Distance: 92.9 miles
Miles to Go: 144
Average Speed: 14.5 mph
Time in Saddle: 6 hours 22 mins
Lunch: Grog & Gruel, Fort William
Route Profile:
Report:
Breakfast at the hostel was fairly basic to say the least....however, with over 90 miles to cover today, we decided to up and leave fairly early. Huge swarms of midges made getting our bikes and gear together tough...I for one, almost lost my sense of humour on more than one occasion, particularly whilst changing the inner tube on Jo's bike (with Chris' help). To say we were being eaten alive would be an understatement!
Anyway, some good news....firstly, we received good news from Glasgow. Roger is doing brilliantly and had already told the nurses to get him up and out of bed! Something tells me they aren't going to be able to keep him in hospital for long. Secondly, Ali (and her knees) were back in top form and able to join the peloton today. Thirdly, after yesterday's experience, we were delighted to see the sun!
Today's ride was the longest of the trip so far.....it started with 3 long hard climbs up into the Grampian Mountains.
However, what goes up must come down, and the descents did not disappoint! The final descent, which took us through Glen Coe was about 5 miles long!
Our route today was not one for map reading. We started out on the A82 and we were due to follow it all day. All 3 groups were making good time, and by 12:15pm had arrived in Fort William on the edge of Loch Linnie for lunch at the Grog & Gruel.
There we were delighted to welcome back to the support crew, Diane, who had remained in Glasgow to check that Roger was OK post op. Roger was adamant that Diane should re-join us, and be there to see us arrive in John O'Groats! He's never been one to be fussed over.
After lunch, we headed back out onto the A82, and headed through Spean Bridge and down onto the edge of Loch Lochy. Then it was a flat and fast 30 odd mile stint, via and the Caledonian Canal, through Fort Augustus and along the northern edge of Loch Ness to our hostel.
What a stunning location....no sign of Nessy, however! Some of the boys did go looking for her, in their swimmers, but with little success!
Tonight we have a home cooked meal on the agenda (curry), with a few bottles of vino thrown in, courtesy of Diageo.
Two days left, 824.2 miles cycled so far and barely 145 miles to go! Bring it on.....
Go team, go!!And well done, the end is in sight!
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry to hear about Roger's misfortune,but I will definately be telling a few patients what hip pain is really about :).
Enjoy your well deserved meal and safe biking tomorrow.I look forward to hear about your adventures tomorrow.
C
Hi Di,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about Roger's accident. Please tell him we are thinking about him and do let us know if there is anything we can do to help.
Love
Norma And Wayne
You've done extraordinarily well to have made it so far, and all our chums are well bored of hearing about your Challenge. So the finish approaches and huge congratulations are nearly ready to be heaped upon you all – drivers and riders. Safe ride to JoG. Won't next week seem odd! Charlie and Mary xxx
ReplyDeleteHello Team,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to wish everyone all the best as you conquer those last few miles! Can't think what you'll feel tomorrow but imagine it will be amazing as you cross that finishing line. It's an amazing achievement and you can all be v proud. I spoke to Dad today and he was in pretty good spirits considering, though obviously most upset he won't be able to out kick Chris on the final climb up to John O Groats. He's currently planning his escape route from hospital which as you'd expect, has left nothing to chance. Look forward to seeing you all over the summer at some stage.
Love Team B aka James, Sambo, Matt and Jez.