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5 Ferries 2014
June 8, 2014 @ 7:30 am - 8:00 pm
5 Ferries 2014 – didn’t make the last one, so hopefully a good turnout for this one. Maybe it will even be sunny. A great day out, and a good introduction to long-ish road rides given the number of stops.
The first ferry is at Ardrossan 09.45, but I’ll be starting at Wymess bay for the ride down – circa 7.30 (SHARP!) start.
The ferry times are the same as this: http://www.gmbc.org.uk/5-ferry-challenge-map-timetable-ms-word-doc/
You said it would be do-able by me so I will hold you to it. I’m on-board.
I’m up for this too. Can’t wait!
I’m also in! Looking forward!
Pencil me in too 🙂
I’ll be there this year.
Count me in!
Pencil me in for this too
Am hoping to be there too! Might be a bit rusty on the ole road bike though been a while since on road bike – like last year! 🙂
Keeping the road bike clean over the winter? That’s my plan too!
Graham may have talked me into this too!. I’ll need to make sure I can get the day off, but otherwise, I’ll be there.
Taking holidays to ride on Tarmac…. Jeez.
When/where are we meeting on Sunday?
Can anyone confirm distances of the ride sections?
What sailings are we aiming for?
Helen and I both plan to be there 🙂
Hi John, there’s a link with info:
http://www.gmbc.org.uk/5-ferry-challenge-map-timetable-ms-word-doc/
As a newbie to this ride I’m maybe not best placed to say if it’s accurate for 2014. Can the ride organiser comment?
Ok, I’ve amended the event.
Start options:
1. Wemyss bay @7.30am… That’s rolling at 7.30 not arrive at 7.35 and start farting about replacing your mech! It’s 20 miles to Ardrossan so that should give us plenty of time.
2. Ardrossan @9.30am for a 9.45 ferry. Note that of you leave your car at Ardrossan you’ll need to find a way of getting it back. Ardrossan to Wemyss bay is not a pleasant ride outside of early mornings due to the volume of traffic.
Distance and ferry times:
The details are here: http://www.gmbc.org.uk/5-ferry-challenge-map-timetable-ms-word-doc/ Total distance is approx 70 miles including the mainland leg.
The Ardrossan to Lochranza leg is tight on time – so we need to be quick off the ferry and ride like the wind. Note: that’s not with the wind because you’ve pied too many beans on the ferry. The first big climb is on this leg, so fingers out!
If we make that connection all of the others should be fine.
Weather looking ok at this stage, so should be a good day! I’m planning on riding out from Glasgow. Let me know if you want to join me.
I’m thinking that I might struggle a bit to ride from Wemyss Bay to Ardrossan first thing in the morning. Actually, the whole ride might be a struggle but that’s another story.
I know I’m being a big jessie but, I would be happy to ferry anybody leaving their car at Wemyss Bay to Ardrossan in my car if they reciprocate when we finish. Or I might get the train down. Hmmm beer on way home.
Weather forecast isn’t looking too promising. Alternating between heavy showers and thunder showers.
The weather for Arran looks okay, it never rains on Arran!
True enough. Forecast has improved since I checked it out this morning.
Here’s the forecast map for the area: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/public/weather/forecast/tarbert-argyll-and-bute#?tab=map&fcTime=1402207200&map=SignificantWeather&zoom=8&lon=-5.42&lat=55.87
Looks like front moves through Sunday from the South West – I’m guessing occasional short showers throughout the middle of the day. Looks not too bad.
You’re right – pish in Glasgow – scorching sunshine in Arran. Sensational!
You can erase my name from the list for this. Wont be able to make it now due to work commitments. Enjoy!
Quick note – it’s Wemyss bay ferry terminal/train station we are meeting at. Mind: 730 rolling. See you there!
I’m just heading straight down to Ardrossan on the train. See you around 9:30.
A little reality check – since I haven’t made it back home yet from friend’s hen party, it’s pretty unlikely I’ll make to the ride. Have a fab time and amazing weather everybody!
Hi – what a great day out riding bikes! And we managed to dodge all the showers too. Result. Thanks to Robin for shepherding us round the islands.
Excellent day out. Weather and views were spectacular. Robin, thanks again for proposing and leading this road ride virgin round.
What was the distace you made and how long it took you to complete it ?? (distance, ride time + average speed please).
Hi Krzysztof. I did the route from Ardrossan to Weymss Bay (missing out the road section from Weymss Bay to Ardrossan in the morning). It looks like just over 50miles, average moving speed of 14mph (max speed 43mph!!). My computer says elapsed time 6.5hours so that would include stops & ferry crossings (from Lochranza to Rothesay). I think the Weymss Bay to Ardrossan bit is about another 15miles, 1.5 hours.
Nice. Just wanted to compare your route details to mine which I did on Sunday starting/ending in Dunoon. I did almost 60 miles in 7.5h (6h in move) with average speed of 10mph 🙂 and max speed 46mph :)). All this on my fat bike :D. GPX track on request for unbelivers :). 50% on gravel (fire roads, old loggers roads) and 50% on tarmac.