Day eight

Into the land of the enemy.

Things are starting to get a little spicy, and not just because of last night's curry. Over breakfast we watched hail hit the fields outside. As we departed the rain started to fall and persisted in doing so until lunch time. The wind grew fiercer the further North we travelled.

Our morning was spent threading through twisty, treacherous lanes. Wind, rain and sometimes hail stinging our faces. Eventually we climbed up over Shap, a long slow incline to the summit. With the low grey clouds everything looked bleak and miserable. Two of the riders had walked coast to coast last year, 192 miles in total. This was about the point where their west-east walk and south-north ride crossed.

Despite the relentless weather, all 7 riders where determined to press on. Not one complaint from anyone.

Lunch was delightful. A chance for me to change my rather sodden socks and dry the shoes a little. On my table of three we had five cakes between us. As we departed the sun started to peek out at us, and indeed, by the end of the day, skies were blue and clothes were drying in the sunshine. The route from lunch led us straight into a 100 metre climb. Normally not a problem, but not ideal with lunch still sitting in the stomach!

After the climb, some nice easy downhills and long open flat sections brightened up the day. Bianca was able to open up for ten miles or so, despite a tricky side wind. Running comfortably at about 22mph for twenty minutes or so seemed so unlikely in the morning.

The road led us all the way into Scotland, and Gretna. We spent about ten minutes looking for a "welcome to Scotland" sign, only to find it was 50 metres further down the road.

Tomorrow could be hellish. Amber weather warnings. 70 mph gusts of winds. More rain. We've plumped for an early start, trying to  beat the wind. I could be running on gels tomorrow because I don't think I'll have time to eat.

So... time to sleep.

I've cycled to Scotland... can't believe it :)