Day 15 - John o' Groats!

The final day arrived and it was happy yet sad. The last 2 weeks had gotten us used to no television, limited internet and plenty of fresh air and exercise. During the night, it had rained on and off and the wind was particularly strong. The poor guy camping next to us looked like he was staying in a one man sheet held together with a few broken branches. I was surprised to see it still standing in the morning.
We set off with extra layers on. It was only 13C but with wind chill that brought it down to 9C. Unlike day 1, mother nature was on our side for the final day. The rain, although still threatening, had disappeared and the strong wind was heading directly east, following where we were also going. The final push to the end was actually not difficult. The terrain was relatively flat even if a little bleak, but it meant we could really speed along knowing that our goal was getting closer by the second. We followed the coast and stopped for lunch at Thurso. The place was very busy, which seemed unusual compared to the miles of nothingness surrounding it. After lunch, we used the re-fuel to race along the final few miles and crank the bikes into top gear all the way. We were considering doing a slight detour to Dunnet Head, the most northerly point of the British mainland. However, the wind was so strong and the dark clouds threatening that we just wanted to get to the end and enjoy the victory. We reached John o' Groats early afternoon and we were surprised by how much was going on there. Paul had been some years ago when there was just a rotting hotel, but now there were cafes, luxury cabins, shops, a revamped hotel and regular ferry crossings to the Orkneys.
We had our photos taken by the sign, which is currently a sore point with the locals as the land owners are considering moving it and the suggestion has not been welcomed.

Reaching the finish was a great feeling. It's something to tick off the bucket list and to feel good about the achievement and raising money for charity. It certainly hasn't put us off cycling and I know Paul is already itching to find the next challenge. So we'll keep you posted!

Day 14 - Betty Hill

I think as far as scenery goes, this was the best day yet. Setting off from Lairg, we were straight onto the A836. Looking at the map, it wasn't looking that great cycling down an A road again, but it was a pleasant surprise when we saw it. This particular A road was one car wide with a few passing places either side of it. The traffic was pretty much none existent and there was barely any other civilisation at all, not even any other bikes. When we did come across a building, it was a pub. Made me wonder how many drink drivers there were around these parts!
The scenery consisted of hills, mountains, lochs and fields.... brilliant. The photos just can't do it justice. The wind was just about behind us and was quite strong, which we noticed when turning corners and nearly being blown into the surrounding fields. The route was undulating at worst but nothing too difficult that wasn't worth the view. Just before arriving at the campsite though there was a sharp and straight uphill that went on for quite a distance. We were warned about this by the campsite owner but we had forgotten about it until we saw it on the horizon.
Today was the first day that we had to arrange to meet with our support vehicle half way to have lunch. The 'towns' we were going through barely consisted of anything more than a couple of houses and a school. It really did feel very desolate.
Shock horror!!! Paul's chain came off as we were going downhill. Although he put it back on in 5 seconds flat, I had to mention it being our only bike maintenance drama of the entire trip.
Arriving at the Betty Hill campsite, we headed down to the beach for a wander around. The 80 year old lady who owned the campsite told us that there were less and less people travelling up this way, even the LEJOG cyclists. I suspect last year's horrendous weather had something to do with it.

1 more day to go......

Day 13 - Sutherland

Day 13 (Thursday 29) Sutherland

 

From the campsite, we'd barely had a warm up before we were hitting the first hill. 

1500ft climb in what seemed like no distance at all. It was the first time I was very tempted to get off my bike and walk but getting this far I pushed on. Paul was a mere dot in the distance in front of me. Reaching the top we then had a straight and long downhill section, probably the fastest speeds yet, great fun. 

Crossing a forest that seemed to be designated for firewood, we were stopped whilst a quarry blast was taking place. We barely heard the blast it was that far away, health and safety for you.

Then came the rain and unexpected cross winds for a few miles. This got the appetites going again, time for cake!  

Looking for somewhere to stop for something to eat is getting that little bit more difficult now,some of the towns we went through were so quiet it was a wonder if anyone lived there. Tomorrow we're planning to meet Janet and Gordon part way to stop for lunch just in case.  

Fitness wise, I certainly feel fitter, although my legs are not quite giving the same signals. Poor Paul on the other hand may have legs fully in tact but I think his saddle soreness is really kicking in now and having to apply even more lashings of 'butt butter'. Plus he has been bitten to death by midges. They obviously like some skin types more than others. 

My saddle may look like a torture device but actually has been a brilliant long distance companion and I'm thankful for not having to apply said butter.

Just a reminder... 
As this is what we are doing it for... Please don't forget to pledge your donations of support. If you could only give 1p a mile for the 1050 miles we are doing it's £10.50 into the pot we are trying to raise - Help stop Cancer! Simply go to justgiving to leave your donation. 

Photos from the day... Click to enlarge 

 

Day 12 - Loch Ness, Ben Nevis

Day 12 (Wednesday 28) Loch Ness, Ben Nevis

In contrast to yesterday, today was a welcome rest to the legs.

Shorter distance, better weather and hardly any hills.

 

The main points of interest today were the lochs and the Caledonian canal. Our route followed these very closely.

We managed to anger many a motorist in the morning. The roads were winding and not conducive to overtaking, so the traffic had to go at our speeds. After a few miles, we decided to pull over and let some of the cars passed. As we watched the cars go by, we realised that we had caused a rather large queue, oops.

We stopped for a photo at the commando memorial and glimpsed a sight of Ben Nevis in the distance, the summit covered in cloud.

Stopping for hot chocolate and cake (again), there was a sense that we'd stuffed ourselves without the calorie burning to back it up! I'm sure we'll burn if off eventually. 

On our last leg of the journey, we met a group of lads also cycling LEJOG. They were finishing a day earlier than us, although they did look like they were in better shape than me!

Just a reminder... 
As this is what we are doing it for... Please don't forget to pledge your donations of support. If you could only give 1p a mile for the 1050 miles we are doing it's £10.50 into the pot we are trying to raise - Help stop Cancer! Simply go to justgiving to leave your donation. 

Photos from the day... Click to enlarge

 

 

Day 11 - The Highlands

Day 11 (Tuesday 27) The Highlands

One of the toughest but still brilliant days yet. 

Looking at the profile, it didn't look too bad, a few ups and downs but nothing too major. However, hidden between the larger hills was an infinite number of smaller sharper ones and after a while they soon start to wear you down. That plus the wind, the longer distance and some drizzle made for a challenging day.

We started on the Isle of Arran and got the 30 minute ferry crossing back to the mainland before getting on our bikes. The water was really clear, starfish and jellyfish were easily visible.  

There weren't many roads to get lost on but it did give us a disorientated feeling as the coast appeared on the left, then the right, then the left...

Kind Owner who donated the money to our pledge

Stopping at Oban for some nutrition, we found Bossards cafe. 4 cakes, 2 pies and a gallon of coffee later, we went to pay. The owner very kindly told us to put the money towards our sponsorship, Thank You! People have been so supportive!

30 miles left to go, we blasted back to the campsite, along the way seeing some amazing mountains and Ben Nevis showing it's greatness in the background. 

Back at the campsite, we tucked in to another delicious home-made meal and a very welcome hot shower.

Just a reminder... 
As this is what we are doing it for... Please don't forget to pledge your donations of support. If you could only give 1p a mile for the 1050 miles we are doing it's £10.50 into the pot we are trying to raise - Help stop Cancer! Simply go to justgiving to leave your donation. 

Photos fro the day... Click to enlarge