Aviemore Weekender

30th/31st July 2022

By: Nadine Reilly

Well it was a tough, but thoroughly enjoyable weekend with great company! Thanks to everyone for coming along. Six met at Braemar on Saturday morning with great anticipation of what lay ahead.

The route planned was around 35 miles. The first 10 miles up past Mar Lodge and along to Linn of Dee was really nice. Then the “boulder fest” began. At first parts were rideable with some skills and I actually quite liked the challenge but then as it got steeper it was definitely more “hike a bike”. We had joked earlier about not going over the Lairig Ghru, this was Baby Ghru for sure. We averaged about 3mph for the next 5 miles.

A short river crossing (squelchy feet) followed by some cross words to Paul Cooper for plotting this route and we were off up what was the last big climb of the day. Even bagged myself a 2nd place for going 3.1mph! (24 other crazy woman had actually attempted this route! Good fast straight bit over the top but a couple of punctures from sharp rocks held us up a bit.

Nice technical descent down to Glenmore, loved it. Managed to fall off at the bridge at the bottom though (after I had stopped funnily enough).

From here to Aviemore was great, past the green loch and round the edge of Loch Morlich. We were all done for (well almost all of us) by the time we reached civilisation. We stopped at the beer garden of the Old Bridge Inn for a well deserved beveridge.

We were met at the hotel by a very kind club member who had transported our bags from Dundee to Aviemore to save us carrying all our luggage. We were all very grateful for this.

Showered, changed then back to the Old Bridge Inn for food and more drinks (lots more). Huge party atmosphere with DJs and a garden full of people ensured for great night with great chat and laughs.

Lovely hangover the next day for the ride back to Braemar!