Drovers Tryst

ST FILLAN'S MOUNTAIN BIKE CHALLENGE

Sunday 10th October

START TIME: 10am  Entries close 9.45am

The race is open to anyone 18 years or over on the day of the event.

The course commences outside the Drummond Hotel, St Fillans, and runs westwards to the Four Seasons Hotel it then turns right up into the forest roads and takes you through beautiful Glen Tarken and onward to lovely Glen Beich, which is deer country, to the turning point at the wee loch. You then return to the “Loop” and when you approach the junction you will be given a coloured sticker to confirm you are turning right here to make your way back down to the water crossing for a second time. Once you have completed the loop for the second time you keep your coloured sticker and make your way down through the forest to the old station then down to the main A85 road and back to the hotel to the finishing point. The sticker must be kept to allow the time keeper know that you have completed the whole course which is now 22.7 miles.

Highway Code rules must be obeyed on all roads in the village.
The race must be completed in four hours and is limited to 150 entrants.

Prizes: Open Male and Female: First prize. £50 each, Second £30 each, Third £20 each. Spot prizes will be presented for other categories. Prizes will be paid either by cheque from the Trust or in vouchers or actual prizes as near to the monetary value of the prize as possible.

All finishers will receive a free 1/2 pint of beer or juice courtesy of the Drummond Hotel and the Trust.

Entry Conditions:  Sponsorship of a minimum of £15, paid upon booking of place. 
Registration: You can register for the race here on this site, by phone to John Gordon on 01259 752203, by e-mail to John at margaretgordon1@talktalk.net, at Crieff Tourist Information Centre or on the day in St Fillans subject to availability.

If you register online, you will receive confirmation of your place by email together with a declaration form which must be completed and returned to John Gordon at 8 Park Lane, Tillicoultry, FK13 6AT.

An official sponsorship form can be downloaded from this site on the link below. 

You will be notified of your race number by e-mail and receive your race number on the day.
Facilities: Safety Qualified First Aid Officers on site all day
Notes: Highway Code rules must be obeyed on all roads in the village. Riders must wear a hard shell cycle helmet at all times.  A permit to stage this event has been obtained from Scottish Cycling Union (SCU). This enables us to comply with the Scottish Cycling Union's insurance criteria

Download an official sponsorship form

Download an entry form

HAIRY COO GRASS ROOTS MOUNTAIN BIKE RACE

Sunday

Hairy Coo is hosted by Comrie Croft Hostel which has its own network of handmade trails in the surrounding hills. The day offers a chance for riders of all ages and abilities to enjoy going as fast as they can!

Last year’s event was blessed with tremendous weather and riding to match. Watch Stefan Morocco’s excellent film of the race on Strathearn Mountain Biking Club’s website at http://www.strathearnmbc.org.uk/.

This year the racing is on a Sunday, with 3 start times on the programme.
First up, the Wee Race, an hour long blast on a course that’s FUN but not too demanding.
Next is the Bairns’ Race, where the youngsters get an hour to enjoy themselves on a trimmed down version of the Wee Race course.

Finally, the BIG Race, which is a test of fitness, speed and skill, likely to be won in around 2 hours.
The winning male and female riders in the Big Race receive bespoke trophies made by Jane Drysdale of Carnelian Crafts, plus some cash. There are many other prizes throughout all the races.

The races involve riding off-road on variable surfaces with some steep sections (although the Wee and Bairns races are gentler). It is an independent event with full insurance and first aid cover. No race license is required but a hard shell helmet is obligatory - please ensure that your straps are correctly adjusted; also make sure that your handlebars have plugs in the ends. No helmet, no plugs...no start.

Haggis Haggis will be in attendance supplying food and drinks.

See below for race schedule, registration & prices.

2009 results

CRIEFF COUNTRY MARKET

Saturday 9th October

Shop for local produce, crafts and gifts available from the wide variety of stallholders. Spot the drovers mingling in the crowds and listen to their stories and re-live the experience that is the Crieff Tryst.
Visit the Tryst stall where you can find out more about the week’s events

Location: James Square, Crieff, 9.30am – 3.30pm

GEOCACHING FOR BEGINNERS

Saturday 9th October - Easy

This is your chance to find all about this immensely popular new phenomena – a cross between a Treasure Hunt with attitude and orienteering. Keith and Jacqueline have devised a special introductory course with plenty of hidden caches on the Knock. Having logged in on the internet at the Cafe Central the hunt will be on.

Leader:  Keith Ratcliffe
Meeting Time:  9.30am at Cafe Central, High St, Crieff*

Transport: car share
Start of walk: 10am – GR865229 – Upper Knock car park 
Finish of walk: 2.30pm – GR865229 – Upper Knock car park
Return to Crieff: 2.45pm
Duration:   4hrs 30mins walking
Distance:  4km (variable)
Ascent:  200m
Altitude:  270m
Grade:  Easy
Notes: This is ideal for families and walkers of all abilities. Whilst primarly aimed at those new to geocaching those who are already registered are also welcome. If you have a GPS please bring it, but it is not essential. 

Because of the need to log in on the Internet, *the meeting point for this walk only is Cafe Central on the High Street. After logging in, the group will travel up to the Knock.  Boots,waterproof gear and food and water as required. 
Maximum number: 14

WALKING WITH STONES

Saturday 19th October - Medium

2000 years before Christ, farming communities of this Strath were creating and venerating special places in the landscape. Remarkably around 36 such places remain in Strathearn where you can walk amongst stones which stand amidst beguiling horizons, just as they were erected in deepest antiquity. This fascinating walk seeks to weave a web of connectedness around ten such sites in the company of local historian, writer and enthusiast, Andrew Finlayson. Starting at New Fowlis the route heads north through Fowlis Wester and via the Braes of Fowlis to the Foulford Inn - now sadly closed. It then traverses the Braes of Monzie, circles Monzie and finishes back in Crieff.

Leader:  Andrew Finlayson
Meeting Time:  9.00am  at the Crieff Visitors Centre
Transport: Minibus
Start of walk: 9.15am – GR927232 -  Fowlis crossroads 
Finish of walk: 3.45pm - GR873223 – Crieff Golf Club
Return to Crieff: 4.00pm
Duration:   6hrs 30mins walking
Distance:  17km
Ascent:  260m
Altitude:  350m
Grade:  Medium
Notes: Although a long walk it is mostly on tracks and minor public roads.  Full hill walking gear including boots, waterproof jacket and over trousers, hat, gloves, spare fleece and packed lunch and water.. 
Maximum number: 14