Next year's Glencoe Massacre

[northwind]

Aargh, it caused me actual physical pain starting this topic :mrgreen:

So, anyway, I've had a few people contact me asking "When is it next year". I have told them that after careful consideration of many factors including but not limited to weather, road traffic density, major sporting events, the alignment of celestial bodies, plague vectors, the migratory practices of the great scottish midge, and the threat of nationalist terrorism, it'll be some time in 2009. I think it'd be nice to narrow that down a bit.

So, first of all, June to August, right? Silly otherwise.

Second, dates to avoid- AR looks to be August 1st and 2nd going by the poll, we don't clash with that. (and it's also Kilted Ginger's wedding, currently!) Avoiding T in the Park is obviously sensible (10th and 11th July). I don't think the BSB at Knockhill is confirmed yet (boo) and I want to avoid August 28th and 29th as I'll be away that weekend and it's a bank holiday so the roads will be choked. Race week at the TT is the first week of June. Anything else to avoid? Any preferred month? School holidays? I'd like to get it down to a shortlist of, say, 4 weekends.

(My thinking- doing it after the AR was good last year as I could go down and try and convince people to come up, and basically show it's not that far. But this year, the AR's going to be later on so that won't be as simple. In general, the further away from the AR the better IMO. June is the driest of the 3 months apparently.)

Third, do we do the same basic package again with polish (easy) or do we do something different but on the same lines for the repeat offenders (not so easy). This is important, if we do a different location/route, obviously it has to be ace but also, it has to have a good name. Tiger55 came up with Whisky Chaser, I liked that, so if someone can come up with a whisky related rideout that's a contender :mrgreen:

Fourth, sign on the dotted line if you want to be/are foolish enough to be involved in the organisation of things.

That is all for now.

[-Ralph-]

Depends on what the accomodation options are. For camping it has to be June to August, for youth hostel, bunkhouse or so on, May and September actually get drier weather.

I can ligitimately duck out of organisation as I'll be a guest :cool:

[Kilted Ginger]

Anything i can do to assist you need but ask all mighty mod.:cheers:

If its the whisky chaser they really has to be speyside. Plenty of decent routes around there, also a multitude of accomodation options.

eg, base at pitlochry crieff callander (dukes) ballahullich fort william is 250 miles, you could drop callander and go aberfeldy and takes it to 180, Early birds that want to dukes go sharp, meet anyone else at Tyndrum?? or you could go east then loop round south and back through killin etc, sooooo many options.

Need to "polish" the ride, difficulties getting so many riders moving, Be realistic about mileages but set acheavible goals.

The earlier in the year the better as far as im concerned, i think the schools break up last weekend in june??? before that?? Dicky tickers essex tour of scotland is planned for 9 days starting 19th june.

Other than that i dont really have an opinion, i will be there!! as long as its before AR09 else i'll be on honeymoon.


Like i said anything you want / need me to do just say.

Oh and well done that man.

[northwind]

But then the only good Scotch is from Skye. Haggis'll like it but it's not so convenient for Fizzwheel :mrgreen:

Yeah, as far as the organisational side of the ride itself it needs more than one person's timings, I screwed up there by assuming that my usually pretty slow pace would be a decent average but it's a loop I knew well so it didn't work out that way. Usually I can be depended on to be slowest!

Probably a bit premature to talk about the mechanics of the ride itself, I think that's for once we've got some more heads together... But I think we can take the best of last year and use it, and hopefully that'll get rid of the worst of it too.

[Tiger 55]

So, first of all, June to August, right? Silly otherwise....the further away from the AR the better IMO. June is the driest of the 3 months apparently.
June it is then. I think the earlier the better, certainly the earlier the nicer in recent years.

do we do the same basic package again with polish or do we do something different but on the same lines for the repeat offenders
Different/same lines. Too easy otherwise (what am I saying) and variety is the spice of life and all that. The borders might, just might encourage a few more to make the journey up for example.

Tiger55 came up with Whisky Chaser
Alas no, I came up with Deflower of Scotland, Ecosse Ya Bass and John Wayne's an Arseh*le, amongst others even worse. Haggis had the good idea - linky (http://forums.sv650.org/showpost.php?p=1604560&postcount=39). Having said that I think we should call it The {insert location} Massacre every year to make it, you know, a tradition.

Fourth, sign on the dotted line if you want to be/are foolish enough to be involved in the organisation of things.
.........Tiger 55..........
.........Jillyburd..........

