Re: Bealach-na-ba, July 2006

spicerhugh wrote in gmane.culture.bicycle.scottish 
 about: Bealach-na-ba, July 2006 

> http://bealach-na-ba.co.uk/bealach-na-ba/Event_route.htm
>
> Hello all
>
> This event happens in July 2006 - has anyone done the route before ? 
> Just hpw bad is it ?

Well, there's a Very Big and intimidating sign at the road junction at
the Loch Kishorn end ;-)

http://bealach-na-ba.co.uk/bealach-na-ba/images/sign.jpg

I passed by that sign en route between Kyle of Lochalsh and John
O'Groats a few years ago, and rather regret that I did pass in front of
it on the 'main' road, rather than taking up the challenge to pass
behind it.. :-(

I had only a week's holiday (and holiday money) and had decided that
taking a wee detour to Applecross would have added too much extra
distance to my trip so that I wouldn't have been able to make it to
Thurso in time for my train back. As it was, I made a little faster
progress that I'd bargained for (although there are some *really* nasty
10% gradients north of Kylesku..), so it's on my list for next time I'm
in that part of the world, whenever that might be..

It is the highest road climb in the UK, after all, and it does, I 
believe, have some really steep bits (up to 1:5), but I dare say it's 
one of those challenges you'll kick yourself for (like I have), for not 
doing if you get the opportunity, and one which ought to merit you a 
few free beers in pubs as your recount your attempt, if you do do it!

I'm sure the feeling when you get to the top would be incredible!
I've done enough hill climbs (none quite as bad as this, admittedly) to
know that the thought of getting to the top is enough to make sure you
get there, no matter how slowly you start grinding (make sure you've got
some good low gears, though!). The scenery in that part of the country
is also quite amazing, so there's no shame (I reckon) in walking it for 
a short bit to "take in the view", if need be..

There are a couple of linked picture from the Wikipedia page:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bealach_na_Ba
(and probably many more if you do a websearch)


Unfortunately, I don't see myself being in a position to do this this
summer, but if it becomes a continuing event, I'd be well up for it.

If you are able to make it up there for the event (and, no disrespect
intended, if you think you're up to it (with the amount of cycling your
website shows you do, I'm sure you'd find it no real problem)), I reckon
you'd be daft not to :-)

How did you find out about the event, by the way? It does look a good 'un.
And what does a "cycling sportif" event mean? It seems it's rather like
an audax ride, against the clock rather than a race.


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