Slainte

Slainte… the Gaelic word for “health” or wishing a person good health when sharing a beverage. Similar to “cheers”. The four of us had several slainte moments in the last 12 days. It certainly is a good thing to have the health (and wealth) to travel abroad or anywhere in the USA and explore by bicycle. Jim and I have made a conscious decision to continue adventure traveling as long as we are physically able. When I was younger I always would say “someday I’d like to go to…”. Well, that someday has arrived and it sure has been fun to travel together, sometimes this includes friends and family, by bicycle. I think to travel is to open yourself to different cultures, food and landscapes, allow yourself to be a bit vulnerable, open your eyes to the big world around you and take yourself out of the bubble that you call home. It’s been interesting and pleasurable to stretch my comfort zone and I am so happy that I have the good health and ability to do just that. So here’s to “slainte”!

My hat is off to the younger generation, those under 50, that take the time to travel and adventure while they are young. Technology and remote work have provided these opportunities to them more easily today. My advice is to take the time and go… don’t wait!

I was thinking about Curt’s situation of not feeling well and a very nice person (who also happens to be a cyclist) instantly offered to help out with a ride to the ferry. On a previous ride post “Spa to Spa” I was mentioning the goodwill nature of people and the cycling community to help out other cyclists. Curt and his wife Mia, without hesitation, helped out a young pair of cyclists on an unusually freezing cold evening in Montana. They had a motel room with an additional room that the pair could use to sleep indoors on the floor rather than freezing in the cold wet rain in a tent outdoors. Curt in turn has received a similar kindness when in need. Essentially confirming my belief that cyclists are a worldwide community! As a side note I think Sandy mentioned he was going to give Andy the broken recumbent bike that Curt was leaving with Sandy. Andy had mentioned he would find someone to fix it! So there you go😊

Our tour of Scotland was not on the typical tourist pathway. We did not see Edinburgh or the Highlands.. Isle of Skye. Sandy knew that July in these areas is swarming with tourists… meaning too much traffic and exorbitant hotel prices. He mentioned that the best time to bicycle tour would be May/June or early fall. Sounds like most places. Typically I would take this advice but the whole vacation started with the date of the ELO concert in Manchester England.

A huge thank you to our friend and Scottish tour guide Sandy Devers for taking on our threesome and showing us his beautiful country with such kindness and thoughtfulness to our needs and desires. He operated in such a laid back manner but all the logistics and lodging went off without a hitch. He may have been sick and tired of us by day 12 but he always had a smile and positive disposition. For all his planning and taking so many personal days to share Scotland with us we are forever grateful. It’s definitely a once in a lifetime experience in a foreign country to have a personal experience such as this. Naturally Sandy is welcome to visit Montana and we will give him a one of a kind experience as well… if he so chooses!

STATS: Conclusion

Days Riding: 11

Total Miles Ridden: 253 miles

Total AIS Time: 24 hours

Total Elevation: 10,249 ft climbed

Average Speed: 10.5 mph

Incidentals:

Ferry rides: 6

Islands visited: 4

Oceans/Seas: 3 North Sea, Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea (Firth of Clyde)

Distilleries visited: 2

Bottles of Whisky bought: 3

Pubs visited: ? A lot😊

Pipers: 3 occasions (and then 2 parades) 1- Sandy, 2-dock at Port Charlotte, 3- rest and be thankful mountain pass

Pub Traditional Music: 3

Castles visited: 1

Highland Cow sightings: 1

Sheep: thousands

Forgotten eyeglasses: 3 (Curt)

Flat tires: 0

Mechanical issues : 1. Sandy’s brakes needed adjustment

Wardrobe/ Gear issues: 4 Sandy-rain jacket failure, Jim-zipper on rainboot shoe cover, Curt- broken taillight holder Curt- recumbent bicycle broken

Hostels : 2 (4 nights total)

Hotels: 4

Private House: 4 nights

Alaska Air Updated: No news to report. I was told to call their customer service number.

ELO: Jeff Lynne Update. Jeff survived his hospital stay and is recuperating at home

We made it home without any delays or disruptions. A trip gone well. Oh… and I already got my railroad delay refund😊