Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Southern Cross Healthcare
Many thanks to Southern Cross Healthcare ( http://www.schealthcare.co.uk/ ) for supporting my venture and providing a very generous donation to ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND. I'd also wish to thank all staff at the Southern Cross, Linlithgow Care Home for the excellent care they provide to the residents. It's very much appreciated by myself and gives me the confidence to be away for the extended period necessary to complete the US trip.
Scottish Woodlands Ltd
I'd like to thank Scottish Woodlands Ltd ( http://www.scottishwoodlands.co.uk/ ) for providing me with a high visibility, light weight, safety vest for my cycle. Trying to ensure there's a Scottish theme to much of what I wear.
Rehearsal
The trip north went well. In fact too well. The weather on the way north was perfect, with little wind, not too warm and no rain. The way south saw a little wind in my face and 2 spells of rain. So I didn't really get a true impression of my condition or gear. Four days to get to Herbusta, Skye and three days back means I averaged 77 miles per days. The total was 536 miles. I need to do 60 mile days in the US so hopefully.......
Big down side of the trip was the amount of litter by the side of many roads, especially the major routes. If it's possible to throw something away, I probably saw it. But other than that, a perfect trip.
Big down side of the trip was the amount of litter by the side of many roads, especially the major routes. If it's possible to throw something away, I probably saw it. But other than that, a perfect trip.
Day 7 : Rehearsal : Monday 25th April 2011
Auchlyne, Glen Dochart to Edinburgh 77 miles
Set off early to ensure I reached Edinburgh today. And to get the one big climb to the summit of Glen Ogle over and done with in the first half hour was a bonus. Continued down through Lochearnhead, Strathyre, Callander, Doune and into Stirling. Road pretty quite up until Callander where I stopped for a second breakfast. After that, things got busier, being Easter Monday. Home stretch saw me going through Bannockburn, Airth, and Grangemouth, before calling at Muiravonside for a quick chat to a pal. Could have used the Union Canal for the remainder of the miles but chose instead to take the road through Linlithgow, Whichburgh and Kirkliston. Back home by 4pm. And a day early.
Wildlife: Usual lowland stuff, bird wise. The geese are still making their way north in droves. Just can't help looking skyward on hearing them.
Set off early to ensure I reached Edinburgh today. And to get the one big climb to the summit of Glen Ogle over and done with in the first half hour was a bonus. Continued down through Lochearnhead, Strathyre, Callander, Doune and into Stirling. Road pretty quite up until Callander where I stopped for a second breakfast. After that, things got busier, being Easter Monday. Home stretch saw me going through Bannockburn, Airth, and Grangemouth, before calling at Muiravonside for a quick chat to a pal. Could have used the Union Canal for the remainder of the miles but chose instead to take the road through Linlithgow, Whichburgh and Kirkliston. Back home by 4pm. And a day early.
Wildlife: Usual lowland stuff, bird wise. The geese are still making their way north in droves. Just can't help looking skyward on hearing them.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Day 6 : Rehearsal : Sunday 24th April 2011
Arisaig to Auchline in Glen Dochart 91 miles
Slight breeze behind me as I set off this morning. Cool but dry. So a fairly easy, undulating ride along the A830 passing Lochailort, Glenfinnan viaduct and Prince Charlie's monument marking the spot he first made landing on mainland Scotland and which eventually led to defeat for the Jacobites at Culloden. Sat in Banavie/Caol near Fort William for lunch in a memorial area marking the Highland's geopark status. It's worth a visit to check out the stone circle made up of large boulders providing examples of the different rock formations found in the wider area. Rain started as I eat and continued until I reach the bridge at Ballachulish. As I climbed Glencoe, things gradually improved and on reaching Rannoch Moor the sun was out. I'd some concerns about using the A82 due to the volume of traffic but with the exception of the drivers of one overtaking bus and a car, who both squeezed between myself and oncoming vehicles leaving no more than a few inches clearance, things were fine. Tyndrum and Crianlarich came and went and I eventually found a spot to camp by the side of the River Dochart near Auchlyne.
Wildlife: The main memory today was seeing a least 20 red deer. Unfortunately, they were at various locations along both sides of the A82 in Glencoe and Rannoch Moor in varying stages of decomposion. Our need for speed!
