Trip to Moniaive
The days between Tours 1 and 2 were spent mainly catching up with tasks and in active rest with a little walking and/or running before breakfast and with cycling a few miles for good coffee as convenient. Tasks included work on both bikes and hence a chance mention to the Tesco grocery delivery driver of the trouble experienced with removing cones from the hub of an old wheel. When he told me about the slide hammer and other tools he used when starting off as a bike mechanic (in the 70’s I think) the coincidence was stunning!
During other tasks, progress and arrangements made for assistance with assorted legal, financial, health and home-improvement matters gave the feeling of being "on a roll". The exception to active rest was on the penultimate R&R day when a promised trip to Moniaive as Tour 2 preparation was undertaken and is logged below.
The visit to the Watsons grocers at Moniaive was my first with empty panniers (which were very much lighter than for the return journey). Shop owner Graham Watson, after a chat in which he confirmed he had more years of hard work in him to keep the shop/community hub running, personally replenished the hopper for superb de luxe muesli. Much appreciated, Graham – it is going down well! Staff, seemingly in need of support at times, also had high air temperatures to contend with. Katie, at this our first encounter, was helpful and to her credit was happy to explain how she had made the move from her native Bristol.
It was enjoyable to sit in the shade across the road from the shop and chat to Calum MacMillan and his fellow cyclists/music lovers returning from the three day Knockengorroch festival. (Knockengorroch is about 4 km north and 1 km west of Carsphairn).
Taking time to eat, drink rest and to avoid cycling in the hottest hours felt just like a tour day, as did so many conversations arising naturally with visitors and locals. Cycling back in the early evening light was as enjoyable and untaxing as the outward ride. Yet another satisfying and memorable day!