High pressure, stable weather and a yearning to ride all day long. A twangy lower back muscle after a bit of singlespeed induced hernia-popping climbing action notwithstanding, it was time to grab 'Maul and run to the hills.
Out through Mugdock, taking in some choice trials that haven't been dry in months. Pinballing around and loving every second of it.
Then down to business on the West Highland Way: missing the gates, considering my forward progress at Garadbhan.
The back was holding up and the legs were still going round in circles so I could cut north for Aberfoyle, then Callander but I could not think of a fun way back home. So: Mangrunt? Even sans Conic Hill, I had to have a chat with myself and see if I was up for this so early in my spring mileage build-up.
Nothing ventured….
Round the lochs through Queen Elizabeth forest park and then the terrain opens up as you approach the upper portion of Loch Lomond.
Lots of wildlife to be seen.
Some in worse shape than others...
Take the fun trails down the Lochside until Balmaha and ducking in and out of the woods, follow the West Highland way back home.
Seven hours, 75 ish miles. My body reminded me that this building up every year is always a battle, an act of perseverance, but oh, the places you'll go…
