Crieff, Wednesday 13 September
The overriding characteristic of the Big Ride in this region was that as many groups as possible joined in when and as they could, so the fundraising challenge included:
Sam Orde riding 5 km at Crieff stables with 3 of the more experienced RDA riders from Strathearn RDA Group known as Rideaway. 2 coaches from that group and volunteers from Rideaway and Gareloch Group joined the beautiful ride up Knock Hill, which started in ‘breich’ weather (a bit of light drizzle) and ended in sunshine. This was just part of the day at Crieff which saw 4 regular RDA sessions in the morning, long service RDA awards being presented to the wonderful Crieff Hydro stables manager Liz and coaches Sarah and Fiona, as well as to 4 ponies. Of course there was lots of chatter and refreshments along the way and quite a number of RDA regional officers there to help everything go smoothly.
Later the event moved to Gleneagles Riding Centre to see the impressive venue for Auchterarder RDA Group. Other representatives of RDA Groups had also gathered there including Brian Cuthbert representing two Carrick RDA groups. Brian and his wife kindly offered to use an art event later in the year to fundraise for the Big Ride project. Gleneagles coach Jane Cepok showed all around the Centre, before long service awards were presented to three Auchterarder volunteers. The day ended with the arrival of two of their young riders straight from school and just in time to give lovely RDA pony Paddy his long service badge.
Jane Isaacs organised a picnic carriage drive for 15 Argyll Group drivers, who were joined by Patsy Muir-Simpson and half a dozen Forth Valley drivers. They ‘had a great day, missed all the rain, drove a decent distance and ate a lot’
Breadalbane & District Group held their own Big Ride for 7 riders earlier in the week to join the fundraising efforts. Group organiser Jennifer Valentine reported that ‘Everyone riders and volunteers had a ball and raised plenty of money’.
What a wonderful Big Ride day with seeing so many RDA members from various groups!