Hello followers and newcomers, welcome to todays fantastic blog on my day 7 exploits riding my trusty steed on this awesome challenge.
First of all I would like to extend my sincere best wishes and a very happy birthday to our very own Dame Virginia McKenna - Founder of The Born Free Foundation.
Today was a lengthy cycle from Moffat, a handsome parish in Dumfriesshire, to the city of Perth, via Leith, Edinburgh, the Forth Road Bridge and Kinross, a nice and very picturesque route, as can be seen on this photo, taken between Moffat and the capital.
The weather was nice but slightly cooler, in fact I did need my long sleeve top on underneath my cycle jersey to keep the early morning chill out, it was ok until the sun came out in the afternoon and then i started to heat up a little and got through some serious water intake.
After starting out from Moffat first thing there was a slow steady 6.5 mile climb called
'The Devil's Beef Tub, so a tough start indeed. However, when you have to go up, then the good news is you also need to come down, which was a long and pleasurable run up towards the morning brew stop.
I know that you are all wondering why that climb is called (the devil's beef tub)?
The unusual name derives from its use to hide stolen cattle by the Border Reivers of the Johnstone clan who were referred to by their enemies as "devils" (1300-1610).
Fab isn't it.... and courtesy of the landlord of last nights B&B in Moffat
The moment of the day for me was to cycle across the Forth Road Bridge, the speed limit for cycles was 15 mph due to the side wind, so I took care. It was bright and sunny which added to the joy. When crossing over, looking East I could see the famous Forth Rail Bridge and to the West I could see the new Forth Road Crossing, which was very impressive
(I wonder if that is now the 'Fifth Road Bridge)?
After the bridge I cycled through the town of Inverkeithing, which is a place I used to frequent often when my ship had docked at Rosyth. I spent hours doing brass rubbings, flower arranging and visiting museums there.... honest.
(a Naval anagram for frequenting the pub).
It is hard to believe that in a week I have cycled from the most westerly tip of the UK (Land's End) to the fair city of Perth!! My legs are holding up folks and my dodgy hamstring from earlier in the challenge seems to have worked its way clear. I now have three more days to hold it all together and nail this challenge, the hardest thing I have ever done. It has been tough, very tough, but I remain determined.
I remain totally humbled by all of the kind words and messages of support I have received, these 'really do' keep me going, as well as the thought of helping The Born Free Foundation
Have a good evening all, take care all and I'll see you tomorrow.
My Just Giving page is: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-quince2
My Blog Website page is: https://mquince1.wixsite.com/cyclechallenge
The Born Free Foundation Link is: https://www.bornfree.org.uk
Fundraising In aid of the Born Free Foundation Charity No 1070906
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