Epic isn’t a word that I’d have previously applied to Ardgarten, but add 6 inches of snow and it’s the only description. A mixture of riding, slithering, and trudging through the snow, it was hard work and slow going much of the time, but blue skies, sunshine, and the views made it more than worthwhile. However hard the going, spirits were constantly high, mostly about what a ridiculous endeavour we were embarked upon. Even the comedy crashes were a laugh (although my bruised ribs are starting to disagree). With the section from the frozen-over lochan to Lochgoilhead heavily snowbound, we were running seriously late and decided to take the road over the Rest And Be Thankful to have a fighting chance of finishing in daylight – after a leisurely stop for hot drinks and food :~) The military road was something else, it was more like sledging than cycling: hold on, try to find some grip, and try to stay upright. We eventually got back after about 6hrs, just as the light was fading. Everybody demonstrated their handbrake turn on leaving the ice rink that doubled as a carpark. That’s definitely a ride that I’ll be talking about for years to come. Pencil in a return visit later in the year when the conditions are less extreme.
I learned something today – rim brakes and 6″ of snow do not mix well ;~p
