It’s probably not an understatement to say the GMBC Easter weekend was epic!
Many thanks to Tom for organising it/us, Sam & Dawn for the meals and everyone on the trip for making it an amazing weekend with tons of laughs and some great riding. To any of the new club members who made it along, I’m really glad you came along and experienced the fun firsthand, hopefully some great memories for you. Someone will write up the trip in more detail a bit later I’m sure but in the meantime here’s a few photos to enjoy. Now, I’m off to find the after sun lotion…………
GMBC Braemar Photos
The plan this Easter is to head to Braemar for some riding in the Cairngorms. There’s loads to do around there and routes / groups will be planned to suit riders and the conditions.
I have provisionally booked accommodation at Braemar Lodge Bunkhouse (http://www.braemarlodge.co.uk/bunk-house) from Thursday 17th to Sunday 20th (4 nights). It sleeps up to 12 and is £15ppn. There is self catering facilities and they can also do meals or breakfasts as required.
Based on my previous post about this Graham, Barry & Ieva have said their up for it. If you are interested in going and want to stay at the bunkhouse please post up here by Monday 27th January and let me know. I need to confirm bunkhouse numbers on the Tuesday and pay a deposit, so I’ll need £15 a head for the deposit next week also.
The place the bunkhouse is at also has more luxurious accommodation. So if anyone wants to join for rides but stay elsewhere that’s absolutely fine.
Looking forward to it already!
Tom
Hi,
It’s only a couple of weeks until the Easter trip to Braemar so I’ve started thinking about ride options. I’ve managed to come up with a few ideas out of books / internet as a starter. So has anyone got any experience of the routes below? Any other experiences or ideas? I’ve tried to pick stuff close to or starting from Braemar – it seems a shame to drive all that way then drive around all over the place!
Ben Avon – Big loop out of the Scottish Trails Book. 70km and 2000m of ascent so a big epic old day out. Starts from Braemar, hike-a-bike and techy descents.
The Capel Mount – 24km ride, 1000m of ascent. Moderately hard day out on a variety of trails. Some big climbs and descents. Start from Spital of Glen Muick about 40min drive from Braemar.
Linn of Dee Loop – 26km and 450m of ascent. Exploring the upper reaches of the River Dee. Big mountain scenery and singletrack trails. Start from Linn of Dee car park, a short drive or rideable from Braemar.
Lochnagar Loop – Big loop of 44km with 1350m of climbing in big mountain country on the Queen’s estate. Lots of singletrack. Start from Braemar.
Glenlivet Trail Centre (http://www.glenlivetestate.co.uk/things-to-see-do/activities/biking/glenlivet-mountain-bike-trails/) – New trails centre riding about 30 mins drive from Braemar.
There will be quite a range of experience / fitness so it would be good to come up with a few more “moderate” options. Does anyone know any short local loops around Braemar? I guess most of you know I enjoy a bit of hike-a-bike misery but I’d like to avoid a “wickerman” incident after leading everyone through tussocky bog for hours.
Tom
