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Day 9. In Carlisle.
It's Monday and I'm tucked up in bed in the YHA in Carlisle. I should be on the road with Tom but I'm not. Tom's back on and has set off for a long but flat ride to Lanark. I, on the other hand, am pooped. Yesterday was 86 miles of hell. Coming straight after the 83 or so miles of hell to get to Slaidburn, it has destroyed me. I'm not enjoying this anymore and I love riding.
Mentally this is quite challenging. I've made it about 580 miles. I've ridden the length of England. I've conquered Dartmoor and Cornwall so why stop now? Partly it's because I haven't had a rest in 8 days of riding. That's like doing a marathon every day for eight days and then contemplating six more. I'm not surprised my body isn't happy. Unhappiness comes in the form of being unable to eat properly and fatigue. That's all. But it's depressing because there's nothing I can do about it except what I am doing. Resting.
Having ridden from Carlisle to John O'Groats last year it doesn't hold me in awe the way it should. I don't feel I'm missing anything taking a rest. Mentally this is not the right position to be in to attack to the finish. But I feel I've finished already. If I'm going to go on from Stirling I'll need to have recovered physically and also mentally.
So, this morning will be a pootle around Tongue station and a rather laborious train journey to Stirling. It's a nice, pretty little town so I'm looking forward to seeing it again.
More later. :-)
- comments
Tia Hi Will! Keep at it! I don't know anyone with your motivation. You inspire me no end - have a nice rest enjoy the scenery and get on that bike! We have CUBA to go! Sending big hugs, ring-doughnuts and urm a cold beer? (Sounds weird coming from me when I dont drink hmmmm - ok ok - how about a lovely meal cooked by mom???)
Jimmy Well said Tia - get back on that bike Will. Don't let the ogre that is Tom carry on without you - you'll only have to do the whole thing again to satisfy yourself. On the other hand, perhaps the real reason is chaffing... smarts a bit eh?
Will Harris :-) thanks Tia. I think it was Bromptons across Cuba wasn't it? We'll see how the weather looks tomorrow. Tom Made it to Lanark but is coming back to London today. No chaffing Jimmy. Just tiredness :-)