A beautiful cycle around Cumbrae

Ride route: Isle of Cumbrae

Ride distance: 26.06ml
Ascent: 887ft
Bike: Trek eMTB
Total YTD annual distance: 616 miles

Looking back to Largs

Cumbrae ahead

A cracking blue sky day for a cycle around the Isle of Cumbrae, very much a favourite of mine. Who doesn't enjoy a short ferry journey and they don't get much shorter than this one. Still I always feel like I am going on holiday when I got on this old girl, the oldest boat in CalMac's fleet and that is saying something.

There was a strong but pleasant breeze on the island. I did an anti clockwise route to start with before cutting inland to go to the highest point, the trig at Glaid Stone. 

Croc has had a new coat of paint

Delicious quiche, brownie & Americano

From over there

Back to Millport where I found a cracking, new to me, deli called Brewbaker, where I sampled their brie & salmon quiche. Followed by a chocolate brownie filled with custard and raspberries. Both delicious I will be back. Eaten sitting at the edge of the dock what a lunch spot.

Arran behind the point

Amongst the most scenic war memorials in Scotland

All that remained was a clockwise circuit back to the ferry.  I had to laugh at the stationary coo enjoying a paddle.

Cooling down time

The face is almost overgrown, missed it on my 1st circuit

Fabulous views all over the island. A cracking way to spend a day.

Ardrossan yet another War Memorial

After my last trip I was doing some research and discovered that there was not just the main memorial on the shore front. So another excuse for a longer ride.
A strong southerly meant that that the outward journey was a delight when bike and person feel as one. Of course the return into the headwind a slightly different story but a really enjoyable outing. A bit colder than predicted, many of the very lightly clad people I passed would no doubt wish they were wearing something warmer.
So a few snaps of some birds on my journey and of course the War Memorial.

Eider Male

The male eider is one of my favourites. This one is still looking good but in deep winter the subtle colours of the male in full breeding plumage just beautiful.

Moorhen & Mallard

I was watching this moorhen swim across the pond then leap up into the branches. It did this several times, a bit odd. Not the odd white chest of the Mallard.

Woodpigeon

When i attended Nick Nairn's cookery school a few years back breast of wood pigeon was the starter, hmmm.

Lesser Black Backed Gull

Having a tranquil swim but the Lesser Black backed Gull is a vicious predator, look out ducklings.

Small flock of Ringed Plovers

War memorial Ardrossan

The entrance to the garden of Remembrance in Ardrossan.
Ride route: Ardrossan
Ride distance: 32.41ml
Ascent: 417ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 695.05

Ride route: Prestwick Bay
Ride distance: 20.76ml
Ascent: 351ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 715.81

Ride route: Monkton-Tarbolton loop
Ride distance: 25.39ml
Ascent: 728ft
Bike: Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance: 741.20

Ride route: Saltcoats
Ride distance: 24.63ml
Ascent: 321ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 765.83

Ride route: Heathfield
Ride distance: 20.09ml
Ascent: 259ft
Bike: Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance: 785.92

Ride route: Troon
Ride distance: 10.33ml
Ascent: 158ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 796.25

Ride route: Prestwick
Ride distance: 20.73ml
Ascent: 361ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 816.98

Ride route: Monkton circuit
Ride distance: 20.31ml
Ascent: 351ft
Bike: Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance: 837.29

Ride route: Monkton circuit
Ride distance: 19.75ml
Ascent: 414ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 857.04

Ride route: Prestwick circuit
Ride distance: 20.91ml
Ascent: 351ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 877.95

Ride route: Prestwick circuit
Ride distance: 20.37ml
Ascent: 299ft
Bike: Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance: 898.32

Ardrossan 3rd time lucky and 500 up

As the weather forecast was blue skies I decided to head north and yet again get to the Ardrossan War Memorial. The last two attempts were aborted by punctures but today I opted for the harder tyres and inners of the MTB.
Today was meant to be the Paps of Jura, a long held ambition and of course perfect viewing weather, what a bummer.
Blue skies yes but still a chilling wind.

How many miles to Arran. Look at the dial.

Down to the front at Irvine for my traditional picture from the distance marker across to Arran, sigh. 
The area was busy for early morning and there is no doubt that this is by far the busiest I have seen since lockdown started, the numbers of people walking and cycling was hugely up, was it Saturday syndrome or people just getting well fed up.

Bridge to nowhere sadly

It was a stiff headwind breeze at times which helped get the heart rate going even higher.

TV crews film the storms from the far end

Reached the bay at Saltcoats where the lazy TV crews head to every year when there is a big storm to picture the waves crashing over the railway line. Not today though.

Ardrossan ahead

Ardrossan bay reached and a nice viewpoint from the old harbour lookout ruins. It is a nice esplanade to cycle and walk but some of the skimpy clothing, not that warm for sure.

Ardrossan War Memorial impressive carvings

Another solid war memorial, quite ornately carved, nice work. There was the large number of names as expected from a mining area.

