we left Perth in glorious sunshine and that stayed with us all the way to Pitlochry - well only 50 or so km. We followed the Tay along an excellent cyclepath until it suddenly disappeared - which what often happens with cycle facilities! So instead of gently rolling upstream we again had to go up and down hills. Anyway the scenery was lovely and traffic was light - were they all at home watching the royal wedding? I hope not - it would be a waste of a lovely day!!
We stopped for coffee in Dunkeld - a wee village with an enormous cathedral and even bigger scones and slices of cake!! From there it was fairly flat till we reached our destination, Pitlochry where cyclists were gathering for the Etape de Caledonia. It is a large closed-roads event with 5000+ riders, unfortunately many of them with more testosterone than brains. I had decided not to tempt fate and ride but was talked into a compromise. I therefore got up at 0600, applied the usual ointments and potions, lycra etc (it was a cold morning with wet roads) and off I went to do the short route of 40 miles. My decision was confirmed when I saw 3 crashed bikes and an ambulance within 5 km of the start!! The rest of the morning was relatively uneventful - a surprisingly big number of lycra dressed walkers were walking their bikes along the roads!! I finished unscathed. Tomorrow the bike and I will travel by train to Suffolk. For a bit of rest!!
So was it worth it (the pain, exhaustion, sleepless nights etc)? It certainly was - it was the best 60% of LEJOG and done in glorious weather. The Airnimal bike behaved excellently and the company was great. But it is interesting how long inclines are not so tiring - you know they will be followed by (normally equally) long descents. It is the short sharp hills that wear you out. You get nothing for your effort - but another hill around the corner. Just the ssme as head-wind. And when you have both - grrrrr. But it was a great great trip and can be much recommended!!
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