0:02:28 > 0:04:03This programme Not tense the shoulders.
0:04:03 > 0:04:20just a couple of miles The event starts here at Kinlochewe,
0:04:20 > 0:04:53From there, it's a rapid descent
0:04:55 > 0:05:47I cycle to work every day, riding have you done this year?
0:05:47 > 0:05:59There is quite a lot of strategy five or six miles to the top of this.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04in a couple of hours' time,
0:06:04 > 0:06:17necessarily be the fastest
0:06:17 > 0:06:22wet start to this race,
0:06:22 > 0:06:51Initially when we set off coming up from the tyres.
0:06:59 > 0:07:13We were in the area and we cycled once over the pass on holiday last year
0:07:13 > 0:07:20and thought, when we were in Applecross
0:07:20 > 0:07:36variable at the best, but it adds and you come up, and the weather's
0:07:36 > 0:07:42you could do on a bike in the UK I think that's the best 150km
0:07:42 > 0:07:46in the Swiss Alps, and I thought,
0:07:46 > 0:08:09Not a bit of it. to be a bit of a come-down."
0:08:09 > 0:08:23Grant Law's come up the conditions leaving Kinlochewe.
0:08:23 > 0:08:28was going to come in because I knew the weather
0:08:28 > 0:08:39because it was dry when we set off, but within two minutes of
0:08:39 > 0:08:46It's a big statement to come out if Grant can keep this up.
0:08:46 > 0:08:54ride for him. A very nice style.
0:08:58 > 0:09:00so far.
0:09:08 > 0:09:17Currently, he's riding in a group is Robin Atkinson from Shetland.
0:09:19 > 0:09:29I'm actually looking forward the real challenge lies ahead.
0:09:29 > 0:09:32near the top of the hill!
0:09:32 > 0:09:40Another rider who's making great in between, I'm sure!
0:09:42 > 0:09:46and despite the conditions,
0:09:55 > 0:09:57a bit more seriously,
0:09:57 > 0:10:04For the women, Ingrid Kidd, ride fast against the clock.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11she'd be interested.
0:10:11 > 0:10:19He bought a big, introduced to the triathlon club.
0:10:19 > 0:10:26When I saw it, I thought, "Oh, I don't want to get a bike."
0:10:40 > 0:10:44to Orkney to join a blind man
0:10:44 > 0:10:47day ahead of him.
0:10:47 > 0:10:55most iconic climbs.
0:11:05 > 0:11:07in the mid '80s,
0:11:10 > 0:11:24I was losing my eyesight, I put those dreams to one side
0:11:24 > 0:11:27of rock that has been
0:11:27 > 0:11:32of old red sandstone.
0:11:32 > 0:11:34losing his sight
0:11:41 > 0:11:45outline of the Old Man of Hoy.
0:11:55 > 0:12:08of what's going on inside,
0:12:10 > 0:12:20you're looking at.
0:12:20 > 0:12:26blind person to climb ambition to be the first
0:12:26 > 0:12:30underneath an overhanging
0:12:30 > 0:12:37and be very glad that won't realise that it's there
0:12:37 > 0:12:53and the ground or with nothing between you
0:12:59 > 0:13:02for generations.
0:13:02 > 0:13:10position can be intimidating.
0:13:10 > 0:13:18which is a fairly severe grade.
0:13:18 > 0:13:21most experienced mountain guides,
0:13:21 > 0:13:24intimately.
0:13:24 > 0:13:37and has done it again nearly he first climbed the Old Man in 1996
0:13:40 > 0:13:47you know you're going to have to been there a dozen times before,
0:13:50 > 0:13:59the Inverness-based mountain up this daunting rock face is
0:13:59 > 0:14:05Red will need to tackle this climb.
0:14:05 > 0:14:08with his own abilities,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13learnt to be patient with his,
0:14:15 > 0:14:20that he's good at being patient
0:14:20 > 0:14:23of frustrating time.'
0:14:23 > 0:14:31I'm actually going to climb it.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33when he's not doing so well
0:14:33 > 0:14:37of finding some of it hard,
0:14:37 > 0:14:40a good climber.'
0:14:40 > 0:14:45Yeah, you know you're there. Yeah.
0:14:45 > 0:14:51onto the viewing platform.
0:14:54 > 0:14:56along the way there to the
0:15:03 > 0:15:11'I was on holiday in Skiathos my eyesight when I was 19.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14and I walked into a lamp post.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17that I wasn't drunk,
0:15:19 > 0:15:25who very bluntly told me that
0:15:25 > 0:15:29retinitis pigmentosa
0:15:29 > 0:15:33by the age of 30.
