We set out from Braemar with a cold nip in the air and the wind against us. Even so, we managed to make good progress as the road was somewhat sheltered. We cruised alongside the River Dee past Balmoral Castle.
Our progress was soon to be slowed as we encountered the first long climb. The mountains were majestic with a broody sky and bitterly cold wind.
Soon after completing the first climb and a short, chilly descent, we rounded a corner to see a sign to the Aberdeenshire Ascents! Another longer and steeper climb.
Our ride today took us around the Cairngorms National Park.
We took our first break at a tea shop in Corgoff. Grateful to be in the warm for a while. On leaving we noted a glimmer of blue sky appearing and hoped for some warmth from the sun to be forthcoming.
Then continuing to yet another steep, long climb up to the Lecht ski resort. Today involved quite a bit of walking on the steeper sections of the climbs. The legs just didn’t have the umph and I didn’t have the puff either!
Then another cold descent to Tomintoul where we took another break with some hot soup at The Old Fire Station.
Not wanting to delay to long so as to avoid rainfall, we continued to Grantown-on-Spey where we are staying in the Ben Mohr Hotel.
We were able to enjoy a little sunshine on the final section which warmed us up a bit and painted the scenery with a golden hue.
Claire rode her bike out to lead us in to the hotel. She was wearing her orange jacket that used to belong to Joe Pascoe and so we reflected that it was nice to remember Joe as we rode through the evening sun.
Today was hard with the bitterly cold wind and brutal, relentless climbs. We felt weary from the day and from accumulated days of riding. But just 4 more days to complete our challenge!
Claire’s Video
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