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| View from the top of the String to Brodick |
Adam, Marc and I set off this Saturday to tick off the
classic Scottish west coast ride the five ferries. Meeting at Arran we bought
tickets and headed the 40/50mins across from Ardrossan to start. The ferries
were in winter schedule but that would be fine right?
The route itself is 50 miles going up from Brodick to
Lochranza via the coast road. We decided to extend this going up and down the
closed string road which was getting a resurface at the bottom. This was a good
hard hitting slog, where I found that although I though I was quick enough, I'm
pretty rubbish compared to the guy! We headed down the other aide taking both
lanes and hitting speeds around 40mph. It's too easy to gain speed though you
should exercise caution on the sharp corners with steep drop offs. Marc's
friends had first hand experience if this. The only casualty this time
thankfully was only my water bottle which flew off without me realising! R.I.P
we've had some good times!
In good time we covered the 20 miles to Lochranza to have
lunch, watch the ferry come in and then leave again without us on it. A slight
(massive) planning oversight on my part didn't read the second ferry could only
take 11 people in winter cargo mode!! A week later and it could take the full
capacity of over 100 people on its summer schedule! Whoops!
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| Waiting for the ferry to come in and leave again! |
On the latter hill I've never been so
physically tired tapping out a slow 4mph up the hill. A bit demoralising being
dropped then watching Adam also being dropped by Marc! Turns out riding a road
bike solely each weekend gives you unbelievable fitness!! Despite the pain the
views were clear and spectacular as always. Such a great island so close and
easily accessible from Glasgow. Five ferries, I'll be back and hopefully get
further than just the one!
