We had an early morning ferry today within the first mile. The
early pause in proceedings was very welcomed due to the local malt going down a
treat last night (Arran Malt 12yr old well recommended).
The ferry took us off
Arran departing at Loch Ranza and dropping us back on the Scottish mainland at
Claonaig. It was clearly the early commute ferry and a few locals captured the
eye! Conversation as with most mornings turned to the ‘werrit’ situation! I’ve
avoided this topic out of politeness and common decency. However, it would be amiss
for a blog about a 1,049 mile bike journey not to mention the pains created where
the body meets the bike. Jenko has endearingly named them his ‘werrit’s’ so he
can discuss them in public without offence. Nothing more needs to be said on
this topic besides Jelly suggesting this morning that he thought his might have
grown teeth! This was met with silent nods of agreement and empathy.
The Scottish weather we all hear about paid a visit last
night and did not bode well for today. A big drop in temperature and the almost
guaranteed soaking we could really do without seem sure to provide a
challenging and drawn out day. Magically the rain threatened all day, but
despite a few quick showers, it never materialised leaving us with another
visually stimulating ride though outstanding countryside with a moody and
electric backdrop.
Today’s route took up a rollercoaster like trail over hill’s,
Loch’s and Glens passing through fishing ports such as Tarbert and Lochgilphead
before a fast and exhilarating decent into Oban where we all joined up for
lunch. The best was still yet to come and we were treated to amazing views from
every angle going over the bridge at Loch Crecran.
Having put Jelly on the pedestal yesterday for King of The
Mountain, Kit stepped up and knocked him clean off today. An outstanding performance
and one he is very proud and vocal about. The banter about this is still fast a
furious. Jelly is claiming a lack of form down to illness today but outright
ownership still his. Kit is mentioning ancestry and links to the Clan McLeoud
as a source of his new surge of climbing prowess. Jenko is playing down ‘this (guaranteed)
one off occurrence’ and has presented Kit with a medal for the ‘most improved
rider’! This was neither taken nor given as a compliment.
Jelly Suffers at the back for once
Kit leading the way
We were very appreciative of the great support on the road
today in the form of Jenko’s parents who joined us in Arran last night. Also our support driver, Lucy Jennings, was around every corner to ensure we
had what we needed to continue our journey with no demands or agenda for
herself, this is despite it being their (Lucy & Paul’s) 10th
wedding anniversary today. Congratulations guys. I think Paul is deep in the
debt stakes for this one! And we are all very grateful.
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