Lockdown Long Ones

In the last month of lockdown I managed 2 extensive 100 mile+ tests of the new TCR, both heading in completely different directions on cracking days weather wise.

HEADING SOUTH

The first headed in to South Ayrshire then along the coast and into the Ayrshire alps where i took on Glenalla, Nic o the Balloch and the Tairlaw before climbing from Straiton over to Dalmellington over Largs hill.
The weather was roasting, which I would choose anyday but during lockdown it becomes a harder proposition for refueling. the usuall wee cafe stops were all closed but petrol stations remain open and a good source of finding water and fuel so the back pockets were filled with snacks to sustain.
I have been refueling recently with Kendal Mint Cake Co gels and energy drink which I have really enjoyed and find they are very easy on the stomach. Pockets full of these and easy carry refill drinks sachets made the lack of cafe stops not a problem.
The scenery of the Ayrshire coast and its alps can be spectacular and I soaked it all in especially as the ride was the furthest I'd been from home in 10 weeks and great day to give blue its first big test and with new mavic Kysrium Elite S wheels.
The day was finished with a great southerly tailwind which blew me all the way home.

HEADING NORTH

The second of my centuries took me north. The last time I tried the cycle to Greenock was just before the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014. The route north goes under the flight path to Glasgow Airport and on my previous run plane after plane arrived over headfrom all over the world for the games where as this time the skies were nothing but quiet blue.
The route around Inverclyde draws a circle around the Clyde Murshiel Regional Park skirting Bridge of Weir on the west side before arriving above Greenock to some spectacular views of the Trossachs over the Firth of Clyde.

The route steeply drops into Greenock before rising steeply outwards into the regional park along the Old Largs Road.......to Largs, through some stunning moorland.
A 10km descent takes you down to the coast. I battled a southerly all the way back down to Troon before I headed back home with the days climbing behind me.

Two centruy rides and the new bike gets pass marks. Heres to more in July!