Date:   Sunday 17th March
Distance:    Approx 22km / 14 miles 

Terrain: mainly forest tracks and some on road sections
Bikes:   Suitable for mountain, gravel and e-bikes
No of riders that attended:  8

Route: Starting at Aldie Burn car park head up the burn on a series of small paths, before joining the main forest track to Dog Grave Hill.   From here, continue on this track round to Edderton Viewpoint.  There are three steady climbs to reach this point, before a long descent almost to Tarlogie.   Now for the big climb of the day up to the Pulpit Stone on Tain Hill.  Another long descent, this time on road to Pipers Cafe in Tain before heading back out to Aldie Burn on the Scotsburn Road. (Underpass used both times to cross the A9)

This was the first social ride of the season and it was great to welcome two new riders, keen to take part in their first ESW event.  The route was mainly on wide forest tracks and the three e-bikes were able to cruise along with the rest of us pedalling hard to keep up.  From Aldie Burn we headed round Tain Hill to Edderton View Point where we stopped for a wee photo shoot.  It also gave people a chance to get their bearings as this spot offers magnificent views.    We then enjoyed a major descent, before the long slog up to the Pulpit Stone.  Even the e-bikers need to push for  a short stretch.  However, it was certainly worth it, as again we were spoilt with amazing views.  Then it was a lovely ride in the sunshine down to Pipers Cafe in Tain for a coffee and cake stop, before the cycle back out Scotsburn Road to Aldie Burn.
 

Being Saint Patrick’s Day and with the sun-shining we just had to present our very own ‘Irish legend' Rory with a wee bottle of Guinness to mark the occasion.  As the Irish would say “a grand  day out”.

Ride Leader:   Audrey Scott