Day 2

We decided to get an earlier start today because yesterday cycling for such a long time in the heat took it's toll. We arrived at Brampton just before 7.30am and started out about 10 mins later. The sun was already beating down and its was already very hot. Lots of us were very uncertain what the day ahead would hold and there was a lot of wobbly stomachs. The first climb of the day was almost immediate and we were all wondering if we would actually make it to the end of the day after only one hill.
Yesterday was 29 miles on a relatively even level with the hills starting to appear at the end of the day and although today was only 20 miles it was hilly for all of it.
After Brampton we proceeded towards Lanercost and past the priory which was lovely. It was then on to Banks and the first really severe climb of a 1:7 which lasted for miles. This was our first real test and the heat was almost unbearable and it was only 9.00am. With plenty of stops and starts we all made it up and met up with the support crew for a rest and a photo on part of the Hadrian's Wall ruins.
We then dropped down into a lovely little village called Gilsland and found a coffee shop to have breakfast at. The coffee shop was called 'The House of Meg' and the two ladies who were running it were fantastic. The food and drink were lovely and they were so friendly and accommodating. We told them all about what we were doing and that we were all Slimming World members and the owner who is also a Slimming World member gave us a £10 donation towards our charities. So a big thank you to all at 'House of Meg'. We wish we could go back again tomorrow!
We left there after a good rest and proceeded towards Greenhead. Here we encountered a nice 1:6 hill which was so steep that Sustrans had built a separate cycle route next to the road. Unfortunately this had been topped with very loose chippings and most of us agreed that it was just too dangerous and slippery so we had to walk up instead (except Paul & Carl who rode it) This was quite disappointing as we all wanted to give it a go but it was just too dangerous.
A really fast descent followed into Haltwistle (Carl clocked 37.9 mph) it was quite scary but the breeze was very welcome!
Finally we climbed from Haltwistle up to Bardon Mill which was our finishing point for the day.
We made good time today by starting earlier and finished at 12.30pm.
Ina and the girls wanted to do some retail therapy at the Gretna Green outlet village so after a quick shower at the hotel we went on to do some shopping. There wasn't too much there so we sat down for refreshments at O'Briens Sandwich Bar and we were making so much noise and laughing that the owner asked what we were doing so we told him. When it came time for us to leave he came out and gave us a £10 donation for the charities. So a huge Thank You to Alan and all the girls and O'Briens in the Gretna Outlet Village it is much appreciated.
OK back for a rest before the evening meal and a debate about tomorrows 256m summit which is pretty much first thing in the day. That will wake a few people up! Tomorrow it's only supposed to be 13 degrees instead of the 26+ of today, but it will be a welcome change (I hope).
See you tomorrow. Chez.

P.S. We will add more pictures as we can but they are taking ages to upload. Keep checking the Slideshow on the right and if you click on one of the pictures they should open in a new window a lot bigger (I think).