65 miles ridden – 4550 feet climbed – temperature 11C.

I had been a bit miffed as I cycled the extra 10 miles yesterday but today I was actually quite pleased. Although today had no monster climbs 4550 feet is a lot of climbing.

Every weather forecast any of us checked indicated no rain today but we were hit with a rain shower about 5 minutes after we left. Although we had a few bits of drizzle after that, today most of the clouds we encountered were (Scotland’s infamous) midges. Although I could feel them biting I haven’t come up in blisters like some of the others. They seem to be able to bite through lycra quite well.

For most of the day we had bright clouds but there was sunshine. It was a difficult temperature to work with – quite cold on downhills and riding into a headwind but quite warm when climbing hills out of the wind.

It was a long run to lunch at 48 miles (38 miles for those who did the extra 10 yesterday) and as we sat down it started raining – good timing eh?! The perfect cyclists lunch of cheese sandwich and chips was only let down but the leek and potato soup which repeated on me all the way up the final big climb.

Can you guess where we ate lunch?

The final 12 mile run into Ullapool was almost in sunshine and although undulating it was a nice run. By the time I had showered it was really nice outside and I enjoyed fish and chips sitting by the harbour.