[petevtwin650]

The biggest problem on rideouts like these is getting them all rolling again after a stop. Fuel stops more than likely took longer than anticipated, especially THAT one, and everybody is relaxed after having something to eat so not overly inclined to mount up. Also any faffing about sorting out a distressed bike soaks up time. Nobody likes to leave a bike on an event like this so maybe a couple of volunteers who are good mechanically and bodgetastic could be designated to remain, sort out bike(s) then catch up with the rest of the group.

Roll on next year.:smt026:smt026:smt026

[dyzio]

Just hope it won't collide with my eurotrip plans :/, if not, I'm there wherever it'll be :)

By the way, great avatar Pete :smt023

[stewie]

Woo hoo :D I fancy June meself, the early summers have been a bit kinder to us recently, I wont be camping again though, me backs too knackered for that now so will be hoping for some B&B,s etc nearby, cant wait, might even do the rideout this time ;)

[scooby2102]

Sounds good Northy, I can help out if required and will try and workround whatever date we end up with.

Will be ok with whatever location as well but kinda agree with Tiger here that the borders may well entice more peeps from the deep south to make the effort

There are some cracking routes down there as well and its also a big area from Berwick right across to Dumfries and Galloway.

Tell ye what, I spent a long weekend at the lighthouse keepers cottage recently at Mull of Galloway, had a brill time, its desolate yet lively if that makes sense :), there's 3 of them and loads of tent space, also a couple of nice wee beaches all within a 5 min walk.

[Baz]

July - August would be best for me but I'm sure I can work around any problems should it be before.

[JamesMio]

June gets my vote too - May / June have been the best months of the year as far as I can remember, weather wise.

If you do decide to go for the Borders, then I'm at least based down here, if you think I can be of help with anything, please give me a shout?

At least the naming of this one would be a doddle - it's got to be The Border Ramble hasn't it?

The scenery down here isn't always quite as striking as the Highlands / North West, but it's still pretty fantastic, and as far as routes go - I could pick out hundreds of cracking miles in D&G alone, easy.

[hovis]

im thinking i might make this one

not to close to the AR would me nice, and it one be nice not have carry a tent, but still camp

[Quedos]

Not 11/12 July - C0ck O the North Weekend - then haslam.
Can't see anything wrong with June or August - i should be able to make either months (and 'im indoors)
If you need speyside - I've got few biker friends up there who may show us some spectactular roads - and i've been on them. (baggsie me stay at clairs for the weekend i love her surrounding roads) Like the whisky chaser title
if you need a Project Manager on board - happy to help but it will cost you 4 caramel logs!

[combatfred]

This year's Massacre was great and I'm sure everyone that went is gonna burst their **** to do it again in 2009. You're doing the right thing by getting the subject out there and talked about.

Keeping it away from key dates like T IN THE PARK and the AR is important.

Anyway, I'm in regardless of location.

[Tiger 55]

im thinking i might make this one
its pointless me voting if its somewhere i dont want to go, as in scotland,

as its full of scots;)
Hovis The Contradictory!

Anyway, it's not full of Scots although there's no room for Lulu. Derail over.

[hovis]

Hovis The Contradictory!

Anyway, it's not full of Scots although there's no room for Lulu. Derail over.

fair enough............. i wont come

[Luckypants]

Anyway, I'm in regardless of location.

Me too! There are two events I want to see 'boxed off' this and the AR, I'll plan my bike trips (and any NW# rideouts I organise) around these cos it was sooooooo much fun.

Avoiding midge season seems a good plan.

[Grinch]

I'm planning on going to Scotty land next year for my Hols, so might see you all before that.

[kitkat]

Avoiding midge season seems a good plan.

that will be january then;)

[Kilted Ginger]

What's the first priority northy??

Dates? Location? Routes?

I'd imagine the location first as this could affect dates ie availability and routes by defination are flexible.

Had a quick look at places i know cater to bikers, Clachan (http://www.clachanhotel.com/index.html) Hotel near fintry. (suzuki bikers club held a meet there last year, but they only do 50 mile rideouts???) has accomodation for 8, camp site at back, bar, restaurant and function suite, more accomodation within a few hundred yards away Fintry (http://www.thefintryinn.com/) Inn or Culcreuch (http://www.culcreuch-castle-hotel.com/) Castle.

hth

[Jinxy43]

Count me in,

If I can do anything to help out I shall. Just Let me know what I can do and I shall do my best.

Although I will be living in London by the time the AR and Glencoe massacre happens, But I will be there.

Lets make this better than 2008's Massacre. But not as good as 2010's Massacre will be.

