Sunday 14 August 2011

Haggis power!

Yayy!! England!
Day 6: Beattock to Penrith.
Today was payback day. The sun came out, we had a tailwind, and the hills were only gentle. And we had a secret weapon - haggis!

Last night's dinner was at the Star Hotel in Moffat http://www.famousstarhotel.co.uk/ and I chose the Haggis main course, one of the best I've ever had. I think I said we were staying at Marchbankwood House http://www.marchbankwood.co.uk/ and guess what was part of the breakfast menu, yes that's correct. So with double helpings of Haggis the day's ride was just so easy. Could this be the new sports superfood? Get yours here http://shop.scottishhaggis.co.uk/Category/53-haggis.aspx

Either side of the A74(M) is what used to be the main road, but it's since been downgraded to B category and is only used by locals. It's a fabulous smooth surface and is graded for easy motoring (that is, when it was built the contours were evened out which is usually only done for A roads) and this makes for easy riding too. Thanks to this and other factors we were in Gretna by midday, so we went for lunch with Rose and Margaret at Thorntons Chocolate Cafe in the Outlet Centre. Then a few hundred yards later, we crossed in to England. Yayy!! We had completed all 380 miles of Scotland.

Shortly after we navigated the centre of Carlisle on a bike friendly route (we've been on them all day) and the ensuing 15 miles to Penrith were no bother at all.

Unfortunately, today I have managed to break a pedal cleat (5 days old) and the pedal itself (4 months old) which makes pedalling a bit awkward on the left leg. Those that have seen me ride would know that my pedalling has always been dodgy on the left leg. And the right leg. It does mean I'm looking to replace though and my options are limited; I don't want Shimano on this bike, can't get on with Look and have just broken Time, which only leaves Speedplay. Hmmm.

Today's ride 59 miles, cumulative total 409 miles.  Max speed today 32.9mph

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