Day 9

Sunday, June 18
Kirkby Stephen to Ecclefechan
117km

Well...it had to rain sometime.  Welcome to Scotland.

Flat day today which made for easy cycling.  However, much of the ride was in a lovely valley, giving the rare combination of scenic, easy cycling.

It was overcast this morning, so we packed some rain gear.  However, we were only hit by a couple of short showers in the morning.

With good weather and flat roads, Roe and I made good time.  We skipped "elevensies" in favour of an early lunch after 57km.  We picked up pre-made sandwiches at a convienance store, and ate then by the side of the road.

The afternoon featured a brief section of narrow gravel path, that felt more like mountain biking than road touring.

With about 20km to go we left England and entered Scotland.  On cue, it started to rain heavily and it has still not let up.  Everyone is soaked to the bone.  There was a headwind into the camp as well, so it didn't make a very pleasent end to the day.  I'm starting to wonder if cycle camping in Scotland was a good idea.  (And, after this trip, its Ireland!!!)

Forgot to mention that one of the other riders on our trip crashed yesterday and broke his colar bone.  He was taken to the hospital by air ambulance, and is going home today.  Sounds like he is going to be ok though.  Didn't know him well as he was one of the B&B people.

I also realise that I have not commented yet on our daily routine.  We wake up at 7:30am; put on our cycling clothes; pack up the tents; eat breakfast at 8am, where Kevin (the tour leader) gives a short summary of the day's route; hit the road around 8:30am; cycle until 11am; eat a snack; cycle until 1pm; eat lunch; cycle to the camp (usually around 4pm); set up tents; shower; write blog; eat dinner around 7pm at a nearby pub; go to bed around 10pm.  Repeat.

Roe's comments:
A Scotsman in the group told me that I needed a visa to enter Scotland today.  He offered to sell me one for a discounted price.  He was only joking.  Turns out that there wasn't even a sign when we entered Scotland, let alone a border crossing.  We were only welcomed by rain when we crossed the river Sark.

Now sitting in my dry, cozy tent trying to figure out how to dry my shoes.

I've been having troubles with my gear changes, and have received lots of different advice on how to fix the problem.  I wish dad was around to help.  He would fix the problem until it was fixed, not just give advice.