Blog update

Match reports and photos have been scarce recently, but I've now deduced the following activity over the last week:

Monday June 1st

Strava tells me of a short 5kms cycle went on - https://www.strava.com/activities/316143417

Thursday June 4th

There was talk of a Loch Muick trip and Strava confirms that Les and Dick were there for the 39 kms round trip - https://www.strava.com/activities/318007518 - but no photos, although Scott did supply the following match report and detailed stats:

"Les returned from Portugal especially to join Ian S, Ken, Jeb, Dick, and Scott on this ride up Glen Muick. We met at the guide lodge at 8.30, bikes on the cars we headed out to Ballater.  Leaving the cars in the car park we crossed the bridge over the Dee and set off West towards Glen Muick.

Turning into the glen we were soon faced with a steady climb following the river up to Loch Muick. Isn’t it amazing how easy some roads are in the car but are totally different story on a bike?????

Eventually we reached the car park at the start of the loch planning to head back down the glen following the track/road on the other side of the river.  However someon, suggested we carry on round the loch and after a wee bit debate about the benefits this would have to our well being (having climbed what seamed like Ben Nevis) we agreed to go as far as Queen Victoria’s Lodge.  Off we went along the North banks of the loch to the lodge, at least it was reasonably flat.  Nobody was at home so we turned and backtracked to the start of the loch, and from there we then enjoyed the welcome downhill ride back to Ballater where we enjoyed a well earned coffee and scone before driving back to Banchory.

Great ride, scenery fantastic, 24 miles, 2:13 cycling, 1653ft ascent, 1371ft descent."

Monday June 8th

Yesterday, Jeff was out and has now supplied the following blog report, photos and map:

"With positive responders to the monday clarion call by a suitable cut off time notable by their total absence, I went off on a ride anyway!  It was a lovely afternoon for it, despite my weather app predicting dire downpours pretty much constantly at the moment - I think it must have its algorithm stuck in the mud somewhere.

The attached map shows the route, profile and stats.  Having recently replaced tyres, inner tubes (all possibly pushing 15+ years old) and break blocks, I fancied a bit of an offroad thrash as a check out before taking on some remote Munro access I need to do. So, with the far preferable Strachan start and finish, I set off towards Boghead and the flanks of Scolty, dropping back down almost to the car park, but turning left to head through the heart of Blackhall Forest and up to Shooting Greens.  From there it was a bomb down the hill towards Potty, but hanging a left for Ballogie.

It had to be done.  With a peloton of one, the Phone Box Coffee Stop was a comfy size for a quick break and a cuppa!  Refreshed, I then took on the slog towards Finzean, heading via the forest tracks behind Finzean House over to the sawmill, and then along Feughside back to Strachan.

32km and 700m up'n'down.  Offroad stuff mostly dry and in good nick, despite some recent forestry extraction work. Good route!"

Blogspot doesn't like the format of Jeff's photos!

Tuesday June 9th

Today Keith and I went on the Crathes - Drum loop. What a beautiful morning it was for our 36 kms run - https://www.strava.com/activities/321625033 - here's the photo: