Hi mate
Glad you had a good ride and the weather was good, certainly far better than attempting it today, it's pretty bleak up here.
The drivers we came across were the usual mix, some good, some bad but certainly nothing dangerous like you.
A lot of the problem is now the North West 500, the influx is 10 fold at least, yet the roads have no new infrastructure or upgrading and for some car and motorbike clubs it's promoted as a race track and best times are often posted. This makes it pretty dangerous for cyclist along with everyone else, especially as the vast majority can't drive on a singletrack road as they have no concept of pulling in for anyone or anything. They pass cyclist incredibly close and at high speed and even the ones I have 'spoke with' have just used the age old argument that your fair game as you shouldn't be on the road, how do you try to change that way of thinking? Crazy!
Now the road from Melvich through the Strath and down to Helmsdale is not part of the NW500 it is used and always has been as a shortcut for those on this side of Tongue, so Betty Hill etc, but only saves time if you are really stonking it, most locals are pretty decent up here, of course there is the odd few, but on the whole it is generally better than a lot of other places. Nothing is policed from Thurso or Dounray through to Scourie on the west coast and everyone knows it, so sometimes it can get a bit scary.
Brian and I went past a guy cycling a handcycle near Strathy beach he was so low to the ground and quite dark that I really felt worried for the guy, stupid as he has probably done a million miles but it just made me worry for him as you could see how easily a driver not paying attention could come up on him so quick.
Anyway, it does look like, despite the arsehats, that it was a good ride out, it is nice scenery and easy rolling country. If you ever fancy a run up the other way, south to north or a different ride up this way just give me a shout if you want some company.
I am also putting together a sort of casual road ride/randonnuer campout type weekend down your way, or closer than this, in late July. Plan is a ride to somewhere maybe towards the west coast somewhere from Contin or such, camp then return on different route, trying to stick to back routes, singletrack roads and a bit of easy gravel roads if possible.
If your interested or have a favourite camp spot somewhere let me know. Looking leaving mid morning Sat and return around 2pm Sunday so everyone else can get there and get home.
Jamie
