WE MADE IT!!
Knew today was going to be our hardest day with 38 miles and a climb up to 1,200 ft.
We had a good nights sleep and great breakfast. Set of by 9:30 to give us as much time as possible.
Weather was again good with intermittent sunshine and clouds, with a light breeze. Immediately we turned north of Innerleithen high street and we started to climb a slight hill, and it went on....and on.....and on.......We were climbing constantly for 7 miles without any sign of a flat part. As compensation the scenery was spectacular with mountains, open moorland and a running stream. We had maybe 5-6 cars an hour passing us and it reminded very much of my JOGLE trip through the Highlands.
Thomas was finding it hard going and becoming increasingly exhausted and fed up with the constant climbing. I got him to take it slowly, get into a comfortable low gear and take plenty of breaks. Eventually we went through a pass between two mountains, it flatten out and then suddenly we were flying down the other side at over 30 mph. This went on for three miles which Thomas enjoyed a lot! We then started climbing again, although fortunately not for long before we were again racing downhill. After that the route was mainly flat or downhill through some great forest cycle tracks an great fun.
We had lunch at pub called the Castle and it really did look like a castle. A very friendly welcome, great food and we were really enjoying the day.
It wasn't long before we passed through Dalkeith and entered the outskirts of Edinburgh. The route right into the heart of Edinburgh was on great cycle tracks and at one point was through an underground tunnel for about 1/4 mile that was only for cyclists/walkers! Well done Edinburgh.
Once we reached the city centre we did have to use the cycle lane through the busy Edinburgh street. Because the Festival is on in August it really was crowded and I nearly killed several tourists who were walking in the cycle lane on the main road without a care in the world!
We ended our long journey in Princes Street Gardens sitting looking up at the magnificent Edinburg Castle, listening to a band playing in the park while eating a celebratory ice cream. These gardens are a special place and my parents used to spend many hours in them when they were first marriage and moved to Edinburgh at the tender ages of 20 and 21: so a fitting place to end our adventure.
I'm really proud of Thomas cycling so far and for so many days. Not many adults could do this trip let alone an 11 year old boy - what a star!
We checked into the hotel, showered, changed and had a meal.
It was then off to the Edinburgh Tattoo in the grounds of the castle. The weather was perfect, every seat was taken and the show was absolutely amazing! Thomas really enjoyed it.
What a perfect day and we have a whole day sightseeing tomorrow - and no cycling!!!!!
Gavin, I loved your blog. Especially having done the C&C's twice. In fact i'm just back from 16 days bicycle touring and wild camping in Scotland - the Country keeps on drawing this Englishman back! And well done Thomas! Quite an achievement for an 11 year old! And now he's 14 I wonder whether you've done more tours together.
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