Scotland : Argyll, Isles & Loch Lomond Chat for CC Ecosse Islay Cycle Tour 2014

[Fubar]

@Edwardoka's WHAT?

I signed up for a bike ride, not kinky stuff

You DO know Port Charlotte SYH is Naturist, don't you??

 

[Edwardoka]

You DO know Port Charlotte SYH is Naturist, don't you??

 

[Fubar]

You DO know Port Charlotte SYH is Naturist, don't you??

p.s. that WAS just a joke, before I get a mass of cancellations (or a mass of CC'ers signing up!)

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Figuring out a menu for the first night that we can all eat (including @Ellebells ), that is nutritious, that has ingredients that don't weight a ton and keep without refrigeration for half a day .... uhmmm ....
On reading the itinerary with attention for the first time I notice there is no food stops before reaching port Charlotte unless there is some place in Port Askaig?
I tend to go with @MikeW-71's plan of a big vegetable stew, adding some meat, pasta separate for the gluten free diet.
Will think up a shopping list, we can each carry some stuff.
I think we should get the meat frozen so it will be ready to cook when we get to Lochranza. Burguri (crushed wheat) instead of pasta, weights less by volume, cooks in minutes, very filling.
Back later with more suggestions

 

[Scoosh]

@Pat "5mph" -

 

[DougieAB]

Having never taken the bike on the train, is there a limit to the number of bikes on the train at one time?

Long weekend away cycling and a ride on the choo choo, just keeps getting better.

 

[Scoosh]

I believe, depending on the time, place, mood of the rail staff, phase of the moon, whether or not there is an 'r' in the month ..., it is usually 1 bike less than there are cyclists ...

 

[Telemark]

Having never taken the bike on the train, is there a limit to the number of bikes on the train at one time?

Long weekend away cycling and a ride on the choo choo, just keeps getting better.

I'd try and be at Waverley 15 min earlier that I have to, just to have the buffer of one extra Edinburgh - Glasgow train, for peace of mind. But so far I've not had problems leaving from Waverley with small groups of 3-4 people (knocking on wood ).

Top tip: On the normal Edinburgh-Glasgow platforms, they sometimes stack a couple of short trains, be sure you get on the one that goes to the right destination! The Edinburgh Belles were caught out recently, distributing between two trains going to different places and thinking how great it was to have so many bike spaces... Luckily, they found out before they got too far and managed to change onto the next train at Haymarket, oops! Not such a good idea at the best of times, but especially when there is a ferry to catch!
(It wasnae me, by the way ... it was on the day of Mike's borders ride, and I missed out on that one, too )

In a week's time you'll all be wondering what you have forgotten to pack, and how everything will fit into your panniers/trailers
(Don't mind me, I'm just jealous)

T

 

[Pat "5mph"]

The Glasgow Belles did same a wee while back, @Telemark, one lost her buff during the hurried transfer

 

[Fubar]

Figuring out a menu for the first night that we can all eat (including @Ellebells ), that is nutritious, that has ingredients that don't weight a ton and keep without refrigeration for half a day .... uhmmm ....
On reading the itinerary with attention for the first time I notice there is no food stops before reaching port Charlotte unless there is some place in Port Askaig?
I tend to go with @MikeW-71's plan of a big vegetable stew, adding some meat, pasta separate for the gluten free diet.
Will think up a shopping list, we can each carry some stuff.
I think we should get the meat frozen so it will be ready to cook when we get to Lochranza. Burguri (crushed wheat) instead of pasta, weights less by volume, cooks in minutes, very filling.
Back later with more suggestions

Once we get to Islay we should be ok (there is a Spar in Port Charlotte) it's just the first night on Arran - I can't recall but there should be shops in Brodick when we get there if we need to pick anything up - once you settle on a shopping list we can each "volunteer" to purchase and carry something?

Are you happy communicating with the ladies to ensure everyone is where they need to be??

Thanks Pat

 

[Fubar]

Having never taken the bike on the train, is there a limit to the number of bikes on the train at one time?

Long weekend away cycling and a ride on the choo choo, just keeps getting better.

There was 3 bikes/cyclist on the train to Glasgow quite happily for the last Barra ride - happy that is until my tyre exploded...

 

[Fubar]

p.s. one week to go!

 

[DougieAB]

I was thinking more about the train from Glasgow to Ardrossan harbour when we are all together. Will the train take ten cyclists or do we need to split up?

 

[Pat "5mph"]

I was thinking more about the train from Glasgow to Ardrossan harbour when we are all together. Will the train take ten cyclists or do we need to split up?

Do the Embra folks not have a train directly to Ardrossan?
Do all of us come on the train? I think some are driving.

 

[Edwardoka]

Do the Embra folks not have a train directly to Ardrossan?

Nope, most trains from the east coast terminate at Queen Street, Ardrossan train leaves from Central.
FWIW I've seen a dozen bikes on the Ardrossan Harbour train. It's kind of expected.