THE RIDE OF MY LIFE


some tough climbs around Loch Carron, we are through Kishorn and staring up at a 2,000 foot climb. The Bealach. Fra and Steve plug into music and set off without a word. The rest of us psych ourselves up and set off up the hill. This is where our gear choice became impor-


tant. Without getting too technical, those lucky/ wise chaps who invested in a smaller chain ring were able to spin up the prolonged inclines of the Bealach, while us fools on a standard chain ring were out of the saddle grinding out big turns to keep forward momentum going as we climbed and climbed. No rest for the quads here til the top. ‘King of the Mountain’ was Tom, carrying 70kg and using a compact chain ring, well ahead of me with my 97kg and standard chain ring. I’m not sure how long it took, but I know that it hurt a lot. Arrival at the top was greeted by spectacular views and an outpouring of elation and adrenaline. The biggest obstacle of the route: box fi rmly ticked. Hugs and high fi ves all round. And maybe the odd tear. Every up means a down so it was payback


time as we dropped down the winding turns into Applecross. Our brake pads were substan-


tially thinner by the time we sailed past our camp site and into the Applecross Inn to pat ourselves on the back. Lager tops (the athlete’s choice) were followed by our


established routine


of recovery shakes and a leg dip in the sea to cool our aching muscles. The endorphins from our climb kept us singing in the inn till midnight as the crew produced an accordion, guitar and fi ddle. We even had people who knew how to play them.


Day 3: 2 June. Applecross to Torridon to Poolewe


to Ulapool. 119 miles. 8,500 feet of ascent Any thoughts that the worst was under our belt were quelled fi rmly as we embarked on our longest day – 20 miles longer than yesterday and even more climbing. But spirits were high as we rounded the northern side of Applecross into Torridon to be greeted by a procession of views as we rounded every new corner, each


Clockwise from top left: Kate gets in some carbo- loading before beating most of the men up the hill; ‘Willy Falldown’ leads the way as we create a tailback on the A9.


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A rear view of Glenorchy


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