That's it we did it!! Feeling justly proud, very relieved and much fitter than when we started.
Woke up to a fairly pleasant day and had a 2 hour 15 minutes ride to John o' Groats, 35 miles making the grand total of 894 miles. Feels good!!!!!!
It got a bit cloudy but there was a constant view of the sea all the way with just a few hills before the end, to test our resolve! John o'Groats was reached at 12.30pm and was altogether a great relief . There was also a modicum of excitement as we saw all the tourist buses there to welcome and cheer us in! No other cyclists there, so the reception must have been for us.
I maintained a certain amount of decorum, as befits a celeb, but Doron couldn't get the smile off his face and launched himself into a frenzy of souvenir buying and postcard writing. We completed our signings and photocalls and then wondered how we were going to get home!
There was the option of cycling to Thurso or taking a bus.......guess which we took! From Thurso tomorrow we bus it to Inverness and fly south.
May we say thank you to all our supporters and to all of you that sent us good wishes en route, they were much appreciated.
See you in London tomorrow!!
Statistics
Day 1 70.38 miles 5hours 23 mins Lands End to Bodmin
2 70.86 6 1 Bodmin to Crediton
3 86.50 6 35 Crediton to Bristol
4 77.00 5 39 Bristol to Kiddiminster
5 88.00 6 39 Kiddiminster to Northwich
6 55.00 4 30 Northwich to Great Harwood
7 day off
8 90.10 6 38 Great Harwood to Greystoke
9 88.58 6 26 Greystoke to Selkirk
10 44.42 3 42 Selkirk to Edinburgh
11 day off
12 80.40 6 16 Edinburgh to Pitlochry
13 108 .00 7 46 Pitlochry to Latherwheel
14 35 2 15 Latherwheel to John o 'Groats
Totals 894.24miles 67 hours 50 minutes
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Friday, September 21, 2007
Kieran Day14 Inverness to Latheronwheel
Splendid day in every way and we are now ensconced in a delightful B & B at the aptly named village of Latheronwheel .
We did 70 miles by lunchtime today with the sun shining and the wind at our backs.The terrain to begin was easy from Inverness across three spectacular road bridges over the Moray Firth, the Cromarty Firth and the Dornoch Firth on the A9. The road was a bit mixed, some bits boring but not too busy. Generally the hills rise quite gradually and on the equally long descents we could pick up a fair bit of speed.We stopped in Tain to organise our accommodation it looked a nice coastal town but to be honest we wanted to press on, the end feels so near now, there is no time for exploring.
That can be said of the whole trip really, we feel we haven't really had a 'holiday', more a series of daily rides that have taken place in different areas, none of which we have had time to savour. This however is a coast I would love to come back to and take more time over, the scenary is wonderful.
As we moved into the last 20 miles the hills became a bit more like Devon, the road hugs the coast but the coast is cliffs so each time a burn met the sea we had to descend abruptly and climb out again, bit tough at the end of the day but we are feeling a lot fitter than we did on Days 1 and 2.
Sitting on these laurels somewhat we stopped at Helmsdale for a cream tea. Massive scones loaded with cream and jam at La Mirage, Doron is still enthusing about them as we sit in style ready to enjoy a dinner that our hostess has very kindly offered to cook for us tonight.
Oh yes no breakdowns today!
Tomorrow we have only 30 miles to go to John o'Groats, I can't believe it when I look at the map how far we have come.
ETA John o' Groats 1pm tomorrow. Watch this space.
Statistics
Miles today 87.55
Miles so far 946.79 miles
Time in the saddle 5 hours 57minutes
Average speed 14.6mph
Maximum speed 42.8 mph(holding on with both hands , honest Mum)
We did 70 miles by lunchtime today with the sun shining and the wind at our backs.The terrain to begin was easy from Inverness across three spectacular road bridges over the Moray Firth, the Cromarty Firth and the Dornoch Firth on the A9. The road was a bit mixed, some bits boring but not too busy. Generally the hills rise quite gradually and on the equally long descents we could pick up a fair bit of speed.We stopped in Tain to organise our accommodation it looked a nice coastal town but to be honest we wanted to press on, the end feels so near now, there is no time for exploring.
That can be said of the whole trip really, we feel we haven't really had a 'holiday', more a series of daily rides that have taken place in different areas, none of which we have had time to savour. This however is a coast I would love to come back to and take more time over, the scenary is wonderful.
