Banchory Veterans' Cycling Group: Torphins - Kinker

John P your ace reporter again:

"Warmest Ride for Weeks

This is the thing. When I get back from a ride I like to get the bike clean and in the garage before hosing myself down. So, frothy bucket of water and because it was warm, re-attach the hosepipe to the outside tap and turn it on at the stop-cock in the kitchen. Wash bike down, feeling all ‘glowy’ inside because the bike is nice and clean again. Stroll back into the kitchen, oh dear (or insert whatever expletive you like)! A waterfall from the cupboard under the sink, near the stop cock for the outside tap. Not a happy bunny… Now I have to find a plumber for what could be the smallest job ever… Blame the frost…

Anyway, you’re not reading this to catch-up on my plumbing woes. Seven gathered by the guide hut; Rob, Scott, Dick, Ian, Ken and John^2. After a few recent rides along the Dee to the east, everyone agreed we needed something different and the ice risk seemed low (more of that later!). We all liked the idea of Torphins Kinker Blackhall, but did sort of accept there was going to be some uphills involved, not least pulling out of Banchory through the forest behind Burnett Park. As we ventured on to the farm track by Glassel it became very apparent all the ice had not in fact melted. Rob produced a stunning and graceful dismount, oh he so nearly held it, but ultimately placed himself with great deftness onto the floor. We were warned! Big drag up the hill by Sluie Hill (I think it is called), that earned someone a yellow card, but we were all too knackered to figure out who. But, but, but the downhill past Kinker House to the village, yup 60+ kph.

Dees Teas at Kinker hosted us this week, and we enjoyed good scones and beverages. In fact it was becoming too comfortable to sit and chat, and we had to haul ourselves from the warmth with the prospect of the drag up from Potarch towards Shooting Greens before us. Again as we nosed onto the grit track beyond Potarch, ice was lurking under pools of water, so I think we pretty much all stayed on the road and knuckled down to the long climb. The upside of this route back is that as you progress past Scolty, there are some stunning views over the Dee. The sun was out by this time, the air was warm and we enjoyed the downhill ride to Blackhall.

Everyone agreed that most of the clothing we were wearing was going straight in the washing machine, as by and large we were wearing too much, so… just a little bit sweaty (sorry) and fairly well covered in grime. Nevertheless good loop, good weather and pleasant stop at Kinker.

Techical updates

• Some of us are worried about Dick’s bounce, that is, the squishiness of his forks (still doesn’t sound any better).

• Scott managed to run his chain off the cogs just before the long Potarch uphill, not sure what tactical benefit he gained from that, but adjustment probably needed.

• Rob has been spending too much time on the net, researching the merits and otherwise of 26” v. 29” wheels. Apparently for the sort of riding we do, 29 is the answer, but Danny M. needs 26…

• There was quite a lot of talk about what Santa was bringing, and could we go and play on Boxing Day, so we can see all the shiny new things? Sounds like second childhood territory, oh dear dear…"