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The Return to England / Carlisle Bound...
Today completes the 90 miles stretch that gets me from Edinburgh to Carlisle, and the completion of the Scottish leg. Today
should be fairly straight forward, only 43 miles, and flatter ground. With an early start I could make Carlisle by 2pm and
a chance to update the web site, and do some shopping.
Again the day started beautifully, with lots of sun, but very cold. I made the descision just to wear my shorts, no
long johns for me. I set off about 9:15 with another nice Scottish breakfast inside me. I stopped off at the bike shop, had
a chat and got my chain oiled.
As per usual the road climed out of the town, but for a change it wasn't too steep, or too long. The road climbed
steadily for 13.5 miles, but since it was such a nice day, and I wasn't in a hurry, I didn't mind. My legs seemed OK,
but I didn't want to stress them. I again chose to remain on the A7. This was the quickest and shortest route, and
didn't seem too busy. I saw alot more caravans today though.
Once over the hill it was a fast (and cold again) descent all the way down to the village of Langholm which marked half way.
I stopped for a coke and coffee, before pushing onto Carlisle. I arrived into Langholm at 12:15 and spent 45 minutes, so a 3 o'clock arrival
into Carlisle now looked more likely.
The road flattened out and it was a steady ride of 20 miles into Carlisle town centre. I arrived just as the rush
hour was kicking off but it didn't really slow my progress. My left knee has started giving the jip, and I need to
take things a bit carefully tomorrow.
I am meeting Rosie later, and so she had booked a nice B+B, which turned out to be a major hotel. Anyway I have checked in.
I have found this Interet Cafe to update my web pages. (The computers in the library didn't work).
We will go out for a nice meal later, and with a bit of luck I will have my new TomTom Rider. I tried to get in touch
with TomTom but their phone lines are down. They must have known I was ringing!!
I calculated that by now (excluding the 1st Monday) I should have done 378 miles, the actual mileage ( excluding the 1st Monday)
is 431 miles. So I am about 50 miles over. The predicated total mileage is now 950-975 miles.
Rosie arrived at 8.00pm, and we had a nice meal in the hotel restaurant. She did bring my TomTom and I
am back on the road with technology!!
Speak to you tomorrow Phil
You can email me here. Send me
your comments and tips.
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