Deeside in the rain or Croatia in the sun?

Monday afternoon's cycle on rainy Deeside wasn't hugely popular - only Ken P, Jack and I made it along to the Guide Hut at 1 pm. Archie took one look outside and, after checking the weather forecast, was a late withdrawal and earned himself a BGB (Big Girls' Blouse) in the process.

I had a planned route in mind, and we thought it would be wise to stray not too far from Banchory in case the weather worsened, so we set out heading east past Morrison's and along the paths and up towards Drumshalloch Woods. From there we headed back to Raemoir Road and turned right up towards Brathens.

So far, the weather was holding up - it was raining but it was fairly light and the skies to the west were brightening a little. The critical point came when we reached the little bridge over Beltie Burn, just short of Woodend Chalets at Glassel. Should we carry on to Platform 22 in Torphins, as originally planned, or bale out left and head back towards Home Farm, Inchmarlo? It was only Jack's second Freewheelers' outing so Ken and I left the decision to him. "Onwards", he cried - so we did.

Platform 22 was splendid as usual and the Gleesome Threesome posed for the team photo outside:

Not wanting to return by the same route, we headed north, then east on the back roads to Campfield filling station, then down the Glassel Road and home via Home Farm. My Strava stats show a total distance covered of 34 kms, although this included a short "warm-up" round Burnett Park before we set off. Total climbing was just over 1,100 feet - https://www.strava.com/activities/397078580

Elsewhere, Robin Brodie has been in Croatia, reporting in last week as follows:

"Sorry to miss yesterday bike ride. We are cycling on the coast of Croatia for a week and temperatures have been in high twenties each day which has made regular refreshment breaks and swimming essential. See you all soon.

Robin"