First days.

The recent good weather looked like it was going to continue for another 10 days so i decided to take the plunge and set off on the Scottish End to End. I had already looked at route options and was keen to do one involving some of the islands, hopefully this might get me some quieter roads to cycle.

Day 1
Early start to catch the 08.08 from Glasgow Central to Stranraer. Left the house at 0645 and cycled in via the canal. Nipped up to asda at the Briggs- shut! Opens 0830, what? Got a tesco express and collected a few food items for the journey.
Its 2h 45m to Stranraer from Glasgow  and from Ayr the train was very quiet. Arriving i was feeling peckish so topped up with a toasty and huge hot chocolate, sitting out front of cafe in Stranraer. Good start.

Last year i had cycled from Ayr to Stranraer so had a good idea where i was heading. The sun was blazing straight into my face as i headed south. There was a bit of a breeze also in my face but then it would assist on the route north. The main road was fairly quiet but progress felt slow, I had not really trained with a decent weight and the legs were grumbling.

The usual formula was applied (stop every hour for 5 mins and keep eating) and I reached the Southernmost point of Scotland at 2pm, taking two and a half hours for the 23 miles. Not bad really. On the way a guy rode past me and we chatted for a few minutes. Steve was training for a huge cycle challenge, so today he was aiming for 130 miles. Yesterday he did 140! Respect. He sped off and i felt like i was standing still, you have to smile and concentrate on your own rhythm.

The final half mile to the point is uphill, and a decent hill too. Never mind it means you get a flying start for the return. The views are amazing and worth getting a clear day to appreciate. The cafe was calling, more fuel required, and so a very nice bacon and egg roll was dealt with while enjoying an amazing view from the panoramic windows.

The wind was now behind me and i made good time, however my legs were getting tired as were other areas so i knew i would be calling it a day at 36 miles. This tied in nicely at the Tigh na Mara hotel at Sandhead. A room was taken and a huge plate of roast beef.
All in all a very good first day.
Todays mileage 36.

Day 2.
Sandhead to Ayr.
Good start with the Full Scottish.
Sped off then realised too fast. 4 miles of warm up then the first hills.