0:15:36 > 0:15:42just die off and don't get replaced.
0:15:42 > 0:15:48Just steep, grassy steps... OK.
0:15:51 > 0:15:56Yeah, OK. Yeah, use your hands.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58base of the stack,
0:15:58 > 0:16:01and slow.
0:16:01 > 0:16:03that Martin and I'
0:16:03 > 0:16:06as long as you're patient
0:16:06 > 0:16:10he can do stuff.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26right next to him,
0:16:26 > 0:16:30or actually physically making
0:16:30 > 0:16:37the little steps that go down.'
0:16:37 > 0:16:39Down the little step.
0:16:55 > 0:17:00about double the amount
0:17:06 > 0:17:09I might have pretty much nothing,
0:17:09 > 0:17:14the clock is ticking,
0:17:14 > 0:17:16too many more years
0:17:20 > 0:17:23into a good hole.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30after the rope work, make sure
0:17:30 > 0:17:35and I think we're sailing, really.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39but I can't...
0:17:39 > 0:17:42into a school exam.
0:17:43 > 0:17:46what you can do on the day.
0:17:46 > 0:17:51too much about what might happen
0:18:03 > 0:18:07Red is finally leaving
0:18:07 > 0:18:12the Old Man of Hoy.
0:18:13 > 0:18:15a little bit.
0:18:21 > 0:18:24I felt it with my hand, it just...
0:18:27 > 0:18:33and can feel my way up the rock
0:18:33 > 0:18:36that I can't see for a bit.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38telling me,
0:18:38 > 0:18:40to the right a bit."
0:18:40 > 0:18:44the hold.'
0:18:51 > 0:18:53below-camera shot, doesn't it?
0:18:55 > 0:18:57just above your head.
0:18:57 > 0:18:59on that bit. Nice one.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01with a white stick,
0:19:01 > 0:19:04and my feet
0:19:04 > 0:19:10and utterly on it.'
0:19:13 > 0:19:17The actual ledge that you go on to.
0:19:17 > 0:19:20Up onto that ledge.
0:19:22 > 0:19:25to Martin's feet. There's God.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31something lovely
0:19:33 > 0:19:35get to the top,
0:19:35 > 0:19:39ever to have given it a go."
0:19:41 > 0:19:44to the top of the first pitch,
0:19:44 > 0:19:47is still ahead.
0:19:51 > 0:19:53to find out how Red's
0:19:53 > 0:19:58complete this incredible challenge.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33or Edinburgh to London.
0:20:33 > 0:20:36centre of Edinburgh
0:20:36 > 0:20:46landscapes of the Pentlands within half an hour.
0:20:50 > 0:20:53south of Edinburgh,
0:20:53 > 0:21:04And within the range there are some to Biggar in Upper Clydesdale.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09and Carnethy Hill.
0:21:09 > 0:21:17of almost hidden, the Pentlands is the number
0:21:32 > 0:21:36is a place called Rullion Green.
0:21:39 > 0:21:47of 300 men against a much Covenanting force
0:21:47 > 0:21:52of Sir Thomas Dalyell of Binns.
0:21:52 > 0:21:55The Covenanters were Presbyterians,
0:21:55 > 0:21:59just like the Children of Israel
0:22:29 > 0:22:57I have to take my hat off
0:23:07 > 0:23:42You know, it is almost inconceivable
0:24:14 > 0:24:21it makes a really good descent route But whatever the history is,
0:24:21 > 0:24:40My route today has all been within
0:24:40 > 0:24:48I don't think there's any doubt
0:24:48 > 0:25:03So much so that I would suggest
0:25:26 > 0:25:29something like this?
0:25:29 > 0:25:32The sting is in the tail.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35of the barriers towards the top.
0:25:35 > 0:25:39it really gets into you.
0:25:39 > 0:25:43Taking on the Bealach Na Ba.
0:25:43 > 0:25:51My training has been appalling, Let's give it a go.
0:25:51 > 0:26:08as we discover who can get And a certain reputation at stake,
0:26:28 > 0:26:33Duncan has got to do this too.
0:26:33 > 0:26:36I've not seen him yet.
0:26:36 > 0:26:41It's my time to suffer.
0:26:41 > 0:27:09I'm doing the downhill bit.
