Day 1 - Road to Kelso

Left Balerno High School at 8:30am (ish) - Thanks to everyone who turned up to wave us off - greatly appreciated. Also thanks to Nigel who cycled a bit of the way with us to Currie before he headed off in another direction to his work (shame that eh ?).

We arrived in Dalkeith to be met by Mike who at the last minute decided to accompany us to Kelso (he returns to Edinburgh tomorrow).

As we left Dalkeith the sun came out and it got very warm, even warmer as we cycled up through Pathhead and Soutra!

Hunger pains were abating and just after Pathhead we spied a 'Bacon roll' van - Magic! After stuffing our faces with bacon, link sausage and black pudding rolls we were on our way again (check Graeme and Phil stuffing their faces in the photo!)

As the carbs were recharged we headed of for the long climb up Soutra - to be honest, it was a bit of an anti climax if you have ever done Dukes Pass near Aberfoyle, unless you had a link sausage like Phil as he seemed to struggle slightly up that hill.

A few miles later and the first incident of the day - my chain decided to remove itself from all the cogs - need to remind myslef I need to be in middle cogs before changing gear in future.

The sun was shining and a small tailwind as well with rolling scottish borders countryside, however, a piece of the A697 that can only be described as 'off road' led to my tracking device dislodging itself from it's holder - luckily it was attached to another part of the bike or I would be getting a bill from Tom in the post.

By 1:30pm we were in Kelso and spent 30 mins trying to find a pub with seats outside so we could keep an eye on the bikes. Phil, in his usual investigate self manage to locate one and our first drink of the day was consumed.

Graeme and Phil in the centre of Kelso

Then, up to the in-laws for a swim and a chinese carry oot.

Next up Newcastle but we probably won't have access to the internet so next blog will probably be Sunday.

Adios for now...

Graeme & Phil Friday 27th August 2010