Author: Peter Johnson

Three of us signed up to the "first frost bite run of the season"?, Kenny Anderson, Ali Lazizi and myself. It was misty with sub zero temperatures as we left Dobbies Stirling, and with occasional brief spells of sunshine the poor weather conditions continued all the way to The Green Welly for a leg stretch. Beyond The Green Welly the mist disappeared, the temperature kept climbing all the way to 7 degrees by the time we reached our lunch stop at Crafts & Things, Glencoe. Continuing our journey westward and then south to Connel, and back to The Green Welly for a debrief. From there, back to Dobbies Stirling, and we all headed for home. Despite the cold conditions at the beginning, everyone enjoyed the run, great roads, good food,…

The evening was a little chillier than expected for May, it was about 8 degrees, with very little wind, but it felt much colder. Six of us hungry bikers arrived in good time at Aldi Whitburn, Alex Muir, Kenny Anderson, Brian & Jackie Torley, Ali Lazzi & myself. A gentle run down to Biggar via Braehead on dry roads, but showing signs of wear in places. Various battered & fried delights were made to order and consumed, all with positive comments. It was great to catch up for a blether with everyone, but we all agreed it was too cold to stand about chatting so we headed for home. Thanks to all for attending, see you on the next run.

Two of us where able to attend the last minute run that I posted (sorry about that). Grant Powrie and I met at Kinross services and picked up three challenge sites today. W – Lochlee Parish Church, X – Drumtochty Castle Gates, and Stags & Y – St Cyrus Nature Reserve. With mostly light traffic throughout the day, the sun shone, and temperatures in the high teens. The majority of the road surfaces were surprisingly good for the minor backroads we were on. Over all a very successful day, with great company, thanks Grant.

A warm, pre weekend heatwave evening saw 8 hungry bikers and a pillion arrive at Lidl Whitburn for a chippy run. The usual direct route to Biggar was taken via Braehead, only to find a fellow SMC'er already in the queue for their dinner at the Townhead Fish & Chips. It was great to catch up with everyone over a bite to eat, relaying bike related holiday's was mostly on the agenda for a few. As we set off homeward, members pealed off from the main group to leave just three at the end. Attendees, Peter Johnson (run leader), John Moss (TEC), Janet Moss, Grant Powrie, David Thwaites, Dave Waddell, Alex Muir, Brian Torley, Brian's wife Jackie and Phillip Gill-Simmons. Thanks to everyone who attended, and to John for TEC…

Thank you to everyone who attended this event, it appears to have been a great success. There were various plans hatched by everyone to congregate at various points over the weekend. Some setting off on the Friday, others very early Saturday, a group run from Bowtrees picking up a few along the way, most with challenge sites in their sights. Along with John & Moira riding through the rain on Sunday to join us for dinner, that’s dedication. After a broken Saturday night’s sleep due to a fire alarm, and unpredictable weather forecast for Sunday, we again split into various group sizes and planned our days expeditions. More challenge sites were bagged by some, others enjoyed a leisurely run to Ullapool for a bite to eat for lunch. A total…

Only 3 hungry bikers attended probably the last chippy run of the season. From Dobbies Stirling to Balloch via Balafark, Killearn and Croftamie. Quite a few interesting road surfaces along this route, if we decide on this destination again, we might not take the same route. Thanks to Tom Sutherland & Ian Ness for joining me on the run, we then proceeded to consume our fish suppers next to the River Leven. Oh, and I think we all agreed, the food was quite good.

9 hungry bikers turned out on a sunny evening for the shortest run of the season, but who’s counting when there is Fish & Chips on the agenda. It was a little tricky leaving Dobbies (should have turned left and gone round the roundabout) but we all made the epic run to Callander safely, and all together. Most of us then proceeded to join a very long queue at one of the chip shops, joining in with The Porsche Car Club members, who had the same idea. The food was worth the wait! And then for dessert, we proceeded to travel to Aberfoyle via Dukes Pass (watch out for those gravel patches!) The scenery was stunning, and you could see for miles over the top. A quick chat in Aberfoyle…

Only 3 keen golfers attended the event this year, held at Pumpherston Golf Club. It was a sunny afternoon, with hats worn by all and even a little suncream! Due to the numbers, no official competition was had, more a friendly round of golf with some mates. Taking each of our handicaps (some unofficial) into account, I think I had home advantage overall to take the friendly win, followed closely by Marc. Attendees: John Hill, Marc Elvin & Peter Johnson Thank you John & Marc, a very enjoyable day out.