At the meeting last night in the Flowerpot, kindly attended by Les Sims to allow us to benefit from his considerable experience of Scotland, it was quickly agreed that we would take up Maldwyn's suggestion of a ride from Castlebay on Barra to Stornoway on Lewis with intermediate stops at Carinish and Tarbert. We would travel back via the Ullapool ferry and a ride from there to Inverness.
A provisional date of Thursday 23rd May was agreed as the day to arrive at Castlebay - a trip finishing with about 5 hours on a Calmac ferry from Oban. This is based on 2012 summer timetables. The national Rail 2013 summer timetable should take effect from Mid May and so should be available by February.We would hope to have the Calmac 2013 summer timetable by then as well.
It seems sensible, therefore, to have a next meeting in Mid February when we should have enough data to make final plans but with the maximum booking-ahead time still available. Perhaps we can agree a date early in 2013 when Clyde is likely to know when he will be in the UK.
Friday, 12 October 2012
Sunday, 26 August 2012
2013 Ride
Sounds like Martin had an interesting time on the Hebrides back in the 60's.
How does 11th October sound - I don't think I can make 4th.
Clyde, I am assuming you are back in the UK in October.
How does 11th October sound - I don't think I can make 4th.
Clyde, I am assuming you are back in the UK in October.
Thursday, 23 August 2012
Having had an excellent couple of weeks in the Outer Hebrides and seeing a number of cyclists touring the Islands, it gave me the idea that it would possibly make a good ride for us.
My suggestion would be to meet in Oban and catch a ferry to Castlebay on Barra (this is a 6 hour crossing so the first night would be in Castlebay). We would then ride across the Island to Ardmhor to catch a ferry to Eriskay. Riding would then be through Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist, all linked by causeways, so no ferries. We then catch a ferry to Harris. We ride through Harris and on to Lewis, reaching our destination at Stornoway. A ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool, then a 60 mile ride to Inverness to finish the ride.
The roads on the Islands have been improved in recent years, but still mainly single track and very quiet. It is about 140 miles from Castlebay to Stornoway plus the 60 mile to Inverness. We would add a few more miles on the Islands to see some of the sights and places of interest. I am told by the locals that their best weather is normally in the month of May - so good for us. By riding north the prevailing wind should be behind us. The ferries are quite cheap for foot passengers and the bikes go free. There are plenty of Hostels/Bunk House and small hotels so accommodation should be ok.
That's the first one in the pot - does anyone have any other idea's for a ride. How does a meeting towards the end of September/October at the FP sound?
A few pic's:
My suggestion would be to meet in Oban and catch a ferry to Castlebay on Barra (this is a 6 hour crossing so the first night would be in Castlebay). We would then ride across the Island to Ardmhor to catch a ferry to Eriskay. Riding would then be through Eriskay, South Uist, Benbecula and North Uist, all linked by causeways, so no ferries. We then catch a ferry to Harris. We ride through Harris and on to Lewis, reaching our destination at Stornoway. A ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool, then a 60 mile ride to Inverness to finish the ride.
The roads on the Islands have been improved in recent years, but still mainly single track and very quiet. It is about 140 miles from Castlebay to Stornoway plus the 60 mile to Inverness. We would add a few more miles on the Islands to see some of the sights and places of interest. I am told by the locals that their best weather is normally in the month of May - so good for us. By riding north the prevailing wind should be behind us. The ferries are quite cheap for foot passengers and the bikes go free. There are plenty of Hostels/Bunk House and small hotels so accommodation should be ok.
That's the first one in the pot - does anyone have any other idea's for a ride. How does a meeting towards the end of September/October at the FP sound?
A few pic's:
Monday, 2 July 2012
Thursday, 21 June 2012
Monday, 11 June 2012
Reclaiming the Streets
.......
Paris, Sunday afternoon.
........
Waiting patiently for the police to escort them round the Montparnasse road junctions; about 2,000 skaters.
Motorway Art
One of the few advantages of Formule 1 Hotels, trapped between motorways, rivers and main roads is that, very occasionally, gems like this appear. On the A9 motorway roundabout complex, junction 30, outside Montpellier. Passed it several times in a vain attempt to find a safe way across the motorway.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)