Cycling adventure in Scotland – part III

 

At the river canal the cycling trail takes you once over the motorway and you arrive straight to Edinburgh. As I’ve shortened my northern adventure I arrived four days ahead of schedule. I planned a day of rest and the people also told me I simply must explore this city. And yes – there really is a lot to see. There’s the cathedral, monuments, mighty old buildings and many souvenir shops. There’re many Asian shops also. I wanted to see the castle as well, but the entrance fee was a bit too much (43,5€) so I preferred walking around shops. They are selling just about anything in their traditional tweet. It was the second time I got the shopping fever. There are bag pipe players all around the city. They are moving from one spot to the other making people enjoy their performances. This was a day of rest for me, but how can you rest in such a city? Days are going by really slow and I was on the way for 29 days already, without an end of the adventure in sight. You cycle from town to town with the brains in off mode, enjoy the nature and don’t bother with anything. It’s a phenomenal feeling of freedom.

 

 

There were only four days left, so I headed for the southern part of the country. In Lanark I came across a carnival, similar to ones back home. There’s was one difference though – everybody had their own queen and there were four bag-pipe player groups. They fascinated me most. When you hear just one bag-pipe player it cannot compare to the sound of a whole assembly of four, that’s why I was really happy to hear them and enjoyed their music. I was nearing Glasgow and on the day before my last I had my first problem in finding a place to sleep. Not even the police was able to help me. I found some sort of a sporting academy and had no choice but to make an illegal tent among the buildings and sport fields. I was mostly concerned about water, as I’ve had everything else in my tent. But I’ve survived that also. 

 

 

I reached Glasgow around noon and it was hard to believe I didn’t reach my goal, but I’ve done what everybody except my friend Kris tried to talk me out off. You’ll travel alone, the weather will be terrible, and where will you sleep? Those were the “advice” I’ve heard before going. I had the dream and desire, and as I found out later, also a lot of stubbornness. I have to admit it was not easy, there was a lot of bad weather and for ted days I was freezing in the toes of my left foot. I was without dinner for most of the time, due to strange working hours of inns. There were problems with stores and ATMs. And the first days were really difficult. You’re alone in the unfamiliar land, lost and inexperienced. Luckily nice things happened also, which encouraged me to press forth. There are many nice memories today, I’ve brought with me and only two really bad days – but not that bad after all. There were, however, so bad, I’ve said to my self – Joži, if you survive them, then you really rule! Lucky we have all the technology available, so I could talk to my folks back home every day and also friends who encouraged me. The only problem was being lonely on the road. Well, it wasn’t really. There were no problems with health or my bicycle while away. Everything went so smoothly I can’t believe it. And I’ve cycled for 2053 kilometres. 

 

 

June 15, the day of my return. There was nothing special at the airport or during the flight. But there was a problem getting home from the airport. It turned out OK and the meeting with the folks was really emotional. We kept on talking long into the night. 

 

Have a vacation in Scotland, but not by bicycle – it’s too demanding. It’s best to use a home-on-wheels. You’ll see nature, which I believe is unpaired in Europe. Everybody already knows they are a friendly nation, but still they can give you additionally pleasant surprises. You’ll achieve anything by using thank you, please, and excuse me. 

 

You will need an adapter for the power outlets and also check if there’s an additional switch, just plugging in isn’t always enough. The strangest thing for me were the switches outside showers, and if they weren’t pressed the water wouldn’t run. Of the gas stove, which didn’t turn on. You can withdraw cash only at Royal Bank of Scotland and the Bank of Scotland. They have various images for the same amount of money. The prices will seem high to us. At seven o’clock, when it start so rain outside, and the boards are full, you will have to go to the hotel. Be careful, at what time the kitchen closes (at 9pm at the latest). There are few cycling shops on the west side, but there are some on the east side – especially in larger towns, where they might be open on Sundays also. The roads are bad and not marked well, but with places to avoid slow vehicles, especially in small villages. The drivers are patient, but not the pedestrians or cyclists. The first problem appears, when no signs for ATMs, boards or shops appear. You’ll reach the town on the cycling trail, but you won’t know how to return to it, as there are no signs for it. The main advantage, however, is to be in touch with nature. I combined the cycling paths with regional roads. You can buy a map the A3 format size, with all the roads. 

 

 

Don’t let high prices and rainy weather be an excuse not to visit Scotland. They also have sunshine and you can also find affordable places to spend the night. 

 

The price of travel was expensive. I paid 2100€: 415 for transport and 1450 for water proof gear, smart phone for navigation, and many other small things you need along the way. But no price is too high to fulfil your dream. I want to describe my adventure, but only speak of technicalities. You just have to experience it for yourself. When the sun hits the lake surrounded by hills I just had to stop and enjoy the beauty of nature. Unfortunately no picture can shere the joy I felt in my heart.

 

In the end I’d like to thank all who made this journey possible, less expensive and less stressful. The company Novem gave me enough time off and allowed for purchase part of the equipment, at the BIKE SHOP they serviced my bicycle. Also the companies PROFI t.i.m. and KAM systems from Matk gave me financial help, as well as EUROSERVIS RONA from Roje pri Šempetru and an entrepreneur Rojnik Janez. The biggest thank goes to my masseur Goričan Boštjan, without whome I couldn’t make the travel. Two weeks before going I had everything prepared (leave from work, money, equipment) and a strong pain in my back! As I’m familiar with it, I was afraid I’d spend a month in bed, but through Boštjan’s skills I was able to get to my feet and have the biggest adventure of my life. Once again, a big thanks to everybody.

 

Scotland excited me and I’d return the very next day – and someday I will. But not cycling, this time I’ll go by car. I want to see the view from hill tops. The next cycling adventure will be in New Zealand. I want to celebrate my 50th birthday down under.