Bike-Dreams : Highlands 100 Hills
 
Highlands 100 Hills
 


Frequently Asked Questions

 

Participants
 
Who is the tour aimed at ? 
The tour is aimed at individuals who want to challenge themselves. It's definitely a challenge to cycle the whole loop through Scotland under all kind of weather conditions. The tour is also meant for the people who like to travel by bicycle through beautiful Scotland. It is not a problem if you take a seat some days in the supporting vehicles. If you like the challenge or if you prefer more the journey through the mountains, you are both welcome in the "Highlands 100 Hills".

Am I capable of doing this ? 
If you are in good health, love a challenge and enjoy cycling, you are capable of completing "Highlands 100 Hills". We average 106 km per day and you can ride at your own pace. The daily distance and average elevation gain of 1.100 meters is not a problem for most riders, but the (windy) weather condition can make from an "easy day on paper", a tough day on the bike.
You will be served lunch at the mid-point of each day's ride, and our crew are always available to assist you if you are having difficulties of any kind. On any day when you don't feel up to biking, you can also catch a ride on one of our support vans. 
 
 
Before you start

What about insurance ?
You are responsible for obtaining health and travel insurance, including emergency rescue. Further information will be given in the brochure. Individuals without proper insurance will not be allowed to participate. 

 
On the Tour
 
Where do cyclists stay and sleep ? 
During the "Highlands 100 Hills" we stay most nights in a comfortable hotel. One or two nights we will stay in a B&B, simply because no appropriate hotel is available.
The day before the start and after the finish in Edinburgh you also stay in a hotel. We organize in total 17 nights.

What will I eat ? 
The hotels provide every day an extensive breakfast. During cycling stages we offer halfway a tasty lunch and we make sure that you can recover at the end of the stage with some refreshments. Next to that we provide fruit, energy drinks and energy bars.
We have 9 times dinner together at the hotel after the stage. The other 5 evenings on cycling days, and the two rest days you have the opportunity to explore and sample the local cuisine on your own.
 
Who will carry my equipment ?
Support vehicles will carry your personal items. While riding, you only have to carry some basic tools, a spare tube, water, and a snack. 


Climate
 
What kind of weather should I expect ?
The weather conditions can be diverse in Scotland in the middle of summer, although July is considered one of the warmer months of the year. Of course we hope for nice sunny days with pleasant temperatures, but keep in mind that rain is never far away. You can expect a temperature between 15 and 19 degrees Celsius, but don't forget to bring cycling gear for wet conditions.
   
 
Road conditions
 
What is the terrain like ?
We have tried to find an enjoyable combination between the best scenic roads along the coast, and some challenging climbs over quiet winding roads a bit more inland. The whole tour can be characterised as rolling with roughly 1.300 meters of climbing per day.
 
 
Bike
 
What kind of bike should I use ?
The bike is without doubt the most important part of your equipment. The tour can be completed on any kind of bicycle as long as it is entirely human powered. The route is paved all the way. Road bikes are the most efficient way to cover the distance, but hybrids, mountain bikes and trekking bikes might be more comfortable. It's very personal which bicycle you prefer. Take some small gears, some wider tires (25-30 mm), strong legs and common sense, and you can do the job.
 

Non-cyclist 
 
I don't want to cycle, but can I still come ?
Yes, there is a limited number of places for people who like to join the "Highlands 100 Hills", but don't like to cycle. You can take part in the organization around the cyclists and join the other staff with their daily activities like providing lunch, shopping, etcetera.
 
 
What to bring
 
What do I need to bring along ?
Detailed information will be sent in the brochure.