Dave Harris Memorial 200k Audax

It's been a few months since i last took part in an event. 
I was signed up for the SMBO Lane-quest event in February, but it was cancelled due to lack of entries.

My level of fitness has stayed high over the winter, mostly due to the mild weather we've had, so I was in good shape for the Dave Harris Memorial 200k Audax.

That all changed when I woke up this morning to a couple of inches of snow!  The roads were clear so I headed up the A7 towards Rosewell.  The further north I got, the worse the conditions got, and as I reached the start, I could see people packing up and heading home. 

Anyway, I decided to start, and as we headed off towards Tweedsmuir, the snow was still falling.  We were riding 2-abreast in the tracks the cars had left in the snow.

After a quick stop for a coffee and bacon roll in Tweedsmuir, we were advised that the route over Talla was not passable due to heavy snow, so plan B via Moffat was put into action.

There were great views of the Devils Beef Tub in the snow, and fortunately by the time we passed through Moffat, the snow had gone.

The next control was at the Grey Mare's Tail for a much needed coffee and cake stop.

The Paddock Slacks climb brought more winter weather -  hail which stung when it hit your face, but it was short lived and soon we were at the petrol station in Peebles for a receipt.

The next control was a short dash East along the A72 to the Clovenfords Hotel. With the wind at our backs, this was an enjoyable section - almost as enjoyable as the pint I had in the hotel.

After the steep climb out of Clovenfords, we headed North on the A7.  By this point my legs were past their best, and I struggled.  Working with Gavin, Martin and Neil , we made it back to the finish.

This turned out to be an enjoyable day in the end, but it could have been a nightmare.

Thanks to Sonya and her crew for all their hard work

Route can be found here