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

[Harry_Palmer79]

Did you change the wheels on it yet?

The rear was changed when I took it on for its service yesterday... the front is still fine, touch wood!

 

[Fubar]

Just a reminder to bring ferry money with you - £32.90 in total according to CalMac (though I make it £34.60). I emailed them to see if there were any "island hopping" tickets that would work out cheaper but 3 returns are the best we can get - apparently if we get an islander return on the Lochranza-Claonaig route it's £8.65 rather then a £10.35 mainland return

And we can't buy all the tickets at Ardrossan, have to purchase them separately at each outward ferry point...

 

[Pat "5mph"]

@Fubar I was going to buy a train/ferry ticket Glasgow to Lochranza: should I not do this then?

 

[Fubar]

@Fubar I was going to buy a train/ferry ticket Glasgow to Lochranza: should I not do this then?

If you can do that brill! Was just trying to find an easier way. Not sure if the easties can do that from Edinburgh but if you weedgies can then all good!

 

[Pat "5mph"]

If you can do that brill! Was just trying to find an easier way. Not sure if the easties can do that from Edinburgh but if you weedgies can then all good!

On line it says to go to the ticket office and buy a combined ticket. Going tomorrow, will let you know.

 

[Edwardoka]

I've put out a distress signal, I don't really want to do a 4 day tour with a rucksack on but it seems that my options are totally limited.
And yeah, get the combined train-and-ferry ticket (return!) from Glasgow to Brodick. The Island Hopper ticket is generally useful only for going from Ardrossan to Claonaig (which we'll be doing, admittedly, but not in one day)

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Well, guys, I'm having to rethink the kit: it has been raining buckets here plus the temperature has dropped too
I bought a pair of fisherman's neoprene socks today
Not taking 2 pair of shoes!

 

[Louch]

I've put out a distress signal, I don't really want to do a 4 day tour with a rucksack on but it seems that my options are totally limited.
And yeah, get the combined train-and-ferry ticket (return!) from Glasgow to Brodick. The Island Hopper ticket is generally useful only for going from Ardrossan to Claonaig (which we'll be doing, admittedly, but not in one day)

could you not come down the night before, to allow for Decathlon trip first thing?

 

[Edwardoka]

could you not come down the night before, to allow for Decathlon trip first thing?

I am heading down on the Thursday night but on the whole I'd rather avoid the "build the bike on the boat" scenario

 

[MikeW-71]

If it helps, I have a medium Defy 2 sitting doing nothing, serviced and ready to roll. It'll take a rack, though I've never actually had one on it.

Only problem is that I don't know if I can get two adult bikes in the back of my ickle tiny car. I'm sure there's a way though.

 

[Edwardoka]

If it helps, I have a medium Defy 2 sitting doing nothing, serviced and ready to roll. It'll take a rack, though I've never actually had one on it.

Only problem is that I don't know if I can get two adult bikes in the back of my ickle tiny car. I'm sure there's a way though.

Thanks very much for the offer, but given that the trip-to-Arran vs trip-to-hospital ratio is greater than zero, plus the tendency of CCers to fall off, I wouldn't feel right risking someone else's bike

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Sooooo
What do you all think weather is going to be?

 

[MikeW-71]

Sooooo
What do you all think weather is going to be?

Friday is looking OK so far for Arran. We could at least have a dry first day

 

[Harry_Palmer79]

I guess as usual for any day in Scotland packing suncream, thermals and waterproofs is the way to go?!

 

[Telemark]

Looks like I'll have to work all day on Friday, after a long day travelling to the south of England & back on Thursday
Weather not looking too bad for you ... have fun, boys & girls!

T