200km Day
So July became August and then Autumn came along with plenty of miles under the belt. Alas they didn't as I was hoping include miles of smiles in Mallorca with covid claiming my holiday as another casualty and although much cycling was done in July the weather was wet and left a lot to be desired at times. However there were many opportunities to continue riding my new Giant TCR and getting in one or two cracking rides.
I managed another 200km day on a fine hot day which was epic to say the least. I wanted to find the Paisely end of the cycle track that heads past Loch Winnoch. I made my way there via, Strathaven and East Kilbride, Pollok and then into Paisley itself where I quickly spotted the Blue sign directing me onto the track. It was pleasant and easy to follow with only one diversion on to the road and back half a mile later (where the police were investigating a murder!) before it joined with the section I was most familiar with.
After continuing to Kilbirnie I made the decision to take a moor road to Largs which I have done in another direction before, before heading south down the coast and heading back across the Fairlie Moor road. I highly recommend this tough climb from Hunterston as you are rewarded with stunning views of the firth of Clyde and a long descent back to Dalry.
I made my way through Kilwinning to Irvine then along the coast Barassie for a much needed refuel at my parents house. I then took the cycle track along to Prestwick airport before heading home via, Tarbolton, Mauchline and Dungavel.
This was a spectacular day out owing to the weather, lack of wind and the distance but also because I never felt like the tank was empty. Especially good as I am considering an attempt at the NC500 next summer so to be able to pump out 200km and have something left feels good.
This route could be shortened slightly to include a surprisingly large amount of cycle track. There can be a bit of snobbiness about using track from some cycling corners but on a big day when youre not pushing particularly fast they can be a relaxing experience, especially of in a group of 2 or 3.
Galloway Hills
I also completed my now annual loop through Galloway to Newton Stewart and back from Dalmellington. This route is always spectacular with climbs of Largs Hill, Tairlaw, the road to Glentrool and the Queensway but also remarkably car free for a such a scenic route. I did it anti clockwise this year and the only complaint I would have is the small road I take from Glentrool to Newton Stewart down the left side of the river wasn’t in as great nick as its been before but it was another great day on the bike. Covid was still making it trickier to refuel as the Forestry Commission cafes at Glentrool and Clatteringshaws remained closed but Newton Stewart has a garage that I regularly use to fill the water bottles and I continued to rely on gels for longer rides this year with the café options close to zero.
The road has been resurfaced on the long descent back into Dalmellington so the final 10 miles were a joy and just after Casphairn I also beat an electric cyclist up the climb!
Autumn Smiles
My October holidays usually see the last rides of the “good” bike before it goes away for the winter and avoids the dreaded salty grit.
With a good weather window of sunshine and little wind I decided to try for a (possibly) last century ride of the year. I headed to Dalmellington first (via an alternate route to normal owing to road closures) then across to Straiton. I had bailed at an attempt to cycle to Girvan in the summer as I came across a road resurfacing in operation so returned to test out the new road and try it out.
As it headed to the coast it was mostly downhill and with the exception of a stop to rescue a stunned blue tit on the road I sailed there with ease. On the outskirts of Girvan I then headed along the A77. Although the coastal views are nice this is a busy section of road and wasn’t the most pleasant so I was pleased to see the turn off for Turnberry which took me off the main road and past President Trumps other Whitehouse.
I followed the coastal route through all the coastal towns before turning for home at Irvine and finishing the day as the sun was setting on both the day and on a good 6 months of riding on the new bike.
