I’m in a cute little port town called Ullapool tonight. I get the sense it is the largest population centre in the region, but I don’t know that for sure.
I finally got some decent distance today, 125 km. Pavement is so predictable and easy, even with a good amount of elevation, >5,000 ft.
These first 4 or 5 days are supposed to the be easy ones, my plan is to move to more off road riding starting Wednesday at some point. I’m a little intimidated based on what I’ve seen so far. I’m going to do a little research and planning tonight to see if I need to cut a few corners or reroute. I have loads of options.
Anyway, today was outstanding. Very quiet highways along and near the coast. I got my first sights and smells of the sea.
And then more and more mountains, so many layers of them.
Stopped in the fanciest tea spot I’ve even been in for second breakfast. The kind of place that must serve royalty. I felt terribly out of place and was quite relieved when the waitress asked if I wanted to sit outside so I could keep an eye on my bike. So be it if it was a passive aggressive invite.
Very, very hilly today. The weather has been fantastic, but I’ll tell you this much. You sweat on the uphill, then freeze on the downhill. It’s a layer adjustment game all day long. Some amazing views from up high though.
For about an hour towards the end of the ride I was on a plateau. It was totally empty. Very few cars. No vegetation other than the scrub grass that’s everywhere. No rocks. Few hills. Near total desolation. It was a little eerie.
Campsite has an Indian food place right next door. Couldn’t resist.
Going to sleep even better than usual tonight!
Ullapool looks quaint but so pretty. Your views keep getting more beautiful. Sounds like your ride was smooth going albeit a little difficult. A little remote for my liking……did you see many people along the way? Thumbs up on the food, looks like enough to fill you up. Sleep well.
Quiet but still people around. I don’t think any of this is going to be quite as remote as I thought. We shall see.
Amazing pictures Chad. Looks beautiful…so does the Indian food. Sleep well.
I love Indian food when in a bike trip – those slow carbs work well, plus the spices encourage me to eat even if I feel too tired to chew.
That scenery is incredible! The shot of the dozen or so mountains reminds me of the Smokies.
Re: Indian food. 100%
Well this is heaven!
Pretty much!
Probs best to do as you did and have the heavy curry at end of day, but on long days you can probably churn through just about anything with calories (especially delicious ones).
Now, you called that brekkie sando a roll, but are you sure it’s not a bap? Or a butty? Or a bun? I’m told there is a roiling debate in the U.K. about sandwich terminology, but it might be regional or class-based as well.
On the menus here it’s pretty much always a roll. I’ve seen bap once (though don’t know what it was exactly) and a butty is a specific thing I believe. Pretty much can’t go wrong with soft white bread with anything inside! Still don’t understand where the cheese is though.