Aviemore caming, Oct 24/25
 

Hi,

A few of us got talking about setting a date for another trip. This time up in Aviemore, and some riding around the Cairngorms area. Possible rides are out to Stonehaven and Dunottar Castle, via Ballater, or west up through Bonar Bridge and Ullapool. Depend which area the sun is shining on.

I imagine a few people will be heading up on Friday the 23rd, with others on Saturday 24th. So, if you want to head up let us know which day and you'll be able to hook-up with someone for the ride up. If you plan riding up during the day I recommend getting Perth, then the A93 (Braemar) -> A939 (Tomintoul).

We have a campsite recommended, which is right on the edge of town (so walkable). I'll email the exact location nearer the time, but it's 'behind the italian restaurant, at the roundabout coming from the south'. You can't fail with those directions, who needs sat-nav :-)

And Aviemore has a bunkhouse/hostel/hotel for anyone not wishing to camp.

Anyone and everyone welcome. If you'd prefer just to come up for the day (Sat or Sun) and go for a ride then that's cool, just let us know and we'll sort a time to meet up.

cheers,
Doug

PS. I think we have about 6 people so far.

I'll be there!

Leaving on my main trip on the 4th Jan so this would be the final time to have a bit of a long run shake down with the kit before I go. Make sure the bike is running well before the off.

great stuff. nearer the time I'll (try to) post times of people leaving Edinburgh, so you can meet up here if you like.

cheers,
Doug

Hi,

My brother and I would like to come along if that ok. Just both got XT660 Teneres, planning trip to North Africa (Morocco, Maura, Mali, Senegal, Burkino) for 8 weeks over De/Jan and could do with a good test run.

Will follow the directions to the campsite, ride up on Friday and hoepfully see you all there.

Cheers

PS If that weekend I happened to get any tips for trip planning eg what kit to take etc etc etc that wouldnt be the worst thing in the world neither.

cool. been in all of those countries, on a few trips. so will happily have a natter about it...

cheers,
Doug

Dougie just to let you know I will be leaving mid Northumberland Early friday afternoon hope to be through Edwinsburg onto the Bridge by 3 - 3.30pm at at latest. I will be travelling up with Keiren (my laddie) I will be on Bilge he on a KLE anyone wants to tag along tis fine but I want to avoid waiting around or getting held up for time so I can try to get ahead of the traffic on Friday evening.
No Doubt you will be warming up a bar for us arriving !

I live a few miles north of the Forth Bridge and will be leaving home around midday. Tea / Coffee is on offer if anyone wants to meet up. PM me and I'll email details.

Have a good trip. Six of us were up there a couple of weeks ago although we were'nt camping. We stayed at the Cairngorm Hotel,a few minutes walk from where you're camping. Good bar there,restaurant too although there's a wine bar/bistro almost opposite (near the station) with good food and booze. Can't remember the name of the place though. Must've been pi55ed.
Great biking roads and not too much traffic at this time of year.
Cheers.:thumbup1:

I will do my best
 

Not sure if I can make this - I was away last weekend so may be pushing my luck - I have two mates who are planning a charity ride to Mali in March next year they live not far away so i will let them know about this trip - (sounds like you may have some tips Dougie) which campsite are you at?, what time do you think you will arrive ? If I cant make it and you are on a rideout you are always welcome to call in for coffee i am 8 miles from beauly heading towards cannich - send me a PM if you areinterested

Chizz (Bruce)

hi,

just sent you a pm.

there should be some people at the campsite from about 3pm on the Friday. I would expect we'll head out for a ride between 9 and 10 am on the Saturday.

I'm pretty sure this is the campsite

High Range - The family-friendly woodland park complex nestles at the foot of the magnificent Craigellachie Nature Reserve at the south end of Aviemor

cheers,
Doug

looks like we will make it !
 

Doug and Co

Just spoken to my mates and my wife - and it would appear that all three of us can make it !- at least for Friday night

Look forward to meeting you all

Bruce (Chizz)

excellent.

There's a band on at the Mambo (pub) on the Friday night.

cheers,
Doug

Can't make it myself this weekend unfortunately as am down in N Wales but have a good one guys - hope it stays dry for those camping!

Getting to Aviemore - metting points
 

Hi All,

so far we have coming... as far as I know!

Beej & Chris
Doug
Darren
Rob
Jake & Keiren
Richard
Dave & his Bro
Bruce + 2


Do let us know where you plan to meet... don't want to wait for no reason or to leave anyone behind!

Also... if you want a mobile number PM me with yours and I'll text you back.


Looking forward to it!!!!!
Beej



Meeting Point 1

Beej & Chris - 11am. meet in the layby on your left as you come off the Forth Road Bridge. We will be stopping off at Rob's in Kinross for a quick cuppa!


Meeting Point 2

Rob - 11:30am for a cuppa! 12noon to leave...
Rob in Kinross is offering a cup of Tea for anyone wanting to ride up with him...


