Wheelie Big Ride: Day 9
After a somewhat eventful night, the team set off from Munlochy and were immediately faced by a nice climb to warm up…oh the joys of the Scottish highlands!
However the view of the Cromarty Firth and Bridge were worth the climb and it was here that we saw our first (road) sign showing John O’Groats! Not far now!
A short blast on the A9 (team time trial mode engaged) followed before kicking up and over the moors to Bonar Bridge. This section was a wee bit chillier so after the team had the customary bacon rolls for the morning stop, we thought it wise to grab our arm warmers and gilets. They didn’t last long! Pushing on to Lairg the cloud cleared and all warm gear was quickly relegated to back pockets again! There was some beautiful scenery to see along this route including an old suspension bridge, a salmon leap heading up the Falls of Shin and folk sailing on a reservoir in the gorgeous weather.
Our planned lunch stop was at Altnaharra Hotel which we made in good time…only to be informed they don’t do lunches, contrary to their sign and website. No matter we thought, we have plenty with us for a picnic we got set out in record time. Cue midges. Lots of midges! So lunch was a bit of a flop, but one good thing did come of it: it was the speediest we’ve ever seen Kenny move so might just bottle some midges for future use!
Heading onwards along Loch Naver we had flashbacks of Lands End, with a tasty headwind slowing progress. Good practice for tomorrow along the North coast! This wind did however give us a chance to have picnic attempt #2 (no midges this time) with a quick stop for a drink and a cake.
We rolle
d into the beautiful sights of Bettyhill about 4pm and saw our first North Coast 500 sign just outside our hotel. Last full day done! “Just” a mere 50 miles to John O’Groat tomorrow and our adventure is complete!
cle from Braemar to Crathie was as stunning as any point of the trip, the clear blue skies, the river Dee and the hills and forests made for a great start to the day, even if we were aware of what was looming ahead (hills and lots of them).
The first was Crathie hill, a mere 192m – but felt like 1920m after the Glenshee climb from the previous day!
Upon arrival at Grantown on Spey we were still experiencing the seasonally hot weather, 29⁰! After lunch, it was onwards to Inverness… a long, warm ‘slog’ which brought out the ‘beast’ in Kenny and his time trialling experience, he flew off like a train with myself and Stuart in pursuit – but we also suspected that Kenny’s lunch had kicked in :).
We all enjoyed the spectacular views on the Kessock Bridge, clear skies, calm waters made for a great experience and one to be cherished!
The climb started gradually and kicked up to 12% at the top with very little wind to cool the riders down, but everyone made it up safely and into Aberdeenshire!
Starting the day as the previous day ended – we had more lovely hospitality from Norman and Mary, breakfast and coffee, a great start for us all!
First stop was at Lockerbie for a bacon roll and coffee, always a welcome stop after a good few hours of cycling. As the heat was continuing to fry us, we ended up stopping in Moffat (for an Ice cream), but we were taught a lesson, not to stop! As a result of this stop, a puncture was experienced (once more by Stuart, no more wheelies for him, it really would save his tyres).
Upon arrival at Bigger, Dave once again came up trumps and found a great lunch spot (The Kirkstyle) who serve great food! As the afternoon continued the spirits were lifted at the sight of the Forth road bridge, with this in sight we knew the end of the day was nearing….
Despite some shonky overtakes (mostly drivers which we then caught up with in the next queue of traffic…) we made it to first stop at The Barn in Scorton. What a pick of a place! They had 44 different flavours of home made icecream on offer along with a HUGE selection of cakes including a Percy Pig inspired Cookie Pie. Between the coffee and the sugar we were flying!