[Lissa]

Woohoo!!!!!!!!

:smt026:smt026:smt026:smt026:smt026:smt026:smt026


That's all, carry on:p

[fizzwheel]

I'd like to go again, but we have a busy summer planned already. One weekend to avoid I think is the Donny Moto Gp weekend which is the last weekend in July.

But dont work dates to suit us, go with what works best for the orgnanisors IMHO.

[malks]

i missed this years and was gutted as i really wanted to go! i'm willing to help where i can with this one. my suggestion for a location is grandtully. the scottish canoe association has a camp site there (see link below) its fairly out of the way and not too many neighbours around. so i would say noise/campfires/drunk people wont annoy anyone unless they are with us! its not really used that much, unless a canoe event is on. plenty space, decent gravel type road etc... for parking bikes on. locally there are plenty of b&b's/hotels that are walking distance so if people would rather a bit of luxury its there.

pretty good location for a base with plenty of good roads around. only problem i can see is its quite far up for people to get too. still a good 1.5hrs away from glasgow. but you do have the sma glen or A9 to use to get there! could go east or west from there.

also depending on dates etc... i may be able to get use of my folks caravan to use as a base at the campsite! so we could have an awning up for wet weather storage etc....

any questions or anything give me a shout and i'll try and help if your interested in more about the location!

[dizzyblonde]

Now then, Northwind I have been waiting for this thread to appear. Im Indoors has been waiting too. You don't break your promises do you;)
Looks like i'm going to have to kiss you again:mrgreen:
We ain't overly bothered about dates as we plan in 'bike weekends' and make everything else wait:cool: As long as it ain't midge month;)
We await for the master plan to unfold, and if its anything to go by this year it will be fantastic.

Warning...if you plan it higher up...you'll have matt drooling, well he drools over scottish roads anyway:eek:..his fave place is Applecross, I have no idea why. :confused:


maybe if he comes up there for the weekend it may well cure his grumpiness:twisted:

[carnivore]

........ it may well cure his grumpiness:twisted:


No thats a ball gag dear. ;)

[Tiger 55]

his fave place is Applecross
Applecross would be fantastic!

Tiny wee bit further north than is absolutely ideal perhaps...

[gerbrox]

Count me in regardless of location, If it's whiskey related I could set up something on Isla, close contacts with Sales MD on Bruechladdie (probably wrong spelling) does anyone remember James May and the wine plonker GUY filling up a car with whiskey and running it this year, anyway that was my Wifes Uncle set that up, not sure Isla is that big to ride around though??

As I said at the Ice Cream run, weather for the last couple of seasons around the scottish cup final (tail end of may) has always been great and proabbly no-one here follows football apart from me and Tiger55, Husky might be worth it in and around then?

[trickywoos]

Just popping in to let you know, Knockhill BSB is currently scheduled for 3-5 July. x

<TA! Northwind>

[yorkie_chris]

WAHEY!!!

:-D

That is all.

[northwind]

KG, at this point I think just a narrowing down, I don't see us setting dates immediately for the reason you point out, no point deciding it's weekend X if everything's booked out. Personally I think the location/campsite is the most important part, it's not like it's hard to find routes up here. But if we're looking at june then obviously we need to get dates set in the not too distant.

not to close to the AR would me nice, and it one be nice not have carry a tent, but still camp

I've got spare tents, well, at least one and can probably borrow another without any trouble, no problem to haul them up- I had a spare with me last year in case anyone did an Onyerbike and turned up with a binbag to sleep in.

[hovis]

those wig wam things looked good

or maybe just 1 big marquee for all?

[Jinxy43]

or maybe just 1 big marquee for all?



NO WAY,

Someone's snoring from way across the campsite this year is still ringing in ma ears.


:smt109

[northwind]

Depending on location/logistics, I reckon I could haul my mum and dad's old frame tent up, it'll sleep 6 with the inner tent in it. But it does smell like someone died in it. Also, it crushed OYB's car last year.

Lets make this better than 2008's Massacre. But not as good as 2010's Massacre will be.

:smt045

Fuel stops more than likely took longer than anticipated, especially THAT one, and everybody is relaxed after having something to eat so not overly inclined to mount up.

Yeah, part of the problem there was that I was always last to arrive so by the time I turned up to say "Right, back on the bikes", everyone had always ****ed off :mrgreen: And too much of the plan was mainly just in my head. Should have seen that coming, won't happen again, I reckon I'll probably volunteer to TEC again (it suits me) but it'll have more people in the pack who know exactly what's going on and who can boss people around and sort stuff out. Er, including you two if you're offering :smt115 since you do it anyway. And assorted others who likewise did it last year without being asked.

