It rained all day. Ok, you don't want to listen to me complaining all the time, but...it rained all day.
B&B was on a farm last night and after a traditional breakfast with a couple also staying there it was off into the rain....sorry.
The morning ride was interesting and all off road, firstly down to Balloch at the Southern end of Loch Lomond, then a great cycle path along the Forth and Clyde Canal. It was well surfaced which is important both to maintain a decent average speed and to avoid continual jarring through the handlebars, which apart from simple discomfort also causes you to grip more tightly, leading to tension across the shoulderblades (in my case at least).
If the photos have come through you can see a 'drop bridge', where the water level under a very low road bridge is temporarily lowered to allow boats to pass under the road. A weed-cutting and collecting boat chugged past and later there was a succession of towers clad in corrugated iron, with a small locked door and no openings other than at the top, about 20' high, where a live cockerel was strutting round. I have no idea what these are and didn't see anyone to ask (it was raining so not very busy).
A tea stop at a convenient canalside bike shop enabled me to replace a water bottle that went under a car a couple of days ago. Then the route met the Clyde itself going into Glasgow city centre. The whole quayside has evidently been and is being massively developed - if you've been to Newcastle I'd say it's similar but on a massive scale. (Various pics hopefully)
No time to stop though and a good thing I didn't. Once again (Inverness if you remember) both bike-nav and Google Maps had me going round in circles and doing U turns until I eventually found my way out to the SE. From there it was grinding and rather dreary and wet - did I mention that? - and spirits were only raised at the Route 74 Truckstop for tea and cake - the Englishman 'abroad'! Then the road, following route (M)74, climbed for a few miles into the mist and bleak moorland, a sort of high up Hound of the Baskervilles feeling with almost no cars at all. The rumbling of the motorway half a mile away was quite comforting. Then a fine downhill and a sign reading Abington 1 mile, where tonight's stop in the Day's Inn at said route 74 services was booked last night.
After Harry Ramsdens fish and chips I now need to plan tomorrow as this section is not booked, but I must have gained 10 miles on the plan, even in the weather which wasn't that good today in case I didn't tell you.
Hope James can get the photos up - more ramblings tomorrow, when I reach England!
Son of Nessie found in canal...
Rain keeps the midgies anyway rain is rain man up ( says he from his chair)
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