Trying to do the RRTY, recapture your cycling mojo, keeping the winter pounds at bay or just wanting to get out and do it. So for those cold, wet & dark winter runs what is your diy ride that will have the best possible chance of success for you to start/complete.
My nomination would be one that I first used a few years ago when I did my one and only RRTY and just for good measure had another bash at it yesterday. So what is it and why?
My route starts from home in Gourock and heads to Lochgilphead turns and retraces on the same road
Advantages
Pretty good main road surfaces for virtually all of the route.
Traffic volumes are pretty low in the winter months (Nov-Mar)
Door to door there is only 1380m of climbing with the highest point at 100m so no real issues with ice etc (except in the worst of weather). So makes for a quick route
Although it’s an out and back it takes a U shape and follows the water for a fair bit so it’s not a 100k bash into the wind or over exposed moor land.
Only two turns on the whole route so not a lot of time wasted navigating through towns etc.
A ferry trip to start and finish, others may not see that as an advantage but it adds to the feeling of a day out and if you are running late you can always take your breakfast and eat it on the ferry.
The scenery is fantastic.
Disadvantages
An out and back route, normally not my preferred type of route and I did struggle when doing the RRTY, thinking why am I riding this road just to turn back again. However it is a ” get it done” route so beggars can’t be choosers.
A 20min ferry trip at the start and end of the route so not for everyone maybe but I am a regular on the ferry so it is worth it for me to get on such great roads.
Not many cafes open at that time of year so not many sit down options but good shop options at Inverary and Lochgilphead (or take some food with you and enjoy a picnic in Lochgilphead.
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/20519287