My Rides

Kippen for lunch 8.4 miles 
Date: 3 July 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note:

Cycle Africa Day 5: Mto Wa Mbu - Ngorongoro National Park Entrance 29.3 miles 
Date: 16 June 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Long, steep, winding hill. But how often will I be able to say I cycled up the side of a volcanic crater :)

Cycle Africa Day 4: Tarangire National Park - Lake Manyara National Park 51.4 miles 
Date: 15 June 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Stunning scenery, challenging off-road, fun through the water - an amazing day.

Cycle Africa Day 3: Arusha - Zion Campsite 69.7 miles 
Date: 14 June 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Long day mostly on tarmac. I missed the off-road...

Cycle Africa Day 2: Olpopongi Maasai Village - Arusha 52.4 miles
Date: 13 June 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Challenging off-road with deep sand for miles and miles, then rough roads, followed by steep hills and busy, busy traffic. Everything in the mix.

Cycle Africa Day 1: Moshi - Olpopongi Maasai Village 54.3 miles
Date: 12 June 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Roads through towns and plantations followed by track through beautiful bush land.

Portpatrick - Sandhead - Portpatrick 21.5 miles 
Date: 5 June 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: 

Gargunnock - Balfron - Gargunnock 24.5 miles 
Date: 30 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Great route following the back road on a nice sunny Bank Holiday Monday. Lunch in great wee Deli, Doyle's Cafe

Callander - Killin - Callander 47.3 miles 
Date: 29 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Still has to be one of my very favourite cycles, and today didn't disappoint.

Toast for lunch 21.9 miles 
Date: 25 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note:

Kippen via wee bit of road to Fintry 13.8 miles 
Date: 23 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: 

Tentsmuir Sand Practice! 8.8 miles 
Date: 22 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note:  Not many miles but a whole lot of fun!!

Sherrifmuir 44.8 miles 
Date: 15 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: 

Home to Stirling 20.5 miles 
Date: 14 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note:

Home to Stirling 20.2 miles 
Date: 13 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note:

Kippen via the reservoir 11.4 miles 
Date: 9 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note:

Round Loch Rannoch 23.0 miles 
Date: 4 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Nice gentle fairly easy ride round the perimeter of the loch on our road bikes (See this post)

Aberfeldy - Kenmore - Aberfeldy (the hard way!) 17.3 miles 
Date: 3 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Has to be one of my toughest rides! The mud!! The hill!! (See this post)

Drop at the Top Fayleyer Loch 11.2 miles 
Date: 2 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Absolutely fantastic day (See this post)

Griffin Forest Trails 13.7 miles 
Date: 1 May 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Brilliant, but tough, cycle up and down and round about the forest (See this post)

Cotswolds Cycle Africa Training Day 2 36.2 miles 
Date: 24 April 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Fantastic ride through the lovely Cotswolds villages with my new Cycle Africa friends!
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The Fleece Inn

Cotswolds Cycle Africa Training Day 1 48.1 miles 

Date: 23 April 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Fantastic ride through the lovely Cotswolds villages with my new Cycle Africa friends!
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The Fleece Inn

Home - Braco - Home 39.3 miles 
Date: 17 April 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Brilliant on the way out, torture on the way back with the 'hand of wind' in front of us
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: None - just wanted to get home to an ice bath...! (See this post)

Village hilly circles 6.8 miles 
Date: 13 April 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Very short but a good wee hill training ride.

Village hilly circles 7.5 miles 
Date: 11 April 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Very short but a good wee hill training ride.

Callander - Mhor 84 - Callander 23 miles 
Date: 3 April 2016
Route: No Strava profile as route didn't upload. Basically stuck to Route 7
Points to note: Very wet and muddy ride, so the old hybrid tyres were tested to the limit! As were my waterproof socks..!
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Mhor 84 

Home - Kippen - Home 7.5 miles 
Date: 2 April 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Leisurely wee late afternoon cycle

Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The Cross Keys for a nice cold beer

Home - Dunblane - BoA - Home  26.1 miles 
Date: 28 March 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Nice route but was a bit tough in the wind today.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Toast!

Home - Stirling Rugby Club  9.4 miles 
Date: 20 March 2016
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Great wee cycle to blow away the cobwebs the morning after Gordon's 21st. Cycled in to collect car.

Christmas Day cycle from home  7.9 miles 
Date: 25 December 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Great fun cycling through the muddy puddles on the path towards Fintry with Ross and Alex. Did a wee bit better than this day last year..!
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Home for Christmas Dinner

CLS - Timanfaya - CLS 21.6 miles 
Date: 10 December 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Brilliant last day of the holiday cycle with Alex and Ross. Cycling through the volcanic landscape as breathtaking as ever.

CLS - Fumara - CLS 13.7 miles 
Date: 9 December 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile

CLS - Masdache - CLS 27 miles 
Date: 6 December 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile

CLS - Fumara - Tinajo - CLS 21.4 miles 
Date: 5 December 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile

Tiree Cycle 23 miles 
Date: 24 August 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile

Tiree Cycle 14 miles 
Date: 23 August 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile

Coll Cycle 15.9 miles 
Date: 22 August 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile

Coll Cycle 16 miles 
Date: 22 August 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile

Fun at Fifty Fish Ride 23.5 miles 
Date: 17 August 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile

Loch Katrine pier - Stonachlachar - Pier 26.00 miles (41.84km)
Date: 2 August 2015
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Great cycle with Ross (except for when he fell off...) Very wet, and with hindsight might have been better on the hybrid as some parts of the road, especially coming down the hills, were pretty slippy on the gravel. Lovely munch in the wee cafe by the water's edge in Stronachlacher.

Marlow - Northend - Marlow 28.22 miles (45.42km)
Date: 25 July 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile
Lovely cycle round the little villages the day before Alex's Marlow half marathon. Should've been on the Cycle Africa training weekend in the Cotswolds, but didn't go after pulling out of Group 3. Was a lovely way to take my mind off the fact that I wasn't there with the girls. Saw the Chitty Chitty Bang Bang windmill!!

Barra and Vatersay 24 miles (38.62km)
Date: 19th July 2015
Route: MMR fail!
Found this tough on the hired mountain bikes - very hilly and the weather wasn't great - but so worth it to see the beautiful beach at Vatersay and enjoy the craziness of the Barra raft race!

Short ride in Barra 8.87 miles (14.27km)
Date: 18th July 2015
Route: MMR fail!

Round Arran 59.52 miles (95.79km)
Date: 27 June 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile
Third tour of Arran. Did it clockwise this time - much tougher! Especially the killer hill coming out of Lochranza. Plus, had a wee bit added on at the end as we were staying in Lamlash. Was a hard cycle, but just as special as my last two trips to this gorgeous island.

Part of the Bannockburn 10k route 10.16 miles (16.35km)
Date: 21 June 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile
Cycled around while Gordon ran around the 10k

New Line Rd - North Third - Cringate - New Line Rd 13.97 miles (22.48km)
Date: 13 June 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile
Wet and very hilly. But thoroughly enjoyed! Went on road bike - would opt for hybrid next time.

Strathyre - Killin - Strathyre 32.83 miles (52.83km)
Date: 10 June 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile
Must be one of my favourite routes. Stunning scenery over Loch Earn and the Glen Ogle viaduct. First ride with someone other than Alex as a partner. Thanks Lesley!

Gargunnock - Kippen - Gargunnock 8.62 miles (13.87km)
Date: 9 June 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile
First proper wee MTB ride out on my very own - it's only taken 40 years...

Birnam/Dunkeld Trails 13.1 miles (21km)
Date: 7 June 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile
Great fun on first proper mountain bike (i.e. old hybrid..) training for Tanzania!

