What a trip! What great memories. What incredible hills!
Day 1, Largs
We spent the night at the Scottish National Training Centre, and got our gear sorted out for the next few days. My bicycle was roadworthy, my gear was as organized as I'd ever get it and I thought I was ready. (Ha, ha.)
The morning was cool and cloudy, something we would see a lot of in the days to come. As we headed out of town and started the long climb over the hills, the clouds came to meet us. It was very British, riding in the mist and spying sheep and waterfalls on the hillsides.
I spent a lot of time riding alone that morning. Gill had gone back to ride with Kathleen and I knew that I needed to keep going or I would have trouble getting to our destination. It was a nice ride, except where the road went through a farm - watch out for the muck! I kept my speed under control on the descents as the turns were sharp and not well marked by my standards.
I met other riders at the ferry and borrowed a pair of latex gloves from one of the riders since it was much colder than I had expected. It was June and I was freezing! When the ferry docked I stopped as soon as I could for a pot of tea and a chance to warm-up. Adrian stopped with me, the others wanted to keep riding.
After a delicious pot of tea we headed off to catch the group. At the junction for the shortcut, I bravely continued onwards. I'd regret it later. I spied a few bicycles parked here and there along the route - in front of cafes, bushes or shops. Everyone was spreading out, seeking the things that made thier vacation special. (For me, it was tea.) I did nip into a shop to buy a learner's plate to put on my clothes. I figured I was bound to make an error and move to the wrong side of the road at some point. This would (hopefully) alert the driver's that I might do something stupid. I guess it worked.
Gill came flying by with Alan and a few others. I tried to stay with them but they were too strong. I rode along looking for someplace to eat. I was getting pretty hungry and pubs stopped serving lunch around 2 p.m. or so. I knew that I needed to eat if I wanted to finish the day's ride.
I saw Vince as I was riding. He was waiting for Mary and I asked if I could join them for lunch. But then I pressed on looking for Gill and the gang. No luck. Oh well, we stopped at a likely looking pub, but it was too dear for me. Gill then came riding in. Where had they gone? Who cares, I had someone to ride with for the rest of the day.
We took off up a steep grade (I had to walk parts, Gill rode the whole thing!) Ah, the summit! A long descent - but wait, a pub. Brake hard and stop for a nice sandwich and a long description of sticky toffee pudding. I decided against it at that moment, but I knew that I had to try it before long. It sounded wonderful!
We pedalled along passing a lovely loch and beautiful scenery. It was now warm and sunny - perfect cycling weather. After climbing more hills - including one rated 20% grade - we found the SAG wagon. Kerran was sitting there along with the bananas and peanut butter. I made a sandwich and ate a banana. There were still miles to go.
Now the fun started. Hills! And steep hills they were. I was tired and it was tough to just keep pedalling in my lowest gear. It was easier to walk in parts and just as fast. Arrrggg. Gill kept pedalling and was soon far ahead of me. The over looks were terrific. The effort was rewarded by the views. Wow! We were fairly close to the hostel when we saw Alan in the van. Just a few more miles. OK, with the end in sight I could press on. I didn't have my computer with me as I thought I had left it in London. (I found out later t