The alarm went off at 4:30 again this morning. This time, it was met with more enthusiasm than yesterday’s efforts on my Arbikie Adventure. I felt I could actually cycle today’s stated distance (90 miles) without relying on a train. Curiously, I arose surrounded by trains, having slept in an old train station.
Coffee, breakfast and snacks stolen from the kitchen. I left the house at 5:30 into the dawn light in the sky, the plan was to cycle from Montrose, breakfast in Stonehaven, cruise up to Brewdog in Ellon, collect my whisky in Pitmedden, try some whisky in Glen Garlioch, before cycling back to Aberdeen for the 18:18 train back to Edinburgh. An inspired and frankly optimistic itinerary.
The cycle up the coast was phenomenal; the rising sun gave hours of entertainment as it slowly broke through the clouds and rose up through the sky. Dunottar castle came and went with no time to stop; there’s whisky needing my attention. I decided to skip the Stonehaven breakfast; I didn’t overly care for the climb out on stiff legs and was feeling fine enough to push on to Aberdeen. Especially with the stunning views I was currently taking in, a chance encounter with a gentleman opening up his local church to let decorators in gave me the opportunity to refill water and have a morning conversation – totally lovely fella, I’d imagine he’d have got me a wee tea or coffee had I asked… Lessons learned – Next time I’ll ask!
As Aberdeen drew closer with a check of the time It was becoming apparent something from the itinerary would not be possible. I made my way into the Local Weatherspoon’s for a pit stop, and while I understand a lot of people not liking Weatherspoon’s for a whole host of reasons, as a cyclist on a budget I can’t find another place I can get a meal, unlimited refills of hot drinks and a place to sit and charge electrical items, and generally keep to yourself, regardless of how wet or dirty you might be, which is something I’d tend to feel guilty about in a more lovely locally owed café, putting soaking shoes on the radiators not a great look…nor smell… but in spoons I’m accepted without judgment.
And check it, A request for no beans resulted in Bonus toast . Unparalleled excitement
Leaving spoons, it was evident I was behind schedule, Brewdog sadly was on the cutting block. One controversial business would just have to be enough for today – I’ll save those beers for another day. So, onwards to collect my winnings from Whisky Hammer, the journey was lovely. I was drinking my bourbons last night with my soon-to-be godfather-in-law Max, he said there used to be a railway line to Pitmedden from Montrose, and that he drove the last train down it before it was decommissioned. We joked the night before that I’d probably be cycling it. Lo and behold, a lovely single-track gravel/ tarmac lane where the line used to be. I wasn’t too upset trading the coastal views in exchange for an easier segment on the legs, where I could keep the speed up without too much exertion. These disused train lines form the backbone of the national cycle network, well looked after, with no major elevation changes and safe enough for anyone to enjoy.
Coming off the old railway line, my next destination was atop a steep driveway. The auction house was a lovely new build with a stunning outlook to the hills. They do more than just auction, they sell bottles like regular shop and host whisky tastings delivered by the various brand ambassadors, a really nice touch they have considered Is they have a whole load of the common whiskies people might be purchasing through auction available by the dram so you can have your pristine bottle for the cabinet but a little dram to enjoy without having to crack open the original bottle you’re hopefully just saving for a big occasion. It’s worth noting that the tasting events they host are held in a beautiful showroom, with half the space lined with whisky, and the other half of the room with floor-to-ceiling windows that open up onto the balcony. I bet it’s quite something during a sunset, but even on this sunny midday, a stunning picture was painted over the Aberdeenshire countryside
I got speaking to the gentleman who works there, a lovely fella, who was happy to take the time to talk me through the space and help me pack the whisky for transit – take the whisky in the air sleeve and flatpack the box – Genius!
The bottles I purchased were in great condition, super happy with my purchases, not opening them anytime soon – or so I thought… The Blair Athol was bought as a nice way to supplement and reduce the consumption of the other half’s engagement gift bottle of Blair Athol. Which cost me a little more than I can personally afford to spend on whisky.
It was fantastic fun buying these bottles watching the prices stay low, a little bump up and making the choice to let a bottle go or to fight for it. I very much suspect it’s a similar buzz to gambling. It was my first experience with the secondary market and I think if you’ve any interest in whisky it’s well worth a little look into. It’ll probably never beat a supermarket deal on any given distillery’s core release, something more interesting however you might find a wee gem at a decent price.
Back on the road again for the quick stint to Glen Garlioch.
Thanks for reading,
Gregor