This was the view that greeted us when we opened the tent door, not too disappointing egh?
Everyone was up bright eyed and bushy tailed, there was a definite relaxed feeling this morning after meeting up with friends and family. After riding for a day with us Malc wanted to stay and finish the rest of the route, but he wasn't able to as he had committed to watering his neighbours plants while they were away. while we were getting ready to go Pammy was showing Malc the benefits of a working bike over one of those thin lightweight thoroughbred racer types, the finer points like wide tyre so you can ride over over tiny stones without getting a puncture, A rack so you can carry things on it and above all mudguards to keep your bum dry, as you can see below Malc was taking it all very seriously.
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| "it would never win a race its even got mudguards" |
We lined up for the largest team picture we had said our goodbyes to Pammy and Malc and we were heading north. The next time we would see our support crew we would be over the border in the country of Scotland.
The first 25 miles were hard riding continually up and down small hills it was very
difficult to settle into a rhythm This was the view when we stopped off for a break
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| "Three Wise Monkeys" |
We rode through a large estate that had a lot of well maintained lawns
unfortunately we lost its name,
Around 25 miles we finished climbing with the reward of 10 miles of gentle hills but mostly descending. We followed national cycle route 7 until we were riding parallel to the M6
for once we were not going to be surprised as we approached a border. a few miles up the road and we arrived at the border of England & Scotland
These were taken across the road at the Old Toll Bar "The first and last house" in Scotland
Then 500 yards up the road who could resist stopping for a photo at Gretna.
Soon we were crossing the river Annan
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| The rail bridge over the rover Annan |
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| one of the many cycle route markers |
After crossing the river we only had to ride 3 miles to Queensferry campsite unfortunately not paying attention we took a wrong turn and we made it into 6 miles to the caravan site.
When we arrived at Queensberry Bay caravan park we had the whole site to ourselves, the view of the Bay was stunning unfortunately we don't have any pictures of the river.
Andy and Beaky we not very happy when they found out the showers cost a £1, previously they had paid 20p and as much as 50p but a whole quid was a ridiculous, Lynn explained "you have to see the shower rooms it worth it a quid" Andy and Beaky went off for a shower pound in pocket, still mumbling "a quid for a shower", when they opened the shower block door they were greeted with an area to to sit and relax on leather sofas, piped radio music, 5 huge shower cubicles each 10 foot by 10 foot everything was provided except the towel, the shower head was an 18 inch circular copper disc suspended above you and provided you with masses of hot water.
After a long ride the only thing you want is a good hot shower and good food,
We had both that evening.
This place is on Lynn's "must call again list"
As we rode across the border into Scotland Andy was thinking of the many hours, days and months that had gone into planning and revising the route to get us this far.
Andy would like to say thanks to Liam Hill and Malc White, both serious cyclist of achievement and both gave technical info and support freely and both spent time checking over our route and elevation.
Thanks Guys.
Route and Profile
Garmin Ride Data
Strava Ride Data
Distance 64.1 Miles
Elevation 2792 feet
Riding time 6:01:13
Total distance 600.06 miles
Total elevation 43775 feet
Total Riding time 67 hours 00 minutes
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