Chasing rainbows on the NC 500

We set off from Inverness on the North Coast 500 mile road trip

We selected an anti clockwise loop

Rolling hills covered in yellow Gorse to our left

Angry seas decorated with massive offshore wind farms to our right

The wind was howling when we reached John O’Groats

Bright sunshine interrupted by frequent rain showers

The North Sea seemed to be planning a land invasion

Pounding waves and spray battered the shoreline

It was late May but felt like winter

Brave tourists snapped rapid selfies at the most northerly part of the UK

Rapidly retreating to the shelter of the gift shop

Spectacular scenery best enjoyed from a warm and dry place

We stayed in a nearby rented house

Nature delivered a rainbow outside our back window which we claimed to be just for us

Deer passed by as the winds howled relentlessly

The sunset views were breathtaking

We made hot tea as we made special memories

Chasing rainbows as we were chased by horizontal rain

Thanks Mr Wind

I rode into the wind

Heart racing

Head down and pushing hard

Legs aching

Checking the computer

5 miles in

The wind blew harder

Head down lower

In the paceline

Clipped into pedals

Pulling up and pushing down

Legs complaining

Ignore the pain

Focus on speed

Checking the computer

10 miles in

Leading the paceline

But speed is dropping

Head down lower

Can hardly see the road

Push hard downstroke

Pull hard upstroke

Heart rate increases

Speed slightly up

This is supposed to be fun

Checking the computer

15 miles in

Still battling the headwind

Open fields offer no shelter

Mr Wind spots us easily

Rushes towards us relentlessly

I try my best to hide

At the back of the paceline

Checking the computer

20 miles in

Rest stop approaching

Take a welcome break

Hydrate and eat some carbs

Short rest and back on the bike

Homeward with a tailwind

Leading the pack again

Speed magically increases

This is worth the effort

Riding with head up

Taking in the scenery

Breathing the Eastern shore air

Not breathing near chicken farms

Checking the computer

25 miles in

Eagles fly overhead

Old men in lycra fly below on bikes

The wind blows harder

We pick up more speed

Sailing home gracefully

Checking the computer

30 miles in

Legs stopped complaining

Heart rate up but steady

We break formation to chat

Friendly banter as we fly

Time to split up

Riding final leg solo

Drop the pace slightly

Cooling down phase

Arrive home

37 miles in

Exhilarating ride

Thank you Mr Wind

Water wind and light

the low morning sun

reflects on the bay

millions of tiny ripples

explode on the surface

flashing silver

mesmerizing

tantalizing

hypnotizing

the wind drops

calm patches appear

sparkles evaporate

the sun waits patiently

for the next breath of wind

to sprinkle dancing stardust

into the eyes of those

who dare to witness

this simple blend of magic

water wind and light

tether the weather

Photo by Brett Sayles on Pexels.com

Ride the wind

Do not fight it

With a jibe and tack

You can go anywhere

Float in the breeze

Surrender your will

Drift along aimlessly

Be adventurous

Race with the storm

Follow its path

Feel the power

Absorb its energy

Bathe in the rain

Wash away your woes

Troubles float away

Cleanse your soul 

Walk in the snow

Silent footsteps

Embrace the chill

Its cool to be cool

I feel sorry for the wind

I feel sorry for the wind

he is truly homeless

always on the move

when he is not with you

he is blowing by elsewhere

invisible but forceful

sometimes light and gentle

damaging when in a rage

rain and snow are the gifts he brings

leaves rustle when he arrives

a still pond ripples in his presence

waves pound the beach at his command

when uncertain he gets gusty

why is the wind so unforgiving

if you do not move at his pace

and in the direction he chooses

he will push you around without mercy

adored by kite fliers

worshipped by yachtsmen

feared by cyclists

he is a sad lonely restless bad tempered old man

always hides his face but you can tell when he is there

constantly searching for the peace he will never find

perhaps he had a disturbed childhood

or a very bad relationship breakup

he refuses to go to therapy

I feel sorry for the wind