HELP???????!!!! Rib not crossing on Race Day……
I’ve only just discovered that the Islay (to Jura) Sea Safari Passenger “Rib” Ferry that has been sailing from Tayvallich to Craighouse on a regular basis in the past has lost its subsidy from the “Scottish Government” and consequently the service has now reverted to Private Charters. The good news is that there are indeed some crossings on the Thursday & Sunday of this year’s Jura Race weekend, no doubt booked by clued up Runners & their associates – BUT, as yet there is NO sailing on the Saturday (early am) to cater for Last Minute arrivals, which 3 of us (and no doubt quite a few more who don’t know as yet) will be this year….
So, if there any folk out there who were hoping to take the Rib early’ish on Sat am, in time to do the race, please do get in touch and let’s see if we can arrange a crossing. I spoke to the Ferry Master last night (Nicol Mackinnon) who confirmed that it would be possible to arrange a crossing/s – currently the cost working on capacity of 12 passengers is £22.50 a head (each way), not a bad deal at all and I know it is superb experience crossing by Rib into Craighouse – really a great way to arrive!
So if you would like to sort out a collective booking for the Saturday am, please PM me via the Forum or better still drop me an email at [email protected]
Plus – there is an initiative to restore the subsidy to the “Rib” Ferry Service, which has been a real success, providing a good (quick!) alternative to the Cal-Mac route – you can help in the process by visiting and contributing to the Survey and thereby support reinstatement via http://www.jurapassengerferry.com/ ……..please take the time to do this.
Thanks
Andy
Apparently also known as……..
Miss Muddy Paws Dad....
Not clever & often stupid..
Andy - I'm going up early as usual but really sorry to hear this - I hope you manage to get something sorted out and I see you there.
Something else re ferries that not everyone might know - Port Ellen pier is out of use this year, it shouldn't affect too many people as most go direct to Port Askaig but if anyones planning a few days on Islay first it makes a difference - the good news is that as far as I can tell the Sunday morning ferry that normally leaves Port Ellen is now going from Port Askaig, so anyone wanting an early return on the Sunday will find it easier than getting up very early and riding like mad down the length of Islay.
Mark
Cheers Mark,
Hopefully we will make it in time - it's perhaps just about possible to take the early (7am) Saturday CalMac Kennacraig Ferry, then peddle like crazy to get to the start line in time.....and/or cadge a lift, or hop on the Jura Bus........watch this space!
See you there....one way or another:thumbup:!
Miss Muddy Paws Dad....
Not clever & often stupid..
For the state of fast rib crossings to Craighouse, please check the website www.jurafellrace.org.uk where you will always find the latest information I have. Some more was added this morning. Hope lots of people take advantage of this as the guys running the boats are very keen for them to be used.
anyone got any tips or stuff to watch out for nav-wise on this?
First time for me and not going to get a chance to recce ...
If in doubt follow a Pennines vest!
There is usually a pretty good summary of some of the key points put up on a notice in registration from the day before - in bad weather the nav is interesting to say the least and there are a couple of places where getting it a bit wrong can put you in places you really, really, do not want to be, so its worth taking some care over it, even in good weather as some direct lines would be dangerous and another would cross a SSSI. - But there is plenty of guidance/tips on the notice.
One potential issue is water - there usually isn't much at all after the start of the climb of the first Pap until the col after the last one. There are a couple of places where you can top up if you know where to look/can find them, but not many.
You might also want to consider what you will do on the road - some leave road shoes there to change in to after coming off the hill, lots leave drinks/gels there as well to get them through the last bit!
Have a good trip, see you in the crowd.