Well, I got my August ride in nice and early. And it was a very enjoyable one. Wish I'd taken some photos!
I've been struggling a bit recently, post-covid. 4 months later, average speeds and ride lengths are still down - and hills have been killers....
Today, I went back to a route which used to be one of my regulars, but I hadn't done it at all this year.
First stage was the easy bit - and a section I do regularly. From home, straight along the coast road (A78) to Largs.
There's a reasonable cycle path for most of the out-of-town sections, but normally I just stick on the road unless the traffic is particularly bad. But the cycle path between Ardrossan and Seamill has recently been widened and resurfaced, and the "chicane" barriers have been removed and replaced with wide-spaced bollards - so it's a much better ride. Thought I'd try it today. Still a pain if lots of dogwalkers or runners, but today it was quiet. And (despite my initial worry when I saw it being widened) there were no parked cars on it - they are using the grass between the cycle path and road.
On through Seamill, and followed the main road to Fairlie, then Largs. Other than a couple of short hills, it's mostly a flat route.
20km from my house to the ferry terminal at Largs.
Through Largs, then turned inland and up the Brisbane Glen road.
Once you leave the town, it's uphill. Single track farm roads at first, past a few caravan parks and reservoirs, and before you know it, you're in the moorland. Sheep, cattle grids, still going uphill.
Very warm and humid now, although rain threatening. Long sleeved jacket came off and stuffed into pocket.
From Largs, the road climbs about 300m over 10km. Then you're over the top, and downhill to Loch Thom. It's up above Greenock and Gourock, still about 180m above sea level. Turn left at the lochs and follow the road until you reach the visitor centre.
The visitor centre is great if you need to use the toilets - I don't think any of the other facilities are open.
Push on for another 100 yards until you come to the Ardgowan trout fishery, which has a great wee cafe. Friendly people, good food and coffee, and very cheap.
Espresso £1, Bacon roll £2. Menu didn't seem as extensive as last time I was there, but it had all the essentials. Coffee, bacon rolls, soup, cakes.
That's 36k in total so far. Turn back and home via roughly the same route. Great descent back down to Largs, 73km in total.
. August isn't looking much better
) and took this pic.
