Island hopping, thigh pumping cycling challenge 5 -9 Jul.

Ferries, causeways, tailwinds, great hospitality, phenomenal beaches and damn fine craic from start to finish.

It all kicked off in Appin at 11am and 70 minutes later Keith Carmichael, Steven Groom and I were queuing for the ferry to Barra. Donald Carmichael our support vehicle driver was already there, he beat us and not even out of breath! We resumed cycling in Barra aka Barrabados due to its mighty fine beaches. Starting at Castlebay cycling north to the ferry terminal then to the world famous airport and back to Castlebay for the night. Next day a tailwind took us from Eriskay to Lochmaddy in an exhilarating 2 hours 35 minutes leaving us plenty of time to savour the joys of the North Uist Outdoor Centre (NOT GOOD!!!). Day 3, 3 islands later (North Uist, Harris and Skye) we spent the night in Portree. Day 4 to Mallaig and day 5 back to Appin via Locheil and the Coran ferry. Luskintyre Beach, Barra Cockles, the Tailwind through Uist and the general banter throughout were the key highlights for me. This should be an annual trip!!!