Into Carlisle for a new front tyre, new pump and spare tubes. Thank you Palace cycles.
Met a fellow endtoender who had run out of gears in Cornwall!
Into Scotland at Gretna for lunch at Lockerbie

Last night's B&B was fantastic at the Crossroads B&B in Brisco - thanks again for the donation

Finally a big Hi to Claire - Lucie's sister.

Sent from the Mercian's handlebars by Jon

One correct answer so far - my family members will guess who it was .... (the answer did stop short of the Grid Ref)

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From Rob's handlebars

Now at hotel at Crawford in bright sunshine - tough climb over Beattock for me (by the time I got there Jon needed another shave)
Dinner ordered and awaited - oh, and room has bath .... Bliss.

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From Rob's handlebars

Climb over a four mile stretch of 700 feet to Beattock although not as high as Shap (note Joe C :-) ). Two 20 year olds passed me but I caught them half a mile from top - Aesop's tortoise again ! Waited for Rob at top and trainspotted including a triple header!

Fantastic B&B/hotel Holmlands Country House - quite opulent amazing loo seats. Note to Mrs Trellis of North Wales, we're both having pie tonight!

Sent from the Mercian's handlebars by Jon

Grid Ref has now been supplied by the entrant mentioned earier ... But NO PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED - it's the taking part that matters.
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From Rob's handlebars

Picture stop just outside Carnforth we think we are half way now. We have a tail wind too, useful going over Shap.

Sent from the Mercian's handlebars by Jon

Summary - easy first 30 miles and then VERY wet - Shap Fell isnext
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From Rob's handlebars

Set off from lunch in medium rain for the (easyish) ascent of Shap and to Penrith - last 10 miles in sunshine. 81 miles for the day, only about 60 tomorrow.

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From Rob's handlebars