Day 4 Fort William to Ardlui. 61 miles

A much easier day today, despite climbing 1150 feet and getting rained on for most of it! After having to wring our socks out last night we started the morning visiting the bike shop in Fort William to buy some neoprene over shoes to keep our feet dry - proved to be a good move! The first 19 miles were lovely and flat, with the road running alongside Loch Linnhe. We then crossed over Loch Leven and into Glencoe where the first climb began. 7 miles up through the mountains but generally pretty gradual and not too hard and amazing scenery. Just about at the top the rain started again and we crossed Rannoch Moor - a desolated place full of the infamous Scottish mozzies. Stopped for a quick lunch and got bitten to bits (by the mozzies, not my companions) and then trawled on over the moor. Have to say that part was pretty miserable. At about 35 miles we had a nice descent for 5 miles and then stopped at a hotel in a small village called The Bridge of Orchy for a couple of large coffees. Then another 5 mile climb followed by a fantastic 15 mile downhill into Ardlui where we stopped for the day. Main distraction for the day was the glove and shoe game. First person to spot a single glove or single shoe by the roadside wins a black or red jelly baby (this seemingly simple prize has stemmed from Darrin's abilty to pick out his favourite coloured jelly babies even when travelling at 17 mph and without looking in the bag). Despite this poor form of entertainment, spirits remain surprisingly high. Tomorrow we look forward to another round of the "Roadkill game" and a flat run past Glasgow. Needs to be a longer run tomorrow, or we'll be lodging with "Neds and Schemies" tomorrow night. Gareth