Saturday Morning Bike Ride

Today I'm up early to get away early, but just as I'm about to leave I notice a big bulge and a hole in my back tyre. The tyre is kindly replaced by hubby (he's much more adept at such repairs than I!) and I'm on my way at 8am. The plan is to venture further into Ayrshire today but as I need to be back by midday I don't have too much time to waste.

Off up the big hill at the back of Howwood. I'm pleased that despite it being a fortnight since my last decent cycle and the fact that I have eaten a huge amount of cake in that time, I manage up the hill without too much trouble at all. Spring has finally arrived here today - the day is balmy, blue and beautiful! Ben Lomond can be seen faintly in the background of the above photo.

Past Barcraigs. Daffodils are nodding in the forground, trees are reflected perfectly in the still water.

I do like the gate at this entrance to Barcraigs, here's yet another photo of it!

Barcraigs again.

Lambs! They're still a little too far away for a decent photograph though.

Now heading west towards Beith. I like this little clump of daffodils at the side of the road.

Up and over a landrover track heading south into Ayrshire. At this point the view takes me by surprise. Not only can I see Arran but also the Aisla Craig. Unfortunately they're both just a little too distant to photograph well.

It's a much more open landscape here - much flatter, which for me makes for slightly less interesting cycling. Still a great network of quiet roads to explore though.

More daffodils. Two birds on the telegraphs wires. The mountains of Arran in the far distance.

As this area is new to me I need to check the map often. I'm also very conscious of the time and don't linger for many photos. I basically make my way around some of the unclassified roads heading towards Dalry then veer off towards Kilbirnie where I join the cycle-path and zoom home. I'm back for 11:30 so did have time to spare, never mind, there's always next time.

Moo.

Home for a spot of gardening while hubby is out for his boozy lunch date. It actually gets too hot for me! As the leaves aren't yet out on the trees there's not a shady spot to work in. A & I retire to the deckchairs and eat ice lollies while N finishes his nap. A superior effort at tidying the garden will be made tomorrow morning...