Strathaven to Arrochar
We rode through fields of sheep until we hit Glasgow. At one of the first traffic lights we were looking at the Wahoo for directions when an older gentleman on a bike said hello. Then he told us to ignore the Wahoo and follow him. So we followed him through a park where they had pipes and drummers playing, through city street, along a canal path and then along an old rail line, off the trail through a village, back on the trail to Loch Lomond. It was a beautiful and sunny day and Kris was delightful company. Kris was a retired police officer who loved to ride his bike around Glasgow. It seemed like all of Glasgow was out enjoying the last sunny day of the season. Loch Lomond was beautiful. We said good by to Kris and thanked him for a great day. I was having a hard time keeping up with Kris and later in the day we figured out that my brakes had been partially on all day slowing me down. Ian fixed the brakes and I was back up to my regular speed.
We followed the edge of Loch Lomond until we reached Arrochar. It was difficult to find a room because it was the weekend and the weather was so good. We finally found a room at and Air BnB and ate at a pub in the town. We had to wait at the bar for our table an we met a lovely couple. The lady’s grandfather invented the Flying Scott, a very famous bike. We had a late dinner and crashed.
Police Escort
I can recommend todays route for anyone looking for a good way to get through Glasgow.
Started off cold and a big climb, which means the jackets came off early. Then a for many miles we had mostly downhill runs as we approached Glasgow.
We received a police escort through Glasgow today. When a lot of the downhill was behind us and we started navigating through Glasgow, we rode up alongside an elderly man that was very fit, on a great Trek, and asked us if we were heading to Loch Lomond. We were, and told him. He said, “Follow me, I will take you the best way.” Then we proceeded to navigate the streets and back cycle paths with a pro, it was magnificent. Passed many canals, streets with no lights, he told us this way was more scenic, no turnstiles, and faster. He’s been doing this ride for years and has met a lot of people heading for John O’Groats. His son is also a cyclist, recently finished up a trip along California’s coast. As we talked along the ride he would point out some places of interest, shout for people ahead to make way for bikes, and mentioned he is recovering from throat cancer and a bike accident so won’t be competing this year. We moved along at a quick pace for touring bikes, he was gracious and insisted he’d stay with us since he was in no hurry. This turned out to be one of the best days of the trip.
The place where we entered near the shores of Loch Lomond was a concrete plaza that served as a low-key amusement spot of sorts. There was a 1/4 size train (on rubber wheels) packed with families, inflatable bouncy things, stores & restaurants.
Here we talked some more and after a bit said goodbye to our new friend Steven Matthews.
Then we ate lunch. Talked to a couple of ladies from Scotland. “To catch a dragonfly” tattoo on her arm. Said she always remembers as a child trying to catch them.
Ride along Loch Lomond was rather enjoyable. Bike path most of the way there. Sometimes rough surfaces, but what a fun thing to be able to experience. Ben Lomond was in the distance most of the ride.
Tried to use iPhone to find B&B, cell reception noted 4 bars, but nothing. Rode 200 meters to find better reception and was at the B&B. Locked up the bikes behind the B&B, went to a pub for dinner. Sat at the bar while waiting for a seat. Talked with some local folks, Fiona McChrystal and her husband Ian. Her grandfather invented the Scottish Flyer bike. Sent me a picture of it. Was a good time. After at least an hour was called for our table. Dinner took a few hours all total but a nice evening. B&B is kinda dumpy, but it’s the only available place. Nice weather and the weekend has locals traveling to enjoy the extended summer.
