My stomach was much settled down this morning and even after
a big breakfast things seemed pretty good.
So I was keen to get going and have a great ride today. Jos had organized an early breakfast at 7:00
am so we were all feed and ready to go by 8:00 Am. Well nearly ready. Once outside and ready to go there was a lot
of last minute stuff which needed to be done.
As I was ready I said that I was going to roll and Jos and Patrick could
catch up. They generally ride faster
than I do and I like to stop for photos, and fill my water bottle. However I never did see them all day.
The ride today was 75.5 miles (121.5 Kms) with 3287 ft (1002
m) of climb. All of it save for about
one mile was on paved roads. Although
some of the pavement was kind of iffy pavement.
There was one big climb which started right out of the door of our guest
house and went for 43 miles (69 kms).
Not quite one grade but lots of ups and downs along the way. The last half of the ride was pretty much net
downhill. It was supposed to hit a high
of 64 F (18 c) but I don’t think it made
it but it was still very pleasant riding temperature.
I rode alongside a river for the largest part of the day
admiring the scenery and puttering along.
I stopped to fix a flat for a German self-supporter. That you would leave on a 1000 mile self-supported
bike trip with a little cigar style tire pump is incredible. I stopped to pick wild strawberries beside
the road. They were like popping sweet
tart candies. I rode past the Dalwhinnie distillery and as I quite like their
scotch I was going to go in but it looked like a tourist trap. Hundreds of cars
and tour buses in the parking lot, and I was having too much fun riding along
so I keep pedaling. Just at the top of
the hill you enter the Scottish Highlands.
I stopped and took a picture. As
I turned down the last 15 miles it started to spit rain so I stopped and put my
rain gear on. It rained for 10 minutes.
I took my rain coat off and rode on.
Then it started to rain again.
This happened about 5 times.
I wound up getting in 2 hr before Jos and Patrick. I don’t know what happened to them. Sometimes it is great to just ride along by
yourself at your own pace. Today was one
of those days. A really nice ride
through some beautiful countryside.
Terry
3 comments:
So glad you are feeling better now and had a great day on the road. I haven's seen any rain drops on the pictures, but as it has to be, some obviously hit you towards the finish line.
I'm sure you have your floor pump with you as always. Remember when you helped an Australian lady before climbing St. Bernard pass. I could hardy see her tube, it was so thin, no wonder that could not hold!
I hope for another good day in the highlands!!!
Jurg
Way to rebound. The Scottish country side sure looks bright and green today verses the gray of yesterday. I can't believe you can traverse those muddy farm roads on a road bike. You are one tough guy😎
great Blog and trip. hope that you had/have time to hit the Hootenanny Pub just off the river Ness while you're there. good music. roll on buddy. Robert
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