0:27:09 > 0:27:24outside foot down, Straight into your exit,
0:27:26 > 0:27:32Sorry, guys. Done.
0:27:36 > 0:27:43Skinny tyres are always really, is absolutely horrendous.
0:27:43 > 0:27:50so they are really hard to 90 to 100 psi,
0:27:50 > 0:27:54no hope at all.
0:28:11 > 0:28:19Flattens out.
0:28:19 > 0:28:59Tell me. The time
0:28:59 > 0:29:1912 minutes 43 - Mr McCallum always
0:29:19 > 0:29:41this level crossing near In today's wet conditions,
0:29:41 > 0:30:19And only two riders got stuck
0:30:19 > 0:31:01Hold your form.
0:31:01 > 0:31:15Next to tackle the big climb riding and try and enjoy the views.'
0:31:17 > 0:31:48to do it and not to over... the core strength
0:31:48 > 0:31:54You have to pace yourself, gets properly steep.
0:31:54 > 0:31:59maximum work for the steep part
0:32:05 > 0:32:14I'm really keen to get up without yourself.
0:32:16 > 0:32:39a nice steady pace, there's no way I'm going
0:32:39 > 0:32:48Gary Cunningham from Inverness was in a more fortunate position.
0:32:48 > 0:32:56fastest time. Many riders stay of the Bealach with the fourth
0:33:05 > 0:33:08not the pace I wanted to go at,
0:33:19 > 0:33:23on the course so far, Ingrid Kidd.
0:33:23 > 0:33:26in between working as a vet
0:33:38 > 0:33:41to squeeze in for training?
0:33:41 > 0:33:51and I'm really lucky in that I've got you fit into your life
0:34:02 > 0:34:08He was the second fastest through the course.
0:34:08 > 0:34:18You've got to be so careful, descent can be equally demanding.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22to then warm up again at the bottom
0:34:41 > 0:34:47and you want to get down so it can be pretty dangerous,
0:34:47 > 0:34:54No-one is underestimating by everyone here today.
0:34:54 > 0:35:02He reached the top in 2 hours, and currently has the fastest time.
0:35:02 > 0:35:05Applecross.
0:35:05 > 0:35:08and very, very wet.
0:35:09 > 0:35:13happen for about 50m
0:35:13 > 0:35:22slow down at all, so some the rims, before you actually
0:35:22 > 0:35:25since I've had children, actually,
0:35:27 > 0:35:31on the descents.
0:35:31 > 0:35:34I can go up quite quick
0:35:36 > 0:35:42I'm just a complete baby. I'm just hard on the brakes,
0:35:42 > 0:35:46you've done six miles working hard.
0:35:46 > 0:36:03so coming down the other side, when I get to the top,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07through Applecross.
0:36:09 > 0:36:15Put myself well out of my comfort the top of the Bealach.
0:36:15 > 0:36:17I really enjoyed it.
0:36:20 > 0:36:24I've ever done. Exhilarated.
0:36:30 > 0:36:36but no sign yet of better weather.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45mountain and then on the descent,
0:36:45 > 0:36:51How are you doing? so you get pretty chilly.
0:36:51 > 0:36:57because it's so wet. You're just rip downhill but you can't
0:37:10 > 0:37:13thankful that the big
0:37:13 > 0:37:34Right now, though, we're heading We'll be back with them shortly.
0:37:45 > 0:37:54shuffle rightwards, you can move rightwards on it,
0:38:00 > 0:38:10It's important that I do get to the
0:38:17 > 0:39:19You can put both feet on in a minute. the rest is fighting back.
0:39:33 > 0:40:22Down a bit and there's a slot - down Come out a bit towards me.
0:40:22 > 0:41:16'From our experience, he's a very
0:41:16 > 0:41:55and perhaps a bit of bitterness with worry
0:41:55 > 0:41:59is to come out fighting
0:41:59 > 0:42:03set yourself new targets.'
0:42:17 > 0:42:20Up with your right foot.
0:42:46 > 0:42:57swing round a corner.
0:42:57 > 0:42:59Absolutely awesome.
0:43:01 > 0:43:20Awesome.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24You're doing brilliant.
0:43:26 > 0:43:28sloping one there.
0:43:28 > 0:43:35it gets slightly better.
0:43:35 > 0:43:41Down a bit. Down a bit.
0:43:41 > 0:43:48Slightly out there,
0:44:00 > 0:44:03if you're reliant on other people.
