A forecast of polar air at 3C from the NE with snow flurries presaged a tough day out. Earlier warnings issued about multiple river crossings needing waterproof socks were largely ignored despite the unavoidable nine river crossings. This led to bizarre cycling breaks to carry out hill reps to restore foot circulation.
We enjoyed brief shafts of sunlight between hail showers. The production of a stove and hot coffee by Craig moderated the chill before the subterranean inspection of Goblin Ha’ in the Yester estate. Entry to the estate was challenged by an extremely grumpy guy trying to stop us frightening the grazing horses, unaware that since 2003 we no longer had any obligation to follow rights of way. He failed. We respected our obligation not to frighten the horses, which enjoyed our company as we negotiated the electric fence maze into the woods.
The subterranean inspection of the tunnel to the defended well from the crypt of Goblin Ha’ was pleasantly mild compared with the blasts of hail up on Lammer law. Further entertainment was provided by warnings of death by gunfire on the shooting range as we re-ascended towards the Soutra wind farms and repeated all the river crossings on the return route. Just as we reached the top of the last climb, Jane punctured. We managed to nurse her back to base with multiple re-inflations to offset creeping hypothermia as the last hail shower blew through.
A bracing seven hour tour for four hours of cycling plus paddling, hill reps and speleology.
42km + 1000m climb.
Jane, Julia, Craig, Gio, Jonathon, Keith
Keith Burns