From: Golspie
To: John O’Groats
Miles today: 69
Miles – running total: 940
Not only is it Cup Final Day, but we are playing in the final and the opposition is looking rather poor. But before the detail of the day’s riding, which I’m sure you are itching to get to, a brief reprise on the accommodation front. Last night’s venue, the Sutherland Arms looked attractive enough from the outside but the inside left a lot to be desired. This was fine for one night but we were meant to be returning triumphant to the same place after completing our journey. A plan was hatched and after a brief falling out with the hotelier, we used their wi-fi network to find a more suitable venue.
To: John O’Groats
Miles today: 69
Miles – running total: 940
Not only is it Cup Final Day, but we are playing in the final and the opposition is looking rather poor. But before the detail of the day’s riding, which I’m sure you are itching to get to, a brief reprise on the accommodation front. Last night’s venue, the Sutherland Arms looked attractive enough from the outside but the inside left a lot to be desired. This was fine for one night but we were meant to be returning triumphant to the same place after completing our journey. A plan was hatched and after a brief falling out with the hotelier, we used their wi-fi network to find a more suitable venue.
Fed up with country lanes, just want to get there.
With no travelling to do from hotel to start point, we were away bright and early at 8.30 having given Alastair one last revision of how the gears worked. We worked north still on the trusty A9 through Brora after six miles. Today could have played out in two ways – a leisurely bimble up the coast enjoying the atmosphere of our last day or heads down and let’s give it one more blast. It wasn’t discussed but the change of the wind direction in our favour made the decision for us and once the legs were warmed up we were off at pace. In the first hour we covered all but 16 miles, stopping briefly to refuel in Helmsdale at the foot of our first climb. This proved to be long and slow, made us work but was not too demanding. We thought we had got away with it and the pace picked up again. We were now storming along, a lot of the time breaking the 20mph barrier on the flat (care of that tail wind). Six more miles on and we hit the Berriedale Braes. We had been running along the coast relatively high up, suddenly we descended into a steep valley and at the bottom were faced with a vertiginous climb back out the other side. This was an out of the saddle job for much of the way up, another cyclist wishing us well having stopped on the first bend and waving us through. Stephen showed us a clean pair of heels and by the time we re-grouped at the top, none of us could recall having had to work harder.
We were eating up the miles now and with the Braes behind us picked up the pace again stopping for another break 16 miles south of Wick, the final proper town before John O’Groats. The terrain was undulating and with Stephen leading the way we rode in a tight formation sustaining a speed that we had not previously got near. We were flying. By my calculations we covered those 16 miles in circa 40 minutes. This was the most enjoyable part of the ride to date.
Andrew had driven ahead and found an attractive fish restaurant in Wick and we arrived shortly after midday for an early lunch of crab salad, pear ice cream and coffee. One more effort was required. That last stint was going to be between 17 and 20 miles. Off we went again and once again Stephen was up front breaking wind for the final time. We covered ten miles in 30 minutes before allowing ourselves a wee stop. Seven or eight to go but it started getting hilly again and now the legs were beginning to tire. The landscape around us had suddenly become more desolate, farmland turning to moorland covered in rocks and heather. One final incline and there the village of John O’Groats lay before us. We cruised that last half mile, with video camera on to capture the moment of passing the village sign, then on another mile down to the port and the much prized signpost confirming our arrival.
We were eating up the miles now and with the Braes behind us picked up the pace again stopping for another break 16 miles south of Wick, the final proper town before John O’Groats. The terrain was undulating and with Stephen leading the way we rode in a tight formation sustaining a speed that we had not previously got near. We were flying. By my calculations we covered those 16 miles in circa 40 minutes. This was the most enjoyable part of the ride to date.
