I just got off a FaceTime with Karen and she said some among you are having some difficulty understanding how I could be having fun. Let’s unpack that, shall we :)?
There is a difference between fun and enjoyment. They are not equivalents. I am most certainly not always having fun on these trips. But I’m willing to press through the not fun parts because of the overall enjoyment.
Everyone enjoys things that are hard. All kinds of physical activities, sorting out challenging problems, whatever. Enjoyment often includes, or even requires, things that are not easy nor fun.
Being outside, seeing new places and things, eating whatever in the world I want and lots of it, transporting myself and everything I need on two wheels powered by my own steam, moving at human speed, fast enough to get somewhere but slow enough to be in partnership with the surroundings, this is my ultimate form of enjoyment. Damn the hills, headwinds and broken belts. There are good parts before, after and between them.
Here’s what I had for dinner.
10 km out of the gates this morning was one monster climb. This place and its 10%+ grades! The Scots can be mean I tell ya. Once at the top though, the riding was divine, and the descent into Inverness happiness on two wheels.
Inverness is by far the largest city I’ve been in since leaving Glasgow more than 2 weeks ago. It looked more interesting than I expected it to be, but I also just rode right through it so am not in a position to judge.
After that the riding was actually rather boring. The areas surrounding medium to large size towns are almost always burbs and farms. Yawn.
Leading into Cairngorms there was some cycling infrastructure. The National Route 7 bike highway. Love to see that! It wasn’t pretty or anything, just nice to have dedicated and separated space to pedal.
I’m not far enough into the park to see much and am not sure how much I’ll see tomorrow either. Hopefully I’ll get some of the beauty, but like I said yesterday I’m just doing a little slice of the side. We will see how it goes.
I am currently about 250 km from Glasgow and have 3 days left. Getting close to the finish line.
All I can say is I love your writing. (photos aren’t bad either). It’s honest, descriptive and you cover all your bases. You need to write a book about your experiences one of these years. Sounds like it was a fantastic day, ending with a Chad type meal, lots of potatoes and 2 deserts. Can’t believe it’s almost over but then seems like you’ve been gone a long time. Missed your distance, elevation and move graphic! Sleep well.
Oops. I added it
Trails look good today.. except that beginning part that looks like it went straight up. Where did you sleep tonight bothy? tent?
That path was only slightly uphill. I’m in a campground tonight. May have to wild camp next.
Some of the hills don’t look fun is more the general sentiment.
I remember that young Scottish couple we met in Kingshouse talking about the lack of housing affordability in Scotland. They mentioned Inverness as a bustling northern city, close to nature and the coast, that was a place they could settle down in. More affordable and an easy drive to those remote places. Definitely a place to visit next time.
Some of the hills aren’t fun at all, but I’m learning the best rides and views almost always include them.