Thursday 16 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 28 Wick – John O’Groats 17.61 miles 16.6.2011 Total Mileage 1085.6
Well, here goes. Our last cycling day and not many miles to go.
But first we want to dedicate this last day on the bike to all the members of our families. Lionel’s parents Philip and Violet who were keen cyclists, who met at a cycle club and also cycled on a tandem on their holidays. My parents, Jacques and Joke and had one of those bikes where you back pedalled when braking. And especially to our son Nick, who has been following our journey via the blog from Malta, where he is working at present. We have been thinking of you all and thank you for your messages.
Started off early from Wick and although it didn’t rain, it was really cold and very damp. On reaching JOG it started to rain. After a coffee, had our verification papers stamped for the last time, which now has to be send off. We then headed for that famous sign and had a few pictures taken.
Now that it is all over, how do we feel?... Very happy to have finished as we are tired and some joints are a bit achy from the dampness. We feel emotional, just a little, but also proud that no matter your age the spirit of a challenge has no boundaries. Why did we do it? Well, because it was there and we are fortunate enough to be able still to cycle together. We have also cycled for those, who can’t any more and we have met quite a number en route. They tell us about their cycling days, we listen and then they wish us well on our way.
Thank you all who followed and encouraged us, but in the end cycling Lejog is not really a big deal.
Well, here goes. Our last cycling day and not many miles to go.
But first we want to dedicate this last day on the bike to all the members of our families. Lionel’s parents Philip and Violet who were keen cyclists, who met at a cycle club and also cycled on a tandem on their holidays. My parents, Jacques and Joke and had one of those bikes where you back pedalled when braking. And especially to our son Nick, who has been following our journey via the blog from Malta, where he is working at present. We have been thinking of you all and thank you for your messages.
Started off early from Wick and although it didn’t rain, it was really cold and very damp. On reaching JOG it started to rain. After a coffee, had our verification papers stamped for the last time, which now has to be send off. We then headed for that famous sign and had a few pictures taken.
Now that it is all over, how do we feel?... Very happy to have finished as we are tired and some joints are a bit achy from the dampness. We feel emotional, just a little, but also proud that no matter your age the spirit of a challenge has no boundaries. Why did we do it? Well, because it was there and we are fortunate enough to be able still to cycle together. We have also cycled for those, who can’t any more and we have met quite a number en route. They tell us about their cycling days, we listen and then they wish us well on our way.
Thank you all who followed and encouraged us, but in the end cycling Lejog is not really a big deal.
Wednesday 15 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 27 Helmsdale - Wick 36 miles 15.6.2011
We first drove early in the morning to Helmsdale. Parked the van at the station then set off on the bike from Helmsdale in very good weather. The first 5 miles was just climbing up on winding hills. Long dragging hills. At Berriedale we had a very long descent, followed by climbing yet again and this time it was a corkscrew hill. The reward of all this are the stunning views you get. It is just awesome. From Berriedale the terrain became flatter and we progressed well. At Laidha Croft Museum we stopped for refreshments and met up with fellow cyclists. All the time now we overtake or are overtaken by endtoenders. All follow the same path and greetings like: “See you there”, “Not long now”, “See you at the top” are common expressions for reaching that same goal.
We passed Lybster and are surprised to see so many derelict buildings and houses, very sad but I suppose if there is not much work, then there won’t be folk living here. We reached Wick early afternoon and then had to go back by train to Helmsdale to pick up the van. The train ride was something else..out of this world..never seen such desolate surroundings, where herd of deers were roaming and not a person to be seen. That was a real treat. The train first had to go to Thurso, than back and continue over the moors back to Helmsdale. Big day tomorrow!
We first drove early in the morning to Helmsdale. Parked the van at the station then set off on the bike from Helmsdale in very good weather. The first 5 miles was just climbing up on winding hills. Long dragging hills. At Berriedale we had a very long descent, followed by climbing yet again and this time it was a corkscrew hill. The reward of all this are the stunning views you get. It is just awesome. From Berriedale the terrain became flatter and we progressed well. At Laidha Croft Museum we stopped for refreshments and met up with fellow cyclists. All the time now we overtake or are overtaken by endtoenders. All follow the same path and greetings like: “See you there”, “Not long now”, “See you at the top” are common expressions for reaching that same goal.
