Hello all,
It’s around this time last year that a handful of us took part in the 5 Ferry Road Challenge. It was my favourite road ride of last year and it turned out to be a fantastic day. So, with some pressure I’ve organised it to take place on Saturday 3rd of September. Now, it will be weather permitting. There is no need to book train & ferry tickets in advance, so pulling out last-minute if the weather is atrocious will be ok.
The plan is to get the train from Central Station to Ardrossan for the first ferry, the last ferry drops us at Wemyss Bay, so we’ll catch the train from there to Central. It’s an all day event, incorporating 4 cycle sections & as the title suggests – 5 ferry crossings. We covered around 50 miles & some commuting miles. It’s not a race, but a good pace is needed especially for the Arran section. The scenery & views are spectacular. Last year we even managed to catch earlier ferries towards the end – thus meaning more time in the pub!
The ferry ticket can be purchased at the Ardrossan Harbour (Hopscotch 4 & 5 ticket – £18.95), and the train ticket direct from Central on the day. I can’t seem to get a fixed price on the rail ticket, but last year it was about £9.
I have tried to attach a map & timetable I’ve created but haven’t quite grasped the workings of WordPress (that’s your cue Ryszard). So, for now please email me at barry.mears@gtg.co.uk and I’ll forward it on.
Please show your interest by leaving a reply. I recommend only road bikes are used, as mountain bikes with slicks will be a hell of a slog.
Cheers
Barry
Sounds Good !
are those trains ok for a number of bikes though ? many are restricted to 5 bikes max…..worth checking if not already done so ?
mileage on Islands seems around 55, so if trains not doable and cars left at Wemyss Bay then an extra 18 miles or so first thing in the morning to get to Ardrossan – at least it would create a good appetite for the famous CalMac brekkie -).
on Islands – DOH – you know what I meant though !
Last year there was about 10 of us that piled onto the train without pre booking. At the time, they were ok with that, and the train was empty anyway, so we just lined them up along the isle. The ticket inspector didn’t mind as long as he could clearly walk through. I’m chancing my arm again, I reckon they’ll be okay with it as it’s pretty much a ghost train at that time in the morning.
A few of the group did park at Wemyss Bay & cycled down to Ardrossan, so it’s an option for folk. The train to Ardrossan was easier for me & remember that depending on where you live, the commute to & from Central Station could add a lot more miles.
Last year’s pics, including the route map, are here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/markforrest/sets/72157624656089119/
I’d be up for this!
Barry,
I’d be up for this but I’d rather get back to Wemyss Bay before half past seven in the evening… I’ve had a look at the timetables and reckon it is possible to get back 2 hours earlier. The only tight bit would be the 10mile cycle from Cloanaig to Tarbert which we would have 45 mins for (so need to average 13.3mph) which should be possible. The other road sections are not so tight. I’ll understand if others want to take it easier, but this would be what I’d aim for. I’ll send the details round the email as I can’t paste it in here…
Pete
Hi Pete,
It’s certainly doable, the only issue of concern is making sure you get the 12pm ferry from Lochranza. That means the first section – Brodick to Lochranza, needs to be quick. The rest of it can be leisurely but quick (if that makes sense?).
We averaged about 15mph over the whole ride and we ended up catching earlier ferries (the last 3 I’m sure). We delayed at the end for a drink & a spot of dinner. There’s only two memorable climbing sections that really pushed me – 6 miles out from Brodick, it’s pretty much a climb all the way to Lochranza & there’s an bitch of a climb at the back of Tighnabruaich. But the climb is worth it for the rewarding views of the Kyle of Bute and the super fast descent towards Auchenbreck. The rest of the roads are fairly flat or undulating.
If you know how to post the map & updated timetable on WordPress (sent to Iain via email), please be my guest……currently I don’t know how to do it.
I don’t think we’ll need to split it into groups. Last years bunch are all Tuesday riders and managed it fine, we took it at the pace of the slowest rider – me on the hills!
Barry
Deffo up for it. Being in east kilbride and not fancying the ride home from central i will plan to drive to wemyss bay and ride to ardrossan for the 945 ferry.
I’m in – could just get the train from Paisley as it’s only 4 miles away, but may just do the wemyss bay with car and ride to Ardrossan too? (for an easy exit at night) will decide nearer time. Good idea for a run – haven’t even done my usual ‘3 ferries ride’ this year so been slacking!
Damn – I was wanting to do this, but I have a 40th that night. There was mention of a 3 ferries as well – maybe get that organised soon??
Sounds the business. Count me in.