Traded in my Panorama for this knitted beauty 😂
Very nice day and a half in Fort William with Karen. She may have been a little weepy :(. Ending holidays is hard for me too. She’s back at her aunts now and I’m in a sheep pasture.
First 40 km of ride was gentle river paths (the great glen way) in a light rain. Took a left at Loch Ness (can’t say that everyday) for some unexpected pain.
First a 1500 ft climb, a good chunk of it on military *road*. Muddy ground and slippery rock at 10%+ gradients. 2/3s riding and the rest pushing. Ripped down the other side on forestry roads.
Then some busy shoulderless highway. It’s a long weekend here, following a two week school break, so probably busier in these parts than usual. Hoping it calms down a bit Monday. Anyway, the riding was tolerable despite the traffic. All these high end European cars go very fast, but drivers gave me a wide berth and no one honked or did those dangerous and annoying things that drivers tend to do. Why is it ok from the comfort of 2 tons of climate controlled, gas/battery powered metal to bug cyclists and generally be a nuisance? Drivers are entitled, spoiled assholes. Usually.
I had some off route options but they looked pretty rough (more military roads) so I stayed put on the tarmac. Plus the views were incredible. No good pics because there was nowhere to stop, but it was wall to wall mountains. As beautiful as view as I’ve seen here, and that says something.
Had dinner at a fancy roadside bakery, Landour it was called. Some steak and pepper pastry, not unlike a Jamaican beef patty (had 2), pecan pie and a cappuccino. So good.
At the end of the day, about 10 km from the campsite I likely would have stayed at, I took an off road diversion. It was ridiculous! Loose boulders, deep mud, foot deep and many feet long puddles in tractor ruts. Absolute mayhem.
The good news is it resulted in me giving up on the campground and deciding for the first time in my life to wild camp. In a sheep pasture. One came over as I set up my tent and suggested I get lost. Maybe this lambs momma.
I’m cooked. Night!
Holy crap. I do appreciate your descriptive narrative but could do with it being less descriptive to make it sound somewhat bump but a pleasant ride. You did well today! Again, the photos are so beautiful. Favorite was the baby lamb…….if I were his mama I’d be protective too. Sleep well. Wishing smother roads tomorrow. Happy Easter. Love ya, M
I know you would
Chaddo- reads and sounds like beautiful views and challenging trails on day 1. Hoping for more great views, downhill and tailwinds in your future. Be safe. Love Dad
I’m enjoying reading your posts, Chad. I too was relieved to hear you both passed on hiking Ben Nevis. There are as many fatalities on it per year as there are on Denali. We’ve spent a few days in Fort William and think it’s beautiful. Glad you and Karen had such a memorable holiday. The first day of your ride sounds great. Hope the traffic thins out for you. Take care.
Oh boy. I’ve got some catching up to do. Missed most of the first posts but love seeing the first with yours and Karen’s hike to Loch Lomond. The last pic here is amazing. Wild camping looks beautiful. And a baby lamb right around Easter. How did it know?
You’re wild camping!! YES! Fantastic report and good luck tomorrow.
Blown away I am, what a nice job loading up your very nice bike.
It looks like you optimized the loading in a wind tunnel. I just love how solid it looks. and now your wild camping! Awesome!! Even your tent looks like it could really handle some bad weather. I have to confess I didn’t think you would transition so smoothly (107km on your first day .. on military trails .. you’re an animal on that bike. Enjoy that morning coffee man!
And here I am thinking how slow I’m moving and spending hours in the saddle every day figuring out what I won’t pack next time!
Looks like a tough first day Chad. Not sure what a “military road” is, but it looks like what we call a “logging road” in Maine. I wouldn’t even consider riding my bike on one.
Hope tomorrow brings a smoother road.
A military road I think is something made for and by soldiers hundreds or years ago. Cobblestone that is pretty worn down by now.
You finally get back to the only sensible way to get around, and proceed to take the least sensible roads! Glad you found a campsite, and I hope your body is up to today’s riding! Smooth trails and gentle hills!
I’d love to find my balance. Roads are fine but off road seems like so much fun except when it isn’t.
Wow! What an incredible place to camp!
I hope you didn’t get “rammed” in the night. Sheep can be deceptive.