Wet'n'cool

One thing about the weather is that it is sure to change. This was a busy week but most planned events happened. I've been making a bigger effort to get out on the Pan and do more training and I feel it is paying off. Last saturday was total focus on doing everything, IPSGA, whereas today I was more relaxed and it mostly clicked into place.


The recent IAM anouncement about making slow speed control a more measured section of the test than previous has encouraged me to do some practice in this somewhat neglected area of biking.


I did do a fair bit when I first got the ST as I had cause to lay it down 3 times in the first season. The main reason usually being caught out when the fuel tank is full. Once was a steep drop in the leftside camber at a junction and there is nothing you can do when the tipping point is reached. I thought i had got over all that when 2 weeks ago on the run to Holy Island I managed to lay it down again in a Tesco car park. No damage done, just my pride. My excuse here that I was frozen to the core after the run from Dreghorn to Berwick and could only think of getting in to the cafe for some food and a hot drink.. I mean, 6th of June and its only 10deg C, and worse I had taken the lining out of my jacket. Ne'er cast a cloot till May be oot, aye well that includes June this year.


Today's IAM meet was only marginally better weatherwise, but the lining was still in and I was snug, nice job. The brain was working well, and taking directions from the following observers indicators proved to be a good test for rear observation. there was only one small hiccup when I took an earlier right -hander and led John a mystery tour round some tenements at battlefield cross, no lost points thankfully for that.


The mileage total is creeping up for this year. The bike was in for its MOT and 16K mile service yesterday so it is purring along nicely with new oil and plugs in place. So thats 3k this year so far.


Thursday evening I went for a run up to the Green Welly but it was so nice I just could not come back immediately. So where to? That sign back there said Ballachulish 19 miles. Only 19, hmm thats just Perth to Dundee isn't it. Aye that'll do. So north from Tyndrum and up and over the Rannoch moor. Deserted. Not a soul. Well ok 3 cars and a camper I think. The sun was still high in the west while coming down Glencoe, it was magic. Empty dry roads.


The bridge over the narrows of Loch Leven soon loomed up and hey, well its only 2030, lets go on to Connel bridge. OK. This is the best way to see the coast views here, north to south, and with the sun setting the low angle of light was highlighting the hills to the left and the moored boats in the marinas to the right. Tranquility, and no one to be seen, only whisps of smoke from chimneys giving the hint of other life not yet settled for the night.


Onward to Connel, and some nice turns and twists to savour though there was a few more 30mph limits than i remember from the last time. But the best was yet to come. I knew the road back to Tyndrum had a whole series of bends but would it be as quiet as this? SO, 2100 ish and its over the Connel bridge and heading for home. A couple of prods at the GPS and it tells me ETA is 2307 hrs. But it was still light up here so I should get to Balloch before darkness falls.


Leaving Connel its Taynuilt and then Bridge of Awe first. Some nice sections here with sweepers that get you leaning tho watch for the couple that are blind and one that goes round further than you think it would. Empty roads; bliss, and its still light. Next is the Loch Awe section past Cruachan power station. A wide section of road, good sweepers, confidence building.


Loch Awe village is the next 30 zone, then Dalmally. Soon after this, the best bit of the A85 in my book. An uphill series of bends that twist and turn and wind up taking you into Glen Orchy and reaching 200m ASL. This is the first time I have manged to ride this without any cars on the road. This is great biking. Some more twisties up the glen and then a couple of long straights before the double bends marking the end of the Orchy and the beginning of Tyndrum.
So hopes of a quick cuppa are dashed as the wee cafe in the corner at the pumps is closed so I forgo the stop and carry on for Balloch. A couple of cars come up fast from behind and I let them past, don't want them hugging my number plate while i'm keeping a lookout for wildlife at the front. The light is fading now and I cruise down Glen Falloch to the Ardlui Hotel where late night dog walkers are enjoying the company of midges - I know cause the screen is now being hit by the little blighters, a lob for the bucket and sponge tomorrow.