Ride - Scotland, Glen Tanar
Where
Another great fatbike ride along a section of the ancient pinewoods of Scotland, this time in Glen Tanar, Aberdeenshire. This is the third section of the ancient forest I’ve ridden after Abernethy and Glen Ferrick and the Finlets.
Most of the riding here appears to be easy gravel with a few single-tracks here and there. I need to explore a bit more next time I’m here. From the car park in Bridge of Tanar I rode up a section of the Firmounth Road and along the Queens road into the eastern edge of the forest. The Queens Road goes across the top of a field with big-horned cattle which wouldn’t budge from the road and I decided that I’m just too old to argue with that sort of beast now so lopped down the field away from them (the photo does not confer their ferocity…!). From there I wandered around by the Water of Tanar before settling into the slow climb towards the western edge of the ancient woods. If I’d kept going I’d have made it to Mount Keen and Glen Esk (a spring or summer over-nighter).
The Firmounth Road is an important old road that runs north to south in Aberdeenshire towards Angus. It has been used by smugglers, drovers and others for hundreds of years. It links up with the Fungle Road to end up in Tarfside, Glen Esk. Both are examples of old mounth roads.
Gallery
Gear and Nutrition
Trusted #SurPug needs its annual drive-train upgrade. I have a new set of cables, bottom bearing, front low-geared cog and an expanded cassette to install when I make the time.
My new Kinekt suspension seat post is an absolute winner. It eliminates the relentless pounding my rear end has experienced from the no-suspension SurPug and new hard leather brooks saddle in this cold winter weather. What a genius I am for buying this thing
I’m also experimenting with new electrolytes because I can’t get my go-to UCAN Hydrate in the UK.
I tried High5 ZERO pre-ride and Rival Sports Fuel . The High5 ZERO is caffeinated so better as a morning pre-ride. The Rival Sports Fuel isn’t flavored and doesn’t taste particularly pleasant. No cramps were experienced so maybe they’ll be OK.