Short route at home 8.31 miles (13.37km)
Date: 9 June 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile
First proper wee road bike ride out on my very own - it's only taken 2 years...

Women V Cancer Ride the Night Windsor - Central London - Windsor  62.27 miles (100.21km)
Date: 30 May 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile

Dunblane - Kinbuck - Dunblane 7.62 miles (12.26km)
Date: 10 May 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile

Tay Forest Viewpoint - Aberfeldy (wee bit of Etape Caledonia Route) 32.17 miles (51.77km)
Date: 9 May 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile

Glasgow City Centre - Bowling - City Centre  27.33 miles (43.98km)
Date: 4 May 2015
Route: Click here for MMR profile

Short route at home 6.4 miles (10.3km)
Date: 23 April 2015
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile

Gargunnock - Kippen - Gargunnock 7.75 miles (12.47km)
Date: 22 April 2015
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile

Gargunnock - Bridge of Allan - Gargunnock 25 miles (40.23km)
Date: 18 April 2015
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile

Gargunnock - Kippen - Gargunnock 7.59 miles (12.21km)
Date: 16 April 2015
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile

Short route at home 3.5 miles (5.63km)
Date: 13 April 2015
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile

Golden Gate Bridge! (SF - Golden Gate Bridge - Sausalito - SF  17.98 miles (28.94km)
Date: 14 March 2015
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: Hills galore but so very worth every puff and pant to finish off our trip to America with a cycle across the Golden Gate Bridge
Video diary: See this post

Monteray Coastal Cycle Route  11.39 miles (18.33km)
Date: 13 March 2015
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: Fantastic path running along the coast, providing lots of opportunity for whale watching!

Ventura Coastal Cycle Route  15.14 miles (24.37km)
Date: 10 March 2015
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: Nice wee meander alongside the Pacific Ocean, posh houses and paragliders

Grand Canyon South Rim (Village - The Abyss - Visitor Centre)  12.25 miles (19.71km)
Date: 6 March 2015
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: What can I say...I dangled my feet over the edge and into the Abyss... another ride I will never forget...
Video diary: See this post

Grand Canyon South Rim (Village - Yaki Point - Village)  9.37 miles (15.08km)
Date: 5 March 2015
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: Wild Elk on one side of the path, the Grand Canyon on the other. A ride I will never forget...
Video diary: See this post

Christmas Day cycle from home  8.13 miles (13.08km)
Date: 25 December 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: Great fun cycling through the muddy puddles on the path towards Fintry with Ross
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Home for Christmas Dinner

Stirling Business Park - Yoga Class - Stirling Business Park  (Park & Ride) 4.7 miles (7.56km)
Date: 5 November 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile

Stirling Business Park - Yoga Class - Stirling Business Park  (Park & Ride) 3.49 miles (5.62km)
Date: 3 November 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary:

Gargunnock - Bridge of Allan  12.91 miles (20.78km)
Date: 2 November 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop:
Video diary:

Stirling Business Park - Yoga Class - Stirling Business Park  (Park & Ride) 4.85 miles (7.81km)
Date: 1 November 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile

Stirling Business Park - Yoga Class - Stirling Business Park  (Park & Ride) 5.43 miles (8.74km)
Date: 29 October 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile

La Santa Sport - Tinajo - La Santa Sport  9.76 miles (15.71km)
Date: 11 October 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile

La Santa Sport - Famara - La Santa Sport  14.02 miles (22.56km)
Date: 9 October 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary:

La Santa Sport - nearly Haria - La Santa Sport  43.83 miles (70.54km)
Date: 8 October 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary:

La Santa Sport - Tinajo - La Santa Sport  10.18 miles (16.38km)
Date: 7 October 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary:

La Santa Sport - Teguise - La Santa Sport  31 miles (49.89km)
Date: 5 October 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary:

La Santa Sport - Montanas del Fuego - La Santa Sport  23.17 miles (37.29km)
Date: 4 October 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary:

