Update:

 

Hi All.

I suppose the question everyone is thinking is “Will this weekend’s event be going ahead?” Well I’m sorry to say that I’m not 100% either way at the moment. The weather forecast has been for light snow from yesterday until Saturday. Well it didn’t snow yesterday and I have just finished putting out the short loop in glorious sunshine! The current forecast is that there will only be a bit of snow on Saturday afternoon now. With this in mind I’m about 90% sure both days are going to go ahead. I will update here and on Facebook over the coming days so you all know what’s happening and as soon as I make a decision I’ll post. I predrive the route on Sunday morning from about 3 am so will have a better idea of the conditions then. I will post here and on FB around 6am to give the definitive yes or no. In some ways I wish it would go one way or the other, dump a foot of the white stuff on me now so I can cancel or give me a forecast of sunny days ahead.

 

In preparation for the event going ahead, please read the below:-

 

PLEASE BRING YOUR HELMET TO REGISTRATION. You will not be able to register without it and you’ll have to go back to your car to retrieve it.

PARKING

There is parking on site but not enough for all of you. Once this is full we have overflow parking in MacLaren High School ( don’t go there first as the gate will be locked) We will put up signs and marshals to direct you there but basically back towards Callander 100mtrs and on the right. Once/if this is full then please find somewhere to park in Callander itself. Do not park in the residential area opposite.

Registration

This is in the sports hall, follow signs to registration. There are loos and showers available and they’ll be warm ( well the showers anyway!!)

MTB

There is one section of open land and the rest is on hard trails so the going shouldn’t be too bad! Due to the high altitude of the long loop we won’t be running a “Long” loop so there will only be the one option. There is still the optional climb after the first drink station up to the view point and back down for those that want a good work out!!

It’s not a race!

Please give way to other trail users, walkers, horse riders etc. If you come across a Horse, please let the rider know you are there in plenty of time and follow their instructions. Remember, if you spook the horse it might hurt you or other people and you are responsible for you actions and the consequences!! Please close all gates that you open.

SPORTIVE

The roads are in winter conditions. The short loop I did today wasn’t too bad but I’m aware that the road from Aberfoyle up to Stronachlacher is pretty bad. This is generally an uphill climb so you shouldn’t be going too fast but keep your speed down and eyes on the road. Once you hit the private road around Loch Katrine all should be well. Please make sure you can repair a puncture or two. We will come to your aid but it might take us a while depending upon where the vans are and where you are, much better to be prepared.

Again – there might be some cold/snowy weather over the weekend. With this in mind the courses might be changed at any point so please follow any instructions you are given. If we close down a loop, then it’s because it’s dangerous so please don’t ignore us and ride it anyway as there is every possibility that we won’t be able to get to you in the case of an emergency.

All the routes go to the first drink station on Dukes pass and then split at Aberfoyle with the Long and Medium turning right and the Short left. The Medium and Long do a circle and back up Dukes Pass a second time. On entering Aberfoyle a second time please make sure you turn LEFT or you’ll be doing the loop again!

 

Long loop is closed at 1pm as it’s  30miles in – last start time is 9.45am

Distances are approx.

Short -25miles

Medium -54miles

Long -87miles

Drink stations are approximately at:-

Short, medium,long – 11miles

Medium,long – 41miles

Long - 60 miles

This is not a race!!

Please obey the highway code, stop at junctions and only ride two abreast where it is safe to do so – not on main roads or winding country lanes where cars travelling at speed will not be able to see you and stop!!!! If you cause and accident, you are responsible for the consequences and any costs.

 

GPX files

Everyone who has pre-entered will have received a pre-event mail that has links to the GPX files and a guide to show you have to view them interactively. If you have not received this by 7pm tonight please check you junk folder, old accounts, your partners email if they booked and make sure you check the address you booked with! These are all common causes for not getting the mail. If you still don’t have them then email me on dean.stacey@evanscycles.com I’ll check your entry and send you a copy.

See you all there!

Dean

 

 

 

 

 

Hi All

Sunny Scotland is beconing the Ride It team this weekend for the Scotland Ride It. Ok, so I’m being a bit optomistic……..

Firstly, both days have sold out so please do not come along if you don’t have an entry.

Parking This is going to be an issue this weekend.

On Saturday we have some parking in the sports centre but once this is full we will ask you to park in Callendar itself – please do not park in the school as there is another event being held at there.

On Sunday we have the school so will be able to use this. Once this is full then it’s back to Callendar.

 

Weather

Again – there might be some cold/snowy weather over the weekend. With this in mind the courses might be changed at any point so please follow any instructions you are given. If we close down a loop, then it’s because it’s dangerous so please don’t ignore us and ride it anyway as there is every possibility that we won’t be able to get to you in the case of an emergency.

If the weather is so bad that the event needs to be cancelled then we will post here and on Facebook.

 

Ta

Dean