I have received a steady trickle of e-mail enquiries recently regarding the above event (perhaps not a surprise as it’s an early PBP qualifier). Given the early interest, I thought I’d post some of the information exchanged in those e-mails here for general consumption.
This is a new 300k event and the route is effectively a combination of the Port Navigation 200k from the 2009 calendar and the most scenic chunk of the Daylight 600k, which many will have ridden before. The route is here
Place this route map on your website at Bikely.com and a link to this is also on the AUK calendar page.
The start is officially from Craignure on Mull and the start time is provisionally 8.20am. This is a later start than I would ideally wish for a 300k however it is the arrival time of the first morning ferry from Oban where I plan to distribute brevet cards on the crossing. The exact start time will be confirmed when the Calmac summer timetable for 2011 is published [circa Feb/Mar 2011] but probably wont vary by much.
Oban is well served by a very pleasant direct train service from Glasgow via Crianlarich, bikes are permitted and booking of bikes is essential. On the accommodation front it appears that Oban Youth Hostel will unfortunately not be available in April 2011 as it is currently closed for refurbishment. However, Oban has a plentiful supply of hotels and B&Bs and a basic search on the internet should find a reasonable choice. As I don’t live in the Oban area, there’s no particular place I’d suggest however IIRC somebody on the forum has a relative who runs a B&B in Oban so there could be a marketing opportunity for somebody. The nearest campsite I can find on t'internet
Oban Caravan and Camping Park is just over a couple of miles away.
I have a venue booked for the finish which has free parking close by. As well as a hot meal, riders will be able to sleep here after the ride, although there are no formal sleeping facilities in the hall so beyond slumping in a chair, it’s BYO. As this event features another ferry journey from Fishnish to Lochaline as well as late start, I would expect many riders to be finishing in the wee small hours but rest assured that the Audax Ecosse diner will be open all night.
This is perhaps one for nearer the time, but I would actively encourage fast riders [who can get to Ardgour by 21.20] to avoid the A82/Fort William by using the quiet road on the west side of Loch Linnhe and the Corran Ferry.
As well as a meal at the finish, the entry fee will also cover two feeds at controls en route - details to be confirmed [probably Lochaline & Glenfinnan] but definitely NOT the café at Fishnish!
Hope this helps.
G.
