Sunday Club Run Report

By: Grant

Dynamo Sunday Road Ride Report - Tour de Tay (via Old Scone)!

Sunday, the day of adventure and camaraderie for cycling enthusiasts. We enjoyed this scenic route through picturesque landscapes, vibrant towns, and hidden gems, all while enjoying the last dry spell before the weather takes a turn.

Our group of 7 avid road cyclists gathered at the starting point, the Millenium Hall, ready to embark on an unforgettable Tour de Tay ride. Phil brought his bike, now adorned with "go faster" grass, a testament to the recent grass cutting in the park left to mulch.

Our adventure began as we set off along the Coupar Angus road and we continued towards Tullybaccart, navigating tight, twisty turns before veering off towards Collace. Along the way, we encountered a friendly tractor driver who appreciated our gesture as we pulled over to let him pass.

As the sun bathed the landscape in its warm glow, a light breeze kept us comfortably cool. Crossing the Coupar Angus to Perth road, we encountered a challenging road surface, making us feel like we had solid tyres. Thankfully, it was a short stretch, and we turned onto the tranquil Stormontfield road, running parallel to the majestic River Tay.

Our journey led us to the roadworks at the new roundabout, part of the Cross Tay Link Road development. The Scone Horse racing grounds were bustling with activity, making it easier for us to navigate our way to Perth, enjoying a delightful downhill section.

In Perth, we encountered roadworks on Tay Street but we made our way through the throngs of tourists. Passing the peaceful Friarton harbor area, we ascended the Edinburgh Road, followed by a thrilling descent leading us to our coffee break at the Earn Coffee Shop. It was a pleasant reunion with the cafe, having not visited since before Covid. The tyrant who once ran the cafe seemed to have moved on, and the friendly staff welcomed us, even though the kitchen was "too busy." We savored coffee and scones in the outdoor seating area while indulging in lively conversations.

We continued our journey towards Bridge of Earn, taking the back road to Aberargie. Dark clouds loomed over the hills, and we felt what seemed like rain, but it turned out to be Andy's rear tyre leaking tire sealant. A quick check revealed radial cracks in the tire carcass, but the tubeless sealant admirably prevented further loss of fluid. Fitting an inner tube was a messy job no one was eager to undertake, so Andy continued cycling cautiously.

We rode through Newburgh and encountered the copper-colored Scottie dog from the Scottie dog trail in front of Lindores Abbey Distillery, aptly named the "Copper Dog."

From Newburgh, we navigated the rollercoaster route, enjoying breathtaking views of the Tay. We passed a layby with a plaque commemorating the battle between William Wallace and The Earl of Pembroke, which Wallace had won, of course.

As we continued, Andy's tyre held up, and the conversation turned to the ride's distance. We realised that the quoted distance only accounted for part of our journey, and Andy still had another 7 miles to ride on top of the listed 53 miles.

With the wind and sun at our backs, the journey to Wormit was pleasant, especially after conquering the Gauldry crossroads junction's last challenging climb. A final descent brought us to a busy road bridge, where an MTB rider ahead of us seemed to channel Gandalf, opting for the lift instead. We made our way down the stairs, and before parting ways, we took one last photo to immortalise our adventure.

We finished the route, passing by the bustling V&A with children playing in the sand and water, one of the busiest scenes we had ever witnessed. We navigated through the crowd, with Andy's bell announcing our presence.

Finally, on the last stretch toward Liff School, Andy noticed the ride felt harder than usual. A quick check and tyre inflation had provided a temporary solution, and we pressed on, mentally scheduling a new tyre appointment.

In Muirhead, we bid farewell after another spirited discussion. It was fantastic road ride, and we were fortunate to have enjoyed the last vestiges of summer's warmth and sunshine. Join us for our next adventure as we explore the beautiful landscapes and hidden treasures of our cycling haven.

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