It’s looking like a beautiful day with only a slight chill in the air when we start out. A fairly strong headwind/crosswind combination makes it necessary to draft off one another. Pacelines work best when there aren’t too many hills, and today’s route is flat most of the way.
There’s nowhere to stop on this stretch of road, so after 45 km Fiona has the van parked while she passes around coffee and snacks.
This route, like many of the others, includes a lot of single track. Some surfaces are smooth, others rough, but they’re all very scenic with moorland as far as the eye can see. We go through some forested areas as well.
We stop for lunch at La Mirage in Helmsdale after 87 km. I order a second baked potato to stash in my handlebar bag. I’ll appreciate having it there in an hour or two.
We then do a 14 km section of the A9 before returning to rural single track.
The last 20 km or so on a long ride like this is always the toughest, especially when the tarmac (pavement) is rough, which it is frequently in these remote areas.
We reach the hotel around 5:15 and meet at 7:30 for a nice dinner in the restaurant downstairs. Tomorrow is our last day of the tour and we’ll return to Inverness.
Lynn's Bike Ride 
Nice photos, sounds like a great day of riding. Enjoy the final day tomorrow!
Meeting that late for supper. I would be ready for bed! Happy riding tomorrow!
Again. an interesting ride story ….beautiful scenic. pics .certainly this tour is well run. by Paul & Fiona.
rest nite for tomorrows ride then on to vacation mode.
Nice to have a flatter day! It’s hard to believe tomorrow is your last day but I’m sure to you it isn’t so hard to believe! What a great opportunity! Your pics have been amazing! Thanks for sharing! Continued prayers for safety!
I enjoy your updates . What an experience.
Stay safe and well