Guest post written by Adam, Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative fan and proud Genesis Croix de Fer owner
SCOTLAND C2C2C – DAY 1
FOREWORD
Somehow I got involved with some random people scattered across the country via a forum on the internet. Against my better judgement I met up with these people two years ago and rode a variation of the C2C across the north of England. Fast forward two years and we done it again, this time in Scotland. However, Scotland isn’t very wide so we had to ride there and back this time.
We do this to raise money for Cyclists Fighting Cancer. Cyclists Fighting Cancer enables children and young people living with cancer across the UK to regain their physical fitness, strength and confidence by giving them new bikes, adapted trikes, tandems, other equipment and support. Our donation page can be found here: https://cfc.everydayhero.com/uk/crudcatcherchallenge.
This year we have raised over £2000.
The following is my account of the ride.
DAY 1 – FORT WILLIAM TO FORT AUGUSTUS
We started at the end of the pier at Fort William where we set up a start line with some flags kindly loaned to us by Cyclists Fighting Cancer. Once we got some photos we packed the flags away and set off for our first stop, an all you can eat breakfast buffet in Fort William!
After stuffing our faces with enough food to see us through the day ahead we encountered our first problem. Gaz had changed something on his bike and became a victim of the bike industry “standards”. A quick run to a bike shop for a few bits followed by some spannering and we were on our way.
We headed out of Fort William and picked up the Witch’s Trails to the Nevis Range Resort, home of the World Cup downhill track. It would’ve been a treat to go ride some of the trails there but we had a lot more miles to get through today so we left via the 10 under the Ben trail. This took us out towards Spean Bridge where we passed the Commando Memorial before heading to Gairlochy and a meet up with the support cars.
From there the trail followed close to the shore of Loch Lochy and we were treated to some fantastic views across the loch before reaching Laggan Locks. Another rendezvous with the support cars before following the trail around Loch Oich.
We stopped for a photo at the Bridge of Oich before following the canal to Fort Augustus for our first overnight stop at Morag’s Lodge.
After we all got checked in and showered it was a short walk back into Fort Augustus where we had a huge meal at the Lock Inn. Eyes bigger than my belly moment as I failed to finish my meal. Time to finish my pint and head back to the hostel for a good sleep.
This was a mixed day for me. My son wasn’t well and was in hospital with my wife. I felt like I needed to be there instead of out on my bike. Then after the first 20 miles or so my leg started cramping up on any and every incline. This meant a lot of pushing as when I tried to push through the pain I was punished with a lot more pain. A quick push meant a quicker recovery so I bit the bullet and pushed a lot of the climbs. This had me worried for the rest of the week. I knew I hadn’t done enough training but I thought I’d be able to just suffer and get through it. It was a relief to finally get to our hostel for the night but I was struggling to walk when we headed out for food. I was worried that I wasn’t going to be able to get back on my bike and ride again the next day.
Miles – 45.9
Elevation – 2833ft
https://www.strava.com/activities/1044365427
https://www.relive.cc/view/1044365427
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DONATE: HTTPS://CFC.EVERYDAYHERO.COM/UK/CRUDCATCHERCHALLENGE
SEE MORE PHOTOS AND READ THE REST OF THE JOURNEY ON FACEBOOK
Day 2: https://www.facebook.com/notes/adam-brown-photography/scotland-c2c2c-day-2/1901877523472979/
Day 3: https://www.facebook.com/notes/adam-brown-photography/scotland-c2c2c-day-3/1901941710133227/
Day 4: https://www.facebook.com/notes/adam-brown-photography/scotland-c2c2c-day-4/1901955296798535/
Day 5: https://www.facebook.com/notes/adam-brown-photography/scotland-c2c2c-day-5/1901964003464331/