Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

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JohnClimber
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by JohnClimber »

ZeroDarkBivi wrote:I'm unlikely to risk this, given the weather. However, having driven up to Scotland from Somerset yesterday, I am keen to get out on the bike. The Capital Trail is an option, but I expect the weather will also make that route unpleasant. Any suggestions for other rides that might be less impacted by the weather?
Check out the forecast for Skye, it's a great island to explore, or even the Outer Hebrides looks nicer weather and low down
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Ray Young
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Ray Young »

ZeroDarkBivi wrote:I'm unlikely to risk this, given the weather. However, having driven up to Scotland from Somerset yesterday, I am keen to get out on the bike. The Capital Trail is an option, but I expect the weather will also make that route unpleasant. Any suggestions for other rides that might be less impacted by the weather?
I reckon the CT would be wet but OK. Any remaining snow won't be that deep.
Forecast - https://www.yr.no/en/list/daily/2-26551 ... %20Borders
Gari
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Gari »

For those starting tomorrow be aware that it has rained on and off all day today, which on top of most of yesterday/last nights snow melting, means the burns are going to be high for a while. Ford's of A'an particularly could be a show stopper. There is a lot of snow in that capture so if the temps stay warm(ish) it won't necessarily drop significantly.
Stay safe and I shall keep my eye out for you(odd bloke on a black/brown CX bike.
boxelder
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by boxelder »

The riding in the forests around Glen Feshie and Rothiemurchus are as 'weather-proof' as anything in Scotland - why not set off and re-assess when you reach the Kincraig area, or just do the outer loop. Plenty of bothies and warm hostelries.
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GregMay
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by GregMay »

Definitely a good option there ^^
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Nikk
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Nikk »

I'm still going. Forecast looks good for tomorrow and river levels look low http://apps.sepa.org.uk/waterlevels/?sd=t&lc=234274

I may set off earlier now the group start is not official.

I'm prepared to divert / turn round if snow is too deep / rivers are too deep.
padonbike
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by padonbike »

Nikk,
please be a bit wary of relying on a website for river levels - this is nature we are talking about.
The water levels can really fluctuate massively over 12hrs, but in general with lots of snow and rising temps there could be a lot of melt and high rivers.
If you start off on the actual route, you'll already have a good idea from the river crossings you meet on the Gaick pass.
If these prove dodgy, forget Avon and Geldie!
good luck
AlasdairMc
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by AlasdairMc »

I've seen the Geldie change overnight from a babbling brook to a raging torrent. I was considering riding the Loop tomorrow but I think all the info here has finally made my mind up for me.
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NewRetroTom
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by NewRetroTom »

I'm still planning to set off tomorrow. Will be on the fat bike. Prepared to/expecting to be turned back by deep fords.

Spot is here if anyone wants to watch my progress/lack of.....
http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... jJMmM6favv
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GregMay
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by GregMay »

Now we know where you live.

:)
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ZeroDarkBivi
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by ZeroDarkBivi »

Best of luck to all those brave people giving this a go today; gorgeous morning in East Fife.
ScotRoutes
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by ScotRoutes »

Beautiful up here in Aviemore too. The mountains look fantastic
Gari
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Gari »

Yep, lovely and sunny. Keep an eye on those burns and enjoy.
Trail-rat
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Trail-rat »

reckon toms climbing an lurg now.

looks like its been hard going judging by his pace - or his fatty weighs alot.
Trail-rat
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Trail-rat »

about face looks like he turned around at the top of an lurg.

Yes i am bored - im stuck in the middle of the north sea - and watching his dot is more exciting than watching the wendyball in the rec room.
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JohnClimber
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by JohnClimber »

Trail-rat wrote:reckon toms climbing an lurg now.

looks like its been hard going judging by his pace - or his fatty weighs alot.
Looks like he's turned round and back tracking now, hope he's alright
Trail-rat
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Trail-rat »

looking at gregs mates photo he probably got up an lurg looked over and went - poke that.

its a long slog through there at the best of times never mind in deep snow - with the prospect of walking back if the avon is high.
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GregMay
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by GregMay »

I was quite happy to see Tom turn round. Good rider = smart rider = not dead rider.
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ScotRoutes
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by ScotRoutes »

JohnClimber wrote:
Trail-rat wrote:reckon toms climbing an lurg now.

looks like its been hard going judging by his pace - or his fatty weighs alot.
Looks like he's turned round and back tracking now, hope he's alright
Possibly making for Tomintoul and the outer loop
Trail-rat
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Trail-rat »

absolutely greg

looks like he is off out to the braes of abernethy now.
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Javi
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Javi »

Fraser is at point 100km now . Never been there but it's at the highest point just by looking at the route profile. Sure he knows where is his limit. Scary!. Tom went to the outer loop before starting the climb to the top. Now he's 10km to Tomintoul.
Who else is out there?
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Javi
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Javi »

Found Howard's spot tracker link. He's is 50km into the route, near Feshieway cottage
ScotRoutes
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by ScotRoutes »

Javi wrote:Fraser is at point 100km now . Never been there but it's at the highest point just by looking at the route profile. Sure he knows where is his limit. Scary!. Tom went to the outer loop before starting the climb to the top. Now he's 10km to Tomintoul.
Who else is out there?
He's over the shoulder of Bynack Mor and across the Avon. I'd say that's the two main obstacles out of the way - unless the Feshie is swollen with melt.
Trail-rat
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Re: Cairngorm loop grp depart 2016

Post by Trail-rat »

the geldie would be my worry. in melt that can be 30ft in diameter at the crossing when the striations fill up .
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