Different/same lines. Too easy otherwise (what am I saying) and variety is the spice of life and all that. The borders might, just might encourage a few more to make the journey up for example.

Alas no, I came up with Deflower of Scotland, Ecosse Ya Bass and John Wayne's an Arseh*le, amongst others even worse.

I'll need to speak to the North/South people, they hit the borders last year. I always kind of figured that if it's worth doing Scotland, it's worth doing bits of Scotland that aren't just England with more sheepsh***ing... But also there's no point in overlapping. But yeah, certainly the less north we are the better for most folks.

I did think "whisky chaser" was a bit too good to have been one of yours.

[northwind]

Malks posted what looks a good location, though a bit far north maybe... It's never too early to look at locations though. I'll throw out my ideal, then see if people have any other thoughts or any suggestions.

Best of all worlds- has a shop on site or local shops, nearby bar and hot food, camping and also b&b or hotel. The absolute ideal is a place we can take over completely so that we're not always on a leash and made to go to bed at 10pm (or a campsite with a seperate field we can use, or a tolerant attitude to noisy b****rds). The location should be, oh, let's say totally at random south of the Oban-Dundee line, though obviously south has its advantages and maybe we would go further north for a perfect location. Access to a good route is obvious, access from the motorways etc would be nice too- last year having to put people up the crap bit of the A82 with loaded bikes in the dark, was not ideal. There's more to location than distance from the border.

A decent rideout route isn't exactly hard to find :mrgreen: But a really good location isn't so easy.

[malks]

cheers northy, i know it may be slightly far north for a starting point, but it does seem to cover all the criteria (mainly a campsite where we could make as much noise as we want!!). obviously there is the campsite where i put the link up for. then there is also a very cheap basic self catering/bunkhouse type accommodation place there to (http://www.thegrandtully.com/) for those who dont want to camp. if people would rather have somewhere nicer to stay than camping/bunkhouse ( http://www.theinnonthetay.co.uk/ ) is a nice hotel right on the river. this is also the pub that is within 2mins walking distance of the campsite. theres also b&b's to fill the price bracket in between. grandtully also has a small shop for any necessities food/drink. if needed aberfeldy is 10/15mins up the road for a small supermarket/takeaway/petrol

the only down side i can see (apart from the distance) is the junction to the main road. its not great. but we'd only need to negotiate it once to get everyone out onto the road each day.

i used to spend many a day up at grandtully canoeing so i know the area pretty well. maybe gone into a bit much detail, but thought i'd post all i know about the location. trying to think of some other locations too....

[northwind]

It does look good... Can we arrange to move it to Perth? :mrgreen:

Oh yeah, while I'm dribbling on, I did have the thought that there's no reason we do this only once a year- we can't do two huge rideouts but we could do a locals weekend away/**** up easily enough, like the annual aviemore run but with sunlight? So any ideas that come up here I'm also sort of mentally filing away for that. Camping and drinking are great companions :mrgreen: I don't know if there's a demand for it, though, it's something for later on I think.

[petevtwin650]

390 miles to there for us :cool:. We'd just have to bite the bullet and motorway it all the way and not detour off this time.

Realise this is early days yet but at least it's giving us something to look forward to during these cold wet dark days.

[Tiger 55]

I don't know if there's a demand for it
I demand it and so does my wife!

[Kilted Ginger]

Northy I enquired at fintry, got a very positive reply, BBQ to use 3 course meals £10 pp exclusive use of field etc I can post the entire thing up here or email to you direct, invited up to check it out so may nip up on Sunday or can do next week if someone fancies joining me for a burger and beer.

[northwind]

Fire it up mate, all sounds very promising. I don't know the area well but it's obviously handy for last year's route but a good jump-off for other rides as well.

[Kilted Ginger]

Will do when i get to a pc, iPod thing has got limited functionality, or I have?

If I can't talk hazel into lunch there on Sunday I'll nip up next week and have a good look round.

[Kilted Ginger]

For those that dont know the area Fintry is a small 2 street village, standard T formation it sits about 30 miles due north of Glasgow and can be reached via balfron, lennoxtown or the a811. There's three pub/ hotels and a social / sports club (where I destroyed my cruciate ligament many moons ago. Did have a petrol station but thatmay be closed (I'll check) but there are others close by. I'm by no means suggesting this as the camp but checking it out and providing info for others as it's only about 20 miles from me.

