Scotland - Nevis Range Day 2

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 It was Ian’s 61st Birthday, but there was no time for him to open his presents as we had some cycling to watch. We packed up what we thought we needed. The blurb said umbrellas were discouraged and being a law abiding family we decided against one. Big mistake. We also didn’t layer up sufficiently. Still, we were ready for action at 10.30 precisely and off to the park and ride. No screaming child on the bus this time but a lot more people. Today was the day of the actual mens and womens mountain biking World Championships downhill. 

There was no rain as we took a seat in the grandstand where we intended to watch the days events, a small rainstorm came and went as we watched Valentina Holl win the womens in dramatic fashion. We took off our cardies as Vicky and I went to the toilet then sent the boys for food. Then, as the mens race began the heavens opened. The discouraged umbrellas were unfurled everywhere blocking our view and dripping all over us. We were saturated and cold to the bone. We abandoned our coveted grandstand seat, found the boys at the food stall and ate our lunch in the gondola station. 


In the grandstand pre rain

That gave us the idea to go up the gondola in the dry. Use the nice cafe toilets as opposed to the camping ones below, and get a coffee in the warm and dry while watching the start. I even walked across in the rain to give encouragement to the final British rider. I was one of two people there and saw myself on telly! 


View from the warm cafe


Go on Jordan!


Then we descended to watch the last few riders, in the rain. Much to the damp crowds delight a British rider won! Charlie Hatton is the new world champion. We remained for the medal ceremonies and national anthems before joining the bus queue. As everyone was leaving at the same time and bus was really the only way to get out,  the queue was immense and lawless. We were in it for an hour and a half, but eventually got back to the car, soaked and bedraggled, about 7pm.

Back at Dame Shirley Ian opened his presents and was thrilled with everything. 





A few presents

A simple pasta was followed by watching action from the velodrome, then bed. At least Dame Shirley is warm and dry.

OS watch





The  bus route from fort William park and ride to the downhill course (roughly!)


Neighbour watch

As Ian was opening his presents a man knocked on the door. Ian thought he was going to wish him happy birthday, but he was looking for garlic! More awnings have appeared lakeside. No sign of charred remains anywhere.

Comments

  1. Heather6 August 2023 at 01:48

    Ian certainly has had a birthday to remember. I watched some of the downill cycling but I didn’t see you Jackie. Enjoying the blog. Look forward to reading the next post.

    ReplyDelete
  2. David6 August 2023 at 02:47

    Queuing for coffee, booking a table, awnings by the Loch side and umbrellas, a pattern is emerging. You will have to bite the bullet Jackie and start flouting the rules!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Anonymous7 August 2023 at 06:38

    I know! But we are a law abiding family

    ReplyDelete

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