As we moved into the last 20 miles the hills became a bit more like Devon, the road hugs the coast but the coast is cliffs so each time a burn met the sea we had to descend abruptly and climb out again, bit tough at the end of the day but we are feeling a lot fitter than we did on Days 1 and 2.
Sitting on these laurels somewhat we stopped at Helmsdale for a cream tea. Massive scones loaded with cream and jam at La Mirage, Doron is still enthusing about them as we sit in style ready to enjoy a dinner that our hostess has very kindly offered to cook for us tonight.
Oh yes no breakdowns today!
Tomorrow we have only 30 miles to go to John o'Groats, I can't believe it when I look at the map how far we have come.
ETA John o' Groats 1pm tomorrow. Watch this space.
Statistics
Miles today 87.55
Miles so far 946.79 miles
Time in the saddle 5 hours 57minutes
Average speed 14.6mph
Maximum speed 42.8 mph(holding on with both hands , honest Mum)
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Kieran Day 13 Pitlochry to Inverness
Day 13 eh, that fits ,it was certainly unlucky for us.
We set off at 7.45 in fine weather and I got my first puncture of the day 5 miles out.Fixed it and carried on up the A9 following the Glen Garry all the way to the Sow of Atholl at 803 metres then on the way down towards Dalwhinnie the second puncture took place and the rain started.
It was slow going all morning but after the repair we fair flew down past Creagen Mor , through Newtonmore and Kingussie at over 30mph.
The weather cleared as we headed towards lunch at Aviemore where the third puncture struck. It started to drizzle again as we sought out a bike shop to replace my inner tube.
From there we should have followed our route along the A9 but instead took some advice to bear east on the B970 through Coylumbridge, Auchgourish and Nethy Bridge to Grantown on Spey where the rain set in again and we stopped for a rest only to discover our 25mile mistake. All we could do was turn around and go west on the B938 in the now pouring rain against a strong headwind.
Rejoining the A9 the fourth puncture assailed us at Slochd and the weather having been indecisive all day went for a full on attack of violent rain and headwind for the remaining 20miles into Inverness. We hobbled into town at 7.30pm and I have little memory of the outstanding natural beauty this area is renowned for. I do have a cold and backache however and after some food will turn in!
A disheartening day! But we have been so lucky with weather you have to expect them now and again.
Statistics
Miles today 108
Miles so far 859.24
Hours in the saddle 7hours 46minutes
Average speed 13.9
Max speed 32.5mph
We set off at 7.45 in fine weather and I got my first puncture of the day 5 miles out.Fixed it and carried on up the A9 following the Glen Garry all the way to the Sow of Atholl at 803 metres then on the way down towards Dalwhinnie the second puncture took place and the rain started.
It was slow going all morning but after the repair we fair flew down past Creagen Mor , through Newtonmore and Kingussie at over 30mph.
The weather cleared as we headed towards lunch at Aviemore where the third puncture struck. It started to drizzle again as we sought out a bike shop to replace my inner tube.
From there we should have followed our route along the A9 but instead took some advice to bear east on the B970 through Coylumbridge, Auchgourish and Nethy Bridge to Grantown on Spey where the rain set in again and we stopped for a rest only to discover our 25mile mistake. All we could do was turn around and go west on the B938 in the now pouring rain against a strong headwind.
Rejoining the A9 the fourth puncture assailed us at Slochd and the weather having been indecisive all day went for a full on attack of violent rain and headwind for the remaining 20miles into Inverness. We hobbled into town at 7.30pm and I have little memory of the outstanding natural beauty this area is renowned for. I do have a cold and backache however and after some food will turn in!
A disheartening day! But we have been so lucky with weather you have to expect them now and again.
Statistics
Miles today 108
Miles so far 859.24
Hours in the saddle 7hours 46minutes
Average speed 13.9
Max speed 32.5mph
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Kieran Day 12 Edinburgh to Pitlochry
Glorious weather all day! so nice to be dry!
Got an early start after a good rest day in Edinburgh, away by 7.30am. Did 6 hours and 16minutes riding the remainder of the 10 hours mending the bikes!.We are now well acquainted with and very grateful to bike ships in Central Scotland. A special mention must be made of the Perth City Cycles where Doron's spoke was mended again , four spare ones bought and a tutorial on how to mend them was given. I also had my brake pads changed there. We talked to veterans of this route and picked up many useful tips from them . Thanks are also due to a real gentleman in the bike shop Escape Route at Pitlochry, who gave us fantastic customer support , mended my puncture and gave us more expert advice even though we caught him very close to closing time. I am really impressed with the camaraderie of people we have come across.
