Into Inverness and Beyond

Glenan Lodge served a very enjoyable breakfast.  The Frosties followed by the poached eggs on toast. If I were to find fault and that it not in my nature, I would say there was too much vinegar in the water for the poached eggs.  Now we are getting picky.    Before breakfast I prepared the bike for the off including repairing the puncture on the front. I have now lost count.  I had  taken the trouble to repair the tubes in my room overnight.    The box room which I would have to say was no bigger than a wardrobe.  I am not so sure I did not get an attack of claustrophobia.  If I had swung the cat it would have hit all four walls.   On departure the hostess asked me why I did not book ahead and had I experienced any problems finding accommodation.   She informed me that most people doing the same as me planned their detaild itinerary well in advance.  I picked up just a little criticism in her tone.   I tried to explain with such a distance it would be difficult to know exactly how far you would get and what problems that might be encountered.  As it happens I remain a day ahead of my well planned January schedule!    I pulled out of the Glenan Lodge with the noise still coming from the bike as I peddled and that made my mind up to find a cycle shop in Inverness.

Weather was set fair with little wind, warm and just enough sunshine. Perfect.  One or two climbs on the fifteen miles to Inverness with the final couple all downhill.   It was not a problem to locate a bike shop with my new Around Me and Find Near Me apps. Halfords once again proved useless in being able to help.  The Highland Bicycle Co could not have been more helpful.   In sorting out a new back tyre the mechanic found the source of the noise.  A broken back axle.   800 plus miles with me riding it had all been too much.  It must have given up the ghost on the run through the pass at about the same time as the double puncture.   No wonder that afternoon ride yesterday had been so slow and difficult. There I was blaming myself.  After a drink at Cake Mamma Cafe the bike was ready to roll again.  Off we went over the Moray Firth bridge and on to the Black Isle.

The bike and rider were humming. Progress was brisk and the miles were going by no problems.  After crossing the Cromarty Firth I stopped for lunch on the coast road near Alness. No sooner had I sat down and a call came through from my manager,John R, asking why I had stopped.  He had been keeping a close eye on the tracker.     No chance of catching a bus then! Being in good time Golspie was achievable for the evening and I managed to book the Granite Villa B&B   The ride continued in ideal conditions along the unspoilt coast road.   Once again the miles were being clocked up.  

Just to keep my hand in I got a rear puncture on the new tyre and tube, ten miles before the day's destination.   A twenty minute delay to sort out the problem.  So disappointing.    I think it must be the nature of the roads. Riding on the side of a busy road with so much debris, glass and other sharp objects.       All fixed and with the road reasonably flat I was in Golspie, a large village on the coast, in time for afternoon tea.  Instructions on how to find the Granite Villas were perfect.

What a contrast, the welcome was so warm and my room eight times bigger. I was afraid I might get lost.   I nipped down to the local shop to purchase certain essential items.  Took the opportunity to have a bag of chips and sit on the beach. A great treat.

Dinner was taken at the local hotel without a problem. A very tasty sausage casserole. Back to B&B by 21.00. Tried to stay awake otherwise I would be up too early.    Total mileage for the day was 64 miles leaving 68 miles to JOG.    The plan is to get to Wick on Wednesday night leaving a short ride in on Thursday to meet the Recovery Team, John and Anne.  I hope they have a smooth journey to the north without too many punctures!