Cairngorms loop sept?

[Karl]

I'm going up the weekend after the group start now. I did send an email to Steve but didn't receive a reply. There was suggestion he was making some minor amendments to the route, is this happening?

[JayTwizzle]

Hey

I haven’t heard back from Steve either. I was just going to still go the weekend of the 31st. Prob start a bit earlier to make the most of the daylight.

[ScotRoutes]

Yeah - I was thinking the same.

[bigtalljohn]

Steve sent an email Friday, with a list of starters and will send a amended route shortly. Better buy some midge repellent I think, wasn't a problem in May in the snowfest

[ScotRoutes]

I've sent him the amended route so you should have it shortly.

[JayTwizzle]

Just got his email there. Perfect. I’m on the start list so see you there?!
Jon

[Howard]

Might possibly have a passout for this weekend... There was talk of starting earlier (which as a slower rider would suit me!!). Is that still happening or is it just the normal 10am start?

[ScotRoutes]

I'd thought about starting earlier but if everyone else is going at 10, that would just seem rude

I'm not expecting to be rocketing round either.

[whitestone]

Has work on the Red House (I think that's what it's called) up by the Geldie Burn finished? That would make a good target for day one.

[ScotRoutes]

Nope. Still usable though (with a sign saying "Don't Enter )

Could be a good target on days 1 and 2 if leaving the Tilt/Fealar bit until Monday.

[JayTwizzle]

I would defo benefit from leaving earlier than 10am but keen to join the group start for the fun and banter. So planning for that.

[Swayndo]

Nope. Still usable though (with a sign saying "Don't Enter )

Could be a good target on days 1 and 2 if leaving the Tilt/Fealar bit until Monday.

Sounds like a plan. I'll have the hipflask

[ScotRoutes]

Updated start list available.

12 riders (yes Howard, I've included you )

FWIW I've set up a spotwalla page for myself. Spots aren't compulsory but I usually take one on these longer trips anyway. I'm hoping my Mrs will keep an eye on it and report if she sees it heading down the Avon/Geldie/Tilt.

[bigtalljohn]

I'd thought about starting earlier but if everyone else is going at 10, that would just seem rude

I'm not expecting to be rocketing round either.

I'm up for an earlier start, with the weather looking likes it's going to be bad and tortoise style approach to this. Need to see Friday midday to assess the weather . An 8-30 to 9-00 strat would suit

[Swayndo]

If I'm in it'll be a 10:00 start for me. I'd need to leave at 07:30 to even be ready for that.

I'm seeing some very serious rain forecast from 16:00 Friday until early afternoon Saturday. Fords of Avon will be interesting but the next section could be purgatory.

I'll call it tomorrow. The route isn't going anywhere.

[bigtalljohn]

If I'm in it'll be a 10:00 start for me. I'd need to leave at 07:30 to even be ready for that.

I'm seeing some very serious rain forecast from 16:00 Friday until early afternoon Saturday. Fords of Avon will be interesting but the next section could be purgatory.

I'll call it tomorrow. The route isn't going anywhere.

Sensible approach and I'm sure you'll catch me up anyway, MIL not doing great anyway so it may all be a bit of a do about nothing

[FLV]

Have fun those setting out, weekends didnt align for me so I'll be staying home.

[Howard]

Weather is definitely looking "a bit wet"! Current plan for me is catch the first train rather than drive, so it is the 10am start for me too. Maybe a bit of banter in the car park before everyone rides away from me

[Howard]

Updated start list available.

12 riders (yes Howard, I've included you )

FWIW I've set up a spotwalla page for myself. Spots aren't compulsory but I usually take one on these longer trips anyway. I'm hoping my Mrs will keep an eye on it and report if she sees it heading down the Avon/Geldie/Tilt.

...and I've put up a spotwalla too. Those who want to watch snails pace.... https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id ... howAll=yes

[ScotRoutes]

And mine https://spotwalla.com/tripViewer.php?id ... howAll=yes

[Crisp]

Water levels approaching VERY high --
http://apps.sepa.org.uk/waterlevels/def ... t&lc=14959

[JoseMcTavish]

Looks like everyone’s being held up near Gaick lodge at the crossing - the water must be mental as you can normally ride across! JayTwizzles tracker:

http://highlanddrifter.com/live-tracking

[ScotRoutes]

Yo. Back in BA.
Turned back at the Gaick Lodge crossing after spending an hour or so looking for a way across. Jon, Howard, Lee and Jenny set off upstream in search of a slower section. The rest of us turned back. The rivers we crossed to get there were already higher as we were coming back.

It's stopped raining in Blair Atholl so maybe some respite... eventually.

[JoseMcTavish]

Sounds like a sensible call. I think the rain is due to ease later, but the Fords of Avon will still be very dicey too, I'd imagine. Looks like Howard got across, but Jon is on his way back too.

[bigtalljohn]

Back home with a g&t in my hand and an Indian about to be eaten, nice to meet everyone but the Cairngorms will be there for some time. Good luck to those left out there.