Calmac berthed Arran beyond

Stood on the hill on top of Ardrossan and looked over to Arran, Calmac ferries berthed, another sigh, one day it will happen again.
With the wind behind me I sped back in much faster time.
What was now obvious with all the people around was the high number of police visible in cars, on bikes and on foot. Stopping motorists as they got out their cars no doubt asking why they were driving to the beach area!! Still in lockdown.
Longest ride of the Covid19 period and for some reason my backside was feeling rather sore towards the end, thought that would have been saddle hardened by now, clearly not. And no puncture, yipee.

Ride route: Barassie-Irvine-Ardrossan.
Ride distance: 32.79ml
Ascent: 430ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 531.92

Ride route: Barassie-Mossblown.
Ride distance: 26.13ml
Ascent: 558ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 558.05

Ride route: Barassie-Prestwick.
Ride distance: 21.46ml
Ascent: 427ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 579.51

Ride route: Troon circuit.
Ride distance: 11.51ml
Ascent: 242ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 591.02

Ride route: Prestwick Airport.
Ride distance: 14.19ml
Ascent: 213ft
Bike: Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance: 605.21

Ride route: Prestwick.
Ride distance: 14.45ml
Ascent: 196ft
Bike: Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance: 619.66

Ride route: Monkton-Symington-Gatehead-Dreghorn
Ride distance: 22.82ml
Ascent: 617ft
Bike: Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance: 642.48

Ride route: Prestwick Bay
Ride distance: 20.16ml
Ascent: 348ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance: 662.64

Aborted Ardrossan

On my bike rides I seem to be jinxed recently particularly on this stretch of the unswept Sustrans cycle path. I had travelled around 1500 miles on my road bike since I bought it without a puncture. Now two punctures in two weeks. From now on the road bike will remain true to its name and only travel on roads. Far less potential puncture debris.
It was a lovely blue sky morning as I headed to my destination of Ardrossan to tick off another War Memorial. Initially I did stick to my road bike plan and travel via roads. 

Western Gailes and Arran beyond

I was rewarded early on with this rewarding view over to Arran and Western Gailes golf course, an early morning eye fest.
Into Irvine and the view to the railway viaduct showed the River Irvine water levels extremely low. Any early running salmon will be heading back out to the estuary to hang about, too dangerous here.

Train viaduct over River Irvine

Approaching Kilwinning I really had to come onto the cycle track to get to the quieter roads. I suspect my tyre was spiked around this area but did not deflate for a few miles beyond.
This is an area where you have to take care, sadly the 3 Towns district is one of high poverty and where drug taking is rife. I was reflecting just before the puncture that I could not remember passing more huge dogs when on a bike ride. Thankfully, all apart from one were on leads but there were some ferocious looking beasts.
I was stopped at the Ardeer railway crossing for ages waiting for the barriers to lift and frustrated I decided to head back and cut inland behind the caravan park, was that my mistake? Just before the golf course the bike felt odd and a look down my rear tyre running flat, the noise gave it away as well, only 3 miles from Ardrossan. Annoying as I was in good condition, the bike was running well, it was a good ride spoiled.

Nearly home looking south over Western Gailes

There were quite a few local worthies stoating around so I did not want to change the tyre in this location on my own, it would take too long and bring unwanted visitations, not just Covid avoidance. Maybe a case of guys with big doggies 'give us your bike'!!
From recent experience I knew this bike can ride on its flat tyre so I did just that and headed home a lot slower.
Time for a shower and a new tube to be inserted, still awaiting my ordered puncture repair kit, at least the weather was good.

Ride route: Barassie-Irvine-Stevenston.
Ride distance: 24.54ml
Ascent: 471ft
Bike: Cube: Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance:429.19

Ride route: Barassie-Prestwick.
Ride distance: 15.99ml
Ascent: 279ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance:445.28

Ride route: Barassie-Corraith-Red Bridge.
Ride distance: 21.09ml
Ascent: 575ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance:466.37

Ride route: Barassie-Prestwick Bay.
Ride distance: 21.8ml
Ascent: 381ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance:488.17

Ride route: Troon Circuit.
Ride distance: 10.96ml
Ascent: 200ft
Bike: Cube MTB

Total Covid19 ride distance:499.13

Gatehead Circular plus other ride data

Today I rode another route that used to be a Sunday morning regular until the walking took over.

Arran far away in the distance but lovely colours

At this time of year it is a lovely route meandering through the Ayrshire countryside and farmland with all its farming aromas, obviously not lost that sense just yet.

Laigh Milton Viaduct history here

After Gatehead you get a good view of the Laigh Milton railway Viaduct, I suspect that will be closed off. Officially closed in 1846. It is believed to be the world's oldest surviving viaduct on a public railway, not bad history that.

River Irvine running very low

The water at the dam is really low, at times it can be a raging torrent as the River Irvine runs down and turns the corner. Thought I might see some trout rising but nope.

Sustrans cycle path blocked

On the way back the local officials are even trying to block the cycle path. Luckily I could squeeze past the side but with a few bramble scratches, I thought cycling was allowed?
An excellent outing.

