We woke to rain at Kinross, so disappointing as we had been promised a dry day. After a delicious breakfast at the Kirklands Hotel, brilliant hotel, we loaded our bags once again into Linda, Jillian, Flo's camper van and the Belles confidently hit the road for our last day. At Wester Balgedie we turned onto a lovely quiet back road which, because of the rain, quickly turned into a very muddy road, spattering our bikes, yeuch ! Our lunch stop was at Muddy Boots, Balmalcolm and after another of my detours we eventually reached there cold and wet. It couldn't have been a better place to stop as they were most welcoming, turning up heaters to dry off our clothes, wonderful service. By the time we were ready to leave the rain had stopped and the day was looking brighter, good stuff. We cleaned our bikes with an outside hose so now fed, warmed up, dry, bikes clean, we were good to go. Perfect. More lovely back roads with St Andrews and the North Sea appearing in the distance then Kim has a puncture with a fews miles to go, couldn't have happened in a better place and to a better person. Kim quickly and efficiently changed her tube and we were soon off. As we can't access our hostel till 5.00pm we head for Linda/Jillian campsite on the coast. We have gone as far as we can .....the North Sea blocks our path....we have cycled Coast to Coast. Congratulations, high fives, hugs all round. After tea and coffee we pick up our bags and head into St Andrews town centre quickly locating our hostel. The girls wait outside while I check in, after our posh night it is Faulty Towers night. Reception apologises that the boiler is broken and the towels won't be back from laundry till the next day, you're having a laugh !!!! After a bit of wrangling he concedes we can have 2 minute showers and I locate 9 threadbare towels, better than nothing !!! The rooms are smelly and the bed linen has seen better days, still it is only one night !! As usual the Belles just get on with it and accept it is what it is. One conciliation the toilets are clean and the showers hot ! We head out into St Andrews to celebrate firstly to the pub then Forgan's restaurant meeting up with Linda, Jillian and Jackie. Again a very accommodating restaurant, great food and chat. Thanks to all were exchanged and Coast to Coast medals presented, great night. What a fabulous bunch of ladies, couldn't wish for better. ( PS: have updated previous posts so have a look. Will report on our return trip tomorrow.)
