ARRAN BELLES CYCLE THE OUTER HEBRIDES July 2017

Saturday 29 July 2017

Article in the Arran Banner dated Saturday, 29th July

On July 4th Ten Arran Belles travelled to the Outer Hebrides to cycle from Castlebay, Barra to Stornoway, Lewis staying in Hostels, Bunkhouses and even a Tractor Shed along the way. On a beautiful, calm morning the 7 hour ferry trip from Oban to Barra, calling in at Coll and Tiree, passed very quickly. A quick 8 mile cycle through Barra took us to our next ferry onto Eriskay then South Uist for our first night stop. On Eriskay we detoured to the bar’ SS Politician’ of Whisky Galore fame where we were shown a bottle of whisky from the sunken ship. The next day we headed North through the Uists and Benbecula stopping at the birthplace monument of Flora MacDonald, a bleak remote spot but so full of atmosphere. With rain arriving it was with relief we reached ‘The Tractor Shed”, North Uist our second night’s accommodation to be welcomed by our host, the very laid back Duncan. The old tractor shed has been converted into kitchen/living room/bunkroom with other turf covered huts outside, very cosy, very comfortable but very different. After drying off, nice dinner and a good nights sleep the Belles rose to a lovely day to continue their journey to Tarbert, South Harris via the Berneray/Leverburgh ferry. Turning west on Harris we were treated to the stunning beaches of Scarasta, Seilebost and Luskentyre overlooking Taransay. Now we were thankful for the tailwind that we had enjoyed since the start as the route became more hilly with a lunar like landscape. After another hostel overnight at the brilliant Backpackers in Tarbert rain had returned for our last day but undeterred the Belles set out to tackle the Harris Hills between North Harris and the Isle of Lewis. Cross winds blew Sue and Fiona D. across the road so with regret we cancelled the planned detour to the Callinish Standing Stones . We passed the monument commemorating Bonnie Prince Charlie travelling through in 1745 finally arriving ‘a bit drookit’ in Stornoway. This was a first cycle tour for most of the Arran Belles, full of doubts and concerns about their fitness but they coped with determination and motivation surprising themselves with their ability. Well deserved medals were presented to Isla Murchie, Sue Archer, Fiona Leslie, Fiona Douglas, Fiona Carswell, Toni MacKenzie, Carol Vella Boyle, Linda Johnston, Jillian Plenderleith, Wee Flo and Janice Small who all agreed the Outer Hebrides had been a truly wonderful experience, a place of isolation, haunting beauty, antiquities, dazzling beaches, turquoise seas, sea lochs and dramatic hills. A place to return to.

Sunday 9 July 2017

July 8th : The Last Dinner, Cafe Bar, Royal Hotel, Stornoway.

All smelling sweetly and spruced up the Belles headed out by taxi into Stornoway for our last Outer Hebrides dinner. We were all in good spirits relieved that our trip had gone without mishap and everyone had coped so well. After an excellent dinner Janice thanked everyone for making the trip so special and having the courage to sign up for it, especially when most had no cycling touring experience. Thanks also to Linda, Jillian, Flo and Cilla 2 for anticipating our every need. Outer Hebrides Medals were then presented to everyone, Seonaid (Janice), Maili ( Linda ), Peigi ( Jillian ), Tearlach (Carol ), Sine (Fiona C), Mairi (Fiona L ), Ile ( Isla ), MacCoinnich ( Toni ), Darach ( Fiona D ), Siusaidh (Sue), Floraidh ( Flo ). What a team !!!

Footnote:
I would just like to mention what a fantastic group of ladies tackled the Outer Hebrides. For most it was there first touring experience, cycling every day for longer mileage. Some were anxious, unsure what to expect, would they be fit enough or hold everyone back. What about the Outer Hebridean weather ? Each and everyone was magnificent, I felt quite emotional and proud looking round the table at ladies who had never tackled anything like this before, who had the courage to put aside their misgivings and say 'yes'. The weather was mixed, thankfully always with a tailwind but each day the ladies started cycling without a grumble (?) Special mention must go to Linda, Jillian and Flo in Cilla2 who were such a reassuring presence and fed us when the going got tough. Thank you ladies. Will the Belles ride away again, I'd like to think so !!!