We passed Lybster and are surprised to see so many derelict buildings and houses, very sad but I suppose if there is not much work, then there won’t be folk living here. We reached Wick early afternoon and then had to go back by train to Helmsdale to pick up the van. The train ride was something else..out of this world..never seen such desolate surroundings, where herd of deers were roaming and not a person to be seen. That was a real treat. The train first had to go to Thurso, than back and continue over the moors back to Helmsdale. Big day tomorrow!
Tuesday 14 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 26 Tain – Helmsdale 36.40 miles 14.6.2011
Whereas yesterday was a bad day, today has been wonderful. Started off from Tain in sunshine, wind mostly in the back on the A9 all the way to Helmsdale. Crossed the Dornoch Firth where the wind was really blowing from the side. Carried on and had our first stop in the lovely village of Golspie and where we had our verification papers stamped at the local post office. They are quite used to that and always wish the cyclists good luck, which is very kind of them. Brora is also very nice and when we reached Helmsdale we had our sandwich lunch overlooking their harbour. Cycling on the A9 is really do-able while the road winds and rolls up and down alongside the North Sea. We saw many seals basking on the beach in places. It is a beautiful ride and the scenery is quite stunning. Not to be missed. Took the train back to Tain.
Whereas yesterday was a bad day, today has been wonderful. Started off from Tain in sunshine, wind mostly in the back on the A9 all the way to Helmsdale. Crossed the Dornoch Firth where the wind was really blowing from the side. Carried on and had our first stop in the lovely village of Golspie and where we had our verification papers stamped at the local post office. They are quite used to that and always wish the cyclists good luck, which is very kind of them. Brora is also very nice and when we reached Helmsdale we had our sandwich lunch overlooking their harbour. Cycling on the A9 is really do-able while the road winds and rolls up and down alongside the North Sea. We saw many seals basking on the beach in places. It is a beautiful ride and the scenery is quite stunning. Not to be missed. Took the train back to Tain.
Monday 13 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 25 Inverness – Tain 35.83 miles 13.6.2011
Today has been the worst of all cycling days. What should have been one of the best –as it had been recommended to us back in 2004 – turned out to be a day of relentless rain, merciless car drivers, who even when we were on a cycle path, splashed us with more water, but... we also came across great kindness.
From Tain the train to Inverness. We then started off for just a short while on the A9 to get out of Inverness, we then turned to the NCN no.1 past Drumsmittal, Killen and on to Cromarty to use the Cromarty-Nigg Ferry. This is part of the North Sea Cycle Route and would have been absolutely fantastic. On the ferry, It was very choppy and it felt like an Atlantic crossing. They take 2 cars and quite number of cyclists/footpassengers and once on the ferry the cars are then turned round on a turntable. A Dutchman and his wife were quite shaken when this happened...never seen anything like it! Just before we went on the ferry we had soup lunch in a very welcoming place, who took all our wet gear and dried it as far as time allowed in the kitchen near the stove! We find folk very kind here in Scotland, so that made our day, although we soon were drenched again. Never mind....it’s all part of this run. From the other side of Cromarty we took the Nigg Road, via Arabella then a short while on the A9 to Tain. Hope the weather is kind tomorrow. If all goes well to plan, then Friday is going to be J.O.G. day! We are a bit limited and governed by trains. We could easily cycle the rest in 2 days but that makes a mess of the rail plans.
Today has been the worst of all cycling days. What should have been one of the best –as it had been recommended to us back in 2004 – turned out to be a day of relentless rain, merciless car drivers, who even when we were on a cycle path, splashed us with more water, but... we also came across great kindness.