Got an early start after a good rest day in Edinburgh, away by 7.30am. Did 6 hours and 16minutes riding the remainder of the 10 hours mending the bikes!.We are now well acquainted with and very grateful to bike ships in Central Scotland. A special mention must be made of the Perth City Cycles where Doron's spoke was mended again , four spare ones bought and a tutorial on how to mend them was given. I also had my brake pads changed there. We talked to veterans of this route and picked up many useful tips from them . Thanks are also due to a real gentleman in the bike shop Escape Route at Pitlochry, who gave us fantastic customer support , mended my puncture and gave us more expert advice even though we caught him very close to closing time. I am really impressed with the camaraderie of people we have come across.
Apart from losing the advantage of an early start we had a great day, the scenery has been the best yet, quite delightful. It might be something to do with having forsaken the A roads after we left the Forth Bridge Road at North Queensferry when we turned on to the B981 through Kelty and Kinross to Perth. We left there with new spokes along a nice scenic cycle route through the the Tay Valley and pushed on through Dunkeld making the most of the sunshine. We hoped to go further than our scheduled night stop at Pitlochry but just as we arrived I got a puncture and we stayed put.
It was quite a hard day we did 80 miles and I feel quite tired but that may have something to do with the fact that my brake pads were rather too tight so I had been pedalling against some resistance for half the time!
Now we are off to find a curry house and settle down in our B & B to watch the Champions League game. Managed to watch a fair bit of football this 'holiday ', got to keep sane somehow. Off to Inverness tomorrow, only 85 miles .
Statistics
Miles today 80.4
Miles so far 767.8
Time in the saddle 6hours 16 minutes
Average speed 12.8mph
Maximum speed Plus 40mph very gratifying hurtle down the Tay Valley
Monday, September 17, 2007
Kieran Day 10 Selkirk to Edinburgh
A beautiful start to the day that promised a nice downhill ride to Edinburgh but didn't deliver. It got cold and drizzley and a wind came from the north that was so strong we had to pedal hard!
Mercifully it was a short day. After a bad nights sleep in my first Youth Hostel; why do men snore so loudly, I never really believed my Mum? We started off early, and stopped at Tesco's in Galashiels for a nice coffee waiting for the Cycle Shop to open so we could fix Doron's tyre. We sat and pondered on the swift and easy two hour trip up the Gala Water Valley, between the Moorfoot and Fala Moor on the Lammermuir Hills, and so to Edinburgh.
We had not bargained for the force 5 headwind. New experience that, fighting our way downhill. The 44miles took us till 2pm!
Now we are settled in a friend's flat just off the Royal Mile so we don't have to go far tomorrow, on our second rest day, to take in the sights. Must close as the back, ankles and knees are calling for a nice hot bath.
Not far now another 300 miles or so.
Statistics
Miles today 44.42
Miles so far 687.40
Time in saddle 3hours 42minutes !
Average speed 11.9mph
Max speed 28.6mph and that downhill!
Mercifully it was a short day. After a bad nights sleep in my first Youth Hostel; why do men snore so loudly, I never really believed my Mum? We started off early, and stopped at Tesco's in Galashiels for a nice coffee waiting for the Cycle Shop to open so we could fix Doron's tyre. We sat and pondered on the swift and easy two hour trip up the Gala Water Valley, between the Moorfoot and Fala Moor on the Lammermuir Hills, and so to Edinburgh.
We had not bargained for the force 5 headwind. New experience that, fighting our way downhill. The 44miles took us till 2pm!
Now we are settled in a friend's flat just off the Royal Mile so we don't have to go far tomorrow, on our second rest day, to take in the sights. Must close as the back, ankles and knees are calling for a nice hot bath.
Not far now another 300 miles or so.
Statistics
Miles today 44.42
Miles so far 687.40
Time in saddle 3hours 42minutes !
Average speed 11.9mph
Max speed 28.6mph and that downhill!
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Kieran Day 9 Greystoke to Selkirk
This is definately Day 9!
Today it rained BIG TIME and we feel thoroughly muddied by this rite of passage now.
We set off at 8.55 from our delightful B and B in Greystoke in absolutely horrendous weather.It was cold and the rain came at us sideways, the clothes we had hoped would stay at the bottom of our panniers had to be hauled out but we set off for Carlisle on an easy ride.
