Day 9 - Sunday 30th May

Left Golspie in a light, but not torrential drizzle like yesterday. Started with a steady first 20 mile till after Helmesdale and the first of two big hills. The first of which was on a new road which stretches in a long winding curve up and over the hills. A strong easterly head wind has started which slows progress and makes riding difficult.

The second and steepest hill is hard work, from here the last 50 miles follows the exposed coast line route is the hardest riding of the trip with a relentless head wind meaning that my stops became ever more frequent as I battle against the wind. Eventually I reached Wick and the last 20 miles stretch out before me.A quick lunch stop and head down into the wind for the final stretch,reaching the last 3/4 miles and eventually some cover from the the wind or is it just the sun shinning for the finnish?reaching the end of a tremendous trip.                                                                                                                                                                                                            I pose the Team photo and collect my last stamp for the log sheet,next stop is the bar.

Golspie - John O'groats (71.52miles)      Total -  934.33miles

Saddle time 06:04:57                              Total -  68:49:57

Average speed - 11.7mph Lowest which reflects the strong head wind

Average daily mileage 103.81        Average Daily speed 13.57

Day 8 - Saturday 29th May

Later start today after last nights late finish, not leaving Loch Ness along its winding roads till 09.30. Followed the Loch for 23 miles just the one little monster spotted this morning.

 Nice ride into Inverness where I stopped for a cup of tea and soup at the fire station.

The rain started to come own as I left Inverness and continued for the next hour soaking me through as the temperature dropped.Plan A was to ride as far as possable and then to bivvy out but that does not seem so appealing in this rain! couple of phone calls to my contact in the Highlands Jon Gunn and overnight accommodation is arranged at Golspie retained Fire Station. A welcome break to get kit dried out and warmed up.

Cramping in my legs was bad tonight but with the knowledge of just one more day kept spirits high.

Loch ness - Gospie (82.4miles)  

         Total - 862.81miles

Saddle Time - 05:55:09                   
  Total - 62:45:00

Average speed - 14.1mph

Day 7 - Friday 28th May

From dumbarton took the A814 bypassing the main A82. Following the coastline around, passing the Trident submarine base with their neighbors, Green Peace camp on their doorstep. Excellent early morning ride rejoining the A82 at Carbet following the shores of Loch Lormond. The rain starts and then the sun is out and then the rain and that sets the pattern for the rest of the day.

Its a long route through the remotest part of the Highlands but with stunning views all around this is why I choose this section as opposed to the shorter more direct A9 route. On reaching the highest point at Glen Coe ski area the rain turns to sleet and continues with heavy rain until just before reaching Fort William but I can enjoy the long descent down.

Still with 40 miles to go it becomes a hard slog but with a stop at Royal Marine Commando memorial at Spean Bridge I am reminded of the many sacrifices past and present made by our armend forces.I left feeling lucky to be able to climb back on my bike and ready to finish my long day through the most scenic part of the route so far to reach Loch Ness at 9pm were the tin-tent is ready and pitched.

Dumbarton - Loch Ness (136.26 miles)  Total - 780.41miles
Saddle Time - 09:29:35                          Total -  56:49:51
Average speed 13.4mph
Left 07.30 - 21.00
Punctures - 2
Road Rage - 1 stag, 1 deer

Day 6 - Thursday 27th May

Early start, up at 4am with the thoughts of two days worth of punctures to repair before I left. Began my day with a good egg and bacon breakfast then hit the road for 7.15, bright and sunny but down to 44F. Straight onto the A76 heading for Kilmarnock. On paper this looked like one of the easiest days with no major hills or mountains to overcome however with a very rough road surface in places as large sections were in the process of being resurfaced, my life was less than easy. This will however benefit anyone using this route in the future. A few hours into the day with about 550 miles gone I finally hit the wall and progress seemed to get increasingly difficult.This tough time was then added to by a strong headwind and rain. Options started to run through my head of taking a break, getting the sleeping bag out and having a power nap but a boost of 2 red bulls and 3 chocolate bars pushed me through. Knew I needed to push on to make up the time I'd lost from my slow start to the day.

Eventually I arrived at Kilmarnock which marked the 60 mile mark for the day. Kept pushing on following a large circular route towards Glasgow, negotiating its rush hour traffic which was a new experience.Headed for the Clyde Tunnel but somehow missed the cycle tunnel and ended up heading straight into the main car tunnel..oops head down and keep smiling might be on Scotlands most wanted list :)Riding onto Dumbarton the rain became the heaviest its been so far but battling on I arrived there at 6.30 just as the lads sat down for tea and cream cakes perfect timing again... I am starting to get the hang of this,after a shower a big chilli and rice supper and lots of good tips and advice from Mickey an experienced JOGLE

Facts and Figures

Dumfries - Dumbarton (98.1 miles)       Total - 644.15

Saddle Time 07:37:38                          Total - 47:20:16

Average Speed - 12.1mph

Low temp - 44F

Day 5 - Wednsday 26th May

Coolest day so far, heading out of Lancaster on the A6. Back in rural  country roads which is a nice change from yesterdays city riding. Heading into Kendal, got puncture number 6. Once that was repaired, heading away out of Kendal I had the dreaded climb up and over to Shap to look forwards to.
At least the weather was in my favor for the hard climb up.I was met up by an experienced cyclist from Falkirk Iain Mcleod who pushed me on and made the next miles pass quickly unfortunately Iain was not cycling back to Scotland today and had to break away but the company was greately appreciated.Heading down the other side, the first signs of rain appear, by the time I reached Penrith it was heavy rain. So I took cover in Greggs for pie and chips maybe not the purists diet but it does for me.The temperature was dropping dramatically to a low of 49F, welcome to the lake district. Headed off towards Carlisle in the rain and towards the 500mile mark, passing through Carlisle I had a mechanical malfunction in the form of my pannier's falling off, luckily this was after I'd left the main road and away from the traffic.

