1 day, 2 men, 3 mountains

All the way down under for todays sponsor of the day, AccountsPortal and Gidon, thanks very much.

Day 9, getting there slowly but surely. Really not much to report today. Mike was joined by Jonny today which I’m sure made the 70 or so miles a lot better for him, so big thanks to him. First full day in Scotland showed us some spectacular views that went on for miles. Totally amazing.

The speaker situation has now been sorted, kind of. With a trip to Sainsburys Jenni and I got a portable speaker to use in the car, so the music is back and the singing has been restored. Bet the world is so happy to hear that.

It went very smoothly today, only got slightly lost once; which for the lack of signal we had is actually very impressive. There was lots of practicing my cow noises today when we waited; I think lots of them did understand me, I’m getting better.

The hotel we are at seems lovely, amazing big rooms. I feel like I’m ready for bed already. Maybe a nap would be better. Long day tomorrow, but rest day the day after. YAY! Feel like I definitely deserve it.

Riders bit

So glad to be joined by Jonny Hurren today, who made an amazing commitment to support me in this ride. He drove all the way up from Harrogate, booked himself into a B&B last night, rode the 80 miles (not 70 odd, pah!) and then had to use all his negotiation skills to get himself onto a train with his bike (it ended up going in with the driver thanks to a kindly conductor) to Carlisle where he was going to have to get an expensive taxi to get back to Newcastleton to then drive back to Harrogate, all just to help me ride this journey. What a friend to have.

So, the ride? A good early start after another chat with Gary on Uckfield, and we headed off from Newcastleton towards Hawick. Taking the back road took us over the first of three mountains for the day at 1200 feet. Really beautiful remote scenery, no traffic and reasonable weather. There was a strong westerly wind (12-18mph) through the day that was challenging at times, but in the north/south glens we got a bit of shelter. This was a brilliant start to the days riding.

Interesting farm hidden away in the glens as we went through. Piggies in a big field with piglets and they all had a house each, luxury for now. Donkeys and chickens in another field. All in the middle of nowhere.

Made it to Hawick before the support team as the descent from the mountain was equally fun, wheeeeeeeeeeeeee! They seem to have neglected to mention that above.

Hawick had good shops, and the support team shopping needs were met. When I asked directions to a supermarket or general store to get some bananananas, I was told that they would have to use the supermarket as they wouldn’t sell banananas on the high street. It seems they were regarded as exotic.

Next leg was just a slog on the A7 to Selkirk, two grungy hills that although not as high as the earlier one were less fun as it was a bit busier on the road.

Good meeting in Selkirk, early lunch, and off. Couple of quick diversions due to a closed bridge and a path that deteriorated in quality, but a nice ride up the Tweed valley. Pretty river.

After the third stop, we then had mountains 2 and 3. 1260 and 1342 feet, so lots of climbing and again, a wonderful quiet road up the glen to the saddles. Definitely the best bit of the route so far. Although these had been the highest of the route so far, as they climbed through the valley floor they went up over miles so weren’t too steep, adding to the enjoyment. Then we got to the top and went round the bend to the most amazing view over Edinburgh, the Firth of Forth, more mountains to the left, right and far distance. Stunning.

Another good descent, a last meet with the support team and then to the hotel. Edinburgh doesn’t seem to have heard of cyclists as the roads are rubbish, but nice hotel and just watching Iceland go 2.1 up in the bar before going to sleep for the last days riding before the rest day.

Struggling to comprehend that I have got this far, 9 days done, 4 to do, 1 day off. 695 odd miles done, 300 and a bit to do. It is starting to feel like I am well and truly over the midway hump, but there is still a long way to go.

On the fundraising, we are within about £500 of hitting our target. It would be great to hit it while on the road still. That would screen 200 people. It may save one or more lives.