La Santa Sport - Famara - La Santa Sport  17 miles (27.36km)
Date: 3 October 2014
Route: Click here for Map my Ride profile and here
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary:

Gargunnock - Stirling - Gargunnock  20.7 miles (33.31km)
Date: 21 September 2014
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Toast, Stirling
Video diary:

Drymen - Aberfoyle - Drymen  19.5 miles (31.38km)
Date: 7 September 2014
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary:

Tour of Colonsay  15.2 miles (24.46km)
Date: 30 Aug 2014
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary:

Feolin - Craighouse - Feolin, Jura  16.6 miles (26.72km)
Date: 29 Aug 2014
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary: 

The Rhinns Tour, Islay  39.2 miles (63km)
Date: 28 Aug 2014
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary: 

Rapha 100 Edinburgh - Dunbar - Edinburgh  62.1 miles (100km)
Date: 20 July 2014
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: 
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary: 

Callander - Aberfoyle - Callander  28.3 miles (45.5km)
Date: 18 July 2014
Route: Click here for Strava profile
Points to note: Hilly!! There are a few challenging hills on the route but the climb coming out of Aberfoyle, initially on the road then on the forest track, is really tough. But the hard work to get up is well worth the effort - the downhill section on the other side is brilliant fun. Definitely need the hybrid or mountain bike as most of the route follows forest track. Be careful on the Invertrossachs road coming out of Callander; it's very quiet and it's easy to forget that cars might be coming round the corners. Another scenic section of Route 7.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Mhor Fish, Callander
Video diary: 

Balquhidder - Killin - Balquhidder  26 miles (41.8km)
Date: 13 July 2014
Route: NCR 7:
Points to note: Mostly off road, good fun on the undulating track through the forest, massive sense of achievement at the top of the hills, free-wheeling for over two miles and stunning scenery.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The Courie Inn, Killin (Alex says it was one of the best fish chowder's he's tasted - and he's tasted a fari few bowls of fish chowder over the years..!) and Mhor 84, Balquhidder (carrot cake and scones were delicious!)
Video diary: See this post

Callander - Balquhidder - Callander  26 miles (41.8km)
Date: 11 July 2014
Route: 
Points to note: Off road, good fun on the undulating track through the forest, massive sense of achievement at the top of the hills (especially the zig-zag steep gravelly path just before Strathyre), lovely scenery. My old hybrid struggled on the really steep gravelly section (wheels just kept spinning!) but it was fine for the rest of the route.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Mhor Fish, Callander

Gargunnock - Kippen - Port of Menteith - Thornhill - Gargunnock  25.7 miles (41.4km)
Date: 6 July 2014
Route:
Points to note: Conquered the fear of the Kippen hill
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Would've been The Woodhouse, Kippen. But, disappointingly, it doesn't open till 10am on a Sunday. Bacon butties at home had to do.

Stirling - Falkirk - Larbert - Fallin - Stirling  34.36 miles (55.3km)
Date: 5 July 2014
Route:
Points to note: Cycling to sup coffee beside the magnificent Kelpies - brilliant! Ploughing through unpleasant rough terrain on a short section of the cycle path before Cowie on the road bike (with one puncture to show for it) without being put off cycling forever...
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The wee coffee wagon at The Kelpies.

Round Arran 56 miles (90.1km)
Date: 28 June 2014
Route:
Points to note: It's not one of my favourites. It's the favourite. Arran's where it all began. Just felt absolutely brilliant to manage it in one day. Arran will always be my most special cycling place.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Machrie Bay Tea Room (mmm, cake...) and The Douglas Hotel (mmm, beer...)

