11/03/2023
It takes so much to carve out of life with full time jobs and solo parenting, two whole days of riding. The preparation that preceded last weekend, including coming to the rescue with an adapter for my new bike and the aftermath since (a pile of muddy ‘last weekend memorabilia’ poised for attention on every passing) was balanced by what those two days gave.
Setting off from Aberfoyle, some wonderful trails marked the beginning of a loop around Loch Lomond with and . Balloch, Helensborough and then to Arochar. A late afternoon push up the Rest and Be Thankful (military road) steadied the momentum of the day. Just before dark, we neared Abyssinia bothy. Staggered head torch flashes through the windows prepared us for a cosy night with seven others.
A good rocky climb into woods the following day, warmed us. The conversation for a while comprised an in-depth analysis of why, despite wearing 4 pairs of thick woollen socks, my feet that night had remained cold🤦♀️. My circulation might be on the tardy side but I think some down booties are in order for the next winters night outside.
The West Highland Way brought some bumpy fun and a few moments where I found myself trying to lift the laden bike up steps and over big rocks. …Now, a woman proud that she’s reasonably strong despite her supposed miniature stature, should have said, “no Hannah P, I can do this”…but I didn’t. As I saw it, Hannah returned for my bike, lifted it with one finger and saw me right ;). She’s so strong!!
At some point after Crianlarich, chips at were mentioned. From then on, through Glen Ogle and down towards Strathyre, we could think of nothing else.
A concluding descent of the Dukes pass had me reflecting on what a combination of bikes, gear that worked, friendship and Crispin’s route planning had enabled us. That sense of gratefulness even surpassed my focus on what I’d have for tea!
