Jogle - Day 4 (contains graphic images of blood and near nudity)

 

In essence, we left Fort William at 8.15 and all was going well for many miles. We picked up a couple of hitchhikers just outside of the town – they are going the same trip but a slightly different route, they hung on to our rear wheel for 5 or 6 miles and then disappeared off to Oban to catch a ferry. We may well see them later as they are destined to finish on Sunday with us. Then there was Rannoch Moor which was potentially horrid but was actually okay and dry (albeit the Piper at the parking spot did appear to be doing his best to influence the weather conditions – Jeez it was grim).

 

Onwards to Loch Lomond, lunch etc yada yada yada, then we tired of being threatened by juggernauts and caravans and diverted onto the West Loch Lomond Cycleway where we met “Charlie” for want of his true name which we never got chance to ask. Charlie is a social worker in Glasgow and, when prompted suggested that the cycle route should be ok for us on our touring/sportive bikes with slicks, before he set off on his 15 year old Marin mtb at a serious pace. Clearly, we were never going to be bested by a geezer on a mountain bike so rode with him for a good 6 miles before the track became particularly narrow, undulating (in a short steep way) and with wet blossom and leaves alongside the track. Suffice to say that Backie's front wheel slipped and the bike went from under him, sending him unceremoniously to the deck. Fortunately, nothing appeared to be broken but he did sustain some damage to hip, shoulder, ribs and, most importantly, the new Assos bibshorts. The Raleigh was relatively unscathed so he was able to struggle heroically on until we met up with Suzy who made short work of attending to his wounds, doubtless to the bemusement of passing motorists.

The ride continued into rain, and directional issues (sorry!!). Consequently, we pulled in to the Hotel (which is lovely) in Uplawmoor ridiculously late and 9 miles further than expected at about 8.20 – are we seriously hardcore or what?

 

 

Miles                                                                                        114

 

Ave Speed                                                                               14.1

 

Fastest                                                                                     37.6 (Cav)

 

Anything else                                                                            Not registered