First (mini) tour for 2 years.

[Brandane]

Just getting ready to head off on my first "tour" for a while. Only one night away, following the NCN route from North Ayrshire down to Ayr, Maybole, Crosshill, then south to Newton Stewart. About 85 miles. One night in a hotel, then depending on how I survive, return by the same route, or a shorter option to Dumfries for the train home. Hoping I haven't bitten off more than I can chew, as my cycling mileage has been cut somewhat over the last 2 years. It's a route I have done before, so I know what to expect with the Nick o' the Balloch etc.. We shall see......

 

[gasinayr]

If the Nick o the Balloch seems too much, cross over from Crosshill to Stration and up to Rowantree toll from there. Still a climb up from Tairlaw Toll but less than the Nick

 

[Slick]

Enjoy, looks like you've got perfect conditions for it.

 

[Bobby Mhor]

Enjoy
at least us to the N and E will have it dry for a couple of days

 

[Brandane]

Surprisingly, I made it. The batteries that turn the legs only just held out long enough 😀. A pic or two...

 

[Slick]

Surprisingly, I made it. The batteries that turn the legs only just held out long enough 😀. A pic or two...

View attachment 544413

View attachment 544415

View attachment 544418

Enjoy the hotel, I reckoned you have earned at least a couple of pints with dinner.

 

[Brandane]

at least a couple of pints

I reckon double figures would be a more realistic reward . But I will resist, I'm not in my 20s any more .

 

[Brandane]

....And the coward's return route via Dumfries then the train is favourite (at the moment; final decision in the morning!)

 

[Slick]

....And the coward's return route via Dumfries then the train is favourite (at the moment; final decision in the morning!)

Discretion is the better part of valour.

Enjoy👍

 

[Brandane]

Discretion is the better part of valour.

Enjoy👍

Actually, according to Google maps, Ayr is closer than Dumfries by about 4 miles, and only 300 ft more climbing. I can bail at Ayr and be home in an hour by train, rather than about 3 hours from Dumfries. Plus, the wind is to be from the south. So looks like Ayr is the more sensible option, and I can carry on cycling the flat bit home if I feel like it.

 

[Brandane]

Made it back again, too .
Thanks to @gasinayr for saving me about 600 ft of climbing on the return journey by explaining the route to Straiton instead of Crosshill - but it did add 5 miles to the distance . Garmin link. A most enjoyable 2 days, and a wee boost to my cycling mojo - until the next time it rains (Wednesday, according to the forecast ).

 

[gasinayr]

Hope you stopped at The Buck in Straiton for a bowl of soup, great tea stop.

 

[HobbesOnTour]

Well done and thanks for sharing.
Am envious of your light load