proper" bikepacking trip, especially day 2 as I had all my kit with me. Thanks to seannyd off Bearbones for the GRs. I hope I did them justice! 😆
Weather looks good down here on the south coast tomorrow so I wonder if I can drag my backside out for a dawn or evening ride.
Loving pictures so far especially sandwich's ones of my childhood stomping (on the pedals) grounds around Suffolk.
Haven't been out for a ride with my dad around there for a good couple of years (thanks COVID) and I'd really like to rectify that with him and my boys later this year. Bit of inspiration. 🙂
Some lovely pics there.
Scotroutes, epic ride and mini adventure. Great writeup too. I *will* get up to Scotland one day. Stunning up there.
Thanks for sharing.
I don't think I could manage a whole delivery van!
My ride yesterday was cut short as I didn't fancy going to prison. 😉
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51054740712_3f49f171e4_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51054740712_3f49f171e4_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2kMwTGd ]£2.00 or prison.[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/stu-b/ ]multispeedstu[/url], on Flickr
Sees thread
looks at pics
looks at weather
gets bike clothes ready
No stunning views where I live,still fun though.
This morning the dog had a run out over Pipers Vale.
The primroses are out in the park.
Went out local last night with the dog. Had my jab the day before but no symptoms so thought we would set out early and do a big loop from Langsett over Cutgate and pick some stuff up on the Ladybower side however we couldn't get to Langsett as the road was closed and rather than mess about on the back roads reverted to plan B and Wharncliffe.
Trails were a bit sludgy in places and quite alot out riding early. Went over to Greno to finish off but had to abandon after one run as Kevin's seatpost packed in. Don't think it's repairable but Specialized should replace it.
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Got back and did some more local clearing to join a couple of lines together.
Nice local loop....again.
(Not pictured: 50mph wind)
(For the Covid police, this is in my local authority area)
Trails look good Matt, can't wait to get back up North, got a couple of sites provisionally booked for August
2nd ride of the day, always good to get out with the dog.
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The drops to flats ratio (bars not hucks) is high.
Some nice pics though.
Rather forlorn photography efforts today but it was nice to catch some sunshine and revisit a track I’ve not been down for many years. Mostly round the old railway tracks spotting flytipping and crazy locals.
I was out yesterday but didn't take any pics. Here's Wednesday just before the first trail on my new bike
Had a blast yesterday on drying/dry trails. Back out again tomorrow. Great conditions for mid March.
Some fab photos in this thread as usual.
@matt you are so right! I pootled around for 10 miles and really enjoyed it, same again tomorrow I reckon sometimes the simple stuff is enough
Quick rip round over Yair again for us.
Even had some dust on the bikes when we'd finished.
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51056039762_aab2b36515_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51056039762_aab2b36515_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2kMDxRC ]Eildons behind[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/stu-b/ ]multispeedstu[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/51056042087_aab18f3cfa_c.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/31337/51056042087_aab18f3cfa_c.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2kMDyxH ]Getting a bit more confident.[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/stu-b/ ]multispeedstu[/url], on Flickr
Took a spin up to Carnferg near Aboyne. Lovely day for it.
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Quick spin and paddle got off Windermere earlier than hoped due to a tasty wind and bit of swell I was beginning to feel un well 🙂
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51056248811_3cf3ffec25_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51056248811_3cf3ffec25_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2kMEBZV ]163226858_10159496880471474_5300398544970380031_n[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/145353521@N03/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr
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[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51055507203_ed9bcf15df_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51055507203_ed9bcf15df_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2kMAPxz ]162521847_10159496881056474_6194109846352959679_n[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/145353521@N03/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr
[url= https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51056316167_933c7eb7b9_b.jp g" target="_blank">https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51056316167_933c7eb7b9_b.jp g"/> [/img][/url][url= https://flic.kr/p/2kMEY2e ]162906602_10159496880966474_1605886078142671713_n[/url] by [url= https://www.flickr.com/photos/145353521@N03/ ]Richard Munro[/url], on Flickr
Great picture @Tracey
Did you do any specific things to train your dog to run with you riding?
I'm trying to get mine on some local walk
/rides but he often just runs backwards barking his head off at me before we've even started the trail and trying to bite my front wheel, takes Strava lines and gets in front of me and then holds me up as I'm worried about hitting him.
I'd like to be able to get him running either behind or staying a good bit in front. 😊 🐕
Riding above the mist in the north east of Scotland Alps
Some stunning rides this weekend so far.
Some of you people live in the most gorgeous areas - fabulous pics/photography skills. Isn't England beautiful. 🙂
EDIT - Apologies, that should say Great Britain rather than England. I meant the whole of the UK is beautiful. 🙂
My weekend anyway. Ochils.
Yesterday's Munro gnar was replaced by a 44km road & gravel daunder with mrs_oab in the Trossachs this morning.
Stunning weather, early enough to avoid the crowds, lovely coffee and a home made muffin halfway round in the sun.
We just use the same commands with Fin if we are walking or biking.
The main two on the bike are heel so she tucks to the left at the side of the rear wheel, this is also her go to position when we are setting off. If I want her out of the way when it's technical I tell her to go and she will run a few metres in front till I tell her to heel.
The other main commands are stay and down which are usually instant.
She also does left and right
Oh and the main one, used loads of times, is good girl so she knows she's got it right.
Great. Clever dog. 😀 ours needs a bit of work yet but he's coming on.
