Jeff's Amazing Feats

Jeff didn't join the Freewheelers in Deeside on Monday but sent me this report of his adventures:

"I wasn't on this week's Monday ride, because there was a weather window for an alternative venture.

So Monday evening I set forth for Dalwhinnie with bike and camping gear, and cycled the length of Loch Ericht into the Culra Lodge and bothy area of Ben Alder Forest.  Having dined at the Moulin near Pitlochry (always a fine watering hole), I arrived at Dalwhinnie shortly after 7pm and set forth for the 15 km cycle in, arriving about 9:30pm still in good light, given this is the Longest Day + 1. The map shows the route, profile and stats, and there's a photo of my camp and bike, at a safe distance from the bothy which is currently closed due to asbestos having been discovered and disturbed by invasive investigations.  The tracks in this estate are generally pretty good, though my approach round the shores of Loch Pattack was exciting in places (a rather wobbly bridge to cross with a bike) and bumpy, and less ideal than the alternative and more direct stalkers path which  I subsequently discovered was of excellent construction quality. Should have gone in that way too!

I had a comfortable night, then breakfasted on bacon butties and tea (coffee shops and scone supplies being a bit thin on the ground - and you know me and the bacon butty option when I've not already breakfasted!).  It was then a little stroll to stretch the legs, and a cycle out and drive home.  31km round with 575m of up and down over about 4 hours cycling time, slowed down by gear and a slighty wobbly wheel (possibly a bit bent?) which I still need to sort out.

Just in case any cyclists are interested in the mundane details of my wee stroll, I've attached another map/profile/stats image - 27km, nearly 2000m of ascent, bagging 6 Munros and almost getting a Brocken Spectre near the summit of Aonach Beag as the early morning cloud began to break up. Unfortunately there was too much haze behind me for own shadow to properly develop. Overall a rather fine expedition of 58km and 2500m on foot and bike taking 26 hours, but completely out of sight over the Freewheelers red card horizon!"

Alder cycle

Alder stroll

Spectre

Tent and bike

Follow that!

Much more modestly, I went out for my 3rd ride this week. Setting off before breakfast and the forecast peak of 108 F today, I followed the north side of the Rogue river east of Grants Pass to the "City" (small town really) of Rogue River, returning on the southern side of the river. A decent 42 kms run - enough to build up a substantial breakfast appetite. Missing my scones however. Here I am at the halfway point on the bridge over the Rogue river:

OK - who's next out?