Ride route: Cycle path Barassie-Gatehead-Dreghorn-Shewalton.
Ride distance: 18.83ml
Ascent: 423ft
Bike:Cube MTB 
Total Covid19 ride distance:290.59

Today 13th April I headed to Dreghorn to add the War Memorial to my collection. Blue skies but definitely colder. Sadly more names than expected on this memorial. Continued on much the same Gatehead circuit as above.

Dreghorn War Memorial

Ride route: Cycle path Barassie-Gatehead-Dreghorn-Shewalton.
Ride distance: 18.33ml
Ascent: 450ft
Bike:Cube MTB 
Total Covid19 ride distance:308.92

Another straightforward ride to Prestwick this time to collect another War Memorial. A lot of police vehicles around today but not stopped!!

Prestwick War Memorial

Ride route: Cycle path Barassie-Prestwick-Fullarton woods.
Ride distance: 19.92ml
Ascent: 345ft
Bike:Cube MTB 
Total Covid19 ride distance:328.84


Return trip to Ayr to recover War Memorial data.
Ride route: Cycle path Barassie-Prestwick-Ayr.
Ride distance: 25.27ml
Ascent: 410ft
Bike:Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance:354.11

Return trip to Symington & Dundonald to recover War Memorial data.
Ride route: Cycle path Barassie-Monkton-Symington-Dundonald-Shewalton.
Ride distance: 21.55ml
Ascent: 531ft
Bike: Focus Road Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance:375.66

Return trip: Irvine War Memorial.
Ride route: Cycle path Barassie-Shewalton-Irvine.
Ride distance: 18.35ml
Ascent: 272ft
Bike: Cube MTB
Total Covid19 ride distance:394.01


Return trip: Troon.
Ride route: Circuit Troon.
Ride distance: 10.64ml
Ascent: 171ft
Bike: Cube MTB

Total Covid19 ride distance:404.65

A Remembrance ride in more ways than one.....Barassie-Doonfoot

Today's objective was the War Memorial at Ayr. A straightforward ride along the cycle path via to Troon. On road to avoid punctures to rejoin the Sustrans route to Prestwick. Along the promenade, busy today, and then the back track to Newton on Ayr. Noticed all supermarkets that I passed today had the longest queues that I have seen since isolation began.

Ayr War Memorial

Ayr town very quiet then the War memorial. Not unexpectedly this memorial  has one of the longest list of war dead since I have been recording these. Even a German looking name among the WW1 listings, wonder what his story was?
I thought that the memorial itself was rather plain, need to read up about it.

Ayr promenade all the traffic has been banned

As I was here I cycled along the Ayr beach front to the bridge over the Doon. Another poignant remembrance as both my parents have their ashes scattered in the river here, one of their favourite spots. 

Ashes tribute

A few reflective moments with my tranquility broken by the gulping sound of trout rising to feed, a lovely sound.
Returned the same way but with a detour to Troon promenade, not as busy as the other day but the sky was duller and that was certainly a cooling breeze. Time for my shower.


Ride route: Cycle path Barassie-Prestwick-Ayr-Doonfoot.
Ride distance: 28.08ml
Ascent: 426ft
Bike:Cube MTB 
Total Covid19 ride distance:271.76

All's well that ends well......Kilwinning

As I was setting the bike up the clouds darkened so I looked at the weather apps on my phone. BBC app said 52% chance of rain over the next hour and Met Office said 5%! I was ready so set off heading to Kilwinning, the trip I had to abort last week due to my puncture. It was MTB time as I needed to ride some rougher tracks to get my distance and these tyres more resistant to punctures, famous last words.

Was it alive or dead?

Anyone who uses the cycle track at Shewalton woods will be familiar with the Shire horses. I was concerned that three of the horses were standing guard over a fourth which was lying on the ground. From here I could see no sign of breathing and feared the worst, sadly I moved on.
Down to Irvine Bay where the tide was coming in fast pushed in by the strong winds. These same winds made it difficult cycling at times but thankfully my cycling legs and stamina are getting back to where they should be.

Tide rushing in at Irvine harbour

Headed to Kilwinning, thankfully not puncturing this time and headed to the War Memorial to get some snaps. 

Kilwinning War Memorial and 'Tommy'

Firstly I was very taken by the hedge formed into a soldier, not seen anything like that on my travels.
Secondly, for a relatively small town the number of dead carved into the memorial for both wars is staggeringly high. I daresay reflective of the mining communities and the relative poverty in the area.

River Garnock running dry

On the way back I passed this marker at the Garnock wetlands. I recently mentioned this to a friend who knows a lot about the area's history but was unaware that a shaft had collapsed and the River Garnock ran dry, need to send it to him.
Finally I went back to the horses and was so pleased that the one lying on the ground was now on it's feet, a happy ending.
First sighting of Gannets for the year.

Ride route: Cycle path Barassie-Shewalton-Irvine harbour-Kilwinning.
Ride distance: 24.49ml
Ascent: 351ft
Bike:Cube Mountain Bike
Total Covid19 ride distance:212.19