"At the speed of chat" - photo courtesy of Gilbert West
We had another big group assemble on Sunday for our tour along the Cairn and Cluden water - 16 in all, including an excellent recumbent e-trike which was a good test of the accessibility of our planned route. It was a good mix of new joiners and old stagers, with everyone up for a chance to explore the roads out west of town.
Briony briefs the group before we set off
The weather was a bit chilly but at least it was fine and dry - about all we can hope for in February. For once we were all assembled at the start, rather than picking up riders en route, so we made quite a crowd as we made our way out along the Maxwelltown Path as far as Hardthorn Road where we headed west. The council has had a programme of removing chicane barriers from the path exits in recent years, which meant the trike had no problems getting through.
A big group made for a few moments when we had to stop and let vehicles past, especially on the Hardthorn Road as it narrowed towards the edge of town. Once on the Irongray Road, and well out into the countryside, it was a lot quieter - the main excitement was spotting a buzzard swooping down to take some unfortunate creature as we passed.
Heading out west. Photo courtesy of John Henry
We made good time along the rolling Irongray Road and stopped briefly at the church to refuel before pressing on to the Routin Brig for a picnic lunch stop (and a chance to sample Briony's home baking - she raised the bar with not one but two kinds of treats and fortunately there was enough to go round).
Giving the trike a try! Photo courtesy of Gilbert West
With lunch consumed, we cycled on to cross the river upstream and do a small stretch back along the other bank. Unfortunately, the road over the Irongray Bridge is still closed for repairs to the flood damage incurred at the end of last year - the road was almost washed out by the power of the water pouring over it - so we couldn't do our planned route but had to come back more or less the way we came. But the scenery always looks different going the other way, so it was no real hardship!
Jim Mackison has put together a short video of the ride which really captures the flavour of the day (and showcases Briony's smart new 'pogies' or handlebar mitts - a good solution if you get cold fingers on the bike)
All in all a good day out and we hope everyone enjoyed it. Our next ride is on Sunday 26th March when we'll be heading out to Dalswinton to explore the roads to the north of Dumfries. Please do come along!
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