YACF Ecosse - end of year social - Edinburgh : Sat 29th Nov.

[y lee g]

I caught up with the Hibernian Exile in Dublin yesterday and whilst sampling the local brew, we got round to discussing the possibility of a primarily social get together towards the end of the year as an opportunity to meet up.       

The plan would be to arrange a mutually convenient meeting place with accommodation / food / pub on Saturday, stay overnight and back home Sunday.

We got as far as thinking that Comrie might be suitable –

- geographically “central” (within 100k for the majority)
- big enough to have a few pubs / eateries
- it has a YH which appears to be open all year round (as well as other more salubrious accommodation options). 
- for those that don’t want to cycle the whole way, it would be possible to catch the train to Perth or Bridge of Allan.   

Can I throw this idea out to the general consumption – is there sufficient interest to pursue this further?  We were thinking about the last weekend in November or the first two in December.

Any better suggestions on location are welcome.

[Noodley]

Should we invite the wifie from the shoppie along as well?  After all she has had to put up with Eck visiting just about every weekend and buying tins of red bull.

I am led to believe (by Eck again) that Comrie can be a wee bit expensive, but there is a youth hostel. Although if Craig comes along it would have to have a hedge.

[the cormorant]

I think that sounds like a great idea. I'd be up for that!

[Noodley]

Oh, I forgot to mention - I think it's a great idea 
Not sure about the dates.  Last w/end of November I have something on for definite, then into December I will most likely have Christmas parties for the kids and shopping and stuff on. 

But don't mind me, I'd only end up moaning 

[innesh]

I'll consult my social diary.  OK, completely empty, as usual. 

Will there be 'prize giving'?  You know the sort of thing - most points in the season, best organiser, most nights spent under a hedge, fastest fattest rider etc

 

[eck]

Should we invite the wifie from the shoppie along as well?  After all she has had to put up with Eck visiting just about every weekend and buying tins of red bull.

Look, let's be clear on this one. I have a few DIY perm routes, not all of which go via Comrie. 
I use one of the village shops there as a control cos they have the biggest f off rubber stamp I've ever seen. Last time I was there, a young workie lad was in the shop. Usual story: he asks where I've been, where I'm going. Wifie confirms I'm in there regular like. She stamps the card. As I leave, I hear workie lad comment to wifie, "He must be aff his f*ing heid."

I didn't hear her reply. 

Grand Idea btw, l lee g. At least I know the way to Comrie, so if Noodley comes, I can make sure he doesn't get lost. For once.
Fattest rider? No contest. 

[blackpuddinonnabike]

December's long enough away that I shouldn't have anything already planned, so count me in. Not sure I'd be up for riding all the way from Embra - we'll see what the weather is doing...

EDIT: I always think it's further away than it is - only a 60 odd mile ride. Right, we need an Embra contingent riding there then.

[GlasgowDave]

I'd be up for it.

What about a CTC club hut? Isn't there one near Callander?

GD

[Creaky Knees]

Great idea YLG,

It's a bit of a way for us but we don't mind where it is as long as it's sunny

I caught up with the Hibernian Exile in Dublin yesterday and whilst sampling the local brew, we got round to discussing the possibility of a primarily social get together towards the end of the year as an opportunity to meet up.       

The plan would be to arrange a mutually convenient meeting place with accommodation / food / pub on Saturday, stay overnight and back home Sunday.

We got as far as thinking that Comrie might be suitable –

- geographically “central” (within 100k for the majority)
- big enough to have a few pubs / eateries
- it has a YH which appears to be open all year round (as well as other more salubrious accommodation options). 
- for those that don’t want to cycle the whole way, it would be possible to catch the train to Perth or Bridge of Allan.   

Can I throw this idea out to the general consumption – is there sufficient interest to pursue this further?  We were thinking about the last weekend in November or the first two in December.

Any better suggestions on location are welcome.

[neilmc]

Good idea, count me in also.

Fattest rider?. I'll prepare the acceptance speech.

neilmc.

[Mrs Pingu]

Mmm, sounds fun. Will there be weather?

[blackpuddinonnabike]

Mmm, sounds fun. Will there be weather?

December in Scotland? Nah, minimal.

[Mrs Pingu]

Mmm, sounds fun. Will there be weather?

December in Scotland? Nah, minimal.

Excellent. 

[Noodley]

Shall we be able to discuss new audax events which are appearing on the calendar?

Port Navigation Light
Oban  200 km    

Starting from: Oban           
Date: Saturday 2nd May 2009

 

[alves]

I'd be up for that, esp. as it's only down the road for me.
Great idea. We need to get some dates organised soon before the diaries fill up. I'd prefer November if poss.

[epa611]

Good idea, count me in also.

Fattest rider?. I'll prepare the acceptance speech.

neilmc.

I think I've got you there

Sounds like a grand idea - need clearance from the Mrs though.....

[blackpuddinonnabike]

I'm a definite for this now it would appear. 

[mr magnolia]

I'll declare my interest, coupled with a very probable inability to attend, whenever it is!

There seems to be a good few names and faces out there that I can't connect, so a wee social event sounds like a great idea.  (I suppose if i actually did more riding I would be able to do some more connecting mind...)

 

[eck]

Good idea, count me in also.

Fattest rider?. I'll prepare the acceptance speech.

neilmc.

I think I've got you there

Er, I think you'll find I got my claim in first: 

Fattest rider? No contest. 

BTW, I have a few blank medals left over from the Snow Roads. Applebag has started the ball rolling. I think we can manage about 10 awards. Suggestions / nominations? 

[Captain Zep]

I may well be interested in joining this little soiree too.

Almost everyone I know who cycles, I've met through audax, so mostly just speak to them whist on the road.  It was great fun last Saturday at Newtonmore just to socialise at Newtonmore and see guys I've ridden many miles with in civilian clothes.  neilmc looked like a "normal" "respectable" person, and what a hoot too! 

RJMcB

[MercuryKev]

I'm up for some end of year fun. I'd back up the RJ Newtonmore experience, it was good to meet some people in a non-lycra occasion.  There were a couple who I didn't recognise without helmets.

[Noodley]

OK, despite my earlier post re definitely not being available on the last weekend of November...I have been able to change this.  I can also make it on the first weekend of December.

So, there's your cue to arrange it for the weekend of 13th December...

[y lee g]

OK OK so I think its a yes to Comrie.   

Of course we should have some year end awards, thats a cracking idea.   

I'll add a poll and will let democracy rule on the preferred date. 

Update - the "Comrie Croft" Hostel [available via the SYHA website] is pretty much fully booked in all weekends bar the last one before Christmas, so I'm exploring alternatives

[fin]

 

Crieff Hydro is down the road and I believe Eck can negotiate a good rate.
Otherwise the Fife & Kinross CTC hut on the shore of Loch Earn would be idyllic, if a bit cramped.  Shower facility available and no midges: guaranteed.

[Crystal Tips]

This weekend sounds like a great idea, though I confess I had to look up a map to see where Comrie was

Mind you, the CTC hut sounds a bit rough and ready for me, might have to persuade AndyPandy we should stay in a nice cosy B&B