Day 9. Keswick to Moffat

Miles cycled - 74
Total ascent - 4000ft
Terrain - very hilly morning, then a flatter bit with a slow climb at the end
Weather - beautiful till we crossed into Scotland, where it rained!
Best bit - my welcoming committee
Worst bit - the long slow slog to Moffat

 www.justgiving.com/JanesBigTrip

 

 

Another exciting day for me. David was again cycling the whole route, so good to have a pal around. The route climbs from Keswick to the top of the Caldbeck fells and it's a really nasty series of hills along the dreaded Orthwaite road. As we were nearing the end, we spotted a sign which I later discovered was planted by a friend - the first of a series of similar encouraging notices!

Me with Debbie, Ian, David and hubbie, Bob, at Gretna

At the very welcome brew stop I could see a few extra silhouettes and was chuffed to see a few friends waiting, waving flags and cheering! I was then also joined by Ian and Debbie who cycled with me through to lunch at Gretna. It's great to have such good support and to know so many are following my progress. Bob had also followed us along, and this is where I had to say goodbye for another week.

Really?

 After lunch, we crossed the border into the rain, but it didn't last long and we were soon heading directly north along some of the worst road surfaces I've encountered yet. The Welsh lads have christened it 'Potland'! There were quite a few folk fell victim to punctures - I just lost a brand new back light on a really bad bump.  Then began the slog. It looked quite level, but the road was on a slight but strength-sapping incline which carried on forever. A tiring day, but we're apparently meeting for supper tonight in the narrowest hotel in the world!!