Author Topic: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018  (Read 50400 times)

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #100 on: 20 March, 2018, 04:28:57 pm »
Backpackers Oban ask you to check in by 10pm but there's a phone number if it's a challenge. My experience of staying there  (?2013 summer weekday) was that things were just starting to get going at 10pm in 'throbbing' Oban so earplugs well worth taking.
Here's some info on our Saturday ride along the (Corran)Ardgour/Strontian/Acharacle/Glenuig/Lochailort road over Sunart and Moidart which by, then, we'll be looking forward to.:
https://www.sabre-roads.org.uk/wiki/index.php?title=A861

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #101 on: 24 March, 2018, 01:14:43 pm »
So, this is how far I've got with the West Highland 1000:
- Looked at the event through parted fingers towards the end of last year, thinking about how there was no way I was entering it.
- Got drunk on New Year's Eve and then paid my £18.50, thinking I don't have to actually ride the thing
- Realised that if I did decide to ride the thing I didn't want to sleep in hedgerows/bus shelters exclusively so booked a couple of nights at the SYHA in Oban
- Realised that cheap train tickets were on sale so booked to get myself and the bike to and from Edinburgh
- Read through this thread and been relieved to learn of a bag drop to Oban

I'm still not entirely sure I will be fit enough to ride it - worse case scenario I might just go for a nice long weekend in Scotland and cheer you all on as you come through Oban! The one obvious thing I haven't really done in preparation is very much riding (nothing over 200km this year, and not that many of those). But, apart from the obvious planning need of getting on the bloody bike, if I am going to have a crack at it is there something else I am missing that I need to get a move on with sorting? I already have a headnet for midge attacks :-)

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #102 on: 24 March, 2018, 05:57:29 pm »
So, this is how far I've got with the West Highland 1000:
- Looked at the event through parted fingers towards the end of last year, thinking about how there was no way I was entering it.
- Got drunk on New Year's Eve and then paid my £18.50, thinking I don't have to actually ride the thing
- Realised that if I did decide to ride the thing I didn't want to sleep in hedgerows/bus shelters exclusively so booked a couple of nights at the SYHA in Oban
- Realised that cheap train tickets were on sale so booked to get myself and the bike to and from Edinburgh
- Read through this thread and been relieved to learn of a bag drop to Oban

I'm still not entirely sure I will be fit enough to ride it - worse case scenario I might just go for a nice long weekend in Scotland and cheer you all on as you come through Oban! The one obvious thing I haven't really done in preparation is very much riding (nothing over 200km this year, and not that many of those). But, apart from the obvious planning need of getting on the bloody bike, if I am going to have a crack at it is there something else I am missing that I need to get a move on with sorting? I already have a headnet for midge attacks :-)

Suncream.

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #103 on: 26 March, 2018, 05:15:04 pm »
Believe me, you are not alone Trixie !
I have fond memories of the Argyle Hotel in Campbeltown, from a golfing trip (17 !) years ago.  That is an interim target for me. After which, it's all (pretty much) downhill ?.....physical reserves, resolve, stamina etc. etc !!!
Still, it'll be a lovely weekend in wonderful countryside, what could possibly go wrong ?  ::-)
Alistair (pieeater) Dulwich Paragon

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #104 on: 16 April, 2018, 01:54:58 pm »
Really sad, but I'm going to have to withdraw from this. Was really looking forward to it, but unfortunately pressures of work and a big project that's slipped by a few weeks means I'm not going to be able to commit to a few days off work at the end of May.

Maybe next time ...

:(
mibbes aye, mibbes naw

Bairn Again

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #105 on: 17 April, 2018, 08:39:13 am »
just a reminder that entries close a week on Friday (and maybe earlier if he hit the max field of 100 - there are 6 places left)

Bairn Again

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #106 on: 17 April, 2018, 08:40:10 am »
Really sad, but I'm going to have to withdraw from this. Was really looking forward to it, but unfortunately pressures of work and a big project that's slipped by a few weeks means I'm not going to be able to commit to a few days off work at the end of May.

Maybe next time ...

:(
<cough> Remember to email the organiser. 

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #107 on: 17 April, 2018, 08:43:45 am »
Really sad, but I'm going to have to withdraw from this. Was really looking forward to it, but unfortunately pressures of work and a big project that's slipped by a few weeks means I'm not going to be able to commit to a few days off work at the end of May.

Maybe next time ...

:(
<cough> Remember to email the organiser.

