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TLDR: does anyone know anywhere secure I could leave a bike in Oban overnight, picking it up on a Saturday afternoon?
Long version:
I'm thinking of a bike packing trip along the outer Hebrides way (or a variation thereof), but the logistics of getting back to where I started are less than straightforward.
After researching a bit, my most likely looking plan is to drop the bike off in Oban, then drive to Mallaig, stay the night there and get the train to Oban in the morning to get the ferry. Then to get back home I'll get the ferry from Tarbert to Uig, ride to Armdale and get the ferry to Mallaig to collect my car.
Taking the bike on the train might be difficult, it's a fat bike and will be pretty laden with camping stuff. Unfortunately the new ScotRail bike carriages don't go to Mallaig yet. So ideally I'd leave it somewhere in Oban.
Options I'm aware of are MacQueen bros storage, which I've used for a car before but is a bit of a trek from the train station. I saw mention elsewhere of a mechanics called Stoddarts who will store stuff, which is a bit more convenient. Unfortunately both of these are closed at the weekend and ideally I'd be dropping it off on Friday and collecting Saturday.
My only other ideas are asking nicely at a youth hostel or bike shop (offering suitable renumeration), but that might be a long shot.
Cheers
Stab your tyre and envoke the Scotrail "no stranded cyclists" policy.
Oban Sea Kayaks are in the centre of town and have a big shed with plenty of room - might be worth a call?
Mull Building Supplies have a yard and storage facility in Oban and will no doubt happily charge you a fee.
Oban Cycles has a wee shop of George Street. I've no idea if they have any storage? Failing that maybe call a local hotel and see if they'll do you a rate for overnight storage?
I can't help with the storage, my Mum doesn't live in Oban now, but a word on the ferries - I used assume there was no need to book as a foot passenger (even with bike or kayak) but checked a few sailing recently and they were full. So might be worth booking the ferries.
Aye, ferries are circa 20% capacity, pretty much always have to book now.
Have yo got the time to ride back from mallaig? its a really nice ride. You need to get a ferry onto mull then back off it. either kilchoan or lochaline
Hi drop us a line on obancycles1@gmail.com you can store your bike with us in exchange for biscuits or beer!
(From the bike shop!)
@chad1000
Thanks so much! I'll be in touch
Thanks to everyone else as well for your suggestions.
Riding there looks tempting, there's some good route options but I have been vaguely thinking of a trip round that area at some point so might leave it for another time.