Oops...we spoke to soon!!

We spoke too soon, woke to a wet but somewhat warm morning, and the midgies were out in force, so after a “quick” installation of mudguards (which due to excessive rubbing on the front tyre of Andy’s bike then required an even faster removal), we were off. We made swift work of the first 23 miles before the rain started in earnest and in the next 2 miles to Fort William we were soaked to the skin. Unbeknown to us, our Support Driver Geoff upon leaving the Youth Hostel had found our car to be stuck in the gravel car park, fortunately after enlisting the help of a willing armada of Spaniards, he managed to get the car jacked up and some boards placed underneath the wheels to assist his escape and after a speedy drive caught up with us on the outskirts of Fort William. After our first coffee and cake stop in a café that was also soaked to the skin due a leaking roof, we braved the elements and set out to ride up the Glencoe pass. The sky brightened as we reached the high point of the climb and we stopped to get a photo of Jon in front of one of his favourite mountains Buachille Etive Mor. Then it was a swift ride across Rannoch Moor before heading down (and then up again!!) towards to the Trossachs & Loch Lomond. The weather continued to improve as we reached Tyndrum and we visited the Green Welly Stop for refuelling, Andy having Cullen Skink which repeated on him for the rest of the afternoon and Jon having a very nice piece of cake entitled "Ginger Bites" definitely to be recommended. The warm and comfortable surroundings of the café proved irresistible to Andy who proceeded to get a 15 minute power nap on one of their comfty benches. From there on it was a straight ride down the very busy A82 alongside Loch Lomond to our nights accommodation at Arden, a very ornate Youth Hostel (See photo). Tomorrow we have to negotiate Glasgow so early night in order.