Gargunnock - Riverhouse - Gargunnock  16.47 miles (26.5km)
Date: 23 June 2014
Route:
Points to note: Gentle flat cycle from home to a lovely restaurant for lunch. What's not to like?
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stopsThe Riverhouse, Stirling

Cameron House - Luss - Cameron House  15.22 miles (24.5km)
Date: 22 June 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 

Gargunnock - Callander - Gargunnock  24.55 miles (39.5km)
Date: 21 June 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 

Women V Cancer Ride the Night Windsor - Central London - Windsor  62.1 miles (100km)
Date: 31 May 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 
Video diary: See this post

Gargunnock - Doune - Auchterarder - Sheriffmuir - Gargunnock  54 miles (86.9km)
Date: 18 May 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The Sheriffmuir Inn

Drop at the Top, Dull (twinned with Boring)  12.81 miles (20.62km)
Date:  8 May 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The Highland Safari Centre

Aberfeldy - Kenmore - Aberfeldy  24.14 miles (38.8km)
Date:  7 May 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The Kenmore Hotel

Aberfeldy - Gran Tully - Aberfeldy  12.79 miles (20.58km)
Date:  6 May 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The Inn on The Tay

Gargunnock - Clackmannan Bridge - Gargunnock  38.11 miles (61.33km)
Date:  27 April 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 

Gargunnock - Bridge of Allan - Gargunnock  22 miles (35.4km)
Date:  20 April 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Jam Jar, Bridge of Allan

Gairloch - Redpoint - Gairloch  12.94 miles (20.82km) 
Date:  23 March 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 

Gargunnock - Bridge of Allan - Gargunnock  22 miles (35.4km)
Date: 2 March 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Jam Jar, Bridge of Allan

Gargunnock - Bridge of Allan - Gargunnock  22 miles (35.4km)
Date: 5 January 2014
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Jam Jar, Bridge of Allan


Tour of Washington  10.21 miles (16.43km)
Date: 25 October 2013
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 

The Cape Henry Trail  18.62 miles (29.97km)
Date: 21 October 2013
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 


Virginia Beach boardwalk - Cape Henry Lighthouse - VB Boardwalk  16.6 miles (26.72km)
Date: 20 October 2013
Route:
Points to note:
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: 

Gargunnock - Kinbuck - Gargunnock  37 miles (59.5km)
Date: 13 October 2013
Route:
Points to note: From home cycled along Chalmerston Road to the centre of Stirling, stopped for breakfast, then carried on out to Bridge of Allan then Dunblane to Kinbuck. Took the country road from Kinbuck back to Dunblane then Bridge of Allan and home.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stopToast! Without a shadow of a doubt the best French Toast in Stirling!
Video diary: See this post

Drymen - Luss - Balmaha (by boat) - Drymen  32 miles (51.5km)
Date: 29 September 2013
Route:
Points to note: Followed Route 7 from Drymen to Balloch. We were on the road bikes, but some parts of the path were better suited to the hybrid - will know the next time! From Balloch joined Regional Route 40 and cycled alongside Loch Lomond to Luss. From Luss we hitched a lift on the ferry to Balmaha and cycled from there back to Drymen along the B837
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stopLunch in Luss sitting outside The Village Rest was really lovely. Delicious sandwich, ice cool drinks and really friendly staff.
Video diary: See this post



Drymen - Rowardennan - Drymen  22 miles (35.4km)
Date: 28 September 2013
Route:
Points to note: Followed the B837 from Drymen to Balmaha then on to Rowardennan and back again.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Really lovely lunch sitting in the Beer Garden of The Clansman (the pub attached to the Rowardennan Hotel), soaking up the sunshine and the glorious view of Loch Lomond.
Video diary: See this post




