Pedalling...

Month 4 of my 50th year, and a challenge lay in store. A cycle race taking place right around the iconic Loch Ness and offering the chance to cycle 106 km on traffic free roads. The circular closed-road route around the loch starts and finishes in Inverness, offering over 1,000 m of ascent. The literal highlight being a brutal King of the Mountain stage which is 7.72 km of climb gaining 380 m in height with a gradient reaching 12% at times. Phew!

I'd trained well so physically I knew I'd be ok but my nerves were getting the better of me and I had zero sleep the night before. It was an early start, up at 4.45am despite staying just a few hundred yards from the start/finish. A nervy breakfast, kit on, and away to the start line for 6am. It was a harsh day - the temperature felt like 1°, rain was forecast and there was a strong NNE wind gusting up 30mph. This didn't do much for my nerves but it was too late and very soon we were off.

It took me about 15miles to find my stride but I was soon enjoying some hazy views above Loch Ness in and amongst the other 6,000 riders. It was a great atmosphere and I soon forgot all about the weather and just settled into pedalling to Fort Augustus before the big climb. I made not bad time and turned back into the wind and began the ascent. It was pretty brutal but just over 44 minutes later I heard the piper playing at the top and I was there. And from then on I was flying. A big descent and then a long rolling section around the loch and Inverness was in my sight. Upping the pace I arrived in Inverness, high on adrenaline and feeling tip top. 4hr 46mins (which included 11minutes of pie eating), putting me almost in the top third. I was pretty chuffed considering it was the furthest I'd ever cycled, and all done before lunch on a Sunday. Quick shower and change and then out for a few beers and food. I slept well that night!! Would I do it again....well yes, just maybe I might...

The Loch Ness Five

At the top of the King of the Mountain

Pedalling for Inverness

Finish!

A wonderful welcome back home!

Truly spoiled...

Easter is often a family time, and we had plenty of that this year, ending up truly spoiled by the end of it all. First up was a trip to see the Southern Rookes (aka the Bucks Rookes) down in High Wycombe. But also for the first time the trip included seeing my Dad in his new lodgings nearby in Marlow. Things haven't really gone to plan for him since his stay in hospital and he's now moved to a care home - it's not been the easiest few months for him - so hopefully this will see him more settled as its a really lovely place. Still he must have had a whale of a time as we had him out every day with us whilst we were there.

So what did we get up to beside seeing Grandads new pad? Well Legoland was the highlight for the kids (and possibly us all) - Grandad came too although didn't make the rollercoasters. We loved the Lego and the all the rides, but the whole vibe of the day was just lovely. Then we also had Easter Egg hunts, a trip to Cliveden House and the girls all visited the Roald Dahl museum. Lots of fun. But I think the best bit was the great hospitality - food, fun and laughter with the Bucks Rookes. Thank you so much for being amazing hosts.

And then hot on the heels we whizzed up to Banchory to stay with Tanya's folks in Banchory. The kids (and us all) love staying with Nana and Baba and as usual we were very spoiled. There was the usual entertainment round abouts but there was also a High Tea for all the girls including the Gurney girls who were all also staying in Banchory. I was working but I still got a good run up Scolty with John, and another run round Crathes. We had a lovely day out to Loch Kinord and also a lovely meal out at the local curry house. Truly spoiled once more we returned ready for next adventures.

And what was that? Well our young visitor from Sudan, Jazoli left for the big smoke of Glasgow a few weeks ago but now we have welcomed Ly a young girl from Vietnam into our lives. She arrived on Monday but by the end of day 4 we think she's settling in very well and is a great hit with everyone. Hopefully less camera shy we might get a photo on here soon! She doesn't have much English yet though so thank god for Google translate. Anyway in an effort to pay 'our being truly spoiled' forward we're trying to make her feel very welcome.

The girls enjoying Legoland

Ninjago

Spoiled by desserts

Spoiled by chocolate

Grandad getting in on the action

Easter bunnies

The Easter Rookes

On Loch Kinord with Nana and Baba