Day 6, Thursday 22nd June 2000
It never rains but it pours
Sitting having breakfast in the Auchen we were discussing what features
could improve on a hotel like this. Dave suggested a jacuzzi. "Jacuzzis
are rather vulgar I don't think anyone with class would think of
installing one". As soon as the words were out of my mouth the man on the
next table said to his wife in rather a plummy voice "I must tell Judge
Wright that next time I see him". They both giggled.
Shortly after we set off it started raining. It rained non-stop for 3
hours. The most hi-tech sports wear on the market cannot handle that so
its a good job we didn't buy any at least we saved our money.
We made our way slowly towards Falkirk using a variety of roads which
had the unpleasant thundering juggernauts spraying us every few minutes.
By the time we found the Falkirk burger king the weather had improved.
Into the hills
Luckily Dave had recently cycled from Ediburgh to near Perth so was
able to advise on which roads we should use. He thought the trip to Perth
was pretty painless. We pushed on for Perth. Dave in common with many
of the local knowledge gurus had a somewhat incomplete memory of the
route. It started by going up (he forgot that bit) and ended up in
splendid descent (he remembered that bit).
We had a fantastic burn along the A9 to complete the last 17 miles in
less than an hour and checked into the Huntingtower Hotel at 7:45. As we
ate dinner we were joined by a couple of Dave's acquaintence (Gavin &
Glendyr) who entertained us with rip-roaring SA jokes. They could not
explain them to me but I am assured they were very funny.
Stats
Dave 111.63 miles 8hrs 4mins 13.8mph Average 36.5mph Max
Will 107.47 miles 7hrs 54mins 13.5mph average 37.1mph max