Day 12 -The Report

Highland Mosquito Terrorist

What promised to be any easy wet day turned into a difficult dry one. The expected SW winds have not been with us for the whole of the trip and today was no exception, headwind most of the way. Scott gathered a puncture as previously posted, and we all adopted our own anti midge tactics at lunch, unfortunately Sarah has been influenced by Highland extremists. We arrived at the Youth Hostel only to find they do neither food or drink, so after the shower and iPhone evensong we had to cycle the mile to the nearest eatery. So three pints of Magners later it's hey go and down the hill, last one back's a cissy.

Day 12

REAL TIME BLOGGING!!!
Day 12, puncture number 2. Not quite the 15 second change as in Tour de France, but a more picturesque spot to change a tube we couldn't have wished for. Let's tonk on!

Day 12: The Start

The five rise locks at Fort Augustus

Today's route is directly North a distance of 48 miles, which for us is a sort of rest day. So breakfast at 8.30 after a welcome lie in. The weather is not promising and I will be surprised if we do not get wet again, for the fourth time in row.
Tiredness is now beginning to tell and although this has been the very best adventure I shall not be sorry to see JoG tomorrow.
Hopefully the full illustrated blog at blog-o-clock tonight.

Day 11

The team 4 miles from Bonar Bridge

Our late bid to make the Olympics has already failed, it turns out that yesterday's strong riding was due to the wind, which turned right back against us for 75 miles today. Legs were heavy and progress was slow. Spirits were lifted as the rain stopped and the sun shone all the way into the 'Dunroamin Hotel' where we are currently enjoying liquid carbohydrates in the shape of Trade Winds Ale.

Day 11 Invergarry to Bonar Bridge

All the team had a good nights sleep and after the success of yesterday are looking forward to day's 75 ml.
Network willing we will send the full illustrated report at blog-o-clock.

Day 10 - Tarbet to Invergarry

> Back on track - what a day!
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> After really making the most of the facilities in the luxury of the tarbet hotel, the team had a serious decision to make first thing. At the breakfast stage briefing it was decided to change our destination from loch ness to Invergarry. With the boys recovering from minor ailments Sarah assumed the role of team leader. She successfully overcame her first challenge (booking tonights b&b) quicker than the Russian waitress could deliver a pre plated fry up!
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> Buoyed by the bottle of Shiraz and cabaret with Vic Roberts, the peleton were off shortly before 9am. First job was to make up the deficit from yesterday, which we did without blinking. The fitness gained from the past 9 days on the bike really kicked in today, or maybe it was the wind straight up our trumpets for 90 miles, but either way the average speed was upped dramatically.
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> After yesterday's fiasco on the bumpy bike paths of Glasgow a change of strategy was needed today and we ditched the vibration white finger paths for the relative tranquility of the A82. The soothing effect of the smooth tarmac on our baboon like bums more than made up for the inconvenience of the traffic.
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> The next challenge was to pass over Glencoe. Our new leader relished this, and with the knowledge that the A82 was the only road over the top, and not one of her dad's spiteful detours over a vertical incline just to avoid the occasional horse and cart, she took to the front and led us up the mountain at great speed.
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> From then on the route was stunning, our best day on the bikes by far. Tailwind, lochs, mountains, early finish, perfect! Time for a pint we think...

Day 10 - Tarbet to Invergarry