On the 8th August 2009 at 10 a.m. the 29th S&T rally kickstarted into life, with the first rider crossing the start line to the skirl of bagpipes and the smell of two-stroke oil and bacon rolls, waved off by guest starter this year, Ian Hamilton QC.

The morning route found us heading out through Crieff and up the Sma' Glen to Amulree. Then, taking a left into Glen Quaich where were presented with some challenging hairpins, ascents and descents. The smell of burning Ferodo filled the air on the descent into Kenmore. We rumbled downstream following the River Tay to Aberfeldy, where we crossed the bridge and aimed for Fearnan, the long way round. We picked up the main road and continued along the side of Loch Tay to beautiful Killin with its impressive water falls. Leaving Killin we carried on, picking up the road over and through Glen Ogle to the lunch stop at the Clachan Cottage Hotel at Lochearnhead. Where the staff coped admirably with the onslaught.

Fed and watered we set off back into Lochearnhead and took the small single track road on the south side of Loch Earn to St. Fillans. This stretch of road was very busy and not without incident, one of the the riders (Jim Kirkam) encountered a motorist who had gone into a ditch and was left with wheels hanging in mid-air. Stopping to offer help Jim was told there's nothing he could do. But he wasn't going to give up that easy. Summoning the help of half a dozen passing riders, the team man-handled the car out of the ditch. The driver was very grateful and had his faith in humanity (and motorcyclists) restored.

Leaving St. Fillans, we were left with a choice. Those on the short route could carry straight on to Crieff and the finish line and those on the long route could turn right in Comrie and across the moor road, taking a left at the end to pass through Muthill and then onto the finish in Crieff.

The weather was very kind to us this year, with only a well planned rain shower over the lunch stop!

Once all the bikes were safely parked up, the day was ended with a few beers, the presentation of awards and a wonderful buffet supper. 

On Sunday the social run, organised by Rab Paterson, was well attended and took us on a 75 mile round trip stopping at the Western Pickston Railway at Glenalmond for a cuppa. The lads who run and manage the miniature railway were kind enough to have their trains running, allowing us ride around their beautiful woodland track. For those who may be interested their web site is www.smet.org.uk 

Ah well, time to start preparations for next year's S&T.

Results