November 2009 Ride - Aboyne South Loop

* Neeps Fitness and Technical Grading = medium
* Distance = 25km / Ascent = 802m
* Time = 4 hours 30 min

Eight people took part in the ride. Two chicks and six blokes. The day started off freezing with the car recording only one degree. However, once a few steep hills had been climbed we soon warmed up. It was a super sunny and dry day. The ride took four and a half hours with a lunch stop and another sociable hour in the pub at the end.



Starting at Aboyne and doing a loop south from here through the forest and out into the open countryside.

The route consisted of mostly wide fire track roads and was almost entirely rideable except for a steep bit about half way round where we had to get off and push our bikes. Some small sections of the ride were quite rough and eroded.

On the Fungle road looking down the "Gwaves" - a deep twisty valley.

About half way round we cycled across some trackless moorland to reach another track. It was actually suprisingly easy to ride.

October 2009 Ride - Balmoral Loop

* Neeps Technical Grading = Mainly easy with some sections of medium
* Neeps Fitness Grading = Medium
* Distance = 39km / Ascent = 590m

Starting at Balmoral car park we headed north on a tough loop mainly in open countryside. Deeside was in it's full autumn colours and the views were glorious.


High up in the mountains - we hardly met anyone all day.

Heading back towards Balmoral at the end of the ride.


Chicks on bikes on a glorious Autumn day.

September's 2009 Ride - Ballater Loop

* Neeps Fitness and Technical Grading = Easy
* Distance = 28km / Ascent = 600m

A loop starting next to the bike shop "Cycle the Highlands" and taken anticlockwise. Quite a sociable day with lots of stops and talking.


Ben on the bridge.

If you are a fit female mountain biker then we need you on our Saturday bike rides.