Top and Back Shandon

This weekend I finally got the chance to go to the SORC event Top of the Hill near Shandon on the west coast. Just up from Helensburgh. It has taken 4 years for a SORC team to make it to the highest point on the site and this year I was pleased to be part of the team who got there. Click here to see the plotted route from one of the cars with GPS mapping.

The site is incredably boggy and driving in it is a very different experience. You must drive so softly so as not to break the surface. As soon as the surface tension is broken that's it you sink. It can be as deep as your tyres. Not just up to the axles.

The weather was excellent in fact a bit of sunburn was had. Witht the weather so good the views were awesome down over Helensburgh and Faslane.
At some points all you saw were stuck cars.

But it was worth it to get to the top.

The way back down was not any easier with some interesting trails. There was a bit of damaged sustained. I for one will have to replace my winch cable, fit a new alternator and sort out a fueling problem. The scratches and dent to the body work I'm not too bothered about.

Rear Locker Fitted

Last night saw another trip to Bob's in Edinburgh to fit the Detroit Locker into the Rear Axle. This involved pulling the old axle out and fitting a whole new axle. While I was at it I fitted a set of cranked radius arms from D44. These will stop bush wearing at the rear end. The reason I changed the axle was so that a. I would get Disc Brakes on the rear and b. to get 24 spline half shafts for added strength.


New axle rebuilt and set ready to go back on the truck. As soon as we fixed everything back up and bled the brakes we had to go test it. It was 10.45pm and roof lights were switched on we headed to the forest at the end of Bob's track. I buried it into a ditch and booted it the truck found grip and drove right through. Job done. We went into the slightly steeper ditch and did have to get the winch out but I'm still happy.
The scary news this week is that I have got a place in the Tay Forest Challenge event at the end of August so a little more prep work before then. Rear Winch and maybe a bigger set of tyres. I'm competing with Mike Robertson who I marshalled for last year.

River Braan

I had a fun day out on the river this morning. All the flows are low in Perthshire but it is always good to be on the Lower Braan.
I was out with Phil Robinson from Alba Adventure (thanks for taking the pictures, you're great) and Amber from Breadalbane Canoe Club. It was Amber's first down this section and I think she had a good trip.

One of the early boof moves.

Looking down the Mad Mile

Bike and Diff

I've been busy over the last few weeks. I've been training hard to pass my Motorbike Test. Well on the 22nd of April I PASSED!!!!!!!!!! On the 23rd I went out and picked my new bike up.


A Honda Transalp 650cc I have been out on the good days since trying to get used to it. I spent an afternoon riding roads I know well and visiting a few friends. I really enjoyed learning something new and experiencing the roads I know in a different way. Here's hoping for a sunny summer to get out and play.

I have also finally got round to fitting my new locker into my rear diff. At the moment I still have to refit it into the axle but it is a bit more of a job than it sounds. I am replacing the whole axle and rear radius arms. This will give me more articulation and also 24 spline rear axle with disc brakes. All good. I have also entered into the Tay Forest Challenge which is run at the end of August. I am not guaranteed a place but here's hoping. It is an awesome event that I marshalled at last year. I have entered with Mike Robertson. I'll keep you posted if I get a place.