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