Monday run to Drum

Seven of us showed up at the Guide Hut this afternoon so there was no need for split teams. The sun was shining and all was well, although the weather forecast indicated we were likely to get wet later.

We had a chat whilst waiting for the group to assemble - Jeff told us about completing the last of the Munros - all 282 of them now conquered. He also recently completed his annual cycle up Cairn o' Mount. Gentlemen - we were in the presence of greatness.

Aidan was there too, having made sufficient recovery from his nasty fall last week. Rufus too, told us about his recent 200 kms, 9 day walk in Portugal.

Mike's feet have been replaced by pedals - he had already been out 5 times in the last week, including this morning. He is easily exceeding his 100 kms per week target. John P, as we all know, has webbed feet - his sailing exploits restricted his Freewheeler rides a bit last month, but he's been around a bit more in May.

Jack is a man reborn since he got his new bike - and he went back to Banchory Cycles last week to buy another one for Frances. Obviously, keen as mustard.

Clearly no mere cycle round Deeside was going to be sufficient challenge for this group of magnificent athletes - how could I possibly keep up with them, especially after a week at the beer festival? In the absence of any other route suggestions, I proposed a simple Drum loop - out via the Way, returning on the back roads to Hirn and Drumshalloch. "Head west", I cried - no, sorry - East!

It was so warm on the way out that layers had to be removed, but soon we were at Drum for the best value tea/coffee/scones on Deeside. By the time we emerged, dark clouds were gathering to the west, so the team photo was taken in the opposite direction for a change, showing off the blue sky backdrop to the east:

We got a little damp on the way back but the rain never really came to much. After the cycle on the farm tracks at Drumshalloch, we split up at the brewery road turn-off, with Jack and Aidan heading straight back down towards Tesco. Dutifully, I popped in to the brewery for a chat with the owner and the brewer whilst the others carried on homewards.

A popular and pleasant run - 36 kms:

The first five months of 2016 have seen an average of 11 group rides per month. The more active Freewheelers are averaging about half of these rides. The solo/overseas rides now total 180, with Mike Reilly on his own responsible for almost a quarter of them.