I arrived (clean) on Saturday with a vague Ranoch type direction in mind. I thought about wild camping but had heard tell of a camp site at Kinloch Ranoch. I took the scenic (maybe- bloody rain) hilly south road. At about the point that I felt like stopping (how do you choose a campsite- flat ground, uninhibited and un-waterlogged were what I was aiming for) (the water was high and drizzle had set in so in reality the choice was a little limited) I had a dreadful realisation. I was lighter less! Yes, I had gas, pots, knife, everything else but no lighter. Well. That sort of solved the where to camp dilemma.
I hit Kinloch Ranoch at 6.15. It's only shop closed at 6 but, a campsite sign restored hope of eating. I was about to press on then a man with keys wandered past. Reaffirming my belief that people are on the whole good he opened up the store and sold me a lighter.
The 'campsite' (signed 3 miles, a little later 2 1/2 then 3 again) had a field, toilets and cold water. What more do you need? As it was quite chilly I chose not to avail myself of the cold tap and instead cooked up a rice and mushroom storm aided by my lovely lighter.
New tent up. (Lots of room) I settled in for the night. (Review to follow) As ever there was the 2am 'I am warm enough I don't need a wee' half hour struggle - i wasn't and I did. But an ok night's sleep.
The next morning was a gentle wake up. I wasn't sure what my plans were but, seeing a wet tent (what are the chances eh?) I decided to stay and ride round the loch unencumbered.
The trip was made all the better when, being passed by a pair of roadies they commented on my speed. Shouldn't take so long to pass a biker with panniers dontcha know? I pointed out that they weren't full but felt smug never the less. I felt even smugger when I passed them a few miles on, one fixing a puncture on his flimsy wheel. Score 2 for Nordie!
Back at the site I relaxed, ate,drank, read slept. Pretty much in that order. That day's ride had been pleasant and easy on the legs so I was all ready for one more half day to Pitlochry.
Day three saw a more efficient packing of the tent- day one's large package (ooh err) having resulting in many many jeezos-And then on my way.
A jolly jaunt on the whole. I have fallen out with anywhere called 'view' (always a climb) and logging lorries (if I can see that there isn't room for you to overtake then i'm sure you can too- lucky I chose to break to a halt as you passed cause otherwise I'd be under you wheels. And none of that blind spot crap. That was just lazy dangerous driving. I'm sure the man you almost hit coming the other direction - who was forced to take the same evasive measures - harbours similar feelings).
The view (Queen's) provided lunch and revealed the destination of all those Rabbie's tour buses you see. And a nice long descent.
The ride ended with a little jogle cross over. I loved that A9 cycle path. It brought a smile to my face then and now. Finishing off near the station I locked up my bike and went exploring. I went for a cuppa then a wine disguising as best I could unwashed hair and dirty clothes
My first mini tour of the year has highlighted a few issues. I'm quite forgetful (moi?) I'm sick of camping in the rain. Hills always seem longer on the up than the down. It's all headology (my lack of energy fuelled only by Hungarian glucose sweets found in the outreaches of my pannier soon disappeared when I got that lighter. And having travelled that road on the way back I'm not surprised by my lack of energy. It's all bloody uphill) and finally, don't put jelly beans in your jersey pocket- sweat makes them sticky.
I've just found an ant in my wine. I would complain but I think it fell out of my hair.
