Last night saw the first 25 miler of the season.

Assuming we were starting at 6:30, myself, Kenny and Andrea arrived just before 6 o’clock. In what turned out to be a mass confusion, we eventually started at 7.

This actually turned out to be a blessing, as the heavens opened at around 6:15 for a good 20 minutes.

Thankfully, Martin had arrived by then and very graciously allowed myself and Andrea shelter in his car.

It’s a very eye-opening moment when you find yourself huddling in a car in a layby off an A road in lycra wondering if you’re going to be pummelling yourself for an hour and questioning what you’re doing with your life…

Nonetheless! We all finally converged for the start and we were off.

I think I was the only one who bucked the trend and raced on my road bike, and I’m glad I did as the wind was ferocious.

Kudos to everyone who managed to hold their bikes up in the TT position!

As usual in Scotland, the wind was coming left, right, and centre, as opposed to just making its mind up and being a headwind/tailwind.

Those who have ridden the 25 know just how much of a slog it is, however the spirits were raised significantly by a cameo halfway up the A7 from Bill Lowes, who was cheering us on, good to see you Bill!

I didn’t hang around for results as I had to cycle home in a race against the rapidly setting sun, although I believe Neil won in a rapid time of 59 minutes, remarkable for such a tricky night!

Thank you very much to the marshals for sitting on the A7 and looking out for us at the turn, as well as David and Kenny for timekeeping.

Well done to everyone who rode, that was a very tough night!

Border trophy round 3 next week, and it’s ours so hopefully see everyone possible at Maxton!

Times were….