Slight breeze behind me as I set off this morning. Cool but dry. So a fairly easy, undulating ride along the A830 passing Lochailort, Glenfinnan viaduct and Prince Charlie's monument marking the spot he first made landing on mainland Scotland and which eventually led to defeat for the Jacobites at Culloden. Sat in Banavie/Caol near Fort William for lunch in a memorial area marking the Highland's geopark status. It's worth a visit to check out the stone circle made up of large boulders providing examples of the different rock formations found in the wider area. Rain started as I eat and continued until I reach the bridge at Ballachulish. As I climbed Glencoe, things gradually improved and on reaching Rannoch Moor the sun was out. I'd some concerns about using the A82 due to the volume of traffic but with the exception of the drivers of one overtaking bus and a car, who both squeezed between myself and oncoming vehicles leaving no more than a few inches clearance, things were fine. Tyndrum and Crianlarich came and went and I eventually found a spot to camp by the side of the River Dochart near Auchlyne.
Wildlife: The main memory today was seeing a least 20 red deer. Unfortunately, they were at various locations along both sides of the A82 in Glencoe and Rannoch Moor in varying stages of decomposion. Our need for speed!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Day 5 : Rehearsal : Saturday 23rd April 2011
Herbusta to Arisaig - 80 miles
Sat eating breakfast with hardly a breath of wind outside but by the time I left at the back of 8 a fair breeze had got up. And going the wrong way. Was heading down by Uig when the rain started. Can't complain as I'd asked for all condition for this trial run. And it got cold. Reached the stage my fingers had difficulty moving the gear levers. Pressed on, passing Portree and on to Sligachan with its super view up to Sgurr nan Gillean. Had stopped raining by this time and things just got better all the way down Sleat. The 3.30 ferry was just pulling away as I reached the pier at Armadale. Normally I'd have cursed but as it was warm and the sun out, this was the perfect place to wait. Had a bite to eat and gave the bike some TLC.
Caught the next sailing at 5.15 although I was temped to wait longer and go at 6.40. And at £4.05, what a worthwhile fare. Couldn't say the same about the chips I bought in Mallaig. Once I'd choked them down, I followed the old road from Morar to Arisaig. The new by-pass takes most of the vehicles, leaving the old road perfect for cycling. Stopped and took a photo of Prince Charlie's cairn before finding a wild camping spot looking out onto Loch nan Uamh.
There's a little plaque on the Loch nan Uamh railway viaduct here correcting the legend of builder Robert McAlpine's horse and cart falling down inside a pier of nearby Glenfinnan viaduct in c1899. Radar imaging in 2001 proved the event actaully occurred here in the centre pier at Loch nan Uamh. Wonder if that's where the Mafia got the idea?
Wildlife: Almost nothing today. Had hoped to see a golden eagle or sea eagle somewhere on Skye but it wasn't to be. Same with whales and dolphins etc on the ferry sailing. They weren't obliging.
Despite the wind, rain and cold, another super day.
Sat eating breakfast with hardly a breath of wind outside but by the time I left at the back of 8 a fair breeze had got up. And going the wrong way. Was heading down by Uig when the rain started. Can't complain as I'd asked for all condition for this trial run. And it got cold. Reached the stage my fingers had difficulty moving the gear levers. Pressed on, passing Portree and on to Sligachan with its super view up to Sgurr nan Gillean. Had stopped raining by this time and things just got better all the way down Sleat. The 3.30 ferry was just pulling away as I reached the pier at Armadale. Normally I'd have cursed but as it was warm and the sun out, this was the perfect place to wait. Had a bite to eat and gave the bike some TLC.
Caught the next sailing at 5.15 although I was temped to wait longer and go at 6.40. And at £4.05, what a worthwhile fare. Couldn't say the same about the chips I bought in Mallaig. Once I'd choked them down, I followed the old road from Morar to Arisaig. The new by-pass takes most of the vehicles, leaving the old road perfect for cycling. Stopped and took a photo of Prince Charlie's cairn before finding a wild camping spot looking out onto Loch nan Uamh.