Half way there Doron's gear cable snapped so we limped the last few miles and engaged our back up team in Bedford in finding us a cycle repair shop open on Sunday. Several calls later they found us a brilliant guy called Steven, a real enthusiast who runs Mystery Cycles 5 miles south of Carlisle at Buckabank on the B5299. He actually cycled out to meet us as his place is off the beaten track. His kids swarmed round and the whole repair job became a family event. Thank you to a really nice man, who knows bikes.
In no time we were heading back to Carlisle and through driving rain (no good for photos of Hadrians Wall or the Scottish Border I'm afraid) on the A7 through Longtown and Langholm then on up to Hawick (pronounced Hoick). We had been warned off this main road but being Sunday thought we would take it . Found it very quiet and (were it not for the rain) a great ride.
From Hawick we went to Selkirk and nearly made it. Doron had a puncture , his first, so we had a quick patch up job and will have to find a new wheel in Gallashiels tomorrow. We only had a few miles to go to our nightstop, Broadmeadows YHA. Not knowing anything about the YHA we hadn't realised we needed to bring our own food! Happily some mountain bikers staying there cut us a deal, share their spag bol in return for washing up...a done deal if ever there was one. The ideal food after a thoroughly wet and cold 88 miles!
This rain business has been a bit extreme. I decided once I was wet through (after the first 5 minutes) that I couldn't get any wetter and I might as well enjoy the extra feeling of adversity it engendered, it sort of felt like we were REALLY being challenged at last after all those days of gaily sauntering along on our bikes through merry sunny England. Doron got pissed off and stayed pissed off. I hope it doesn't rain again tomorrow!
It has been a day of extremes everything soaking but some stunning scenery and, seen in its own element, its beautiful. Remote farms, rolling hills, nice gradual climbs that you can relax into, much easier than the short steep ones in Cornwall and Devon. And then at the end of the day the sun came out, the sky turned blue and we felt this wonderful southerly tailwind that just lifted us along.
Short day tomorrow after repairs only 40 miles to Edinburgh where we stay with friends for the following day and I take "Scottish "photos to prove we got there!
Statistics
Miles today 88.58
Miles so far 642.98
Hours in Saddle 6 hours 26 minutes
Average speed 13.7mph
Max speed 29.9mph
Today it rained BIG TIME and we feel thoroughly muddied by this rite of passage now.
We set off at 8.55 from our delightful B and B in Greystoke in absolutely horrendous weather.It was cold and the rain came at us sideways, the clothes we had hoped would stay at the bottom of our panniers had to be hauled out but we set off for Carlisle on an easy ride.
Half way there Doron's gear cable snapped so we limped the last few miles and engaged our back up team in Bedford in finding us a cycle repair shop open on Sunday. Several calls later they found us a brilliant guy called Steven, a real enthusiast who runs Mystery Cycles 5 miles south of Carlisle at Buckabank on the B5299. He actually cycled out to meet us as his place is off the beaten track. His kids swarmed round and the whole repair job became a family event. Thank you to a really nice man, who knows bikes.
In no time we were heading back to Carlisle and through driving rain (no good for photos of Hadrians Wall or the Scottish Border I'm afraid) on the A7 through Longtown and Langholm then on up to Hawick (pronounced Hoick). We had been warned off this main road but being Sunday thought we would take it . Found it very quiet and (were it not for the rain) a great ride.
From Hawick we went to Selkirk and nearly made it. Doron had a puncture , his first, so we had a quick patch up job and will have to find a new wheel in Gallashiels tomorrow. We only had a few miles to go to our nightstop, Broadmeadows YHA. Not knowing anything about the YHA we hadn't realised we needed to bring our own food! Happily some mountain bikers staying there cut us a deal, share their spag bol in return for washing up...a done deal if ever there was one. The ideal food after a thoroughly wet and cold 88 miles!
This rain business has been a bit extreme. I decided once I was wet through (after the first 5 minutes) that I couldn't get any wetter and I might as well enjoy the extra feeling of adversity it engendered, it sort of felt like we were REALLY being challenged at last after all those days of gaily sauntering along on our bikes through merry sunny England. Doron got pissed off and stayed pissed off. I hope it doesn't rain again tomorrow!
It has been a day of extremes everything soaking but some stunning scenery and, seen in its own element, its beautiful. Remote farms, rolling hills, nice gradual climbs that you can relax into, much easier than the short steep ones in Cornwall and Devon. And then at the end of the day the sun came out, the sky turned blue and we felt this wonderful southerly tailwind that just lifted us along.
Short day tomorrow after repairs only 40 miles to Edinburgh where we stay with friends for the following day and I take "Scottish "photos to prove we got there!
