Good blog Al! Fun to read it all, get your full story. Funny how we caught up and overtook each other so much during the race! Like playing leepfrog over 300 miles. Much respect to you for finishing that one… yes you looked like hell at the start, I didn’t think you’d make 5.6 miles, never mind about 560!
I was up North last weekend. Friday and Saturday was amazing weather… 15 degrees, no wind, full on sun, dry. Did the Torridon section of the HTR route. I am not a very technical rider at all, and it felt mostly above what I enjoy or am able to ride TBH, a lot of (mostly) walking. Amazing views:
(full size here)
It took a lump out a fellow rider though:
Another rider in the other group of mountain bikers got a deep cut to his head. That descent is not to be messed with… Riding with friends on a days ride, ok you can take some risks. By yourself some days in to a race, tired and maybe dark / not optimal weather? It is very tough. I’d guess I’d probably walk most of it in the race.
Sunday and Monday were not good weather. We headed to Applecross. Top of the Belach Na Ba was horizontal driving rain (felt like sleet) on Sunday. This was at the bottom of the climb:
Today was just a strong cold 40mph wind at the top, dangerous conditions TBH. Hope the weather calms down the next couple of weeks for you folks.