Lap 4 R&R Days 1 – 25 and Preparation for Lap 5

This recovery period was much longer than intended because of the delayed arrival of the Burley Nomad trailer followed by problems with my house roof. This time between tours was used similarly to previous ones with the introduction of daily stretching exercises and a walk before breakfast on days when not cycling early. A different session for this recovery period, usually on a very wet day, was hard work on the indoor bike. Also new were rides towing the trailer to "get the feel" of it including a trial camping trip to Lochside Campsite in Castle Douglas. The trailer will be used for camping trips within Dumfries & Galloway in cold weather but not for long tours.

The bike needed attention before Lap 5. Andrew Grant at DG2 Wheels in Dumfries fitted a new Marathon Plus back tyre, new rear brake pads and new bearings for the front wheel.

In order to improve the route in places for Lap 5 (to Inverness via Dalgety Bay and Crieff and back via Killin and Glasgow), OS maps were inspected closely for possibilities for mixing off-road sections with on-road alternatives at quiet times of day. For the downloaded maps on the OS app on the phone, the option "Show National Cycle Networks" was selected.

This longer break between laps came at a convenient time for catching major sporting events on the radio or TV. The Tour de France, British Open golf, England-India test matches and Women’s Euros offered much entertainment.