Day 8 entered in a very wet Ayr

Day 8 : Selside to Annan (62 miles)
Just like Thursday a grey misty start to Friday’s venture. First a stop at a camping centre near Kendal for a replacement CampingGaz cylinder and then into Kendal to purchase some spare tyre, though not for the van this time. There at Bruce’s Bikes Andy tried to out blag the owner with tales of his Tour souvenirs (Axel Merckz drink bottle from 2007 tour) but was trumped by a piece of Paris Roubaix cobble, Paulo Bettini’s saddle and Bertolli’s cap ~ Smith threw a hissy fit and sloped off!
But the purchase of the tyre showed amazing foresight as climbing Shap (believe me a mere pimple at 1400 feet, though watching from the top it was 5 minutes before lorries did the climb to reach me) he suffered a blow out. Driver Swan was fortunately on hand to race down hill with emergency lights flashing to help affect a wheel change (editor: some poetic licence here I fancy!).
The benefits of the spare bike being carried (courtesy of Jon Bartlett) proved a time saving boost as Andy was able to swap wheels.
Then after Penrith I left the riders to go their merry way whilst I disappeared to enter yesterday’s details on the blog ~ that adventure has already been referred to but good old McDonalds rescued the day. Then I caught up with Vince and Andy again in Gretna. Unfortunately they have had a minor falling out and so the happy announcement I expected to make is not on at this time!
The day was rounded off with a visit back into England for a fish and chip supper in the town of Longtown 4 miles from Gretna. Well when I say fish and chip supper, some members of the crew did also add sausage and curry sauce but thank god the pair of them are sleeping downstairs!