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And so it was that on a gloriously sunny day the MacRetro clan had their annual 'Retrobike only'* ride. I had originally offered to organise but life got in the way and thankfully Velo took on the reigns, ably assisted in route choice by ZigZag. So while I had suggested May in the hope that the Pentlands would actually be dry for a change, Velo gets the credit for picking a sunny day 2 months in advance. Quite a trick that!
Six of us were in the carpark at the allotted time to set off up into the Pentland hills in the driest conditions I've seen them in for a long time. There was a great array of fine retro steeds. ZigZag on the nicest Stumpjumper ever (I may be biased
), Clubby on a stealthy Cannondale Delta V, Jimo on his rather bling Orange Prestige, Velo sported an early Monatgue folding MTB badged as a Rudge, DynaCol on a gorgeous Yates D.O.N.K.I.S. N.O.B and me on my Heckler. We set off on the tarmac climb up to Glencorse reservoir and then turned off to climb Maiden's Cleugh. About halfway up we were joined by a panting Boxxer on his GT Zaskar who had arrived a bit late and set off sprinting after us. I'm glad it was him, not me as I would never have been able to catch up. :shock:
Whilst having the customary rest at the top of the hill a couple of other bikers passed us in both directions, one of them a rather large fellow coming up the hill at a fair lick on an electric bike. Cue some discussion on relative merits. Boxxer reckons they will consign normal bikes to the dustbin of history. He's still building up a Yo Eddy though!
Off down to Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs then at a great rate of knots, kicking up dust all the way. And at the bottom a van selling Ice Cream and Espressos. Obviously another stop was required for the refuel before we set off through some rooty singletrack around the waters edge. More dusty paths followed on the way to Bavelaw Castle and Black Hill. This was the bit that witnessed the first crash of the day. I didn't see it but believe ZigZag took an interesting line at a corner that involved a ditch that caught him out. Damned ditches! :evil:
Then we skirted Black hill until we got to the path leading straight up the side of it. At this point I split from the group and headed back to the carpark, but not before a lovely bit of trail down towards the Howe with two fords to cross. At the first one there was a group picknicking and lots of other walkers so I just had to make a show of it. Straight through at speed and I got a lovely soaking of my whole lower half. On 350 days of the year that would be quite unpleasant in the Pentlands, but today it was great. Another soaking at the second one was just as nice. By the time I had blasted down the road past Loganlea and Glencorse reservoirs I was bone dry. That'll be summer then. :roll:
Hopefully someone will be along to fill in the rest of the ride details, and add some much needed pictures. I took none. :facepalm:
Although my ride was short I really enjoyed it, and great company as usual. Lovely old steeds and sunny weather were just the icing on the cake. Thanks to Velo for organising, Aaron for helping with the route planning and everyone who turned up to ride.
*Not strictly enforced, but it is nice to have old blokes on old bikes for a change and remember the roots of the site that brings us together.
Six of us were in the carpark at the allotted time to set off up into the Pentland hills in the driest conditions I've seen them in for a long time. There was a great array of fine retro steeds. ZigZag on the nicest Stumpjumper ever (I may be biased
), Clubby on a stealthy Cannondale Delta V, Jimo on his rather bling Orange Prestige, Velo sported an early Monatgue folding MTB badged as a Rudge, DynaCol on a gorgeous Yates D.O.N.K.I.S. N.O.B and me on my Heckler. We set off on the tarmac climb up to Glencorse reservoir and then turned off to climb Maiden's Cleugh. About halfway up we were joined by a panting Boxxer on his GT Zaskar who had arrived a bit late and set off sprinting after us. I'm glad it was him, not me as I would never have been able to catch up. :shock: Whilst having the customary rest at the top of the hill a couple of other bikers passed us in both directions, one of them a rather large fellow coming up the hill at a fair lick on an electric bike. Cue some discussion on relative merits. Boxxer reckons they will consign normal bikes to the dustbin of history. He's still building up a Yo Eddy though!
Off down to Harlaw and Threipmuir reservoirs then at a great rate of knots, kicking up dust all the way. And at the bottom a van selling Ice Cream and Espressos. Obviously another stop was required for the refuel before we set off through some rooty singletrack around the waters edge. More dusty paths followed on the way to Bavelaw Castle and Black Hill. This was the bit that witnessed the first crash of the day. I didn't see it but believe ZigZag took an interesting line at a corner that involved a ditch that caught him out. Damned ditches! :evil:
Then we skirted Black hill until we got to the path leading straight up the side of it. At this point I split from the group and headed back to the carpark, but not before a lovely bit of trail down towards the Howe with two fords to cross. At the first one there was a group picknicking and lots of other walkers so I just had to make a show of it. Straight through at speed and I got a lovely soaking of my whole lower half. On 350 days of the year that would be quite unpleasant in the Pentlands, but today it was great. Another soaking at the second one was just as nice. By the time I had blasted down the road past Loganlea and Glencorse reservoirs I was bone dry. That'll be summer then. :roll:
Hopefully someone will be along to fill in the rest of the ride details, and add some much needed pictures. I took none. :facepalm:
Although my ride was short I really enjoyed it, and great company as usual. Lovely old steeds and sunny weather were just the icing on the cake. Thanks to Velo for organising, Aaron for helping with the route planning and everyone who turned up to ride.
*Not strictly enforced, but it is nice to have old blokes on old bikes for a change and remember the roots of the site that brings us together.
