Icy Drum run

Making his debut as guest reporter today is Aiden Meehan:

"Seven hardy souls turned up today in sub-zero but bright conditions and, after some discussion agreed a route to Mains of Drum garden centre whilst avoiding, as much as possible, the icy conditions. 

So, off we set with trail-blazer Aidan as the 'sacrificial lamb' at the front as ice-spotter. (Didn't take me long to worm my way back to assume my normal role of 'back-marker').

We set off along the Deeside Way, and then up thru Crathes West gate and then taking the 'back roads' to Mains of Drum. A good route with nice views but occasional icy patches, which required some care to avoid a 'crash, bang, wallop'. 

It was nice to enjoy the warmth of the Mains of Drum tea room. One of the group, who'll remain nameless, broke ranks and enjoyed a strawberry tart instead of the normal Freewheeler snack of choice :- scone, butter & jam.

The return route was via the Deeside way, which was was fairly benign apart from a fallen tree at one point, several areas where flood debris had been deposited (following the New Year heavy rains) and the occasional precarious icy patch. See attached. 

So, all in all, a very pleasant way to spend the afternoon.

(tip of the day:- that strawberry tart at Mains of Drum is highly recommended)"

Ian Sharp, John Perry, Jeff Dickens, Dick Taylor, Rob Pollard, Scott Hunter and Aidan Meehan in front in orange

John P's map of the route:

Dick's Strava stats show a distance of 33 kms with 224 m of elevation - https://www.strava.com/activities/473100707

Last Thursday, Dick did a solo Myrebird run of 20 kms, whilst our man in the Algarve completed a 30 kms run. So far, I haven't been out on my bike in Adelaide but hope to correct that shortly once I feel I've fully recovered from the journey.