Eddleston via Shiplaw

Apparently known by Edinburgh's professional peloton as 'Shiplaw Lamancha' when approached in the opposite direction (something which one should avoid at all costs in the heat of summer when the prevailing wind is northwesterly), this section of road gave to me what i think Jean Bobet meant by la volupte. Nothing amazingly special in itself, a short steep climb then questionably surfaced and undulating before a sweeping descent, it was the tranquility, the steaming piles of snow in the forest and the sun peaking out as i descended on a lonely winter spin that sunk this piece of tarmac into my heart. So to me, Eddleston via Shiplaw it is.