[peterco]

KG ,Is it the Clachan Hotel ?
I am available after tuesdayif fancy a run out for a burger.

pete

[gerbrox]

The grounds around Cruech Castle are okay, lodges as well, probably lots of weddings etc, Camping might not be an option.

The road up from Lennoxtown is fantanstic, well for me anyway when I done it in the dark and wet after my off at the AR.

KG let me know what your thinking to go for pint and a bit or scran if it's okay for me to join you?

[Lissa]

If you do go to the Clachan Hotel, can you find out what their B&B prices are please, as there is no info on their web site.:D

Mind you, I get the feeling that if you have to ask you can't afford it:o

[northwind]

I have no idea what's going on now! But:

Clachan Hotel
Crow Road
Fintry
G63 0XG
tel: chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_transparent_l.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/famfamfam/gb.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/arrow.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gifchrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/space.gif01360 860237chrome://skype_ff_toolbar_win/content/cb_transparent_r.gif
fax: 01360 860521
email: enquiries@clachanhotel.com (enquiries@clachanhotel.com?subject=Clachan%20Hote l:%20enquiry%20from%20www.RoomFinderScotland.co.uk %20website)
website: www.clachanhotel.com (http://www.clachanhotel.com/)
open: All Year
location: view map (http://www.streetmap.co.uk/streetmap.dll?postcode2map?code=G63+0XG&zoom=3)

http://www.roomfinderscotland.co.uk/images/stirling/338.jpg
type: Hotel/Lodge
tariff:
single
double/twin
(b&b, per room, per night)
please enquire
£50.00 - £65.00


rooms:
3
1

double
twin


[ 2


rooms are ensuite ]

http://www.roomfinderscotland.co.uk/images/logos/smoke1.jpg restricted smoking


I think I stayed there in about 1987, don't remember it well though :mrgreen:

[Kilted Ginger]

Chill people (Lissa) this is not the venue. Just one of many we are considering. Will post email tomorrow with tariffs etc. If I don't get a chance to nip up inthe daylight tomorrow then wed eve for a beer and a burger for anyone that's interested? The earlier the better. Obviously weather dependabt as these roads will not be gritted.

[Kilted Ginger]

As promised, heres the info. I'll try to get up there on Sunday for a look round in the day light. Failing that as said before i'll pop up Wednesday if anyone else wants to join me (peterco, Gerbrox, .......)

Hi Marc,
in response to your enquiry, we would be happy to cater for you. We previously had the Harley group and the Suzuki group camp (on seperate occassions) for two nights and everyone, including us had a great time. The maximum number of tents tho we are not sure on as we have only ever had 10 but you are more than welcome to pay a visit and check it out for yourself. With regards to the eating, fires and barbeques etc, these will not be a problem. Fire bins are situated around the campsite and logs/kindling willl be provided at a reasonable price. If you bring disposable barbeques please do not use them on the grass. A barbeque area is available on which to place them. However, hot rolls will be provided in the morning for a reasonable price and a 3 course dinner will be available, in the function hall if you wish, for £9.99 pp. The function hall will cater a maximum of 70 people.

Rates are as follows;
£5 pp per night camping,
£65 (B&B) for a Double Ensuite (2 available)
£50 (B&B) for a Double Room with shared facilities
£50 (B&B) for a Twin Room with shared facilities

Entertainment can also be provided if required. Karaoke, Singer etc. Please notify us well in advance should you wish us to arrange this.

Look forward to your response.

Michelle :)

Managing Director
The Clachan Hotel



Just to avoid confusion bought on by over eagerness, THIS IS NOT THE VENUE, it is only an option we are checking out.

[scooby2102]

Yep, been there this year although I didnt manage the Harley weekend, the HD folk all said it was good.

Nice beer garden out the back etc and nice inside as well

Dont know if they could cope with the numbers though (tents etc)

[startrek.steve]

For those that dont know the area Fintry is a small 2 street village.

my Half-brother lives there!
long way from Hull, thought it was nearer Aberdeen?

Steve

[Tiger 55]

Hot rolls will be provided in the morning for a reasonable price.
Tough to beat the very, very reasonable price of this year's hot rolls, but otherwise sounds excellent.

Karaoke though, hmmm....

[Lissa]

Just to avoid confusion bought on by over eagerness, THIS IS NOT THE VENUE, it is only an option we are checking out.

Ah, you mistook my reasons for asking about the prices. It wasn't over-eagerness, it was penny-pinching. We're poor, us:(

[appollo1]

I'll be there no matter what date is planned (as long as her indoors agrees).

