The Inaugural Fourmile Fish N' Chip Run - Wednesday July 15th

Although I am not aware that anyone has ever kept records for attendance at club nights, I would imagine that the inaugural Fourmile Fish N' Chip run would have broken it with no fewer than a magnificent 52 people signing up.  With just 1 last minute cancellation, the upper room at the Fourmile was full and the staff did a magnificent job with everything ready at the allotted time, leaving plenty of time for the following run.  With a choice of standard or small haddock chips and peas or macaroni cheese and chips,  the kitchen staff worked miracles preparing everything to a very high standard and the waiting staff delivered it still piping hot - not an easy achievement when catering for so many.  Brilliant! 

The weather was kind as well with clear skies and warm sunshine for the run, which went from the Fourmile to Banchory.  A last minute change was required since Aberdeenshire Council had 'surface dressed' a 3 mile stretch of the original route on the A944 between Westhill and Dunecht with a 20 mph speed limit imposed;  since most people ignore this speed limit, the potential for cracked windscreens, tar stains and chipped paintwork simply wasn't worth the risk, so a brief detour was required.   

For those who are unaware of what surface dressing is, the Aberdeenshire Council website describes it as follows:

The surface dressing process involves:

• Applying bitumen on the road and covering it with a layer of stone chips.
• The surface is then rolled, and slow-moving traffic helps embed the chips into the bitumen.
• Any excess loose chips are swept away within a couple of days.
• Further sweeping is carried out as needed to leave a smoother, more durable road surface with improved grip.

So basically, as point 2 explains, cars that drive over the surface press the loose chippings into the bitumen!!

However, it goes on to say:

• During the surface dressing period, we receive many complaints largely caused by vehicles travelling too fast for the conditions. A 20mph temporary speed limit is in place, supported by road signs, until the surface has been swept sufficiently to remove excess chips. These speed limits protect both road users and our crews. Driving too fast can cause skidding and throw up loose chips, risking injury or damage to people, vehicles and property. These limits are enforceable by Police Scotland. 

Even though the work had been done a week before, speed limits were still in force and there were plenty of loose chippings, so we didn't want to risk it!

After the minor diversion, the route took us from Dunecht through Alford, Tarland, Aboyne, Kincardine O'Neil and finally to Banchory, and although one or two peeled off en-route it was a fabulous route and a fitting end to a very enjoyable evening.

Thanks again to all the staff at Fourmile and to Anita for pulling it all together.  Doubtless this will become a regular feature!