martinwhprice
Active Member
I joined this forum a year ago, seeking advice about buying my first bike. I knew nothing about them, I could barely ride one. Thanks to your help I bought my beautiful Dawes Sardar, you then helped me modify it for touring, you then helped me with camping and directions for my maiden tour to Scotland... so CHEERS!
I'll try to keep it brief, but this is how I got on. Happy to answer any questions or pass on any advice to anyone thinking of doing something similar...
Itinerary
I started with a circular overnight route, starting and ending at Moffat, and camping near Peebles. Beautiful way to start. It was roughly 35 miles each day and it was safe to say, having not really trained for it, I was KNACKERED.
2 days in Loch Lomond. The first day I left the bike and went walking. The second day I headed north from Luss to Tarbet, South to Garelochhead and back towards Luss. 32 miles, tough in parts, and once again, shattered. (Shows how unfit I was!)
Then 7 nights on a tour of the Western Isles. Mull was gorgeous, the mainland bit from Kilchoan and Mallaig was hard but stunning. Skye was mangificent and the best of them all in my opinion, Then North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist before heading back to Oban (favourite town in the UK). It finished with a cycle south to Arran and then a ride around the Island. Wasn't impressed with the condition of many of the Arran roads, but the road that cut through the Island was a fantastic climb followed by a s**t scary descent! Clocked 50mph which was pretty sweet. Over time I increased my daily mileage, the highest being about 65.
Then after some time at Edinburgh Fringe, I had one last day cycling down near the Yorkshire Dales. I unloaded my bike and did Kendal to Skipton and back, and thus completing my first 100 miles in a day. I did it in 8 hours and still had some legs in me. Have to say, I was very proud of myself.
Best few weeks of my life. 10 cycling days, 550 miles.
Top conclusions:
- Camping was an awful idea. After the tent flooded, I booked hostels and never looked back. Can't underestimate the beauty of a mattress and a shower every evening.
- No issues with mozzies! Except on Arran, but despite the bites, no itchiness.
- This is by far the most beautiful part of the UK. Seriously contends with much of Europe too. And good lord do the Scots know how to make roads!
- The bike was an absolute trooper. I've become completely attached to her. So much so she has a name. Georgie.
Hope this was interesting/relevant to some of you. Not just in terms of the route but also my experience as a complete novice attempting something that a year ago was completely foreign to me. As already stated, any questions/comments welcome.
I'll try to keep it brief, but this is how I got on. Happy to answer any questions or pass on any advice to anyone thinking of doing something similar...
Itinerary
I started with a circular overnight route, starting and ending at Moffat, and camping near Peebles. Beautiful way to start. It was roughly 35 miles each day and it was safe to say, having not really trained for it, I was KNACKERED.
2 days in Loch Lomond. The first day I left the bike and went walking. The second day I headed north from Luss to Tarbet, South to Garelochhead and back towards Luss. 32 miles, tough in parts, and once again, shattered. (Shows how unfit I was!)
Then 7 nights on a tour of the Western Isles. Mull was gorgeous, the mainland bit from Kilchoan and Mallaig was hard but stunning. Skye was mangificent and the best of them all in my opinion, Then North Uist, Benbecula, South Uist before heading back to Oban (favourite town in the UK). It finished with a cycle south to Arran and then a ride around the Island. Wasn't impressed with the condition of many of the Arran roads, but the road that cut through the Island was a fantastic climb followed by a s**t scary descent! Clocked 50mph which was pretty sweet. Over time I increased my daily mileage, the highest being about 65.
Then after some time at Edinburgh Fringe, I had one last day cycling down near the Yorkshire Dales. I unloaded my bike and did Kendal to Skipton and back, and thus completing my first 100 miles in a day. I did it in 8 hours and still had some legs in me. Have to say, I was very proud of myself.
Best few weeks of my life. 10 cycling days, 550 miles.
Top conclusions:
- Camping was an awful idea. After the tent flooded, I booked hostels and never looked back. Can't underestimate the beauty of a mattress and a shower every evening.
- No issues with mozzies! Except on Arran, but despite the bites, no itchiness.
- This is by far the most beautiful part of the UK. Seriously contends with much of Europe too. And good lord do the Scots know how to make roads!
- The bike was an absolute trooper. I've become completely attached to her. So much so she has a name. Georgie.
Hope this was interesting/relevant to some of you. Not just in terms of the route but also my experience as a complete novice attempting something that a year ago was completely foreign to me. As already stated, any questions/comments welcome.