I know when i get back i am quite far away being right on the east coast but if i can help in any way then let me know.

[MR UKI (1)]

WAHEY!!!

:-D

That is all.

+1. Hell last years was soooooooo good i'd camp in the middle of winter :cool:

[northwind]

Ah, I think Oldskoolsuzuki stayed there once... I'll ask them, see what they think. Looks a fantastic site... Apart from the size maybe

[Baz]

Karaoke though, hmmm....

Ho no not that please anything but that [-o<

[haggis]

....Oh yeah, while I'm dribbling on, I did have the thought that there's no reason we do this only once a year- we can't do two huge rideouts but we could do a locals weekend away/**** up easily enough, like the annual aviemore run but with sunlight? So any ideas that come up here I'm also sort of mentally filing away for that. Camping and drinking are great companions :mrgreen: I don't know if there's a demand for it, though, it's something for later on I think.

I was thinking of organising a weekend somewhere-up-north run before the massacre (ok, May i think- before the midges!!). Maybe meet at Fort William for lunch/Invergarry/Applecross (bbq-camp)/Skye loop/Mallaig ferry/Fort William and make your way south. However, It's not ideal for a big group due to some of the narrow roads I'd like us to cover.

Would anyone be interested in this? Feel free to comment either way.

[Tiger 55]

Fort William for lunch/Invergarry/Applecross (bbq-camp)/Skye loop/Mallaig ferry/Fort William and make your way south.
I'm mad for it, I'm mad for it, I'll take you all on etc etc. :cheers:

[petevtwin650]

I was thinking of organising a weekend somewhere-up-north run before the massacre (ok, May i think- before the midges!!). Maybe meet at Fort William for lunch/Invergarry/Applecross (bbq-camp)/Skye loop/Mallaig ferry/Fort William and make your way south. However, It's not ideal for a big group due to some of the narrow roads I'd like us to cover.

Would anyone be interested in this? Feel free to comment either way.

Not at all interested in the sound of that.:p

[Kilted Ginger]

Yes yess yeeessssss. But perhaps a seperate thread.
Derail over ;)

[Quedos]

I was thinking of organising a weekend somewhere-up-north run before the massacre (ok, May i think- before the midges!!). Maybe meet at Fort William for lunch/Invergarry/Applecross (bbq-camp)/Skye loop/Mallaig ferry/Fort William and make your way south. However, It's not ideal for a big group due to some of the narrow roads I'd like us to cover.

Would anyone be interested in this? Feel free to comment either way.

hmm may - depends when it is - we're heading over the the NW this year!

[haggis]

Heya Q! How r you both? I'll PM you about Coopz, meant to do so last week. ;)

Re: the dates..... The main problem is I've only got two long weekends available around then, 18/19th Apr, 23/24th May. The next is 4/5th July (Knockhill/my b'day) so thats out! :-D

Mid-April there is still a slight risk of snow like it did the last two years on the Bealach, so I'd prefer the safer option in May. It's one of the main to-do's on the trip. Does that week clash with the NW?

I will start a new thread on this subject tonight. Get the ball rolling with route, timing etc..

[Kilted Ginger]

Ok, as I never made it Sunday I'm planning to pop up to the clachan hotel in fintry on Wednesday for a look see. Anyone that wants to join me for a bimble up or meet me there for a burger and a look round is more than welcome. I'm completely flexible about timings but if I'm going solo it will be at lunch time to see the place in daylight.

[peterco]

What time is lunch ?
12pm or 1pm


pete

[Kilted Ginger]

Ok, as I never made it Sunday I'm planning to pop up to the clachan hotel in fintry on Wednesday for a look see. Anyone that wants to join me for a bimble up or meet me there for a burger and a look round is more than welcome. I'm completely flexible about timings but if I'm going solo it will be at lunch time to see the place in daylight.

The Clachan starts serving at 12 so anytime after that really.

[peterco]

Will be at the clachan for 1230.

pete

[Kilted Ginger]

SV650.org ecosse batallion, intellegence gathering field report. Operatives Sgt. Peterco, Pvt. Kilted

Location : Clachan Hotel Fintry. Date 17/12/2008

Access. B818 from Denny or killearn, twisty, avg - poor surface. not great.
B822 from lennoxtown to Kippen good surface shoild pose no problems.

