Day 2 – Plan B

Evening/Morning all, 2 days down and 5 to go, took a big chunk of the total miles out today, running total now sitting at 244. This would have been 254 had things gone to plan, but as the title suggests we have had to change our plans, ill come to that a little later on.

Setting off from Inverness, it was overcast and a little bit chilly. I spent pretty much the majority of the first 80 miles today riding across multiple Loch’s, including the infamous Loch Ness. I think I can say, the A82 and all 124 miles of it today, were stunning. What a road to cycle on, it was very very undulating for the first 80 miles, then it was long climbs and long decents. The views were spectacular, riding along the lakes and then hitting one of the summits in the climb, where they go skiing.

My saddle sore was a little worse first thing this morning, giving me a little trouble throughout the day. Add to that some nipple sore from riding in the rain yesterday, I was not in a good place.

I saw a couple of cyclists today (over took them), managed to chat to one of them who was French, yet spoke good English, he puffed his cheeks when I told him where I had come from and how far I had to go. The second guy I saw was clearly German and only shouted his destination at me, I didn’t even really understand that to be fair. A German pronouncing a Scottish location, what chance would I have.

On my way to the first stop I had a massive panic, a leaf (yes a leaf), blew towards me and I sh*t myself! Thinking it was a rock, piece of metal or something that was going to cause me harm. It goes to show that you have to keep your whits about you. Having to concentrate for 8 hours worth of cycling is some challenge! I manged to beat the support car to my first stop, added another 3 miles before they caught me. Stopping beside another Loch for a cheeky sarnie and refuel.

The weather changed throughout the day and the final few hours it was glorious sunshine, clearly you can see I was cycling with the sun coming in from the West as my right arm t-shirt tan is ridiculous compared to my left.

As I mentioned earlier, we have had to revert to a Plan B tonight, the final 17 miles of the A82 were shut, there was a fatal accident earlier today in which a German motorbike rider was killed. Apparently the 4th accident in the last week on that stretch of road. The highway patrol allowed us to go through the closed road until we reach Ardlui, roughly 9 miles from my original destination Arrochar. We had to make a decision, either wait until the road opened, which would be around 19:30 or 20:00 (it was 17:00 at this time), or we try and book a room in Ardlui for the night and add the extra miles to tomorrow’s ride. Option 2 was picked, which means I now need to get myself to sleep and crack on early doors. Next time I report in will be for the next livetrack!

Here are the stats from today’s ride.

124.66 miles
8:00:16 riding time
32 mph top speed
15.6 mph average speed
90 rpm cadence
5689 ft of climbing
4961 calories burnt
6 litres of water

Bug count = 5

Just had a lovely haggis and poached egg starter, followed by some salmon (rest of Mum’s dinner) and some ice cream. Tonight is our last night in Scotland as tomorrow night we look to rest our heads in Carlisle.

Wish me luck…