There's a little plaque on the Loch nan Uamh railway viaduct here correcting the legend of builder Robert McAlpine's horse and cart falling down inside a pier of nearby Glenfinnan viaduct in c1899. Radar imaging in 2001 proved the event actaully occurred here in the centre pier at Loch nan Uamh. Wonder if that's where the Mafia got the idea?
Wildlife: Almost nothing today. Had hoped to see a golden eagle or sea eagle somewhere on Skye but it wasn't to be. Same with whales and dolphins etc on the ferry sailing. They weren't obliging.
Despite the wind, rain and cold, another super day.
Day 4 : Rehearsal : Friday 22nd April 2011
Broadford to Herbusta - 58 miles
Quite misty this morning so tent was packed wet. Still no wind so the cycling north was easy. On reaching the end of Loch Ainort, I left the A850 and went round the single track by Moll. It was about now that a little squeaking noise on Wednesday, which had turned into a click on Thursday, now stared to crunch every time I depressed the left pedal. So the amateur mechanic in me deduced I had a problem pedal and bought a new pair in Portree. On discovering my error, the shop owner found the actual problem to be a slightly loose bottom bracket. Was worth the price of the new pedals and good chain oil. With that problem solved, I continued up the A855 passing The Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing and Staffin. By this time I noticed the wind was getting up from the south, meaning I'd have a bit of a challenge on turning at the top of Trotternish. Still, not far to go. Or so I thought. John and Joyce obviously forgot to mention the hill between Score bay and the 'folk museum' at Kilmuir. It is quite steep and goes on and on and on. And at the 55 mile stage, it was just what I needed. Managed though and still smiling.
The new house built by John and Joyce at Herbusta, is just superb. The views out to sea breathtaking. What a challenge. And thank you for feeding me - loads. Even managed to sit out on the decking for tea.
Wildlife: The bike issue sort of distracted me today, so the wildlife dropped down the agenda slightly. But on having a bath, discovered a little stowaway had buried its head in my lower thigh. Hence why I should have bought the Tom Tick removers at Invergarry. The removal wasn't pretty and didn't go as recommended.
Quite misty this morning so tent was packed wet. Still no wind so the cycling north was easy. On reaching the end of Loch Ainort, I left the A850 and went round the single track by Moll. It was about now that a little squeaking noise on Wednesday, which had turned into a click on Thursday, now stared to crunch every time I depressed the left pedal. So the amateur mechanic in me deduced I had a problem pedal and bought a new pair in Portree. On discovering my error, the shop owner found the actual problem to be a slightly loose bottom bracket. Was worth the price of the new pedals and good chain oil. With that problem solved, I continued up the A855 passing The Old Man of Storr, The Quiraing and Staffin. By this time I noticed the wind was getting up from the south, meaning I'd have a bit of a challenge on turning at the top of Trotternish. Still, not far to go. Or so I thought. John and Joyce obviously forgot to mention the hill between Score bay and the 'folk museum' at Kilmuir. It is quite steep and goes on and on and on. And at the 55 mile stage, it was just what I needed. Managed though and still smiling.
The new house built by John and Joyce at Herbusta, is just superb. The views out to sea breathtaking. What a challenge. And thank you for feeding me - loads. Even managed to sit out on the decking for tea.
Wildlife: The bike issue sort of distracted me today, so the wildlife dropped down the agenda slightly. But on having a bath, discovered a little stowaway had buried its head in my lower thigh. Hence why I should have bought the Tom Tick removers at Invergarry. The removal wasn't pretty and didn't go as recommended.
Day 3 : Rehearsal : Thursday 21st April 2011
Left the campsite and joined the A87 stopping at the various viewpoints looking down to Loch Garry and Loch Loyne. Again, managed the ascents without walking, so hopefully the Rockies will be manageable.
Continued on the A87 passing along Loch Clunie and the Clunie Inn. Then the easy bit. The long descent down Glen Shiel between the Five Sisters and The Saddle. Think I prefer this to Glencoe and it's not s o busy. Stopped at the Shiel shop for milk and noticed the price of diesel is 150p a litre. And we think it's steep at 130p in Edinburgh. Following the shores of Loch Duich and Loch Alsh, I constantly watched for otters but end up disappointed. Still it's an easy flat ride along and Eilean Donan castle looks as good as
always.
