Scottish 6 Days 2025

[Davy]

Now that it is past and most of us are back home, any thoughts or tales to tell ? I was most impressed by the ice cream vendor lady who was conversing with a customer in British Sign Language.

[Snail]

Excellent organisation (parking, assembly, traders, signage, routes to starts etc). For me, the eventual decision to allocate balanced start times was the correct one.

Good courses (a bit tough in places, but winning times generally okay).

Was thrown a few times by the inconsistent ride mapping. We were warned that some were missing, but it seemed a bit random as to which were included. At times difficult to tell if the one you were running along was mapped or not, and a bit unfair when some found unmapped rides that offered faster going but others didn't.

[HarryO]

Was thrown a few times by the inconsistent ride mapping. We were warned that some were missing, but it seemed a bit random as to which were included. At times difficult to tell if the one you were running along was mapped or not, and a bit unfair when some found unmapped rides that offered faster going but others didn't.

I suffered from this. Whilst I could easily identify new, fresh extraction lanes, I found a 'mature' lane which I mistook for a ride
Otherwise I found it to be well planned, nice adjacent parking most days. Some tough heather/bilberry areas which I struggled with.
I heard of a (lack of) coasters issue. Perhaps someone should handing these out? But I was confused by the explanation that there was only one coaster per family/group - and folk took one per entrant. This hasnt been the case at previous S6D.

[Homer]

Thanks to all involved for a great week's racing. It exceeded my low(ish) expectations- mainly because it was all the same areas as last time in Deeside 8 years ago. I am, however, still looking forward to Day 6

My only gripe, as expressed before, is the overly simplistic scoring system. Not surprisingly this resulted in a number of ties, including my class. The organisers hadn't anticipated this and only had one prize. This is despite the exact same thing happening to me (and others) in 2019...

However, overall a great week. Thanks again SOA.

[graeme]

I am, however, still looking forward to Day 6

You missed it.
Shame, you'd have enjoyed it every bit as much as I enjoyed Wharnecliffe

[frodo]

Many thanks to the organisers for giving both parents and any involved grandparents open starts due to childcare. It took away all stresses rushing around for starts and we could just enjoy the week.

[King Penguin]

Agreed, a great week, and almost completely dry.

[IanD]

Any idea of dates/location for the next one?

[Homer]

I am, however, still looking forward to Day 6

You missed it.
Shame, you'd have enjoyed it every bit as much as I enjoyed Wharnecliffe

I must have. There was also something going on in Ballater on the rest day while I was having my breakfast...

[King Penguin]

Any idea of dates/location for the next one?

A car sticker left on my windscreen one day said "Perthshire 2027"

[Big Jon]

Excellent organisation (parking, assembly, traders, signage, routes to starts etc). For me, the eventual decision to allocate balanced start times was the correct one.

Good courses (a bit tough in places, but winning times generally okay).

Was thrown a few times by the inconsistent ride mapping. We were warned that some were missing, but it seemed a bit random as to which were included. At times difficult to tell if the one you were running along was mapped or not, and a bit unfair when some found unmapped rides that offered faster going but others didn't.

As mapper I take responsibility - up to a point.
Extraction lanes are always a nightmare to map - they can be incredibly clear (if used for forwarding operations) or intermittent and vague if just from cutting. Also they grow over at different rates - if on soft wet ground grass etc comes up really quickly whereas if over rocky ground they can remain clear for years.
Creag Choinnich - I mapped all the extraction lanes last autumn and the map was unreadable... parallel black lines obliterating the contours, so planners were asked which they wished to remain on the map.
In addition Balfour and Glen Dye had forestry work going on in the months, weeks and even days ahead of the event (in the case of Glen Dye with no warning from the estate...). This meant there was not time to map the largest extraction lanes on most of the worked area and so the decision was taken to remove most of them.
I'm sorry this happened, but as users we have no (or very little) control over forestry operations, especially as work plans can change at short notice due to storm damage. Also some land owners don't understand the demands of planning ahead of the race so blithely state "the work will be finished by July", not realising that we need the areas in a final state 2-3 months ahead for mapping and planning to be successful.
And that is without mentioning MTB tracks...
I take my hat off to the planning/controlling teams who put up with a huge number of access/forestry work issues and still came up with excellent courses.

[yted]

It was a great week. I njoyed all 5 courses I ran, especially the last 3 days with the wiggly contour detail. Well done to all concerned.

[Crex]

An excellent week! Sincere thanks to everybody who helped deliver it!

Many thanks to the organisers for giving both parents and any involved grandparents open starts due to childcare. It took away all stresses rushing around for starts and we could just enjoy the week.

Yes I totally agree with this. In our case, having open starts for both parents was a massive help. It reduced our stress levels for the whole week
Please please please repeat this in future

[Davy]

Has anyone seen a link to official photographs or feedback form ?