We rented bikes from Aberfoyle Bike Hire. I liked their hammer and sickle–style logo that swapped in a hammer and a bike chain. I’m always a softie for some less-than-subtle lefty nods. We had reserved three e-bikes, but he only had two. Samer volunteered to ride a regular bike. I felt bad for him because there were some huge hills.
It was raining, but we had raincoats. The trail was mostly stone and surrounded by forest. We rode for about two hours, maybe a little less. I think this is a great biking area, and if we had had more time, we could have gone even further—or at least Joe and I could have. We were mainly on a trail called the Doon Hill Trail.
Afterwards, we had tea at The Station Coffee Shop in Aberfoyle and bought the best butter cookie I’ve ever had from The Wee Tablet Shop.
By afternoon, we were at Stirling Castle. Compared to Edinburgh Castle, Stirling feels more vivid—restored halls, bright tapestries, sweeping views. Stirling Castle has some enormous rooms. The Great Hall and the palace are very impressive. The gardens are also lovely and even gave me a few ideas for the wildflower meadow I want to plant in the Poconos.
After we got to our Airbnb, Sam and I returned the car so that we didn’t need to deal with it any longer.
For dinner, we went to Fanny Trollopes, a spot recommended to me by a friend and colleague. Afterwards, we stopped at Delmonica’s, a gay bar where I ordered the sweetest drink I’ve ever had—something they had on tap that was awful. At least the drag competition there was silly and fun.