Etape Loch Ness

Up bright an early for the Etape Loch Ness. At least I remembered to book that, other guests didn't. The sun hasn't risen as i make my way down to the Wave B meeting point. The roads are quite damp from overnight rain, and it is a bit misty. Riders in Wave B start just after sun rise, not that it is visible. The mist clears as we head out of Inverness. The route south is not too hilly, and has nice views over the loch. No sign of Nessy. It follows the A82, so the surface is quite nice and fast.

At Fort Augustus, the big climb starts, starting at 22m, and follows the route of General Wade's Military Road. We cycle through the clouds, which go on for quite a while, especially on the steep bit of the climb. There are also a couple of false summits. However, after the second at Loch Taff, the mist clears and I can see the real summit. At the real top, there is a bagpiper greeting the cyclists at 376m above sea level. There is then a long winding descent back down to the loch side. From Dores,the road leaves the loch side, up a wee climb, then a fast ride back in to Inverness. The main blip shows the event village (very socially distanced). No cake this year, but an alcohol free beer is quite welcome, as well as a coffee from the mobile barista van.

I complete the 65 miles in 3:29:09. The ride can be seen at Relive here.

After lunch, I do the Three Islands walk. The extra was taken looking north from the north island. The city is quite a bit less busy, so I manage to get a decent meal from a restaurant, and a well earned beer, and a wee dessert as well.