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Breakfast was quiet as most of the JOGLErs were a little nervous ab out cycling on the busy A9 as most of the truck drivers in Scotland had been in the bar the day before, although there was nsome sniggering behind Mr Scrabster's back as he had chosen to wear Lycra and High Viz jacket to breakfast; no chance of losing him amongst thne condiments!!
After the off we followed the A9 south for 20 miles before taking the estuary road towards Nigg and our first stop of the day, elevenses watched by a whole flock of seals basking on a mudbank (the seals not us!). On towards the Nigg Ferry, with Howie saving us from a wrong turn as he overruled the GPS (Man vs Machines score 1-1) and lunch; Thrustin Justin trod in some dog pooh and had to eat on his own while everyone else threw stones at him and called him "Stinky"! By far the most popular item on the lunch menu was the Sudocrem dip!
Across to Cromarty in the drizzle and then the hills! Great scenery but some fairly stiff climbs enjoyed only by King Of The Mountains Mickey! At the top of the 1st climb Howie realised that he had left his rucksack containing his glasses, wallet, fridge, passport, kitchen sink, cuddly toy etc on the ferry, or the beach, or the van (See Golden Gonads for more details), after a few frantic phone calls the bag was located in the Broom Van. Shortly bafterwards Adrian suffered the first puncture of the tour, quickly repaired, before we pushed non to Avoch, the Station Hotel, and the welcoming arms and ample bosom of Lorraine Mackenzie. Filling us with beer and several trays of Sandwiches from the funeral next door she gave us a complete history of Avoch and its residents and more than a few opinions it is probably better not to reprint!!
Back out into the rain, afew more hills and across the bridge into the Inverness rush hour. Mickey went over the handlebars outside Halfords (is there a link?) and then we found the Broom Wagon, and the local Polic e Force arrsting our driver, luckily
Mini Al was able to take charge and lead us on a hair raising final couple of miles to the Fairways Travel Lodge. Adrian Harling approached the Headmaster, Mr Scrabster, and told him that one of the boys had stolen his bag. A search of all rooms was immediately ordered and the bag recovered under the desk in Harlings room! (see Golden Gonads). He had to go to Mr Scrabster's bedroom to be disciplined!
Dinner in the Golf club, no kitty, was followed by Mr Scrabster heading off to bed wearing his Lycra pyjamas and high Viz slippers while the bad boys stayed up late again.
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