Ebike pathway to heaven proposal 1st draft

hech

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 29, 2011
352
27
argyll
Hi, seeing as it is another slow day on the forum I thought I might seize the opportunity of slinging a few ideas out there to see what you might think. The scheme centres around a small loch of zero importance in the north-west of Scotland, just another wee jaggy bit in the rather long jaggedy edge of this fairly empty and remote part of the UK.

P1012355-green-resized.jpg

P1012364-resized.jpg


It has come to pass that the powers that be, our local community council, have ordained that the old and rickety “Jubilee Bridge”(the red squiggle on the map orientated in a NNE-SSW general direction) shall be scheduled for repair and maintenance this summer, funds permitting. This glorious bridge which was constructed by the Army Corps of Engineers in the fifties and the original greenheart oak, from which it is construed, is showing signs of weariness. It spans the muddy duck infested tidal flats and the rather scenic Loch Laich (with castle) and provides very convenient access for the regular drunks(self) and assorted OAP's between the frantic,thrusting villageopolis of Portnacroish to the north and the road to Port Appin(where the pub is) in the south.
Now credit be to credit due the village council has already got the old path on either side of the bridge not only widened but tarmac'd with money raised themselves. The bridge itself remains rickety but soon maybe we'll get to that. What I would like to see is the old pathways (highlighted in red-on the map) re-established with a fine new gravel surfaced low-way, 3 foot wide, tide and storm surge resistant and fit for the 21st century carriage of local gentry, citizens, crofters, OAP's and of course e-bikers! Whoever's still with me out there believe me now when I say that this part of the world could be an ebike paradise second only to bzbythewindstalker (sic) videos(see ES) and those Red Bull downhill-mountain -biking-goatee-bearded trekkers of the Alps!
All we need is your money or considered advice of course. Some call it “the pathway to the future”, others, the long pathway home, either way feel free to contribute, money or advice to hech@contributionisliberation.com.

Capture-portnacroish map-002.jpg

Yup, more seriously though, your thoughts would be appreciated for local cycle-path funding possibilities. This all took me a couple of hours to put together and I know that I like seeing other's bike builds, favourite routes etc, hope u do 2, so thankyou for your considered attention. Hech.
 

hech

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 29, 2011
352
27
argyll
Yup and by the way the first pic looks west from bridge, the second north to Portnacroish from bridge. As you know of course, Portnacroish is the original centre of the universe!
 

Old_Dave

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 15, 2012
1,211
2
Dumfries & Galloway
Stunning photos hech... I think that's a haggis in photo 1 hiding in the grass waiting for its prey


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Scimitar

Esteemed Pedelecer
Jul 31, 2010
1,772
40
Ireland
Looking at the map, I see Loch Kishorn way to the NNW of you. I didn't know the old oil rig manufacturing base had left a legacy there.
 

103Alex1

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 29, 2012
2,228
67
Incredibly beautiful. Really.

You could do some local fundraising by inviting sponsorship for riding your Bighit unpowered to the pub and back ;)

Seriously though there must be some grant funding opportunities out there - do you have any idea what the works are likely to cost ?
 

hech

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 29, 2011
352
27
argyll
Stunning photos hech... I think that's a haggis in photo 1 hiding in the grass waiting for its prey


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Yes, LOL Dave but I think you know that is no haggis but rather is in fact a cunningly disguised sasanach trap.
 

funkylyn

Esteemed Pedelecer
Feb 22, 2011
3,172
27
South Shields, Tyne & Wear
It is certainly very beautiful up there, that bridge looks pretty safe to me, but how about volunteers to do the work ?
After all it seems to be mainly to your pub visiting advantages.......;)

OR......how about all the local businesses contributing as they would benefit with the extra flow of scenery hungry e-cyclists.....well, any cyclists/walkers actually, attracted by the huge publicity you can generate when the paths are finished and there as an extra attraction to the area.

Lynda :)
 

hech

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 29, 2011
352
27
argyll
Incredibly beautiful. Really.

You could do some local fundraising by inviting sponsorship for riding your Bighit unpowered to the pub and back ;)

Seriously though there must be some grant funding opportunities out there - do you have any idea what the works are likely to cost ?
Why thankyou Alex, I might try that one day. To be honest the job has not been costed or even fully agreed as yet. We need to encourage tourism around here and the best way to do that is by providing better facilities and activities. It is a particularly beautiful part of the coast and by putting down tracks and pathways the coast can be better accessed. I know funds are occasionally directed at this kind of improvement, i just cannot recall from whom. Sustrans is obviously the first port of call but I would appreciate any other possible lines of enquiry.
 

Old_Dave

Esteemed Pedelecer
Sep 15, 2012
1,211
2
Dumfries & Galloway
I bagsie first dibs on the pedalo franchise (cunning plan to convert them to hoveralos) :)
 

hech

Esteemed Pedelecer
Oct 29, 2011
352
27
argyll
Cheers Linda, the bridge doesn't seem too bad but I dunno about dangerous - a chap got struck by lightning on the middle of it a week or two ago, particularly horrible and unfortunate - we hardly ever get thunder storms up here. It will be replaced though and with oak, which is expensive.
 

GaRRy

Esteemed Pedelecer
May 18, 2012
1,019
3
Tamworth
Might be worth talking to disability organisations/charities as obviously what you are proposing would be wheelchair/mobility scooter etc freindly as well so they may be interested in investing.