... as if I'd forget to do something like that ...  :facepalm:
mibbes aye, mibbes naw

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #108 on: 17 April, 2018, 12:31:39 pm »
Sharing Kintyre preparation (and I've been updating this as we go along)
Inveraray (195k - control)
1) ATM (BoS) on L (in 'one way', after shops (10m))

Lochgilphead (235k and 397k)
1) Esso garage and Tesco Express on first roundabout - opens 6am (NB on way north would require 2km detour - see 3) below).
2) Crinan Cycles (Argyll St), 01546 603511 Open 0930-1730 - only cycle shop on Kintyre sfaik
3) Spar shop/garage on Oban road north from A816 roundabout 800m - open 6am-11pm

Ardrishaig (237k and 394k)
1) McColls (on route, land (!) side of road) Open 7am-10pm

Tarbert (256k and 376k)
1) Cafe Cadora opens 8am till 4:30pm. L off route, 200m, on R
2) Marine Bistro open 8 till 8 (? earlier opening Friday if asked), L off route, 80m, on R
3) Coop - on main road, on R (open 7am-10pm)

Campbeltown (316k)
1) Cafe Bluebell (0900-1630) - keep to lochside, L thro' bollards and 500m, just past roundabout, on R, overlooking harbour
2) Tesco Metro (larger version) 400m after road touches loch, past distillery (on L) and imm L (200m on R)

Glenbarr (335k) Cafe, Stores & Garden
www.glenbarrstores.com
The café is open 7 days a week from 9am – 5pm, serving breakfast, lunch, cakes and drinks.

Tayinloan (345k)
‘Big Jessie’s’ tea room (down by the ferry (to Gigha)
Friday & Saturday – Open till 7pm

Kilmartin (409k)
1) Kilmartin Museum Cafehttp://www.kilmartin.org/visit-us/cafe/ on L
"Café is open from 10:00 until 17:00 with hot food served from 12:15 until 15:30"
2) Kilmartin Hotel (on R) - warm foyer (bar even) especially attractive if it's pissing with rain DAMHIKT

Kimelford (431k)
1) Village Stores (closes 1730) but above it:
2) "Room at The Top Cafe & Takeaway" planned to open summer evenings starting (!) 1 Jun ?1830

Oban (456k) !!!!

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #109 on: 17 April, 2018, 12:40:24 pm »
Good work.  :thumbsup:

I haven't even got as far as working out which bike I'm going to ride.
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

CrazyEnglishTriathlete

  • Miles eaten don't satisfy hunger
  • Chartered accountant in 5 different decades
    • CET Ride Reports and Blogs
Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #110 on: 17 April, 2018, 01:32:07 pm »
Good work.  :thumbsup:

I haven't even got as far as working out which bike I'm going to ride.

Both the bikes I could ride in the event are broken at the moment - so you are one ahead of me!  Am regretting planning to get to the Ballachulish YHA on the Friday night, so will pack extra bonk rations and live by my wits.
Eddington Numbers 130 (imperial), 182 (metric) 571 (furlongs)  114 (nautical miles)

Phil W

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #111 on: 17 April, 2018, 01:43:59 pm »
Good work.  :thumbsup:

I haven't even got as far as working out which bike I'm going to ride.

One ahead of you there but that is about it.  Most of my time so far has been spent riding and working on fitness.

Bairn Again

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #112 on: 18 April, 2018, 09:38:41 pm »
Im delighted to report that one of Edinburghs finest beer bars Montys http://www.montys.bar/ will host the Arrivee for this event. 

A splendid selection of beers and food (cheese / charcuiterie) will be available as part of the entry fee from 1230 until 2300 Sunday 3rd June where luggage from the bag drop can also be collected.

This boozer also has a outside seating area that can be used to park bikes or to actually sit in if the weather is nice (I plan to bring every bike lock I can lay my hands on from the house just in case)

Its a short way up a one way street against the traffic at the finish but is worth it. 

For those very interested in whats on tap follow Montys on twitter @montysedinburgh

Needless to say - all welcome. 

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #113 on: 18 April, 2018, 09:44:28 pm »
 ;D

This is going to be such a good event, and that is a massive incentive to finish within the time limit!

citoyen

  • Occasionally rides a bike
Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #114 on: 18 April, 2018, 11:05:36 pm »
Fantastic news!
"The future's all yours, you lousy bicycles."

Bairn Again

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #115 on: 19 April, 2018, 12:42:30 pm »
Ive updated a few bits and bobs on the event information on the AUK calendar page including a draft routesheet

http://www.aukweb.net/events/detail/18-402/

G.   

