Back when we were staying in the Cairngorms, I really discovered the joy of cycling. I explored plenty of the local forest and gravel tracks, and found my feet in the pedals pretty much every single day, even if it were just for a short power ride.
When we left that area, we spent a summer back on the road in a luton van, and then a winter in the tiny caravan up on the North East coast, in Findhorn. I did eventually pull my bike out of storage, and got in a few morning coffee rides to the beach before we left for Skye.
After a few months settling in here, I’ve truly got the itch back to be out and about on my bike. In fact, I just took advantage of Steven being off work for a week and being able to babysit the dog, that I’m sat here writing this truly aching from head to toe. I totally overdid it. BUT, on this morning’s village loop, which I finish at the beach for a coffee and breakfast, I spotted a guy camping in a tiny tent, with his bike next to him. What a spot. Such a simple set up, and obviously allows him to stop and camp pretty much anywhere, cycling away in the morning.
Obviously I’m aware of bike packing, and it’s played on my mind before, but after seeing that tent this morning…. Well, let’s just say I’ve written a quick list of everything I would need for a simple overnight camp ride. It’s something I’m thinking about aiming for, for next spring or summer. Or you never know, sooner.
Anyways, these shots have been taken on my recent rides. Super early mornings around the local village, and a few slightly further afield, while out searching for good routes on the island that avoid roads (I’m still not overly keen on riding on roads, especially not during tourist season on Skye). As they were back in the Cairngorms, early mornings are my favourite. It’s a different type of quiet, and it feels like you have the world to yourself. Another reason why I feel like waking up in a tent with my bike beside me would be something I’d love.