Day 1: Brodick to Oban with Carol. 76 miles Elevation 4880 ft

Well what a wet start to our first day.  Torrential rain for most of the morning only going off when we had completed 47 miles, about 11.20am.
Met Carol in Brodick at 6.40am and headed north for the Claonaig ferry. The wind was kind and blew us up the Boguille, thank goodness, as by the time we reached Lochranza we were drookit. Core was dry and warm but feet and hands were cold and wet. However we were in good spirits and the forecast said the rain should go off by the afternoon.  We met two guys from the Dunfermline area who were cycling the Five Ferries, with huge rucksacks on their backs, struggling a bit with the conditions.  Luckily the tail wind was still with us and we made good time, stopping rarely.  We did stop in Tarbert briefly and the local roadsweeper thought it hilarious that we were cycling to Oban in the rain.  Told us to go into the local charity shop and get free mudguards, also to wear a skip cap, keep rain off our face, also informed us that there was a lot of hills on our route, surprise, surprise !! The scenery is just stunning in this part of the world and we were treated to wonderful views and lochs. After 47 miles, at Kilmartin, we stopped for lunch but found our hands had lost power, not numb, just couldn't function so we couldn't unclip our helmets.   We thought we would have to ask some motorbike guys to help but eventually Carol managed to remove both helmets.   After a long, most welcome lunch we found the rain had gone off and it was actually quite warm.  Now we hit some challenging climbs but as always Arran prepares you for this.  The remaining 8 Belles were travelling by car/campervan to Oban and passed us shouting and waving.  The road was fine traffic wise, no issues at all, not too busy, not too many lorries and all were considerate and gave us space.  Eventually we reached the Backpackers Plus Hostel in Oban and met the girls.  Hostel is great and we are all ensconced in our rooms.  Linda/Jillian/Flo are in camper van luxury at the campsite and we will meet up shortly for dinner, 7.30pm. Must say I am ready for it.  Tomorrow is another early start, ferry at 7.15am from Oban to Barra, 7 hours but the forecast is warm and sunny.  Joy of joys !!!
P.S. If you read this Kim, we are all routing for you, onwards and upwards xxxx