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Easy step-ups became launch points as we blasted back<br />
down the trail – careful timing being required so as not to<br />
shoot off the trail into the beckoning bog and an appointment<br />
with our midge friends. What it lacked in technical features,<br />
it more than made up in terms of enjoyment. Water crossings<br />
were to be relished even in our slightly moist state. Corners<br />
to be taken as fast as we dared. With the hill virtually to<br />
ourselves save for some German walkers (complete with<br />
umbrella – a wise touch for sure), and a couple who were<br />
finding the rocky outcrop by the waterfall part way down<br />
considerably more challenging than we had earlier, we could<br />
savour every turn and drop without having to worry about<br />
slowing down for fellow mountain travellers. The trail ahead<br />
was clear and we were taking full advantage of it. I pressed<br />
on gamely, throwing the bike from edge to edge while Dave<br />
marvelled at his hitherto unknown ability to really crank<br />
down hard into corners at speed without wondering whether<br />
his tyres would grip. Fat tyres will do that for you.<br />
Reaching the car park all too soon, our trip back to the<br />
future had paid off and then some. However, we weren’t<br />
done yet. With no mountain day complete without post-ride<br />
refreshments and chat, we high tailed it to the Brig o’Turk<br />
café. It was well past cake o’clock and we were beginning<br />
to have the haunted look of cat walk models. Constructed<br />
entirely from wood, the Brig O’Turk has a real old-world<br />
charm. Thankfully, it dispenses with the poor service and surly<br />
attitude that blights so many Scottish eateries and instead<br />
serves up great food in proper portions and with a smile.<br />
Practically inhaling my can of pop in one fell swoop, I<br />
opted for the Eton Mess. While normally anything served<br />
on a slate is about as welcome to me as a fart in a space suit<br />
(seriously, what is wrong with a bowl and a spoon?), this<br />
particular mess was a genuine triumph and a real high note<br />
on which to end our little adventure. So did our trip down<br />
memory lane live up to expectations? Hell yeah!<br />
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