20-22 June 2009 – Days 1,2,3 – Edinburgh, River Tummel

Less than a month ago I went to Scotland for a weekend of highly-energetic mountain biking. I love Scotland; it’s one of my favourite countries. Better still, when the sun is strong, the amazing history and architecture is impossible to ignore. However, this weekend’s trip is slightly different: It’s my mate’s stag-do and the best man doesn’t have much sight-seeing on the agenda.

It’s entertaining watching the stag get completely hammered: The highlights being when he threw his pint of beer on the floor “when no one was looking”, his pathetic attempts to act sober when getting into clubs, stumbling into the staff room of a bar (thinking it was a toilet) and (best of all) trying to open a door which turned out to be a mirror.

The next morning we soak up the alcohol with a Scottish breaky and then head 90 minutes north to Ballinluig for some white-water rafting along the River Tummel. It’s all good and Tom even manages to raise a smile when I drag him into the river…

The day ends with more drinking and the ‘obligatory’ visit to a strip bar. Tom seems to enjoy his private dance but then two girls start doing some ’stuff’ on the bar, which I can’t even begin to describe; we don’t know whether to be turned on or throw up!

The following photos are from the white-water rafting official photographer, including Rob’s awesome leap (4th photo), me showing how not to hold a paddle (3rd photo) and my skull-crushing headbutt on the Grade 4 rapid (10th photo)!!