Jogle - Day 3
June 06, 2010
Okay so at 6.00 p.m. this evening, 4 blokes with a combined age of 226, who had left Ullapool (112 miles away) at 8.05 this morning, bowled into Fort William, completing the last 10 miles in only fractionally over 30 minutes. Its probably fair to say that we are all a bit stiff and knackered but generally feeling pretty pleased with ourselves.
Anyway, highlights since last blog – excellent dinner in Ceilidh Place – I’m told the rooms were fine but as I was banished to the bunkhouse across the road can’t comment from personal experience. Early start meant that we missed out on the “Full Scottish” but made pretty short work of dispatching the buffet – never has so much fruit and cereal been eaten by so few in such a short space of time.
Sharp climb out of Ullapool woke us up and was followed by a seriously long haul after 10 miles or so. Backie is determined to win the Polka Dot jersey and took the King of the Mountains points with ease. Thereafter, things were far easier than anticipated for 20 odd miles or so albeit we can’t fathom out how cafes that don’t open in tourist areas in June actually make any money.
A quick coffee stop further down the road provided the opportunity to laugh at Greavsie’s pathetic attempts with his leg-warmers which drew comparisons with Norah Batty rather than Mark Cavendish and then we were off down towards Beauly. Stopped in Beauly at the tourist centre for fabulous coffee and scones although I spent much of the time wondering whether the elderly couple behind us were actually going to finish their sandwiches or whether I might be able to help them out. You’d be surprised how much an elderly couple can eat!
We had agreed with Suzy to stop for lunch the other side of Drumnadrochit and had anticipated a 2-3 mile ride max. In the event, it was closer to 10 miles before we eventually found a café by which time the hunger knock was kicking in quite badly – loaded up with carbs and carried on.
Weather has been more mixed – saw rain for the first time but hills have been less painful. Got to run – dinner calls.
Daily Stats
Distance 112 miles
Feet climbed 5189
Top Speed 47.2 mph (Greavsie – boring isn’t it?)
Stage Winner Not contested
King of the Mountains Backie
Accidents 0
Punctures 0