Only 10 months mind so biking is just short sessions with lots of encouragement and reward 👍
It will come in time with plenty of work and praise. Worth it in the end.
A frustrating ride, all stop-start with trails that have tried then suddenly turn into a six inch deep swamp in the corners, and with plenty of walkers out in todays sun.
Still, back on the race bike for some familiarity albeit with winter wheels:
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Nice to be out after 3hrs on the turbo yesterday.
We set off early up onto Cutgate, main road through Langsett was closed so not much traffic about. Top is holding a bit of water but the blast from the top back to Langsett always puts a big grin on my face no matter what the conditions are.
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I have rock envy
Some sun would have been nice today. 60km of dour road riding, loads of people out and about on bikes and on foot.
As is the way of it just 300m from the last photo some deer crossed and hung around in the field. They ran off into the dip as I stopped and reached for the camera.
Sick bike above!!!
Felt awful last night after yesterday’s COVID jab and still had a headache this morning but had a good ride at Puddletown today.
What frame is that?
Had an awesome ride today in the fod. Have noticed I've progressed so much from 6 months ago, super excited for summer.
Shame about the huge groups of 10+ people I encountered though, seems to be a lot of Brummies local to the fod, hmmm.
Brummies local to the fod, hmmm.
mmm we've had those on the local trails above Ross-on-Wye as well. Big groups as well. Words have been exchanged but I don't expect it'll make any difference.
Yat today was fantastic. For those that know it, riding the Bunker in March means it really dry.
Still getting lots of new bike love 😉
Wild Garlic is out and smells amazing
That's what about 10 PSI looks like in my mates tyre!
My bike looks tiny compared to an XL Pole Stamina!
60km, 1250m of climbing. Felt pretty fit. Maybe all that Zwifting has paid off.
When can we go again?
seems to be a lot of Brummies local to the fod, hmmm.
Can't be Brummies, because I passed nearly the whole population of them today in Birmingham & North Worcestershire ☹️
What frame is that?
Who’s? Mine is a Geometron
back to cathkin with the kids. Lewis stole my patrol as he is now too big for the scout. Sophie did amazing as did Samuel at trying new things.
The Ridgeway was nice and dry in many parts very quiet out there apart from the Spring Solstice people above Avebury over 100 vehicles parked up there police were moving them on they do not believe in no gatherings by the look of it does not apply to them funny old world nice in West wood.
A second ride out this weekend was blessed with blue skies and warm sunshine. A comment made earlier in the thread about what nice places everybody lived/ride in had me a little jealous, then I decided to head to the hills and look at things a different way. From my door I can be at any 1 of 3 heritage steam railways, this means plenty old lines and countryside to explore, joining them up with some bridle way action (we don’t have that many round here that aren’t railway historically) visited some old tracks I haven’t been down for a couple of years and felt happy, as was pointed out by Matt out and about miles means smiles. Saw some steam trains on the move and a cracking old Ford cortina and an original set of bolt thu axles that might have the weight weenies concerned.
Apologies for the insta link it’s just the path of least resistance went posting pics!
Here’s to next weekend
First single layer ride of the year in the Dales. Well, about an hour of it before the cloud rolled over and it got colder.
Looks like you've had a cracking weekend Tracey! Where are you in that second post? The pic with your dog out front?
It's some local built stuff.
For the Covid police, this is in my local authority area
wish there was something like that close by to me 🙁 What moontain?
End of the weekend ride with a friend. Head cleared for the battles of the coming week.
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Gravelling up Glen Feshie.
Still a bit of snow around in sheltered spots.
Have they fixed the Instagram auto-embed feature yet?
(Not very hopeful)
I rode with Thump and friends up Colsnaur. It was spectacular!
Can't embed - the photo is here:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/uqjCuG8ZnkGZZYQT8
Just a couple of shots from Fridays night ride. Beautifully clear, cold evening with Mrs Ready.
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Got just shy of 70k round the local bridleways, tracks, paths and a bit of the black stuff.
Me and LittleMissHall went for a cycle round Walton Nature Reserve on Saturday, her first time riding there and she did well, 2.5 mile figure of 8 loop. Really proud of her.
Having a little rest mid trail
All of 2 miles - but first time on a mtb since late October, before getting COVID, and it was a new bike - so it was definitely high on smiles, if not miles.
Some great photos this weekend - as usual Scotroutes making me slightly jealous.
More exploring in the local (lockdown) hills - the Devils Putting Stone and some frogs-to-be...
Well done for getting back out there @ahsat. Bare legs, that's brave 🙂 I think we're still a few weeks away from exposing any flesh up here. At least I am (much to the relief of the locals).
I think we’re still a few weeks away from exposing any flesh up here. At least I am (much to the relief of the locals).
This local has been riding in shorts and/or 3/4s.
I was going to say that there are some nutters up here too 🙂 My wife runs with some loons who bash through knee deep snow in their shorts. Makes me cold just thinking about it, but I'm a soft southerner.
I have an ~10C threshold for bare legs. I think the weather station was saying 9.4C when I got changed so it was worth the risk 🙂
Both LittleMissHall and ahsat require the use of the missing like button.
Had only planed a little loop around town but the weather forecast was good so snuck off at 4.50 and was pedalling out of Corfe with a mate by 5.15pm.
And because it’s against the law to ride past Franks Tank and not take a picture.
Got dropped off in the peak for a decent loop and back over the hill to Sheff. Had more pics but imgur has been failing for 2 days.
http://imgur.com/gallery/8N1OW4Q