Fiona D., Toni, Sue, Fiona C., Isla

Fiona L.

Carol

Fiona D

Toni

Sue

Isla

Jillian and Linda

Janice

Outer Hebrides Medal

Flo

Outer Hebrides Belles

Saturday 8 July 2017

Mair Photos Saturday, 8th July

Sue Above Tarbert

Leaving Tarbert

Ever Smiling Carol

A Photo of Isla Taking a Photo

Puncture Plenderleith !!!

The Charming Artist, Debbie

Harris

Harris....Isla

Can We Do It ?

Squeeze In !!!

A Record....9 Belles in a Phonebox !!!

July 8th: Tarbert to Stornoway: 37.6 miles, 2542.7 ft Wet with Tail and Cross Winds.

What a brilliant Hostel the Backpackers is, in Tarbert. Again we were in 2 x 4 rooms on the top floor. Very cosy with plenty of room, slept like a log. Well stocked free kitchen for general use. After a hearty breakfast the Belles were on the road by 9.50am. This morning's problems: Sue and Fiona L's bikes had been making strange noises so after a general check and lube they were good to go, the bikes that is not Sue and Fiona L. Fiona D's saddle bag/rack for some unknown reason just wouldn't attach to the bikes seat post, put it in Cilla 2. Linda/Jillian/Flo picked up our bags, poor souls they had spent the night in a car park. Toni decided she had had enough and with hills looming elected to help Linda/Jillian/Flo in Cilla 2. Unfortunately after yesterday's lovely day the rain was back on so it was decided not to detour to Callinish standing stones but head straight for Stornoway. Immediately we tackled a very steep hill but thank goodness for a fantastic, strong tailwind . The Belles coped well, seasoned cyclists now, going at their own pace to the top. The road wound round a glen and suddenly we experienced strong crosswinds blowing us out into the middle of the road, so hard to hold course. Both Fiona D and Sue couldn't fight it anymore and found themselves pushed across the road and onto the opposite verge. Very frightening, but fortunately no passing cars. Todays, scenery quoting Sue was 'wild, rugged and remote' but ' brooding, unforgiving, challenging, dramatic' to quote Carol, Toni, and Isla. Why don't we come back in the summer, `I hear the cry !!! Suddenly up ahead the girls had stopped, dreaded feeling, a mechanical, but no just a puncture from guess who ??? Puncture Plenderleith !!!. As Cilla 2 was just down the road Jillian blew up her tyre and pressed on. Linda now cycled. Next crisis, our lunch stop, at Balallan was closed, we could use the toilets in the village hall. !!!! Linda and I discussed menu's in Cilla 2 but no, good news there was another craft tearoom further on. Good stuff or so I thought !! The tearoom could only seat four but Debbie was very welcoming producing seats for most. She quickly made us teas, coffees, scones, muffins and flapjack. Tiny little craft shop showing Debbie's paintings, very talented. Wonderful. And the rain became heavier and the wind ( Tail ) stronger so it was reluctantly we continued our journey, heats down , get it done. The traffic became heavier with a lot of spray but apart from that it was a easy run to Laxdale Campsite where again we were in 2 X 4 bunkhouses. More of a spiracle tonight with showers/toilets outside requiring keys. Another shower crisis: when I was showering Carol moved the bikes across the door of my shower, another cry for help, help, fortunately just by chance Fiona L was passing and I was released. Now showered, teaed and coffeed we are sitting in a warm lounge watching Wimbledon. Our last dinner tonight in Stornoway, I will miss these gals. More to follow !