Many happy returns

An early start time was set, the forecast was for for blue skies, a moderate north easterly wind and Routemaster General had set a challenge of riding on favourite sections of roads. Now, it just so happens that those favourite sections of roads for the cyclesguff bunch include some pretty tough hills. 

Thanks to the North wind, the view looking out over the Campsies this morning provided a stunning sight with an incredibly clear blue sky. The wind had also brought some snow along for the ride. A quick recap and rush back to the kit drawer was required. Thankfully, the roads where mostly dry, but that wind was bitter. 

The ascent of the Crow Rd provided views out over snow capped mountains and as we climbed higher and hit the snow line, the temperature dropped. It was a special morning and the views just kept on coming. Being out early, with the countryside unfolding in front, in good company and a route that would see us return to wonderful ribbons of tarmac was a great start to the cyclesguff 1st birthday ride. Time to celebrate, cyclesguff turned 1 today!

Routemaster General had provided a birthday surprise with a new ascent to Sheriffmuir. With the memory of Amstel Gold in his legs, he had selected a ramp leaving Logie Kirk. This has to be one of the steepest ascents in the area, the inside of one hairpin in particular, looks like a wall that teenagers would sit on and hurl cheek at cyclists losing the battle against gravity. The route turned off before Sherrifmuir and then plummeted down to Dunblane.  A 'bit and bit' blast to Doune, past Deanston distillery (it couldn't be a celebration ride without passing a distillery) on to Thornhill and a well earned and very long lunch at Berits & Brown in Kippen, the dill and carrot soup was fab. 

hint and a challenge?

There was a plan to head out to the Duke's Pass, Gartmore and Drymen, sadly, time was against us, but at least the revised route would see us pass another distillery. This time Glengoyne and it looked splendid under a snow capped Dumgoyne Hill. A fitting end to a great day in the saddle and a wee tipple has just been poured.

Stay upright and thanks for visiting cyclesguff over the past year