Caught the 8:15 from Waverley no bikes on board but mine though the booking line had no spaces, how does this happen?
It's a beautiful morning clear and sunny climbing west and south through the hills. Occasional misty drifts fall down and across the slopes from the high tops shrouding the cattle across the lower green pastures. Down shortly by the infant Clyde then by the M74 past Moffat and timber mill to Lockerbie.
Its dull and cool leaving the train. Check the map, heading north route 74. Big wide quiet road past the truck stop on for Moffat. Taking it easy, warming to it, enjoying the steady slight uphill no wind and great scenery. After 7 miles the sun burns off the cloud and its pleasantly warm, marvellous.
A roar from behind announces the arrival of 3 TVRs, then 4, another 3 then more must be a club outing probably 20 passed in all.
Choose not to take the separate cycle way on the left as start looked a bit iffy, overgrown and untidy for the road bike. Felt a bit off about this as glimpses of the track further on showed it looking OK.
Joined the Dumfries Road, negotiated 2 motorway access roundabouts and into Moffat. 1hr, feeling good time for roll and coffee. Award winning baker on the left just into the main street next to the Bank, cashline here, if you see a ram monument on your right you've gone too far.
North still from Moffat, slight and short downhill then the up starts. It's a long pull up a reasonable gradient to top out at The Devil's Beef Tub 30mins and quite pleased with myself. The racing snakes probably take 1/2 the time or less. Bet they're not mid 50s and mid teens weight wise though ? A small layby on the opposite side of the road has an info board and overlooks the Devil's Beef Tub with great views of the surrounding hills and away down the valley towards Moffat,
give yourself a pat on the back for a climb well done and chapeau to the road builders for the consistent gradient of the road.
I pull on my jersey, 1 km to the top then miles of descent past the source of the River Tweed and Tweedsmuir almost to Broughton before the hint of an uphill, fantastic road no steep sections and sinuous curves all the way with good visibility to let the bike run.
Approaching Broughton the road surface changes from smooth to rough surfaced asphalt, it might be good grip for motorised vehicles but it's hellish sore on the hands. You'll be glad of a rest and Broughton has a shop and quality cafe doing good food and drinks.
The miles to Leadburn are scenically good with ever improving views to the Pentland Hills off to the left, unfortunately the road surface sticks doggedly to the aforementioned rough surfaces.
It's a left at Leadburn for an easy swoosh into Penicuik, follow the road through the town centre and Milton Bridge, turn left at the roundabout and in 1kM turn right passing The Forestry Commission offices on the right then Edinburgh University Vet School. At the mini roundabout take the cycle path on the left, following it downhill to a T-junction. Turn left heading for Edinburgh, take care at the next junction turning right again for Edinburgh as cars approach quickly round a blind corner from the left. The Ski Centre is passed on the left then cross the City Bypass to enter Edinburgh. for the City Centre continue on this road all the way to Princes Street.
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