As forecast the day shone bright and sunny, with dry roads. Just what you want for a SMC run, except I was running late grrrr! Last to arrive at Dobbies in Stirling, I had to apologise to Ian and the assembly that I needed fuel. I’d only managed half of the expected “Empty bladders, full tanks” © Bob Crawley.
Ian McIntosh was leading us to Crinan via Inveraray, and back via Tyndrum. We were members Alan Graham, Kona Andrews Macphee, Gerti Mantler-Mitchell, Ian Ness, Rob Smith and me. Guest of Alan was former member Ian Muir, making eight in all. Ian Ness demonstrated his little camera drone (I expect he will include some footage in his video of the run) and put his hand up to do TEC, and I volunteered to be reporter to make amends for my transgression.
We arranged a fuel stop and I set off right behind Ian to reduce the delay. I’ve not been on a run led by Ian before and was struck by his care for the group, with a clear initial briefing and making sure we were together for the first turns.
Fuel, Balloch and Arrocher were found, and we stopped at the viewpoint above the Rest and Be Thankful. Ian got out his drone and we less equipped mortals took still photos. On we went to the Tree Shop at the top of Loch Fyne for coffee and whatever we wanted in the way of food. Some of us had a filled roll, others indulged in cake.
Onwards to Lochgilphead where some refuelled (could I have got there? – oooh the guilt!) and so to Crinan along the sometimes-single track road beside the canal. Fortunately, the truck coming the other way met us on a wide straight part of the road. We got led into the harbour area down a steep, rutted and gravel-strewn lane passing Road Closed signs to find just enough parking space at the hotel. Ian sweet-talked the management to agree we could park there so down to the quayside we went to the café for more coffee, food, cake as wanted. The solo guy behind the counter did a great job and we retired to the quayside tables, being careful not to step backwards without looking – we were that close to the edge.
The sun was shining in a clear blue sky, the sea was calm and a lovely shade of green, there were charming boats at anchor -what more do you want? Errr – a phone signal. I had to return to the parking area – the flag mast to be specific – to get a message off to tell my wife I was alive and where.
Back on the bikes and thankfully out of Crinan via a better surface, back to Inveraray and up a favourite road through Glen Aray to Dalmally, right to Tyndrum and stop at the Green Welly. From here we would go to Lochearnhead and split off for home without a further stop. Ian was thanked for a great run and the preparation he had put into it. We said our farewells and thanks to others for their company.
I got home at 6:15 after another fuel stop with a big grin after such a good day on the bike. Thanks, Ian.
Run date Wed. 24 April 2024
Steve Middleton
Many thanks Steve for taking up the scribes pen for our run report. No need to apologise for the need for fuel – at least you didn’t have to pay the highway robbery price Rob suffered at the services! Glad you enjoyed our day out as, I think, did everyone else. No doubt the sun shining all day had a lot to do with it.