TOO MANY ROADS TO NAME , SEE ROUTE PLANNER ORIGIONALLY POSTED FOR THIS RUN.
Another brilliantly planned run-out by Ian McIntosh — although this one was probably what you’d call “slightly off-piste” thanks to some of the single-track roads we found ourselves navigating through the Highlands!
Starting from Dobbies Garden Centre in Stirling, the six amigos mounted up on their trusted motorbikes and headed north towards the back roads of the Highlands. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking, although the roads occasionally tried their best to fight back. At one point I spotted a pothole so large it looked less like road damage and more like the entrance to a mine shaft. Thankfully, all riders managed to avoid disappearing into it!
To top it all off, we were blessed with absolutely amazing weather, hitting a glorious 23 degrees — something that feels like it’s been a long time coming in Scotland.
Somehow, during the course of the morning, I managed to “volunteer” myself not only to write the run report, but also to be Tail End Charlie for the day. I’m still not entirely sure how that happened…
Now, I would hate for this report to miss any important moments from the day, so it would be unfair not to mention that Ian McIntosh managed to stall his brand-new motorbike. In fairness, the bike does look absolutely stunning… although I suspect Ian was hoping nobody noticed the little stall. Sadly for him, several eyewitnesses were present, and I felt it only right to include it here for historical accuracy and to refresh everyone’s memory!
Along the route we stopped at some truly amazing locations, including photo opportunities with Highland cattle and an incredible sight at the dam where the floodgates were open, creating a massive white-water fountain that was seriously impressive to watch.
Lunch was at the Glen Lyon Tearoom, where the homemade sausage rolls were nothing short of legendary — proper fuel for hungry bikers. We also had a pleasant surprise when club member Tom Sutherland appeared to join us.
Nature also put on a show for us during the day, with the sight of a beautiful stag crossing the River Lyon — one of those moments that reminds you just how special the Highlands really are.
I left the group just before Killin to make my way back towards Pitlochry, while the rest of the crew continued on towards Crieff Visitor Centre.
All in all, it was a truly fantastic day out on some incredible roads that I never even knew existed. Great company, stunning scenery, brilliant weather, and only one recorded motorcycle stall!
A huge thank you to Ian McIntosh for organising such a superb run.
Many thanks David for doubling up on both TEC and scribe duties on our day out. The stars certainly did align with roads, scenery, food, company and the weather coming together to, hopefully, make it an enjoyable run for all. Mineshafts aside the roads didn’t prove to be too bad after all though one still remains to be explored (the one over the wee bridge does indeed bring you back to Killin according to Google maps).
Stall? At busy crossroads? Never?
Next time we get together let me remind you of the old motto ‘what happens on tour stays on tour’ 😄
Old motto,,,made me chuckle 🤭