Day 6 – Tuesday – Perth to Melrose - June 8th

Rain, Rain & More Rain…........

For details of where wehavebeen - click on the link to see the map, etc. - http://connect.garmin.com/activity/36496689

It’s fair to say that today has been the most challenging, not only of the ride so far, but for nearly everyone through all the months, and previous rides…

We would have all had more sleep if it hadn’t been for the king of the camp bed Danny setting a new world record for the longest time taken to put together a few bits of metal to sleep on

It was raining when the day started, and just got worse, and worse, and worse……….

85 miles in a torrent, stretched ahead of us when we assembled out the front of Perth Station, after an excellent nights kip laid on by Tayside Fire & Rescue. We set off close together after a quick photo out the front, straight into the rain.

38 miles then to the southern side of the forth bridge saw two punctures on Josie’s bike one after the other, despair and a wee little bit of frustration – Bob trying to lead Rosie astray onto the M90, and a little wrong turn…

Lunch break was set up in the grounds of a very accommodating ‘Premier Inn’ just the other side of the bridge, with people coming in between 12.30 and 1.30 with Princess, Tattie & Sim, putting on a brilliant lunch with hot tea, etc. It’s fair to say that there was everyone was feeling it as it was just massively hard work all the way.

Those that look at the pictures will be able to see an especially.

After lunch, people left in smaller numbers to go through Edinburgh city centre rather than taking the particularly hazardous bypass. Toby & Pete found another cycle path to wander along, and then could be seen staggering along slipping on the cobbles through the city centre.

Several found themselves together and ended up riding up the Royal Mile with Tour Guide Bob, to the Castle. No-one managed to ride it down though………

A few more discerning lady riders (Laonie & Josie) managed to get a little ‘latte’ in the city centre with Danny & Simon to make the journey worthwhile. The lack of anywhere to put any shopping bags was a bit of a hindrance though………….. and then to cap it all Laonie had two punctures of her own whilst in the City as well.

From Edinburgh the A7 lead most out straight into the countryside (although some decided to find their own alternative), and a tea rest stop was put on at the roadside at around the 60 mile mark.

Julian’s comment of (its just past the museum, about a mile, lead to false hopes’ – 3-4 miles would have been more accurate, but all was well in the end. A long ride then finished off the day, although the rain finally eased around 4pm.

In the meantime Pete S and his lorry along with Taity & Sim finally made it to ASDA at Galashiels for around 4pm, having been delayed due to the weather. Unfortunately the pump from the local station had been and gone by this point, and ASDA were not fully aware that we were coming, so Pete S, Taity & Sim held their own on the forecourt of ASDA and raised a very impressive £258.84 in under two hours. Those that made it back to Galashiels before 5.30 stopped at ASDA to meet up with Pete & his team.

Everyone was finally back at the SYHA at Melrose by 8pm eventually to a fantastic hot meal of Spaghetti Bolognese / Haggis / Rice Pudding & Éclairs by Princess.

A night of bike maintenance is planned by lead mechanic Nick, who spent the day dreaming of degreaser, tea towels and bike lubricant………

To be continued………….