Arran Belles Cycle North Coast 500 August 2016: 08/14/16

Stats : Distance - 53.8 miles. Ascent - 1237 ft . Average Speed - 12.1 mph. Moving Time - 4 hrs 26 mins.

NC 500 Total Distance : 537.5 miles Total Ascent : 33,589.2 Ft

6 Arran Belles - Gwen Menzies, Kim Toogood, Carol Vella-Boyle,
Jillian Plenderleith, Linda Johnstone, Janice Small

Support Team - Tom Vella- Boyle, Neil Currie, Murray Small, Wee Flo ( Our Faithful Collie Dog )

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Last night (Friday Day 8) Murray had noticed bad cracks were appearing on my back tyre, the side wall was stripping away. No wonder with the pounding the bikes have taken. With just one day to go I decided to chance it but carry a folding tyre in my back pocket. Also my gearing, rear cassette was playing up but hey ho, just 54 miles to Inverness, Strad would get me there. Weather was looking a bit better for our last day, just wind not gales, what a bonus !! As Murray pulled my bike out he noticed a puncture - it was the front tyre too, not the back tyre which was a bit iffy. Quickly repaired I met up with the others and headed for the busy A9 - Murray, Neil, Linda and Jillian going ahead as usual. The A9 was heaving with traffic but we four set a steady pace in single file. Fortunately, in places, there was a small hard shoulder which gave up some relief. After 23 constant miles we reached Alness where we stopped for an early lunch in Cafe Sixty Six. I nearly got taken out by a parked car when the passenger opened her door without looking. She shouted after me " I'm so sorry", at least that was something !!! We were in high spirits singing at the top of our voices and waving to passing tourist buses. The miles flew by but we had to keep alert on the busier roads, traffic lights, roundabouts, not missing a turn off. With 10 miles to go we met Linda, Jillian, Neil and Murray who had cycled out to meet us and escort us in to Inverness, great fun. It felt so good not to have to battle the elements. We were held up at the Caledonian Canal as a barge negotiated the locks, fascinating. We romped through Inverness, keeping up with the traffic flow, across the River Ness bridge, past shops, restaurants, swung round behind the castle up the hill and finished in front of Flora MacDonald statue where it had all started 9 days ago. We were elated, excited, hugging each other, couldn't believe we had completed the NC 500 and in such atrocious conditions. After numerous photos from all angles we adjourned to the Castle Tavern for a liquid celebration, well deserved as we had been using about 3000 calories per day. Other customers were very interested in our trip, disbelieving but offering congratulations. We then parted to get spruced up for our celebration dinner in Italian restaurant, Zizzi. We hardly recognised each other when we met later, washed, sweet smelling, clean hair, fresh clothes - who are these people ? Another fab dinner, great chat, wonderful company, regaling stories of our trip. Double medals, Gold and Silver, were then presented to everyone to commemorate a memorable trip. What a special night with special people.

I have been on many cycling trips usually with strangers, I have to say, but the past 9 days with this group have been truly remarkable. The Scottish Highlands threw everything at us, extremes of weather - gales, driving rain, relentless crosswinds and headwinds; numerous mountain passes including Bealach na Ba the highest in Britain; daunting narrow roads, on occasion constant, close, fast moving traffic. Throughout it all the girls remained upbeat, motivated, determined to see it through. Often we were weary, aching, in pain, soaked through, exhausted but at no time were Kim, Gwen, Carol or myself beaten. We had great fun, often giggling hysterically. I think you are absolutely amazing, you are capable of anything !!!

Our support team of Tom, Neil and Murray were absolutely fantastic, each slotting into a role which made our trip so much easier. Tom shadowing the cycle, stopping every 20 miles or so to offer words of encouragement, food and water . Tom, you were invaluable - we loved your company and thank you for your places of interest 'team talk' every evening. Neil and Murray for going ahead to find B and B's when the awful weather meant camping was out of the question. Not an easy task in the month of August when everywhere was booked up. Oh, the relief when word came through that a place had been found !! Also, for looking after our bikes, cleaning and lubing, wonderful to know they were in safe hands. Murray for your daily weather reports although you always got it wrong !!!! Neil for keeping us entertained and our spirits up.

Linda, Jillian and Flo for always being there, offering the marvelous hospitality of Cilla, Camper van, we can't thank you enough. The fantastic dinners in Cilla were one of the highlights of our tour, wonderful food and great company. Linda, well done on the cycling you achieved in severe winds. Congrats to Jillian for clocking up 300 miles cycling. Great achievement. Wee Flo, you guarded over your Belles and told many an amusing tale, I look forward to our next adventure.

The NC 500 is not for the faint hearted, even in perfect weather, therefore I am very grateful that tonight we are all home safely on Arran. So till the next time, see you on the road !!!

P.S Video to follow at some point !!!