St Andrews - Dundee - St Andrews  38.5 miles (62km)
Date: 22 September 2013
Route: 
Points to note: From the car park beside the bus station joined National Route 1. I used my hybrid bike for this one as the route's a mixture of good paths, bumpy paths and forest trails. We cycled along the path from St Andrews to Leuchars, then through Tentsmuir Forest on the trail - with a detour to the beach - then back on to paths all the way through Tayport, across the Tay Bridge, and in to Dundee.
This was a really hard cycle because of the wind. It's the first time I've really experienced strong side wind like that and it was tough! But, the feeling of accomplishment at the end made the hard work all worth it. It's also the first time we've cycled on a trail path, and that was really great fun! And, it was a pretty nostalgic day for me as the post on the blog explains. And, I don't think I've ever been so excited to be in a lift before! I loved cycling across the Tay Bridge, but the lift at the end just made my day!
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The only place we stopped to eat or drink was Table Table in Dundee. We had lunch sitting outside in the sunshine in the shadow of the Tay Bridge at the edge of the water. The view
was awesome and the food was mediocre. The pint went down a treat.
Video diary: See this post

Alloa - Culross - Alloa  21 miles (33.8km)
Date: 14 September 2013
Route: From Alloa Railway Station followed National Route 76 to Clackmannan, joined Route 764 till it met B9037 junction then followed the back road to Culross. From Culross joined the 764 route to Kincardine then followed the main road back to Alloa. Mostly smooth cycle paths.
Points to note: Although not the longest or hilliest, this was the cycle I've found most difficult so far. That might be because it was less than a week since the Pedal for Scotland event, but I guess that sometimes there'll be no rhyme nor reason to why I find one day's cycling more difficult than another. I really enjoyed meeting the challenge though; I was so very close to stopping when I was half way up one of the steep hills on the back road to Culross (a gorgeous wee village) so it felt like a big achievement making it to the top. My legs were like jelly and my lungs were on fire! Really lovely to be cycling alongside the railway line and the Forth too.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Great lunch and beer stop in The Red Lion Hotel, Culross. Sits right on the side of the cycle path that we took back from Culross to Alloa on the banks of the Forth. Beer garden's in the car park; we chose to sit indoors..
Video diary: 







Pedal for Scotland Glasgow - Edinburgh  47 miles (75.6km)
Date: 8 September 2013
Route: see here
Points to note:  I absolutely loved this one. My first group cycle, my longest cycle yet, my first fall from the bike and a bit of fundraising all rolled into one (read more about it here)
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: The best cakes were definitely the ones baked by the little ladies in the tent at the Avonbridge stop. Mmmmm, yummy. One of the biggest advantages that cycling has over running is that it's OK to stop and eat cake mid-event...



Stronachlachar - Trossachs Pier  13 miles (20.9km)
Date: 1 September 2013
Route: Took the boat from Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, to Stronachlachar and cycled back on the path. Glorious.
Points to note: I got to drive the Sir Walter Scott boat that takes passengers across Lake Katrine from Trossachs Pier to Stronachlachar!! Our good friend Brian is one of the Boat Masters and we thoroughly enjoyed our VIP treatment during our sailing. The cycle back from Stronachlachar was challenging (it was wet, windy and fairly hilly) but the scenery and wildlife made it all worthwhile (see more about it here)
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Hm, can't choose the best. We loved the bacon rolls in The Pier Cafe at Stronachlachar and we loved our lunch in The Brig O'Turk Tea Room. Both were the best!




Gargunnock - Torbrex - Gargunnock  13 miles (20.9km)
Date: 28 August 13
Route:
Points to note:  Instead of lounging in front of the telly on a Wednesday night, we cycled for our supper! It was my first experience of strong wind on the busy main road; I found it tough but enjoyable all the same.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stopThe Torbrex Inn. This is one of our 'locals' and, as ever, we had a lovely meal washed down with a nice half pint!

