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