Average speed: 13.7mph
Max. Speed: 34.25mph
Time in saddle: 6hr 22min
Total distance: 710 mileS
Soreness rating of nether region: 8 out of 10 ( too much time in the saddle )
Lost in Wales - Found in Scotland.
For those who have been following my blog know that I lost my cycling
gloves a few days ago in Wales and was covinced a old lady was now using them as gardening gloves. Well, as you can probably guess by the title, they have returned and just in time. They had been hiding in my rain coat pocket which I haven't needed to use for a few days. First day in Scotland and out with the raincoat, thus my gloves were found, a little damp and smelly, but ok. There is no truth in the rumour that my bottom lip had a bit of wobble when I lost them!
So, today was a long one, with 85 to be done. First 25 miles was fairly straight forward and dry. After our first stop, the clouds were lack and we were entering tne Scottish Borders.
A choice was given to us, either use the A74 which followed the M74 to Motherwell, or take in the scenic detour, which would mean an additional 15 miles and a 5 mile hill. Choice was made, go for the tough one, flat roads are boring.
Once decision was made, the rain came in and delivered us with an early soaking.
A tractor which was cutting hedges nearly took me out, always a silver lining, it was Renault, not got one of those yet!
Spotted a field full of small cows, all looking perfectly form. My exciteme t overtook me and pointed it out to everyone, at which point it was explained to me they were in fact Goats. It was suggested an animal lesson from my kids would help me not look a fool again.
Speaking of which their sheep look scary and not like sheep at all. Was their a genetic experiment that wrong that we have't been told about?
Stopped for lunch at around 45 miles with just another 40 to go! All pretty straight forward really. The one good thing about climbing a big hill is tnat ypu have to coe dow the other side wnich was great in the rain.
Straight through Hamilton, see no redeeming features of that town to hang around, so straight into Motherwell.
In scottish words, I had a wee problem with a roundabout, which when exiting, I found myself in the middle lane of carriageway. Peda' hard was the only solution. Once I took refuge on the grass verge, I turned round to see another group of cyclists following me like lemmings. Oh what fun, lucky the Scottish drivers saw the funny side. NOT !
Finally into the country park where tea and cakes were ready for us. Well deserved I say.
Another 80+ day tomorrow, so refuel tonight.
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