Statistics
Miles today 88.58
Miles so far 642.98
Hours in Saddle 6 hours 26 minutes
Average speed 13.7mph
Max speed 29.9mph
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Kieran Day 8 Blackburn to Greystoke
The alert reader will realise that the number of days has gone awry! There are 2 Day 5 and now we are on Day 8. This is because a) my scribe is incompetent and b) we took a day off yesterday. And a thoroughly enjoyable day it was too . Friends from Durham came over to see us and we all had a take-away curry. Just the thing to set you up for a day on the bike.
We got an early start 8.15am (not because of the curry)and it was a beautiful sunrise with mist over the peaks around Great Harwood. The day became overcast to the north and looked like rain was threatening around lunchtime but it held off and gradually got brighter. We have had a wonderful sunset and lovely evening.
The route today was a revelation, not least because we hadn't planned to go up and over Kirkstone Pass, more on that later. From our base we set off west through Wilpshire over the A666 to Ribchester and on to Longridge. This was down one side of the Ribble Valley and up the other on minor roads till we got to the A6 at Broughton at 9.30am. Then we zoomed up the A6 0n a very flat route to Lancaster, where we went in search of a bike shop.
Doron's spoke problem had returned and we got expert advice so it shouldn't recur again. The countryside was fairly nondescript along the A6 and we went rapidly off this route when it became a busy dual carriageway passing west of Kendal. We joined the A591 and from there we got headstrung and diverted from the original plan which had been to carry on up the A6 .
Instead we headed into the Lake District, up through Windemere, and, out of sheer exuberance and/or foolishness, and because of a book Doron had brought along, we took on the challenge of the Kirkstone Pass. Doron made the 1500 feet climb in one, I had a couple of stops ! But it was certainly worth it, gorgeous views all round. We had a celebratory warm sugary tea at the top, flapjacks and photos before hurtling down to Ullswater at a rash, and for me rather frightening, pace! Heading for our B and B at Greystoke we opted for the A5091 out of Ullswater to Troutbeck. I would rather we had hugged the west side of the lake, further but flatter, but Doron had the bit between his teeth.
Doron is currently looking fairly composed and has been heard saying "its been the best day yet: and phrases like "I absolutely loved it" and 'there wasn't enough mountain". Personally I am feeling fairly good in spirit but my body feels like I have climbed the mountain on foot.
Statistics
Todays miles 90.1
Total so far 538.06
Hours in the saddle 6 hours 38minutes
Average speed 13.5mph
Max speed 37.8 mph (Kirkstone!)
We got an early start 8.15am (not because of the curry)and it was a beautiful sunrise with mist over the peaks around Great Harwood. The day became overcast to the north and looked like rain was threatening around lunchtime but it held off and gradually got brighter. We have had a wonderful sunset and lovely evening.
The route today was a revelation, not least because we hadn't planned to go up and over Kirkstone Pass, more on that later. From our base we set off west through Wilpshire over the A666 to Ribchester and on to Longridge. This was down one side of the Ribble Valley and up the other on minor roads till we got to the A6 at Broughton at 9.30am. Then we zoomed up the A6 0n a very flat route to Lancaster, where we went in search of a bike shop.
Doron's spoke problem had returned and we got expert advice so it shouldn't recur again. The countryside was fairly nondescript along the A6 and we went rapidly off this route when it became a busy dual carriageway passing west of Kendal. We joined the A591 and from there we got headstrung and diverted from the original plan which had been to carry on up the A6 .
Instead we headed into the Lake District, up through Windemere, and, out of sheer exuberance and/or foolishness, and because of a book Doron had brought along, we took on the challenge of the Kirkstone Pass. Doron made the 1500 feet climb in one, I had a couple of stops ! But it was certainly worth it, gorgeous views all round. We had a celebratory warm sugary tea at the top, flapjacks and photos before hurtling down to Ullswater at a rash, and for me rather frightening, pace! Heading for our B and B at Greystoke we opted for the A5091 out of Ullswater to Troutbeck. I would rather we had hugged the west side of the lake, further but flatter, but Doron had the bit between his teeth.
Doron is currently looking fairly composed and has been heard saying "its been the best day yet: and phrases like "I absolutely loved it" and 'there wasn't enough mountain". Personally I am feeling fairly good in spirit but my body feels like I have climbed the mountain on foot.
Statistics
Todays miles 90.1
Total so far 538.06
Hours in the saddle 6 hours 38minutes
Average speed 13.5mph
Max speed 37.8 mph (Kirkstone!)
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