Time for cable ties to come into their own.                                                                                              Took a couple of wrong turns to eventually find the A7.

Drizzle turned to torential rain on the way to Gretna and the first house past Scotland but upon my arrival there was the sun greet me. All that was left was a 32 mile slog along the A75 to Dumfries Fire Station where I arrived just after 6pm just as the shifts changed.Once again made welcome by both watches and after showering enjoyed spicy chicken and rice. Starting to get leg cramps and pins and needles in my fingers and toes in the evenings, thinking this could be a regular fixture of my evenings now.

Facts and Figures
Lancaster - Dumfries (107.15miles)     546.05
Saddle Time  07:54:42                 39:42:38
Total Ride Time
Average Speed 13.5mph
Low Temp 49F
Punctures 1

Day 4 - Tuesday 25th May

Good early start, overcast and a lot cooler than the last 3 days. The terrain was a lot different to the Welsh mountains. Pushed on and got 25 mile under my belt before coming across a truckers pit stop were it was time for breakfast. However I did choose the healthy option, single dipped, deep fried (not double dipped).

Got back on the road and passed through Winchester before spotting two road victims ahead but upon catching these up I realized it was their 9th day, so obviously in no hurry.

I then began to hit the Midland towns of Warrington, Wigan and Preston which are a total contrast to the countryside of the previous 3 days. While stopped at the first post office in Warrington to get my confirmation stamp for the log book and what was intended to be a 2 minute stop turned into a 30 minute stop as people spotted the charity t-shirt and started giving donations in the street.

Had my 5th puncture of the trip coming out of Wigan but kept the momentum an pushed on to Preston where I had my prearranged meeting with Paul Keatts from Lancashire FRS  who led the way for the next 20 mile. Arrived at my stop on the closest estimated time, 10 minutes to 6, early for the first time. The evidence of the city fumes was then washed down the plughole as I'd been turned charcoal colored from riding through city centers all day. Many thanks to 'The Ship' PH in Caton who donated delectable fish and chips to the cause and big thanks to Paul Keatts who went out his way to lead me in and arranged accommodation for the night.

Facts and Figures

Shrewsbury - Lancaster (108.66miles)    438.9miles total

Average speed 14.9mph

Saddle Time 07:28:53          31:47:34 total

Road Victims - 2

Punctures - 1

Leave 07.15   Arrive 17.50

Day 3 - Monday 24th May

Red hot on station, up early again for another early start before the heat starts building up. Not a direct route onto the Severn bridge out of Bristol to avoid the motorway but quiet.Nice ride across the bridge but with a cycle path that was not well mark causing me to end up in a farmers field. Quickest way was to unpack the bike and carry it over two fences back onto the main road loosing about 45 minutes. Crossed into Wales via Chepstow, giving a nice ride through the Wye Valley and providing a bit shelter from the tree's. Nearly was a road victim myself when a four man cycling team came up behind but this kicked me on and as their team leader came up along side and we both stepped up a gear or two,  

after a couple of miles he was called back by his team mates as the rest fell behind.Pushed on into  Monmouth and found a Greggs, proving they are now international. Stocked up on sausage and bacon butties. A hard 40 mile of rollarcoasting hills followed passing through Hereford before making a stop for more water and red bull. Another big climb followed to get out of Hereford to the country park but worth the trek when you hit the big decent where I clocked a top speed of 43.6mph. Following the A49 which flattened out for a fast ride towards Shrewsbury. Stopped at Craven Arms(not the pub) but still managed to find the village drunk, his words...not mine. So I joined him for a drink, me with my red bull and him with his special brew. Found out his life story in 10 minutes but I did my bit of community safety work advising him to get a smoke alarm. Pushed on for the last 20 mile into Shrewsbury, would have made my 6pm target for the first time if the locals knew where the fire station was. Arrived at 6.15, needed to do some work on the bike which was covered in dust and bone dry,oiling chain and gears. Treated to a hot spicy chicken and rice to end the day.

Facts and Figures

Bristol - Shrewsbury (110.58miles) - 330.24 total

Average Speed 13.4mph (8 in morning, 20 in afternoon)

Saddle Time 08:02:40

Total Saddle time - 24:18:50

Top Speed   43.6mph (bone shaking)

Low Speed   4mph up the other side

Road Victims - 4

High Points -  40 miles after Hareford

                      Village drunk

Lows Points - Hard mountain climb to Hereford

                      Getting lost in farmers field