Well the guys have survived another day on schedule. They left at 7am and arrived in Abington at 4.30pm. The earliest arrival yet – and it gave them time for a bit of well needed evening relaxation.
A tough start to the morning with an immediate ascent of the Kirkstone pass. A very beautiful, as can be seen from the many pictures, but steep climb up to the top. The guys were rewarded with a great run down the other side of course. My car journey on the same route was not without its excitement either. Only though that I didn’t get any petrol before I left and forgot until it was too late that petrol stations can we few and far between in these remote places. My prayers were answered however when I came upon a little independent ‘we serve you’ petrol place. I was going to fill up anyway as without support these sorts of places will disappear but I was delighted to see that the price was very reasonable.
Bob had told the guys that the tea places would now be few and far between and they were very happy then to come across the Greystoke Cycle café (www.greystokecyclecafe.co.uk). What a find. Annie there couldn’t have been more helpful and anyone visiting the area should be aware of the ‘quirky workshops and creative days’ to be held there in 2007. The setting is idyllic and you will receive a very warm welcome.
Unfortunately Geoff broke the loo (something to do with his Thai curry the night before?) during their visit which reminds me to mention their bottoms. Bob has a blister (ouch) and although it is not oft mentioned in company I know they’re all suffering big time with down below uncomfortableness. The salvon I bought yesterday is nearly all used up so spare a thought for them as you relax in your comfy chair with no bum pain.
Other beautiful places included Ullswater and the Durdar Road where they reached speeds of 50 kph. You may have noticed many pictures of Geoff on his bike today. He was most upset not to have been in any of the earlier ones (he takes most the pictures you see!) so we have put lots on today to prove that he is actually on his bike and not in the car with me!
The journey around Carlisle was not so pleasant – the Fab 4 had to travel, very briefly, on one of the major A roads. Dangerous – Martin took the back and stayed wide enough to force the traffic to slow right down and give them space but they were glad to be out of there. I fear the next day of their journey will have more of the same as they head around Glasgow.
I managed to time it nicely again and came up behind them about 1pm with their, now familiar, M&S packed lunch which I picked up in Carlisle. The guys had got a bit lost going through there and managed to ask the wrong person for directions. She said she couldn’t help as she wasn’t from the area but only visiting – Martin wanted to know why she would want to come to a place like that (he can be so rude!). By now the guys thought something wasn’t quite right and she finished by explaining that she wouldn’t have been able to help them in any case because she was blind! What was that about asking a blind man for directions!
The church garden we found was lovely and the old dear already there soon came over for a chat. Within two syllables I realised that my years spent living in Scotland would stand me in good stead as this was a very strong local accent. The guys hadn’t noticed where we were so asked – I was delighted to hear that we were at the famous village of Ecclefechan – one of my favourite Scottish words when said with the right accent and this old lady had a beauty. As I chatted to her about her life and where we was going I could hear much stifled laughter coming from the SA contingent who did not have a clue what was going on – what gigglers they are!
In general the Scottish roads have been very good, lots of cycle lanes (not often usable because they are rarely swept) but they do help keep drivers cycle aware.
The Abington Hotel is great. Its claim to fame is a chair, which takes pride of place and acts as a good reference point on the upper floor where our rooms were. It was used by Napoleon 111 in 1839 when he rested there on his way to the Eglington Tournaments. The same family still own the hotel with Duncan now at the helm and long may it stay independently run. He makes for a very genial host so thank you Duncan for a very pleasant stay.
Our meal was simple but delicious. Good quality local fare – and inexpensive. Another early night (9.30pm). Heated towel rails (sadly missing from Travelodges), means the inside of the car will not look so much like Widow Twanky’s laundry for one day.
I believe the donations are around the £2,100 mark now – thank you so much every one – it makes us feel great that you are all with us on this adventure. I’m delighted too that so many of you are reading this.
We’re staying in a bunkhouse at Bridge of Orchy tomorrow – should be fun!
