Fairy

I spent the day in Pitlochry today. I entered the Etape Caledonia some time ago but have had an annoying knee problem which means I haven't trained much and which is still ongoing. To save myself the embarrassment of having to get towed home at the halfway point I withdrew entry.

Luckily this elderly bearded gentleman, riding a folding bike and dressed as a fairy cheered me up. I don't know if he intends to ride the event like this. Perhaps he is totally unconnected and just likes to cycle around in a pink fairy outfit.

The Etape Caledonia has been hugely successful but its future is in doubt due to a very small number of very vocal objectors who, in the past have even gone so far as to endanger riders lives by spreading carpet tacks in the road on a steep and twisting descent. This would be a real shame as I did the ride last year and found nothing but support and welcome from everyone in Pitlochry and along the 81 mile route.

Good luck to everyone riding tomorrow!