Morning briefing was a little subdued as people had heard about another LeJog fatality the previous day which focused everyone's attention on arriving safely in Moffat. Forecast was for the tail end of hurricane Katia to sweep through the north west of England and the north of Scotland so we were all hoping for a favorable wind.
As it turned out we had more than enough gusts to help us out of the Lake district, at one point being blown uphill without having to pedal - luxury !
Good progress was made up to Carlisle when the first drops of rain started to fall so we made a lunch stop 1 mile south of the border and filled up on pie and chips - fine cycling fayre! Gareth also caused confusion in the kitchen by asking for a take away haggis which eventually appeared on a burger bun ! Met Mike J and Isobel in the cafe - Mike explaining that he had come off his bike in Carlisle whilst passing the radio Carlisle studios - ironic as they had apparently just been broadcasting a warning for people not to go out on bikes because of the weather !
Slight navigation error around Gretna forced us to try and cycle into a 40mph headwind for a couple of miles which was not fun although we managed to find the "Welcome to Scotland" sign just as the rain began to fall.
Head down for the next 30 miles was the order of the day, the wind and rain preventing any conversation on route whilst we concentrated on not being blown off our bikes.
Eventually made it into Moffat to the Buchan Guest House where we received the warmest welcome of the tour so far. Fantastic hospitality and the added bonus of having our washing done. Good to see the rest of the group made it safely and we all shared a celebratory meal in the Star Hotel.
Overall one of the more testing days of the trip so far - 75 miles and 5000ft of ascent made much more difficult by the constant pummeling of the wind
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