I want to ride my bicycle, I want to ride my bike!

Actually, I think it'll be a little while before I want to ride my bike again... This is the story
of 3 amateur cyclists and their battle with wind, rain and scottish hills. It was an epic
challenge so why not make yourself a brew then settle back in a big comfy armchair to
hear all about it.

Our adventure began when we arrived in Glasgow and survived the first few miles out to
our accommodation. Si and Susie were being housed in Chez Marion and lovey it was
too. Less lovely was hearing that I might have booked Bri and I in to a homeless hostel
for the night. Thankfully it is now a Guest house. Admittedly a basic one but it provide a
place to rest up before the big day.

I'd love to say the we were woken by the sun streaming through our windows then made
our way to our glorious continental breakfast... But I've been taught not to lie... We were
woken by the sound of torrential rain to a tiny bowl of rice crispies. Hmmm... We refused to
be out off though and putting our best 'Today is going to be such fun' faces on we headed
out in to the rain.

Part One - Glasgow to Loch Winnoch

By the time we arrived in Paisley we were damp to say the least but feeling good. The
worst car section was behind us, none of us had fallen off and really, there's only so wet
you can get. We found our way onto the cycle path to Ardrossan and started to whizz
along. We whizzed over some police tape lying on the ground then came up against more
police tape. This time it blocked our way.

Decision time. 2 secs later we decided it was old tape and went under it. Around a corner
or two, past a man and his dog and then straight in to 3 police officers. Si did some fast
talking that got us out of trouble for entering a crime scene, we turned around, took a few
wrong turns in a housing estate, hovered under a bridge to read the map then found our
way back on to the cycle path further down the road. A bit too much excitement before
9am on a Saturday morning.





We timed out arrival at Castle Semple perfectly with Susie in our support vehicle and took on some welcome calories. It was too wet and cold to stop for long - quick photo
opportunity then off we went again.











Part Two - Lochwinnoch to Ardrossan

On and off roads, up and down hills, considerable amounts of rain and we found ourselves
in Kilwinning. With a text from Calmac telling us we might not be booked on the boat to
Arran since the morning boat had been cancelled due to weather. In fact our boat might
also be cancelled due to weather. Great news! My thinking was that if the weather was too
bad for boats, we maybe shouldn't be out in it on 2 wheels... But we carried on regardless.
The car was dispatched to ensure it had a place on any boat that did go and we peddled
on.






Arriving at Ardrossan felt delightful. Susie had managed to get the car booked on the boat and there was a warm bathroom for us to wring out the socks. Nice. Thankfully Calmac
allowed the boat to go and we prepared ourselves for the next leg of the trip with pies and coffee aplenty.









Part Three - Broddick to Lochranza (Crossing Arran!)

Our very own time trial. A race across Arran to catch the next ferry - this was the section
I'd been most worried about so had decided to push hard on the flat section round the
coast before we hit THE hill. Trickier than planned as the flat section was also the coast
section.... It was windy... Into the face... I wasn't panicking at all about missing the boat!
It was almost a relief to turn the corner out of the wind. But then we hit our hill. The
Boguille on Arran would be a category 4 climb in the Tour de France. It was a mental
battle to keep the legs moving and slowly slog away. Well, it was for me and my bike
with a basket on it. Bri took it all in his stride as he flew up with seeming ease. It was a
delightful sight to see both Bri and Si waiting for me at the top of the hill... A quick shout
of 'have we got enough time' as I refused to stop and took on the descent.

Turns out we had plenty of time - we made it to Lochranza with half an hour to spare. Time
to take shelter in the wee shop and refuel with hot chocolate. Mmmmmm.... Then onto a
rather bumpy boat journey to kintyre.

Part Four - Claonaig to Kennacraig

Waiting in Claonaig was a delightful surprise in the form of my dad (Scott) who'd decided
to have a little day out and join us. It gave me a much needed boost to get up that next
hill. He'd also managed to perform some sort of magic trick and turn off the big tap in the
sky. This section was mercifully short at only 6 or 7 miles and we were soon at Kennacraig
ready to catch our last ferry to Islay.

The 2 hour boat journey was a much needed chance to stretch, rest and refuel (in the boys
case, they decided a pint was the most appropriate refuelling to do!). Time also to read the
article about our challenge in the local paper (the Ileach) - fame once more. We were also
given some generous support from Calmac staff and the golfers who made our collecting
tin that bit heavier.

Part 5 - Port Askaig to Conisby (the final push)

Bronwen (my mum) was waiting for us as the boat docked in Islay - the car covered in
balloons and banners. What a welcome! But arriving in Islay wasn't enough for us,, we
wanted to cycle door to door so, at 8pm, we had another 15 miles to complete. With
Bronwen joining us we powered up the Port Askaig hill as far as Keilles before a lovely
local lady shouted from her house and ran over to give us a donation. The generosity of
strangers astounds me.

The rest of the ride went smoothly - apart from Si and I being blocked for a short while by cows and dragons - and we reached Bruichladdich for the final photo shoot. Brilliant, destination reached... Almost... The last half mile to our beds was up another hill. But I'm proud I say we all made it up that last section without having to push.





Showers, wine, whisky, cheese on toast and mocha square were all much appreciated! Then the sleep of champions.

There are so many people to thank for supporting us in reaching our half way mark.
Simon - you are a legend. To take on that trip voluntarily once we'd seen the forecast was
admirable (or indeed foolish!) We can only thank you. Susie, your smiley face driving
the support vehicle was both required and appreciated. We literally couldn't have done it
without you. And you carried our snack! Bron and Scott (aka mum and dad) - thanks for
both cycling with us and for the hospitality. Marion, thanks for sending us off in style. And
finally, the people of Islay, your generosity and welcome was second to none. Thank you.

And so, we are halfway through. We've ran 25k, canoed lake Windermere, faced a barrage
of gym classes and raised nearly £3500 - http://www.justgiving.com/teams/FCF.

Bring on the next half!