Day 8
Dumbarton to Spean Bridge 101.18m 6h49m04s
average 14.84
Total so far 728.96m
What a difference a day makes!!
Today we had virtually wall to wall sunshine although being so far
north it has been quite cold. We were delayed at the start when
Churchill realised he had a puncture. Further investigation
revealed not one but two Dumbarton thorns had pierced right through
the tyre. The first one was easy to spot but Brace's finger found
the other!
Dumbarton is just on the West side of Glasgow, but is only a short
distance from Loch Lomond. In bright sunshine the two hour ride
along the lakeside road was amazing. We had to stop for a photo
call to capture the scenery. Ox took a picture on Wobbler's
camera and he had to ask how to change the camera angle. 'Move the
camera' came the reply!!
Once we left Loch Lomond we started the climb into the Highlands -
for over 5 miles, fortunately interrupted by a stop at the
Crianlarich Hotel for a snack as there were no towns for the next
36 miles.
Luckily Saint stopped to join us and we were able to put on extra
layers as in spite of the sun it really was very cold. We then
carried on to the top, where the scenery was truly breathtaking,
with high mountains all around, small lakes dotted about and the
road rolling ahead of us. There was one more big climb near the ski
area before the drop into Glencoe and some of the views here were
stunning. The descent was fast and furious, and even Cling On got
wind burn
with his brakes glowing - at one point he thinks he may have hit
16
mph!
We stopped for tea and cakes in a tea shop in Glencoe village
before
crossing the Loch and heading for Fort William, with Wobbler
setting a very strong pace and the group functioning as an
effective peloton. The last 10 miles to Spean Bridge was rolling
with one final climb past the commando memorial to our
B&B.
By mutual agreement, yesterday must have been one of the worst
ever days cycling for any of us, but was today one of the very
best?
Oh Yes!!
Day 9
Spean Bridge to Tain 86.34m 5h29m16s 15.73mph
average
Total so far
815.3m
Last night's B&B was the best accommodation yet. Our hosts
kept shaggy, horned highland cattle which were totally friendly and
happy to eat toast! The location was just North of Fort William
under the shadow of Ben Nevis, so stunning scenery as well.
We awoke this morning to a thick blanket of mist as we were quite
close to Loch Lochy. It was also very cold, about 4 degrees. We set
off suitably wrapped up and by the time we rode through Fort
Augustus the sun was shining. We then followed the West bank of
Loch Ness, keeping our eyes peeled for signs of any strange beasts.
Local reports did
suggest 5 strange beasts, but this has not been confirmed. The
road here is surprisingly undulating so was quite
challenging.
After a morning tea stop in Drumnadrochit we elected to go cross
country to avoid going through Inverness. Here we found the one
true monster of the day - the climb out of town. It had an average
gradient of 15 % and was about a mile long but with the cumulative
fatigue it was a really tough test. Some sections were very steep
but we all got up - even the Ox had to use his granny ring but
stayed seated whilst everyone else was standing on the pedals
(except Brace who managed it even without a granny ring). The real
reason Ox remained in the saddle was that he was hoping no-one
would notice his bib shorts. He was wearing his special Ann Summers
bib shorts again, but rightly decided to wear a second pair on top.
The problem was that these were on inside out!! At least this way
he got an extra days use out of them!
Once North of Inverness we had arranged a tea stop with some Help
for Heroes supporters, close to the Cromarty Bridge. As we
approached the Bridge we were cycling as a fast peloton, as one in
perfect harmony. Everyone knew where the meeting point was and
Brace was pushing hard at the front. Unfortunately he completely
ignored the signs and bunting that had been put out for us and shot
round the roundabout to go over the Bridge, closely
followed by Wobbler, whilst Churchill and Ox could only look on in
dismay as they went the opposite way. Cling On came to the rescue
and just managed to stop them going over the bridge and back to
Inverness.
Tea and buns had been laid on for us and several local cyclists
also met us there - they all seem to have done Le Jog at some stage
so they really understood what we were doing.
After the very welcome tea we cycled the last 20 miles to Tain
like an express train, alongside the Cromarty Firth led by the
Ox.
So we now just have one day to go!!
Cast List
Ian Anderson - now known as 'the Ox' - for his
formidable power over any terrain and in any circumstances.
David Ricketts - after tenaciously sticking to
the back end all day yesterday - now known as 'Cling On' Cling On
clung on as only a cling on can!
Brad Williams - needs no introduction as he is
the legendary 'Wobbler' and has already lived up to his
reputation.
Mark Jordan - now known as 'The Brace' after
hobbling everywhere the day before the ride with a purpose made
knee brace pretending to be injured before wiping the floor with us
on his bike. Whilst riding if you hear the command 'Brace! Brace! '
it means that Mark has another puncture!
Emma Alden - now known as 'The Saint' for her
amazing efforts behind the scenes, driving the van, making sure
everyone has a proper breakfast, loading and unloading and
generally being completely fantastic!
Steve Alden - now known as 'Churchill' - because
of his natural leadership and organisational skills. NO - it is
because he nods his head when he rides - just like the dog on the
insurance advert - Oh Yes