This went really well given the conditions which were dire for all but the last hour or so.
Tough day - first half was wet and very bumpy, the next third was windy and bumpy and then the sun came out for Carron Valley and Tak me Doon which were stunning (and bumpy).
Rode 1st 50km in a bunch and made good progress to Stronachlachar- original intention was to go N Side of Loch Katrine but a landslip had closed the road. Aberfoyle-Strionachlachar was beautiful, but the surfce was awful. Great scone and coffee at the Pier cafe which was superb, despite the torrential rain. Had a big cramp on leaving the pier, but thankfully it worked itself out after about 5km. Joined up with Ellie and Graham after about 80km and rode with them to the finish. Very much appreciated their company, especially on the long flat stretches which wore me down.
Want to go back and explore the Campsies, the Trossachs and the back of the Ochils in particular.
The initial "Strava Art" route would be well worth a trip - the N shore of the Loch Katrine and Achray and Venachar would have been fantastic. Will sign up for this again to do the original route, but if the weather was as bad as yesterday would be a DNS...
Thumbs up for the organisation as well- the enforced route change after the brevet cards were printed must have been an organiser's nightmare. The soup at the end was great and the snacks and friendly face at the control at Logie Kirk were particularly welcome.
