Back in the saddle

Back in the saddle

The last few days have literally consisted of waking up, drinking tea and then lying on a sofa with my foot up and bag of peas on it until around 4pm when I have my exercise for the day walking to the Spar to get my nightly medicines of beer and/or wine to get me through the evening. It has been weirdly relaxing and I'm worried now that I may have gone too far the other way on the scale of things and become a total sloth!

Anyway, the important thing is that with each day my ankle has improved and I was pleased and surprised to see Barry arrive back from his off-roading jaunts a day early yesterday to see me. I went as far as the Co-Op (oooooh!) and we had a good laugh and a few drinks.

Today is Saturday and like Cinderella I see if my foot will fit into my riding shoe. It does, woohoooo! Looking outside however doesn't really inspire me to go far....

Rain

It's wet and rather windy today and is forecast to be like this for the next few days. Barry arrives before noon looking bedraggled and slightly giddy. He immediately shows me a video from this morning of his tent pole snapping and ripping a hole through the outer. He's laughing and I'm looking devastated - this trip has not gone to plan right from the off! He's laughing when he tells me the story and I'm not sure what to make of it as I would be devastated if it were my tent. Nevertheless the first task of the day turns out to be tent fixing with 'Barry Bodge Job'!

Tent fixing

Pole fixing

We leave the hostel in the rain and wind, grab some food supplies from the Co-Op and an ankle support from the chemist and finally say goodbye to Broadford. I was a little bit apprehensive first thing this morning about riding again given the weather but once I manage to hop onto The Beast and we're back on the road I feel right at home. My ankle felt pretty good and when the rain does stop momentarily I'm on cloud nine!

Me riding

A nice leisurely re-introduction to the bike with some fantastic company and I'm loving it. It feels so good to be outside after being cooped up in the hostel for 4 days.

Happy me

We ride south west into the Sleat Peninsula and all is well with the world. 8 miles in we head off the main road to checkout a possible camp spot for this evening and end up at Kinloch Lodge. After a lovely wander along a little coastal footpath where Barry tests out a nice swing it's decision time.

Barry swing

We decide as we're on holiday to treat ourselves to a beer in the lodge which is rather posh!

Kinloch Lodge

Inside

A short ride back to the river and our camp spot for the night is sorted. Beautiful!

Camp spot

Ice water

I've ridden 8 miles and I'm absolutely exhausted. I'm so pleased that I can cycle again and it has been great to have Barry with me encouraging me on and helping me out - a great confidence boost when I needed it.

Me and Barry

Trip Summary:

  • Miles ridden = ???
  • Ice creams eaten = 7
  • Ferries taken = 20
  • Islands visited = 18
  • Wild camp nights = 28
  • Ticks removed from body = 3
  • Distilleries visited = 6
  • Breweries visited = 3
  • Bothy nights = 6
  • Trips to A & E = 1