First of the big days today, 112.85 miles. Unfortunately it doesn't appear that the photo uploaded is working for blogs, so I will have to add pictures in a few days when I have access to a pc. Breakfast today was HUGE, so much that I couldn't finish. Cereals to begin, cooked to follow. Not the best, but it filled a hole. I set off today with the weather changeable, so put my rain jacket on just in case and also to keep warm. However, after about 40 miles it was too hot, so I took it off and strapped it to my bag. From about 50 miles on, I hardly saw a cloud, it was beautiful. I've never done the north east of Scotland before, but cycling down the coast brought a few tears to my eyes with the sun out as Dad would have loved to have taken hundreds of photos on a day like today. Not quite as nice as the islands on the west coast, but a close second. I cycled on the A99 followed by the A9, but as I was making good progress, I decided to cut inland and take the smaller c road over to Alness, through the forest. Sheltered from the wind, but with the sun beating down, being on my own for miles at a time with no traffic, its hard to beat being on the bike in Scotland. Once I arrived in Alness, I asked a lady if there was a cafe or pub where I could sit outside. Her response was"this is the first sun we've had for 5 years..." I took that as a no, so bought a milkshake and mars bar and sat on a bench in the high street, watching the World go by. Arriving at my b&b for the night, I was met by one of the owners, Claire, who asked me fill out the necessary form, before showing me up to my room. Once inside my room, she took great delight in showing me how she had decorated it especially for my birthday. The pictures will speak for themself when I upload later :-) I then went downstairs to sort out my bike and Keith, Claire's partner invited me for a glass of wine later in the evening, which of course I duly obliged. It was lovely talking to Keith and Claire, if you are ever in Inverness, check out the Kinkell House b&b, thoroughly recommended. on their recommendation, I had dining at Riva restaurant which over looks the castle, a very nice meal, more than my budget for the day, but it is my Birthday :-)Tomorrow is on to Glenfarg, my biggest day of the JOGLE, both in distance and also altitude climbed. Could be a late night. At least most of the climbing is done in the first 50 miles, before about 25 miles of downhill. If I have time, I may take in the Highland games in Blair Atholl.
3 Comments
Mark Burns
25/5/2013 01:56:49 am
Sounds amazing ! Hope you took some breathtaking pics for us to see! Have only been up as far as Callender . Keep Cycling !!!!!
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Athol and Family
25/5/2013 10:06:21 am
Give my regards to Blair Atholl, we are all very envious of your journey, but not all the way on a bike.
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Jay n Rach
25/5/2013 10:50:02 am
Enjoying your updates Stu. Ride safe buddy
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AuthorStuart Mole - cycling through Scotland and England. Archives
June 2013
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