BILL AND BEN 09/16/2010
 
DAY THIRTEEN

We left InveraRAY this morning a bit later than we have other mornings.  Breakfast wasn't served until 8am and we had to go to the post office.  So we didn't get on the road until 9.45.  Almost immediately we were met with a 13% climb followed by a gentle but long climb in Glen Array.  We cycled around Loch Awe bumping into Mr & Mrs Beresford and Mr Beresford sister when stopping to take a photo.  Mrs Beresford kindly offered to sponsor us.  As we continued around the Loch, we heard two jets fly over, low and fast, but we were in tree cover so didn't manage to see see them.

We then picked up the A85 around the other side of Loch Awe.  This stretch of road has to be the worst road surface on a main road we have encountered.  It may be OK for cars, but certainly not bikes.  A wooden bike with square wheels would have probably been more comfortable.

We then went over our first bridge of the day, the Connel Bridge over Loch Etive and then stopped at Benderloch for some lunch.
Our 2nd bridge of the day took us over Loch Creran and through a village called Appin, it was so quiet you could hear ap pin drop.
We then started up the east side of Loch Linnhe.  This time I actually saw a fighter jet flying low up the Loch which was quiet an impressive sight.  As we continued up the road,  a sheep was walking down the road to us.  Pinhead aka Dr Dolittle wanted to get off the bikes and somehow catch said sheep and put it back in a field, how he proposed to do this is anybody's guess.  Eventually the sheep went back into a field of it's own accord.  We also saw some other wildlife in the shape of Higland Cows, a Bison, some Deer, but no Stag.

I would like to say thankyou to the driver of a 'Battersby's' coach who flashed us, waved and took a wide berth.  This made a distinct change to most of the other coaches, who seem to play a game of how close can we get to the bike when we pass.  These drivers seriously do not pay attention, probably because they are on microphone headsets talking to their SAGA passengers making up any old rubbish as they drive along.  To be honest, Pinhead and I have had more close shaves with lorries, coaches and cars in the last 2 days than we have had in the previous 11 days.  A lot of the drivers are nutters, performing overtakes on blind bends etc.  The problem is that a lot of the roads are literally the only roads, so we are unable to avoid the traffic.

About 15k before the end was when Pinhead finally lost his mind.  A hover fly landed on his handlebars and stayed on there for about 2 or 3k.  During this time, Pinhead named the fly 'Squishy' and had a conversation with said fly!!

As we cycled towards Fort William, a rainbow marked the spot where we need to get to and we arrived shotly after 6pm.  So we are now at Fort Bill in midst of Ben Nevis, although we haven't actually confirmed that we have seen the mountain yet!

When in Scotland, do as the Scottish do and drink a Real Ale from America!  Tonghts ale was Red Mountain from the Twisted Pine Brewery

Roadkill count was the quitest day today, 1 each of a Hedgehog, Fox, Rabbit and a UA

Distance covered today 116.8kms (72.6miles).  Climbing 1036m (3398 feet)
Total to date:  Distance 1390.5kms (865.2 miles).  Elevation 14146m (46409 feet)
Bye for now

Fathead
 


Comments

Mich

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 14:38:05

Day 13 pics are the best so far, wicked photos. Also, shall I book Scott an appointment with a therapist when he gets back - think he is losing the plot?

Love you xxx

 

Uncle Colin & Auntie Pam

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:09:58

 

Uncle Colin & Auntie Pam

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 22:16:06

The countdown has now begun. The end is in sight. Nearly there. We could go on and on, but of course its you and Scott that are doing that.With a name like Cameron we are ashamed to say that we have never been to Scotland, but after seeing all your pictures, we really must make the effort. Not of course on bikes. Keep peddling.

 

Fatpants

Thu, 16 Sep 2010 23:25:15

Don't forget to have a crack with a rubber maggot!!!!

 

Nigel

Fri, 17 Sep 2010 10:07:51

Fantastic pictures. I went to Fort William once. Travelled on a bus from Inverness the whole length of Loch Ness with the worst hangover ever. Just to add to the fun, there was 10 Italian tourists sitting behind us singing what sounded like local folk songs. So I bet your trip along Loch Ness tomorrow will be more enjoyable than mine was!! Almost there both!

 



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