The first May Bank holiday saw a trip north for a first of hopefully regular visits to the Scottish trails of Glentress and Innerleithen, part of the 7 Stanes network. Given the length of the journey ahead, many escaped early on Thursday morning and slotted in a warm up ride in the afternoon.

We were up to full strength (15) on Friday morning, and after breakfast and a little bike fettling we all headed to the cross country trail at Innerleithen. Blessed with Scottish sunshine (which can be wet sometimes) the trail was a mere ten minutes away from the accommodation, and the pub even closer!

After lunch we rode to the Glentress centre. Here we were joined by Rich Teague and Mike who had ridden from Edinburgh (22miles in the rain) to eat lots of cake and join us for the ride. An impressive feat on mountain bikes, considering a return journey after completing the red route. This made our efforts look a little modest by comparison! Mike was also distressingly fast up the hills despite having a big day planned. The downhill crew headed to the play park at Glentress; well after the rain stopped and the money in the electricity meter ran out so the TV went off!

Saturday saw a return to the Glentress centre to take up the challenge of the black loop. Others enjoyed the down hill and play park areas, but some succumbed to the cakes. The location of the cafe always looked dangerous for those with low resistance to the pull of cake and coffee.

The trails are superb at Glentress, with a good mix of climbing, descending, single track and opportunities to get air. The play park has plenty of challenges, table tops, berms, the box and other features not suitable for those of a nervous disposition (Photos). Innerleithen has some good cross country and some great downhill (well it looks great, other said it was good and I'm not brave enough to give you a first hand report!)

Highlight of Saturday was Dave Kirbys masterful performance at the barbecue (Photos). Entertainment came courtesy of Rich Dades virtuoso performance on the child's bike landing a challenging jump off the decking, and Tim just landing on his back from what I believe was a wheelie? Under the supervision of our tour leader; a most healthy spread was assembled, salad, chicken kebabs, sausages, burgers, and plenty of beer.

All returned to Glentress Sunday morning for a mix of blue and red trails, with Spooky Wood being a particular target. This is a cracking downhill bit of smooth flowing single track with berms and guaranteed smile at the end. The attraction of the cafe hit again for a few and Sunday afternoon was rest day, or did they go to the Church? A few remained at Glentress and played; Matt and I headed back to Innerleithen and climbed the hill in the sun for a fabulous uninterrupted descent, to seal a great long weekend of indulgence on the sweet Scottish trails.

The curry house in Peebles hosted the final night feast, then back to the local for a night cap.

So all that remains is to thank Mike Saunders for organising a fabulous trip, outstanding accommodation, and arranging a garage at Glentrail House which we furnished with some impressive machinery (and a couple of new steeds too!). The whole trip passed largely without any offs or major mechanicals and the author carefully arranged punctures to order, thus facilitating regular rests on the trail!

Shaun Grey 31 May 2009.