Scotish beauty day 4
Out on my road bike this time.
The working week has now started. What difference did that make to the traffic and my impression of Scotish drivers? It’s was good so far.
Well there were more drivers, but the consideration continues. The drivers here, with a couple of exceptions, are prepared to wait, then overtake wide. No rush to squeeze past. Most of the day was spent on roads with a sixty mph limit. Which here means fast, flowing, mostly well surfaced, roads with little traffic and as I’ve said good drivers.
It was chilly as I sorted the bike out this morning. Didn’t stop the midges swarming around me though. In the few minutes it took to get going I’d been attacked multiple times. Although I didn’t notice until I got home and saw the little bites.
The first half was into a headwind, but because the roads are so fast I reached Ayr quickly. Just like Saturday the lack of junctions, mostly well surfaced roads and their rolling nature has me revising how long it takes to get anywhere. My first impression was of faded splender. I can see it must have been impressive in it’s prime. Not so much now. I was looking for a cafe for a coffee. It was only 09:15 so maybe a little early. I rode on along the Esplanade which lead to a cycle path with good views out to sea.
And Greenan Castle perched on the edge.
The path ended a short time later.
Riding along the coast road it got hillier, heading south meant less headwind.
It was soon time to change direction and benifit from a tailwind. Approaching midday I was looking for food with more intent. I had brought some with me, but they were just snackes. One issue with sparse areas is a lack of cafes. Eventually I came into Kirkmichael. A community cafe was serving basic fare, the coffee tasted great. I had to make up my own meal option, the menu not having a specific vegan option. No big deal, what I had was tasty. If you are passing through I’d suggest you stop. I didn’t see another place to eat for a long time. There were still some climbs to complete but nothing that slowed me much. And the roads, as I mentioned, were flowing. My average speed remained pretty good, even though I once again stopped to take pics.
A final lesson from today: you rarely need sunscreen when you visit Scotland. It’s insect repelant that is more important. I’ll apply to all exposed skin tomorrow.
For an idea about the roads in these parts; here is a video. Enjoy!!