Seven o' the clock saw us begin to rise again on a lovely morning, the mountain peaks surrounding the Red Squirrel bathed in early morning sunlight and Jason's little tent as wet inside as it had been outside on the first two nights. Not what you think, you lot - it's only got one skin. We washed and had breakfast before wrapping up the site and loading the bikes on the carrier again. Suzanne was up on the road waiting for us as we got there at 0915, a little later than planned, but not too bad.

It's a long way doon to Drumlanrig from Glencoe. Jason once again took the wheel allowing the others to arrive fresh after just the one stop for toilets and coffee at Harpenden Services on the A74. Another gloriously clear morning awaited us as we offloaded and prepared for our final ride of the weekend after emptying our pockets to pay the absolutely extortionate entry charges to a very unapologetic young lady at the kiosk.

First time here for Tim and Jeff, but it didn't stop the latter forging ahead again to lead the whole ride with Suzanne the only one able to stay the pace, being a past racer around these woods. Jason got stuck in the middle as a sometimes lonely follower while behind him Tim, Chris and Terry made a point of pausing at every natural break in these superb, natural trails, as we normally do.

Actually that last bit is no longer true, as someone who shall be nameless (Rik of the Bike Shed?) has absolutely ruined the fastest, most flowing stretch through the high wood. This was once a totally blissful flat-out blast swerving between old, widely-spaced trees with natural berms built up over the years. Now they've attempted to cater for the harum-scarum variety of trail centre rider by building in a set of short twisty berms and little jumps, too close to the start and too close together to make sense of, ruining the natural feel of the place.

The Old One in particular was looking forward to this former favourite treat after struggling with low pedals on the roots, but it's gone now. Still a cracking ride overall, mind, but I'll mark it down badly now in my own list of faves, and we did the thing as though preparing for a second lap which didn't help the Gollum's progress or enjoyment much.

We were back at the cars around 1730 (I'm guessing now) still as hot and sunny as ever making one shirt the standard wear for the first time this weekend. Terry forcibly ejected Jason from the driving seat to give him a well-earned rest after clocking up a huge mileage in a short time, and we scooted back to the Toon arriving at the Cave at 1915.

Great weekend with some fantastic trails ridden and that amazing last half click of the World Cup Downhill track a totally unexpected and thrilling treat. A couple of front tyre burps for Tim and Terry but no punctures or mechanicals between the six of us over some incredibly rough territory. Well done the bikes, and thank you Lady and Gentlemen for the company.

pix here for Fort William and start of Laggan (camera battery expired!) short vids coming soon and maybe more piccies.