A Day of Highs and Lows.......

Recovering from jet lag. Made two huge pancakes this morning but couldn't finish them. Too greedy. Decided to cycle to phone shop as having a few probs with mobile. About to set off when I noticed I had a puncture. Couldn't believe it and I haven't even started. Walked to bike shop and had it sorted. Guys gave me new tube for free when they heard my story. Nice. Cycled slowly to beach, watching traffic on WRONG side of road. Met Robert, fellow cyclist and we cycled out to lighthouse, 20 miles, stunning views. Huge military cemetary above the bay. Robert thought some 'significant' hills. He obviously hasn't cycled on Arran. Just pimples. San Diego is clean, scenic, vibrant. People extremely friendly and tolerant of nervous female cyclist. Must go, time for hostel BBQ.

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Janice. Assembled bike. San Diego Hostel.

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Sunny San Diego

Basking in the sun having spent a couple of hours assembling bike. All looks good. Hostel is basic but adequate. Made pancakes with syrup for breakfast, poured batter from jug. Easy. People very friendly and helpful. Interested in what I am doing. I have to repeat myself the whole time. I see blank look come over their face as I waffle on. One guy thought I was Russian.

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Janice in San Diego

Just a short message to say that Janice has arrived safely in San Deigo. Hopefully once Janice settles in at the hostel and assembles her bike and sorts out her mobile phone with an America sim card, she will be able to update her blog herself. The time difference is 8 hours behind us.
From Murray.

Goodbye, See You In California

Leaving the Island a day early as the weather forecast is not good and the last thing I want is to be stranded and miss my flight. The Arran roads will be a bit quieter for the next couple of months, no blue jacket holding up the traffic. Thanks to all the tradesmen, bin men, NAC vans, bus drivers, County Carpets, etc for their tolerance and cheery waves. Ali and Johney,also Mark for their encouraging words and toots. At least I think that's what they were. Lindsay and Scott for the great 'soup and 2 rolls' at Sannox Golf Club, Catocal Bay Hotel, Sandwich Station and Kinloch Hotel for great food and shelter during the stormy winter. Finally, thanks to Murray, Jill, my 3 wee ones, family and friends who gave me support and space to do this trip. I'm sure, at times, I will miss them very much but the preparation is done so now onwards to enjoy the experience.

Well My Bags Are Packed and I'm Ready To Leave

Squeezed in At Last

All  Ready to Go

On Saturday I had my last training cycle, thank goodness. Just a gentle 21 miles with my sister Isla and Murray. The sun was actually shining and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I managed to source the part for the bike headset so the bike is running very smoothly. What a relief. Today, Sunday, we boxed the bike for the flight to San Diego and had a bit of a struggle.  British Airways demand that the front wheel and pedals are removed, the handlebars turned and tyres deflated.  We padded the bike frame out with bubble wrap, cardboard and tubing then tried to squeeze the bike into box. Some part was always sticking up or out but eventually we got there and were still speaking. It will be my difficult job in San Diego to  remove and assemble it. My two medium bags are packed, everything  pushed and pummelled into place

Ceremonial Dumping of Filthy, Non-Waterproof Winter Jacket and Overshoes. Yippee

Gone and Forgotten

What a great feeling, training is over so getting rid of my non-waterproof, smelly, filthy winter jacket.  It served me well but its days are over.  The same applies to my overshoes, they have had it, ripped and falling apart.