To kick off the 2022 season Moray Firth CC are keen to welcome back riders from across the local area to the beautiful Black Isle for a winter social bike ride.

 

What is a Reliability Ride?

 

https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/road/article/20100105-Get-Into-Cycling---Road---Reliability-Trials-0?fbclid=IwAR0hvTwXr3UtLZS049qfNf_qtqLb--JQBwWUN9iblkb_izC7xPi5cOkKtyI

A Reliabilty Ride is traditionally a long distance ride at the end of Winter to test your fitness, equipment and navigation skills.  Similar to an Audax, in that there are no signposts, marshals or a broom wagon, it is up to the individual to know the course or navigate from a bike computer.

 

Reliability Rides normally give a time limit for completion or an estimated mph that you aim to do the ride in. In an attempt to cater for all abilities of cyclist we will have groups ranging from 13mph - 20mph. All entrants will be emailed following the event closing date and asked to submit a mph they feel capable of completing the ride in. Group names and times will then be sent out to riders a few days before the event. 

 

The route

See the link below for the route. It is circuit from MoO to Cromarty and back, just shy of 50 miles in length. Make sure you memorise it as there will be no sign posts on the day. https://www.plotaroute.com/route/996629 From the Hub head for the A832
At Tore Roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on A832
Turn left at Munlochy junction
Turn right onto Killen Straits
Turn right onto B9160
Sharp left onto A832
Turn left onto Bayview Cres/High St/B9163
Turn right to stay on B9163
Turn right to stay on B9163
Turn right onto A9
Turn left onto B9163
Turn right to stay on B9163
Turn right onto A835
Turn left onto B9163
Turn right onto Wyvis Cres
Turn right onto B9163
Turn left onto School Rd/B9163
Turn right to stay on School Rd/B9163
Turn left onto A862
Finish Muir of Ord,The Hub. There is some parking at the Hub for those who don't fancy cycling out to MoO although it is limited.   The Ride   Group format will be similar to Thursday night chain gang (although this is not an APR!) with the slowest group away first at roughly 10:15 and time splits of 3 mins between each group. Groups should not exceed more than 12 riders. You are advised to ride according to your current form and ability. Groups will be based on the average speed you envisage covering the route. You will be asked to select which group you wish to ride nearer the time by an email prompt from the organise of the event. Group 1 - 14mph
Group 2 - 15mph
Group 3 - 16mph
Group 4 - 17mph
Group 5 - 18mph
Group 6 - 19mph
Group 7 - 20mph   MFCC are organising the ride through British Cycling who will provide insurance for the event. It is important to remind riders that it will be insured and risk assessed under the non-competitive event category. These events are informal and social in nature and take place on the public highway without marshals, signs, race commissaires or support vehicles. It is essential therefore that you all look after each other, ride sensibly and follow the Highway Code at all times.   Which Bike?   It's February and it's still winter. Your winter bike with good mudguards please. Many of the roads on the route are used by farm vehicles and are likely to be wet and muddy. The weather could potentially be bad so warm, waterproof gear is essential.   We have booked Muir of Ord Hub for a blether, a cup of tea and a wee spread, Covid-permitting. There is a chance, depending on the Covid restrictions Scottish Cycling have in place at the time, that socialising may have to take place outside and entry to the hall permitted only for use of toilet facilities. Please bring a mask.     The Cost - £10   £5 of your fee will go towards covering the cost of hall hire and teas/coffees and soup, and the other will form a donation to help fund the efforts of local charity, HiVelo.    Any queries please get in touch at jamesshewan.mfcc@gmail.com
  See you there!