"When Emily Chappell and I first started sharing ideas that would eventually become The Adventure Syndicate, they were all about celebrating attributes commonly associated with women but in a context more often seen as male-dominated. In short, we wanted to show the world what groups of strong, enduring, co-operative, caring people could achieve together in a sporting context where aggression, strength and speed usually dominate."
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Sport
The North Coast 500
(238 posts)-
Posted 8 years ago #
-
"
he reached his destination 31 hours after his departure, having actually spent 28 hours 57 minutes in the saddle.
"
Posted 8 years ago # -
Meh! He had a tailwind for the first bit
:-0Posted 8 years ago # -
Cracking effort!
I've been thinking about having a bash at this but it's starting to seem less practical as time goes by. Should have gotten in right behind MB...
Posted 8 years ago # -
"
“There’s been an absolute influx... we are a heck of a lot busier in the summer with tyres damaged like that. The extra business for everyone from NC500 is great but the road is not up to it – our local Highland Council don’t seem to care about us in the back of beyond.”
"
Posted 7 years ago # -
“
Scotland’s national tourism agency is carrying out a country-wide review of infrastructure amid growing fears that areas like Skye, Glenfinnan and the North Coast 500 route are being swamped with visitors, The Scotsman can reveal.
“
http://www.scotsman.com/heritage/scotland-s-tourism-pressure-points-to-be-reviewed-1-4582424
Posted 7 years ago # -
Perhaps the whole North West 500 could be upgraded to dual carriageway?
Posted 7 years ago # -
Government agency hypes up rural road route which is already popular by advertising widely. Loads of tourists come. People start complaining rural road route is too busy, can't cope. Government agency wrings hands, does research into how to cope with popularity.
Duh!
Posted 7 years ago # -
This was busy enough in places and narrow (eg south of Durness). It's painful enough on a bike to be forced to continually give way to oncoming over-sized motorhomes, so I suspect it would be even more annoying for others with wider modes of transport. It's really only suitable for promoting to two wheelers (possibly trikes!).
Posted 7 years ago # -
Random
Posted 7 years ago # -
I considered taking a trip to do this route but the website gave me visions of a tense week listening to MG engines rev up behind me.
If they had a week where some/most/all of it were closed to cars, I'd be there in a heartbeat.
Posted 7 years ago # -
Sad about the 500 when there is no alternative network of minor roads. I'd planned to do part of it next year.
Posted 7 years ago # -
“
Locals find living round NC500 brings problems as well as profits
“
Posted 6 years ago # -
'Lead researcher Gary Woodcock, from Stirling University, said he had been “surprised” at the results'
“I was staggered at the number who said they had withdrawn in some way as a result of the increased tourism even to the extent of wanting to move. "
Residents of central Edinburgh know all about those kinds of issues!
'The NC500 stresses that it has produced a safe driving guide, available on its website, emphasising how to drive it safely, responsibly and respectfully.'
Oh that's alright then. Case solved.
'It says: “The North Coast 500 is not the Indy 500, it is not the Le Mans 24hr, it is not The Gumball Rally. It is one of the top five coastal touring routes in the world, with the emphasis on touring and scenic views.” '
Law of unintended consequences? Drivers will do what they want to do rather than what the tour marketing suggests. After all, anyone who watches car adverts or Top Gear knows that fast driving is good driving...
Posted 6 years ago # -
I was up that way a couple of weeks ago cycling around the area near Lochinver and can confirm that it was busier than 10-15 years ago. The small campsites we stayed at were full with camper vans even on a random day midweek. Saying that I found the roads OK to cycle on. The single track B roads with passing spaces were preferable to the A roads.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Looked into doing this en famille this summer. Total non starter, everywhere was chocka - it's gone the way of the West Highland way sadly
Posted 6 years ago # -
"it's gone the way of the West Highland way sadly"
Except that vehicles are insulated from the weather, so presumably unless it's really icy or stormy they can do the NC500 in the winter, whereas it's only a (fool)hardy few who walk the WHW in winter.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Isn't it easier to get accommodation on the WHW if you set out mid-week?
Posted 6 years ago # -
I'm thinking of doing the NW500 coastline in an ocean-going pedalo with an on-board tent. I accept I might die in the Pentland Firth.
Anybody up for it?
Posted 6 years ago # -
@IWRATS worth creating a 'CCE Overwater Capables' thread?
Posted 6 years ago # -
I am going to do the north coast 500 when I get leave, the hardest thing may be getting the train to inverness otherwise it is another 24 hours cycling. When I got the aviemore train last October with free ticket I was lucky to get on, in peak summer I am guessing be harder. I will need to get my middle front gear fixed and may be cycle shorts although never had any before so probably not.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@jdanielp
To be fair we'll probably also need to be underwater capable given my seamanship, but yes that's fair comment.
Posted 6 years ago # -
@IwratS - I think there are a few here who can assist with the sub-aqua capabilities too...
Like the lamented Grays of George Street, CCE can probably assist with pretty much any and all eventualities!
Robert
Posted 6 years ago # -
Grays of George Street. The source of my pudding bowls for many years. Kitchen gear, not haircuts.
Posted 6 years ago # -
G
R
A
Y
SSign still runs down the side of the building. What an institution. I was after a plastic measuring jug (which I still have). The older guy on ground floor trying to sell me pyrex. I say no as my children will break that. He says yes I imagine your children would. Total Kenneth Williams of the haberdashery/ironmongery worlds. Also loved the big guy in the gardening basement. How can it have closed on us and where can the staff have gone? Not to other employers surely
Posted 6 years ago # -
We went to Assynt and Torridon for walking just the other week (so much sun -- we are rather brown now). I was actually surprised how good (for driving) the roads were up there. Saw a fair number of Lycra cyclists and plenty of bikepackers.
Posted 6 years ago # -
Posted 6 years ago #
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