From Tain the train to Inverness. We then started off for just a short while on the A9 to get out of Inverness, we then turned to the NCN no.1 past Drumsmittal, Killen and on to Cromarty to use the Cromarty-Nigg Ferry. This is part of the North Sea Cycle Route and would have been absolutely fantastic. On the ferry, It was very choppy and it felt like an Atlantic crossing. They take 2 cars and quite number of cyclists/footpassengers and once on the ferry the cars are then turned round on a turntable. A Dutchman and his wife were quite shaken when this happened...never seen anything like it! Just before we went on the ferry we had soup lunch in a very welcoming place, who took all our wet gear and dried it as far as time allowed in the kitchen near the stove! We find folk very kind here in Scotland, so that made our day, although we soon were drenched again. Never mind....it’s all part of this run. From the other side of Cromarty we took the Nigg Road, via Arabella then a short while on the A9 to Tain. Hope the weather is kind tomorrow. If all goes well to plan, then Friday is going to be J.O.G. day! We are a bit limited and governed by trains. We could easily cycle the rest in 2 days but that makes a mess of the rail plans.
Saturday 11 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 24 Invermoriston – Inverness 31.75 miles 11.6.2011
Lovely ride with quite a bit of climbing to Inverness alongside Loch Ness. Passed the ruin of Urquhart Castle, which is a busy tourist attraction. Many coaches here. At Drumnadrochit we stopped for refreshments and found this lovely village very charming. Could live here, very friendly people too. We carried on to Inverness all the time on the A82. Yes it is busy but being Saturday do-able. You have to constantly look in your back mirror and we both have one. Most End-to-Enders use this route. There was also a race on so it is well used by riders. Good day. Tomorrow we drive to a campsite in Tain and have the rest of the day off.
Lovely ride with quite a bit of climbing to Inverness alongside Loch Ness. Passed the ruin of Urquhart Castle, which is a busy tourist attraction. Many coaches here. At Drumnadrochit we stopped for refreshments and found this lovely village very charming. Could live here, very friendly people too. We carried on to Inverness all the time on the A82. Yes it is busy but being Saturday do-able. You have to constantly look in your back mirror and we both have one. Most End-to-Enders use this route. There was also a race on so it is well used by riders. Good day. Tomorrow we drive to a campsite in Tain and have the rest of the day off.
Friday 10 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 23 Fort William – Invermoriston 38.85 miles, 10.6.2011
The first thing we did was to leave early in the morning to drive to Fort William. Parked the van in the station car park and collected the bike from the storage cupboard. From Fort William onto the A830 and turn right on to the B8004. This is a single track road up to Clunes and turned out to be one of the nicest routes of the whole end to end. It was wonderful, cycling on a road weaving in and out, up and down, being overlooked by Ben Nevis on our right, looking down into the valley and this is all part of the Great Glen Way. At Clunes the road became a track into Clunes Forest alongside Loch Lochy. Although the countryside was stunning, the track is not good for hands and knees. Too many bumps and at the end of the day you know it. So we went back on the A82 at Laggan Locks, cycling past Loch Onich. At the Bridge of Oich we considered to cycle on the canal towpath along the Caledonian Canal but again the track was disappointing. A youngster may love it on a mountain bike, I don’t. At Fort Augustus – The Gateway to Loch Ness – we decided to stay on the A82 to Invermoriston where we are camping, overlooking Loch Ness and it is a beautiful position they have given us. We keep looking for that monster!
We kept meeting people along the way, on a tandem, on single bikes and walkers, passing on information and it is nice to meet folk with whom we share the outdoors.
After we arrived at the Loch Ness Caravan Park in Invermoriston we left the bike at the campsite; took the bus to Fort William, picket up the van and drove back to Invermoriston. Pff..
The first thing we did was to leave early in the morning to drive to Fort William. Parked the van in the station car park and collected the bike from the storage cupboard. From Fort William onto the A830 and turn right on to the B8004. This is a single track road up to Clunes and turned out to be one of the nicest routes of the whole end to end. It was wonderful, cycling on a road weaving in and out, up and down, being overlooked by Ben Nevis on our right, looking down into the valley and this is all part of the Great Glen Way. At Clunes the road became a track into Clunes Forest alongside Loch Lochy. Although the countryside was stunning, the track is not good for hands and knees. Too many bumps and at the end of the day you know it. So we went back on the A82 at Laggan Locks, cycling past Loch Onich. At the Bridge of Oich we considered to cycle on the canal towpath along the Caledonian Canal but again the track was disappointing. A youngster may love it on a mountain bike, I don’t. At Fort Augustus – The Gateway to Loch Ness – we decided to stay on the A82 to Invermoriston where we are camping, overlooking Loch Ness and it is a beautiful position they have given us. We keep looking for that monster!
