Tyndrum - Oban road bike

This ride has been on my list for a quite some time. The weather forecast was iffy but as I was travelling through the area anyway I decided to go for it. The weather has been so poor this year that my cycling has been limited to local rides that I am getting a bit bored with.

Grey start

We stopped off at the carpark of the Green Wellie in Tyndrum where Mrs could enjoy a leisurely break whilst I set off to Oban.
Turning left onto the Oban road has always been a happy moment for me and today was no exception, despite the weather the scenery would be fine.
It is a direct A-B route so no issues over navigation but my main issue would be poor and impatient drivers, three very, very close passes and a few other near things!! This despite having high intensity strobe lights and a yellow high viz jacket. Another issue is the potential cycling fatigue as not many long runs under my belt this year.

Sun on the hill ahead

When I began the ride it was grey and overcast but dry and you guessed it, two miles into the ride, sods law, the heavens opened and I got a proper soaking. Ahead of me, when I looked up, I could see blue skies, but for now I was stuck in a rain belt that lasted for a mile and a half. 

Dalmally golf club

After 10 miles or so there is the excellent fast descent on a winding road towards Dalmally, brill and no cars behind me to worry about, pure joy.
In Dalmally the sheep sales were on at the market, explained the high number of livestock trailers passing me.
At the far side the Dalmally horseshoe hills (on my todo list) were well hidden but the quaint golf course sitting below them has superb views, need to play it one day.

Even low hills are hidden

I thought that Mrs would have passed by now. I got my second heavy rain of the journey and stopped under a tree at Cruachan power station to shelter and call her. Just as I got my phone out to call her a car horn tooted as she sped past in a convoy.
Halfway to Oban but I knew the lumpiest half was still ahead. A couple of boats bobbed about out on the grey and slightly choppy waters of Loch Awe, rods hanging over the sides, trout or pike? The hills are still covered in a grey shroud but thankfully this is soon to disappear. 
A bit further on I had a look over the bridge at the River Awe but no fishermen evident. I would have thought that the salmon were on this stretch by now. I wonder if the hydro scheme further back is having a negative impact on the salmon fishing? Still there is a derelict growth covered bridge which caught my eye, this I presume was the old road crossing.

Old bridge over River Awe

Continuing onwards I had a painful second half. ride In the morning I had put moisturiser on my face and with my exertions it was dripping into my eyes, blinding my vision and really painful. No matter how often I tried to wipe my face a couple of miles on I had to stop and try again, this was also doing no good to my cycling rhythm.

Loch Etive

Connel bridge in distance

Through the pleasant village of Taynuilt and the scenery has improved along with the blue skies. There are now views over the waters across the bay & Loch Etive and towards the Connel bridge. I stop to enjoy the fast running tidal waters at the bridge. I also catch sight of a microlight in the skies above who would be getting a lot better overall views than me, but not for me, too much of a scardy to trust my life to a wee moped engine in the skies.

Tranquil Connell Bay

For the last 4 miles I come off the main road and take the cycle route to Ganavan bay. Some steep inclines that really test my tiring thigh muscles the lack of long distance cycling is catching up. No matter my hillwalking fitness I believe you need to be regularly doing each sport to be fit.

Approaching Oban bay the scenery is fantastic, now looking across towards Morvern. In the playing field a local shinty match is in progress, I watch for a while and grimace as these sticks are swung hard, sometimes connecting with flesh and bone rather than the ball, these are brave men and some boys. 

Mull from Ganavan

Now leaving the shinty and heading to the carpark there are superb views across to Mull. Of course Ben More is still covered in cloud, rarely it is not the case.

Dunollie castle

Busy port town of Oban is reached. I cycle past the ruins of Castle Dunollie just as a Calmac ferry sails past, destination Mull perhaps. There are many boats and activities in these harbour waters, this is a vibrant area out at sea as well as for the many tourists that flock in simply for the joys of the town.

Kayakers about to launch, Oban cathedral in background

Finally I meet up with Mrs at the car and she very kindly she has bought me a danish pastry to give me a needed sugar hit, fab.
This was a very enjoyable cycle, albeit along at times a very busy and potentially dangerous road which might be scary to some. But the scenery is well worth it.
Distance: 37.5 miles (60.35km)
Ascent:1568 ft (478m)
Time: 3hr 10min