No need to be allama'd

Selkirk to Hawick was a steep climb then a nice long run down the hill for a total of 10 miles. Stocked up on lucozade and energy bars in Spar then went into an excellent bike shop to replenish inner tube stocks. The owner confirmed that the route over the top was the superior alternative to the A7 so off we went.
The climb out was reasonably steep but went on for about 8 miles. Thankfully we are both feeling strong today and took it in our stride. Views up the top were terrific. The run down the other side was fantastic, better than any fairground ride. We were swooping down through hundreds of S bends through the forest and along the river, the road was smooth, there was no other traffic at all and the sun was shining. Heaven.
Halfway down at 25mph I was leading and startled a red deer that intelligently, and rabbit like, decided that the sensible thing to do would be to leap out in front of James, look startled then eventually get away from the scary beast hurtling towards him. A deer, even stationary, at 25mph is lethal. Having got over the shock James was pleased to be able to tick off one of his major targets in the i-spy book.
We then had a lovely flattish run along the valley and did a double-take brothers look at a field to confirm that yes, there were 4 Llamas! James thinks they're bred for meat but my money is on the fur. Anyone know? Maybe they're just pets. Sent a piccie to Tom as he's been obsessed with Llamas for years. Hi Tom (and Elis and Jack) xxx.
Stopped off for a cuppatea in a lovely village called Newcastleton. Strangely on the map it's called Newcastleton OR Copshaw Holm. As James said we could probably expect to see a lot of people sitting on the fence here. When I asked why in the cafe they just laughed and walked off so we don't know why. If any googlers out there can answer that one please comment. The Olive Tree is highly recommended especially for cyclists, not only do they do great cakes and sandwiches but they also stock inner tubes, pumps etc etc. The Inn at Dalwhinnie could learn a thing or two about marketing from this place.
We've ordered our take-away sarnies for a later roadside lunchstop on the basis that these types of places are rare. Nod to James for kindly letting me have the last baguette and making do with baps.
If we keep pushing at the pace we have we'll be eating today up - average so far of 11.6 mph is very satisfying given the long periods of climbing.
Aiming for a pub at a little village called Penton NE of Longtown. I think that that's where we will cross the border into England. Definitely need to get a piccie of that psychological milestone.