Day11: Loch Lomond to Glencoe 73miles
A good ride to-day, the weather was generally overcast with no rain. Unfortunately tomorrow looks a good deal less pleasant.
I had been told the ride up the west of Loch Lomond could be rather hair raising due to traffic volumes initially and then the fact the road narrows at Tarbet. As it turned out Stu had mentioned a cycle route from Ballock at the south of the loch to Tarbet and I used this, it meant I was able to have the first 17 miles or so without traffic and enjoy some great views, for the second leg, it was not as bad as I had expected though the road surface made for an uncomfortable ride. It is also giving the bike a battering, further running repairs needed on arrival with no fewer than 4 loose spokes(the record so far is 6) and a range of glass and flints removed from the tyres. The climb up was completely different from earlier climbs on the ride, in that it went on for miles at between light to medium inclines. The relentless climb over a sustained period has resulted in my having sore legs forthe first time. I was passed by other cyclists heading to Glencoe and passed others slower than me (not many). The ride down was just to much fun to stop and take photos. I will remember that decent for a long time!