My first 200 for a long time. I kind of entered on a whim and I thought it would be a rash decision. I didn't think it was that cold at the start and in fact I was never cold all day, or wet, despite it absolutely chucking down around Longtown. I heard a few riders complaining of cold, one in particular. Well, if you will ride with just three quarter longs, FFS ....
Several people suffered punctures, me included. I was only just in sight of Eskdaleuir on the return when I felt the bump, bump, bump. It was just dark and I decided to walk the km or two to the control and fix it there. I was a thorn.
The controls were fantastic, I can't praise them highly enough, especially the Old School House Bistro at Eskdalemuir. What a brilliant place! The numerous staff couldn't have done enough for us and they were bright, cheery, welcoming - I wish every commercial control could be like that but I think we have found the pinnacle
They even attended to my dietary needs and for once I actually enjoyed a good two course meal on a ride. I gave them a generous tip. All the younger staff are volunteers in this community enterprise and appreciate the money from tips, I'm sure.
Leaving the haven of the Old School House it was still raining but the wind was definitely a tail wind. I saw two cars from there to Ettrickbridge and I set my head light to shine farther up the road. Good light, deserted, smooth roads, tail wind, mostly downhill .....
However, I was riding a single speed freewheel on a 63" gear so I couldn't take the same advantage.
I was lantern rouge, predictably, but I was very happy. I sat and chatted with Dick, then Lucy in Maccy D's and it was good to catch up. I'm surprisingly bright today and I don't feel as sore as I thought I might.
I enjoyed meeting some of the old faces again, and some new ones. The route was as near perfect as could be - little navigation, traffic free, scenic and not too demanding. What a brilliant event
