Banchory Veterans' Cycling Group: Extended Sluie

John M is today's guest reporter:

"Nine Freewheelers gathered at the guide hut at 1pm today unconcerned by the developing storm - Bob Elder , John Perry , Ian "birthday boy" Sharp , Jeb Tyrie , Scott Hunter , Jack Simpson , Ian Wright and John Meaden ( handed reporting duties after being spotted taking photographs ).

It was fine and quite mild and an early decision was taking to head into the westerly wind with a potential Platform 22 stop . We set off up the Inchmarlo road , turned left past Home Farm then a sharp left at the old 9th green on the former Inchmarlo course .

A short sharp downhill to the A93 then turning right . Less frequent Freewheelers were duly impressed that we stayed on thus road for barely 100m then left through the houses heading towards the north bank of the Dee .

We had a short stop on the river bank opposite the large fishing hut on the south bank near the sand quarry - all of this area had clearly been submerged and we were informed that the track would now get sandy and difficult - but it was not too bad . Heading away from the river a very large tree was down across the track ( not there last Thursday apparently ) - we diverted close to the house which had clearly been floor damaged .

Then came the first climb back up to the North Deeside road - not too steep . The group gathered , another very short main road section then right into the Sluie hill road which was steep then steeper . Mutterings of yellow and red cards had been heard but were lost in the breeze . A short optional climb to the masts ( see photos ) , nice views all round . (Anyone know the vertical from the river to the Sluie hill top ? Maybe 200m or more ?).

The downhill to the Craiglash quarry road was welcome - a few wet sections but mostly good . At the road junction Jack and Bob split off to head south back to Banchory via Glassel due to prior engagements . The rest of us took a fast tarmac descent into Torphins and the promised Platform 22 stop .

Excellent coffees , teas , apple pie and a few scones for those who put on a spurt and got in the door first . We also found a professional photographer to take a team photo !
Then the conventional route home via Campfield - some sharp wind gusts by now on the higher loop . Back through Glassel over the remnants of fallen trees and via Home Farm again to Banchory .

My ancient Garmin had 20. 8 miles , 3 hours 20 minutes . Vertical must be similar to last Thursday . Strava beckons - must turn it on next time . A great run and impressive route finding by those who know ."

John P's route map demonstrates: