A wee trip for me to Balblair, Golspie and the stunning Glen Affric.

No riding.

But I did get to Dunnet head. I have now done all compass points of the mainland…now for islands! That is Orkney across the Pentland Firth, with Old man of Hoy just visible to the left. Bonkers and ace place.

Doethie Valley via Cefn Gwenffrwd and a pot of tea made by Bill the warden at T’yn Cornel (phone pics).

[url=https://flic.kr/p/GLT9ab]20160515_132335[/url] by jamesanderson2010, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/H3LVJC]20160515_132329[/url] by jamesanderson2010, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/GLSLfQ]20160515_130810[/url] by jamesanderson2010, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/GLSLc3]20160515_161033[/url] by jamesanderson2010, on Flickr

Riding over glenshee as part of a 252mile road loop banchory- braemar – kirrie – arbroath – stoney – banchory,

Good fun and funny tan lines

Old man of Hoy just visible to the left

Young lad from down here just broke Leo Houldings record for youngest ascent.

I rode up Allermuir Hill last night to photograph the sunset. About 45km round trip, and boy did I feel it having not been on the bike in a while!

[url=https://flic.kr/p/Hcdt9B]Sunset behind Scotland's mountains[/url] by Kit Carruthers, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/GfC2me]Sun worship[/url] by Kit Carruthers, on Flickr

[url=https://flic.kr/p/H23soW]Night ride light trails (Explored)[/url] by Kit Carruthers, on Flickr

[/url]
I managed to get sun burnt arms for the first time this year, and see two snakes. I didn’t bother trying to get close enough to tell whether they were rattle or bull.

Rode Makara Peak for the first time this weekend and spotted a sign for Coed y Brenin.

Terrific pictures there.

Will cheat a little, this was last Wednesday not the weekend, really nice day for going for a sneaky spin despite the presence of spiders and a rather large Chinese Cobra (the joys of working form home). Mild sunny weather (in the late 20’s) with a nice breeze, could even almost make out the ICC and IFC building on Hong Kong island in the background.

Saturday was a chance to try a cheeky trail from one of the highest points in HK, all 950mtrs up and in this case in the cloud cover. Lovely 30 minutes of descending though which I didn’t catch on camera as it was too much fun….

My weekend started on Friday so I snuck out for a quick ride over Blackstone Edge.

Spectacular scenery folks 8)

Pic at the top end of Thirlmere. Fancied a spin on the freshly laid tarmacadam on Dunmail Raise. Had a cigarette when I took this pic, which caused the bonk and I had to limp home; was close to walking up Red Bank. Cracking day though.

Dry and dusty up here at last. Time to dust off the Smuggler and enjoy a bit of speed for a change.

Personal records all over the place. Even bagged my first ever downhill KOM. OK, the segment has only been ridden by 6 people, most of whom presumably stopped to admire the view, but it still counts, right 🙂

Had a spin on the Chase Saturday with friends but no pics unfortunately. Yesterday I rode from Buxton over toward Macc Forest with lots of bits in between. Route here.

[url=https://flic.kr/p/GhFJDh]Cat & Fiddle[/url] by Sam Dexter, on Flickr
[url=https://flic.kr/p/GhFJ25]Over Buxton[/url] by Sam Dexter, on Flickr

BF went out and took the shed keys with him so I had to bust out an emergency BMX that I keep in the living room for yesterday’s potter-

Hardcore hardtail anyone? 😆

Sunday – Loch Muick / Capel Mounth then home to take my daughter out for a couple of hours. Beer well and truly earned.

From Glen Prosen, over Kilbo path, Mayar & Dreish, Glen Doll/Clova and Minister’s path back to Prosen

Only had rime of a brief road spin at the weekend, but made up for it this morning.

Local loops Fri/Sun. It was stunning out with the bluebells contrasting against the fresh green shoots. Favourite time of year.

#JennRide

Frost morning