Perth - Dunkeld - Perth  42 miles (67.6km)
Date: 25 August 2013
Route: From North Inch Park in Perth followed National Route 77. Took a wrong turn in Pitcairngreen and arrived in Methven before we realised we were heading back the way! Followed the back road from Methven to Moneydie where we re-joined Route 77 to Dunkeld. Didn't take any detours on the way back; straight down Route 77 from Dunkeld to Perth.
Points to note: 1. I loved the hills! 2. Nothing was sore the next day!! 3. Taking a wrong turn on the road didn't spoil the journey; our wee detour was a scenic one but - more importantly - it meant that I broke the 40 mile barrier!!!
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop:  The Taybank Hotel, Dunkeld. A warm welcome, ice cold beer, nice food and good music - all on offer when the rest of Dunkeld had shut for lunch at 2pm (on a sunny Sunday afternoon!!! Come ON Scotland!!)
Video diary:






Round Hyde Park, London  8.5 miles (13.7km)
Date:   12 August 13
Route:
Points to note:  It was my first time on a Barclay's Bike (Read more about it here) and it was a really relaxing way to spend time in London on a Monday morning.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stopThe Serpentine Bar & Kitchen. Really lovely to sit at the head of the Serpentine supping a latte on a sunny Monday morning.

Balloch - Bowling - Balloch  20 miles (32.2km)
Date: 4 August 2013
Route: Joined National Route 7 at the ferry terminal in Balloch and followed the cycle path to Bowling. Took a bit of a detour off the route for lunch in Dumbarton then joined Route 7 again back to Balloch.
Points to note: Nice flat ride. It felt effortless!! (Read more here) A lovely route mostly along flat cycle paths.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: There probably were nicer places to stop for lunch, but we ended up in Frankie and Benny's in Dumbarton. The pizza went down a treat! Best for beer was The Tullie Inn, Balloch. Lounged in the sun in the beer garden at the end of our ride. Just the ticket.
Video diary:




Bridge of Allan - Gargunnock  9 miles (14.5km)
Date: 31 July 13
Route:
Points to note:  It was the first ride on my first road bike (Read more here). Although it was painful, it was another good one for my confidence. Cycling along the main roads on a new bike at 5pm maybe wasn't the most sensible thing to do, but I did it and I don't think I upset too many other road users in the process... Also, loved experiencing the difference between the hybrid and the road bike for the first time; felt like I was cycling through white clouds instead of through black treacle.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop:

Gargunnock - Kippen - Gargunnock  11 miles (
Date: 27 July 13
Route: Took the back track from Gargunnock to our neighbouring village, Kippen.
Points to note: It's a bit of a bumpy ride, with a few little undulations and we had to watch out for the cows in the field before reaching Kippen. Other than that, a nice gentle cycle.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Rhubarb Lime, Kippen

Gargunnock - Bridge of Allan - Gargunnock  20 miles (32.2km)
Date: 21 July 13
Route:
Points to note:  Read more here) It was the first time I'd had the confidence to  cycle on the main road that connects my house to Stirling. And, it was reassuring to know that the buzz that I'd felt when cycling round Arran wasn't a one-off!
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: We took a wee detour on the way home for a nice wee cuppa and biscuit at my mum's. But Jam Jar, Bridge of Allan, wins; nice coffee, delicious French toast and service that came good in the end resulting in a free brunch...

Tour d'Arran! 56 miles (90.1km) over 2 days
Date: 11 - 12 July 2013
Route: Followed the circular road, anti-clockwise, round the island. From Brodick to Blackwaterfoot on first day and from Blackwaterfoot to Brodick on Day 2. Really tough, but really worth every single minute. Glorious.
Points to note: It's the one that got me hooked on cycling. (Read more here) Set off intending to cycle for around 20 miles at most (which would've been a big enough achievement). Ended up cycling for 32 miles round the north of the island on Day One and 24 miles round the south of the island on Day Two. Glorious scenery and glorious sunshine and simply being with Alex all added something special to the experience, but the sense of achievement was the most glorious thing of all.
Beer/munch/coffee/cake stop: Although just a wee take-away place, the Sandwich Station in Lochranza was my favourite lunch stop. Friendly folk, delicious sandwich and perfectly placed bench-with-a-view outside. The Lagg Hotel was best for a beer. Not because the beer was anything special, but the welcome was and I enjoyed hearing stories from Alex about previous beer stops there in years gone by during the Round Arran Relay running event.
Video diary: 











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