Bealach Beag Challenge: 6th to 9th May 2010
3 nights (Thu, Fri, Sat) all inclusive, based at the Torridon Inn, near Shieldaig. The little Brother of “The Beast”. Don’t underestimate it though. This ride has a big bite.
Places strictly limited to 10 per trip, book early to avoid disappointment.
The Bealach na Ba is the UK’s biggest road climb at 2053ft (626m) from sea level. You will climb a continuous 6mls (10k) to the summit. That’s only the start of the fun. The Applecross Peninsula is renowned as a gem in Scotland’s crown of natural wonders and you will witness its full delights and tough climbs as you hug the Atlantic coastline round to Shieldaig. It is set in a fabulous unspoilt landscape with outstanding views of the ocean and the mountains of Skye and beyond. Quite simply it is some of the best cycling in Europe. It’s no wonder then that entries for this sportive sell out within hours of going online.
This event is the shorter of the two “Bealach Beasts” at 43 miles. Don’t be fooled however. This route has lost none of the sharp teeth of its bigger brother. It misses out the “easy bits” of the Bealach Mor and retains the 6 mile ascent of the Bealach na Ba and the rollercoaster route back from Applecross to Shieldaig. It’s quite possibly 43 of the hardest miles you will have cycled in your life.
Skinny Tyres are delighted to have teamed up with the event organisers, Hands On Events, for 2010 and are able to offer a complete support package for this event. As with all our trips our mission is to take care of all the details and allow you to concentrate 100% on turning the pedals.
We are limited to 10 places and we expect these to sell quickly, so please book early. There is also an opportunity for partners and families to accompany you on this trip. Gairloch offers a multitude of activities for families while you are out riding including horse riding, whale watching and glass bottomed boat tours. Please contact us directly at Skinny Tyres for more details.
The Itinerary
Thursday evening
You will make your own way to the Torridon Inn (Transfer from Inverness can be arranged if required). Upon arrival, you will have an opportunity to settle into your accomodation and meet the team. An evening meal will be provided and you will have the rest of your evening free for you to relax.
Friday
Today’s ride is “only” 25miles, but you couldn’t pack a more dramtic bike ride into such a short distance anywhere else in the UK. We will set off from the Torridon Inn at 10am and head West along the shores of Upper Loch Torridon, before turning South along Glen Shieldaig. Your route tomorrow will start from Shieldaig and follow this same route. At Tornapress the Bealach Na Ba will be coming into view and you will get your first opportunity of the weekend to cycle up this legendary pass. From the summit we will descend down into Applecross where we will have a well earned lunch. After lunch there will be two options. You can either get transport back to the Torridon Inn and rest for the sportive tomorrow, or you can experience the Bealach Na Ba from the Applecross side and do this morning’s route in reverse.
Saturday
After breakfast we will transport you and your bikes to the start at Shieldaig, where you can sign on and get ready for the ride. It’s a rolling start for this event, so once you have got your timing chip then you are ready to go. Full details and rules can be found on the Hands On Events website.
After the event you will get a chance to have some of the famous Hands On Event vege chilli, get yourself a cup of tea or coffee and recount the day’s cycling with all the other riders. Hands On Events also provide post race massage, for a charity donation.
We will transport everyone and their bikes back to the Hotel after the event, get the bikes cleaned up and let you relax, before a well deserved evening meal.
Sunday
After breakfast, it’s time to pack up and say our cheerios, head home and start planning for next year’s event
Additional days’ riding can be arranged to extend your trip. Transfer to and from Inverness can also be arranged. Please contact Skinny Tyres for details of more cycling training trips and holidays in Scotland
Photos of Bealach Mor Sportive courtesey of ©Northsport Photography in cooperation with Hands On Events 2009.
