6th August Midgie motivation and wet ride to Dingwall

Last night when I left the midgie hideaway I headed back to the tent. I practised my version of the Scottish wave, the midgies were still out in force. Getting in my tent lots had got in there as well. I had 15 minutes of ‘ let’s see how many midgies I can kill before bed’ I had some insect protect spray but really not a good idea to spray in the palatial 2m x 1m x0.75m. I sleep in long sleeves, midgie net as well as my sleeping bag.

At the risk of repeating myself, heavy rain during the night. I’m up at 6.30 and pack the inside of the tent. I head to the midgie retreat for breakfast and as I open the tent I am met with clouds of midgies.

Francine and Vanessa are already in there and share their coffee. They are debating whether their planned Munro walk/climb will be on. It’s interesting observing the peer pressure. I know two would call it off now but don’t want to let the others down. The relief when the guide messaged them and cancelled was palpable. Lots of smiles mixed with a little disappointment.

I’m having the same dilemma , to ride or not to ride? A text message chat with Jayne informs me it’s going to be wet for the next 4 days. No choice but to crack on.

7.30 the rain eases and I go and pack away a soaking tent and load up. It’s going to be a long day. How long do midgies live in a wet tent?

I say my farewells, Martin checks the weight of my bike. He likes the bag over the Garmin to keep it dry. I head off towards the bridge. This is more the Skye I know in the rain but it is still beautiful. I have forgot to put the Avon o so soft on. A quick stop at Coop for food for the day and a danish. Then the climbing can begin.

Lots of very steep climbs in the rain to start with. Midgies add motivation, as soon as I stop they are there. If I keep moving it’s not so bad. A quick comfort break and I am observed by 3 stone chats. The herons along the Loch edges look huddled down, like old men in their rain coats. The look prehistoric as they fly away. Toads are crawling across the roads.

The first cafe I see I stop for a cuppa and plaster myself with Avon O so soft. I check my neck and it looks as though I have the measles, obviously I’ve been too slow up some of those climbs.

Even though it is still raining, the low clouds hide the tops of the climbs and so you just keep going. The mountains and hills still have a charm even in this weather. The view from Stromeferry is incredible, and not just because I needed a rest after a massive climb.

An early lunch at Strathcarren as I know I won’t see many more places to stop today. I obviously had to try the whiskey cake. The rain has almost stopped and as I get ready to go the Garmin won’t turn on!!!aaah the second one this trip.

I’m obviously on the more well trodden/ridden route oh JOGLE as I see 7 different cyclists all fully loaded heading in the opposite direction. I’m also passed by 12 Morris minors on some sort of rally.

Jayne rings me and we talk for 15 minutes or so and I’m climbing the whole time. I’m amazed I can still hold a conversation.

43 miles in I spy Ledgowan Hunting Lodge. I walk in and immediately make a mess with dripping coats and bags on their leather settees. As Jayne will say, it’s a gift I have. Really good lemon drizzle cake though and up close and personal with a deer in the grounds. 30 miles to Dingwall and I have checked there is a campsite there.I crack on as a group of German motorcyclists smile and laugh at my load.

Long straight roads with steady climbs are the order of the afternoon. I have to keep pulling over to let cars and lorries past. I had forgotten how hilly the last 6 miles into Dingwall are. I stop to ring the campsite. They had a months worth of rain yesterday afternoon and they are Waterlogued. That was all the incentive I needed. As I cycle through Dingwall I see a B and B and ring the number. I’m given another number to ring. Someone has just cancelled so I can have the last room. Honey, walks into the street to direct me to place.

Wet kit everywhere and then a warm shower. I’m not moving anywhere tonight.

1303 miles covered and 140ish to go I think. 2 days should see me through although I might stop at Craske tomorrow, a right of passage for lots of cyclists It is a pub in the middle of nowhere. I will see how I feel when I get there. Tomorrow’s ride was my favourite on my first LEJOG. I’m guessing it’s going to be in the wet so it will be interesting to see how it compares. Now for CLEAN SHEETS:)