A tough start to the morning with an immediate ascent of the Kirkstone pass. A very beautiful, as can be seen from the many pictures, but steep climb up to the top. The guys were rewarded with a great run down the other side of course. My car journey on the same route was not without its excitement either. Only though that I didn’t get any petrol before I left and forgot until it was too late that petrol stations can we few and far between in these remote places. My prayers were answered however when I came upon a little independent ‘we serve you’ petrol place. I was going to fill up anyway as without support these sorts of places will disappear but I was delighted to see that the price was very reasonable.
Bob had told the guys that the tea places would now be few and far between and they were very happy then to come across the Greystoke Cycle café (www.greystokecyclecafe.co.uk). What a find. Annie there couldn’t have been more helpful and anyone visiting the area should be aware of the ‘quirky workshops and creative days’ to be held there in 2007. The setting is idyllic and you will receive a very warm welcome.
Unfortunately Geoff broke the loo (something to do with his Thai curry the night before?) during their visit which reminds me to mention their bottoms. Bob has a blister (ouch) and although it is not oft mentioned in company I know they’re all suffering big time with down below uncomfortableness. The salvon I bought yesterday is nearly all used up so spare a thought for them as you relax in your comfy chair with no bum pain.
Other beautiful places included Ullswater and the Durdar Road where they reached speeds of 50 kph. You may have noticed many pictures of Geoff on his bike today. He was most upset not to have been in any of the earlier ones (he takes most the pictures you see!) so we have put lots on today to prove that he is actually on his bike and not in the car with me!
The journey around Carlisle was not so pleasant – the Fab 4 had to travel, very briefly, on one of the major A roads. Dangerous – Martin took the back and stayed wide enough to force the traffic to slow right down and give them space but they were glad to be out of there. I fear the next day of their journey will have more of the same as they head around Glasgow.
I managed to time it nicely again and came up behind them about 1pm with their, now familiar, M&S packed lunch which I picked up in Carlisle. The guys had got a bit lost going through there and managed to ask the wrong person for directions. She said she couldn’t help as she wasn’t from the area but only visiting – Martin wanted to know why she would want to come to a place like that (he can be so rude!). By now the guys thought something wasn’t quite right and she finished by explaining that she wouldn’t have been able to help them in any case because she was blind! What was that about asking a blind man for directions!
The church garden we found was lovely and the old dear already there soon came over for a chat. Within two syllables I realised that my years spent living in Scotland would stand me in good stead as this was a very strong local accent. The guys hadn’t noticed where we were so asked – I was delighted to hear that we were at the famous village of Ecclefechan – one of my favourite Scottish words when said with the right accent and this old lady had a beauty. As I chatted to her about her life and where we was going I could hear much stifled laughter coming from the SA contingent who did not have a clue what was going on – what gigglers they are!
In general the Scottish roads have been very good, lots of cycle lanes (not often usable because they are rarely swept) but they do help keep drivers cycle aware.
The Abington Hotel is great. Its claim to fame is a chair, which takes pride of place and acts as a good reference point on the upper floor where our rooms were. It was used by Napoleon 111 in 1839 when he rested there on his way to the Eglington Tournaments. The same family still own the hotel with Duncan now at the helm and long may it stay independently run. He makes for a very genial host so thank you Duncan for a very pleasant stay.
Our meal was simple but delicious. Good quality local fare – and inexpensive. Another early night (9.30pm). Heated towel rails (sadly missing from Travelodges), means the inside of the car will not look so much like Widow Twanky’s laundry for one day.
I believe the donations are around the £2,100 mark now – thank you so much every one – it makes us feel great that you are all with us on this adventure. I’m delighted too that so many of you are reading this.
We’re staying in a bunkhouse at Bridge of Orchy tomorrow – should be fun!
2 comments:
Great to see that you are making good progress. Scenery is fantastic and hopefully is taking your mind of the saddle soreness!
Thanks too to your news reporter for the updates.
A bit late in the day boys (Ive only just discovered this ) - but well done for completing the trip- and many thanks for the kind comments on your blog - I have followed your advice and found a local girl who's a qualified masseuse ..... the lejog cyclists will be the main ones who'd be interested but not sure where to put the details etc as there is no lejog website is there ?? Any ideas ??
Great to see all your photos- looks like you all had fun fun fun aswell as raising money for a very worthy cause !!
all best and many thanks again
Annie - Greystoke Cycle Cafe
Post a Comment