Stats : Distance 75.3 miles Ascent : 5561 ft Average Speed : 10.9 mph Moving time: 6 hrs 51m
What a day !!! We arose in Kinlochewe to the trees bending horizontally in the wind. We knew the forecast was dire - 50/60 mph gusts and rain. After yesterday’s excitement Linda and Jillian decided they wouldn’t be riding today but would be in the vicinity if assistance was needed. The Four Musketeers - Kim, Gwen, Carol and Janice didn’t flinch - at no time did anyone suggest not to ride. It WAS bad, we would never go out in conditions like this at home but we were determined. Tom, Murray and Neil were very concerned. We set off and at first the tree line seemed to shelter us, we can do this, we can do 76 miles. There was always the niggle, are we being foolish, is this worth the risk !! The wind was south west so was in out favour, either behind or side on but this was the problem. The crosswinds were horrendous, blowing us out into the middle of the road. Fortunately for us the roads were still quiet, the tourists at breakfast. We went in single file, struggling to keep control of the bike, keep it upright, at the side of the road. The high mountain passes were the worst, we were so exposed to the elements. This was the Scottish Highlands at it’s fiercest but in August not winter !!! We soldered on, at times very fearful, unclipping on steep descents where the wind threatened to blow the bikes away from under us. Eventually after a frightening coastal descent into Aultbea we stopped for lunch, as usual Tom had been on hand and he directed us to our tearoom. Over lunch I put it to the girls that safety was paramount and did they want to abort the ride. Personally I wanted to keep going but I had to know how they felt. We decided we would review the situation every 10 miles but you know what - the subject was never mentioned again. The scenery again was amazing, stunning even in the rain and driving wind - menacing hills, moorland, remote cottages, high lochs with their surface water whipped into a frenzy. With 20 miles to go we met Murray who had cycled against the headwind to meet us and ‘drag us in”. By this time we knew we would make it but the elements weren’t finished with us - the heavens opened with stinging driving rain, so hard i thought it was hailstones. We pressed on shoulders down, hunched against the weather, praying it would improve. Eventually we reached Ullapool, we couldn’t believe we had made it, people were looking at us thinking we were mad. Along the route we were encouraged by thumbs up, smiles and gentle toots by passing motorist. These small gestures kept us going for the next mile. Occasionally the glens would ring to the shout "unbelievable" (Kim) as a car came too close but only the sheep raised their heads in wonder. The Belles - Kim, Gwen, Carol and even myself were magnificent and it is a testament to their bike handling skills that they remained upright and strong today. We are all a little weary with aches and pains in places I won't mention (Kim). Each day they impress me more and more. Kim is not in her tent tonight but a B and B as the tents there have all blown down or away !!! Tonight we all ate out separately but before we parted we all agreed that in a perverse way we had enjoyed the ride, the challenge, I could even say at times it had been fun !!! P.S Tomorrow looks more of the same !!!
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