Meeting Point 3

Doug
Darren - the plan is to meet at the services at the south end of the Forth Road Bridge at 4:30pm. As you get near the bridge on the M90 (either from Edinburgh or the by-pass) you'll see the Dakota Hotel on your right (black boxy building). Take the next exit, and at the roundabout take the first left. Then after about 400 years turn left into the services.


Meeting Point 4

The campsite! which is right on the edge of town (so walkable). IBehind the italian restaurant, at the roundabout coming from the south'.

High Range - The family-friendly woodland park complex nestles at the foot of the magnificent Craigellachie Nature Reserve at the south end of Aviemor


Oh... and if we're not there it looks like we'll be in the pub!!!!!!

obviously that's 400 yards, not years! :-)

I just copied that from the email you sent me... I did notice your mistake but thought I'd leave it to see if anyone noticed... hee hee!

watch the weather guys
 

Not sure about aviemore area but east cost its been high winds[flying wheelie bin time again] and torrential rain/flooding for last few days if it moves to there you will not have fun camping.
the campsites nice was there a few years back and the bakers in centre of town is great for morning coffee. Sometimes get good deals on thermals/waterproof stuff from the hiking/ski shops so check out the reduced racks for winter biking gear.

Kincraig wildlife park is nice for a coffee and apparently they now have their polar bear to add to their snow monkeys, Im hoping they add the elusive haggis to their collection of wild creatures you meet in the highlands while on acid exhibit. Follow a family in teh wolf enclosure if the kids start crying it attracts them for great pics.

the bar at the other end of the town[something owl] with the seats outside from teh campsite did a nice steak. Theres also a coffee shop above one of the ski places[go past tesco its the one with the balcony] that did really nice food very good selection of glutton free and veggie stuff if you are so afflicted by those conditions.

A mini HU meet would not be right without the 100 mph winds and torrential rain, it comes along for every other meet throw in some snow and ice even better - so Scotland bring that weather on - champion.

cheers for the tips. been a bit blowy down here in Edinburgh the last few weeks too.

I read about the polar bear. seems part of a long term programme by the zoo to transfer cold loving animals to the Highlands.

cheers,
Doug

Guys would def stay away from east coast I know someone mentioned stonehaven/ ballater as there is very heavy flooding on alot of roads and dee and don have burst their banks in several places. There quite a few submerged 4x4s whose owners now wish they had a snorkel and the police coastguard and RAF have just called of a search in aberdeenshire kintore for a farmer whos tractor was submerged as the conditions were so dangerous.

aye, cheers for that. I had a look and it's pretty bad up that way, as you say. Ullapool here we come!

thanks

Hi all
I am Badra, Met you guys in Ullapool. I registered my self as Badrakumar from Inverness

Hi Guys
I am Badra. registered as badrakumar. Met you guys in Ullapool and learnt about this site
Thanks

Just to say to you all it was great to meet you and i had great weekend (got a bit blowy after ullapool though & kevs xt broke down but fortunately just a mile from my house!) - hope you all had a safe journey home - all being well we will meet again in the future- Don't forget if you are looking for somewhere to stay or if you just want a cup of tea up here in the Higlands you are all most welcome

Bruce and Stella

Welcome on board Badra - you can get very addicted to this site!

Enjoyed the weekend despite the conditions.

Good to find out who waves to me in Struy, and hopefully see you and Kev in the Cnoc. Thanks to Stella for the tea & scones.

Badra - glad you tagged along.

Hope everyone home in one piece - wind pretty strong south of Perth

Well Everyone - Ta for a nice weekend, good to meet new people and see the usual miserable lot as well. Scotland held up the flag well - It rained, it was breezy and at times a little cool - but the company more than made up for it.
Got to say the ride back was wet and very windy, Mind you soon as got 10 mile south of Edwinsburg the roads were dry the wind less, and by the time I crossed the border at Coldstream I was bathed in bright sunlight and blue sky. The tents been aired out in the garden and is nearly dry now.
Bilge does not know what hit her - such heady speeds of nearly 80 mph, no wonder she didnt want to play this morning - a good kick put that right, she prefers things a bit slower so once we crossed the border and were without company any more we slowed things down to a pleasant and relaxed 55 -60 mph ride home. Now Its time for me bath and sit infront of the fire. Till the next time best regards Jake.

Home Safe... nice and warm!!
 

Hi All,

Good to know that everyone made it home safe and are now enjoying the warmth of there homes!

Great weekend... though think we'll need to wait a few months before the next one... twas cold enough this weekend! bbrrrrr... not that I was ever cold or anything!?!

Good to see that we've converted another biker to the HUBB!
:welcome: Badra

Take care now...

Beej n Chris

Anyone lost a key ? - just found one in my driveway - been cut at shoe repairers in leith/ Blue bongobit Tag

( i think one of those jackets jakes got might be the answer Beej)

Bruce

Jake - it didn't rain all of the time, and here is a picture of a man having a good time to prove it!

Attachment 2614

Rob

Thanks

Beej n Chris