TVNOC Strontian 31/07/21
It had been two years since the annual Strontian gathering had taken place, which meant we were looking forward to heading over to the Ardnamurchan peninsula even more than usual. The run through Glencoe was much busier than of late, but riding the bikes between the mountains never fails to amaze. We stopped at the Glencoe cafe for a bit of dinner which was a first, but we returned on the way home too. We didn't have to wait long for the Corran ferry to arrive and drop us off on the other side. The run to Strontian is stunning but always over too soon. The campsite was pretty empty of Nortons, but it turned out the ones that had camped on the Friday were out on runs. We pitched our tent just as Tim arrived on his Matchless, then the Norton run started to appear. We wandered round the campsite to catch up before we headed to the hotel for a few beers and our tea. a good night was had and was over all too soon. Sunday morning was a slow takedown of the tent not wanting the weekend to be over, but at least we had the run home to look forward to. Thanks to Gino for organising a great weekend.
Our bikes parked outside the cafe
SCMC Wee Smokie 11/07/21
The last time we had been at a Wee Smokie was October 2019 how time flies. This one was in memory of former Classic Club member Derek Horne who had passed away recently. There was a very big turnout of 200-300 bikes making for a great sight and sound when Eric who when making a memorial speech asked everyone to fire their bikes up. It looked to be an emotional time for Eric but well done to him for holding it together and organising the gathering. An afternoon spent catching up with friends not seen in a while and we had a great run home in the sunshine.
Jake's Fonzie moment
Bridge of Cally Walk 10/07/21
We opted for a change of transport from two wheels to two legs for a walk from the Bridge of Cally Hotel. It would seem that we like the area regardless of how we get to our destination.
Days like these
Cairn o Mount, Lecht and Glenshee Bike run 8/07/21
We were both on holiday for a week, and with no plans to stay away, we were happy to be putting some miles on the bikes with day trips. We plotted a circular route of over 200 miles on the smaller roads taking in the Cairn O' Mount, Banchory, Suie Hill, the Cabrach, Dufftown, Tomintoul and back down the Snow Roads of the Lecht and Glenshee. It felt like we had the roads to ourselves, no tourist traffic and plenty opportunity for photo stops. It did take us about 8 leisurely hours but on days like these, we weren't in a hurry to go back home.
The Cairn O' Mount viewpoint
Knockespock House down in the valley and the Tap O' Noth Hillfort left on the horizon
Connel Bridge, Glencoe Bike Run 6/07/21
To make the most of the great weather, we went for a decent bike run of over 220 miles following the A85 to Connel then over the bridge to the cafe in Benderloch, which was closed so we were on the lookout for somewhere else for a cuppa, we found the a place to stop at the Castle Stalker viewpoint. There wasn't much in the way of food choices but the view made it better. We had a cracking run home via Glencoe trying to pay attention to the road rather than looking at the amazing scenery.
Lesley taking in the scenery under the palm tree
Bluebell Woods Walk 3/07/21
We went for a local walk around the Bluebell Woods hoping to catch sight of some squirrels, thankfully they were too busy looking for food to bother about us.
Local Spitfire 28/05/21
I was in the middle of getting ready to head out on the bike, when I heard the amazing sound of what sounded like a pretty special plane flying overhead, I made a dash back to the house to get the camera out with the long lens to try and catch it. It's a replica Spitfire with a 6 litre engine instead of the 27 litre one in an original. The pilot must have been having a great time as he flew over a few times.
