Category: Run Reports & Events

Seven of us left Dobbies in Stirling at 9:15, Peter, Ali, Grant, Andy, Marcus, Robin and friend Frank. Headed up A84 through Callander, weather was sunny in places but not too warm, still there was no rain and that was a welcome change! On up to Falls Of Dochart at Killin for a leg stretch. Pass Loch Tay and followed the south road along Loch Rannoch and round the end of the Loch to pick up the only road (dead end) to Rannoch Station. Welcome lunch at the tea room, Peter had remembered to book as space there is very limited. Off again along the north side of Loch Rannoch and followed Loch Tummel to visit Clunie Memorial Arch, one of this year's challenge sites. On down the A9 to…

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…

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.

The Westerly Loop Chairman’s Run 18th April 2026 This weekend, the main event in the diary of a significant number of SMC Members was the traditional early season Chairman’s Run. Led again this year by Peter Johnson, The Westerly Loop was the title given to this 145-mile circuit around a lovely chunk of Scotland. Although it was well into April and there had been a sprinkling of spring-like days already this year, the weather forecast threatened the appearance of some April showers. Still, it felt quite pleasant as the group of riders met up at Dobbies in Stirling. An impressive 14 names had been added to the Club Run Diary. Twelve of us (Peter, Antonios, Grant, David, Tim, Brian, Ali, Ewan, Ben, Gavin, Frank, Kenny) assembled at Dobbies for the…

In the end there were just 5 of us, Antonios Tsikrikas, Kenny Anderson, Ali Lazizi, Peter Johnson who was TEC and myself leading, who wanted to support the CHAS event and to see what the weather could throw at us. Well we had all 4 seasons before we even left the CHAS start at the Falkirk Wheel car park. Unfortunately the gathering was much smaller than usual, presumably because of the aftermath of Storm David. Probably about 150 bikes and everything well organised by Carron Valley MCC and the police as usual. We did have Martin Pennycook there to support us again, together with daughter and grandson. After leaving the start and soon after crossing the Kincardine Bridge we ran into a minor snow storm. The road went white for…

Four of us met at the Crieff Visitor Centre, with a few clouds in the sky but otherwise very mild with the temperature around 12°C. We headed to Aberfeldy for a fuel stop, then took the A827 and a short stretch of the A9 to reach our first stop, the Clunie Memorial Arch. After taking some photos, we continued back on the A9, and then through Pitlochry we took the A924 and B950 to join the A93 towards Glenshee, arriving in Braemar for lunch and a second fuel stop. After a good rest we carried on along the A93 through Ballater to the AA Box 472. The weather really picked up at this stage, reaching around 18°C and turning into a very pleasant ride. From the AA Box 472 we…

It would be fair to describe the weather at the start of this run as ‘dreich’. Nevertheless, in the spirit of ‘I’ve started so I’ll finish ‘ we set off. Tim, who masterminded the trip, led as he knew the passes! So from Dumbarton it was a short spin up the A82, turning on to the A817 towards Loch Long. Although we didn’t encounter rain, the mist constantly accumulated and coalesced on our visors to form rivulets. The surrounding mountains were almost invisible as we climbed but their presence, somehow both serene but foreboding, could be felt as we rode along. Turning right, we headed up the A814 with Loch Long on our left. By this time, the mist was slightly lighter and more patchy. The effect was to provide…

It would be fair to describe the weather at the start of this run as ‘dreich’. Nevertheless, in the spirit of ‘I’ve started so I’ll finish ‘ we set off. Tim, who masterminded the trip, led as he knew the passes! So from Dumbarton it was a short spin up the A82, turning on to the A817 towards Loch Long. Although we didn’t encounter rain, the mist constantly accumulated and coalesced on our visors to form rivulets. The surrounding mountains were almost invisible as we climbed but their presence, somehow both serene but foreboding, could be felt as we rode along. Turning right, we headed up the A814 with Loch Long on our left. By this time, the mist was slightly lighter and more patchy. The effect was to provide…

This will be the shortest run report ever as yesterday's ride can be summed up simply as great roads, scenery, weather and company. The end. Ok, maybe I should elaborate a bit more on our day out predominantly in Perthshire. It started for me by meeting Kona at Muthill petrol station where she'd just filled up her very unloved Tracer. It had barely turned a wheel since she and Patrick had been galavanting in Spain enjoying their new property (form an orderly queue for Spanish riding trips!). Any lack of riding cobwebs were very soon blown away as we made our way together at a nice pace over to the starting point at Kinross Services. Here we met the rest of the gang which seemed to have grown somewhat from…

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.