LEJOG Day 14
When I woke-up in my tent in the field behind the pub in Hesket Newmarket, I realized that I had had a couple of the pub’s fine ales too many. Let’s blame that of on the Gordie barman who was intrigued that the “son of a Macca would want to ride to from Lands’ End to John OGroats and gave me free beer.
As I emerged from the tent, I was initially shocked to see a herd of cows walking past. I quickly realised that was their usual routine. Sleeping on the path to their meadow was not my usual practice. Dismantling the tent took a bit longer than usual.
My planned route took me north. I ran into a young couple riding south with laden bikes – a sign that they were E to E ers. They had come to same conclusion seeing me. The usual exchange of: “how long have you been riding, how long do you expect to take” etc took place. Their plan was to ride for 17 days and stop. If they didn’t get to Land’s End that didn’t matter as they were moving from Coventry to Cornwall to start practicing a newly qualified doctors. They were both on Cannondales. Smart people.
I stopped in Dalston. The author of the book I am reading stopped at the bakery in the village for a current bun. I went to the said bakery and also bought a bun. The gals in the shop loved the story about the writer of a book on the LEJOG ride mentioning their shop, and a reader of the book visiting the shop. They insisted on having their photo taken with a basket full of bun. Look at the Flickr Link.
The route took me into Carlisle – another town not worth visiting twice. I was now close to the border with Scotland. Some back roads then an A road running parallel to the M6 took me into Gretna and the border. Unfortunately, this border crossing is forgettable.
Next stop was Dumfries. The ride in was along the River Nith a major tidal inlet with quicksand. These tidal areas are common of the British coast. They are very different to most of Australia’s estuaries.
I found a good B&B in Dumfries. There wasn’t a camping ground to be found. A young Dutch couple in the B&B had encountered the same problem. They were very perplexed. Anyway the B&B was good for me after a night of ‘rough camping’ – long shower and a chance to wash the ‘undies’ and ‘bike stuff’.
I had a reasonable meal in the Station Hotel and a just one pint in to pub across the road. I would not recommend that pub.
Flickr Link
Garmin Link
billrider2013 