July update

Catching up again, here's the headlines from the July rides to date:

• 26 solo/overseas rides to date this month totalling 909 kms with 10,991 of climbing
• Mike, as usual, was the busiest with 13 of these rides
• Johns M & P have, separately, been out cycling in France
• John M's ride in France was 48 kms but with an incredible height gain of 1,666 m - second only to Malcolm L's feats in Cape Town earlier this year
• This month, the Freewheelers group had 6 rides, covering 201 kms and 1,846 m of climbing
• Jeff has been the most frequent attendee, appearing on 4 of these group rides, whilst as many as 16 took part in at least one of them

The most recent group outings were yesterday. Keith and I went out in the morning with the main group out at the usual afternoon time - Mike reported as follows:

"7 Freewheelers (Ian S, Jack, Rob, Aiden, Jeff, John M and me) gathered on a day that promised to brighten up and although there was rain about it was very warm. West certainly looked brighter but Jack said he was fed up going in that direction so we followed the rain east.

Ian suggested a route by Loch Skene and although very few had cycled that way, I have done it several times and was willing to take the flak for any misadventure. A good pace was set and before we knew it we were through Crathes gardens and heading along the Hirn - Coupers Road. Rob led us down a shortcut and we headed to the Stone Circle near Garlogie where the photos were taken.

A short stint on the main road was followed by a climb up by Garlogie Wood where we stopped for a breather and took in the view of Loch Skene with Benachie in the background, except we couldn't see it for rain cloud!

We turned left before reaching Loch Skene and cycled past Scotstown Wood and then the much talked about National Grid complex before returning to the main road turning off at Flora's. It was unanimously decided not to stop there for coffee but to return the way we had come and head for Crathes Castle Restaurant. The coffee and scones were enjoyed, after which we departed through the grounds and home. It was widely acknowledged as a very enjoyable outing. The only yellow cards both went to Jeff - one for standing up on a climb and the other for having a tattoo on his calf! 

We travelled 42.2km at an ave speed of 17.2km/h"

The route map and photos:

Here's some photos from the group rides earlier this month:

Yes - that's Keith on the left, in full holiday mode, cycling in sandals!

That was the first visit to the "new" Potarch - and here's the route map for that trip: