Descending at 35mph into driving sleeting rain is beyond the hydrostatic performance of GoreTex Paclite. It drove through onto my chest like I was being hosed down. Stoker said she was dry on top. I wonder why? I got cold towards end of day.
Just like yesterday, the day started grey cloudy. Unlike yesterday, it was raining. Some risked kippers for breakfast in the hope it would make them swim better in the rain. We togged up and set off up the hill at 9:15, fearing a step climb. But it was only a short 13% 200 metres then a 7.5 miles gentle graded ascent. We had no trouble. The descent down to the loch was when I had my GoreTex epiphany moment. I got wet, have I mentioned that?
The rest of the route was gentle undulates at various lochs level. We zoomed along at fastest average speed so far, since there wasn't anything else to do and little scenery to see through the rain and cloud. It would have been lovely if we could. We stopped for 11es at the Crauchan Power Station Visitors Centre. A welcome sight and chance to wring out our socks. Cherry had coffee, tea, a scone and half a caramel slice. I had tea and 1 and a half slices. We continued in the rain to have lunch at Castle Stalker View Cafe, where we had tea, toasted paninnis (the previous cyclists having eaten all the soup) and caramel slices. Lots of enormous men and their wives tucking into vast scones with coke before decanting themselves into their cars to go to their next gorge. I felt quite swelte. Of course it stopped raining whilst we were in there.
30 mins after we left and started to drip dry, it started raining again. A nice new cycle track for a few miles, then over the Ballacullish bridge (with the hotel underneath being the scene of many pints when walking in the area with the chums). The signs (now with Gaelic above the English, what a complete waste of painting, I mean how many people need Gaelic signs as the locals who might speak it know the way?) showed Fort William approaching, and we arrived to a welcome at the B&B at just before 5pm.
After a shower, snooze in bed to try and warm up (Cherry was fine), we went out for dinner with Carl & Rita to the Lime Tree near by, the best restaurant in Fort William - well that wouldn't be hard as the waitress remarked to me. It was a normal meal with no steak pie on the menu.
Just to keep the day consistent it started to rain as we walked back to the B&B. Cherry looked at the forecast on the internet for tomorrow. Rain. Lots of it. Then rain intervals between the heavy rain when we get further north. So the day will get better. I will wear all my available clothes to attempt to keep warm.
Well done you two! Great little whisky shop in FW and I thoroughly recommend the Islay single malt for the Stoker if you want to achieve Warp Speed. I have fond childhood memories of the Rest & Be Thankful, travelling from Anstruther to Dunoon when the ferries were off. Sue has seen the view of Inveraray Castle from the top of the 'Rest' - brilliant. You are amazing, but I sincerely hope you are pedalling, as opposed to peddling. I mean, where would you keep all the stuff??
ReplyDeleteHope it stops raining tomorrow, or something
ReplyDeleteActually, that was James attempting to be amusing. I think you are doing a brilliant job and I hope that the weather cheers up for you. Great news about Lulu, and Jonny too. Looking forward to seeing you again, soon.
ReplyDelete