The Lecht

As a final preparation for my Land's End to John O'Groats ride I undertook a two day ride from Aberdeen to Tomintoul and back. This included passing over Britain's third highest public road at the Lecht.

Day 1 Aberdeen to Tomintoul via the Lecht (67 miles)

Tarry joined me for the first half of the day. We set out from Aberdeen at a steady pace encouraged by the lack of wind and promise of sunshine. We were soon flying through Torphins (which was odd as it wasn't on the route). Shortly after this the penny finally dropped that we had made a wrong turn when we descended to the river Dee, when the Don would have been more appropriate.

Plan B was put into operation and we continued out to Aboyne where Tarry crossed onto the South Deeside road and headed for home. I turned North through Tarland to re-join my intended route at Boultenstone with no real harm done.

By now the hills were beginning to rise ominously around me and fields were being replaced by heather. I was soon at Cock Bridge confronted with a sign post informing me that there was a 20% gradient ahead (see image to the left) and advising me to use a low gear. Within metres I was in my lowest gear and honking. 21 minutes of granny gear grinding, lung busting effort and I was at the ski centre where I was sold a coke and a stale pastry for £2.90 by an Australian.

This misfortune was soon forgotten on the 6 mile downhill into Tomintoul where I reached 49.1 mph which is quite fast on a twisty, pot holed road with full panniers.

Day 2 Tomintoul to Aberdeen via Dufftown (77 miles)

The return leg of my trip started well as the sky was cloudless, there was no wind and my legs seemed to be showing few ill effects from the previous day's exertions. Excellent progress was made to Dufftown where I turned South into a steady South-Easterly breeze which I was to battle against for the rest of the day.

In Alford I met David and Lynda for lunch who then accompanied me back to Aberdeen. The fine weather continued as far as Westhill where we hit some thick fog. The only remaining obstacle now was the short, sharp climb at Rotten O'Gairn which was successfully negotiated and from there it was downhill all the way home safe in the knowledge that I had had the best of the weekend's weather and things are looking promising for the Le JOG.