Wednesday, 10 June 2009

Day 10 - Tain to John O Groats (The Finish!)

The final day!
Another sunny day a relaxed start only 85 miles to do an even captain Simon did not tell Sanj to hurry up too much! After pleading with Kev to make some effort so that we would not have to wait for him at JOG for too long the four of us set off. Omar decided to spare the blushes of the locals and not don his lycra so that he could concentrate on filming. The final day turned out to be very hilly but for the first time in 10 days we were riding along a coast road. Our pace was excellent Richard taking top speed honours with 48.7 mph Simon could only manage 48.6 but he had the wrong gears, Sanj turned in a frankly pathetic 48 mph no wonder he does not come mountain biking - Tony, well its not his discipline is it! The tortoise which overtook him claimed Kev had his brakes on and his eyes closed. 50 miles to go and two pistons Tony decided that it would be good to start ' putting the hammer down' and then several miles in complained of cramp and a painful knee. A stop for tea and cake did not solve the problem so under protest from the ever caring Simon and Richard Sanj put his foot down and insisted on a break for Tony ( obviously he himself did not need a rest!) A box of painkillers later two pistons was firing on all cylinders and the breakneck pace continued not least due to the following wind. After a quick break for lunch where we were informed that a couple who we met at Lands End had beaten us. Richard angrily rallied the troops to be beaten by a girl deserved some punishment after all. What followed was probably the fastest 20 miles we have ever done! We eventually arrived at John O' Groats what an achievement but before we could enjoy it Kev popped up from behind the sign! How did he do that! the look on Richard's face is something the rest of us will all cherish!!

GPS Track of Route

Day 9 - Fort William to Tain

We woke up to a sunny day!! had a cheery breakfast and a cheque for £100 from the owner of the hotel, The Inn at Ardour many thanks for that, it was an extremely generous donation. We were once again were joined by Omar and Kev we set off for a 108 + mile ride. Kev set off at a leisurely pace whilst one again we shot off like the Tour de France well that's what it felt like. Once again we were treated to some lovely views, guided by our sat navs up a dead end and with common sense out of the window we followed it onto a forest trail. After shocking some mountain bikers by overtaking them we continued for 9 miles down a mountain bike track skirting Loch Oich, some I know were hoping for catastrophic failure!! At over 90 miles and over 5 hours in the saddle it felt obligatory to start some sprinting !! We stopped at 100 miles to welcome Omar. Good job !! For the last 5 miles the sun gave way to torrential rain we all felt right at home with Tony and Richard following each other to complete the effect by being sprayed in the face! Omar was not impressed, but did enjoy the cool down, knowing there was a hot shower only 5 miles away
We reached the hotel to be greeted by John who had just had a siesta he must have had a hard day bless. We took our bikes into our rooms ( I for one will find it weird to check into a hotel without trying to sneak my bike past reception) for the last time and had an agreeable meal. we weren't sure when Kevin got there but he really should make some effort.

GPS Track of Route