We met up at a carpark on the south side of Junction 6 on the M8, right next to a petrol station so we were all good to go. Peter Johnson 1200RT, Alasdair Wood 1200GS (TEC), Ian Ness Bonneville, Ali Lazizi 750GS, Brian Torley PanEuropean and myself on KTM 390Adv.
The weather threatened slight drizzle from time to time but was expected to be mainly dry.
So off we set on a leisurely and uneventful run to Largs to catch the ferry, no dramas at the ferry and soon we were on Cumbrae.
Any dreams of Cumbrae being like a mini Isle of Man were soon shattered when we found it was a 30mph limit over the whole island and the roads were narrow, twisty and full of cyclists, mostly families and tourists. However it was a very enjoyable and relaxed bimble as we rode through Millport and then on to a hilly loop stopping at Glaid Stone viewpoint with views around the island and out to Arran which was peeping out of the mist.
Ali very kindly produced a box of dates from his home country of Algeria and we all tucked in. As we were wandering around taking photos from this wee top, two woman cyclists appeared and were greeted with “would you like a date?”
I can only imagine what went through their mind;
‘This is easier than Tinder’,
‘A pretty poor selection here though’,
‘Channel 4 have taken their reality shows too far’,
‘Is this where they filmed the Wicker Man?’
Luckily the box of dates was quickly offered, scandal was averted and the club’s reputation salvaged. Still, best accidental chat-up line I’ve heard.
Then it was off to Millport and a photo at challenge site G. It’s a nice wee gin shop and the woman talked us through the different flavours and most of us made a purchase. I opted for ‘Maura’ and certainly enjoyed a couple when I got home. I asked my wife “will you drink the Maura?” and she replied “aye, and the next day anaw”.
We had lunch at the Round Island Cafe close to the gin shop, it doesn’t open until 1pm but was worth the 20min wait. Then back to the ferry and Largs.
Since we had managed to miss the rain up until now we thought it would be a good idea to deviate from plan and follow Ian Ness towards the dark rain clouds and a Classic MC challenge site ‘The Skelpies’ at Port Glasgow. We all got wet but The Skelpies were impressive so thanks Ian.
And from there it was a straightforward run up a dry M8 through Glasgow and then individually peeling off towards home.
Now, I have to go as I need to discuss an idea with Channel 4