Wednesday 14th June 2017
Map
Day 11 was the day it nearly went pear shaped. For the first time I got up this morning without the sense of excitement that I had all the previous days. My legs felt heavy, my body felt heavy and my brain was some where else. As a result the first past of todays ride to the first brew stop was very slow. I picked up on the ride to lunch at Bridge of Cally after 38 miles.
After lunch things got really difficult. The ride from Bridge of Cally to the top of Glenshee is basically a 21 mile up hill slog. The first 18 miles are not too bad with a few down hill sections to rest the legs but the last 3 miles are just straight up in the air. The gradient varies between 10 and 13 % and does not go down at all. This sort of climb is beyond me even on a day that I feel good but today it was even worse. By this time I was the Lanterne rouge (tour de France term for the last rider on the course) and riding with Peter the guide for the day. I finally made it to the top of Gleshee about 20 minutes behind the last rider and had to take about 30 stops on route. It was a great feeling to actually make it to the top and I owe a great deal of thanks to Peter. One of the best things about the climb was the fabulous views at ever stop that I made. Below is our celebration.
The only good thing about today was that following Glenshee was a 25 mile down hill / flat ride to Ballater. Managed to make a top speed of 41.2 MPH on the way down.
On the way I passed Balmoral and rang the door bell but whoever was in sent a white van out to shoo me away.
To nights guest house is very nice but my room is up lots of stairs which is just what I don’t need.
Speaking to some other riders this evening it would appear that a few have had bad days.
Lets hope I wake up in a better frame of mind tomorrow morning.
Todays stats:-
83 miles
1,604 meters
6 hours 56 minutes riding – excludes stops on Glenshee.
Average speed 11.94 mph
Totals to date:-
777 miles completed
14,119 meters climbed – some of them very slowly
68 hours 35 minutes riding
Not long to go now Martin and it will soon be the end of the long haul. Just imagine how chuffed you’ll be to finish and how proud everyone will be of your achievement. Stay positive and all will be fine. Xx
You have obviously had a challenging day but after a good night’s sleep I’m sure you’ll feel better and focused on enjoying the final three days.
We are all behind you. You’re doing so well on this epic cycle ride.
I’m looking forward to reading your blog on your last day.
Keep going…it sounds as though you’ve hit the marathon “wall” equivalent… we’re all behind you…is there a personal trainer/massage bod in the group? An ice bath ? Highland stream to ease those muscles? It’s only pain…come on you can do it…
Pain in temporary, pride is forever
?️?♂️?
You’re doing amazing me Jayne and the kids are cheering you on!!
You’re doing so amazingly well Martin, we’re all so proud of you! Sounds like a bit of battle today but just keep the end goal in mind, a life long ambition….nearly there! X
Day 11 is behind you now so hope you’ve woken up more refreshed today and can enjoy most of the ride. Look forward to next blog. We’re all behind you – so close to finish now xx