Yesterday’s expectations for today (unavoidable rain and lunch with Val and Clive whilst wet to the core) were met. It started raining after 2 miles and continued until we got to Largs at 5.15pm. I’m sure the countryside we passed through was stunning but I couldn’t see much of it through the cold rain. 6 hours in the saddle at 14mph. 84 miles staring at the road picking up the spray from the bikes in front, passing cars and lorries and trying to spot the holes in the road. I believe cycling today’s route around the lochs in good weather has a price to pay in midge bites so it wasn’t all bad news. Also this is my first day of cycling in the rain so it was an interesting challenge to meet. However none of us want too many days like today.
After 50 miles we arrived at the Creggan Arms at Strachur for lunch with Val & Clive Bowen, friends from Bramhall. The ride from Inverary was especially wet and passing lorries threw up a lot of water. We arrived sodden and spent 10 minutes squeezing out our socks, gloves, changing some clothes and hanging others over a radiator to dry. The pub was empty so we took up a fair bit of space. Fortunately the funeral party arrived after we did or they might have taken our drying tables. The food was delicious (Cullen Skunk) and I told the Kiwi barmaid how to make a ‘hot toddy’ which took away of the cold and set us up for the final 35 miles (including a ferry ride from Dunoon to Gourock). We arrived at our bed and breakfast at Largs where the landlady took our wet clothes, washed them and set them out to dry while we ate in town. Largs itself is a pretty location but not exciting and there is a distinct difference in atmosphere compared to the barren and unpopulated countryside we have been cycling through the last few days. 
Highlight of the day: Lunch.
Surprise of the day: Being able to cycle 6 hours in cold rain without getting despondent.
Body report: Nothing to add. Expectations for tomorrow: None – just get on with it.
Hello- hope today has been drier for you all. Had a look at the map- wow you've come a long way. Maybe you'll return and visit and actually SEE some of the beautiful areas you've passed.
ReplyDeletePlease send my sympathy and support to Sandra- all day on her own then 3 excitable boys talking techo-bike-babble as her company each evening!
Janet and Trev xx