Day 11: Greystoke to Auldgirth (Chicken Run)

Alan - Cycling played second fiddle to the main event today, so you may want to skip down to Elayne's entry to find out what really happened. Whilst that was going on we did do some cycling and crossed into Scotland (see photos).

We started the day with a flat fast run (well fast for us) into Carlisle and went straight to the train station (see photo). "Why ?" I hear you ask. To be honest I'm still not sure. Matt tried to explain over breakfast why he wanted to visit the station, but as soon as he got to the second sentence I had dozed off. After 3 attempts, we agreed that the only way to convey the reason was for Matt to leave out the detail and try and explain in a short sentence. It works out that the reason for the visit was because "It's big"..... I still don't understand.

After a walk around Carlisle and visit to cathedral and castle, we headed out on the A7 which wasn't that bad, not a lot of traffic and a very flat road. Before we knew it we were in Scotland and Gretna. We thought about making it official, but decided that they probably wouldn't allow us to marry our bikes. Found a bakery in Gretna and got some sausage rolls, which proved without doubt that Scotland is the undisputed king of pastry based meat products. Most excellent. Not sure that it's good cycling food, but it seemed good at the time..... hmmmm....

Then onto Dumfries which was cool. Very nice river front. Great public conveniences, best 20p I've spent in ages. As the trip goes we are taking on more and moe fluid with the inevitable consequence that we have experienced a number of toilets on the way and this is the best. Probably not a reason in itself to travel 600 miles, but if you happen to get caught short, aim for the River and mention my name (I'm not sure if that's come out right).

Matt wouldn't let me visit Robbie's house (even though we went to a railway station), so we left and started the only climb of the day. It seems that Scotland has a unique approach to hills. They have taken the Cumbrian idea of having a really long climb and made use of the extra space and flattened it out, so the climb never becomes steep, but goes on forever with the added bonus that the descent also goes on forever. Personally, i think this is a much more civilised approach to hills than either Cumbrial, Devon or Cornwall. They should take note. I realise they don't have the space that Scotland has, but is that really an excuse. Come on, get your act together.

Tonight's Beer: Black & Tan. Good beer. Takes a bit of supping, but after the first quarter pint it's very good. A very dark, but quite thin beer. 7/10.

Matt should be startng his whisky review today. Watch this space.

Elayne: Well, I've made a willow chicken (see photo). Highlight of mytrip so far. Greystoke Cycle Cafe is one of the best places I've been to. Annie, who runs the place, deserves a medal for services to cycling. The cafe is officially open only on Fridays and Saturdays (and second Sunday of the month) but if she's in, Annie will do you tea and cake at any time. She even has a barn with kettle for people to help themselves when she's out. The cafe also runs a vast range of courses, from bike maintenance to belly dancing. Today was willow weaving - chickens. So I am now the proud owner of a willow chicken. Phil, who ran the course, is a star basket maker and a very nice man. The food at the cafe is also fantastic - home made biscuits and coffee on arrival, huge salads and bread at lunch and a choice of 3 home made puddings, then tea and scones in the afternoon. I've put on about a stone, particularly as I had all of the above after a very good cooked breakfast at Brathen B&B last night. Room good, but strange, as we had to go up and down stairs to get over the beams and into the bedroom. Fun to start with, but would get on your nerves after a bit. Matt's twin room was very nice.

Just finished eating at the Auldgirth Inn. Another excellent meal. Have now consumed about 5000 calories today. Must stick to mineral water and salad for the rest of the trip.

Tonight's B&B really is a farm, out in the middle of nowhere. We have a family room - the Cheese House, which is great. It even has a washing machine, so the room now resembles a Chinese laundry.
Matt - Well here we are in Bonnie Scotland. I have to say there was something about crossing the border. Not sure if it's just Scotland or that we have travelled the length of England and are 600 or so miles in.

I am afraid the Whisky review is on hold until tomorrow. Need more fluids of other kinds at the moment. But we all know that the best Whisky is Pops' (Alan's Dad)! So don't forget to ask for a dram when you see him.

Today's ride was good, ticking along at a good pace with no mechanical dramas. Some great views and Carilse and Dumfries proving to be surprisingly attractive places. The station at Carlise was interesting if you like railways. I have promised to put the anorak away for the rest of the trip.

All: Finally we would like to say thanks again for all the comments so far, please keep them coming. Matt is taking your advice Jon about the hand positions and that seems to be helping. Paul, please tell Zoe that the Jelly Babies are all now living happily in Wales (see earlier blog). There are rumours about a private equity buyout of thier business, but I think their jobs will be safe.