Day 9 Biggar to Callander

The stats for Day 9 (Saturday), a hard slog from Bigger to Callander.

Miles: 70.1
Climbing: 3514 ft
Average Speed: 12.4 mph
Max Speed: 35.7 mph
Time Riding: 5 hr 39 mins
Total Duration: 7 hr 39 mins
Steepest Gradient: 14.7%

This morning the weather looked like it would be another warm sunny day but by the time breakfast was eaten the grey cloud cover had thickened and the wind had strengthened out of the west. The resulting cool temperature meant starting out with the arm warmers but soon required the additional warmth of the windbreaker.

The cool temp and wind along with the rolling hills made for slow progress as I headed to Falkirk and the Falkirk Wheel.

Arriving at the wheel via the Union Canal and departing via the Forth & Clyde Canal made for some welcome level cycling that was over all to quickly. The sun came out as I was leaving the wheel and made for a pleasantly warm ride up to Sterling and then onto the night's final destination of Callander.






The final 10 miles to Callander were a hard slog, partly due to the wind still blowing from the west but mostly I think to me not having eaten well during the day and the tank running on empty.  One bacon roll and a chocolate muffin are not ideal for a 70 mile  ride with 3500ft of climbing.

Union Canal

Stirling

Church in Callander