Scotland : Argyll, Isles & Loch Lomond Chat for CC Ecosse Islay Cycle Tour 2014

[Fubar]

The original idea was the clockwise route south round the coast: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/3867865 looking at it again I think it is around 40 miles - I did say approx... But there are no hard and fast rules re route and I'm sure the weather will help our decision.

Re food I'm happy to go with the consensus (though not too keen on a full meal on route - would rather just get there!), @Pat "5mph" and @MikeW-71 could you two canvas the group and see what each would prefer? I'll happily eat out if that's an option - worth booking I would imagine, and probably prudent to carry some dried pasta just in case!

Cheers guys

 

[Pat "5mph"]

On my ride today I've been told to go slower ... whatever next!
Anyhow, after a quick consult with @Ellebells and with another Belle that has recently cycled Arran, Islay and Jura, I would be on the opinion to each choose the route we'd like on Arran, then regroup at Lochranza for dinner in the Brewery. I discovered I can get my double espresso from the Hotel's bar
I forecast a heated discussion on the Ferry but realistically, if we get to Brodrick at around 2, there is no way I myself could do 40 hilly miles in less than 7 hours so we would miss dinner and also the ride would be spoiled for the fast ones.
I can do 25 hilly miles in 4 hour though no problem, picture stops included.
Like @Fubar I would rather eat dinner at destination, my legs would cease after a long stop!
So I propose we carry some snacks, then book the Brewery for about 8pm - I can do that online if all agree.
I was told the next day's ferry to Islay serves lovely food, so we are sorted for lunch.
Haven't heard from @heather68 or @Fiona MacNeill yet: what say you, girls?

 

[Fubar]

On my ride today I've been told to go slower ... whatever next!
Anyhow, after a quick consult with @Ellebells and with another Belle that has recently cycled Arran, Islay and Jura, I would be on the opinion to each choose the route we'd like on Arran, then regroup at Lochranza for dinner in the Brewery. I discovered I can get my double espresso from the Hotel's bar
I forecast a heated discussion on the Ferry but realistically, if we get to Brodrick at around 2, there is no way I myself could do 40 hilly miles in less than 7 hours so we would miss dinner and also the ride would be spoiled for the fast ones.
I can do 25 hilly miles in 4 hour though no problem, picture stops included.
Like @Fubar I would rather eat dinner at destination, my legs would cease after a long stop!
So I propose we carry some snacks, then book the Brewery for about 8pm - I can do that online if all agree.
I was told the next day's ferry to Islay serves lovely food, so we are sorted for lunch.
Haven't heard from @heather68 or @Fiona MacNeill yet: what say you, girls?

Sounds great to me Pat, count me in for the Brewery - is there a sample menu? Couldn't see one.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Sounds great to me Pat, count me in for the Brewery - is there a sample menu? Couldn't see one.

Gonna investigate as I type

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Here, @Fubar

The evening menu has a Scottish theme and many dishes boast the finest ingredients from Arran. Appetizing starters include Arran Smoked Salmon cheesecake, smoked mackerel pot served with Wooleys of Arran oaties and Arran leaves. To follow enjoy Fillet of Red Snapper served with a wild beetroot ratatouille and tomato concasse. Or you may prefer The CASKS ultimate Venison Burger- 10oz Venison Burger on top of a potato rosti and a tomato and Arran Whisky sauce served with a salad garnish. And we have a play on an old favourite, Chicken and Haggis Ballantine with mustard and gruyere cheese mash, seasonal vegetables and Arran Malt sauce. To Finish indulge in the signature Arran Gold Platter – Arran Dairies Arran Gold Ice-cream, Arran Gold chocolates made by James of Arran and a double of measure of The World’s Best Whisky Cream Liqueur Arran Gold. This is indulgence at its finest! A summer berries meringue roulade with berry coulis or Whisky and Arran Cheese Platter will also be there to tempt you.

CASKS restaurant is fully licenced and offers a relaxed dining experience. Table bookings are now being taken, it is simple to book, please call 01770830264 between 0900 and 1700 hours or pop in to the Distillery Visitor Centre to reserve your table.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Found this, shall be checking daily

 

[MikeW-71]

That's rather more optimistic than the BBC one. I think I prefer yours

Just back from testing the new saddle. Tis good

 

[Fubar]

Here, @Fubar

The evening menu has a Scottish theme and many dishes boast the finest ingredients from Arran. Appetizing starters include Arran Smoked Salmon cheesecake, smoked mackerel pot served with Wooleys of Arran oaties and Arran leaves. To follow enjoy Fillet of Red Snapper served with a wild beetroot ratatouille and tomato concasse. Or you may prefer The CASKS ultimate Venison Burger- 10oz Venison Burger on top of a potato rosti and a tomato and Arran Whisky sauce served with a salad garnish. And we have a play on an old favourite, Chicken and Haggis Ballantine with mustard and gruyere cheese mash, seasonal vegetables and Arran Malt sauce. To Finish indulge in the signature Arran Gold Platter – Arran Dairies Arran Gold Ice-cream, Arran Gold chocolates made by James of Arran and a double of measure of The World’s Best Whisky Cream Liqueur Arran Gold. This is indulgence at its finest! A summer berries meringue roulade with berry coulis or Whisky and Arran Cheese Platter will also be there to tempt you.

CASKS restaurant is fully licenced and offers a relaxed dining experience. Table bookings are now being taken, it is simple to book, please call 01770830264 between 0900 and 1700 hours or pop in to the Distillery Visitor Centre to reserve your table.

Ooo, burger or chicken for me! What the hell are Arran Leaves?!?

Sounds great by me, hopefully the others feel the same - though everyone is always free to do their own thing, if so desired.

 

[Fubar]

Found this, shall be checking daily

Sunshine all the way! Coooool

 

[Fubar]

Ooo, burger or chicken for me! What the hell are Arran Leaves?!?

Sounds great by me, hopefully the others feel the same - though everyone is always free to do their own thing, if so desired.

Very poor grammar there, but you know what I mean...

 

[Fubar]

That's rather more optimistic than the BBC one. I think I prefer yours

Just back from testing the new saddle. Tis good

I'll check the bbc Friday am, it's all they are capable for!

 

[MikeW-71]

That menu sounds awesome doesn't it. I don't care if it's a little pricey, I'm on holiday and I will treat myself

 

[Fubar]

That menu sounds awesome doesn't it. I don't care if it's a little pricey, I'm on holiday and I will treat myself

That's exactly my thinking too Mike, I just don't want anyone feeling it's what they MUST do - just want all to be comfortable and enjoy themselves.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

That menu sounds awesome doesn't it. I don't care if it's a little pricey, I'm on holiday and I will treat myself

Same here. I tend not to eat out in Glasgow because I can mostly cook it better myself
Away from the big smoke you get better quality ingredients, locally sourced.
Chicken and haggis ballantine!

 

[heather68]

pat, im happy going with the majority eating at the brewery sounds really good and less food to haul round on the first day
re route my fitness isnt too great at the mo and think the 25 mile hilly route would be good option so with pat on that one x