New Mountain Bike - Genesis IO ID

As I'll be going on the GWC Cycling Project this year in May, I've been cycling a lot more and taking the training pretty seriously. As I've already got a pretty descent hybrid bike, I've been thinking about getting myself a new mountain bike. Then, as if I'd ordered it personally, an email came around GWC with details of the bike to work scheme. It seemed a very attractive way to buy an expensive bike. I didn't waste much time and headed to Edinburgh Bicycle at lunch for a quick browse.
I hadn't been looking around the shop for long, when I spotted the Genesis IO ID; the same bike I had ridden in Glentress only a few weeks ago. I was very impressed with it that day and it was the perfect test ride. I made enquiries there and then and a couple of days later, I got my voucher from work. A couple more days later, I picked it up from the shop and it was mine! Awesome!
So far, I'm mighty pleased with it and can't wait to test it properly in the Pentlands or down in Glentress.

Review here.

Braid Hills

Pentlands with a light dusting of snow, from Braid Hills

It had been a glorious day but unfortunately I had been stuck inside at my desk all day. However, this gave me great motivation to get my daily tasks finished that would allow me to leave early and make the most of the bright spring evening. I already had a small bag packed with some essentials so all that was need was a super quick change into more suitable attire.

Blackford Hill with Salisbury Crags and Arthur's Seat behind

 

I was soon entering Blackford Glen after the short dander up the road from the flat. I had taken a stroll up to the top of Blackford Hill quite a few times in the past but I had never been up to the top of the Braids - my goal for this evenings stroll. Instead of tacking the main road through the middle of the glen, I took the path that went straight up the steep bank and hugged the south boundary fence of the glen. After a short distance I went through the gate on the right that led out of the glen to the lower Hermitage Golf Course. I crossed Braid Hills Drive just opposite the little cafe and entered The Braids at the small patch of waste ground that is the only access through the thick gorse. I headed straight across the the upper course and made a direct line for the masts at the top of the hill, looking out for golf balls as I went!

At the top I had fantastic views of the Pentlands and all across Edinburgh. I even had to take my Windstopper off as I was too warm; a sign that summer is approaching? Perhaps...

Looking towards North Berwick Law in the distance

I zipped back down via Buckstone Snab just in time for tea. A very easy walk but great to make the most of the final light of the magnificent day.

Looking towards the Pentlands across Hermitage Golf Course

GWC Outdoor Ed Visit to Glentress

Once again, Richard asked me if I would help him with his Outdoor Ed course and, once again, I was very happy to oblige! The plan today was to head down to Glentress and introduce the  group to a bit of single track action. I was really looking forward to the afternoon; mainly because it had been a good few years since I had been to Glentress. The last time I was there was quite a few years ago with Outdoor Ed when I was at Edinburgh Uni. I had read lots of good things about all the work they had put into developing the trails down there, so I was keen to check it out.

We headed off in the mini bus at midday and munched our butties en route. We parked up and popped into The Hub to collect our pre-booked rides. After getting the group sorted, I finally got my hands on my own transportation for the afternoon. To my surprise, it was a very new looking Genesis IO ID - awesome news for me... I knew the day was going to be a hoot! I was most impressed by the bike and I was intrigued by the internal hub gear mechanism. The quality of all the hire bikes was excellent and I would certainly recommend the hire option / service to anyone, even if you're an experienced biker. We briefed the kids about the dangers, hazards and the 'dos and don'ts' of mountain biking.

Then it was time to suck it up, get our heads down and start the climb through the forest. We had told the kids to set their saddle correctly for the climb to get the most out of their legs. However, as I was bringing up the rear and looking up the line, it was clear who had listened and who hadn't! Another word in their ear soon set them straight and we continued up the switchback single track. I have to say that the quality of the track was excellent - nothing like I remember it from years ago.
We soon reached the Buzzard's Nest Car Park and took a breather. Richard planned to descend via a bit of a mixture of the Blue and Red runs. After a quick chat, we spoke to the kids and headed on up towards Pennels Vennel. Another chat with the group and this time we made sure that everyone took our advice about lowering their saddle for the downhill! We zipped back down the wide run to the top car park again, just to give the kids a 'feel' for it, as many of the group had never mountain biked before. The conditions were great; not too muddy but not too firm either. We practiced the drill of the staggered start and leaving at least a few seconds gap between each rider. The group quickly figured out the preferred order, with the more confident riders going towards the front of the line. Adrenalin now well and truly flowing, we started down the 'whoop-de-doos' of Electric Blue. The kids loved this run... and so did I! It was great fun on the flowing single track with the option of a few jumps. Thankfully, everyone made it down in one piece and Richard and I grinned as we listened to the group laughing about what had just happened.
As time was getting on, we headed on down Falla Brae. The kids were a lot more confident now and that was plain to see. This particular run had optional jumps and I found it interesting to see which individuals chose to go over them or around them. Back at the bus to conclude a brilliant afternoon. I was so impressed by the facilities and the quality of the runs. It was a world away from how I remember it when I last visited. Years ago you really had to know your way around the place, as there were no signs or organisation and you really needed a guide for the first visit. Today, that is not so; a great facility that I would recommend to all abilities and experience.

