Stats: Distance - 63.4 miles Ascent - 3376 ft Average Speed - 10.2 mph Moving Time -6 hrs 10
After breakfast we all gathered outside our hotel in Wick, next to Ebenezer Place the worlds's shortest street at 6 ft 9 inches. Kim, Gwen, Carol, Jillian and I made our back to the busy A9 and headed south. We were hopeful of a dry, not too windy day but very soon our hopes were dashed !! Out on the A9, overlooking the North Sea, oil rigs in the distance we were assailed by severe crosswinds, as strong as any we had experienced on the west coast. This time though the crosswind was blowing us out into the added danger of heavy traffic - cars, vans, lorries. The strain was immense, pedalling and holding the bike against the wind, we even had pedal, push hard downhill, so there was no respite!! It was exhausting - we stopped frequently to gather our wits - then pushed on. Eventually we reached the Berrisdale Braes and what should have been a long fast descent turned into a long downhill push then a push up the far steep hill. On and on !! We lunched at Helmsdale where Linda and Tom, ever in attendance, joined us. Word came through that although Dornoch was incredibly busy Murray and Neil had found Kim and myself B and B accommodation, wonderful. Fortunately, although the wind was still intense it had now turned and was blowing us onto the roadside verge, much safer !! We just got our heads down and went for it, making good time. About 7 miles out from Dornoch we met Neil and Murray who had come out on their bikes to escort us in. Neil suggested he take us the scenic route, away from the heavy traffic and although sceptical at first it was a lovely road with beautiful views. Not much else to report, the sun was out, what should have been a pleasant ride turned into a dangerous, exhausting day. Just par for the course for the Belles on the NC500. Once again the girls were magnificent - strong, determined, committed to see it through, just brilliant.We dined tonight in the Eagle Hotel but without Tom. He is having an early night as he is heading home in the morning, his NC 500 is over. Thank you so much Tom for shadowing us around the scottish coast, your presence was invaluable and so reassuring, we will miss you tomorrow. Well another toughie but what an achievement , these girls can take on anything and win through. The fun just goes on and on, one more day and that's it !!! Speak tomorrow after the celebrations.
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| Ebenezer Place - Worls's Shortest Street |
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| Morning Exercises |
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| Kim and Gwen battling the Wind |
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| Before the Descent |
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| Tom, Gwen, Jillian having a rest |
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| Seals on the Scenic Route |
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| Pretty Dornoch |
