Day 10 Moffat to Loch Lomond - 86 miles

To re title this day…A day of Contrasts and Comedy

We left Moffat nice and early today as it was an 86 miler and began with the obligatory morning climb which was a long but steady climb with some lovely views.  Obviously, after the climb was a ,agic descent and then  we rejoined the B7076.  To say this road is monotonous is actually a compliment, however it served its purpose and delivered some swift miles.  We had a couple of photo stops at wind farms, but then basically time trialled to the Avonbridge for lunch.  I headed the peloton for around 20 miles up til the stop, my legs were feeling really strong and I had my team Garmin top on so was pretending I was David Millar!

After lunch was the route through Glasgow with some mega complicated route notes.  We started off well and even managed a motorway service station stop for the loo, quite a novel experience on a bike!!  Then we had the first time-eater, poor Sharon had a rear wheel puncture. Da Dave Ron Ron Ron helped her sort it and we were on the road again.  We carried on towards Cambuslang as the route notes directed but totally missed a right turn until our mileage didn’t recky up and we had to do a u turn and cycle about 3 miles back. A bit of a comedy moment when you see a bunch of people watching a 10 strong peloton go one way, and then seeing them, 5 minutes later travelling the other way!!

Eventually we found the NCN 75and started our traffic free route in to Glasgow.  I have to say, the Clydeside route was amazing.  When we arrived in the city centre we were able to admire structures such as the Science Centre, the Glasgow Auditorium etc with no traffic breathing down our asses!!  We meandered along the Clyde for a few miles seeing such a variety of buildings and structures, a real difference from all the countryside we have seen, and one that I enjoyed a lot.  Heading out of Glasgow eventually towards Loch Lomond brought us upon the Bankie Bike Statue next to the canal.  Much fun was had on this and lots of photos taken and then we continued along the canal path cycle route.

Loch Lomond Youth Hostel

We eventually started heading for Balloch and arrived there in beautiful evening sunshine enough to help navigate to the Lomond Youth Hostel…a beautiful castle.  I cannot believe that I took the cheapest option yet get to sleep in the most amazing  building I have ever seen in my life (apart from Buck Palace).

Today’s group – Me, Rach, Sharon, Sue, Frances, Helen, Nick, and Da Dave Ron Ron

Roadkill- 1 x hare and some other things!

Chicken update – he has been making catapults with Charley out of inner tubes and firing stones all over the place.

Mechanicals – 1 x puncture (Sharon), one rear wheel issue sorted by the brilliant Graham (Peak Tours)

What a day, sun and rain but an incredible ride.  Thank you Sustrans for city car-free cycle routes!!