Another new record

Excluding Malcolm Lodge's amazing recent exploits in Cape Town, a new Freewheelers altitude record was set on Tuesday when Mike Reilly went up Cairn o' Mount. His Strava records climbing of 721 metres. The distance of 43 kms seemed relatively modest in comparison - and was, in fact, beaten by John Meaden on the same day when he completed a wide Finzean loop of 54 kms, which equalled Les' long distance run in the Algarve last month (although both were still less than Malcolm L's 110 kms in Cape Town and also his 58 kms locally). Here's Mike's photos from the summit:

Our booze cruise on Tuesday paled in comparison. Nobody else showed up to join Keith and I as we sauntered east to Drum, returning via Drum Castle, Drumshalloch Woods and the brewery before we reached the oasis that was the Legion, where we met up with Ken P for a couple of beers:

l-r: Keith Gray, Ken Page & Ian Stewart

Strava shows a distance of 37 kms with climbing of 233 metres.

The following day, Mike was out with his wife again, notching up another 36 kms and 425 m of climbing.  On Thursday morning, Les, now back in the Algarve, covered 47 kms with 252 m of climbing.

The main Freewheelers ride on Deeside on Thursday was reported on by John Meaden:

"Wild Goose Chase

Just a small gathering today at 9am of 4 Freewheelers - Mike , Dick , Ian S and John M.

A quick decision was made to head out to Finzean then discuss the route back over a coffee. We duly proceeded to the AA Box via Mill of Cammie . Attempts at a Strava dash from the Box to the Feughside bridge were subdued by the brisk northerly  breeze .

At the Bridge it was clear that the stretch to Finzean would have a sharp headwind - the merits of the flock of geese formation with rotating leadership were discussed before Mike was dispatched to break trail with the cry of 'Big goose to the front '.  John took a couple of stints at the head while the others stayed tucked in to the mini peloton ( later claiming dubiously that they could not make it to the front ) .

 Then up the track to the (very quiet) Farm Shop for coffees and the usual excellent fruit scones . We established that a Flat White contains a double shot - useful for what came next .

After a fairly lengthy stop it was agreed that we would go via the Monument and Phone Box back towards the river. The Monument climb is not so bad out of the Farm Shop - taken at a very steady pace . Another Strava dash from the top down to the Phone Box into the brisk wind was conducted at glacial speeds . We made a short stop for photos at the Internet Cafe Phone Box - maximum capacity one - then headed off down the minor road towards Shooting Greens .

At the junction we turned uphill again on the cycle track with those trying the ( easier) road deemed BGBs . About half way up we turned left on the fire road into the forest , down to the sand quarry making the short loop around by the fishing huts . Still amazing to see where the river had been with debris on the south side way into the forest .

The riverside track is unchanged but with narrow tracks either side just about manageable on the bike for most if the way . The Danny MacAskill award goes to anyone who can stay on for the whole damaged section . Dick and Ian were close ?

Then the low riverside road from Blackhall through the arch and home . A steady marathon 42km with 535m of vertical . A very enjoyable ride ."

As if he hadn't done enough this week, Mike was out again this morning (Friday), doing another 42 kms with 531 m of climbing. John M was out again too on a short run of 21 kms/195 m. Peter Renwick was out too - 24 kms/269 m.

Busy week.