Today it Rained. It started 30 minutes after we left Penrith and never stopped! We got wet, cold and wet and then wet some more!
We were about 7 miles in on the quiet A6 when I noticed the dark clouds looming over my shoulder. We pulled in to put on our jackets on, 30 seconds later it was raining lightly, by the time I had put my trousers on it was raining heavily and 30 seconds after that it was hailing! Only in the British Summer!
We cycled on to Carlisle and up the main street. We sheltered for a while and then went to get a coffee to try and warm up, meanwhile a Brass band had started up in the bandstand and were belting out the tunes - Only in the British summertime could you see this while it was hammering it down with rain!
Onto the A7 for Longtown which again was reasonably quiet we were greeted with a sign which we thought was the border, so camera out in the rain and a quick picture. 15 minutes down the road we were greeted with the proper sign - much more impressive! We were also met with an electronic sign warning us of “Heavy Rain and Flooding Forecast Drive With Care” - thanks hadn’t noticed that!
We promised ourselves a hot coffee and something to eat when we got to Langholm - unfortunately Langholm was shut at 2.30 on a Saturday afternoon!!! We sheltered in a doorway and ate flapjacks and chocolate from the Londis Shop - see you thought it was a glamerous existenceof us LEJOGers!
It was still raining!
We carried on with 27 miles to go. The road climbed and fell but much steadier than Cornwall and Devon as it tended to go around the hills rather than straight over the top.
It continued to rain!
We came to the area of Eskdalemuir and came around the corner and found the Samye Ling Tibetan Monastry. What else would you expect to see in the middle of knowhere, in Scotland while it was raining!
We began to climb up into the forest and finally reached the top with 9 miles to go. Looking at the Satmap it looked like the road generally followed the river - good a downhill finish - despite the rain!
We raced down the hill and pulled up outside the Tushielaw Inn. It was still raining! We commentated that we would like to see the route again when it was Summer and hoped they could let us know what day it would be!
Martin
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| Dark clouds are looming! |
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| Would you trust this cyclist??? |
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| Band in full Swing - Groove on in Carlisle! |
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| Welcome to Wet Scotland! |
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| Welcome to Scotland!!! |
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| Just what you expect to see in the Scottish Borders! |
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