Parking: tarmac park 20 car spaces

Campsite: basically this is a bit rough ground / field at the back of the hotel.
2876

2877
We would have the whole area, they obviously allow a campfire, there is a outdoor seating area, 6 picnic tables and a bbq which we can use.
There is a small burn which you have to cross twice on a couple of 4X2's no prob in daylight but drunk in the dark may be more challanging

The hotel is split into 3 a function room which can take 70, the bar which could probably take about 100 and the restaurant which seats 40ish.

They could provide an evening meal and breakfast for us (well priced) in the function room and can organise karaoke or possibly a band for the evening, drink and food was well priced (not edinburgh prices) and the owner, manager and staff that we met today were very friendly, easygoing and welcoming.

Sounds too good to be true eh?

Well it is, couple of big misses on the wish list.

Facilities: there are none, there is no toilet or shower facilities for the campsite as it is pretty much just a field, they may add some later but definately not in time for us.. NO TOILETS, NO SHOWERS.
The way they work currently (with much lower numbers than we would have ) is to use the hotel toilet, 2 urinals; 2 clugies; 2 sinks, and the shower in the shared bathroom of the twin rooms upstairs. I dont see any way that it could cope with our numbers.

No dry area, other than the pub itself, nowhere to hang gear or hang about if weather is foul.

SO thats pretty much it, it may be the ideal place in a couple of years if they get around to putting in toilet / showers but unfortunately not right now. So an option but not the best one at this time.

Just my humble opinion and i'm prepared to stand corrected if the collective feeling is nobody will want to get washed for 3 days anyway and we make like bears.


P.S. Pete and I had a very nice lunch then preceded to get bloody soaked and bobbed about like corks by the wind on the run home.

[petevtwin650]

Well we'll be staying in other accom so the lack of facilities isn't a problem for us although somewhere sheltered to hang around in the morning would be missed.

Doesn't sound ideal as you say KG and it does appear as if peeps were planning in staying for a few nights.

Appreciate your efforts and honesty on this recce.

[northwind]

Nice one... Well, no such thing as bad info ;) But it doesn't look ideal. Great effort though!

[-Ralph-]

Sounds good other than toilet and showers, but then you can camp in a field if you are prepared. Why were baby wipes invented? ;)

[haggis]

....and we make like bears.


Hmm, I'm thinking a large group of bears over a weekend creates a big heap of ****! lol.


That's a real shame, as otherwise it seemed a very positive location. Like you say, certainly one to keep in hand.

Good work you two.

[stewie]

Well we'll be staying in other accom so the lack of facilities isn't a problem for us although somewhere sheltered to hang around in the morning would be missed.

Doesn't sound ideal as you say KG and it does appear as if peeps were planning in staying for a few nights.

Appreciate your efforts and honesty on this recce.

+1, good one for taking the time to have a look guys.

[Baz]

As northy said "no such thing as bad info", would have been alot worse if we had just said "yea go for that it'll be fine".
So the hunt continues.

[peterco]

I have emailed the Bein Inn at Glenfarg,they do bike rallies,have not been to one here.
This is the reply;
Hi Pete,
Thanks for your enquiry.
It would probably be around £5 per bike/tent to camp for the weekend.
To a degree it depends when you are thinking of coming up, and total numbers.
Yes, there are still showers available off site - at the Community Centre and near the shop.

KG and any other's, possible recon in the new year

pete
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[northwind]

I don't like the looks of that chef.

[dizzyblonde]

I don't like the looks of that chef.

lol are his eyes too close together??:cyclopsani:

[Sally]

Just me, or have they taken a random chav, and photoshopped his head, and stuck it onto a picture of a real chef?

Meh, maybe just me.. haha

[Tiger 55]

Why the hell would I want to meet the chef? Just cook my bloody dinner man!

[Blue Flame]

Yes, there are still showers available off site - at the Community Centre and near the shop.


Dunno about that !!

[peterco]

Your right Blue flame,
I have mixed up emails.
Bein inn do not accommodate rallies.
The email that was posted is for the Kilchoan house hotel.
Apologies for the mix up.

pete

[Kate SV650]

There have been rallies at the Bein Inn (Bein Snowin' Rally in January), but the Loch Lomond club no longer hold them there (as far as I know, there are no shower facilities - most folk camped the one night, as it was January. And as we all know, you don't change your underwear at one night rallies in January, you just wait until you get home!!).
What about the Ken Bridge Hotel in Dumfries and Galloway? I have been to rallies there (up to 100 folk). They have their own wee camping area next to the hotel, about a dozen rooms (?) for folk that don't want to camp. They definitely do have a toilet that can be accessed during the night (no, not the bushes!) and a shower for the campers. It is a few years since I have camped there and I think it may have changed hands. Might be worth further investigation?? Might be handy for the Southerners.

