I've been meaning to "do Arran" for about 3 years now and it always seems to get forgotten. I am/was booked to do Snow Roads on the 7th, but as anyone who saw me grovel up the hills on Sunday will testify, I'm way too short on fitness and way too long on girth to think Snow Roads is do-able this year. So I'm tempted to DNS that ride and chum along on this one instead. I am, however, inclined to favour saying my goodbyes once we get to Brodick and doing the figure 8 before, hopefully, meeting up back in Brodick.
Scotland : Ayrshire & Arran Arran 7th June
- Thread starter Louch
- Start date
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tug benson
Survived the Tour O the borders 2013
- Location
- Alloa
A few of us talked about doing the figure 8 loop last year when we cycled Arran...Am glad i never done it, the coast road had enough climbing in it, i think i would have struggled with the figure 8 route.
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OP
OP
Louch
105% knowledge on 105
- Location
- Kingdom of Kinnard
Na this is the social ride. Times weren't added as wasn't sure on summer ferry times.
950 ferry
Round clockwise
It is really hilly, starting with about 15 miles of lots of steep bumps. Then at mile 43ish of 56 there is a really long dragged out hill. Depending on device, it's about 3500 ft of climbing over 56 miles. Lots of really fast descents too.
Cake stop is at machrie bay gold course ( approx mile 30)
Depending on speed, will depend what ferry we get back. Evening ferries are at 1640( unlikely to make) , 1740 ( optimistic ferry) ,1920 ( last chance saloon)
So whilst not a fast boys outing, it's a hard going ride around. When you get home, you know you have been around it.
950 ferry
Round clockwise
It is really hilly, starting with about 15 miles of lots of steep bumps. Then at mile 43ish of 56 there is a really long dragged out hill. Depending on device, it's about 3500 ft of climbing over 56 miles. Lots of really fast descents too.
Cake stop is at machrie bay gold course ( approx mile 30)
Depending on speed, will depend what ferry we get back. Evening ferries are at 1640( unlikely to make) , 1740 ( optimistic ferry) ,1920 ( last chance saloon)
So whilst not a fast boys outing, it's a hard going ride around. When you get home, you know you have been around it.
Nope, I wouldn't consider myself as being on the CC ride. Just using the fact that you're all going to finally get a ride done I'd planned to do for a while. Of course I may change my mind depending on how much cycling I get done between now and 7th June, and do the social ride instead.
Maybe I should just have kept my mouth shut at this stage...
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Thanks @Louch! Just had a look at trains etc - by the way the ferry leaves at 9:45 ...
That means the 8:34 train from GC ... 7:00 or 17:15 from Waverley .... hmmm
T
Col5632
Guru
- Location
- Cowdenbeath
There isnt a 17:40 either its a 18:00 ferry 
OP
OP
Louch
105% knowledge on 105
- Location
- Kingdom of Kinnard
1740 allows time for chips 
Hmmm .. might have to wait until nearer the time to decide 
. The Sunday is already fully booked, not sure I can take all of Saturday off, too - it would be a very long Saturday out, leaving the house before 7am and returning after 9pm at the earliest, depending on which ferry ...
T
. The Sunday is already fully booked, not sure I can take all of Saturday off, too - it would be a very long Saturday out, leaving the house before 7am and returning after 9pm at the earliest, depending on which ferry ...T
OP
OP
Louch
105% knowledge on 105
- Location
- Kingdom of Kinnard
It is a long day, the hour on the ferry either way adds up to the travel back east
ShooglyDougie
Guru
- Location
- Gore Glen
I could manage a wee detour in the shooglymobile into Embra if that would be better. But would still be quite early leaving (and lateish back) but would remove the trouble of trains.Thanks @Louch! Just had a look at trains etc - by the way the ferry leaves at 9:45 ...
That means the 8:34 train from GC ... 7:00 or 17:15 from Waverley .... hmmm
T
Thanks for the offer, @ShooglyDougie! 
As you say, it would still be pretty much the whole day, so I'll need to wait until a bit nearer the time ... Trouble is, 7/8 June is the last weekend before the start of the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, and I may have lots of last-minute organising tasks to do ...
If I could get the Friday or Monday off work, Arran should be possible, fingers crossed!
T
As you say, it would still be pretty much the whole day, so I'll need to wait until a bit nearer the time ... Trouble is, 7/8 June is the last weekend before the start of the Edinburgh Festival of Cycling, and I may have lots of last-minute organising tasks to do ...
If I could get the Friday or Monday off work, Arran should be possible, fingers crossed!
T
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DougieAB
Getting the messages
- Location
- Gorebridge/Edinburgh
I could fit the bike rack on the back of the SAAB as it takes three bikes easily, four at a push. @ShooglyDougie I owe you a lift from last year. Quite happy to drive through.
OP
OP
Louch
105% knowledge on 105
- Location
- Kingdom of Kinnard
One month to go!
Brandane
Legendary Member
- Location
- Costa Clyde
@Louch I just heard something third hand this morning about a "Great Arran cycle run" being held the same day as you are all going. 50 riders plus motorbike escort etc.. Just thought I should give you a heads up in case CalMac are restricting bikes on the ferry that day. Unlikely, but maybe worth checking. I googled but can find nothing about it.
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