The Ride of the Falling Rain 2019, a 100 mile (162km) or less, ride along the roads of the Isle of Islay, Scotland, will take place on Sunday 4 August, leaving from Debbie's Café in Bruichladdich at 10am (ish) and finishing at the same point several hours later. Basically there are several of us out for an August Sunday ride, and we're inviting you to join us. There are no organised feed stations, no technical backup, no timing or transponders, and no entry fee. We do, however, respectfully recommend that each participant donate £10 to World Bicycle Relief
In previous years, several youngsters rode RoTFR from Debbie's to Ardbeg (under parental supervision), and we're more than happy to encourage this participation. Contact if you need to know more.
The approximate half-way point is at Ardbeg Distillery where you can stuff your faces with the fine fare available at the Old Kiln Cafe. And if you're really good, they may offer a dram of their finest.
we also have on offer the opportunity to participate with a smaller number of riders riding at a comfortable average speed in order to keep a conversational peleton together. This group will not undertake the entire 100 miles, but still visit ardbeg distillery's old kiln café for a half-distance repast and dram. Those who wish to ride at their own (faster) speed and complete the full distance are still more than welcome to do so.
if you're swithering whether or not to join us next year, take a look at trevor ward's excellent write up in the guardian's cycle blog
if you'd like to take a look at the gps info for the 100 mile ride, you can do so here, kindly supplied by bart dereu.
Since August is a busy time on the island, I can't really stress enough how important it is to book your accommodation and ferry travel as far in advance as possible. You can find more information on island accommodation at islayinfo.com and travel via calmac.co.uk
If you prefer to hire a decent bike rather than bring your own, contact jim lutomski at islay cycles
for those who asked about purchasing a debbie's jersey, here's the link to the purchase page on shutt's website. debbie's jersey
