Posts for September, 2021

Andy works for the world renowned Hutton Institute and in collaboration with the charity Plantlife they are studying the biodiversity in the soils on the top of the Munros in the Cairngorm National Park, and how this can be sustained in the face of climate change. You will be surprised by the amazing diversity of organisms living and thriving in these harsh environments.

Steve fulfilled a life-long ambition when he jumped on his motorcycle and set off to circumnavigate the world. Last year he shared his journey from Argentina to Alaska with us and now he returns to describe an, even more, epic journey!

Lord Reith was arguably one of the most influential Scots of the last century, and the BBC he created in 1922 continues to have a positive influence around the world. Yet his grave is in Rothiemurchus and not Westminster Abbey. To find out why Peter will examine the life and legacy of this remarkable, complex and troubled man.

Alan has sailed to then climbed the highest points on most of Scotland’s Islands and will be sharing images of wonderful islands and thoughts on modern island life. The tour will take in the Fair Isles, St Kilda, Canna, Rona, the infamous “anthrax island” of Gruinard along with a few more lesser known islands in the passing.

From Scotland to the Alps, to Kyrgyzstan and Patagonia, Scott shares his recent adventures climbing and flying in the mountains. Join us for a journey through the successes, failures and critical decisions that have kept Scott alive and motivated in his continued pursuit of adventures.

Check his website www.Scottbecker.co.uk for a taste of what to expect!

Scott is an ambassador for Tiso, who are supporting this talk.

Kenny is a Wildlife Ecologist who works for Forestry & Land Scotland and leads the Predator Project on the Partnership. Over the last couple of decades, a novel community of vertebrate predators has been reassembling within the Cairngorm Connect area, holding important populations of threatened prey species, such as the Capercaillie. Kenny will update us on the first results from the research into the various species interactions in this fascinating system.

A fascinating insight into the aristocracy of Scotland – their family names may be familiar, but how they rose to prominence and acquired their grandeur may be less well known.

“The Good Old Days” … or were they?

This open meeting is an opportunity to talk about and comment on the services, events and facilities of Grantown during much of last century when local management was in the hands of the Burgh Council: from street lighting to new housing; waste disposal to public spaces, council offices and the burgh yard.

Memories and reminiscences will be evoked, and contributions will be very welcome on and before the evening.

Join us at Spey Valley Cinema for a laugh out loud live family panto.
There will be thrills and chills had by all.
Everyone is welcome to come along—all ages welcome, suitable for 3 to 12-year-olds.

Happy Halloween!

Pre-booking is not required. Complimentary for resort residents.
Arrive 30 minutes before the show starts to purchase tickets.

Glenlivet Enduro

We are excited to bring you the Glenlivet Enduro. Glenlivet is filled with a fantastic, flowing machine built single track, fresh-cut goodness and a world-class jump trail that will make you want to leap back onto your bike and do the whole thing again. Glenlivet offers fabulous views and scenery during your cycle around the route. There is also a café that offers delicious food and a warm seat at the end of your ride. Riders are timed in stages that are primarily downhill, with neutral transfer stages in between. Our event routes are around 25km long, with six timed single-track stages aimed to be rideable by reasonably competent mountain bikers.

Our one-day events have a fun and friendly atmosphere. They follow government and other relevant requirements to minimise COVID-19 related risks. We attract all levels of riders, from the seriously competitive to those just looking for a brilliant day in the hills in good company. We also have tasty food on offer, which will support various local charities providing the catering – so make sure to bring some change!

Race Categories

This year we have a record number of rider categories, with seven for our full route and another four for the ‘lite route’. The full route takes in six timed sections of the trails in the area. The ‘lite route’ omits the technically most demanding downhill parts. All categories have great prizes provided by our valued sponsors, all of whom are businesses based in North East Scotland, catering for all your biking needs.

Full Route

Female (aged over 12 years) Bike Remedy
Junior Male (aged from 13 – 17 years) Cyclehighlands
Male (aged from 18 – 30 years) Gamola Sports
Senior Male (aged from 30 – 45 years) Bike Remedy
Veteran Male (aged over 45 years) eguide Scotland
e-Bike (mixed aged over 12 years) eguide Scotland
HardTail (mixed aged over 12 years) Cyclehighlands
‘Lite’ Route

Female Youth (Females aged 9-12 years) Cyclehighlands
Male Youth (Males aged 9-12 years) REM Bikes
Male (aged over 12 years) Banchory Cycles
Female (aged over 12 years) 20Twenty Bike Store
Age and Race Capacity Limits

Entrants need to be a minimum of nine years old on the day of the event. Your entry category will be based on your age on the 1st January 2021, although eight-year-olds who have turned nine by the date of an event may enter it as a Youth (see below). Youth riders (and their chaperone) may, although are not required, ride together in a group, guided by our experienced, qualified Youth Group Leader – Chris Roper from Ride In Peace Adventures.

We have an overall rider limit of 250 participants. We are expecting a sell-out, so sign up soon to not miss out!

Youths

Each youth rider must have an adult chaperone.
The chaperone must accompany the youth to race registration
The chaperone can only look after a maximum of two youth riders.
The chaperone will ride behind the youth participant and be available to take care of any issues with the youth, e.g. bike problems, injuries or withdrawals.
Youth riders plus chaperones will set off half an hour before the main group.

Special Thanks

A huge thanks to Add Energy for sponsoring the number plates for this year’s events; their fantastic media apartment even came up with the awesome designs we will be featuring! Also, our thanks to Bike Glenlivet for permission and support to host the event.

Photography/Videography

By entering and participating in the event, you consent to be photographed, filmed and/or otherwise recorded. Your entry constitutes your consent to such photography, filming and/or recording and to any use, in any and all media.

Refunds/Cancellations

If you need to cancel your entry, please email us. If you cancel before entries close you will be refunded your entry fee, less a £5 administration fee. After online entries close, refunds will not be given, other than exceptional circumstances at the discretion of organisers.

DoonThaBrae Events organisers shall not be held liable in any way for any loss, damage or accidents that may occur during the event. Riders are aware that cycling is potentially dangerous.