Noodley
Guest
Deeside Loop 200km
Having ridden mostly Perms so far this year, with the exception of a brief foray into the Northerly parts of Englandshire for a few hills over 100km route and a local 100km event, I was looking forward to my first calendar 200 of the year. And even better was it was a local event and I had a 3 mile ride to the start. Forty cyclists started the event at 8am and we made good speed to the first control – I learned it was not a good idea to try to keep pace with a tandem when they are travelling at mid 40km along the flat as it tends to tire you out a bit early in a ride. Having learned this lesson I arrived a short time after the lead group at the first control, but was in no hurry to leave with them and decided it best to refuel and set off a few minutes later.
Heading out of the control I joined up with a few lads from yACF and headed towards Cairn O’Mount chatting as we went. There was a large turn out of yACFers on this ride, most of whom I had met before and some who I have become good friends with. As we neared Cairn O’Mount we noted the headwind had become more noticeable and the top of the hill was shrouded in mist. Having previously only ever made it up the hill when there was a tailwind I did not think my chances were good as we hit the first 16% climb, but surprised myself as I reached the top without swearing once, and began the descent into the thick mist. Most impressive sight on the climb was seeing the tandem being ridden single-handedly upwards whilst the stoker made progress on foot a short distance behind.
The descent was enjoyable, if devoid of scenery due to the mist, and we soon made it to Ballater for a bit of food and a chat. Suitably nourished by a bacon and “something” roll and a tin of Irn-bru energy drink I headed out with 2 others along Deeside. After a few miles I noticed the 2 others were a bit off my wheel and slowed a bit, however on next looking they were even further behind so I cracked on alone towards the Cairnwell, a rather long sapping climb but with a stunning descent.
The view back of the ascent:
And the view towards the "drop off" of the descent:
Top speed on the descent was 85.3kmp then I bottled it – I do this every time and immediately regret it as soon I hit the brakes. There was another control just after the descent and I met up with some others who had arrived a few minutes before me, and enjoyed some coffee and a piece of carrot cake. It was here I learned of a “scary moment” during the descent where one of my clubmates had a speed wobble whilst being followed down the descent by a car, resulting in him hitting the brakes and having to jump from his bike when he had slowed and run along the verge. Scary enough to read, but not as scary as for the car driver or for the rider behind the car who had to brake, swerve and move to overtake the car and hope the car didn’t swerve into his path. Thankfully, the car driver did admirably well and great thanks should be sent to him/her.
The final leg back to the start was uneventful, although the headwind made progress a little less speedy than it could have been. A hearty feast had been laid on and, although I was not too hungry, I thought it was rude not to partake. And so, suitably full, I made the short ride home to find Mrs Noodley had a curry waiting for me. Well, she’d gone to the effort so I thought it rude not to…
Having ridden mostly Perms so far this year, with the exception of a brief foray into the Northerly parts of Englandshire for a few hills over 100km route and a local 100km event, I was looking forward to my first calendar 200 of the year. And even better was it was a local event and I had a 3 mile ride to the start. Forty cyclists started the event at 8am and we made good speed to the first control – I learned it was not a good idea to try to keep pace with a tandem when they are travelling at mid 40km along the flat as it tends to tire you out a bit early in a ride. Having learned this lesson I arrived a short time after the lead group at the first control, but was in no hurry to leave with them and decided it best to refuel and set off a few minutes later.
Heading out of the control I joined up with a few lads from yACF and headed towards Cairn O’Mount chatting as we went. There was a large turn out of yACFers on this ride, most of whom I had met before and some who I have become good friends with. As we neared Cairn O’Mount we noted the headwind had become more noticeable and the top of the hill was shrouded in mist. Having previously only ever made it up the hill when there was a tailwind I did not think my chances were good as we hit the first 16% climb, but surprised myself as I reached the top without swearing once, and began the descent into the thick mist. Most impressive sight on the climb was seeing the tandem being ridden single-handedly upwards whilst the stoker made progress on foot a short distance behind.
The descent was enjoyable, if devoid of scenery due to the mist, and we soon made it to Ballater for a bit of food and a chat. Suitably nourished by a bacon and “something” roll and a tin of Irn-bru energy drink I headed out with 2 others along Deeside. After a few miles I noticed the 2 others were a bit off my wheel and slowed a bit, however on next looking they were even further behind so I cracked on alone towards the Cairnwell, a rather long sapping climb but with a stunning descent.
The view back of the ascent:
And the view towards the "drop off" of the descent:
Top speed on the descent was 85.3kmp then I bottled it – I do this every time and immediately regret it as soon I hit the brakes. There was another control just after the descent and I met up with some others who had arrived a few minutes before me, and enjoyed some coffee and a piece of carrot cake. It was here I learned of a “scary moment” during the descent where one of my clubmates had a speed wobble whilst being followed down the descent by a car, resulting in him hitting the brakes and having to jump from his bike when he had slowed and run along the verge. Scary enough to read, but not as scary as for the car driver or for the rider behind the car who had to brake, swerve and move to overtake the car and hope the car didn’t swerve into his path. Thankfully, the car driver did admirably well and great thanks should be sent to him/her.
The final leg back to the start was uneventful, although the headwind made progress a little less speedy than it could have been. A hearty feast had been laid on and, although I was not too hungry, I thought it was rude not to partake. And so, suitably full, I made the short ride home to find Mrs Noodley had a curry waiting for me. Well, she’d gone to the effort so I thought it rude not to…
and .....er.....family commitments etc 
