Forum ride - Central Scotland

[HLaB]

Yeah,the train times are cr@p they're hourly and the first train from Edinburgh to Stirling on a Sunday, is 9:33 arrive circa 10:30.

 

[jassy-x]

'lo

So we're 19th Oct, setting of from Stirling area. 100km or so of not too hilly roadbike friendly terrain. The earlier in the day we set off the better from my POV but clearly we need to ensure everyone (i.e. Noodley) has time to get to the meeting point. Is 9am do-able?

Now we need a route...

I hope it will signify the start of a regular meet-up.

.....9am on the 19th will be OK for me....

 

[Tetedelacourse]

I just had a go at plotting a Stirling loop. Note I haven't cycled all of this and cannot account for the stretch up to Callander then down to Kippen, but I know the rest.

It's a bit on the short side and I can't see any obvious way of adding another 25km without using main roads. Any ideas? Comments? Suggestions?

If 10.30 is the earliest Scotrail will allow then I'd go with that. Unless someone's bringing a car from Edin.

Stirling Loop Possibility

 

[jassy-x]

...tete....looks a good route..the stretch towards Callander is fairly flat-ish, no major climbs...not sure of the stretch to Kippen then Fintry ....although it is a fairly hilly area, I've a feeling the road skirts round most of the biggies rather than over....there will be a climb or two along the way....well it is Scotland...

...maybe a short-ish run might suit for our first meet up...give us more time to stop off..and a chance to get to know each other a bit.....some nice wee pubs on the way....

....any start time suits me....

 

[magnatom]

So tete, you've seen what my bike is like and how fit and strong (ahem) I am. is this course for me?

 

[Tetedelacourse]

Absolutely! So long as you save your breath for peching and not for critiquing

The key is simply to set a pace that everyone who comes along can handle, or to have designated meeting points along the route for the likes of HlaB and Gavin

 

[jassy-x]

So tete, you've seen what my bike is like and how fit and strong (ahem) I am. is this course for me?

.....hey MT....I've watched you zipping along on the helmetcam video's....I'll struggle to keep up with you...

 

[Tetedelacourse]

.....hey MT....I've watched you zipping along on the helmetcam video's....I'll struggle to keep up with you...

One option on the route I posted earlier would be to go over to Lennoxtown from Fintry, then along to Kilsyth and back over to Carronbridge. This would add 14km to the length and two honking climbs

The downside would be that instead of going up through Carron Valley, which is quite scenic and quiet, in addition to the climbs we'd have to use the main road from Lennoxtown to Kilsyth which, although isn't majorly busy, is an A-road and wouldn't suit two abreast riding, and isn't conducive to conversation.

But, you would get to bag Tak Ma Doon road, which is a fairly renowned short but steep hill. Great descent down from it too. And also Crow Road which gives great views of Glasgow.

I suppose we could see how we feel on the day when we get to Fintry.

 

[jassy-x]

One option on the route I posted earlier would be to go over to Lennoxtown from Fintry, then along to Kilsyth and back over to Carronbridge. This would add 14km to the length and two honking climbs

The downside would be that instead of going up through Carron Valley, which is quite scenic and quiet, in addition to the climbs we'd have to use the main road from Lennoxtown to Kilsyth which, although isn't majorly busy, is an A-road and wouldn't suit two abreast riding, and isn't conducive to conversation.

But, you would get to bag Tak Ma Doon road, which is a fairly renowned short but steep hill. Great descent down from it too. And also Crow Road which gives great views of Glasgow.

I suppose we could see how we feel on the day when we get to Fintry.

....I was thinking that myself tete when I was looking at the route...the view from the top of Crow road is magic and you have the waterfalls dropping into the valley that runs along the roadside....but obvouisly it does add in a couple of pretty dramatic climbs with the resulting white knuckle decents...may not suit everyone, but as you said we could make the decision at Fintry...and if we don't go over it's certainly one for another day...

 

[gavintc]

We have it in the diary and both of us are strong probables. We would almost certainly drive to the meeting point, but I am unwilling at this stage to offer spare seats and have someone base their plan on our transport. I should know my confirmed plans about a week before the ride. Work commitments tend to brew up with limited warning. I have a largish car and could take one additional rider as I have a bike rack that can take 2 bikes and put 1 bike in the car.

 

[jassy-x]

But, you would get to bag Tak Ma Doon road, which is a fairly renowned short but steep hill. Great descent down from it too.

....was just thinking tete... if we were going from Kilsyth to Carronbridge...would that not mean we would be cycling UP the Tak Ma Doon road.?????.......

 

[HLaB]

Looks good Tete. Earlier this year I cycled Edinburgh to Kilsyth, up the Tak Ma Doon Rd then over the same hills to Shielbrae, Torbrex and Stirling. I then cycled to Dunfermline via Bridge of Allan, Alva and the B9140 (Fishcross) after Bridge of Allan its pretty flat and a nice quiet road with great views (just ignore Ochil Prison). This road might be an option or at Kippen perhaps we could go left and go via Amprior, to the Port of Mentieth and back to the original route via the A81 and or A873?

 

[magnatom]

Barring nasty weather or illness (mine or the kids) I should be there. So if anyone else is thinking of going and is worried about being last. Fear not, you won't be!

 

[goo_mason]

I think I'm going to have to call off for the 19th

My folks have just announced that they're off to visit my sis in the US from the 13th to the 30th October, so no childcare. The ex would throw a wobbly at the mo if I suggested she take wee one for an extra day.

I'm REALLY, REALLY annoyed now; I'm off to have a cup of tea to calm down. I was sooooo looking forward to meeting up with everyone again.

 

[magnatom]

I think I'm going to have to call off for the 19th

My folks have just announced that they're off to visit my sis in the US from the 13th to the 30th October, so no childcare. The ex would throw a wobbly at the mo if I suggested she take wee one for an extra day.

I'm REALLY, REALLY annoyed now; I'm off to have a cup of tea to calm down. I was sooooo looking forward to meeting up with everyone again.

There will be plenty of opportunities, I suspect. I think this will continue as a regular thing. Of course you could look into a trailer....

There is another small risk that might scupper things for me. I've just been cited for high court jury duty on the 13th Oct. I'm trying to legitimately get out of it (very important meeting that week I really can't miss), but if I fail and I am in court right up till Friday then my plans will be messed up. However, I think the risk is small and I should be there.