What a great weekend we had in Dunoon! Dry weather and the best team spirit made for great cycling. We were 10 tandem pairs and several solo supporters. Overall distance completed was 160 miles with varying levels of ascent, between 1500 feet and 3000 each day. Friday saw us leave Glasgow along NCN 7 /75 to Houston where we picked up country lanes to Kilmacolm for lunch at Birkmyre, who are always so good to us. Then a wider loop on more country roads high above Greenock before dropping down on a fast descent to the coast for an ice cream stop at the Esplanade before heading off for the ferry. Saturday was the big day – 7 tandems completed the 3 ferries , an iconic west of Scotland ride taking in Bute and the hills between Colintraive and Dunoon. Others opted for a more leisurely tour of Bute. Not content with that, on Sunday we tackled the Ardentinny Alps with 20% gradients. Whilst some had to push for short sections, 3 pairs cycled all the way – respect! Others opted for an out and back to Ardentinny, avoiding the hilly section. Some hardy souls then had a dip in the sea at Dunoon West Bay. We returned on Monday on a lovely route on the bike path above Greenock, then quiet roads to Ingliston Country club for lunch, then returning on the bike path to Glasgow. Many thanks to Martin and Bikexplore for hours of organising, and to the Esplanade hotel in Dunoon who made us most welcome.
Swimming in the Firth of Clyde
View from the Balcony of the Esplanade Hotel, showing palm trees and the original metalwork gate, looking over the esplanade to the bay. On a clear day Arran and Bute can be seen in the distance.
Julie and Martin on their tandem at the top of the second hill. Still smiling!
Anne at Tarsan Dam, showing hills behind and signage for the Dam
Ice cream stop! The Esplanade cafe does one of the best Italian ice creams in the West of Scotland
Lovely sunshine as we prepared to leave
The five minute ferry from Rubodach on Bute to Colintraive on Cowal we had all to ourselves!
Graeme, Michael and Chris on a break after the first hill
Tandems nicely lined up on the Gourock to Dunoon ferry