... a lot of people have asked why such a zig zag route? Well don't bother asking, I drew the route and I can't remember why. Maybe I was drunk? Another possible reason was to miss the hills. No. I think I've been over every hill in Britain.
So a quick recap of the last couple of days:
Day 5 - Avid blog readers will remember I put a glum Ed on the train in Lancaster (after nabbing his bike lock, inner tube and pannier cover). All because he didn't like a bit of rain.
Setting off for the lakes, I soon realised this was going to be a fair bit tougher. My spirits were raised when having a break a cyclist stopped to ask if he could help... I wasn't alone!
Kirk-thingy pass in the lake district is one of the steepest hills I've been up, but sensational. Certainly the most dramatic road I've been on in England. Coming down the ortherside was clearly even better. With the help of sat nav (katie directing me on the mobile) I finally found Eds uncles cottage, an amazing location overlooking ullswater. Walked to pub 2 miles up the road, to have venison and gruyere lasagna. Yum! I forget the name of the delicious local pint, but I wrote it down... somewhere.
Slept like a log (as always) in chilly cottage.
92 miles for the day. Most days have been a fair bit longer than expected.
Day 6 - set off at 6. Couldn't find proper breakfast, ended up in Morrisons Carlisle supermarket eating their 'famous' big breakfast. Famously _ _ _ _ ?
Sad to leave lake district so soon, but still brilliant scenery. 125 miles into a STRONG headwind was tough. Throw in a few mountains for fun.
I certainly can't complain about the weather up to that point, and reaching Scotland was incredibly satisfying, "I've cycle the length of England!". I think I took a silly route to Edinburgh, taking in all the hills but the roads were excellent, smooth and quiet. It's surprising what a difference a smooth road makes.
Arrived at Andys flat in Edinburgh after about 10 hours on the bike - yes I was slow, did I mention the wind? Fed and wined to Andys usual exceptional standards (roast black-faced lamb - I think?). And breakfast was laid out for my departure!
My finger hurts from typing, better get another beer.
Day 7 - coming out of Edinburgh was ok, but I've got used to quieter roads and polite drivers (my usual commute will be scary). Well 99% of drivers are considerate, excuse me as I go off on a tangent... on day 3, Ed and I were cycling side by side talking about important stuff (like the virtues of radio 4) on an empty, wide road when a car sped past way too close hooting at us. Well I gave him a cheery wave and smile. Car screaches to a halt in the side of the road. Small man gets out. Small man rushes to the boot. Small man opens boot. Small man produces a golf driver. We pass small man. Small man waves club at us swearing... I decide not to wave at anyone else.
Back to day 7 - was reminded of our university bike rides to south queensferry, and wobbling home... no pubs this time but got pictures of forth bridge (it is magnificent).
Grangemouth was gloomy, as was weather. But stumbled across the best cafe ever in Stirling for a cracking 2nd breakfast. Will post a link at a later date, it really is not to be missed! Set me up perfectly for the day.
Although it rained all day the wind had changed. Happy chappy!
Such a nice ride, took it easy, long lunch (homemade pie, tea, shortbread) at the 'golden larches'. Immediate puncture after lunch (pothole disguised as puddle) couldn't dampen the spirits.
(I know some readers will be interested so I will try to blog about tyre strategy later, think I made the right decision not going for the 'harsher ride'!).
Glencoe is spectacular even in the poring rain (once you're wet, you're wet). Hostel is very good, local pub was also good.
121 miles for the day. 800ish gone 200ish to go. Boom!
Bedtime.
Sorry to waffle, I hope some of my typing is comprehensible... Thank you all for the amazing support, more about that tomorrow, I need to catch some zzz
jolly good post!
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