Reached Kyle of Lochalsh prior to the library closing, so I managed to update this thing for Day 1. Bought some food, then it's over the Skye Bridge and onto Broadford. Managed to find a super wild camping spot on the shore at Ribha na Sgianadan.
Wildlife: Hooded crows are now very evident, and although I can't see them, cuckoos are heard frequently. And watch for the herd of feral goats at Glen Shiel bridge. They obviously don't mind cars, lorries and motor bikes but pedal cycles seem to get some of them up and running. In every direction! While I didn't see any otters earlier, I was lucky enough to sit for 20 minutes just as the sun was setting and watch one just out from shore near the tent. Perfect.
Another great day.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Day 2 : Rehearsal : Wednesday 20th April 2011
Aberfeldy to Invergarry - 93 miles
Set off from Aberfeldy at 7.25am and it was a confidence booster to reach Tomphubil on the east shoulder of Schiehallion without getting off to push. Similarly with the climb over from Tummel Bridge to Trinafour. Then the first push of the trip. (As it turned out this was the only get off and push). Wasn't really prepared mentally or physically for the climb up from Dalchalloch Power Station on the road over to Dalnacardoch Lodge. So there's me about 200m into the push, when the only other touring cyclists so far, came along behind me. And I'm walking! A couple of young lads with virtually no load. Don't know if it was that or did I hear someone mention "old timer". Anyway, the red mist (that's the red variety and not the Scot's type) descended and I was on the bike and chasing, the potential heart attack disregarded. Past them just before the summit. They'd stopped for a drink and a look about. I wasn't fit to do anything other than gasp in air and listen to my heart going, 'ka boom, ka boom, ka boom' at about 200rpm. I should have more sense at my age.
Dropped down to the A9 and NCN route to Dalwhinnie, before following the A889 to Laggan (for lunch at the shop) and the A86 to Spean Bridge. I'd originally planned to camp here but as I felt OK and it was only 5 o'clock I pressed on and managed Faichemard Farm Campsite at Invergarry by half seven. So a 93 mile day. As with yesterday, the weather was perfect, with no wind or rain and not too warm.
Wildlife: 2 roe deer (or to be more accurate, the rear ends of 2 roe deer; a red deer; some swallows; and I'm obviously into wheatear country. At the campsite met my first few midges of the season. The campsite was selling Tom Tick removers - should have bought them!!!!!
Again, had a smile on my face all day.
Set off from Aberfeldy at 7.25am and it was a confidence booster to reach Tomphubil on the east shoulder of Schiehallion without getting off to push. Similarly with the climb over from Tummel Bridge to Trinafour. Then the first push of the trip. (As it turned out this was the only get off and push). Wasn't really prepared mentally or physically for the climb up from Dalchalloch Power Station on the road over to Dalnacardoch Lodge. So there's me about 200m into the push, when the only other touring cyclists so far, came along behind me. And I'm walking! A couple of young lads with virtually no load. Don't know if it was that or did I hear someone mention "old timer". Anyway, the red mist (that's the red variety and not the Scot's type) descended and I was on the bike and chasing, the potential heart attack disregarded. Past them just before the summit. They'd stopped for a drink and a look about. I wasn't fit to do anything other than gasp in air and listen to my heart going, 'ka boom, ka boom, ka boom' at about 200rpm. I should have more sense at my age.
Dropped down to the A9 and NCN route to Dalwhinnie, before following the A889 to Laggan (for lunch at the shop) and the A86 to Spean Bridge. I'd originally planned to camp here but as I felt OK and it was only 5 o'clock I pressed on and managed Faichemard Farm Campsite at Invergarry by half seven. So a 93 mile day. As with yesterday, the weather was perfect, with no wind or rain and not too warm.
Wildlife: 2 roe deer (or to be more accurate, the rear ends of 2 roe deer; a red deer; some swallows; and I'm obviously into wheatear country. At the campsite met my first few midges of the season. The campsite was selling Tom Tick removers - should have bought them!!!!!
