Ivor's Ride

One hundred and seventy four riders gathered to ride in honour of Ivor...many others sent apologies for not being able to be there.

We were sent off in groups most taking the hard and hilly 40 mile route.  We opted for the 20 mile easier route and set off in the last group of twenty riders...within two miles I was off the back after the first hill, and Pirate waited for me. We rode up the Beauly river valley for nearly ten miles then across and back down a smaller road on the other bank.
It reminded us very much of the river road by the Whanganui river...just on a slightly smaller scale.

Despite being much hillier roads than I'd normally choose, I actually went a bit faster than usual!

After the ride, there were vats of soup, tea,coffee and cake...and a display of Ivor's medals, race numbers, racing vests and photographs...a mammoth task undertaken by his widow.

We left at 4.30, with a few hours to drive...a good break at Pitlochry  after 100 miles, and the arrival of an invite to stay over with another friend...only another 70 instead of another 130 miles!!

We went to watch and help at a cyclocross on the sunday...one of the Scottish cyclocross series.
These have increased in popularity over the past few years to the extent that over all the races, from the under 12s up to the 60+ groups, and separate womens' race (of about 40 riders) there are regularly between 500 and 600 riders...well over 100 in the main race...

Home before dark,just...tired but glad to have achieved much.