#FloodReTour Day 10 – Flood Re’s LEJOG Grantown-on-Spey to Lairg
Emerging from amidst the pastel blue sky, the early morning sun shone as the team set off after a most delightful stay at the Rosehall Guest House in Grantown-on-Spey. Harriet Boughton, Adam Golding, Chris Bradbury, Andrew Creedon and Gary McInally saddled up for the penultimate morning ride for the 30 odd mile trip to Inverness. Boosted by a kind donation from their hosts and an unquestionably deserved rest, they made record time.
For 0.27 miles. Puncture number one for Mr Gary McInally saw the team immediately back at the support car for a quick pit stop. Undeterred, the team pressed on through the heather clad moorlands and forests, without needing further repairs.
Despite the earlier delay, they reached the UK’s most northern city in perfect time to meet councillors Bet McAllister and Alex Graham. As well as learning more about the scheme and swapping stories, both councillors happily posed for photos with the bikes.
Leaving Inverness via the impressive Kessock Bridge, the five cyclists faced a tough trek towards Ansell to meet for lunch. Showing signs of fatigue after eight and a half days on the bikes, the team prepped for the rain and Harriet donned a fetching pair of waterproof bottoms, complete with resplendent yellow ankle ties.
The team, not content with having cycled over 1,000 miles, even found time to help rescue a hedgehog. Another excellent success story to add to their charity fundraising efforts.
To break up the late afternoon, a temporary halt was planned for Glenmorangie distillery to down a quick dram. With Scotch whisky expert Gary on hand to offer advice on the selection of beverages on show, a small measure went a long way to cheering the cyclists’ spirits.
Saturday will be perhaps the most physically demanding day, full of climbs to make even Bradley Wiggins take a deep breath. But with the knowledge of what is behind them and the lure of the finishing line taking hold, the team have great motivation to chase down the remaining miles.