We kept meeting people along the way, on a tandem, on single bikes and walkers, passing on information and it is nice to meet folk with whom we share the outdoors.
After we arrived at the Loch Ness Caravan Park in Invermoriston we left the bike at the campsite; took the bus to Fort William, picket up the van and drove back to Invermoriston. Pff..
Thursday 9 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 22 Connel – Fort William 38.22 miles 9.6.011
We have been looking forward to the cycling along Loch Linnhe to Fort William. Leaving Connel we soon found a cycle path alongside the A828, but this path hasn’t quite finished, which was a pity as the A828 is busy and narrow. At Appin we stopped for refreshments and found a wealth of information about its history. In the early 14th century the MacDougall clan built a small fort where Castle Stalker now stands. It looks quite beautiful as a ruin on a small island. We carried on, the sun began to shine and life looked even better. At Ballachulish we went on the A82, busy and narrow, but we had to. Beautiful countryside with the lochs on our left until we reached Fort William. We stopped for lunch and had a wonderful lunch of Seafood Chowder and in the afternoon we had a walk through town. We were able to leave the bike at Fort William station in a storage cupboard. We then took the bus back to Connel.
We have been looking forward to the cycling along Loch Linnhe to Fort William. Leaving Connel we soon found a cycle path alongside the A828, but this path hasn’t quite finished, which was a pity as the A828 is busy and narrow. At Appin we stopped for refreshments and found a wealth of information about its history. In the early 14th century the MacDougall clan built a small fort where Castle Stalker now stands. It looks quite beautiful as a ruin on a small island. We carried on, the sun began to shine and life looked even better. At Ballachulish we went on the A82, busy and narrow, but we had to. Beautiful countryside with the lochs on our left until we reached Fort William. We stopped for lunch and had a wonderful lunch of Seafood Chowder and in the afternoon we had a walk through town. We were able to leave the bike at Fort William station in a storage cupboard. We then took the bus back to Connel.
Wednesday 8 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 21 Ardlui – Connel 44.40 miles 8.6.2011
It has been a mixed day. Took the train from Connel to Ardlui and true to his word our ticket officer was no problem at all. He greeted us with a big wave and smile. Eureka!
Started off with pouring rain from Ardlui on the A82. Waited for a while but it was no good so we got on with it. When we reached Crianlarich we stopped for lunch at a roadside hotel for a soup lunch and they were very kind to allow us to dry our raingear in their drying room. When finished lunch our clothes were dry! What a service. We then carried on in dry weather going on the A85 and we had a good ride all the way to Bridge of Awe, passing Dalmally and Lochawe. The countryside took our breath away, it is so beautiful. On to Tainuilt and there the heavens opened again all the way to Connel. Cycling past the lochs is quite an experience, at times you can almost touch the water, wonderful.
It has been a mixed day. Took the train from Connel to Ardlui and true to his word our ticket officer was no problem at all. He greeted us with a big wave and smile. Eureka!
Started off with pouring rain from Ardlui on the A82. Waited for a while but it was no good so we got on with it. When we reached Crianlarich we stopped for lunch at a roadside hotel for a soup lunch and they were very kind to allow us to dry our raingear in their drying room. When finished lunch our clothes were dry! What a service. We then carried on in dry weather going on the A85 and we had a good ride all the way to Bridge of Awe, passing Dalmally and Lochawe. The countryside took our breath away, it is so beautiful. On to Tainuilt and there the heavens opened again all the way to Connel. Cycling past the lochs is quite an experience, at times you can almost touch the water, wonderful.
