Bealach Beag

You couldn't have asked for a better day in the West for the Bealach Beag Sportive on Saturday, Sheildaig was a picture postcard in the early morning sun.

Once all the pre ride faffing and numbers secured to bikes and riders was complete we set off for the start on the main street in Sheildaig.

Leaving Sheildaig there was enough time to warm up before Tornapress where the serious business of climbing the Bealach na Ba begins in earnest, Ascending 2408ft in just 6miles. Dropping down towards Applecross riders had to battle with a with a nasty crosswind and rather lumpy road surface leading to a few very hairy moments. An evil headwind conspired against the riders on the long stretch to Fearnmore, Seeking to be as aerodynamic as possible left precious little time to take in the glorious views of Skye and Raasay. Finally with the wind in our favour the sting in the tail was about to be unleashed with countless short sharp climbs evenly interspersed to weaken already tired legs in the run back to Sheildaig village.

Gordymac's Bealach Beag stats:

43 miles with 6500ft of ascent.

Climb time: 36 min 10 sec, 12th fastest.

Finish time: 2 hr 34 min, 17th place.