Broadford to Invercarry

Over 100 kilometers and 6000 feet of climbing... or so we think but the Garmin shut off. It could have been more, it probably wasn't less.
     Riding directly out of Broadford Hostel we headed along the coast and began a long extended climb up and eventually over a series of ridges before coming down a fabulously steep, well paved road directly to the ferry that was to take us to the mainland.

     The ferry is purported to be the last of it's kind in the world. It holds 2 cars and 12 passengers on it's deck and the deck spins around for the cars to exit the ferry upon arrival at it's destination. Passing over clear aqua waters with golden kelp, we watched seals play in the strong current as we crossed. Kudos go out to the ferry who gives discounts to cyclists. The Ferryman captain rides up and down the route that we just did everyday to and from work!
 

Heading from the ferry we began a series of climbs over long and rolling hillsides finally cresting to the top where we were welcomed by a great view a cool breeze that gave relief from climbing in the hot sun. We continued our fast descent ending up in a cobblestone bay lined with a few houses. Waiting in the shade of the trees on the edge of the bay for the crew to re-group  we were joined by a man who regaled us with stories of his son, now a mountain bike mechanic in Aviemore and the start of his cycling career at the age of three!

We  headed out  making a sharp left up a valley following a winding two track past a herd of red deer that included bucks with exceptional racks of antlers. Crossing a bridge we began a long and difficult climb of scree track crossing over another bridge and past rapids and waterfalls. Up over the hills we followed the track that wound us along the edge of the valley that was our passage through the ridges line up in front of us. At one point a creek crossing was required however everyone but Pam took the bridge. Her choice was tiptoeing across rocks since she didn't see the bridge, which was 50 feet upstream, until the middle of the creek!

Up and up we went finally attaining the top and a well needed rest but shortly we set off again. It was time for a long downhill treat winding in a small valley which had several houses and lodges. One of the lodges was for red deer hunting and the keeper was kind enough to let us refill our  water. We followed a track up through the valley crossing bridges and commencing another very long climb with gradients that reached 20%. A few short breaks and laughs later we bridged the top and once again a long winding descent awaited us.

We descended to Loch Garry where, at the far end, our destination of Invergarry lay and 20 plus miles lay between us and the warmth of the Invergarry Hostel. Rain clouds hanging low and heavy, rain coming in grey sheets and the now inevitable rain gear came out. In pouring rain we put ourselves into pedaling home, at times stopping to pass around more gear or slowing to regroup.

The rain went on and finally Lowell said that if the support vehicle came by he would take a ride. Cars were passing and I was waving them by when one just hung behind. I waved it on again and behold! it was the support vehicle which continued to the dismay of Lowell on it's journey. But James the driver, being smarter than the rest of us, pulled over in the next convenient turn out and waited. Oh so glad in the wet and cold to see James, he informed us that we were only a mere 2-3 kilometers away and so with his encouragement we continued on to our goal.  The final tally..is an estimate, since we traveled approximately 30K after Lowell's Garmin died. But we seem to agree..100 kilometers, more that 6000 feet of climbing and more than one person said this was their biggest day ever.