Stats: Distance - 70.2 miles Ascent - 6699ft Ave Speed - 9.3 mph Moving Time - 7hrs 30 min.
We all gathered at Ullapool junction slightly later than usual at 9.00pm. There was a huge cruise liner in the bay and bagpipes were playing to welcome the visitors ashore. We had been warned by Murray that it would be colder today with wind from North East which meant a full on headwind. At first the hills were gradual, slightly steeper than Brodick to Lamlash but I had a feeling worse was to come as this was the day with the highest total ascent. Gwen's chain was making worrying noises so Carol produced some lube but then Murray arrived with GT85 so all quietened down The scenery was absolutely stunning, high mountains on each side, giving way to golden beaches. We got caught up in the grandeur of it all and kept stopping to take pictures. As Carol said " It was breathtakingly beautiful'. Kim had a stabbing pain in her foot but as no cause could be found we reasoned it must be pressure - again Carol came to the rescue with Arnica. We then christened her "Mary Poppins", Kim became Ballsy Kim, Gwen was Gutsy Gwen and I said I had once been nicknamed 'Baby Doll'. Good fun.The constant wind, and occasional shower were exhausting but we felt the weather was slightly better than yesterday. Suddenly Carol and then Kim were blown straight across the road onto the far verge, very frightening as the road was busy, we took it easy concentrating on holding the road, ready for sudden gusts. Word came through that Murray and Neil were looking for B and B's in Scourie as the wind was still gale force and once again there were concerns about tents. Kim, Carol and I all said yes, go ahead and book. We reached Lochinver and headed to the famous Pie Shop for lunch, wonderful pies and sweets, very busy. By now it was 2.30pm and we were only halfway there, seriously behind schedule. Still what's another 36 miles for the Belles, but what miles !!!! Some people from Somerset, who were in a camper van, Kevin and Alan , spoke to us - said they had been leapfrogging us for the last few days. Always recognised us from Carol's bright yellow tights, they thought we were remarkable to be out in such weather, full of admiration. Fuelled up and ready to go we set of for the final leg, Jillian joining us. This was the loop round the coast and we could see from the map the road was narrow and hilly, no buses are allowed. Constant taxing ups and downs, having to pull in to let cars, camper vans and many motorbikes past - after yesterday's gales it was exhausting. Murray and Neil had cycled out of Scourie to meet us but as we were running so late, turned back after 11 miles. Jillian joined Linda in the Campervan with 16 miles to go, we hoped to arrive by 6.30/7.00pm. Tom had been shadowing us in his van always on hand to provide provisions and reassurance. Then the route became seriously challenging, some lovely downhills but oh the uphills were almost vertical. We had to walk in parts, a thing the Belles never do, getting unclipped without falling off was daunting. We were becoming extremely exhausted with the constant wind and hills. Once we finished the loop and rejoined the main road it was only 11 miles to Scourie but again it was relentless - strong head wind, hills and now fast traffic. We dribbled into Scourie between 8/8.30pm and eventually managed to locate Murray and Neil who were in the local pub, very concerned about us !!!! My how they jumped when I walked in the door, steam coming out my ears !!! Anyway, they quickly rose to the occasion and took charge of us and our bikes, guiding us to our B and B. Never was it more welcome. We all agreed it was the hardest day so far, started of ok but just gradually became 'unbelievable '. Fortunately this was a evening for dining with Linda/ Jillian in Cilla the camper van. So showered and changed we eventually rolled up at 9.00pm to be welcomed by 'Wee Flo" their dog. Flo has been watching over us and putting up with her home being invaded. Thank you Wee Flo. Amazing what a few beers and wine plus excellent food and company can do to revive the spirits. Stories were told of the day, aches and pains discussed. The girls were absolutely brilliant, we each went into our own wee world and suffered in silence, each dealing and coping with the ride in her own way. As usual I wouldn't have missed it for the world and it in a strange way, it was funny fun. ( Tomorrow is only 26 miles, recovery day, bliss )
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