First off I had to get to the start, and on a train whizzing the way up to Glasgow. My bike (LM) purring like a content little kitten as I gave her a quick little test ride earlier before setting off for the station, but sadly my bloods are far from playing by the rules. I am mostly blaming the apprehension and the adrenalin kicking in and messing things up, but woke up at 2.4 (43) with the CGM bleeping at me. But in the usual swings and roundabouts have now bounced up to 17.9 (323)… Ah the fun little diabetic things to keep you on your toes and remind you no matter what is going on it will try to get involved.
Just getting out of Glasgow Central Station and walked out of the foyer, all the bags on the bike, my raisings funds for the JDRF signs shining in the sun, and my DHF and TuDiabetes logos reflecting in the delightful morning. The bright white of all my bags and bike was quite noticeable in the dark dull streets. A lady comes over and gives a kind of circling and goes into her pocket and hands over a pile of change. I was quiet shocked, totally gobsmacked really how it occurred. Was really nice to see and really brought me out of apprehension about what I had before me. Thank you kind lady whom ever you may be.
Finally made it to the hotel at the start. The train ride was very long and quiet crazy due to the number of stops it makes along the way. The sights are amazing though, herds of reindeer, buzzards, a stag scratching himself on a tree beside the railway line to name a few. I think the most memorable station though is Invergordon which has an amazing mural painted along the platform depicting highland soldiers in the second world war. And just past Invergordon in the bay was the construction yards for oil rigs. All in different stages of construction, and the scale incredibly magnificent.
Arriving in Thurso was perfectly timed and it was staying to rain. But one thing about living in Keswick, you always bet on rain! Quickly changed and I was on my way. Route 1 was an easy find, but while changing batteries I missed a turning. As ever though turning round was never going to happen since I was going roughly in the right direction so I simply carried on. On my additional 7 mile excursion I came to the most northerly point in mainland Britain, Dunnet. It’s a sticky out cliff but still worth the additional miles.
My bloods by now decided to play up a bit, ok a lot with the down to the low 2′s (low 40’s). A good drink of my energy drink and a Twix and I was off again. And reached the hotel with my levels at a nice 6.7 (121). The menu for dinner was pretty much all seafood, but all very fresh which I kind of expected from a fishing town this far in the middle of nowhere. But the hotel room at the Seaview I must admit is first class. Large, comfortable, and generally excellent.