Show us what you did today, thread

[Jamiedyer]

I was writing this as Brian must have been posting. My fine physique is due to the cake and coffee

Back out again today, this time to the south to visit Brian.
An early start that didn't quite go to plan as I overtook a car near Brora and heard a 'ping' then slowly lost all boost power as I had blown a hose clip off the intercooler. Limped to Brians and lost a bit of time while I fitted a new clamp.
We were soon underway into the glorious sunshine with the temps being up near a balmy 12 degree when we left :shock:
It was a modified route that we were taking due to the slightly later start and the fact it was just the two of us.
After the usual singletrack along the shoreline we climbed up the long drag to get to the days start to the off road sections. The first part was nicely surfaced trails but after a few detours that gradually got narrower and more overgrown we start down a path that looked a bit wider but still overgrown. This was the same as the others at the start in that there was a bit of water lying in the low parts but gradually got worse with longer and deeper sections of water. Nothing we couldn't handle but I did wonder at one point what would come next, thankfully we emerged onto a hillside with a great view of Ben Wyvis straight down the tarmac farm road now in front of us.
from here we dropped back down to the shore and crossed Cromarty bridge on the A9 and a short stretch of this busy road to our turn off to head back up the hill to join the road from Evanton to Dingwall. We went past the turn and crossed the road to have a spot of lunch at the Store House at Foulis which was only about 50 metres further on. We dined like kings as I had a Ham, Orkney cheese and guacamole sandwich and coffee before the steep climb up the hill. We stopped several times as their was a weird noise coming from the back of Brians bike, we couldn't find it but I was sure it was from the hub area. After riding along the top road back towards Dingwall for a while we came across the Highland café and thought this may be a good place to investigate this hub. After sitting in the sun for a while eating a giant cookie and drinking another coffee we thought we better make a move as time was marching on, so we headed back to Brians to finish off another great day out with a very enjoyable ride.
I have been very lucky this weekend with being able to get away both days and also with the weather, good days indeed.
Hopefully the rest of the macretro clan have had a good weekend as well, wherever and whatever you have been doing.

Jamie

IMG_1027 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1032 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1042 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1045 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1051 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1068 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1077 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1079 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1102 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1104 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1108 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

IMG_1110 by Jamie Dyer, on Flickr

 

[RobMac]

Re:

 

[old_coyote_pedaller]

Re:

Jamie and Brian, thanks for taking so many great pics, and the story of ride too. Always enjoy reading about your "adventures".
I seldom have the inclination to take pics and my rides don't warrant a story, usually nowt adventurous about them.

 

[Jamiedyer]

I think you do yourself a disservice, I like hearing about every ones rides, especially in their areas where I don't get to ride often.
For us up here it is the beauty of the land that makes the ride 'adventurous or interesting' and that's what I like sharing, just how beautiful it is.
Like yesterdays ride too, I know I am lucky to be able to day ride these places, not really adventurous, just love riding these roads/trails.

Jamie

 

[old_coyote_pedaller]

Re:

My rides usually consist of me seemingly riding uphill all ride blinded by sweat and red mist as I try to keep up with Keith and Kenny as they become dots ever further away.
Think the appeal of you guys rides is they seem to be following the direction your front wheels point and just enjoying where you end up, mind you the scenery might have something to do with that. Wherever your wheels point is braw.

 

[clubby]

Another cracking day here and with Sharron out for cake and coffee, I'd the luxury of a free morning.
Had planned another gravel ride, this time up in the Brechin area. Been passing the path network signs for years but always on the way to somewhere else.
Things started well with some nice farm tracks then up through the golf course into a lovely section of woods.

Brechin ride by Steven Clubb, on Flickr

Would be even better the other way, as it was gently uphill for me the way I was heading.

Brechin ride by Steven Clubb, on Flickr

Then things went a little bit Epicyclo.
Farm tracks which weren't on the map but did exist, and ones which were on the map but didn't exist.

Brechin ride by Steven Clubb, on Flickr

Brechin ride by Steven Clubb, on Flickr


GRRRRRRR!!!!!

Brechin ride by Steven Clubb, on Flickr



Earlier height gain was rewarded with a lovely, swoopy singletrack descent down through the trees finishing up at the river. Fantastic fun, but a couple of cheeky sections testing my 40c tyres and meagre abilities to the limit.

Brechin ride by Steven Clubb, on Flickr

After that it was back to the car along the riverside path, with just the bluebells for company.

Brechin ride by Steven Clubb, on Flickr

All in all just 17.5 miles, but scope to connect into trails near Forfar for a two town ride.

 

[epicyclo]

Looks interesting.

 

[Jamiedyer]

Looks some really nice trails Clubby, also looks nice singletrack under the trees. Looks nice and cool in there as well.
Loving your bike as well, it always looks like it doesn't just go anywhere, but goes there fast

Jamie

 

[clubby]

but goes there fast

No with me onboard it doesn’t!

 

[jimo746]

but goes there fast

No with me onboard it doesn’t!

It all helps on the downhill sections though eh?