Orion M.C.

Early reminder for the Arran Cycle meet on 8 August.

The original plan was to do the north half of the island…approximately 40miles. However, I have had a quick squint at the map and found that if you do the full coastal road, including the south of the island, the distance is only an extra 14miles or so. This also has the additional benefit of meaning that we would miss the long climb up The String road (a climb of 234m) to cross the island back to Brodick.

The day is scheduled for a Saturday, meaning earlier and later ferries than on a Sunday, so there would be no problems with time. Anyone got any preferences or would it be better to head off round the north and make a decision when we get to Blackwaterfoot

The following folk have already said that they will be coming along:

Neil
Bob
Jon
Gordon
Myself
John, I know you said you were keen, but did you then say you would be on holiday
Graham, will your knee be fit for it

Anyone else I know that there are many more of you out there who own bikes

Ferry timetable http://www.calmac.co.uk/summer-timetabl ... rodick.gif

Definitely.......this is my long awaited come back

I am probably keen to go too.
Anybody intending to stay the night and do some climbing or walking on Sunday?
Silke

Just bumping this subject back up as a reminder.

Whole family are intending on attending, better be ready for the fin.....

Jon

Made other plans for Sunday now, as no reply so far.
Any plans yet re. trains/ cars/ ferries...etc?

Silke

First ferry from on a Saturday leaves at the ungodly hour of 0700hrs, so I was thinking we could get the next one at 0945 which gets into Brodick at 1040.

The time taken to do the cycle will obviously depend on various factors like if we do the northern part or the whole island, how fast we go and how often we stop (read: how many pubs we visit ).

The last two ferries back to the mainland leave at 1640 and 1920 so we have plenty of time.

Return fare is £9.30. Bikes are free.

I can take my car and mount two bikes on the roof (mine and one other). I also have a rear fitting bike rack but have never used it on my current car and therefore have no idea how well it will fit. I can also chuck a bike in the back.

Anyone wanting to get the train can do so from Glasgow Central. Train departs at 0833hrs to meet the 0945 ferry.

Anyone got any comments or alternative proposals

Calmac timetable here http://www.calmac.co.uk/summer-timetabl ... rodick.gif

I'm not waiting another week.

Ehh - who wrote the above post

Looking forward to Arran. Been out on the bike practising already, hopefully I can get rid of the stabilisers before the trip

Well can you delete your mistaken posts so my info on the arrangements doesn't get lost behind your mire

Back on topic

Neil
Bob
Jon
Gordon
Scott
Graham
Jules
Adam
Ruth
Claudia
John, I know you said you were keen, but did you then say you would be on holiday.

Anybody I have forgotten from last night

Would be great if all who are coming this weekend try and make it to the pub (Babbity's) on Thursday and we can discuss arrangements. Alternatively anyone who can't make it can give me a call.

Idea is to catch the 0945 ferry from Ardrossan.

Silke. That's who you have forgotten on your list, Scott.
Will make it to the pub on Thursday.
S.

I would never forget you Silke It's actually Alex's list

Anyway, good that you're coming

Neil has just advised me that the Brodick Highland Games takes place this Saturday. This means that the ferries will be mobbed

Calmac are however putting on some extra sailings http://www.calmac.co.uk/summer-timetabl ... tional.gif

Think we'll stick to the original plan of getting the 0945 ferry. However, it will be prudent for everyone to get there early to ensure that they get aboard. A colleague of mine has had trouble in the past getting on when he was going over on the day of a previous Games...they not only issued tickets but also boarding passes

I was starting to sway towards getting the train down to Ardrossan, just because most other were talking that way, but now I think the car may be more appropriate in order to get there early and purchase a ticket

The biggest problem could be if we intend getting the last ferry back and don't get on We'll have to make sure that we're back at Brodick well before the departure time.