[peterco]

Have camped at the Ken Bridge hotel before.


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The Ken Bridge, an 11 bedroom Georgian hotel, is situated on the banks of the beautiful River Ken at the head of Loch Ken which is renowned for its good fishing and picturesque views.
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The hotel has a camping and caravanning site, and has its own fishing rights on the River Ken which is free to all residents.

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pete

[northwind]

Looks excellent, that, maybe a bit further south than we were really looking but that's not neccesarily an issue. Great suggestion, thank you!

[fizzwheel]

I know that area a litte as my ex's parents are in Kirkcudbright, its beautiful around there and the road from Castle Douglas up to Ayr was brilliant fun in my Golf. Also you could take in The Electric Brae as well as you're kind of in and around that area to IIRC.

For us Southerners its certainly a little more accessable than this years was, but again I dont see the distance as being a problem...

I dont know if we can make it next year, but I'd be extra inclined to make the effort if it ends up there :cool:

[Kate SV650]

The Kilchoan House Hotel is an excellent idea too! For folk travelling to it, you have the Corran ferry and then you have the option of the ferry over to Tobermory on the Saturday for an afternoon sesh! You can walk to the ferry terminal from the Community Centre. Feels like a real holiday. Food is excellent in Tobermory. Food at the Hotel is O.K. as long as you like fish'n'chips in newspaper as your only option. The rally I have been up to at Kilchoan lets the club use the Community Centre kitchen, which might be handy! Anytime in midgie season up there is murder though!!

[northwind]

I think Kilchoan's just too far, it's another 3 hours north of last year. Sure some people'd go but it's probably a push too far for a lot of folks. But it's another one WE should hit maybe?

[carelesschucca]

Hello (back again from the brink) I like the idea of Fintry (or has this already been discounted - I’m skimming the thread)

The roads into it are fun and it gives access to most directions (south being the stickler) only down sides are the nearest petrol that I can remember is Lennoxtown (15 minutes at reasonable speeds) or Balfron.

Only real downside is we’d be using the same or similar roads to last year, bar The Dukes Pass there’s always time for more of that…

But being honest I’m up for anything as this years run was good but a little stressful.

[Luckypants]

One thing for you organisers to not to worry about..... using the same roads as last year! :D For us southerners, the same roads would be just as ace as new ones, seeing as how we don't ride them that often (last massacre and 10 years before in my case!).

[northwind]

Yeah, that's Plan B: We do the exact same thing as we did this year, only with a bit more polish, or just run the rideout the other way round :D (it's better the way we did it this year, mind)

[Kilted Ginger]

There's a place in Kelso, springwood or springburn, i'll nip down in a couple of weeks and check it out (unless theres someone more local) theres seemingly been bike rallies there in the past so pretty well set up, dont know many roads in that area though, on th upside its less distance for our southern cousins.

[Tiger 55]

We need to change the title of this thread. Happy new year everyone!



(Phew, and I thought I wasn't going to be any help at all.)

[Ed]

You decided anything yet, Scottish peeps?

[northwind]

We don't. Bit of a stall actually, I've been a bit busy and focusing on other stuff, we've got basically a list of dates to avoid and we need to knock that into shape. Since it's all calendars and lists I can probably do it in the office and make people think I'm actually working :mrgreen:

[Luckypants]

I'd really appreciate knowing what date you guys plan on as I want to avoid your weekend when planning the North Wales rideouts. I also have the small matter of a eurotrip and house sale to fit in!

[Lissa]

I'd really appreciate knowing what date you guys plan on as I want to avoid your weekend when planning the North Wales rideouts. I also have the small matter of a eurotrip and house sale to fit in!

Ditto.

Waiting to organise a few weekend events but holding off for the date for this.

Even a list of weekends it WON'T be would be a help, if any are certainly ruled out.:D

[dizzyblonde]

yuppp, I want to give this one priority over other plans on our list.
:-)

[orose]

yuppp, I want to give this one priority over other plans on our list.
:-)

+1 - think the only one I'm looking forwards to more is the AR

[-Ralph-]

We don't. Bit of a stall actually, I've been a bit busy and focusing on other stuff

Northy, people need to know dates!

Get yer finger out and earn yer wages....!

Oh, aye, you don't get any wages....:rolleyes:

[Luckypants]

+1 - think the only one I'm looking forwards to more is the AR

Oi! :D