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Author: Sanny
Ben Lomond – Ptarmigan – The Hard Way
“So I’ve got a great idea!” I said to Marky Mark’s voicemail somewhat enthusiastically. “Ptarmigan off Ben Lomond. Walked it several times years ago. It’s a bit scrambly near the summit but the weather for tomorrow looks ace and it would be rude not to!”. Five mins later and he was on the phone and a plan was hatched. A relaxed start time was the order of the day with a carry up the lesser travelled Ptarmigan footpath on the western flank of the Ben. If the weather turned to shit, we had the option of turning tail while the route up would allow us to check out what we would be riding down later in the day. Continue reading
Anyone riding tonight?
Ok. So the weather has been a bit grim of late but we’re used to it by now. Is anyone planning on riding tonight? Main trails like Dougalston, Dumgoyne, Urban should still be ok allowing for the inevitable fallen trees.
Cheers
Sanny
Icy Trails and Ice Tyres for Sale
For those who are thinking of venturing out while the snow is still here, you may want to invest in ice tyres. Marky Mark and I headed out for what proved to be a terrific ride around Howood and Gleniffer Braes in the snow and ice. The cycle track out was like boilerplate in places though nothing stopped us in our tracks. Only taking a break and putting a foot down did we realise how slippy the trails were. Would it be worth going out with normal tyres? Hmmm, not sure. Where the paths are well trodden, it’ll be a slow and nervous plod with scope for lots of elbow ground interfaces.
As for the ride, it was great to try somewhere new to me adding in some familiar sections round Glennifer Braes. The snow and ice made for a really fun day out with the clear winter light making for great views.
Pics on the link below.
At the end of the ride, we popped into Thomsons Cycles in Paisley. Good to see a familiar name back in the game. I noticed that for those who may be looking and are currently experiencing the “sorry, we can’t get ice tyres from suppliers until next year” faff that I found last year, they have a set of Conti 240 Spike Claws in stock. I know that Big Al at Wheelcraft had a couple of pairs of Schwalbe Spikers in the last time I was in while Kev at Escape Route had a couple of pairs in when I was in a few weeks ago. I know Luke got his from Alpine earlier in the year but I’m not sure if they have any in stock.
If you are swithering about getting a set, they are absolutely worth the money if only to get out on blue sky days like yesterday.
Cheers
Sanny
Curry tonight!
8pm in Balbirs in Church Street with Elaine and Gee.
Me, Ginger, E, G, Graham, Luke and Iain C will be there. Any more takers, please post and I will book you.
Cheers
Sanny
Elaine and Gee’s Leaving Do
Hi folks
As you are probably aware, Elaine and Gee are heading back to NZ soon (boooo!) so I’m organising a curry night for them (yay!) I’m thinking Mon 12 Dec at Balbirs in Church Street. If you fancy coming along, please let me know by tomorrow (Friday) at the latest so I can book the table. It should be a good night and it would be nice to say cheerio to them properly before they head back to an NZ summer…..jammy so and so’s…..not that I am jealous in any way! Ha! Ha!
Inside Out Cinema Premiere – Tuesday 29th 8.30pm GFT
Hi folks
Just a quick reminder that the European premiere of the new mtb film from the guys at The Collective is next Tuesday night (29th) at 8.30pm.
Tickets are on sale now from the Box Office on 0141 332 6535 or from www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre
You can view the trailer at
http://www.thecoastalcrew.com/
The film nights are always a really good laugh and extremely well attended so if you are planning on coming, it’s best to order tickets in advance in order to avoid the inevitable long queue to get in.
Cheers
Sanny
Grand wee ride tonight
Well that was a classic Wednesday night ride out. 12 of us opted for a change from the norm and headed out on the urban loop in reverse. The muddy trails of Mugdock were left behind with the theme being one of mostly fast and flowy, hard packed singletrack. The odd bit of mud was the exception rather than the rule which made a very welcome change.
We may have gone a bit daft on the biscuit front when we got back though. I guess the lesson is don’t buy food when you’re hungry!
Sanny
Local tonight?
Weather looks good, the biscuits are bought, anyone up for a local spin – we could do the urban in reverse, Dumgoyne Loop, Dougalston, the Whangie – loads of options available.
So who is planning on coming out to play?
Cheers
Sanny
Beinn Dearg and Carn a Chlamain – hitting the new trail jackpot!
“Do you have your bank card with you?” inquired Andy in a manner that gave me slight concern. With the fuel light on and halfway to Perth, I checked my pockets in a slightly concerned manner. “It’s just I left mine at home….” He tailed away. The thick end of eighty five quid later and we were back on the road heading northwards in the warm glow of the rising winter sun. The plan was simple. Pick a day that promised proper winter weather (minus 3 and blue skies with a hint of wispy cloud – check) and knock out two Munros off Glen Tilt that would be a tough walk in but a manageable bike ride. Continue reading
