Cycling with a baby: Arran and Islay Cycling Adventure

‘Catastrophic engine failure! The Arran ferry’s cancelled’. All of the precisely planned baby naps, early trains and complex bike logistics had been for nothing: we weren’t going to make it to Islay for 10.30am the next morning. The baby started crying as I tried not to join in.

Read on and learn how Emily against all odds completed her first half-marathon since giving birth all while completing an epic cycle tour with her 10 month old baby Fox in tow.

Like all the best plans it had escalated quickly. I’d been getting back to running after having a baby, and decided that I was ready to run a half-marathon again. There was one on Islay at the beginning of August, but there were no vehicle spaces available on the ferry. Pre-baby, cycling would always have been the obvious solution, but I had barely ridden my bike since giving birth 10 months ago, and had no means of bringing the baby along. If I could make it work though, I could take bikes and a tent on the ferry and cycle from Port Ellen to Bowmore for the race. I started getting carried away: if I was going to be cycling, I might as well take the direct route over Arran the day before, rather than just driving to the ferry terminal.

I knew about Women on Wheels and got in touch with them to see if they might have a trailer I could borrow. Holly and Katherine were very enthusiastic about the plan. They helped get me set up with a trailer and a tiny bike helmet. I took Fox, my baby, out for a test ride- he loved it!

My pals Debs and Bryony had agreed to come with me across Arran as a support crew. We were up at the crack of dawn to get the baby and trailer down from my top floor flat, cycle to Central Station for the train to Ardrossan Harbour, and get the first ferry to Arran. The time was fairly tight to get across to Arran; 3 hours to cycle to Lochranza (with stops for baby feeding); get the ferry over to Clanoig; cycle to Kennacraig; and then catch the last ferry to Islay at 6pm.

A cancelled ferry nearly scuppered it all before it had barely begun. Our only option was to go to Troon for a much later ferry, but we’d be unlikely to get across Arran in time for the Islay ferry. I was slowly coming to terms with the fact that I probably wouldn’t be running the half marathon, but decided that the cycle adventure would be worth it whatever happened.

The ferry crossing was rough: we all got off the ferry feeling queasy. We strapped Fox into his trailer and started to pedal. It was nap-time so I hoped to get as far as possible before he woke up. After cycling for a little while I heard him crying so I pulled over to check on him. The heavy rain had started to leak into the trailer and his sleeve was getting wet. Luckily it was quite a warm day, and the rest of him was dry. I got him out, into waterproof clothes and fed him under the umbrella.

I had a wobble about whether it was better to carry on, or whether we should turn back. However, with all the cancelled ferries it sounded as if we might not get back across to the mainland. I had the tent and sleeping bag with me so we could camp on Arran if needed. My partner Josh was planning to meet us at Clanoig with the van, which would mean a drier night’s sleep and extra reinforcements. Also we’d already cycled almost halfway; and once we’d got to the top of the big hill, we’d been down the other side in minutes. I decided we should carry on. I caught a glimpse of the mum I’m going to be as I got on my bike saying ‘it’s barely even raining’.

Now he was dry and fed, Fox fell asleep again. I found cycling with the trailer easier than expected along the flat, as the weight seemed to help me go faster. The Arran hill was looming just as the wind picked up and the rain was pounding heavier than ever, so we fuelled up on snickers and sweets. Fox was sleeping soundly still, soothed by the motion of the trailer.

I managed to cycle most of the big hill; I just had to get off and push the very steepest bits. We briefly stopped to celebrate at the top but the midges started to swarm so we set off again down the other side. I was quite cautious on the descent as I was nervous of the trailer flying off. My arms were shaking from the tension by the time I got to the bottom. We flew into Lochranza just as the rain started to ease slightly.

The weather drastically improved on the ferry over to Clanoig. We were met by sunshine, Josh, and a mug of hot chocolate. There was even a gentle breeze to keep the midges away. We set up camp with views of rainbows over Arran.

We were up bright and early the next morning to catch the 7am ferry to Islay. I was still sceptical whether I’d actually make it to the half marathon in time, but I’d given in to just enjoying the journey regardless. The canteen was serving breakfast so I filled up on egg rolls just in case.

At Port Ellen I was in luck: there was a bus I could take, while Josh and Fox cycled the 10 miles to Bowmore. It was a relief that I didn’t have to cycle with them.

I was so surprised to have made it to the start line after all the previous day’s challenges that I forgot to be nervous. It wasn’t until about 8km that my body started complaining; I could feel lots of aches and pains in my knees and back. It was telling me loud and clear that I’d had a baby and it wasn’t in quite the same condition as it had been the last half marathon I’d done. Giving birth was great for my mental stamina though, so that really saw me through to the end of the race. Turns out there’s no better motivation for finishing a race than getting to see (and feed) your baby at the end!

That evening we camped on the beach and I celebrated with a swim. I’d thought having a baby would mean I’d have to give up adventures for a few years. But it looks like they might be possible with a baby after all. I’m so grateful to Women on Wheels for setting me up with the trailer, and for supporting me to get out on my bike again.

Feeling inspired by Emily’s fabulous cycle adventure? We are here to support you! If you would like to loan equipment check out our Bike & Equipment Library or if you have any questions about cycle touring or cycling with wee ones drop us an email on families@womenonwheels.org.uk and we’re more than happy to help!