Thursday's news

Strava is being well used by Freewheelers - here's the activity report since the last blog:

• Tuesday
• Malcolm L - Cape Town - 30 kms - 508 m
• Les - Algarve - 54 kms - 287 m
• Iain W - Tilquhillie - 17 kms - 211 m
• Mike - Westhill - 50 kms - 377 m
• Wednesday
• Jeff - Birse - 34 kms - 460 m
• Mike - Tilquhillie - 25 kms - 234 m
• Thursday - 5 Freewheelers - Drum - 29 kms - 206 m

The mileage is fairly cranking up - witness Malcolm's 3 cycles in Cape Town and Les' second 50 kms + ride in the Algarve, whilst Mike seems to be on his bike every day that he can - although not today, when he opted to ski again.

Aiden was the Freewheelers reporter today:

"For a 9:30am start, a manageable group of 5 cyclists gathered, Ian (Smart), Dick, Scott, Rob and Aidan. After a detailed discussion on routes (from those in the know), we played safe taking the northern route to The Milton, avoiding the alternative 'southern' route via Park Bridge. We didn't know if Park Bridge was open again (worth checking out prior to Monday's jaunt !). So, we followed a familiar route (by-passing the closed section of the Deeside Way above The Platties ; 6-weeks work, we were reliably informed !), thru Crathes Castle and on towards Hirn (past the Recording studios) and then down Couper's Rd to Park. A good ride, with nice views and a chance to watch the local wildlife. One of the party was so fascinated watching a buzzard trying (unsuccessfully) to lift a dead rabbit off the road he ended up going off the road....a good recovery and almost a 'stramash' ! (to quote football commentator Arthur Montford :- anyone else remember him ?). Anywaze, I digress. A trip back along the Deeside Way took us to our pit-stop at The Milton. Excellent scenery, coffee, scones and chat. During the varied discussion, the group agreed it was a reasonable idea to 'tweek' the rules of rugby that they should aim to hit the ball 'UNDER' the bar. According to one of the group, this is something that Aberdeen FC have trouble achieving ? After a complimentary a coffee top-up, we departed taking the easy route along the Deeside Way back to Banchory. Note :- complimentary coffee top-up !  Worth remembering for the future. Who needs a loyalty card ?   So, all-in-all, a very pleasant way to spend a morning. Thanks gents.   How lucky are we to live in such a nice part of the world ?

According to Scott's Garmin.....distance was 19 miles, avge speed 10.4 mph, max 23.6 mph, climb 1259.8 ft"