Lang Way Doon
The Land Way Doon is a 24hr challenge, from Tongue to Coldstream but you must pass through Via Braemar. The total distance for me was 312 miles (Which I think is the shortest distance it has been done it) with climbing of 18,383 ft. My cycle time is 19:43:13 and when adding stoppage time, I was still under 22 hours.
I start this Challenge on the 23 Jun 18 at 03:15, making maximum use of the summer light. This was after completing a full day’s work, and with the drive up to Tongue I really I didn’t manage to get any sleep before starting the challenge. Though I didn’t help from the wind, at lest it was dry.
What I could see, everyone who had done the Long Way Doon before. Once passed Bonar Bridge, everyone kept on the A836 to Dornoch Bridge roundabout onto Tain before heading to Evanton. This puzzle me a bit, “Why didn’t anyone head up the Struy on the B9178”… When you work it out, you only had Apx 100m’s more climbing but you cut of 12 miles of the route.
My first stop was in my home village of Evanton, allowing me to get change of clothing and some breakfast. Before heading back on the road again.
I didn’t stop again till Grantown on Spey. I kept the stop as short as possible, just enough time to fill my water bottles up and wee bite to eat.
Just as I was leaving Grantown on Spey, Alison (My Wife) arrived in the car. This was great, because If I had a problem and couldn’t keep going. I wouldn’t have to wait long to be picked up, as she waited for me at key points with food and water. This also meant, I didn’t have to think ahead to where I needed to stop for food and water.
It was also good to have Alison along, so I had someone to have a chat too. This might have added time onto my stops, but I was well up on my pace and solo long distance rides can be lonely at times.
Darkness fell, as I was leaving Edinburgh with the knowledge, that I was on my last stretch to Coldstream. All I need to do was just keep going and as I arrived in Coldstream, it was lively with plenty people is out enjoying the night. What they would made of me cycling past at one in the morning, I don’t know. I was still feeling strong with a big smile on my face as I arrived at the finish point on the bridge which marks the boarder between England and Scotland.
Next time down and back up in 48 hours, which will happen later on this year before doing RAI.