Day 5 - Boghead to Carlisle - Cruising

Distance - 80 miles
Total distance - 439 miles
Maximum speed - 36.7 mph
(Other data lost today because Jonny's speedometer reset itself a couple of times)

The day started with a fright. I totally forgot I had a full-wall mirror right beside my bed and in my sleepy state it took me several seconds to realise the person staring back at me was in fact me. However, the day soon got better as we tucked into an amazing breakfast courtesy of our lovely hosts. With full bellies and packed panniers we set off for the day, although we did schedule a brief stop at the local chemist, where I stocked up on double strength Ibuprofen and some Deep Heat. Eventually it helped.

For much of the day we were following the old Glasgow to Carlisle road, which shadowed the current motorway. It was a bizarre road, with next-to-no traffic and little upkeep. It was almost a little eerie at times. After an hour or so when we were generally climbing, the going became a lot easier and we made real good time. The wind was also mostly on our back, so moral was high.

After a fast few hours we stopped for lunch at a pub in Beattock, where we loaded up on cheap-but-filling food. Mostly just carbohydrates on a plate. Afterwards we continued to push on, fuelled with food and the knowledge that England was awaiting not too far ahead. With further swift progress we hit a fairly heavy shower just short of the border. The sort of shower which you seem to track and sit under for an age. However, it abated just as we reached the English border, where we stopped for customary photos. England really was a lift, the biggest milestone we have made so far. So with a spring in our steps, or pedals, we shot to Carlisle.

Having planned to stay at the YHA in Carlisle, we found that it didn't open until July. Apparently that's tomorrow! So with a little work on the smartphone we managed to find a cheap room at the Ibis in the city centre.

Bed beckons. It really is good to have made it to England. We've cycled the length of a country, just one or two more to go.