This year the club had an away weekend based at the Alyth Hotel, near Blairgowrie. Seven ICC members were able to make it, and as it turned out we all ride gravel, so we opted for two very entertaining off road days.
We met up at the hotel on Saturday morning, as some of us finished off a fine breakfast, and then braved the one way system in Blairgowrie to find a car park.
Day 1 was a 60 kilometre tour over the Dunkeld Moors, with what would have been beautiful views, if only the fog had lifted for us to see them! The climbing was all in the first half, and we were liberally plastered in sheep poo on the initial climbs up to the high point of the route, before swooping down to Dunkeld for lunch past Loch Ordie.
After a soup and sandwich at the Royal Dunkeld Hotel, which was almost worth the hour and 20 mins we waited for it(!), we set off back to Blairgowrie, passing the Birnam Oak and Sycamore. We went through Caputh, where it was Kaput for James’ gear cable, and got back to the cars muddy but happy. There was just time for a drink before an excellent dinner at the hotel.
Day 2 was much shorter, but still generous with climbing. We set off from Blair Atholl, where the larks among us had a coffee at the Watermill whilst waiting for those of us who don’t like mornings. The route description on the website mentions the ‘steady climb’ on gravel, but failed to mention the 20% section of asphalt before you get there!
This time we had amazing views across the moors, making it well worth the effort of the climb. The descent down to the bothy at Allt Scheicheachan was rough and challenging (except for James, now on his mountain bike!). We all got our feet wet crossing burns on this section, but this was followed by a much easier ride back to the cars. Just as we arrived back Remy realised that his chainring was only held on by two bolts, so we took care heading past Blair Castle into the village. Tragically, the café had run out of lunch as they were so busy, so after a bit more cake, we all loaded our muddy bikes, and headed back to Inverness.