Again, had a smile on my face all day.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Day 1 : Rehearsal : Tuesday 19th April 2011
Edinburgh to Aberfeldy - 74 miles
Set off at 7.25am and reached the Forth Bridges without mishap. Then up through Dunfermline (birth place of Andrew Carnagie and final resting place of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. Or most of him. A little bit might be at Melrose Abbey). It was then a climb up to Knockhill Racing circuit before the drop down to Rumbling Bridge (although there wasn't a lot of rumbling, due to the River Devon being low as a result of the unseasonably dry weather). Continued north, passing through Glen Devon and Glen Eagles before arriving at Auchterarder (the 'lang toon'). The final few miles took me through the Sma Glen and by Amulree to Aberfeldy.
Wildlife: 2 roe deer; few buzzards; oystercatchers; ringed ouzel (Sma Glen) and a red squirrel (crossing road in Auchterarder).
74 miles. That's fine. Couldn't keep the smile off my face all day, sums things up nicely.
Set off at 7.25am and reached the Forth Bridges without mishap. Then up through Dunfermline (birth place of Andrew Carnagie and final resting place of Robert the Bruce, King of Scots. Or most of him. A little bit might be at Melrose Abbey). It was then a climb up to Knockhill Racing circuit before the drop down to Rumbling Bridge (although there wasn't a lot of rumbling, due to the River Devon being low as a result of the unseasonably dry weather). Continued north, passing through Glen Devon and Glen Eagles before arriving at Auchterarder (the 'lang toon'). The final few miles took me through the Sma Glen and by Amulree to Aberfeldy.
Wildlife: 2 roe deer; few buzzards; oystercatchers; ringed ouzel (Sma Glen) and a red squirrel (crossing road in Auchterarder).
74 miles. That's fine. Couldn't keep the smile off my face all day, sums things up nicely.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Dress Rehearsal
Tuesday 19th April will see me leaving Edinburgh and heading for Herbusta, Skye where I'll visit Joyce and John's new croft. Hope to complete the trip north going via Kinlochrannoch, Dalwhinnie, Spean Bridge, Kyle of Lochalsh and Portree in 4 days, with an additional 4 returning via Armadale, Fort William, Glencoe, Tyndrum and Comrie. This means I need to keep up 60 mile days, as I'll require in the USA. With any luck, I'll almost reach the east shoulder of Schiehallion the first evening where I hope to camp for the night. Super views along both Loch Rannoch and Loch Tummel.
This will be the one and only rehearsal, so if it goes badly I'm going to have major problems with the main performance starting on the 3rd May.
This will be the one and only rehearsal, so if it goes badly I'm going to have major problems with the main performance starting on the 3rd May.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
The Last Supper
Although I hope not!
Had a reunion meal with old (both senses of the word) hillwalking companions last night. Was good to see them again after several years. For most, their days of bagging 'Munros' (or anything else for that matter) have gone, so for the really old guys, it was good to reminisce. Some stories accurate, some embellished and others just the work of pure fiction.
So to Arthur (who arranged), Atholl, Sam, Frank, Charlie, Mike and Ian, thanks for the words of encouragement ie "Yi eedgit", "Can I have your boots and crampons", etc, etc. Your donations to ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND were also all very much appreciated. Take care.
Had a reunion meal with old (both senses of the word) hillwalking companions last night. Was good to see them again after several years. For most, their days of bagging 'Munros' (or anything else for that matter) have gone, so for the really old guys, it was good to reminisce. Some stories accurate, some embellished and others just the work of pure fiction.
So to Arthur (who arranged), Atholl, Sam, Frank, Charlie, Mike and Ian, thanks for the words of encouragement ie "Yi eedgit", "Can I have your boots and crampons", etc, etc. Your donations to ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND were also all very much appreciated. Take care.
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Emma & Stuart Taylor
On Friday 8th I was fortunate enough to meet Emma & Stuart Taylor in Glen Orchy to the south of Rannoch Moor. They are just into the first couple of months of a cycling epic -peddling their way round the world. And they are certainly not taking the shortest or easiest route! Crossing the USA doesn't seem so far now. I wish them well and every success in what can only be described as a true odyssey. Please take care.
