Strathdon

Landranger Sheet: 37, Grid NJ 322 104, Lonach Farm

From Huntly - A97 south to Mossat.

From Alford/Aberdeen - A944 west to Mossat.

From Mossat - A97 12 miles south-west to Strathdon.  Continue through Strathdon for 3 miles past Lonach Farm on left on sharp corner.  Venue field further 1/4 mile on left.  N.B. - sharp turn over narrow wooden bridge.

From Aboyne/Ballater - A97 north to junction with A944.  Turn left towards Strathdon.  Continue through Strathdon for 3 miles past Lonach Farm on left on sharp corner.  Venue field further 1/4 mile on left.  N.B. - sharp turn over narrow wooden bridge.

From Inverness - A939 to Corgarff.  At A939/944 junction straight on towards Strathdon for 3 miles.  Venue field on right.

Please note that we do not have permission for vehicular access anywhere off the public tarred roads.  All crewing must be done on public roads.

All droppings, hay and bedding must be removed before departure.

No dogs on route.

All times are flexible, although we cannot accept anyone starting more than 30 minutes late as it puts undue pressure on helpers.

08:30   80k vetting

09:00   80k start  -  vetting 60k & 50k

09:30   60k & 50k start - vetting 30k

10:00    30k start  -  vetting 20k

10:30    20k start

11:30    Half way halt for 80k

12:00   Half way halt for 60k & 50k

12:30   Finish 30k

1:00     Finish 20k

2:15     Finish 50k

2:30    2nd halt 80k

3:00    Finish 60k

4:30(ish)  Finish 80k

CP1 operational from 09:00 - 4:30

CP2 operational from 09:15 - 1:00 and 3:00 - 4:30

CP3 operational from 1:00 - 3:00

Update

To all riders and non-riders alike  -  Strathdon  27^th April 2008

Tony has been working very hard and updated the routes for this year – all we need now is riders and helpers.

Actual distances will be 20, 32, 52, 62 and 82 Kms.  Tracks will be hill and forest tracks with some tarmac, most have been used before but there will be some new bits.  There are two 30Km loops (one to the NE and one to the SW) and the 20Km Pleasure/Training route  The longer distances will be made up of combinations of the various loops.  Although there will be a little overlapping near the venue, there will be a great variety of tracks for all routes.

There is ample parking but the small bridge over the River Don to the venue field will not take lorries.

Speaking of crossing the river, all competitive classes include the ford at Burnside.  For those who don’t know it, it’s not too deep (below the knee) and it is right beside the main road so crews can meet you there.

Average speeds in 2005:  50Km=13.01, 30=10.44, Tr=10.85, Pl=9.76

Average speeds in 2006:  30Km=11.9, Pl/Tr=9.6

Entries closing date is 14^th April.  If you want to drop them off at Braes of Gight, I will pick them up from the caravan.

Excerpts from Strathdon 2006 Ride Preview

By Tony Comerford

We are offering some new routes as usual. These ideally lend themselves to two loops of about 32km, centred on the venue at Lonarch Farm. The routes are challenging and exciting; it is hilly and for the longer distances there are numerous safe river crossings. The going, in general is good, especially the new section in Glenbuchat woodlands where there are several kilometres of potential canter. Other sections are over open grouse moor on good quality landrover tracks. The rest is made up of the inevitable forestry, some tarmac and some farm tracks.

The new section in Glenbuchat has a history which I think is worth relating. Several years ago I approached the then managers of the woodland with an access request for SERC. The response was that there would be a £1000 fee for the use of the roads for one day. My quest ended there. Now, after the new access regulations and a new owner, the attitude is welcoming. I have a personal affinity with this forest as, during a five year sentence with the Forestry Commission in the late seventies, I was part of the squad which planted all those trees! We worked on a piecework rate of around £12 per thousand planted. On a good day we earned maybe £13. Amazingly the trees thrived, and memories of long hard days with a bag of trees and a planting spade remain vivid. I was somewhat upset when access was discouraged. Enjoy the route.

NB. This section will only be marked at the entrance and exit (about 5 miles with no markers – but you can’t go wrong!)

The venue (and vet halt) will again be Lonach Farm – an excellent spot, but unfortunately due to narrow bridge, access is impossible for lorries. It was a bit chilly last year as some folk will remember, so bring warm clothes.

B&B at Colquhonnie Hotel, Strathdon, 01975 651210 or with Mr & Mrs B. Luffman, 01975 651337 (highly recommended). Early booking essential.