0:44:03 > 0:44:09'I had to swallow
0:44:09 > 0:44:12everybody else
0:44:12 > 0:44:16I needed to carry a white stick.
0:44:16 > 0:44:20a white stick round with me
0:44:22 > 0:44:25that I should have.
0:44:27 > 0:44:30walked into me or whatever.
0:44:46 > 0:44:49in the crack
0:44:51 > 0:44:58Yes, good. Layback it like that.
0:45:08 > 0:45:11fingerhold there.
0:45:14 > 0:45:19You're doing fantastic.
0:45:22 > 0:45:25Just one nice little handhold.
0:45:26 > 0:45:32Really good ledge on the left wall.
0:45:38 > 0:45:42of this ascent
0:45:42 > 0:45:45using any artificial aid.
0:45:53 > 0:45:56of the climb behind him,
0:46:06 > 0:46:15I've just come to
0:46:25 > 0:46:28just under five hours...
0:46:38 > 0:46:43I've done it! Yes!
0:47:01 > 0:47:03if I didn't have
0:47:05 > 0:47:30that life throws at you...
0:47:30 > 0:47:38from everyone Congratulations to Red and the team
0:47:38 > 0:47:41more about the programme
0:47:41 > 0:47:49follow us on Facebook.
0:47:49 > 0:51:05Welcome back to the
0:51:05 > 0:52:51With the challenges of distance,
0:52:51 > 0:53:18Riding in a big group can be But it needs skill.
0:53:18 > 0:53:46brake at any point or they will use make sure they are not going to
0:53:46 > 0:53:48Kinlochewe.
0:53:48 > 0:54:05It was tough.
0:54:05 > 0:54:10in 5 hours and 43 seconds.
0:54:10 > 0:54:28Not far behind, it's Alan Dean, who this is a race against the clock.
0:54:31 > 0:54:39If someone got in a good group winning time? Probably not.
0:54:42 > 0:54:45the whole way from Torridon.
0:54:45 > 0:54:53It just felt like... It was just You're going like, "Come on!"
0:54:53 > 0:54:57Eh, 4 hours 47.
0:54:57 > 0:55:06So, third in... Third in, right. 4.48, I think. Ohhhh!
0:55:06 > 0:55:14Well, I started quite late, so, fare for the day, then?
0:55:14 > 0:55:20working together, the whole time,
0:55:20 > 0:55:23Bealach na Ba.
0:55:23 > 0:55:29You're just thinking about friends you know. It was tough.
0:55:29 > 0:55:32you get the fastest time for them.
0:55:32 > 0:55:35and it would be really good
0:55:35 > 0:55:43With only three riders back, it's But you just never know.
0:55:43 > 0:55:46Hamilton and Robin's closest rival,
0:55:50 > 0:55:53part of the course.
0:55:53 > 0:55:58I've got us down for 4.43.
0:55:58 > 0:56:00but tough wind.
0:56:02 > 0:56:06best time so far that we've seen.
0:56:08 > 0:56:12and wet and uncomfortable.
0:56:14 > 0:56:17and then...
0:56:17 > 0:56:20up the first part of the Bealach.
0:56:20 > 0:56:31It's been a great It's just really for myself.
0:56:31 > 0:56:37Cyclists are now coming in thick and 44 seconds.
0:56:37 > 0:56:42is riding with a very fast group.
0:56:42 > 0:56:45time for his first-ever
0:56:47 > 0:56:50remember coming here the first time
0:56:50 > 0:56:54thinking, "Maybe one day I'll do it."
0:56:54 > 0:56:57time. And your time today...
0:56:57 > 0:57:01you came in at? 5 hours 23.
0:57:01 > 0:57:06said if I did it over 5.30,
0:57:08 > 0:57:13Ingrid Kidd from Kirriemuir.
0:57:13 > 0:57:17over 5 hours and 40 minutes.
0:57:19 > 0:57:23are the ideal training ground.
0:57:23 > 0:57:35Really challenging and, yeah, I don't Really good.
0:57:35 > 0:57:47For the men, third place went to Thank you very much. Thanks.
0:57:47 > 0:57:58But out in the lead with a time of Robin Atkinson came in at 4.47.43.
0:57:58 > 0:58:13Carolyn Hunter-Rowe was came in third in 6.09.14.
0:58:13 > 0:58:21Hats off to all those hardy Adventure Show.
0:58:21 > 0:58:27feet of climbing. Tough, as ever.
0:58:27 > 0:58:30Until then, thanks your company.