Rev Neil Urquhart preparing for his next cycling challenge

Alas, my comfy, comforting lycra cycle shorts may need replaced shortly. They’re starting to look more like a large nappy.

Such is their sag that I may have to take the bull by the handlebars and order another pair.

Since 2013, some mates and myself have annually cycled the Five Ferries Challenge and on July 11, we plan to complete it clockwise, starting with the ferry from Troon to Brodick, Arran. Conveniently there are usually FIVE of us, which allows us to call it the ‘5 Fairies’. 

Across water, hills and mountains we will cover about 90 pedalling miles and 52 paddling miles on the ferries between Troon and Brodick, Lochranza and Claonaig, Tarbert and Portavadie, Collintraive and Rhbodach, and Rothesay and Wemyss Bay, before the final stretch through Largs to Irvine.

And what amazing and remarkable scenery we are able to experience and enjoy! 

It’s no wonder that the 10 commandments (No.2) include a caution not to allow the visible world to stop you seeing through it to its awesome Maker. 

Easily, we exchange the ‘more-than-meets-the-eye’ imminent presence of God for a surface and superficial worship of nature and other created things.

Because I love photography and capturing views, moments and images, I’m prone to being more interested in skin deep ‘surfacing with angles’, when I could be ‘surfing with angels’ in God’s praise.

It’s the difference between treating visible things as icons or idols, using them as windows through which to worship God or walls on which to hang idols.  

Butt back to more earthy thoughts and my ‘MOBIL’ (Men On Bikes In Lycra) team challenge, or now that I’m 63, better described as a ‘FOSIL’ (Fullarton Over Sixties In Lycra).

The gruelling sweaty ascents to the heady heights of Arran and The Kyles of Bute give way to exhilarating fast flying descents. I’m sure saddle sores, aches and pains will be worth it.

I hear you - “On yer bike Neily!”