| 1. Enjoyable 17 mile training route through some beautiful Ross-shire country.
From the Mace in Conon Bridge, through Maryburgh, then Dingwall and on to the outskirts of Strathpeffer, is fairly easy road work. Depending on how aggressive you are, the cycle through Strathpeffer can be a lung-bursting 100% uphill effort. Worth it though, as when you get out of Strathpeffer you start a long downhill stretch which, with all the bends, can be fast and fun. The breathtaking scenery of The Strath itself, bounded by different hill formations, is something else. Once you get to the bottom you are at the edge of Contin, hang a left and enjoy a reasonable flat mile or so. The next mile and a half is a steady uphill effort then take a right down a single-track road where you will pass beside woodland, farmland and a horse-riding centre, until you emerge in Maryburgh. Head for Conon Bridge and home. |