I think the pain of yesterday has fortified me. The weather could be worse, the cycling could be harder, but I can do all of that now that I have conquered despair. I know today will be tough, I have contours on my map and can see what the climb through the Cheviots will be like but I don't care. I can do it and besides; tomorrow is a rest day!
I cycle out of Peebles after buying some food and a new water bottle (left mine on the side of the road in some pit of despair yesterday) and cycle on out of Peebles. The main road is busy and narrow so I soon turn off onto a minor road on the other side of the river. I have chosen several possible routes and decide in the end to go through Selkirk and Hawick following the A6088 to the border.
Lunch in Selkirk is forgettable and as the rain has reappeared I stop again in Hawick to eat and to get supplies. This is the last big town I pass until Hexam. Along with some packed lunch stuff I decide to get a bottle of wine and, as I will be carrying it for the next 30 odd miles, I make it a good one. Setting off out of Hawick I feel good and look forward to the rest of the day's ride. The wind picks up as the rain dies down but by now, I don't really care.
From Hawick I cycle up until I can see nothing but horizon. For ages it feels like I am cycling on top of the world, like its this great big ball moving under my tires. I try to capture this on camera to no avail. Eventually the trees of Kielder forest begin to come into view and I am delighted to see them, the border and then the descent to Rochester can't be far.
After what seems like hours of cycling up and up and up, I have seen a deer, some cows and 2 cars since I left Hawick, I finally reach the border. The view is stunning, I stand and look around in awe, surprised to feel so elated although not at all surprised to be crying again. As I take photos another cyclist, a sporty one, passes me making comment that it is not often you see someone else up here (428 m), especially not on a loaded bike. I feel very proud of myself.
I put my hat on over my wet hair and enjoy a fast descent back into the forest and eventually, arrive at the b and b. I switch on the TV, have a bath and open that bottle of wine.
On my rest day I do little more. I knit a hat and snooze. I have more baths and update my diary. I organise my maps for the rest of the journey and watch as the wind and rain batter the window. For once, I can wash and dry my clothes. By the end of the day I feel thoroughly rested and ready for the next challenge.
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