There was a point during Friday when we weren't sure whether we'd be able to run any ride at all this Sunday as the flood waters rose and even our usual starting point was underwater.
Our usual starting point by the rowing club had fortunately not been washed away in the flood - photo Steve Jefkins
By Saturday at least the floods had receded, and the mopping up had begun (please do support our local businesses and and around the Whitesands over the next few weeks as they try and recover from a dreadful end to 2022). We knew that the roads down to Glencaple and beyond were passable - but that there were still lots of large puddles and debris to contend with. Add in the traffic on the roads around Glencaple and Bankend - you only need one impatient driver and a puddle to get a drenching - and we decided on an alternative destination: out towards Mabie Forest and Kirkconnell Flow and ultimately to Airds Point, where the Nith meets the Solway. The forecast was a bit iffy but we decided we would give it a go, and turn back if the conditions got bad.
Concentration required! Making our way through the puddles past Kirkconnell Flow. Photo Gilbert West
Ten people were hardy enough to brave the forecast and the ebbing flood waters. All went smoothly enough as we passed Mabie Farm Park, but it then became obvious that we had an eleventh member of the group - the puncture fairy, who struck not just the front wheel but the back wheel of Steve Cussell's bike. As he and Steve Jefkins stopped to deal with the aftermath, the rest of the group continued on, past the Kirkconnell Flow entrance. Here there was plenty of water about, including some tricky bits where the road had become a burn, complete with a bed of gravel, but as the road was quiet we were able to take our time and pick our way through safely.
Looking across the Nith to where we would have been if all had gone to plan! Photo Jim Mackison
Once at Airds Point we stopped for some sustenance and admired the wonderful open views across the water (as long as you keep your back to the waterworks buildings). The weather by now was fine and calm and there were even a few patches of blue sky. The two Steves finally caught up with us as we were thinking about turning for home and were relieved to discover we hadn't eaten all the biscuits (we're not monsters).
Stopping to admire the view and the light as we climbed up and over towards Cargenbridge. Photo Jim Mackison
We then made our way back by way of Carruchan Beeches which meant a stiffish climb, but amply rewarded by the wonderful views back towards Criffel (and a very brief detour to admire a rare surviving ice house). As is traditional with these winter rides, the group then began to splinter as people peeled off to make their own way home singly or in groups.
Jim Mackison has put together a nice little video of some of the ride back from Airds Point, using his rear view camera. It gives a flavour of the outing (although it wasn't ALL that flooded!) and demonstrates that we do genuinely ride at the speed of chat!
Our next outing will be on Sunday 29th January as we head to Crocketford. Please join us - weather gods permitting!
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