13.7 mph
Granny gear rating 2 (lots of long slow climbs but mostly managable in g+1 or g+2)
The day started with our time on the road and miles covered telling. Jim left some clothes behind at David and tracey's. Lejog is a mental challenge as well as a physical challenge. It takes a lot out of you. So a big thanks again to Tracey for driving out to meet us (see earlier post). It later transpired that gav had actually seen jim's clothes that were left on the bathroom floor and had also left his own toothbrush. Jim took a wee booster from this, knowing it wasnt just him that was losing it and led off with renewed vigour from doune, westward.
Tiredness again showed as Gavin had to be called back following break as he'd set off sans helmet.
Day9 was a bit of a classic. Jim and gav's lejog blog may be biased but the country we passed through today is very hard to beat. Jim had the pock rock on, but only for a wee bit chill in the air. Only a small morning shower to contend with. Gav had team endura windcheater on to keep said coldness at bay.
Injury report.
Jim...right knee has been showing signs of wear. Increased frequency of prevention treatment (eg tennis ball) helping to contain.
Gav...increasing saddle soreness has been encouraging more frequent "honking" (cycling term for standing up and pedalling aka dancing on the pedals) this, however has resulted a strain down the back of his right knee. Change to saddle position and reduced honking seems to be helping. Although this ain't helping the saddle soreness :(
A wee note on the cycling conditions today
- road surface, at times very bumpy and prohibitive to getting into a rhythm.
- moderate westerly headwind, was proving irksome until we turned more northerly after crianlarich (50 miles in)
- traffic, a little busier than we've been used to but this is where the high viz rock comes into it's own!
So after a stunning spin through the trossacks and the start of the southern highlands we entered glencoe. Strangely we had to pedal down the descent against the breeze to gain much speed and turned into the road for the Clachaig. Jimbo couldn't hold back any longer and attacked to get the stage victory...too soon however as Gavin counter attacked with surprising power and took the stage on the line. 2-2 is now the tally.
Gav's sister Karen, met us at the Clachaig. She is cycling with us the next couple of days.
Aside.
A wee mention for Hilary who is still soldiering on back home with the two boys. If anyone is in the vicinity and can lend a hand please do.
Quotes of the day
Gav "I just wanted to let rip and get the honkers out"
Jim "glencoe, consider yourself under siege"
QOTD outtakes
Gav "cold knees"
Jim "I think tonight could be a 3 Pinter"
Sent from my iPhone
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