Andrew had driven ahead and found an attractive fish restaurant in Wick and we arrived shortly after midday for an early lunch of crab salad, pear ice cream and coffee. One more effort was required. That last stint was going to be between 17 and 20 miles. Off we went again and once again Stephen was up front breaking wind for the final time. We covered ten miles in 30 minutes before allowing ourselves a wee stop. Seven or eight to go but it started getting hilly again and now the legs were beginning to tire. The landscape around us had suddenly become more desolate, farmland turning to moorland covered in rocks and heather. One final incline and there the village of John O’Groats lay before us. We cruised that last half mile, with video camera on to capture the moment of passing the village sign, then on another mile down to the port and the much prized signpost confirming our arrival.
The finishing line (and not before time)
Done and dusted. We were exhausted and elated. Andrew presented us with a bottle of the fizzy stuff. We did photos, bought tacky souvenirs and repaired to a café to celebrate.
It’s a long way from Land’s End to John O’Groats. It’s more the monotony that gets you down than the physical tiredness. In fact Stephen, having led most of the day, not only went for a run when we got to the hotel but got in a race with a teenager and beat him. The man has no limits or concept of age.
It’s a long way from Land’s End to John O’Groats. It’s more the monotony that gets you down than the physical tiredness. In fact Stephen, having led most of the day, not only went for a run when we got to the hotel but got in a race with a teenager and beat him. The man has no limits or concept of age.
Anyone got any bottom cream?
Before I sign off a few thanks are due. Our drivers Simon and Andrew have both been superb and have given up their time to help, support and pander to our every need. Well, almost every need. Nick’s friends Nicky and Chris lent us their bike rack, which has been much used. Alastair’s parents-in-law, Shirley and Bryn showed us great hospitality in Wales. Our wives deserve thanks for indulging us in this trip, left behind to mind demanding children and pets (especially young un-house-trained puppies). The list could go on but finally thank you to all those of you who have taken the trouble to read this blog. In particular thanks to those who sent messages of encouragement, primarily Alison, Mandy (aka Wendy) and Brian. The technology has not allowed me to reply even though I told it that it should. It is very naughty technology.
It has been an adventure. In almost two weeks there has not been a cross word between us. And not a drop of rain has fallen on us, how lucky is that? There have been aches and pains – Alastair’s shoulder has played up from start to finish; Nick had a problem with ‘Jim’ (the character Jim Royall of “ My arse” fame – go figure); I’ve had a cold and even Stephen had a stiff knee for the first few days – at least I think it was his knee. Over the course of 12 days, Nick’s on-bike computer has informed him that we have burnt up more than 25,000 calories each. This is great news except for the fact my waistline indicates I have consumed about 35,000. My new car bumper sticker will read, “Cycle 940 miles and put on weight – ask me how”.
I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, but would I do it again? You’ve got to be joking it was a pain in the backside!
So, mission accomplished, London. We’re coming home.
WE WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS, HOWEVER SMALL TO SUPPORT THE CAUSES WE UNDERTOOK THIS CYCLE ON BEHALF OF. PLEASE SIMPLY CLICK ON - http://www.justgiving.co.uk/Tim-Nightingale/
It has been an adventure. In almost two weeks there has not been a cross word between us. And not a drop of rain has fallen on us, how lucky is that? There have been aches and pains – Alastair’s shoulder has played up from start to finish; Nick had a problem with ‘Jim’ (the character Jim Royall of “ My arse” fame – go figure); I’ve had a cold and even Stephen had a stiff knee for the first few days – at least I think it was his knee. Over the course of 12 days, Nick’s on-bike computer has informed him that we have burnt up more than 25,000 calories each. This is great news except for the fact my waistline indicates I have consumed about 35,000. My new car bumper sticker will read, “Cycle 940 miles and put on weight – ask me how”.
I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, but would I do it again? You’ve got to be joking it was a pain in the backside!
So, mission accomplished, London. We’re coming home.
WE WOULD REALLY APPRECIATE ANY DONATIONS, HOWEVER SMALL TO SUPPORT THE CAUSES WE UNDERTOOK THIS CYCLE ON BEHALF OF. PLEASE SIMPLY CLICK ON - http://www.justgiving.co.uk/Tim-Nightingale/
PS Racing bike for sale: Hardly used, one careful owner.
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