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #116 on: 19 April, 2018, 01:19:07 pm »
Thank you, Graeme.
"You might wish to consider bringing some insect repellent and a midgie net (useful if you need to stop for a repair" and if they're around while waiting for the Corran Narrows ferry on the Saturday).
To add to the list of cycle shops:
Lochgilphead (235k and 397k): Crinan Cycles (Argyll St), 01546 603511 Open 0930-1730

Bairn Again

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #117 on: 19 April, 2018, 04:18:28 pm »
Thank you, Graeme.
"You might wish to consider bringing some insect repellent and a midgie net (useful if you need to stop for a repair" and if they're around while waiting for the Corran Narrows ferry on the Saturday).
To add to the list of cycle shops:
Lochgilphead (235k and 397k): Crinan Cycles (Argyll St), 01546 603511 Open 0930-1730
ta

will add this to version [n + 1]


Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #118 on: 24 April, 2018, 04:24:50 pm »
Anyone else staying http://www.corranhouseoban.co.uk Friday - Saturday night?  Pondering about parking the bike over night {4hours} :)

Phil W

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #119 on: 24 April, 2018, 06:04:49 pm »
Two haircuts till the event now. 

Was about to start planning food resupply points being it is the Highlands. Low and behold the information is in the routesheet notes.  That will save a bit of planning time.  Will start looking at route in more detail after my 8pm start 300 this Sat.  Looking forward to it.

Phil W

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #120 on: 24 April, 2018, 08:16:53 pm »
Wife went to gym so downloaded latest gpx track and have now mapped out the control locations and added waypoints with proximity alarms.

Noted that track goes the wrong side of the dual carriageway and roundabouts coming into Dunblane.  The roundabout is marked as a Control but given the time we will pass I presume Info?

Started marking food resupply points and bike shops with waypoints and will come back to that. Chippy in Campbeltown will do nicely and very near route.

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #121 on: 24 April, 2018, 10:08:41 pm »
More bike shop options on Sunday:
A couple of miles off route, but Comrie Croft mountain bike centre has a shop (don’t know opening hours for the shop, but would think they’ll be open on a Sunday)
Alpine Bikes inside the Tiso outdoor shop at Inveralmond (edge of Perth) open 10:00 -18:00
Halfords, St Catherine’s Retail Park (middle of Perth) open 10:00 - 17:00
JM Richards (trad LBS) and The Bike Station (recycled donated bikes, might have that obscure part) both in Perth, both closed on Sunday but maybe useful if anyone has a nightmare and needs assistance on Monday...
Synergy Cycles, 171 High St., Auchterarder, open Sunday 08:30 - 15:00. Never been in, but looks OK.
There are a couple of bike shops in Stirling which could be useful on the outward leg but on the return there’s another Halfords in Springkerse Retail Park.
Sandy Wallace in Inverkeithing will be shut on Sunday, as will be the (further off route) LBS options in Dunfermline. Halfords again in Dunfermline but that’s all the way up at Halbeath so not very useful.

Phil W

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #122 on: 24 April, 2018, 10:33:57 pm »
Foolishly, I didn't book a room at the Oban SYHA when I had the chance .

Erm, I have just booked two nights at Oban SYHA. I guess there must have been cancellations. I booked through Booking.com, same price as non member, with free cancellation up to 29th May.  That will do for now till I do some proper planning on this next week.

Checkin up to 2300 and checkout from 0400. But with 24hr front desk sure you can checkout earlier.

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #123 on: 24 April, 2018, 11:25:18 pm »
. . . Dunblane.  The roundabout is marked as a Control but given the time we will pass I presume Info?
Dunblane was the first control before Graeme organised the hall at Comrie.
Perhaps it will be replaced by Comrie (and via Dunblane is a fair route to Comrie, unless we climb the Ochil Hills), however:
From the Dunblane (Keir) roundabout (1st exit) it's 300m to the Coop which will have closed at 10pm but has an ATM outside, with two alternative ATMs a little further on, both on R (BoS and RBoS) the second a few steps walk down the one way street.

Phil W

Re: West Highland 1000km. Thu 31 May 2018
« Reply #124 on: 25 April, 2018, 12:07:22 pm »
. . . Dunblane.  The roundabout is marked as a Control but given the time we will pass I presume Info?
Dunblane was the first control before Graeme organised the hall at Comrie.
Perhaps it will be replaced by Comrie (and via Dunblane is a fair route to Comrie, unless we climb the Ochil Hills), however:
From the Dunblane (Keir) roundabout (1st exit) it's 300m to the Coop which will have closed at 10pm but has an ATM outside, with two alternative ATMs a little further on, both on R (BoS and RBoS) the second a few steps walk down the one way street.

Ah that would make sense other than in most cases the notes say what type of control it is.  Not to worry I have the location marked with an alarm and will add a note to it with ATM - 1st exit?