The Moray Coast team – Susan, Martina, Claire, Mark, Jamie, Andy (and Monkey the Jack Russell Terrier), all decided to cycle the route, and completed the route, plus more….a total of an amazing 51miles instead of 36miles.
Day 1 started out badly, with Mark having a puncture after only four miles, just after the historical Croik church. The skies had opened up and the first downpour begun. He had to repair his tyre in the pouring rain. He was very prepared though, with a puncture repair kit in his pack, so no rescue was required. On our way again, we finished the rest of the first day back at Bonar Bridge, with no more problems and 15 miles under our belt.
That evening, a long bus trip over to Ullapool and we arrived at our accommodation. Hot showers and a good meal, and we were all happy. A few beers and entertainment, then off to bed ready for day two, the next challenge.
Unfortunately in the morning poor Mark had another puncture on the same tyre but being so organized he fixed it in no time and caught up with us. Day two was more difficult, this is where the steep ascents and hard terrain started. The first 8 miles was flat and the views were amazing through the valley. When we arrived at the first stop, the scouts, supporting the event, were handing out chocolate and refilling our water bottles. I could see why this was offered when we started our steep ascents. My legs were definitely burning by the time we got to the top, but very happy I made it. The terrain was getting very boggy and unfortunately I and Martina got stuck in a bog. We got water up to our knees and our gaiters were soaked, the feeling of water running into your trainers was not a nice feeling. It was going to be a long day. The next mishap, again, was Mark. His front tyre hit a rock which was covered in water and he went right over his handlebars, scraping his arm. Luckily for him he came away with no more serious injuries. Some first aid treatment from his wife Claire and we set off again. Eager to get to the scout camp at the 14 mile point, we set off at a great pace. There were some very steep descents, so at first, having never previously been a mountain biker, I was a little hesitant. But after a while I got more confident and started having so much fun. As we got closer to the scout camp, I eventually caught up with the team and saw Jamie carrying his bike. Oh dear another puncture!! Lucky for him we were only meters from the camp. Some hot soup and a wee dram of whisky, we were ready for the next 7 miles. The sun was shining as we set off again. Monkey, our four legged friend set the pace and kept our spirits high. The end was in sight, we crossed over the line together in great spirits, a very happy moment for all of us. The sun was still shining and we were only 15 miles from Bonar Bridge, so we declined the bus back, hopping back on our bikes and managed to repeat the 1st day’s ride again. When we arrived in Bonar Bridge, we all had a well-deserved beer.
We’d like to say a massive thank you to May Gilchrist for holding this event and to all the support team who helped us along the way.
We’d also like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated money at all the Moray Coast Vet Group branches, the online giving page and all our family and friends. We really appreciate all money received. The total money raised from Moray Coast Vet Group team was an amazing £ 857.00, which has now been forwarded to MacMillan Cancer Support
The twentieth Walk Across Scotland will take place on the 16th and 17th of May 2015, so if you would like to take part in this event next year spread the word with your family and friends or you can also visit the event website for more information, macmillan-coast-to-coast.org.uk.
By Susan Birse Vet Nurse.
July 2014
Back
Day 1 started out badly, with Mark having a puncture after only four miles, just after the historical Croik church. The skies had opened up and the first downpour begun. He had to repair his tyre in the pouring rain. He was very prepared though, with a puncture repair kit in his pack, so no rescue was required. On our way again, we finished the rest of the first day back at Bonar Bridge, with no more problems and 15 miles under our belt.
That evening, a long bus trip over to Ullapool and we arrived at our accommodation. Hot showers and a good meal, and we were all happy. A few beers and entertainment, then off to bed ready for day two, the next challenge.
Unfortunately in the morning poor Mark had another puncture on the same tyre but being so organized he fixed it in no time and caught up with us. Day two was more difficult, this is where the steep ascents and hard terrain started. The first 8 miles was flat and the views were amazing through the valley. When we arrived at the first stop, the scouts, supporting the event, were handing out chocolate and refilling our water bottles. I could see why this was offered when we started our steep ascents. My legs were definitely burning by the time we got to the top, but very happy I made it. The terrain was getting very boggy and unfortunately I and Martina got stuck in a bog. We got water up to our knees and our gaiters were soaked, the feeling of water running into your trainers was not a nice feeling. It was going to be a long day. The next mishap, again, was Mark. His front tyre hit a rock which was covered in water and he went right over his handlebars, scraping his arm. Luckily for him he came away with no more serious injuries. Some first aid treatment from his wife Claire and we set off again. Eager to get to the scout camp at the 14 mile point, we set off at a great pace. There were some very steep descents, so at first, having never previously been a mountain biker, I was a little hesitant. But after a while I got more confident and started having so much fun. As we got closer to the scout camp, I eventually caught up with the team and saw Jamie carrying his bike. Oh dear another puncture!! Lucky for him we were only meters from the camp. Some hot soup and a wee dram of whisky, we were ready for the next 7 miles. The sun was shining as we set off again. Monkey, our four legged friend set the pace and kept our spirits high. The end was in sight, we crossed over the line together in great spirits, a very happy moment for all of us. The sun was still shining and we were only 15 miles from Bonar Bridge, so we declined the bus back, hopping back on our bikes and managed to repeat the 1st day’s ride again. When we arrived in Bonar Bridge, we all had a well-deserved beer.
We’d like to say a massive thank you to May Gilchrist for holding this event and to all the support team who helped us along the way.
We’d also like to say a massive thank you to everyone who donated money at all the Moray Coast Vet Group branches, the online giving page and all our family and friends. We really appreciate all money received. The total money raised from Moray Coast Vet Group team was an amazing £ 857.00, which has now been forwarded to MacMillan Cancer Support
The twentieth Walk Across Scotland will take place on the 16th and 17th of May 2015, so if you would like to take part in this event next year spread the word with your family and friends or you can also visit the event website for more information, macmillan-coast-to-coast.org.uk.
By Susan Birse Vet Nurse.
July 2014
Back