Tuesday 7 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 20 Gourock/Helensburgh – Ardlui 26.77 miles 7.6.2011
Drove to Ardlui, then a train back to Helensburgh Upper Station, then cycled back to Ardlui.
We have to record the following story just to record the silliness of some staff at ScotsRail. When we waited for the train at Ardlui to take us back to Helensburgh we were met with such unbelievable bureaucracy. When the train stopped and we were about to get on the train with the bike, an agitated ticket officer came towards us waving his arms and saying: ‘No way, will I let you on my train’. Why not, we asked….because I don’t allow tandems….but our tandem has been split in half and is actually smaller then 2 bikes. No, I still won’t let you board this train. I pleaded with the man and pleaded, saying, that the whole structure of our plans would collapse in front of us. In the end he said, that we could get on. Once seated he kept arguing, that this was a one-off. I froze, as the day after we needed to come to Ardlui again. He then went off and after quite some time he emerged with a leaflet. See, he said, look… it says no tandems. But, it is not a tandem anymore, it is in 2 halves, taking less room than 2 bikes, I said. He went off again and when he came back his facial expressions were different. He was going to take another look at the bike he said. (Bikes hang up on a hook in the cycle department). When he came back, he made the statement that in actual fact, it was quite a small tandem and in 2 halves as well. I then enquired for the next day as we needed that train again. He told us to make sure we would book the train and a reservation for 2 bikes. That made sense. We had won, but how stressful that was. Other passengers on the train made the suggestion to put the bike in a box so he couldn’t see what was inside. We gathered that he had been speaking to a superior, who told him not to be silly. In the end of all this we shook hands and everyone was happy. Pfffff… What a nightmare. Once on the road, we cycled all the way on a cycle path from Helensburgh on the A818 to Arden, then on the A82 alongside Loch Lomond and the scenery was stunning. As it had rained hard during the night all the different scents were very present, wild garlic, pine and others we couldn’t define. At Tarbet the cycle path stopped, so we carried on the A82 on the road, which wasn’t too bad. Then the rain came down and we were drenched even through our rainproofs, but..that was the first time since Land’s End so we can’t complain. The countryside is really beautiful, but everyone knows that of course. So it was a good day and we feel, that the end of the tunnel is slowly coming into sight. Drove the van to our CL in Connel.
Drove to Ardlui, then a train back to Helensburgh Upper Station, then cycled back to Ardlui.
We have to record the following story just to record the silliness of some staff at ScotsRail. When we waited for the train at Ardlui to take us back to Helensburgh we were met with such unbelievable bureaucracy. When the train stopped and we were about to get on the train with the bike, an agitated ticket officer came towards us waving his arms and saying: ‘No way, will I let you on my train’. Why not, we asked….because I don’t allow tandems….but our tandem has been split in half and is actually smaller then 2 bikes. No, I still won’t let you board this train. I pleaded with the man and pleaded, saying, that the whole structure of our plans would collapse in front of us. In the end he said, that we could get on. Once seated he kept arguing, that this was a one-off. I froze, as the day after we needed to come to Ardlui again. He then went off and after quite some time he emerged with a leaflet. See, he said, look… it says no tandems. But, it is not a tandem anymore, it is in 2 halves, taking less room than 2 bikes, I said. He went off again and when he came back his facial expressions were different. He was going to take another look at the bike he said. (Bikes hang up on a hook in the cycle department). When he came back, he made the statement that in actual fact, it was quite a small tandem and in 2 halves as well. I then enquired for the next day as we needed that train again. He told us to make sure we would book the train and a reservation for 2 bikes. That made sense. We had won, but how stressful that was. Other passengers on the train made the suggestion to put the bike in a box so he couldn’t see what was inside. We gathered that he had been speaking to a superior, who told him not to be silly. In the end of all this we shook hands and everyone was happy. Pfffff… What a nightmare. Once on the road, we cycled all the way on a cycle path from Helensburgh on the A818 to Arden, then on the A82 alongside Loch Lomond and the scenery was stunning. As it had rained hard during the night all the different scents were very present, wild garlic, pine and others we couldn’t define. At Tarbet the cycle path stopped, so we carried on the A82 on the road, which wasn’t too bad. Then the rain came down and we were drenched even through our rainproofs, but..that was the first time since Land’s End so we can’t complain. The countryside is really beautiful, but everyone knows that of course. So it was a good day and we feel, that the end of the tunnel is slowly coming into sight. Drove the van to our CL in Connel.
