I started with soggy wet shoes and still sporting my uber-specialised freezer bag inserts. I knew Vicky had started before me so put the hammer down to join her, riding the first 10 miles alone and then working with 4 fast riders who caught me for the next 25. That way I averaged 18.5 mph for the first 35 miles, much faster than normal.
But I didn't catch Vicky who had gone off like a rocket and was the very rider to reach Scotland. Chapeau to her!
The second stage was wet and pretty miserable. We rode with Chris, a psychologist from Fife and managed to keep our spirits up although they dipped at one point after an incident involving 2 other riders.
I then punctured and this cheered us up no end. I had loaned Vicky my jacket at the first feed stop as she was so cold. I was fine while riding but needed protection while standing still to change the tube. Chris had a spare cape which I couldn't work out how to put on. I received forceable assistance which still didn't work and hurt too. It then dawned that removing my helmet might help!
The final run in to Hamilton was pretty awful due to the combined effect of a tough headwind and atrocious road surfaces but we made base camp in good time.
It was really lovely to be cheered in by Lisa and Colin and to sit and relax with them.
Tomorrow is going to be the big one. 130 miles over wild country and bad weather predicted. Well, I knew this would be no picnic...
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