I had hoped to complete the event in a faster time, given what I perceive to be my greater level of fitness this year. I did manage to compete the event 13 minutes faster than last year, and felt a lot better than last year when I was in agony with cramped calfs and thighs, but most of the time savings were on a quicker turn-around. Both the walk and the cycle were pretty much the same time as last year.
Fiona and I travelled up in the support van with the bikes. Walter, a retired colleague of mine, and friend of her mum's was driving. The landscape is breathtaking. Its hard to believe that all this is so close to one of Britain's largest cities. Since I knew we wouldn't get a chance to see much scenery during the event itself I was taking as many photos as I could.
Once we got to Fort William and checked into our hotel we headed out to the Pasta Party. This is basically registration and the safety briefing for the next day. The only real surprising news was the count for the event. 1200 were expected but due to drop outs (perhaps caused by the extended bank holidays) not even 700 would be starting. After an early night and some drink back at the hotel we retired for the night, with an early start planned the next day.
Monster Day started at 0600. After packing up and having breakfast we headed off. Unfortunately our lovely hotel was at the start of a long winding one way street that brought us, eventually, the wrong way. By the time we got to the start area we were beginning to press for time. Limited parking made it even worse. By the time I had finished my final bike check the others had already left for the start line and locked the support vehicles. A frantic call to support brought them back but Fiona and I missed the start by over 5 minutes. We never saw any of the others again apart from Leanne who we caught at the first water stop 10 miles in. The three of us then continued for the rest of the cycle.
This year the weather was amazing, but still a bit breezy. The scenery was incredible but I really couldn't stop to take photos. The reduced number of participants was quite noticeable on the road.
After a few hair raising descents we finally finished and had lunch in the transition area. After changing into walking gear the three of us headed off for the hike part.
Initially Leanne walked faster and pulled away from us in the first mile. Then Fiona missed a turn at an un-marhsalled junction and we feared Leanne had done the same. Sure enough we soon saw her heading off in the wrong direction. We called out and guided her back onto the true path. The three of us then decided jst to walk together from then on.
The walk itself was quite pleasant - it was a lovely day, and I had good company. It was quite warm though, and the sun was quite strong.
Again this year we never saw Nessie - in fact the loch was very quiet all day.
Once we finished and had something to eat we met back up with Walter and headed back down the road, finally making it home just about midnight.
Things we learned:
There is a reason why off road bikes have fatter tyres;
Suspension on a bike is a good thing;
Road cycling is no practice for off road cycling ;
Watching for route markers is a good thing;
Walking poles make walking much easier. I didn't find this out myself, but Fiona swears by it;
There is always next year!