Monday 6 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 19 Largs – Gourock 16.15 miles 6.6.2011
Again not many miles, but we also had to cycle back to Largs. No train to take us directly back to Largs, unless via Glasgow and that would take 4+hours. It is a juggle sorting out trains etc. But we are getting there. From Gourock there is a ferry service to Helensburgh – our next starting point – but the ferry is for passengers only so we have to drive via the Erskine Bridge to our next point
The cycling today has been lovely past the Firth of Clyde, Wemyss Bay on to the A770 to Gourock. We had to call at a bike shop as Lionel had lost his allen key and one of the nuts which holds the stay to back mudguard we lost. Then on the way back we had a puncture! Front tyre. We had purchased new tyres – Marathon plus – but they were not at fault. It’s the guy at Pedal Revolution, Norwich who, when putting on the new tyre – completely twisted the inner tube inside. We weren’t pleased! Time wasting. But we got over that. Met other cyclists on the way who were very impressed with the bike and wanted to know all about it. They were heading back to Edinburgh.
CYCLING DAY 18 Kilwinning – Largs 16.03 miles 5.6.2011
Not many miles, but we had much to do today. First drive to Kilwinning, then cycle to Largs. Train back to Kilwinning, shopping and then take the van to Largs. Sounds complicated? Not really. Had a lovely ride along the firth of Clyde, not much traffic.
Again not many miles, but we also had to cycle back to Largs. No train to take us directly back to Largs, unless via Glasgow and that would take 4+hours. It is a juggle sorting out trains etc. But we are getting there. From Gourock there is a ferry service to Helensburgh – our next starting point – but the ferry is for passengers only so we have to drive via the Erskine Bridge to our next point
The cycling today has been lovely past the Firth of Clyde, Wemyss Bay on to the A770 to Gourock. We had to call at a bike shop as Lionel had lost his allen key and one of the nuts which holds the stay to back mudguard we lost. Then on the way back we had a puncture! Front tyre. We had purchased new tyres – Marathon plus – but they were not at fault. It’s the guy at Pedal Revolution, Norwich who, when putting on the new tyre – completely twisted the inner tube inside. We weren’t pleased! Time wasting. But we got over that. Met other cyclists on the way who were very impressed with the bike and wanted to know all about it. They were heading back to Edinburgh.
CYCLING DAY 18 Kilwinning – Largs 16.03 miles 5.6.2011
Not many miles, but we had much to do today. First drive to Kilwinning, then cycle to Largs. Train back to Kilwinning, shopping and then take the van to Largs. Sounds complicated? Not really. Had a lovely ride along the firth of Clyde, not much traffic.
Saturday 4 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 17 Sanquhar – Kilwinning 43.95 miles, 4.6.2011
Early start at 8 today. We discussed beforehand to stay on the A76 right from Sanquhar to Kilmarnock or take a more inland route. As it was early and a Saturday we choose the first option and were glad we did. We had one of the most marvellous ride, not much traffic, hilly but with tactical riding it was great. We made good progress. We took a break at Mauchline for coffee and when we reached Kilmarnock we turned left on the A71 for Irvine, then took the A737 for Kilwinning. Our average was 13.1 and our max.36.9. Hmm.. you might say, that is fast and yes it is, but it was perfectly do-able. Back at base, we are now going to have our dinner.
Early start at 8 today. We discussed beforehand to stay on the A76 right from Sanquhar to Kilmarnock or take a more inland route. As it was early and a Saturday we choose the first option and were glad we did. We had one of the most marvellous ride, not much traffic, hilly but with tactical riding it was great. We made good progress. We took a break at Mauchline for coffee and when we reached Kilmarnock we turned left on the A71 for Irvine, then took the A737 for Kilwinning. Our average was 13.1 and our max.36.9. Hmm.. you might say, that is fast and yes it is, but it was perfectly do-able. Back at base, we are now going to have our dinner.
