Faced with a weekend without my co-rider, I decided to join the Mountain Bike Ride Out with Hannah Barnes that was being hosted with Mikes Bikes Aviemore and Specialized Bicycles. It was a brilliant opportunity to meet with like-minded women and share a brilliant day out riding in the Cairngorms.
I packed my kit the night before and woke early on Sunday morning with the sun shining brightly through the windows. After a tasty bacon roll, coffee and orange juice, I was ready to set off for Aviemore. I was a little unsure what to expect and slightly nervous about joining 80 other women with my little Cannondale hardtail. I arrived early and felt excited to see riders gathering outside Mikes Bikes shop whilst the Specialized reps and staff sipped coffee.
At 1130, we all rolled up for the brief. The array of colour from everyone's helmets, shorts, jackets and bikes made for a stunning display of each rider's personality, united in the cause for women's cycling. The warm up started and Hannah Barnes, currently riding for Specialized, rolled round the car park with Sally from Mikes Bikes and the two ladies from Specialized, Georgia and Ann. I followed with a handful of other women and after three laps we were the first group off for the Mountain Bike Ride Out.
Getting out on the mountain bike for the first time this season, I was already having a great day. We passed Rothiemurchus and headed up to Badaguish Outdoor Centre. Along the way there were plenty of stops to catch up, continue the chatter and take in the stunning scenery. From Badaguish we climbed high into the forest, ready to start the first of the technical descents. It was tough, my bike and nerves not ready for the rock drop-off or difficult sections but as I relaxed and the single track got a little easier, the familiar feeling seeped in as I grinned ear to ear with excitement. I was particularly elated as I tackled a steep final run off, leaning back way behind my seat as I approached the firetrack.
Steadily, the group all finished the technical sections and after a group photo, made the steady cycle back to The Woodshed at Coylumbridge for a delicious BBQ and wind down with new friends. What an amazing five hours in the company of some amazing women (and some top blokes who were along to guide/help/slow the rider behind and generally chase ahead with the cameras)!!!
Thanks Mikes Bikes, Hannah Barnes and Specialized.