Glentress Trails Map.

Spittle of Glenshee - Fresh Powder

The plan today was for Lewis and I to cycle to Blairgowrie and then get picked up by the rest of the group. However, we had to abandon the cycling idea for today; we had woken to a good few inches of fresh snow and the main road was yet to be ploughed. Not exactly ideal conditions for cycling!

Plan B was to take a short walk around the local area, nothing serious but a fine idea considering the current conditions. A quick change out of our cycling gear and we were off. The entire group set out from the lodge and joined the Cateran Trail heading east through Old Spittal Farm. Quite a bit of snow had fallen over night and it was now a glorious day. Talk turned to Projects and it was nice to hear what everyone had planned and it was great chatting to some staff that I rarely see in school. This kind of get-together doesn't really happen enough - a great weekend.

Spittal of Glenshee to Pitlochry... and back

Gulabin Lodge

The annual GWC staff hillwalking weekend was once again on the cards this Friday to Sunday. However, I wasn't planning on doing much hillwalking. Due to my GWC Cycling Project commitments this year, I had been cycling pretty much every day trying to make sure I was up to the challenge. I knew one thing for sure though: I wouldn't be anywhere near the level of Lewis... what a legend!

We headed up in the minibus on Friday evening to Spittle of Glenshee. We were based in Gulabin Lodge for the weekend and had the place to ourselves. The place was great and I would really recommend it to anyone looking for group accommodation in the Glenshee area.

Lewis' plan for the Saturday was for us to cycle from the lodge to Pitlochry. I had recently cycled from Edinburgh to North Berwick and back a couple of times, but this would be the first real test for my bike... and for me! We set off around 9am and headed south along the main A93 road towards Bridge of Cally. This stretch was great fun as it was quite up and down but mostly down. The rain had stayed away but it was threatening. It was quite a cold day and there were patches of snow all around at the side of the road. I had made a poor decision to opt for my thin, fingerless gloves instead of my thicker Endura waterproof cycling gloves; time to change them. We turned off to the right to take the B950 road to Kirkmichael. This was a fairly straightforward run down to join the A924 at Kirkmichael.

We stopped for a breather at the side of the road between Enochdhu and Straloch. I had been keeping up with Lewis fine, but I had the feeling that this was a bit of a doddle for him. He seemed to have the ability to just step it up a level and then he would be suddenly out of sight. I guess this was to be expected, when someone's been cycling for as long as he has. Still, I thought it pretty impressive to see. We took a few moments to talk about our bikes and if we thought they were ready for Projects in May. I was keen to get Lewis' thoughts on the additions I had made to my Marin San Rafael. I had recently added a set of SKS Chromoplastic Road Mudguards, a Blackburn Expedition 1 + Rear Rack, some Tioga Power Studs 6 Bar Ends, and a Blackburn Chicane Stainless Steel Bottle Cage with a single Ortlieb Front Roller Plus pannier. Lewis agreed that these additions made the machine far more road friendly and was certainly well equipped to do the 500 odd miles in May.

The ride: Marin San Rafael 2008

Now refreshed, we started up the gradual climb up to Glen Brerachan, where the views opened up. It wasn't the clearest of days but we could still see down into Pitlochry and north west to Ben Vrackie. Then the fun started; a speedy descent down through Moulin, but then I realised that I would have to cycle up this ridiculously steep hill! We headed straight for the coffee shop for a hot drink and a scone, fighting our way through the tourists as we went.
The rain had stayed away but it was still rather chilly, but I set off feeling a little cold and with minimal layers on, as I knew I was going to get rather hot very soon. It wasn't too bad at first, the climb up from Moulin to Kinnaird was fairly steady and I was pleased with how I coped. However, moving on up the hill were a couple of sharp, steep turns in the road as we passed the woods. This was time to put the head down and spin those legs. It actually wasn't too bad and I was rather chuffed with my effort and I had managed to stay reasonably in touch with Lewis too. We paused for breath at the top and talk about the climb we had just conquered. Some recovery time; as we enjoyed the gradual run back down to Kirkmichael and then a short climb up to the farm along the B950 before joining the main A93 again.

Looking west through Glen Brerachan

I knew we were on the home stretch now, but I had forgotten just how far this stretch had been this morning. Heading back, it was important to keep the speed up and really use the down hill slopes to propel up the next crest. It was about now that the heavens decided to open. We didn't stop to put on waterproofs; we just wanted to get back... and when we did... we were absolutely drenched!
I was very pleased with how today went and I know I'll never be a cyclist, but it was certainly a great day. Looking forward to Projects... bring it on!