I forgot you lived in that area. If you're interested the Highland Classic Lightweights group is planning a loop around the peninsula, and if they don't the heavyweights on old roadsters will be doing it. Mainly a tea and cake ride... (if anywhere is open, that is )
Unfortunately my only lightweight is part recycled coke tins and part plastic so not terribly classic (although it's in a suitably retro black and white colour scheme!)
If it were on a Saturday I would be interested, have to confess I haven't touched the roadster in over a year (doesn't help that it's rather badly stored at my parents' house) but I'm pretty sure a bit of air in the tyres and a wipe over with an oily rag would have it back in service... never did get round to rebuilding the hub so it's effectively a 2 speed but I'm sure that would be OK so long as the pace wasn't too hot!
Photos are just an excuse for the stop. The truth is I'm getting old and frail, and they are really stops to get a bit more oxygen in the lungs - even though I've already succumbed to the lure of gears.
...If it were on a Saturday I would be interested, have to confess I haven't touched the roadster in over a year (doesn't help that it's rather badly stored at my parents' house) but I'm pretty sure a bit of air in the tyres and a wipe over with an oily rag would have it back in service... never did get round to rebuilding the hub so it's effectively a 2 speed but I'm sure that would be OK so long as the pace wasn't too hot!
If you'd like to suggest a Saturday so you have enough time to check the bike over, let's see what can be organised.
The pace is never hot btw, only an arse leaves folk behind.
Edit: I'm assuming you live in the Portmahomack area. There's lots of interesting Pictish stuff around. If you like, why don't you pick a route that will take us to those and other historical spots. It doesn't have to be a huge ride, the only necessity is a decent stop (or two) for tea and cake (ANTA?)
Well out today on the Jack Taylor for a few miles this afternoon.
I am still treating it as shakedown rides as I am still trying to make a decision on what to do on various fronts, ie; the paint and also the build direction.
This was made a slight bit harder due to another frame entering the shed
First things first, due to it being really just mocked together originally to go round the block and see if it fitted, I wasn't really surprised to noticed the bottom bracket was loose and whilst undoing the crank bolts noticed that they too were not much more than finger tight. Once the BB was tightened and cranks nipped up I took the time to check and tighten everything else. Fitted my Carradice longflap saddle bag as I need to get my rack bag re-velcroed as it came off recently, just wear and tear as it gets used a lot, but the bag is still in great condition so will get it done. The longflap is a great bag but a bit too big for what I need.
Went out for a couple of hours with at least half of that pushing into the mother of all headwinds but I suppose I got the benefit of a good tailwind in other sections. Just a cruise round the coast looking at setup etc and while it has just been cobbled together with bits off the Mercian, cockpit and saddle/seatpost along with my Dura Ace 1st gen and 7400 running gear, levers etc with Mafac Racer brakes. While this is a good setup on it's own, it is not the setup I want for its final build which is a more touring orientated one. Stronglight triple, Nitto bars and stem etc. Saying that it does ride superbly, different from my others and just rides along in a fast but relaxed manner, I am really enjoying it.
Round the farms with a bit of gravel thrown in and then a quiet ride round the coast to then try and beat the rain home by heading inland. Got a few drops in the last kilometre so timed it just right. Not that far but enjoyable all the same.
If you'd like to suggest a Saturday so you have enough time to check the bike over, let's see what can be organised.
Edit: I'm assuming you live in the Portmahomack area. There's lots of interesting Pictish stuff around. If you like, why don't you pick a route that will take us to those and other historical spots. It doesn't have to be a huge ride, the only necessity is a decent stop (or two) for tea and cake (ANTA?)
Good idea, I'm no expert on the Picts but there are carved Pictish stones or fragments thereof in a handy route along the peninsula from Nigg via Shandwick, Balintore and Cadboll (Hilton) to Tarbat (Portmahomack). Modern (WW1 on) history provides a seaplane base, two aerodromes and a weapons range along with various associated bits though there's probably enough of that stuff for a different ride!
Coming from your end the Nigg ferry might provide a handy link / starting point? Can look to be a bit busy at this time of the year mind you...
There are quite a few tea and cake providers en route and if all else failed I can provide that!
I'd suggest this Saturday as it otherwise suits me well but have annoyingly injured my lower back - I tried going out on the road bike this afternoon anyway but it only aggravated it Would the 11th suit you and anyone else interested?
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Would the 11th suit you and anyone else interested?
