Day 3: Kinlochewe to Ullapool - The Four Musketeers Ride Again

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 !!!

Day 2 : Lochcarron to Kinlochewe - Black Jag Menace On the Beach Na Ba !!!!

Stats:   Distance 61.4 miles,  Ascent : 5836 ft, Ave Speed: 9.93 mph, Moving Time : 6 hrs 11m

 The Belles plus support team were up bright and early anxious to get on the road to tackle the notorious Bealach Na Bar the highest mountain pass in Britain at 2300 ft.  Beautiful  dry sunny morning so we set off in good spirits.  Murray and Neil were cycling with us to the top then returning to Lochcarron to pick up their vehicles and make their way to Kinlochewe. Tom as usual was with us and little did we know how pleased we would be to have him nearby !!!  Anyway, lovely 6 mile lead in to the mountain, a few testing ups and down but nothing the Arran trained Belles couldn’t cope with. Then it started, up and up but we took it nice and easy, pacing ourselves enjoying the stunning views and brooding mountains. We were lulled into thinking ‘this isn’t as bad as we thought’ ,famous last words because then we hit the really steep part and the legs started hurting.  Cars were coming up behind us and some managed to squeeze past but on the really steep, narrow part they just couldn’t. We could not stop as we knew we wouldn’t get purchase to start again. One car, a black jag, was very impatient, revving, clutch burning trying to squeeze past then hesitating. I was wobbling all over the place, legs screaming until eventually we reached a lay-by where Gwen, Jillian and I stopped.  Apart from him most car drivers were very considerate, clapping, giving us the thumbs up, families cheering - all wonderful and very encouraging. We made it to the top, high fiving, elated. Linda, (camper van) Murray, Neil and Tom were waiting with a very welcome cup of tea.  We all had stories to tell about experiences on the climb.  Good job, good stuff.  Then we noticed the rain had come on so reluctantly we set off to complete the descent and another 48 miles  of hills!! The descent was hair-raising , sore on the hands and fast with slicing crosswinds.   Once we reached Applecross the wind was with us and we made, if slightly wet, progress. Linda was meeting us at 30 miles with lunch - then came the drastic news !!! She was still on top of Beach na Bar because Cilla, Camper Van wouldn’t start.  However the AA had been called but wouldn’t be with her untill 2.00pm.  Having reassured ourselves she was ok the next problem was where would we get lunch - the nearest place was Sheildaig - 45 miles in, too far - and this was where Tom was invaluable.  He met us at the top of a hill, and believe you me there were many short, sharp, steep exhausting hills, he had bananas, nuts, biscuits, enough to keep us going. So grateful !!! We then continued on to Sheildag where Jillian uttered the prophetic words -‘ I hope there is not a Gala Day’.  There was - the annual village fete  in the rain - but everyone was so friendly, we enjoyed hot tea, coffee and beef burgers, absolute bliss.  Another 15 miles to go, everyone feeling tired but glad we were almost there and then the heavens opened - it chucked down.  I’m afraid I then upped the pace hoping to encourage everyone to reach Kinlochewe in good time.  We had a wonderful tailwind and the hills flattened out a bit, we felt we were on top of the world - misty, bleak, barren.  61 miles in we reached Kinlochewe and the welcome sight of Murray and Neil standing at the roadside to welcome us in.  Murray took our bikes guided us to our hotel rooms then dried and lubed the bikes. By this time we just wanted looked after, wonderful.  It was a very eventual day in all respects - weather good and bad,  Linda’s mechanical, constant steep hills after the Beach na Bar but I was so proud of everyone. We coped with whatever was flung at us, made good decisions, looked out for each other and kept smiling.  It may sound like an awful day but it wasn’t - we had a tailwind , it wasn’t cold and we saw humour in many situations. The scenery was breathtaking, what a beautiful part of the world we are privileged to live in. At one point I thought we will never get there , always stopping to take photos.  Delicious dinner in the Kinlochewe Hotel with Murray giving his weather report and Tom his places of interest report.  We are all very tired tonight and away to bed at 9.30 pm but you know what - we had fun, fun, fun !!  ( Again apologises for delay - bad signal ).

Day 1 : Inverness to Lochcarron - We are Off !!!

Stats:  Distance 64.7, Ascent: 1948 ft, Ave speed 12.25 mph,  Moving Time 5 hrs 16

Fantastic first day for the Arran Belles cycling from inverness to Lochcarron.  We all met on a beautiful sunny morning,  8.30 am, at the Flora MacDonald Statue, Inverness Castle.  After a photoshoot we nervously, anxiously, gingerly headed out into the heaving Inverness traffic. We all coped very well and quickly found ourselves clear of the city and out on the open road.  Country side was stunning in the morning sunshine and although the drivers were very courteous the traffic was still steady.  Murray and Neil headed straight to Lochcarron planning to cycle back and meet us whilst Tom stayed close by every ready to take jackets as we warmed up, or provide water and biscuits. We passed through Beally, really pretty with stunning hanging baskets.  We pulled in at the community hall in Contin for a comfort stop, chatted to Elaine who said she hoped to open an information centre proving details of the NC 500 route. She said since last year they have been swamped with visitors to the area, it really seems to have taken off.    After 34 miles we spotted the Scottish Flag by the roadside signalling  Linda, Wee Flo and Cilla Camper Van  ready to provide a delicious lunch of sandwiches, coffee, tea and biscuits.  So welcome.  We were making good progress romping along at a great pace and then the wind increased, full on head wind.  At 25 miles to go we met Murray who escorted us home. The wind slowed our progress but we arrived happy and glad to get the first day under our belts. Fabulous route with wonderful scenery.  Delicious dinner was provided at the Lochcarron Bistro where we analysed the day, Murray gave a weather report for the 2nd day and fielded searching questions from Linda " Eh, what do you think I should wear tomorrow  ?" Tom gave a report of places of interest on the route. A perfect first day, it went like clockwork, everyone coping and happy and you know what - we had fun, fun, fun !! ( Sorry for the late report - not good signals in them there hills !!! Will add photos later to this post )