"On yer bike"

In an earlier blog, John has reported that there wouldn't be a blog this  week as a number of Meanderthals were holidaying in Scotland, staying in Largs on the Firth of Clyde.

However, Mike, Jim D, Martin, Anthony and Mike's wife, Kath, (She became an Associate Meanderthal for the day) ventured across the waters of the Firth of Clyde to the tiny island of Great Cumbrae with the purpose of hiring bikes to cycle the eleven miles round the island, starting from the only town on the island, Millport.

We hired the bikes from a hire shop in Millport called, 'On yer bike'. The friendly and helpful owner told us he has over 1,000 bikes of all types available for hire. (I think most of them were in his shop!). The island is known as 'Bikers Island' and in the summer months it resembles the 'Wacky Races'!

The height profile of our ride

The CalMac ferry arriving at Largs to take us on the ten minute sail across to the island

Arriving at the slipway on the island where we caught the local bus into Millport

Jim and Mike discussing their strategy.

Arriving at the only 'eating place' at Fintry Bay on the west of the island. 

The view across the Firth of Clyde

What's this! Are the Royal Navy keeping an eye on us?

Ay up! They've even sent a sub to watch us!

A memorial to those who gave their lives in the two World Wars. 

Back in Millport and a visit to the Cathedral of The Isles....The smallest cathedral in Britain.

-*-

Whilst our superfit pedal pushers braved the perils of the sea to visit Cumbrae Island and circle it by bike John R and John W  stayed on the mainland. 
John W went to investigate the historic presence of Vikings in the area 

 No ! Not that one.

 Not this one either.

 Could be this one.

 This one looks more friendly.

 Oh No ! He's only gone and signed up for the next Maraud !