Day 10 - Well, most of it anyway !

Up bright and early, no, hang on a minute. Up early but not too bright. After fighting the wind all day yesterday I was more sore and stiff than I had been any other morning. We went out to pack the car and drive off to the start point for the day. On the drive over it didn't bode too well - plenty of wind and rain again:

Luckily the Garmin did pretty well and started me off down a beautiful leafy cycle track so I could have a gentle start. There was a bit of climbing to be done but nothing bad today. A couple of times I thought I had got to half way and gone through a ford for the River Clyde (the water came up over the crank so cold feet resulted) but it appears I was somewhat mistaken:

Apparently this isn't The Clyde

Once up on the ridge over Glasgow the side wind once again took hold and tried its best to shake me off. A few strong words and a couple of hard stares from me made absolutely no difference at all!! Last night the weather forecasters warned trees might be in danger as they are in full leaf and so catch more wind - I could see what they meant:

Down into Glasgow there was a lovely little storm and from beginning to dry out I was back to cold and soggy. It was then all about trying to get across The Clyde and meet up with Dad for a hot drink and food. Sounds easy but unfortunately I cycled over a bridge that doesn't exist, at least not on a Honda satnav. Bother !

The bridge that isn't

We did finally meet and duly thawed out and fed I was off through Glasgow trying to avoid the Expressway.
The wind was still ferocious and in the built up areas it made cycling particularly difficult as it eddied around. Twice I was blown straight into the gutter and just got a shoe unclipped before falling. I also had to stop a time or two because the wind was wipping up road gravel and debris and sand blasting anything in its path. It took forever to get the grit out of my hair when I showered this evening.

Finally out of the city it became a bit easier again for a while. I just cycled leaning over on the wind which was much more constant in its direction now there were no buildings. By now however, the wind was getting stronger all the time and eventually I had to abandon cycling and call the cavalry to drive me to the hotel. It was simply impossible to stay either out the gutter one side or not cross the central white line the other. I was only 3 miles from the end but branches were also now continually being blown off trees; it was simply too dangerous. Indeed as I waited for Dad the tree next to me gave up some of its greenery.

Back at the hotel and the full extent of the storm became more apparent. All local trains are cancelled and dozens of roads have been shut by fallen trees. When I looked on the shipping forecast for this area we were in a Violent Storm Force 11, decreasing to Severe Gale Froce 9. No wonder it felt drafty !!! And we're staying on the waterfront where cars are getting a good dousing from the water of the Firth of Clyde:

So tomorrow it's hopefully back to where I got to and off again. The forecast is a little better but still strong winds. I guess we'll just play by ear and do what we can. Afterall, if it was easy everyone would do it. I've got to face a few trials before finishing !