Island Hop to Kintyre by Cycle (Argyll)
7 people attending
5 places left
When planning the Caledonia Way Cycle Epic, we'd originally envisaged catching a ferry from Ardrossan to Campbeltown. However this only runs from Thursday - Sunday and the hostel in Campbeltown had no availability for Thursday evening. It was therefore decided to start the trip a day earlier. As coach services and flights to Cambpeltown only have very limited cycle carrying capacity, we've added this (optional) day ride to facilitate participants get to Campbeltown under their own steam.
Logistical problem solving aside, this is a superb 65 mile ride to do on its own merits and will certainly get us warmed up for the Caledonia Way! Starting at the Isle of Bute's main ferry terminal, the first couple of legs of the ride will largely hug the Kyles of Bute as we use the Colintraive ferry to cross back onto the mainland and traverse the western half of the Cowal Peninsula through Tighnabruaich. Our final ferry crossing of the day will take us across from Portavadie to Tarbert, from where it is a straightforward 37 mile ride down the western side of the Kintyre Peninsula to reach our destination for the first evening of the Caledonia Way event.
Whilst the event is aimed primarily at participants in the cycle epic, it is open to others, subject to spaces remaining available closer to the date.
What to bring
Extra food and dry clothing
Make sure you bring plenty of snack foods. We will try to stop where possible for food though. With the unpredictable Scottish weather, it is recommended you bring a jacket to keep you dry.
Apart from your bike, food and drink, remember the following:
Spare inner tube and tyre levers
Also any special tools that your bike needs.
Eye protection
Impact from a bee, grit or even a fly at speed is extremely unpleasant, sunglasses may do if not made of glass and not too shaded.
Clothing
Choose suitable clothes and footwear for the weather forecast and time of year. You will be exercising so lightweight layered clothing is best. Shorts are best even in rain, as they allow free movement of your legs. Jeans are useless if it rains but tracksuit bottoms need to be not too baggy or they may snag in the chain and cause an accident. You'll need trainers or similar with grippy soles for standard pedals.
Cyclist's helmet
Outdoorlads policy asks you to wear a helmet on events.
Cycling water bottle
If you don't have one, you will only be able to drink when we stop and may get dehydrated.
Food & drink
We plan to include a lunch stop (probably in Tarbert), but you should also carry some spare food and plenty of water to keep you sustained and hydrated throughout the ride.