Thursday ride

John Morton supplied the photos again from this morning's Torphins with a view ride and John Larkin supplied the narrative:

"Nine Freewheelers gathered at the GH this morning and the route-picker was Ian Sharp. Ian proposed that we try Platform 22 since we had not been there for a few weeks – it was proposed that we head off East along Deeside Way to Morrisons and then head off via Hill of Banchory to Brathens / Glassel and do a Campfield route, in reverse. There were several options for the return trip, which were to be confirmed later over coffee and scones.  After a few mutterings and grunts, this proposal was agreed. Nine Freewheelers set off promptly at 09.30 [ John L, John P and John M, Dick, Scott H, Jeff D, Ian S, Ian D and Iain W]

Whilst doing the reverse Campfield route, seven of us decided to break off and take the hilly route up a farm track passing two houses – we stopped for a few minutes to allow this week’s photographer, John M, to take a few shots. The seven athletes were, John L, John P, John M, Jeff D, Iain W, Ian S and Ian D, There were great views from this location. We set off again and headed for P22 via the main road.

The coffees, teas and scones, served at Platform 22 were of excellent quality and were devoured very quickly. The girls at P22, as usual, delivered a very speedy and friendly service – well done girls !!

During the banter at P22 and after solving some worldly issues, the banter progressed to more important topics like ‘ how did Platform 22 get its name ‘ ?

 [ Answer is at the bottom of this blog ]

We all set off again on the return journey down Kincardine Road heading for Craiglash Quarry. We stopped at the junction for the Quarry and the group split up again. Jeff D and John L and John M, headed back home via Shooting Greens and Strachan whilst the other six athletes headed home via the Quarry.

The weather held out for the whole trip and it was a lovely warm morning.

Answer to “ how did Platform 22 get its name ?”  The answer is not what some of us guessed, i.e. Could it be the 22^nd station from Aberdeen ? The correct answer is, it’s 22 miles from Aberdeen, it’s 22 Station Road, and the shop is above the platform – so, not only do we get enjoyment from burning up calories on today’s bike ride, we also get a bit of education about P22 !"