Day 4 - Castleton to Alston

Tueday 25/05/2021

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Had a cold night in the bunkhouse after a superb meal last night. Didn't sleep well as I didn't have any warm gear on as I didn't think it would be so cool. We set out reasonably early as we had a long day ahead of us and indeed it was a long day.....

Rain from the outset and there was a cold wind in the air. Not ideal. Did some nice roads in the wet, but couldn't really enjoy them fully. We stopped just before a busy crossroads and Nathan warned us about the busy road that we had to cross ahead. Nathan shot-off and Konrad was next. I thought he had gone but he just moved up a bit so I hit the power thinking he had gone and ploughed straight into the back of him.....

I then dropped the bike down the cambered junction and rolled down the road. No damage to Konrad's bike, but I have really smashed the front of my one up. Had to gaffer tape the lights back in at the next stop, but the bike is still rideable. Annoying, but luckily nobody was hurt as Konrad didn't drop the bike and me and Krysia basically stepped-off the bike...
Everyone was really helpful. Sylvie gave me some gaffer tape, Barry helped me with the taping, etc. Nice bunch - thanks to them for helping a man in need 

Shortly afterwards the weather cleared and we did one of the best roads I have ever ridden. Got a decent pace on and really made the most of the fairground ride - amazing road. We stopped by a massive viaduct for a bit before grabbing a coffee in the next little market town. Very nice scenery and villages - stunning views everywhere.

The last stint was superb but it was raining heavily and the road wound-up and went along the top of the hills so it also got cold and a bit misty. Such a shame as it was obviously a great road, with great views, but we just wanted to get to the bunkhouse by this point! Konrad went in a smaller group and they managed to avoid most of the rain and enjoy some excellent roads.

Haggs Bank bunkhouse is superb. Very modern, clean with triple height bunks. It is nice and warm but I suspect that tonight's snoring will limit my sleep as I'm in with the group of blokes....

Nathan popped down to the shop and brought-back booze and made a superb Spaghetti dish. What a guy.

Tomorrow the organised trip is officially over as we're too big a group to go up and stay in Scotland. That said, we've decided to continue up as a small family group. We hope to do the West Coast and see where we end up. Onwards and upwards.


Mileage: 902
Beers: 28 + 3 bottles of white
Fines: 0
Bribes: 0
Ass pain: 4/10
Mechanical issues: 0
Accidents: 1 (me running into Konrad)
Wetness: 8/10
Coldness: 6/10
Birthday's: 2 (Krysia and Barry) 

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