Western Isles MH and bike tour (1 Viewer)

[DavidG58]

We love the western isles, but this years trip didn't do it for us, a number of reasons, but I had said 'that's it were have done these islands now, never again'

Only been back for just over a week, had a massive change of heart and come up with this plan

Cycle the Hebridean Way, top to bottom or bottom to top, or maybe even both

Various ideas went through our head in first few hours of thinking, one funster suggested camping and he meant I think real carry it yourself tents

Then thought about parking at top or bottom in MH and cycling down and back or up and down, but then remembered this would involve hotel nights, (the tent really will not happen ) checked for a hotel we once used in Benbecula and another on Lewis, now remember our MH is parked at a maximum of 130 miles away at any point of the trip and a lot less for most of it, so the northern in me (lived here for 35 years but think I have always been a northerner at heart) said no way am I paying that much to sleep when I have nearly as good, possibly better parked so close

So …….

We now have a new plan

this could be open for a few to join us but maybe not too many as we might make Sally traffic for road hold ups

We are going to work out a route that allows us to do around 15 miles each way from a camp site where our MH will be parked, so a 30 mile or so loop each day, we can go 15 miles south and back one day then 15 miles north and back north the next, then drive around 30 miles north and do same again

Not done the maths or even checked the maps carefully yet, but I reckon about 6 sites and 12 days should do it nicely

Next May possibly, but this brings in a recurring sadness, we know that there is no way Lola could cope with this many miles a day, a bike trailer may actually still be an option , but more likely that by then 11 1/2 years she will have walked her last walk with us , so the trip may just get delayed until such time as we don't have to make such hard decisions

But already it would seem like our entire younger family might be taking part , both daughters with husbands, eldest with Yvonne their MH, youngest daughter in tent, grandsons will be 2, 2 and 4 by then, plus Charlie the 7 year old Pointer and Kevin the 3 year old beagle, it should be fun

Some interesting winter planning to come

 

[monzer]

Sounds great. Packing a whole lot in to a relatively short space of time, just the way it should be.

Enjoy!

 

[scotjimland]

We have also discussed this, and while we would love to do the whole route, came to the same conclusion..

Plan several base camps and day trips out ..

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[DavidG58]

so planning commences, day 1 or last day depending on the north to south or south to north options

not sure if this mileage includes the ferry journey as well, it looks more miles than I thought maybe OK for day 1, not day 12

 

[namwaldog]

David & Bev,
A couple of links to give you some thought in your planning....

https://www.hebshuttle.co.uk/bike-transfer/

https://www.cne-siar.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/public-transport/bus-services/lewis/

 

[funflair]

I kept scrolling back up as I read it thinking "this can't be Davids thread" but every time I looked it was, enjoy but forget putting Lola in a trailer and you have already sensibly forgotten the tent idea.

Martin

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[Debs]

I kept scrolling back up as I read it thinking "this can't be Davids thread" but every time I looked it was, enjoy but forget putting Lola in a trailer and you have already sensibly forgotten the tent idea.

Martin

not just me then

still, @DavidG58 gives you plenty of time to get some practice in..... I love the idea in theory though

 

[DavidG58]

I kept scrolling back up as I read it thinking "this can't be Davids thread" but every time I looked it was, enjoy but forget putting Lola in a trailer and you have already sensibly forgotten the tent idea.

Martin

not just me then

still, @DavidG58 gives you plenty of time to get some practice in..... I love the idea in theory though

many thanks both

the thread will also involve purchasing a heavy duty electric road bike, or apparently a Hybrid as my youngest said I 'need'

30 mile range on electrics a must

 

[Debs]

many thanks both

the tread will also involve purchasing a heavy duty electric road bike, or apparently a Hybrid as my youngest said I 'need'

30 mile range on electrics a must

Ah....here's me thinking you were going to be all lycra'd up are you sure you're not better buying a Griffmobile Piaggio 3 wheel jobby?

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[lorger]

David Lorraine phoned me the other day to day she just watched the programme about cycling the Hebridian way and said she's like to do it.
We did the outer Hebrides for her 40th and she will be 50 next April so might do this for her birthday

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Could be fun David, sounds like you have a plan.....
But we wouldn’t do it.
We saw quite a few people out on pushbikes , proper ones too, not the electric might as well be on a moped ones
We also saw a two sets of blokes on tandems. Complete with stereo and music to keep them going
Infact we heard them before we saw them !

I Imagine on lovely nice flat roads and long sunny days , peddling along it’d be bliss.
But not wanting to be a Debby downer , how would you cope with those very strong winds , belting rain or biting midges that we know can be just one of those things that happen on some visits.

 

[DavidG58]

@Ralph-n-Bev

now then Debby Downer you could also become my other Debby , although my other Debby I like to think of as a Debbie

The only real 'hill' is on Harris and it is only up hill on one side

Wind is good, provided it is behind

Belting rain and midges can never occur together

part of the plan is that the MH will provide refuge for bad days, we can take a duvet day if needed, several even

but in May the conditions are always perfect

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[hilldweller]

With your luck.

Day 1: puncture.
Day 2: puncture, realise left patch at d1 place.
Day 3: chain snaps.
.
.
.

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Yes a windy behind ( oooer missus) is better than a sideways or head on blast.
But weren’t you saying that the dreaded midges had evolved and you’d had them even in the wind , rain and on the beach last week ?
I think if you do it. Be prepared . Get yourself
https://www.military1st.co.uk/07630...PP812Fn3-VrrMhWg6EV__yE536K3UePhoCq2EQAvD_BwE
To wear over your cycling Lycra !

 

[DavidG58]

Not really my colour Bev / Ralph / Debby

and not at all sure about the pinny bit in the middle

do yours have that feature

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[Jenben]

What a brilliant idea, I don’t think the midges will be a problem as you will be pedalling so quickly they won’t stand a chance.

 

[Ralph-n-Bev]

Not really my colour Bev / Ralph / Debby

View attachment 257551

and not at all sure about the pinny bit in the middle

do yours have that feature

Yes it ( pocket ) comes in handy for your sandwiches

 

[Brendan]

Ah....here's me thinking you were going to be all lycra'd up

Have you been at the gin again?

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[Debs]

Could be fun David, sounds like you have a plan.....
But we wouldn’t do it.
We saw quite a few people out on pushbikes , proper ones too, not the electric might as well be on a moped ones
We also saw a two sets of blokes on tandems. Complete with stereo and music to keep them going
Infact we heard them before we saw them !

I Imagine on lovely nice flat roads and long sunny days , peddling along it’d be bliss.
But not wanting to be a Debby downer , how would you cope with those very strong winds , belting rain or biting midges that we know can be just one of those things that happen on some visits.

Have you been at the gin again?

Hardly and as I said, I love the idea, I just didn't think lycra was something I'd ever see David in go on @DavidG58 you'll prove me wrong now and go for it big time under the hunter brown mosquito suit won't you

 

[Anthea M]

@Ralph-n-Bev

now then Debby Downer you could also become my other Debby , although my other Debby I like to think of as a Debbie

The only real 'hill' is on Harris and it is only up hill on one side

Wind is good, provided it is behind

Belting rain and midges can never occur together

part of the plan is that the MH will provide refuge for bad days, we can take a duvet day if needed, several even

but in May the conditions are always perfect

Doesn't sound like a holiday to me!!
#justsaying