When I am out road cycling I love riding with other cyclists. There is something about being out on a road bike that lends itself to companionship; the bigger the group the better.
I love the banter, the undercurrent of competition and challenging each other (I’ve always said: “Put two people on a bike side by side and you have a race”) and above all the feeling of camaraderie and sharing a love of something. Put me on a mountain bike however and my personality changes.
I tend more towards introverted behaviour and my gregarious personality on the road bike can sometimes take its toll on me. At these times I yearn for some time away from traffic and people and want to lose myself in a forest or on the side of a windswept hill, as far away from others as I can get.
I spend a lot of the season riding with others, guiding and coaching, which I love, but there comes a point when I just want to be in my own company; well almost. Step forward my two favourite riding companions – my dogs.
Both dogs seem to be as equally enthusiastic about our jaunts out on the single-track trails as I am. As soon as they see me getting my mountain bike ready to ride they are at my heel, tripping me up with their enthusiasm to get going.
Out on the trail they seem to have a natural instinct to run and walk alongside me. It is like a pack mentality and they trot alongside me, always managing to keep a good distance from the bike and occasionally veering of the trail for a short scouting mission into the woods, before returning to my side.
We can travel for miles like this, uphill, downhill, through forests and across hillsides, often stopping at rivers so they can submerge themselves to their necks in the cold water. If no rivers are around they can usually find a muddy and often stagnant puddle in which to perform this same task.
To them distance seems to be no object and if it wasn’t for me tiring first I’m sure they would happily amble alongside me forever.
As riding companions go there can be few others that are better. They don’t mind me singing (badly) as I ride. They are always appreciative of the route choice, even if we’ve done it a dozen times before.
There is no competitive edge, although they always manage to get to the top of a hill first and stand there waiting for me, with a glint in their eyes, as I grunt my way to the top. If dogs can smile (and I’m positive mine do) then when I am out riding with them I have the two happiest dogs in the world.
As they range further ahead of me, turn and realise they have left me behind again, they have a grin of pure joy on their faces.
To see them enjoying themselves and so carefree makes my spirits soar. Whether it is blazing sunshine, or pouring rain I have yet to return from a cycle with my dogs where I was not feeling sublimely happy.
| Where to ride: | Ladywell Woods – Inver |
| Suitable for: | Off-road bikes |
| Distance: | Various |
| Start: | Ladywell A822
OS Landranger 1;50,000 Map 52 NO015419 |
| Description: | Situated directly south of the massive sprawl that is Craigvinnean Forest Ladywell can often be forgotten about. On a map it looks fairly inconsequential, but there is a few nice loops that can be done, including a hidden wee gem of a single track route. The tracks are good with some climbing, but are generally suitable for all the family. One of the nice things about Ladywell are its links to Birnam Hill and its fantastic single track rides and the Strathbraan Hills to the south, including the popular Glen Garr route. |
