Borders (not the bookshop)

I was very fortunate yesterday to cycle past Palace Cycles in Carlisle. I needed the front derailleur looking at so took the bike in and not only did they do that but the main man drew me a map of how to get to Gretna without tangling with the dreaded A74. This route is completely unsigned and takes you through an industrial estate and past the tip to emerge by the backdoor into Scotland.

Took on or two photies and continued up the B7076 which is the old A74 now made redundant by the motorway. There is virtually no traffic on what was the main road into Scotland going from the border to Glasgow for 100 miles. So initially I thought "whoopee" I can put in a huge day, not having to think about navigation. However there is nothing on this road for mile after mile... talk about bleak. In 50 miles I went past about 2 hotels and zero petrol stations. Boredom set in in a big way, which means you have nothing to do but concentrate on your aches and pains (of which I have plenty).

I was starting to get a bit nervous about where I may stay tonight so provisionally booked a B&B Lesmahagow (thought he was the lead singer in The Bay City Rollers) after 75 miles or so, but after 60 miles I went past The Abington Hotel and decided that would do me. I could have gone further but had no idea where I might get an evening meal in Lesmahagow.

Emergency food stock:

Irn Bru x 2 (good for hangovers and other emergencies) Flapjack x 2.5 Custard creams x 2 (courtesy of hotel) Shortbreads x 2 (courtesy of hotel) Jelly babies.... large bag

Best moment of the day: a dutch car pulling alongside and the driver returning my hat which had come off the rack a mile or two back.

Song of the day: Wheels of Steel, Saxon

Comments

[jevon@hubbleberry.com]

Great work mate. watching in awe...
J.