Page 111 - RSDG Year of 2021 CREST

The long and winding road
Buoyed by the knowledge that they had to cover a “mere” 516 miles in 7 days, that they would be fol- lowed by a support team with a van bombed-up with Tunnock’s wafers and that they would not have to sleep in any culverts - unlike Jenny Graham - the team was enthusiastic to begin, despite varying levels of train- ing ahead of the event and varying weights of bike, with the lightest weighing 7.7 kg and the heaviest over 12 Kg. The route selected was the “Mark Beaumont route” as used in his record-achieving rides. Crucially, this avoids some roads with heavier traffic, making the experience more enjoyable and much safer.
The first leg began by rolling gently through Inverness and out to the South of the city. The grey stone and comparatively busy roads quickly gave way to flat countryside and complaints from Lt Dan Taylor about a distinct lack of coffee stops. The first café (and, there- fore, piece of cake) wasn’t seen until the forty mile point at Achnasheen! The groups had climbed the barely perceptible incline up the gigantic glacial valley leading eventually to Kinlochewe and the sea, but first the route would take them to Locharron and their first taste of the west coast.
After a night at the (thankfully midge free) “Wee Campsite” in Locharron, SCOTS DG headed onwards, riding through Kishorn and warming up the legs in anticipation of what would be one of the highlights of the week, The Bealach-na-ba, meaning “pass of the cattle”. Any spectators of the bovine variety were nowhere to be seen as the team rode to the base of what is certainly one of the greatest climbs in the UK and most famous in Scotland. At just over 9km long and climbing just over 2000 ft, the gentle 7% incline gradu-
ally gave way to steep 20% gradients on the numerous hairpins in the last section of the route. This change in altitude caused a significant change in the condi- tions; as the team finished, they found themselves in thick cloud and, despite the exertion, becoming rather chilly! The RCMO put in a highly respectable 43:46 on the climb and an honourable mention must be given to LCpl King who, before the challenge, had only cov- ered ~100 miles on a roadbike! After a replenishment of food and water at the peak, and only a third of the day done, they continued, descending to Applecross and the picturesque village of Sheildaig, before nego- tiating narrow, winding, undulating roads along the coast until entering another cavernous valley - West Kinlochewe. The team avoided a stop there, as it is a notorious hotspot for midges!
At the end of a stunning day of cycling, the planned campsite was unfortunately full, however, this turned out to be fortuitous, as a Wild-camp spot was found on the edge of Loch Marree. No showers, naturally, but a relatively warm – and definitely soothing - swim was a good substitute. The support team continued to deliver substantial quantities of great food with basic equipment and LCpl Druavesi sadly proved an incred- ibly effective distraction for the midges.
The third day was very wet, with rain coming down throughout the day. The coastline was harsh and sheer, but it offered some fantastic descents! Both split groups ended up flying into Ullapool along the estuary, spurred on and working as one, creating a strong draft behind the first man. Impassioned debates were had about the best way to change positions in the Peloton, but not at the hindrance of the pace. Spirits were
“Chris Hoy eat your heart out” - Sgt Christie c.2021
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