A perfect days cycling through some of the most stunning scenery I have experienced.
The day started off with two welcome, if unexpected events- a lie in....7:30am, and a full nights sleep!
One of the early decisions was whether to apply the midge spray. The day before had been far too wet for midges and they had all stayed at home. Today it was feeding time and dad had already provided breakfast for a few, whilst getting the bikes out. One of the downsides of the midge spray we had brought with us, was that it melts plastics and synthetic materials. As all my cycling clothes are made from artificial fibres, I had a tough decision to make; to get eaten alive by the infamous Scottish midges or risk my clothes disintergrating. I decided to apply the spray, as so far my Lycra is holding up.
We enjoyed the 20 mile stretch along the banks of Loch Lomond and stopped for coffee after 18 miles. Just as we sat down Andrew Tomlinson, the guy from Woverhamton who is cycling LEJOG and climbing the three peaks, pulled in. We had met Andrew in Clunn, Shropshire, 6 days earlier and it was good to share experiences and routes we had taken. Andrew was on his way to Ben Nevis then John O'Groats. He was in good spirits, but did admit it was by far the toughest thing he had done. After watching Andrew speed off on his lightweight road bike, I climbed aboard my fully laden 1964 touring bike, Martin, which has come to resemble a Honda Goldwing with it's enormous panniers.
We climbed our way towards the Highlands with dad setting a strong pace. Dad is getting stronger each day and our average speed today was the highest of the trip.
We have travelled on the A82 all day and despite the lorries, cars,coaches and motorbikes wizzing by, the road is a must for all confident cyclists looking for a gentle gradient into superb countryside.
The landscape of Scotland is vast and the scenery on the ride just got better and better.
My friend Martin Turner, who works for TrailFinders in Manchester, has traveled the world over and rates the landscape of West Scotland as highly as New Zealand. After today's ride I have to agree with him. I have never ridden an easier 65 miles or cycled uphill grinning like a Cheshire cat before. The stunning scenery took my mind off missing home and aching muscles and just made me feel grateful to live in such an amazing country.
The day ended with the descent through the pass of Glencoe which resembled the landscape from Lord of the Rings. Superb !
We reached the Glencoe YHA in a record early time of 4:30pm.
The weather and scenery should be the same for tomorrow as we make our way to Loch Ness.
Stats
2469 feet of climbing
65.8 miles
Sent from my iPhone
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