Cycling weekend.

With three days off we fancied a change of scene so headed north for Symington on Friday evening with the road bikes loaded on the car. We'd done two after work rides through the week and were keen to get some miles in on our favorite roads.

Saturday dawned bright so we headed off on a 70 mile loop. This would take us over the Megget pass to St. Mary's Loch then onto Traquair and Peebles before returning to Symington. By chance much of the route featured in an article in Cycle Plus magazine that I bought on the way up the road.

It was cold as we left the village but after the first 10 miles the sun appeared to warm us up and enhance the fantastic Border hills. The leg past Talla reservoir over the Megget and down to St. Mary's Loch was stunning. It was hard to believe that just 5 weeks ago this was impassable due to snow and I was pleased to ride the 20% hill having not done much cycling of late. Susan also rode much of the climb.

The next leg to the Gordon Arms and then over Mountbenger to Traquair was made easier by a tail wind and we could not help but think that we'd pay for this later. By Pebbles we'd clocked up about 50 miles so decided on a wee break and cafe stop. Our 'normal' cafe was full but we spotted a 'new' one just over the road. It was excellent with some fantastic chocolate treats to go with tea or coffee - http://cocoablack.com/

The ride so far hadn't felt hard but the last leg was 'pay back time' as for most of the way we battled into a strong head wind. Despite this we'd thoroughly enjoyed the round - our longest for sometime.

Crossing the R. Tweed in Tweedsmuir.

Cycling along Talla.

Looking forward to the climb up to the Megget.

Looking back to Talla - a great ride!!

'What a difference!!!'

Susan out on her favorite road.

At the Megget Stone.

Susan starting the descent to Megget Reservoir.

Megget Reservoir and an empty road.

Having a wee rest in Peebles by the Tweed.

Heading back into the wind.

Sunday again dawned bright but by the time we were up and ready to head off the sky had turned grey and rain looked likely. We decided to put the waterproof jackets on and go for it. The planned route was a 63 mile circuit over the Dalveen Pass to Sanquhar and then back to Symington via the Corsebank Pass and Crawford John. This would take us through the Lowther Hills so we knew it could be tough. Unlike Saturday we were heading west first and it was hard work into a 'stiff' breeze especially in some heavy showers. The Dalveen Pass felt pretty wild and exposed but it was great to be out.
As we reached the Dumfries and Galloway 'border' the road started to descend but we couldn't just freewheel down due to the wind. The weather did, however, start to improve and by the time we arrived in Sanquhar the sun was out and we had to adjust layers. We'd stopped in a good wee cafe  here once before and were pleased to find it open. It was as good as we'd remembered.
The ride back should have been 'pay back time' and it was. With a tail wind and some good descents, where we reached up to 34 mph, we pushed up our average speed and soon reached Crawford John. It had started to rain again so it was on with the waterproofs for the last leg. It had been another challenging wee ride but we really enjoyed it.

About to cross into Dumfries and Galloway and drop down the Dalveen Pass.

Cloud covered the Lowther Hills as we dropped down the pass.

'The sooner the better' - the roads were shocking in places, as in most parts of the country.

Climbing back over the Lowthers heading for Symington.

Back in Lanarkshire and surprisingly the road improved.

Monday started overcast and a wee bit dreich but the forecast suggested it would improve. After our two longest rides of the year so far we decided on something shorter - a 46 mile route to Peebles and back. We knew this would mean a headwind on the way back but we wanted to re-visit the cafe we'd discovered on Saturday and sample more of it's 'treats'.
We made good progress to Broughton and as we climbed over Dreva pass the sky started to brighten to give some good views along the Tweed. Our route into Pebbles took us along the Cademuir valley which is always a pleasure to ride.
As we were heading back to Cumbria in the afternoon it was straight to the Cafe where we were spoiled far choice. Susan was in Chocolate heaven!!!!!
There was a head wind for much of the route back via Biggar but we were used to this by now and just took in the beautiful Borders countryside for the final time on this excellent three day break. We'll be back soon.

Reaching the summit of Dreva.

Heading down to the Tweed valley.

Cycling through the lovely Cademuir Valley with much improved weather.

A sign in the 'Gents' at CocoaBlack Cafe, Peebles.

Heading back to Symington - into the wind again but enjoying the Border countryside.