Glasgow Adventure

Had a great cycle to Glasgow last week - a round trip of 74 miles. It wasn't without mishap though.  Set of with friend Linda to get 8.20am ferry. Due to weather, told it might not get into Ardrossan so might have to divert to Gourock.  We chanced it and the crossing was fine.  Picked up Glasgow cycle path then came across a path closure, coped with the divertion and picked up the path again. Linda was stopping at Paisley so that left me with another 9 miles till my sister Liz's house. One mile later I got a puncture in the back tyre - I should say by now it was sleeting quite heavily. Bike and me was covered in muck from path so I hoped it was a slow puncture and pumped up tyre. Cycled another mile but no good.  Then I remembered the Quick Release lever was too stiff for me to release to repair. I was by now in the worst part on the track, between Paisley/Glasgow, remote wood, underpass. Not the best. I decided to walk out then thought 'Oh just keep walking' so walked the next 6/7 miles to my sisters house. On the plus side it was still daylight and it was a scenic walk mostly through Pollock Park.  At sisters repaired puncture then cycled back the next day to Arran over Fenick Moor.  Poured the whole way with a strong headwind. This route was in a worse state than the previous day, due to the bad weather, and I was sure I would get another puncture, but no.  Had a great cycle and I thoroughly enjoyed it - felt fit and strong. Maybe my training is paying off at last.  Ferry sailed OK and when I got home put on new tyres that I have bought for America Schwalbe Marathon Supreme 700x32. They get a good write up so time will tell. All good practice and experience

Two Late Additions

We have another two cyclists joining us. Johnathon Min from New York, and Dee Griffin from San Diego. So we are now eleven plus two leaders.  Dave and Sean ( two leaders ) are bombarding us with loads of useful information clothing, tyres, equipment, training.  You name it, they are there with a wealth of experience and knowledge.  There is so much to think of and prepare when you are going away for 2 months, loads of little things - like who will have birthdays when I am away, buy present and wrap. Feel I have most of my equipment now - just to get sleeping bag and mat - but I know what I want.  We will be experiencing temps from freezing to 100.F