The prediction for rain by noon, looked more like a definite and much earlier.  But with the temperature in the low 60’s and ceiling high for the moment, it was comfortable as we pedaled out of town.Must say, that this bike tour has given us the most variety of biking terrain, as all our other rides combined.  It also is not without it’s whimsy and history.Carrbridge (town and bridge name) is an old packhorse bridge, the oldest (1717) stone bridge in Scotland’s Highlands.

Without the sun, the countryside was not as dramatic as we’ve seen, but it was a gorgeous day to ride.

We’d been told of the two big climbs we would have on our ride today, but did not feel terribly taxed when we reached the top of the first,though it did take two hours to go 17 miles. Just before noon we reached Tomatin Distillery, seemed like a good place to take a break and a sip or two of some single malt.A half mile down the road, we stopped for a bite to eat, as there would not be anything before we our reached our destination.  This little food trailer was in the perfect place to catch the bikers from both directions; Antonio and Melania, from Seville, Spain had just come from Inverness.  We chatted as we ate and then headed in our different directions.  We traveled over hill and dale (sorry, had to say it),past pondsand stone walls encrusted with wildflowers.And then there was the pile of rocks that we learned was the Balnuaran of Clava, an prehistoric burial ground between three and four centuries old.

Lots of climbs and wonderful downhills.  We reached the edge of the city by 2:30, the sky that had kept it’s distance started spitting.  By the time we found our hotel, forty-five minutes later it started to rain, perfect timing.  Unfortunately, the rain persisted for the afternoon, so a quick walk to the water and back to our dry comfortable room.  If the morning is clear, we will try a drive by the castle.