1st August A dry (ish) day and to the coast

A slightly disturbed nights sleep with the people in the adjoining room coming in noisily at 1.30 and making noise to 3.30. I was up and about at 6.30 I wonder if they had heard me! I’d packed all my panniers last night, so a quick wash, dressed and down for breakfast with all my bags. The hotel staff wheeled Genevieve into the breakfast room for me so I could get away in good time. A French father and son questioned my route, distance I was going to cover today and how heavy when the bike was loaded. A combination of their English and my poor French got the messages over. So with an aurevoir I set off through Dumfries.

Over the bridge in Dumfries and I’m heading out on one of the main roads when Douglas an old boy waves me down. Where are you going? I explain. He then tells me the best way out avoiding the main roads. He then tells me about his two bikes and his cycling. Chapeau sir, I hope I’m still doing what you are doing when I reach your age.

I follow his advice and a couple of miles on I look down and my phone is missing. As I was not yet on my planned route it had not been talking to me. The cycle path had been rough and bouncy so it must have shaken loose. Don’t panic, retrace your route. I head back a mile or so and then I see a lady with her three boys who had been crossing the road as I went by. I asked if she has seen it. Linda has just picked it up, taken a photo of it and was about to put it on fb. She had also found my emergency contact details that I have saved on my home screen. What a relief!!! I thank her profusely and I plug in, turn an audio book on, Sean Conway book, his first cycling adventure so I know it is there. I’m off again.

20 miles in I make it to Moniaive. 5 minutes early for the cafe so I head to the shop to stock up on lunch things just in case. Back to the cafe and I have been beaten in by Alan and Josh, both out on their mountain bikes. They have stopped for cakes after 10 miles, my sort of riding. Alan is a high school teacher and Josh a retired teacher. We talk cake first, then where we have come from, finally where we are going. Alan is particularly interested and I can see the cogs turning as to if he could do something similar in the future, especially when I mention the LEJOG Sustrans off road route. I think he was going to see how much trains were later. I ask about campsites and the only one in the area is Prestwick, good to know early in the day. He lived in Ayr and later in the day I passed their parked car. 7 miles before Ayr I’m sure they passed me. I waved just in case.

An 8 mile climb follows the cafe stop. I just spin at my own rate and eventually I get to the top. Lots of wildlife to look at as I ride up. A sparrow hawk with its flap flap glide follows me down the road for a bit. Lots of goldfinch and I get buzzed by a wren. Buzzards are peowing over head. I eventually reach a lake on my left and can see a fish farm and a bird of prey overhead. Is it an Osprey, I know they are in the area. A forked tail is puzzling and when I get close enough it is a scruffy buzzard that’s lost it’s centre tail feathers. Osprey still to spot, maybe tomorrow.

I make it to Dalmellimgton for lunch and sit next to Jim, who retired last year aged 81. He is suffering a little with his health but it is lovely to see everyone in the cafe or who comes in, come over and chat with him. He loves Yorkshire. He tells me how he used to cycle to the Isle of White every year for a holiday with his friends. Serious mileage. He is considering an electric bike and if he can I know he’d enjoy being out again. I wish you a speedy recovery Jim. I check campsites, Ferry times, campsites on Arran and decide Prestwick is my best option for tonight.

Some stunning scenery again although I’m on a slightly busier road than I like, especially on the long uphill drags. However no walking for me today.

I ride through Ayr and pick up cycle route 7 along the coast to Prestwick. I can see Arran in the distance. Sit down for this bit, the sun is out and the wind has dropped!!! I enjoy the cycle along to find the campsite which is behind Prestwick airport and backs on to Royal Troon Golf course. It is an immaculate site and when I ride up the lady on reception doesn’t think they have room for me. So much empty grass space. I explain I will be leaving early and the boss walks in and I’m sorted for the night. He asks me about my journey and where I’m from. When I say Norwich he asks me about Captain America’s. Jayne and her family love this place. Turns out he nearly bought it several years back.

Early night and early to rise and I’ll see how far I can get tomorrow. I have ferry times ready and I know about the long uphill on Arran before getting to the Ferry. A pub meal to fuel up and the eating of synchronised cake as it’s my cycle clubs cake ride tonight.