And so it begins – bike loaded and ready for the off – unlike its’ owner who is running around like the proverbial “blue arsed fly”, still trying to find this, that and a bit of the other.
And so, with the sun shining on the blessed (those that had a day off work and were going to attend a nice little gathering on the west coast), the blessed gathered and set forth westward on their chosen steeds. Taking a most circuitous route, the blessed wandered hither and thither along some marvellous Highland roads at a pace that allowed much “Owww”ing and “Ahhhh”ing at the passing scenery. Here we see the blessed discussing said scenery at a stop next to Loch Laggan.
After a cleansing wash in some of Scotlands finest downpours in and around Spean Bridge, the blessed continued on their pilgrimage, taking the road less travelled along the northern bank of the Caladonian Canal. In the vicinity of Fort William the steeds were allowed to take on refreshments, which allowed their riders to continue to the blessed place named “Sunart”, riding along the shores of Loch Eil and Loch Linnhe to get there. This picture shows the blessed catching a glimpse of the metropolis that is Fort William
After a most enjoyable perambulation, the blessed finally arrive at the appointed place named “Sunart”, to be greeted by many, many like minded pilgrims.
And so it came to pass that many of the following hours were spent by the thronged pilgrims in paying homage to the wonders of the internal combustion engine, when said engine is mounted between two wheels, with varying amounts of nominal “Bling” thrown in to suit individual tastes!
Saturday did it’s usual trick of following Friday, and the pilgrims set out to test the discussed topic of the previous evening – “Where you going tomorrow?”, closely followed by “Are there any rideouts”?
This is the place of Homage before many of the pilgrims had risen from morning prayers!
The “Chosen” had set the collective destination of “Follow Steve T”, and so south they rode, passing through Oban and then onto some more of those roads less travelled (they’ll be the ones with grit & sh1t all over them).
The first body of water encountered on said roads was chosen for a brief break, before heading off to find some more bodies of water to stare at!
Here we see the great “Lonesome Pine” , that much sung about tree . . . . but not the one in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. This one looks down on Loch Awe.
The loch itself
The loch and the bikes, all neatly aligned for that “arty” photograph
The blessed travelled the shores of Loch Awe south and then north, till the highlight of the day was upon them – Leachin Forest trail.
With much restraint, the blessed rolled onto said trail, leaving nothing but a dust cloud behind them. The following photo shows the vista that was to assault the eyes of those that had travelled a great distance to view it . . . . . once they’d cleaned the dust from their eyes of course!
Gratuitous shot of a very nice orange coloured variety of petrol burning machine, known to many as “a bike”.
The “Test by Dust” was concluded after a very enjoyable but brief 12 miles, and refreshments were in order to celebrate the event. Inverary was the nearest location to over such refreshments, so ride in the direction of Inverary the blessed did.
Here we see some of the pilgrims enjoying some much needed sustenance.
Some call me Steve, others call me a tight-wad – DIY brew and nibbles – that’s the future I tell you
Meals on Wheels
Parked rather carelessly was this auld steamer that some might recognise from an ancient sketch show.
With the sun still blessing all with it presence, un-hindered by too many white fluffy things that drop water, the pilgrims began their return journey to the collective canvas cave encampment at Strontian.
Glen Arry was followed by Glen Orchy, where much water falling over rocks was observed. The assembled bikes acting as a road block as their riders inspect the falling water:
Yet another “arty” photo
Much more pleasurable riding was ridden , along Glen Coe as well as the Kinlochleven Loop, before the blessed mounted the final ferry trip of the day.
A huge TY to LWR for yet again gathering the brethren to prayers at the wonderful place that is Sunart camp site at Strontian. And for compiling the route that was ridden.
Likewise a huge TY to the sites owners for making a group of virtually total strangers so welcome.
Till we ride together again brothers and sisters
Steve T
B)
