Saturday 11th October (Crofters)

#1 · 8 October 2025, 12:48

Quote from Jonathan Lindsay on 8 October 2025, 12:48
The ride for October 11th is a tour of the Black Isle, stopping at Crofters.

The route is 92km with about 840m of climbing. The route has an optional descent down the “Findon Drain” followed by the climb to Easter Kinkell. The roads all look to be clear of large debris, though there it is very likely there will still be some storm detritus, particularly at the road margins. The cycle route, which is an option on the return, looks clear aside from the typical autumn build up of leaves. The southern path across the Kessock Bridge is currently open, making the bridge more convenient to deal with.

The route can be downloaded from Strava:

October 11th

For rider safety we operate a no-drop policy, and depending on rider numbers we may split into groups with the following rough guidelines for ride speed:

Group 1 – 16-18mph / 26kph-29kph
Group 2 – 14-16mph / 22kph-26kph
Group 3 – 13-15mph / 21kph-24kph

Please bear in mind that these speeds are guidelines, subject to ride conditions and rider numbers, and that you are welcome to ride in a group either quicker than you normally would to challenge yourself, dropping down a group at the cafe stop; or to ride in a group slower than you normally would for more of a recovery ride. Let your group leader know if you plan to change route or group during the ride.

Weather for the weekend is currently forecast to be mild, maybe some sunny spells, and slightly gusty winds. However, the weather has been very changeable over the past week or so, so having an extra layer to hand or a waterproof may be advisable.

Beyond the usual equipment you would take on a ride of this length appropriate to your bike set up (tools, spare inner tubes, something to inflate tubes/tyres, &c), and appropriate clothing for the weather, we ask you to have emergency contact and relevant medical details available either as an ICE card or on your phone’s emergency details.

We will meet at the usual starting point, in the car park for Fairways Business Park, at 8.50 for a 9.00 start on Saturday morning.

Please post below if you plan to join, before 7PM on Friday when the ride will be closed.

Thanks,

Jonathan

The ride for October 11th is a tour of the Black Isle, stopping at Crofters.

The route is 92km with about 840m of climbing. The route has an optional descent down the “Findon Drain” followed by the climb to Easter Kinkell. The roads all look to be clear of large debris, though there it is very likely there will still be some storm detritus, particularly at the road margins. The cycle route, which is an option on the return, looks clear aside from the typical autumn build up of leaves. The southern path across the Kessock Bridge is currently open, making the bridge more convenient to deal with.

The route can be downloaded from Strava:

October 11th

For rider safety we operate a no-drop policy, and depending on rider numbers we may split into groups with the following rough guidelines for ride speed:

Group 1 – 16-18mph / 26kph-29kph
Group 2 – 14-16mph / 22kph-26kph
Group 3 – 13-15mph / 21kph-24kph

Please bear in mind that these speeds are guidelines, subject to ride conditions and rider numbers, and that you are welcome to ride in a group either quicker than you normally would to challenge yourself, dropping down a group at the cafe stop; or to ride in a group slower than you normally would for more of a recovery ride. Let your group leader know if you plan to change route or group during the ride.

Weather for the weekend is currently forecast to be mild, maybe some sunny spells, and slightly gusty winds. However, the weather has been very changeable over the past week or so, so having an extra layer to hand or a waterproof may be advisable.

Beyond the usual equipment you would take on a ride of this length appropriate to your bike set up (tools, spare inner tubes, something to inflate tubes/tyres, &c), and appropriate clothing for the weather, we ask you to have emergency contact and relevant medical details available either as an ICE card or on your phone’s emergency details.

We will meet at the usual starting point, in the car park for Fairways Business Park, at 8.50 for a 9.00 start on Saturday morning.

Please post below if you plan to join, before 7PM on Friday when the ride will be closed.

Thanks,

Jonathan