A good nights kip at Stirling (amongst all the university students who couldnt find accomodation).We had the usual stodge breakie again (hannah's graduated to numberelli spaghetti on toast) and set off at around 8am after pa did his usual faff on the bikes and put on our wet weather gear for the first time because it looked as though it was going to be rainy all day and...........it was! The rain managed to seep into all nook and crannies (including through two layers of hans super duper dry north face jackets!) Pa looked like a deep sea diver but stayed relatively dry.
Han and Pa can testify that government cut backs have started to take effect already in Scotland beacuse the road surfaces are naff and not good for cycling- it takes about 5 mph off your speed. Having said that the road was relatively flat and thankfully no head wind and very few hills! We had been really looking forward to this part of the leg (in terms of scenery) however the base of the mountains was pretty much all we saw on the long windy road into Crianlarich-much of the peaks were clouded with the mist and rain.
Whilst on their travels Pa and Han had a very worring moment when 3 emergency vehicles wizzed pass (on the only road into Glencoe) after not seeing or hearing from Ian all morning (he had 'bravely' decided to hardcore it to Glencoe rather than stop with the plodders at Crianlarich half way). Much to our relief it was only a crash between two cars which must have just happend (although we dont suppose the drivers of the two cars were too happy!).
Arrived at Crianlarich at 1:30 and looking forward to a shower but as the reception was closed until 3:30 the only shower we could get was outside!!-deep joy. So a very bedraggled pair went to the local railway station cafe for some hot grub and warm up. Weather temp has certainly cooled as we have made our way up north and hans regretting only packing one set of long cycling trousers (school boy error!).
Mobile phone reception has been non-existent since we arrived so we havent been able to contact Ian so if you're reading this Ian we hope you're okay and we'll see you tomorrow at Glencoe!..or maybe not!! Mobile phone reception is likely to be poor over the next few days as we weave our way through the mountains so apologies if it seems like we have disappeard!!.
Bikes and bodies are all standing up well (if a little tired) and looking forward to actually seeing above tree level through the highlands!
Han, you all have done so well and you all must be so proud on what you have achieved so far.
ReplyDeleteI dont know if i could manage it for how long you have done, in the cold and rainy weather, but what an experience, aye?!
Hopefully you havent had to many punchtures, considering the road surfaces, its awful when they are not looked after!
What your average speed?
Look forward to reading more blogs.
KEEP GOING xxx