Ok, the last couple of days have been a blur...Friday...instead of waiting around to get my bike I decided to head up to Aberdeen to visit the "Oil capital of Europe", also known as "The Grantie City" due to the large amounts of Granite that make up the buildings there. Halfway there, while in Dundee, I was phoned and told that my bike had finally made it. I hopped off the train immediately, had some cashews and coke, and headed down to the airport.
The damage to my bike was minimal....a bent skewer, poke in my saddle, and a bent handlebar. I was just thankful the frame didn't crack or something other major. I immediately biked back to the B & B where I was staying in Edinburgh, changed into my cycling clothes, and headed south to Pebbles.
After a miserable 3 hour bike ride going 11mph, I finally arrived at Peebles at 10:30 PM...Don't worry, it doesn't get dark over here til around 10:15. I booked a hotel, had a glorious shower, awesome Indian Food dinner, and headed to bed.
The next day I had my first go at Mountain Biking at a place called Glentress. The mountain was glorious, possibly resembling a hybrid between Colorado and Oregon in terrain and wetness. I only wrecked once...stupidly...when trying to get out through a gate. Otherwise, I didn't get banged up, and I finally learned how to sail off short jumps. I had one that was about 8 feet long and 5 feet high, and I almost threw up...I was great.
I arrived back to Peebles, cleaned off the mud, and walked to my first Castle. Neidpath castle (Picture Below) is situated on a bend in the River Tweed, about 1 mile west of Peebles. I had the castle entirely to myself as I climbed around, pulled doorknobs, and tried to get in. It didn't work. It was the best moment so far.
Today I biked back to Edinburgh, had another glorious shower with my host family here, and headed into town. There are about 5 festivals going on in town now: Jazz, Theatre, Comedy, Art, and Book (upcoming), so the city is unbelievable giddy. I'm hoping the busyness in Edinburgh will draw from tourists in other locations...we'll see.
Tomorrow I head back to Aberdeen (minus the bike), and will start my circumnavigation of the Highlands, landing in Glasgow in about 12 days. I don't know how easily I will have access to internet. If you need anything, or want me to buy anything for you, or want to buy my bike from me, either post here, or post on Facebook.
Cheers (they say that here, but it's weird to say for me)
Matt