Their travels can be followed on www.crazyguyonabike.com/SatNavSaysStraightOn
Their travels can be followed on www.crazyguyonabike.com/SatNavSaysStraightOn
Monday, April 11, 2011
St Margaret's and St Mary's
I'd like to thank Father Tony of St Margaret's church, South Queensferry and St Mary's church, Ratho for allowing me the opportunity during recent services, of giving 3 short talks about the 'Biking Across USA' trip. The generosity of the congregations in donating an incredible £725 is very much appreciated, both by myself and staff at ALZHEIMER SCOTLAND.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Priorities
First Enjoyment Even the uphill bits, the rain, wind and
swallowed bugs.
Second Concentration Don't want to end up as collateral damage or
a 'hood ornament' on a trucker's 16 wheeler.
Third Mileage Gota try for 60 miles per day.
Fourth Stretching Double leg cramps in the middle of the night, in
a zipped-up sleeping bag, in a single person tent,
is SERIOUSLY bad news.
Fifth Hydration Don't want to cycle into the rear of a parked-up
16 wheeler or any other solid object for that
matter, due to fact my brain is frazzled.
Sixth Sleep Can't envisage this being a problem.
Seventh Wildlife If confronted by a bear, the advice appears to
be, "stand your ground, don't run away and make
yourself look big". Mmmmmm, not so easy when
your having an involuntary bowel evacuation!!!!!
Eight Food/Eating I'm really looking forward to this aspect of the
trip. Yipeeeee.
Ninth Wind That's the meteorological kind. (Well, there
might be some of the gastronomic kind
bearing in might the previous entry.)
I'll probably not encounter winds which are
any worse than here in Scotland and at least
on the cycle in the U.S., they'll be warm.
Tenth Personal Must ensure my important little bitties are
Hygiene looked after. Regular use of soap and
water, followed by lashings of Udderly
Smooth Chamois Cream and TLC. Don't
want anything falling off!
Eleventh Bike TLC Keeping the bike happy is a must. Just like
a good cowboy, must see to the steed before
myself. If it refuses to go, then I'm also going
nowhere. This should in fact be the First
priority.
Umpteenth Computer Maintaining this computer thingy is pretty low
on the priority list. So folks, if you don't hear
from me for a few days or weeks for that
matter, don't worry, I'll be concentrating on
more important things as listed above.
swallowed bugs.
Second Concentration Don't want to end up as collateral damage or
a 'hood ornament' on a trucker's 16 wheeler.
Third Mileage Gota try for 60 miles per day.
Fourth Stretching Double leg cramps in the middle of the night, in
a zipped-up sleeping bag, in a single person tent,
is SERIOUSLY bad news.
Fifth Hydration Don't want to cycle into the rear of a parked-up
16 wheeler or any other solid object for that
matter, due to fact my brain is frazzled.
Sixth Sleep Can't envisage this being a problem.
Seventh Wildlife If confronted by a bear, the advice appears to
be, "stand your ground, don't run away and make
yourself look big". Mmmmmm, not so easy when
your having an involuntary bowel evacuation!!!!!
Eight Food/Eating I'm really looking forward to this aspect of the
trip. Yipeeeee.
Ninth Wind That's the meteorological kind. (Well, there
might be some of the gastronomic kind
bearing in might the previous entry.)
I'll probably not encounter winds which are
any worse than here in Scotland and at least
on the cycle in the U.S., they'll be warm.
Tenth Personal Must ensure my important little bitties are
Hygiene looked after. Regular use of soap and
water, followed by lashings of Udderly
Smooth Chamois Cream and TLC. Don't
want anything falling off!
Eleventh Bike TLC Keeping the bike happy is a must. Just like
a good cowboy, must see to the steed before
myself. If it refuses to go, then I'm also going
nowhere. This should in fact be the First
priority.
Umpteenth Computer Maintaining this computer thingy is pretty low
on the priority list. So folks, if you don't hear
from me for a few days or weeks for that
matter, don't worry, I'll be concentrating on
more important things as listed above.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Mymoniker.co.uk
I'd like to thank Margaret Henery and her son of Mymoniker.co.uk at 87 South Bridge Street, Bathgate for kindly adding additional printing to a couple of Alzheimer Scotland 'T' shirts.
This family run business can be contacted at http://www.mymoniker.co.uk/ or rita@mymoniker.co.uk.
This family run business can be contacted at http://www.mymoniker.co.uk/ or rita@mymoniker.co.uk.
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