7/9/09 Day 7 'brutal' day 96 miles ..into Scotland

left Carlisle - nice easy 30mile run through to Dumpfries

We slipped int Scotland underbelly along a small B road after leaving Gretna Green

For the 10 mile run in I was on my own it was drizzling wet & dull but as we approached the border the sun came out

I felt overwhelmed with what we had all achieved is such a short time

My thoughs were about My Mum, My Dad, Brendan, Claire, Colette, Samantha, Emma, I felt a welling up of emotion. As I crossed over the motorawy down to the border I could hardly see for the tears - Tears of joy tears of sadness - the pain in my bum/legs/shoulders just faded. It's a feeling I cannot describe - I write this in haste on a broowed PC after a fantastic meal & a few beers.

The rest of the day was just awesome. Even at Dumpfries at 33mile the sign said 63 miles to Kilmarnock!! But the sun shone & we pulled each other through - even after 80 miles my legs felt good and Tim & I raced home full pelt the last 10 miles

Will write more & put some pictures on when in Invarary after I hopefully get my pc lead back.

These other 26 cyclists & also our 3 DA support team are are fantastic bunch one & all - I have spent time with all these people & they all have their reasons/agenda for being here. Any pain or discomfort we experience means nothing.

Tomorrow is predicted to be wet & stormy...so be it..after Dartmoor..after 41 hours in saddle then we'll take it - hopefully the ferries will run - otherwise it's a long detour around via Glasgow.

Will post more later night night awesome day......

Later...

After a pretty leisurely 30 miles to lunch along the B721 & B 724 via Annan we passed around the Dumfries bypass. A busy road that passed over the river Nith on three occasions within less than a mile as it meandered it towards the sea.
There was an interesting incident in Annan when some bikes were spotted in a café on the other side of the road. I waved, assuming they were the Pros but realised it was another group of cyclists. Tim embarrassingly admitted he assumed the same and was giving them the V sign!! Luckily they’ye were travelling the other way..
The road to Kilmarnock (63 miles said the sign) would run up the Nith valley.
During this slow climb the sun came out & we enjoyed the warmth & light winds.
The lunch spot was very picturesque as we lay in the sun listening to the river close by.
We were told the oldest pub in the world was in the next village of Sanquhar so we went into a world of loud drunk Rab C Nisbet characters (reminded me of the Trades & Labour Club in Corby!). We then found out it wasn’t the oldest pub but the oldest post office in the World 1723 I think it was…. Any way it was worth it for a nice cold pint of McEwans 10 /- and a bit of entertainment!
On & up the valley a few of us cut through Cumnock. We were all weary & grateful of the tea break shortly after.
Along this stretch we met Jerry-the-younger – previously in Tiverton having started his lone LEJOG doing our day 1 & 2 in one day!!. He had been having some adventures including sleeping in a Church without supper as all the B&B’s were booked up. He wrapped himself in some old curtains tp keep warm! He’s planning to nip over to the Ilse of Arran, go around it & then continue north…just for the hell of it! He enjoyed some coffee & cake & was on his way We may meet him later in Invergarry (Wed – this is a bunk house where we have to self cater – The DA boys are doing supper)
In the last 15 miles there was some descent & Tim & I had a second wind – although weary our legs felt strong and we raced back each pushing the other on covering the last 7 miles in 20 minutes! Drenched in sweat the hot deep bath felt fantastic.
With supper >2hrs away once more we feasted on various stodge as well as the necessary carbohydrate replacement…..

96.9m 6h30m at 14.9mph 3158ft climb TOTAL 602.85m