Moffat Toffee Re-Invented 200k Audax

The forecast was dire for today and after last months efforts on the Merse and Moors, it was not looking like it would be much fun.


I'd lost contact with the main group before reaching Ashkirk and the first (info) control, as i struggled with the short sharp climbs south of Selkirk.  


I only saw one other cyclist between Ashkirk and Sayme Ling.  Even the usually fast descent down Fingland was a struggle with the strong headwind.


I stopped at the Buddhist retreat for a warming coffee and a stamp in my brevet card.  The main group were just leaving as I arrived, and I was temped to continue on with them, but really needed a break from the wind.


I quickly drank my coffee and headed back to my bike, only to discover it had blown over in the wind, bending my rear mech.  I straightened it as best i could, but it made gear selection interesting for the rest of the day.


I arrived at the next control in Langholm just as the main group were leaving once more.  I wasn't loosing too much time to them even though I was on my own.  I stopped, and had a warming bowl of soup this time before heading back into the wind towards Moffat.

Very strong headwinds and crosswinds all the way made this section very tough indeed, and my back was beginning to get sore just trying to keep the bike in a straight line.


I stopped an the next info control and had another go at straightening my rear mech.  I was joined by another two riders, and we rode together all the way to the Rumblin' Tum in Moffat where we once again stopped for coffee and another stamp.


We had made it to Moffat in the dry, but dark clouds were gathering overhead.   


The tailie up the Grey Mare's tail road helped greatly.  As we crossed the border back into the Scottish Borders, the rain started.  I stopped here to put on my waterproof, as it would be a fast descent back down the valley.  


It seemed like I hardly went below 40kph for the next 50k to the finish. 


All in all a good (if lonely at times) day.


Map of the route can be found Here


Thanks to Lucy, Dick and all the helpers.