Weekend wheelies

Some of us needed a couple of days' rest after our week in the Algarve before getting back in the saddle, but, Les managed a ride in the sun again on Sunday, whilst Keith, Dick and I took a day more before venturing out on Monday morning.

Timing was an issue on Monday - some of us weren't available in the afternoon - and, frankly, the probable afternoon numbers included a few speed merchants who we would have struggled to keep up with - so a gentle B team stroll was arranged for Keith, Colin and I in the morning. Ken P decided that he, too, preferred a gentle morning ride, given the forecast high afternoon winds.

The B team didn't dodge the winds completely however. North westerlies meant that Torphins was the only realistic destination. Out via Home Farm and back downhill with the wind via Brathens.

Arriving at Platform 22 at lunchtime maybe wasn't so smart, however - the place was mobbed - not a seat to be had. It was sunny, but definitely not warm enough for dining al fresco, so we had to "bully" a group of lady walkers from Banchory to finish off their coffees and vacate their tables pronto.

Dark chocolate and Montmorency Cherry scones were the order of the day:

Keith was showing more interest in their new beer range:

We declined the option of the additional golf course loop as this would have meant heading straight in to the teeth of the wind, so we ended up doing a relatively modest 29 kms with 268 m of climbing.

Dick supplied the team photo and match report from the afternoon ride:

l-r: Dick Taylor; Jack Simpson; John McWhinnie; Jeff Dickens; Chris Low; Iain Wright and Scott Hunter

"It was a blustery afternoon when 8 Freewheelers met at the Guide Hut 1.30pm. Jack Jeff John Mc Chris Ian W Ian S Scott and myself. Ian S suggested a route via Mill of Hirn to Park Bridge. We discovered however that he had already arranged to meet some family members at Park Bridge at 3pm.  In absence of any further route suggestions we set off to Park Bridge. The ride was easy as a strong north west wind was in our back. We arrived at Park Bridge at 2.50. and left Ian waiting for his family friends. The rest of biked along the river bank and up past Park House. From there it was back on the Deeside Way which was challenging in to a strong wind. Coffee Stop was at The Milton with the usual scones and and generous refills of coffee Fully refreshed we duly headed home along the Deeside Way"

The A team covered 33 kms with 298 m of climbing, albeit a bit more for Jeff and Chris.

Mike R, John M and Iain W were all out for Saturday rides and John M was also out again - avec femme - on Sunday. Also out on Monday afternoon were Mike and Carol Reilly.

45 Freewheelers rides and 111 others now on this year's database.