Well what a great weekends riding that was. Last Thursday Simon and myself headed off up to Scotland for a long weekends biking. Our 1st stop was to be the trails at Dalbeattie on Thursday afternoon with Kirroughtree planned for the following day and then moving on to Peebles on Saturday and Sunday.

Dalbeattie was better than I remembered, the last time I was there, there were several diversions in place where as this time it was all open. Despite a heavy rain shower the riding was excellent and we both enjoyed the circuit.

For the night we camped at Newton Stewart and had several beers and great food in a local hotel. On Friday morning we were up early and on the Kirrougthtree trails by 8.30. As per usual these were fantastic, loved the Red and Black routes and made the extra journey out to the west  more than worth it.

After Kirrougthtree we untook the long drive over to Peebles and the Tweed Valley Trails. The Crossburn campsite that we normally stay at was fully booked so we tried our luck at Rossetta and got in there fine. After setting up camp we had some food then a night in the local pubs. On Saturday morning we cycled up to Glentress and after having breakfast at the Hub we opted to do the Red route.

 Simons Knees were feeling the strain of his two recent SDW rides but we made good progress, I really enjoyed the knew climbs at the biginning of the routes up to the Buzzards Nest car park. Once at the top the return back down was a real buzz, loved it and we enjoyed another stop at the Hub.

Normally we would have gone back out to do the Black Route but today we felt like a chilled ride so opted for the Blue which we had never done before. I have to say it was very enjoyable and I would certainly do it again, very flowing and fast, great fun.

After another night in town, this time at 'The Bridge' pub which over the years we have found to be by far the best, it was our last day. We decided to make a early start so we could get the Innerleithen XC trail done well before lunch giving us time to return to the campsite shower, pack and make the long journey home.

We started out at 9 and were back to the cars by about 11 having completed  yet another great trail. The climb is long and hard, probably my least favorite of the weekend. On the other hand the decent remains the best overall. Its a great trail although I still give the honour of the best overall trail to Kirrougthtree.