Barassie to Ardeer

Today was the first decent day for yonks, blue skies forecast until late afternoon. I had a good walk yesterday so decided to have a cycle in this rare opportunity. I'm planning a couple of week long cycling trips around Scotland when the weather improves so I need to get some practice in. Although the weather has been awful in January I managed just under 300 miles both outdoor and indoor so in reasonable cycling shape.
Last night I planned to go inland via Tarbolton but warnings were issued this morning for ice so played safe and decided to stick to the coast and go to Ardrossan. 

Arran Western Gailes and cycle path

When I started out about 9.30am it was still cold but I was well clad, more of that later. Just after leaving the house a gust of wind came off the sea, blowing up a side street and shifted me and the bike sideways, wow. I have a new road bike with a very light frame and it was noticeable how light it is even with me on board.
I headed along towards Irvine and cut down the cycle path at Loans and was rewarded with magnificent views across Western Gailes, the blue water and snowy Arran, just grand. Down to the Magnum beach-park and took in the views at the front. 

Irvine estuary gull

I followed the cycle path to Kilwinning where the shaded areas were icy so taking care and glad I chose not to go inland. There seemed to be a large number of people out with their dogs so again cautioned exercised. I always ring my bell out of courtesy but people react in very different and at times illogical ways so always go past slowly and keep your eyes on the mutt!!

Irvine estuary without the gull

Good progress being made I passed a group of ramblers heading towards Irvine, I wonder what group they were. Through the park at Ardeer then on towards the Sandylands caravan park at Saltcoats. The cycle route sign indicated 3.5 miles to Ardrossan but about a mile ahead all stop, the route was blocked, Network Rail sign said walkers & cyclists follow the diversions which were nowhere to be seen, great stuff. I back tracked just in case I had missed something, but no, so headed up to the point at Ardeer for some more great views.

Looking north towards Ardrossan

I decided the diversion was probably the main road so I just turned and headed back. Caught up with the ramblers again, tinkled the bell and all but one moved to the right, the old guy stood frozen to the spot, no room to pass until another rambler grabbed his arm and pulled him into the group, thanks.

Slipway at Ardeer looking south

Back around Irvine without mishap and back along the shore path and via the Magnum. Just before the Magnum I saw a Clio car flying up from the harbour and I just knew she was not stopping at the junction which I was almost upon. A hard pull on both brakes just stopped me and then came the belated hand to her mouth as she realised I was there, she had clearly not seen me and she realised that she had barely missed a potentially serious accident. Never mind my bright clothing and flashing lights I was clearly invisible, there was my daily big scare and it was a near miss.
As an aside I had added a new and very powerful rear light, which I kept on strobe mode and it might be my imagination but when on the open roads I thought cars were giving me a wider berth as they passed, long may it continue.
Back home and satisfied, a good 30 mile cycle and felt good apart from my top half. I bought a Boardman jacket from Halfords in their sale, which seemed a great buy at the time, except it is meant to be breathable but the inside was soaking along with my mid lair. I wasn't cold but it is not right. This was my second outing with this jacket and I made sure my base and mid lairs were breathable merino so no excuses. Stupidly I never kept the receipt or it would be going straight back, not fit for purpose.
Now just the winter joy of having to clean up a dirty bike, at least it is dry.