Lejog day 10
It was an interesting night. The dormitory resembled a stable or cowshed with all the snorting snoring farting going on – at one point there was a certain rhythm to expulsions – like a human beat box said Andy-Arsenal. Several light sleepers took refuge in the living room & sofas but unfortunately the noises went with them. With my good ear pressed in the pillow I slept like a baby.
Breakfast was chaotic noisy and everyone helped clearing stuff away.
Most of us got going early – before 0800.
Starting out dull & drizzly we crossed the Caledonian Canal up to Fort Augustus. Just before town we had the first glimpse of our companion for the next 20 miles – Loch Ness!! As we passed through the sun came out flickering through the trees as we sped along the Loch – warming up the cool midge ridden air.
Along to the water stop in Drumndrochet the road had quite a number of undulations but with the fine weather and fantastic scenery we all just breezed along.
After taking in tea, nut bars, fruit etc we set off in a large group to tackle what was billed as the hardest climb of the whole trip. Climbing up 700ft in ¾ mile at 13%. This was a step stiff climb – most of us had to pause before our lungs burst – getting started again proved to be very tricky as the front wheel tended to lift off the ground unicycle fashion – David also managed to catch his shirt under the front of the saddle to boot – but managed to avoid falling off…just!
The reward was some spectacular views & a thrilling descent down into Beauly – nice straight road to ‘bomb’ down…..
The section to Dingwall was a little more urban but I did spot another nice golf course – seen a few on this trip…
Lunch was up overlooking Cromarty Firth. Simon’s rear wheel had finally admitted defeat! No man made object in history could ever survive the kind of forces he put it through…Attempts by Matt to fiddle with the spokes – then pocket rocket started smashing the wheel on the road to get it back in shape….no success so spare wheel used….
Along skirting Alness [van driver Dave got a bit lost here & went through the town - adding some miles] the terrain felt somewhat ‘English’ with it’s low hills hedges & ordinary (rather than the Highland’s with the big horns) cattle – but after climbing up to 750 ft again the terrain was back to Scottish again. Wish only a light breeze AndyH ‘The legend-Gerry’ Old-George Son-Steve Nikki-Nakki-Noo & I took our time soaking up the great views & fresh air.
Jason had stopped up at the top above Bonar Bridge for our afternoon cuppa.
Then another descent with great views of The Firth of Garnock to our right – and old bridge & wooded road took us to the A836 & into Ardgay. We followed the signs to the Youth Hostel, disappointingly 5 miles…and a few nasty hills to finish but what a place!
A huge old castle with turrets/towers etc.
I am in a (smelly now) dormitory with the pros (Andy Rob Keith) Yorkshire Dave, Novice Tim (who thinks he’s dying of a swollen uvula), David & David (who stayed in a different place last night so, with Susie got away an hour after the rest of us) Wigan-mark and all his kit (I thought I was bad) 2 garmins laptop ipod speakers etc etc.
Now we are showered the air is clearer. Out of the window we can see the valley below – Bonar Bridge in the distance and the hills with the wind farm that we first saw in the distance on the other side.
Also spotted today a sign saying ‘SOUTH TO INVERNESS!!’
We have made fantastic northerly progress in recent days..
Off to supper, an ale or two and early to bed….
Hit the North coast tomorrow!!
I am now further North than at any point in my life...
80.2m 5h50m at 13.7mph 4398ft climb TOTAL 857 miles
It was an interesting night. The dormitory resembled a stable or cowshed with all the snorting snoring farting going on – at one point there was a certain rhythm to expulsions – like a human beat box said Andy-Arsenal. Several light sleepers took refuge in the living room & sofas but unfortunately the noises went with them. With my good ear pressed in the pillow I slept like a baby.
Breakfast was chaotic noisy and everyone helped clearing stuff away.
Most of us got going early – before 0800.
Starting out dull & drizzly we crossed the Caledonian Canal up to Fort Augustus. Just before town we had the first glimpse of our companion for the next 20 miles – Loch Ness!! As we passed through the sun came out flickering through the trees as we sped along the Loch – warming up the cool midge ridden air.
Along to the water stop in Drumndrochet the road had quite a number of undulations but with the fine weather and fantastic scenery we all just breezed along.
After taking in tea, nut bars, fruit etc we set off in a large group to tackle what was billed as the hardest climb of the whole trip. Climbing up 700ft in ¾ mile at 13%. This was a step stiff climb – most of us had to pause before our lungs burst – getting started again proved to be very tricky as the front wheel tended to lift off the ground unicycle fashion – David also managed to catch his shirt under the front of the saddle to boot – but managed to avoid falling off…just!
The reward was some spectacular views & a thrilling descent down into Beauly – nice straight road to ‘bomb’ down…..
The section to Dingwall was a little more urban but I did spot another nice golf course – seen a few on this trip…
Lunch was up overlooking Cromarty Firth. Simon’s rear wheel had finally admitted defeat! No man made object in history could ever survive the kind of forces he put it through…Attempts by Matt to fiddle with the spokes – then pocket rocket started smashing the wheel on the road to get it back in shape….no success so spare wheel used….
Along skirting Alness [van driver Dave got a bit lost here & went through the town - adding some miles] the terrain felt somewhat ‘English’ with it’s low hills hedges & ordinary (rather than the Highland’s with the big horns) cattle – but after climbing up to 750 ft again the terrain was back to Scottish again. Wish only a light breeze AndyH ‘The legend-Gerry’ Old-George Son-Steve Nikki-Nakki-Noo & I took our time soaking up the great views & fresh air.
Jason had stopped up at the top above Bonar Bridge for our afternoon cuppa.
Then another descent with great views of The Firth of Garnock to our right – and old bridge & wooded road took us to the A836 & into Ardgay. We followed the signs to the Youth Hostel, disappointingly 5 miles…and a few nasty hills to finish but what a place!
A huge old castle with turrets/towers etc.
I am in a (smelly now) dormitory with the pros (Andy Rob Keith) Yorkshire Dave, Novice Tim (who thinks he’s dying of a swollen uvula), David & David (who stayed in a different place last night so, with Susie got away an hour after the rest of us) Wigan-mark and all his kit (I thought I was bad) 2 garmins laptop ipod speakers etc etc.
Now we are showered the air is clearer. Out of the window we can see the valley below – Bonar Bridge in the distance and the hills with the wind farm that we first saw in the distance on the other side.
Also spotted today a sign saying ‘SOUTH TO INVERNESS!!’
We have made fantastic northerly progress in recent days..
Off to supper, an ale or two and early to bed….
Hit the North coast tomorrow!!
I am now further North than at any point in my life...
80.2m 5h50m at 13.7mph 4398ft climb TOTAL 857 miles
1 comment:
Sir Ernest would have been happy to have you on his team.
You've done 3 times more miles in 10days than I have managed all year.!
We missed you at the golf... will tee up a game vs Warwicks boys maybe 23rd at Toby's.
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