Summer has definitely smiled on us, and what a welcome, warm and energising smile it is as I found out this week at Kiroughtree the most westerly of the 7 Stanes trail network. At times I am the most super critical of the whole trail centre principal but like so many thousands I use them and enjoy them. I found myself early evening at Kiroughtree and the air was still, the sky clear and the trail hard and unforgiving. It's such a beautiful location and one that really doesn't reveal itself until you start heading out towards McMoab, in fact my favourite section is the fire road section that leads to McMoab, its an amazing and intimidating trail that though technically one of the the easiest, it hints of wilderness and a real riding experience. It feels like a big and lonely place and then the singletrack unfolds relentlessly. I hope I am alive in ten years and able to ride these modern trails, because it's going to take that long for a forgiving and natural feeling surface to build up on them and of course I really do hope they are all still here, admittedly, we might not be able to afford to fuel to get to these centers but that's another story. The singletrack at Kiroughtree does flow and just when you are feeling cozy with its curves swoops and berms it kicks in some lovely natural rocky sections to jolt you out of your slovenly habits. With sun beating back off the light sandy coloured ground you could be mistaken for feeling rather spoiled.
On a similar but different subject, my virus seem to be on its way out of my body and thank the heavens too, the roughness it left in my lungs was pretty unpleasant and while my strength doesn't seem to have been affected, it certainly has left my breathing rather laborious. Better times ahead (well hopefully as its Etape Caledonia this weekend)
Pondering the notion of an XC race too, perhaps the SXC at Fyrish? Maybe this a passing notion or maybe I just need to do one to rid my mind of such cravings, maybe I have sunstroke?
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