And now for what I did at the weekend...
Every birthday I set myself a wee challenge. Usually in Inverness it is running up the Castle Steps from the river holding my breath to the top, and then proceeding to the Raining Stairs and doing the same.
Can't do that this year because I'm in Oz, but a better opportunity presented itself. Almost right on my doorstep is a fantastic climb which I think measures up to the Bealach na Bah. I went to do it a few weeks back, but the road is closed for repairs (parts of it have been sliding down the mountain - it's somewhat steep).
This weekend however it was opened for cycling because of a charity event called the Cardiac Challenge. It's a very suitable name.
I figured that could be my birthday challenge, albeit a bit early.
All I needed was a suitable bike. When all you you have is a hammer, then everything is a nail.
In this case all I had was a Giant Bowery single speed, so that was my hammer.
First oxygen stop, I mean photo opportunity.
Around the highest point. I think you can get an idea of the nature of the terrain from the pic.
And the proof of the pudding, the end point, Lake Morris at the Copperlode Dam end.
This might give an idea of the nature of the climb.
And back to the hammer analogy, I nailed it.
Fair chuffed. It was not easy, I suffered majorly, kept thinking the sensible thing to do was what most were doing and turn around, I was slow, but I got there and best of all I think I was the only single speed to manage it. (I didn't see another).
Jamie, we're doing the Bealach on singlespeeds when I get back. Anyone who wants to join the fun is welcome.
http://www.relive.cc/view/vdvmB8gyYNO
BTW the Giant Bowery is a great bike for climbing SS. It doesn't tie itself in knots when you have to grind up out of the saddle. None of your effort is wasted.
They're quite cheap 2ndhand, if you ever get the chance, grab one. There's no fancy parts on them, but they're a great bike.
