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Past events and Photo Gallery

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C2C, July 2009

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Cross-Channel Tour, May 2010

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C2C, July 2010

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 Lochs and Glens  Tour, August 2010

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H100, 26 September, 2010

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Crispie Week, 24th- 31st March, 2011

Day 1     Exceptionally good weather - sunny, no wind and bone-dry; saw us launch straight into our programme, no warm-up familiarisation rides required. So we headed  north  up Loch Fyne following the gently undulating single track coastal road  past  Kilfinan, Otter Ferry, The Oystercatcher , the fish farms and Castle Lachlan before arriving at the famous Creggans Inn for a light lunch of soup. Then we turned south and followed the A Road back towards Glendaruel which involved a long climb up the glen before then turning west to tackle the Alpine-like pass that carries the C11 road over the hills back to the coast. A formidable climb with only the briefest of rewards of a view from the summit, then a rapid descent to Otter Ferry and back to base for Swim Sauna Dinner and Drinks !

Day 2   Another fine morning saw us drive the bikes on trailer round to catch the Tarbert Ferry (always a source of anxiety as they operate only hourly) from the newly renovated Portavadie Marina (once an ambitious scheme to create an oil rig construction platform  yard ). A calm crossing of the millpond-like Loch Fyne and we landed at Tarbert, mounted up and cycled along the Campbeltown road  to the West Loch where we turned off towards Kilberry, arriving here  we came across the very modest  whitewashed stone and red tin-roofed bothy  that housed the most exquisite restaurant . We had the place to ourselves in our sweaty lycra we sat down to a gourmet meal comprising the best of local produce served on pristine white tablecloths and napkins. Puddings and coffee outside then it was off along the coast with magnificent views of the Paps of Jura, basking seals on the shore then a long climb over the top past an invitingly cool mountain loch and a descent to Inverneill on the shore before a long procession along  the fast A Road back into Tarbert and a ferry  across the loch for more S, S, D and D back at Crispie House

Day 3   With the sun still shining on the righteous we made another short drive with the trailer round to Colintraive to board the ferry for the briefest of crossings (only about 3 times the actual length of the ferry !) to Bute and a leisurely cycle to Rothesay and  coffee in one of the many cafes owned by the Zavaroni family. Off again south for a detour round Mount Stuart - the estate and hideous Gothic creation of the Marquis of Bute built from the proceeds of their vast coal mine industries in Co Durham and South Wales. Thereafter we continued to the south of the island and Kilchattan Bay and a pub lunch. Ignoring Scotland V Brazil on the TV we turned back north and headed up the west side of the island, back through Rothesay and a sprint for the ferry. A stop off at the pub in Kames was followed by S  S,  D and D back at base

Day 4   Still sunny and windless we  started at  the Crispie road end and headed back down the Cowal  peninsula towards Portavadie and a coffee break before continuing to Ardlamont point, (home of the Lamont clan/family who not only took us out of the ERM but delighted in half-hanging their clan rivals the Campbells). Then we headed back north up the Kyles past the WW2 Tank Slip,  a snack at Duncan’s Store and onwards thru Tighnabruaich and along the shore line to Caladh. We then managed to nip in and out of Susy’s Cafe just as a coach party of Saga Louts arrived and retreated to the Gallery with its array of Jolomo oil paintings. Then on back to Crispie and more S S D and D. 

Day 5   Yet another fine morning so back with trailer and bikes to Portavadie ferry and another trip across to Tarbert before heading north towards on the A83 to Ardrishaig where we joined the tow path of the Crinan canal for its length to Crinan Harbour where we inspected various craft used in the Para Handy TV series. We then headed down Loch Sween   to the yachting anchorage at Tayvallich where the pub landlord kindly rustled up some Cullen Skink (fish soup) despite his kitchen being closed. 

We then retraced our steps/tyre marks to the Crinan Canal and then the long procession down the loch to Tarbert where some of us settled for mere keg beer prior to the trip back across the loch. This was probably the hardest day so it was no surprise when all indicated that an easier option for the following day might be acceptable to them. The gusto with which the D and D were consumed that evening suggested that no one expected to exert themselves too much the following morning

Day6   And so it came to pass that it rained and we agreed that a car-borne tour of the area in the hands of our local legend and a pub lunch in Inverary sounded like a good idea.  So a guided tour of the local area with running commentary of failed enterprises, personal feuds, dampened dreams, English “airs and graces” and family histories saw us arrive at the George Hotel in Inverary for a pub lunch served by a Canadian lass with an Aussie boyfriend, still no real-ale, followed by local boiled sweets  and then a mad dash down the loch to meet the ferry at Tarbert and home for the last supper.

Day 7   Weather has really turned and it’s time for home.  No wonder a Scotsman could never be confused with a ray of sunshine....

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Let's go Celtic, 28 April - 3 May 2011

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 North Pennine Cyclo-Sportives ,18 June 2011

A big thank you to all who took part in the climatically-challenged first TVCC Sportive!

Three sportive type events, catering for different abilities, were held on Saturday, 18 June in the Derwent Reservoir area on the eve of the Tour of the Reservoir on the Sunday. All rides started in the historic village of Blanchland.  

Clearly the conditions were not that bad for some as the fastest time posted was just over 4 hours!  (Not sure what we can say to the two “touring” cyclists who chose to explore the North Tyne!) However for all other mere mortals it was the annual reminder of the June weather we have come to expect in Hoppings week.

As organisers we have learnt a few lessons and received suggestions and positive feedback from you which we shall take on board if the event is to be repeated.

For those who chose to remain in bed as the rain bounced off the roof slates (and I gather it was torrential on Tyneside) all I can say is - sorry you could not make it but do consider coming again next year for what is a most spectacular route.

David Gray

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