Friday 3 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 16 Dumfries – Sanquhar, 39.84 miles 3.6.2011
Had a good cycling day, nice weather in fantastic countryside. How beautiful Scotland is, really stunning. We started cycling quite late, 10 o’cl. Had to cycle a few miles on the A76 from Dumfries. We turned left at Burnhead on a By-road. Stopped at Penpoint for refreshments, turned right on A702 and left on the by-road again passing Drumlanrig castle, beautiful looking place. We carried on all along this route with a river on our right, sometimes quite forestry, other times just a few dotted houses along the way. To cycle on the A76 would be shorter but a bit dangerous on a Friday., but most riders do use the A76. We have met some interesting folk the last couple of days. Yesterday we came across a back-up campervan for 2 riders doing Lejog in 4 days! That means – as they use the shortest route – 220 miles per day. They were cycling for the Marie Curie Cancer Trust. This morning we met a young woman who will be cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia next year. At the farm/campsite we are staying are another 2 riders. Mum and Dad are their back-ups with a van. I think we are doing it the difficult way but we like it.
Not a high mileage today, but I felt quite tired to start with, but ok now.
Had a good cycling day, nice weather in fantastic countryside. How beautiful Scotland is, really stunning. We started cycling quite late, 10 o’cl. Had to cycle a few miles on the A76 from Dumfries. We turned left at Burnhead on a By-road. Stopped at Penpoint for refreshments, turned right on A702 and left on the by-road again passing Drumlanrig castle, beautiful looking place. We carried on all along this route with a river on our right, sometimes quite forestry, other times just a few dotted houses along the way. To cycle on the A76 would be shorter but a bit dangerous on a Friday., but most riders do use the A76. We have met some interesting folk the last couple of days. Yesterday we came across a back-up campervan for 2 riders doing Lejog in 4 days! That means – as they use the shortest route – 220 miles per day. They were cycling for the Marie Curie Cancer Trust. This morning we met a young woman who will be cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia next year. At the farm/campsite we are staying are another 2 riders. Mum and Dad are their back-ups with a van. I think we are doing it the difficult way but we like it.
Not a high mileage today, but I felt quite tired to start with, but ok now.
Wednesday 1 June 2011
CYCLING DAY 15 Carlisle – Dumfries, 53.19miles 1.6.2011
The mileage between Carlisle and Dumfries is actually less, but we had to cycle to and from the station to the campsite, which was an extra 10 miles.
When in Carlisle, which is also called the Great Border City, we found it hard to get on the right track, but there were some nice guys who helped us out. Once going we found ourselves on the NCN no.7, which actually goes all the way to Inverness. Nice selected route. The wind however was a very strong westerly and at times in the open area, hard work. From Carlisle to Rockcliffe, Gretna Green, on to the 721 to Annan, which looked a very poor town, on to the 724 to Ruthwell where we had a pub lunch. They really know how to make a good soup! We stayed on the 724, then A75 into Dumfries. Just caught the train in time back to Carlisle. Tomorrow we move the van to a campsite near Sanquhar. Wished to have made a different choice, but everyone is full.
The mileage between Carlisle and Dumfries is actually less, but we had to cycle to and from the station to the campsite, which was an extra 10 miles.
When in Carlisle, which is also called the Great Border City, we found it hard to get on the right track, but there were some nice guys who helped us out. Once going we found ourselves on the NCN no.7, which actually goes all the way to Inverness. Nice selected route. The wind however was a very strong westerly and at times in the open area, hard work. From Carlisle to Rockcliffe, Gretna Green, on to the 721 to Annan, which looked a very poor town, on to the 724 to Ruthwell where we had a pub lunch. They really know how to make a good soup! We stayed on the 724, then A75 into Dumfries. Just caught the train in time back to Carlisle. Tomorrow we move the van to a campsite near Sanquhar. Wished to have made a different choice, but everyone is full.
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