Onward journey to Black Hill

On the continuing climb from Hartside and now alone, Nick took on the role of guardian angel and started following me in his car worried about my safety, particularly as we entered the misty realms of the highest hills. Visibility was poor in places but we had to discuss the best way of him staying close without him actually driving behind me for the next 3 hours. I felt like I was in an Alfred Hitchcock film with the constant glow of Volvo headlights learing at me from behind through the mist like a stalker!!!

Black Hill is the highest point on the ride so I had to stop for a photo. Please note the Volvo bonnet is visible in the forground as Nick had refused to get out of the car as it was raining and he might get wet so took the picture from inside the car!!! Not that I'm sore about that or anything you understand!!

Determined to get to Allenheads I rode on til 6.30 where we loaded the bike into the car and drove over to our friends Diana and Keith who live near Hexham where they were kindly looking after us for the next few days. Even the journey there wasn't without its drama as the road was flooded and the car engine cut out. Our good fortune was that a kind stranger stopped and helped us get started again, getting oil on his white work shirt in the process. Thanks to him we arrived in time for a nice bath and a lovely meal. Thanks nice man.

93 miles down 56 to go!