Etape Loch Ness Training Ride

Today (Sunday 10th April), a few of our club members met up for a ride to check out the South side of the Etape Loch Ness route.  We have over half our membership entered into the event so it should be a good show of red and black on the day, even amongst the 4500 participants!

A group of nine of us were available on the day, the majority meeting at Dores and cycling out to Fort Augustus.  We then retraced the route, climbing Glendoe and then stopping off at Camerons tearoom for a well deserved coffee (some of us had tea!) and a soup and sandwich before completing the last leg.

I have had three weeks off the bike and was desperate to get some time in the saddle, so I decided to head through from Nairn and make it just over the 100 miles for the day.  It ended up being a tough day in the saddle with the (unusual) easterly wind providing a headwind all the way back from Fort Augustus.  It’s MUCH easier to head out into a headwind and then catch the tailwind home.  Anyway, I made it home and am happy with the days effort.  Mine was not the biggest effort of the day though.  Will completed over 146 miles with over 9000ft of elevation!!!  Incredible effort Will!

The ‘club ride’ section of the ride was around 50 miles and was completed at an average speed of just under 15 mph.  Okay so we weren’t setting the world on fire with the speeds, but it was still a great effort considering that took in one of the toughest climbs in the locality.  I for one am very proud of the grit and determination on display today.  Well done everyone!

On to the main talking point of the day…. The Cameron’s Tearoom! Clicky Link to their facebook page!

The warm welcome we were given has not been bettered by any cafe I have frequented on the bike.  A feeling echoed by all in attendance.  The range of coffee, cakes and light lunches was excellent.  The prices were more than reasonable and the service was exemplary!  Our water bottles were refilled without needing to ask and despite being soaking wet on arrival we were not only accepted inside, but the waitress immediately re-arranged the seating to accommodate us all onto one table.  It wasn’t quiet either which makes the previous gesture all the more worth a mention!  We will definitely be back!

So that was our day.  Unusual winds, mammoth efforts, great customer service and fantastic company on the day.  Looking forward to the big event on the 24th.  Time to rest the legs until then though!  Maybe we’ll see you for the next club ride on Sunday 17th April.