Sunday/Monday

Match report from John Meaden from the usual FW's Monday afternoon ride, when they did a Durris loop of 34 kms with 373 m of climbing:

"We went up the steep hill through Tilquhillie turning left to Knappach and up the old Slug road then across towards Woodlands of Durris and the Park Bridge . 

We then followed the river - very pleasant in the sun - with 5 of us coming back up to the Deeside way and up to the cafe at Crathes castle where we sat out in the courtyard.

Home then via direct routes .

There was talk of some bushwhacking from the group who stayed on the river to Myrebird ."

The day before this, Mike Reilly and John Morton took part in the Methlick Challenge - all the way from Ballater to Methlick. John Morton reports:

"We reckoned the Methlick run was worth a mention in the blog since all freewheelers were invited and since we belive it would be great for more of us in 2018.

Mike and John Morton met at Ballater on Sunday morning for registration and free bacon rolls before the track 'n trail MTB event. There was a mass start under motor bike escort from Cycle Highlands to the Deeside way. Entrants ranged from mountain biking crew to two guys on a tandem. We took the full Deeside way to. Cults a day then peddled up to Hazelhead and the Langstracht with food stops enough route. Next it was Formantine and Buchan 🚲 way from Dyce through to Udny. We finished with some track stuff round Haddo House and into Methlick. Where we were awarded medals, pints and a free bbq. 

A fine day. 103 km and 1000 metres up. "