Proposal for Summer Epic - Strathpeffer and Contin Area

[velomaniac]

Those off you who puffed probably realise that up there the scenery looks pretty good and good mtb'ing is to be found. Also jamie and our new found comrade Epicylo are up there but need to travel far to see us, a feat we dont generally reciprocate. thus I and TK were thinking what about planning a summer/Early Autumn epic up in the Strathpeffer/Contin and north generally area. We could of course make use of jamie and Brian's local knowledge plus we could let loose our rugged fat type bikes and 29ers loose far from the eyes of the retro purists.

Does this seem a good idea and if yes let the planning and silliness begin

 

[epicyclo]

I may be in Oz, but it sounds like a good idea. Some great riding round here and close by.

 

[keithyr]

oh yes please - ideally this would be early to mid august.

 

[RobMac]

Great idea I'll fit round ANY date given ...................................

 

[DynaCol]

Sounds good to me, not ridden up that way yet would be a fitting venue for our epic and may suit some of the more Northern Retrobikers as you say.

 

[epicyclo]

Not one for 'centres' as such, but it would be well worth pencilling in a visit to http://www.highlandwildcat.com/index.php, if you have the time or energy, lots of energy.

There's great views, and a convenient latrine right at the top.

 

[epicyclo]

If there were enough people, I'll approach one of the local community halls to see if we could bivvy in it for the weekend. Save carting a heap of camping gear up.

I could also (if I'm here) pick up folk from the Station in Inverness in my van.

 

[velomaniac]

Epicyclo, I know whether your here or away is probably very fluid at the moment but knowing when you are here might sway the choice of date.

 

[epicyclo]

Epicyclo, I know whether your here or away is probably very fluid at the moment but knowing when you are here might sway the choice of date.

I'll know soon. I'm supposed to be going to Oz, but I may put it off. I rather fancy doing the World 24 hour solos this year, and if I decide to do them, I'll need to get serious for a wee while. (Serious means staying in Scotland and doing lots of riding, not training as such )

 

[velomaniac]

In reference to the idea of bivvying and the summer epic heres my idea.
Brora to the Crask Inn and back.
Brora is a wee town on the coast with a train station in Caithness and Sutherland north of Golspie.
The Crask in is a wee pub that does food and accomodation (we'll bivvy nearby) in the utter back end of no where west of Loch Coire.
We set off from Brora on minor road, landrover tack and trail ultimately aiming for Loch Coire then head westish to Crask Inn on the A836. Feed and drink in pub then go find a spot to bivvy. Following day retrace our steps changing route where practical back to Brora.
Look it up on OS map and arial photo. Looks suitably backwoods but without the trees.