Sunday 27th September 2020 - Brians Birthday Ride - Dingwall _ Jack Taylor Super Clubman

Brians Big Bicycle Bonanza of a ride to celebrate his 75th Birthday!!!!!! 

'Come on a road ride ' he said Or ' What could have been if Covid had of allowed' 

 I am not long in from this great ride with a great friend and sadly due to restrictions it was Brian and myself only, and even for that I am grateful as the plan was originally for a ride up the Bealach with others, though with new restrictions in place we couldn't share the van, not to worry we made the best of what we had and I must say we had a great ride out today covering some old tracks and byroads we know well and finding a few new trails to explore as well. I drove down south early this morning to park outside Brians, get ready in the van and then we were off. 

It was quite cool I must say and it was obvious that summer has gone and we are back to the cool but nice autumnal weather. There was a bit of cloud about here and there but minimal wind. 

 We headed out towards Muir of Ord on a very meandering loop before heading into the hills on the dirt roads to eventually loop back in from the west to Marybank, before heading to Strathpeffer for a coffee and apple pie and hot custard to warm us for the final leg back to Brians. 

 We did about around 50klms on singletrack roads, dirt roads and also some singletrack back from Strathpeffer so a great mix of roads taking us through some beautiful varied scenery, from high hills to rolling farmland and trails through multi coloured woods, we also seen quite a bit of wildlife from many Red Kites, Squirrel, buzzards and even a sad Pine Marten hit on the side of the road. 

 Brian was on his ever trusty blue Pompino and myself on my trusty Jack Taylor Super Clubman. 

 A great casual ride in a relaxed manner just enjoying being out riding on roads we always enjoy at this time of year, by nature though it is a very different ride from just the two of us, and restrictions etc at our usual cafes but at the same time it felt good to do what we so often used to do, so maybe this is the new normal, we will see. Either way to ride where I can ride and the company I can ride with, I am thankful for that. 

 To my pal Brian, again, wishing you a very Happy 75th Birthday!