Day 9 – June 27, 2021

Hi guys….well it’s the tradition now.

Yesterday evening had the team dining at the Old Stables Inn at Beattock where we also spent the night in the RV.

Fine fare was enjoyed consisting of steak and black pudding pie, gammon, and chicken and macaroni cheese. As ever, all washed down with a couple of cold ones.

The evening passed uneventfully and we all had a great night’s sleep of at least 8 hours. We were up and about at 6:00am and were kitted and prepped for an 8:45am departure.

Our first checkpoint today was at Lockerbie, a distance of 15 miles in an overall day that was planned to stretch to 65 miles.

We set out in bright sunshine, without the wind or wet gear and suitably covered in a good sun cream. It was glorious. The weather was with us at the start of the day and in the end stayed that way all the way to Penrith. We had some overcast clouds here and there but generally we have had a fine day.

The first checkpoint was at Lockerbie, where we took some time to visit the Lockerbie Memorial.

We paid our respects and then moved on to the journey to the next checkpoint that would be our first in a new country…England!

On the way out of Lockerbie, we saw how the local wildlife stays out of the sun….all very orderly. You have to look closely but there are sheep lying in perfect order under the line of trees. It was warm, but no more than 18c, but even they are not used to the sun!

As we went on our way we came across the place for our next special picture.

Who’s still in the game and guessing why these pictures of random places is so special? Come on guys….where might we go next? 😉

On the way out of Eccelfechan we found a photo opportunity that was too good to resist. It could have been our nirvana…..but we chose to ride on by. We don’t need a retirement village yet! 😂

We were now well on the way to reach the border by passport through Gretna. We had a few Garmin gremlins that confused us for a few moments but we were very pleased to transition to a new country. 

Footnote: Thomas had asked Alan early morning…’Shall we cut the lawn today, or ride a bike for 32 miles and cross the border into another country?’ No choice really. 🤣

We had passed out of Scotland and into England on our 7^th day and after 382 miles in the saddle. We are feeling really good! 👍🤞

Thank you Scotland, we have had a lot of fun and some great experiences. It’s been a pleasure.

As we approached Scotty at checkpoint#2 he did the honours and caught our arrival on camera. 

The route to checkpoint #3 at Raughton’s Head passed by with no incidents of note with Alan and Thomas enjoying some great undulations or dips in the road that they overcame by charging down the one side to coast up the other ‘roller-coaster style’!

We did face one obstacle for which we decided that patience was the watchword. 😉

And so it was on to our overnight destination just outside of Penrith.

We have arrived, showered and relaxed and have our next meal on its way to us in the next hour. It’s an evening for footy, a couple of cold tins and an early night yet again! 😊

People continue to see the pow21 and the OYF message. 

Last night at dinner in Beattock, a lovely gentleman on the table next to us, introduced himself and gave us a donation for the cause. His name was Vincent Price, a Welshman from Llandovery, who told us that his mother named him this way because he was a horrific baby! You can imagine the banter when 4 Welshmen start a discussion! 😂

And this evening on arrival at the camp, a lovely couple on the next pitch to us, George and Audrey, welcomed us in off the bikes with another donation for our magic plastic bucket! Thanks to Vincent, George and Audrey. It is very much appreciated. 😊

Please spread the word. As at a few moments ago, pow21 had raised £5,656 without Gift Aid!And we have another £75 in the bucket.

We couldn’t do this without you all.

Once again thanks for all your support and donations.

Signing off now. More news tomorrow…