north coast 500 cycle route strava

I’m glad I had: A GPS tracker so people could see my progress on social media and come out to join me for sections. The North Coast 500 is a 516-mile scenic route along Scotland’s northern coast that begins and ends in the city of Inverness, the capital of the Scottish Highlands. Also, you always have the coast on your left instead of across the road (you ride on the left side in Scotland, obviously). It was short lived: ten minutes later it was flat. Covering close to 530 miles according to our GPS, the route naturally follows the main roads along the coastal edges of the North Highlands of Scotland, taking in the regions of Wester Ross, Sutherland, Caithness, Easter Ross, the … "Spare a thought for me," said Alex with a smile, as we reached the Kinlochewe T-junction in the now pouring rain. A tractor there created a five-vehicle rush-hour queue as I stopped briefly to stock up for the night shift. It’s because this was at one point the lowest reach of the Vikings. I had kept my focus very short through the night, not looking beyond the next few hours at a time. This is the most favoured direction as the prevailing winds in the region are south-westerly. However, by the village of Tongue, dawn had at least brought a break in the weather. It wasn’t until mid-morning that I managed to shake the slump and pick my speed up again by focusing on the next milestone, John o’ Groats. While we did experience a few days of rain, hail, and gaelforce wind, the rest of the trip remained cool but with plenty of sunny spells. This 500-mile loop around the North Highland coast is perfect cycling country. Most people from the previously populated north emigrated to the Antipodes, the Americas, and further south in Scotland to make way for lots of sheep. Even in a car it’s brutal.” Enough said. What is behaviour change and how does it apply to cycling? I was going clockwise, motivated to get the fiercely hilly west coast out of the way during the daylight and whilst I was fresh. View route map, streetviews, images, slideshows, videos and more for this cycling route to the top of Quimby Road, CA, USA. You can just stop when you feel like it. Cycling Quimby Road; Climbing Quimby Road; Climbing Quimby Road by bike; Biking Quimby Road; Riding Quimby Road. This more bike-friendly course takes in smaller roads on the West Coast, that motorhomes and caravans can't go on and away from the busy A9 on the East Coast, as well as including the beautiful Black Isle. I think this will be really useful for cyclists… Thank you. No mosquitoes, or midges as they call them in Scotland. This route has been recently branded the “North Coast 500” and has been a … John o’ Groats was where I set off on my first serious cycle ride – to Land’s End. Ullapool was the biggest town on day one. Strava Cycling Route NC500 Strava Routes. In May 2017 Mikaela Toczek cycled the North Coast 500, also known as Scotland's Route 66. Check out the North Coast 500 website for tons of information on the route, what to see and do, as well as accommodation. It’s simply magical. This detailed day-by-day 1 week North Coast 500 road trip itinerary covers all the basic details (mileage, general route) and sightseeing highlights along the approximately 500 mile route. My entourage included three cars and a motorbike, mainly for the film team. The trip itself was very different too. Registered office: Parklands, Railton Road, Guildford, Surrey GU2 9JX. 92.35 miles - 4196 ft - 4120 cal. Another monster blog post, so make yourselves a nice cup of tea and strap yourselves in.. It was a lovely moment to return 17 years later. On their blog, you’ll find a few posts from local cyclist Karen Newman with tips for cyclists on alternate roads and bike shops along the way. I stopped for 15 minutes, my longest stop yet. North Coast 500. Unless, like adventurer, broadcaster and Cycling UK member Mark Beaumont, you do it in 38 hours. 10 unique experiences to try along the NC500 in 2020 Whilst driving the North Coast 500 route is an adventure in itself, there’s so Read More. Always one for a challenge, but unwilling to walk 500 miles, I set about trying to cycle the route non-stop, laying down a time-to-beat on Scotland’s answer to Route 66. BRUTAL. Sutherland has 2.2 people per km2, making the Lake District look like a hive of activity with 18.4 and London looking unfathomably packed with over 1,500 people per km2. A local postman and his teacher wife joined me for about 20 miles, cheerily storytelling about the area and explaining how, as a couple from the Midlands, they ended up falling in love with and moving to these remote parts. The North Scotland 500 is a cycle friendly route that closely follows Scotland's famous North Coast 500, starting from Inverness. I cycled on, glancing into windows of roadside cottages looking snug and warm. Cycling the NC500 _____ There are several superb routes throughout the main NC500 route to explore and discover.. Men and women who embark on this epic journey will encounter towering redwood trees, quiet roads, switchback climbs, the tranquil coast, and the opportunity to stop at excellent coffee shops and eateries along the way. Road. The NC500 is first and foremost a driving route, evidenced by the abundance of Porsche, Land Rover, motorcycle, and camper van packs that passed us on a daily basis. Mark Beaumont cycled 500 miles around the North Highland coast in 38 hours! The film of endurance athlete Mark Beaumont's epic challenge of cycling the beautiful North Coast 500 route non-stop. Cycling UK is a trading name of Cyclists’ Touring Club (CTC) a company limited by guarantee, We ran into one gentleman who was doing just that — he would ride as far as he felt like it for the day and then camp. Eager to free myself from them, I rushed the repair and sped on triumphantly. Distance. charity no: SC042541. This was a long way from my unsupported rides down Africa, the Americas and around the world. The rugged west gave way to the calmer east: sea cliffs drop off Dunnet’s Head, mainland Britain’s most northerly point, giving a stark border to the North Sea and a horizon broken only by the outlying islands of Orkney. In every village, and in spite of the weather, locals and tourists alike lined the roadside, cheering me through. registered in England no: 25185. The north feels like a place still waiting to be discovered, which makes for the perfect bike adventure. There's nothing quite like the freedom of the long open road. Our Community About Strava Community Standards Careers ‘GO MARK’ read the homemade signs. I barely stopped, although the Berrydale climb and subsequent gorges reduced me to a walking pace, climbing out of the saddle. North Coast 500 Cycle Route Strava Routes. The power of social media, and word of mouth out in Britain’s least populated corner, had turned this solo exploit into something brilliantly sociable. The roads around Scotland’s North Highland coast are older still. The other nice thing about May? Back in the zone, with high spirits, it was unexpected and annoying to get a front puncture. The 7 Day “Tourer” challenge is suitable for sportive riders who want to challenge themselves over a 7 day cycling touring adventure around the stunning North Coast 500 route. Pockets of crofting – small-scale farming – remain, such as on the Assynt peninsula around the spectacular Summer Isles. You can also skip much of the A9 south of Tain and take the backroads into Inverness instead. Having completed a number of 24-hour rides, but never over such tough terrain, I was now well into day two. Enjoyed reading your blog and glad to see that you recommended veering off the route – I think many cyclists do prefer taking the route through the ‘Heart of Sutherland’ via Lairg and Bonar Bridge to avoid the heavier traffic on the A9. Similar to the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland, it’s really just putting a name to a route around a remote section of the country. Athlete Mark Beaumont, you do it in 38 hours fast but comfortable bike... Best ridden in June or July to make the north coast 500 cycle route strava of the 439 hours spent! A bygone age dot the seascape quickly as my sense of humour with experienced ride guide and support car come... Experience Scotland 's famous North Coast 500 with Parkinson ’ s because this was the of! I guessed wrongly that I would: take a few friends and enjoy that. Most northerly coastal roads you do it in 38 hours turned left, alone again, climbed. 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