I've put together a Picasa web album of some of the photographs I (and others) took during my 12 day trip.
I've tried to add a bit more about how it all went. There are locations for most of the photos.
There is a comment facility just below this posting, for you to say what you think of the trip, the blog etc etc. Let me know what you think, whatever it is. It's a bit lonely on this side of the login.
Rob
Friday 5 June 2009
Saturday 23 May 2009
Day 12+2 (Saturday)
Deb came to meet me on Wednesday ( to take me home on Thursday) and we stayed at the Bridge Hotel in Helmsdale. 
If anyone is in the area and wants somehere great to stay and to eat, the Bridge Hotel was absolutely one of the most delightful places I have ever stayed. Everything was good; the room, the bed, the welcome, the service, the dinner (fantastic but you probably need to like game), the breakfast, the views, and the location.
So on Thursday morning I set off expecting similar roads to Wednesday: gentle hills and undulations. The road to Jo'G out of Helmsdale is a steep (about 1:12) 3 1/2 mile climb. Just the thing to get the blood flowing after a good breakfast. About 3 miles later there was a very long and fast descent into Berriedale (lovely). But inevitably followed by a 1:7 climb for about a mile. After those two little beauties the rest of the route to Jo'G was fairly easy.
Deb met me in Wick where we stopped for elevenses. The heavens opened just as I got there so the cafe was a welcome shelter. Again as I left the cafe I had to shelter under a tree for a five minute heavy shower. But after that the roads were a bit wet but no more rain before John o'Groats.
I tried to savour the last few miles to J o'G and when I got there Deb was ready with the champagne.
There seem to be plenty of other people who do this trip on bikes. I saw quite a few heading out for Land's End whilst I was riding in, and when I got there, three lads from Ross on Wye had just finished a three week ride, and another (supported) pair had done the journey in just seven days.
After a spot of lunch in the cafe I just had to ride the 15 miles to Dunnet Head (now in the rain but with no luggage) to get to the most northerly point on the mainland.
There wasn't much there except the lighthouse there so Deb took a photo and we drove down to Kingussie, just south of Aviemore for an overnight stop before retuning home on Friday.
It has been one of the most satisfying and enjoyable challenges I have ever attempted and if you have ever even half considered such a thing, you will never regret doing it, but you might regret not doing it.
I would like to thank a few people for their help and support in making my dream a reality:
Roger for taking me to Land's End and making sure I started out ok
Deb for putting up with me during all the planning, for the B&B stop-over in Chesterfield, and for making the long trip to pick me up from the top of this island.
Eddie and family for looking after me in Newcastle (let me know when you are doing LE JoG yourself Eddie!)
John and Mike for traveling a lot of miles to meet me in Inverness
Everyone who has contributed (or pledged to contribute) to either Ashgate Hospoice or Macmillan Cancer Support. You will help to make others' lives better.
To all of you who have had such kind words and encouragement.
THANK YOU
If anyone is in the area and wants somehere great to stay and to eat, the Bridge Hotel was absolutely one of the most delightful places I have ever stayed. Everything was good; the room, the bed, the welcome, the service, the dinner (fantastic but you probably need to like game), the breakfast, the views, and the location.So on Thursday morning I set off expecting similar roads to Wednesday: gentle hills and undulations. The road to Jo'G out of Helmsdale is a steep (about 1:12) 3 1/2 mile climb. Just the thing to get the blood flowing after a good breakfast. About 3 miles later there was a very long and fast descent into Berriedale (lovely). But inevitably followed by a 1:7 climb for about a mile. After those two little beauties the rest of the route to Jo'G was fairly easy.
Deb met me in Wick where we stopped for elevenses. The heavens opened just as I got there so the cafe was a welcome shelter. Again as I left the cafe I had to shelter under a tree for a five minute heavy shower. But after that the roads were a bit wet but no more rain before John o'Groats.
I tried to savour the last few miles to J o'G and when I got there Deb was ready with the champagne.
There seem to be plenty of other people who do this trip on bikes. I saw quite a few heading out for Land's End whilst I was riding in, and when I got there, three lads from Ross on Wye had just finished a three week ride, and another (supported) pair had done the journey in just seven days.
After a spot of lunch in the cafe I just had to ride the 15 miles to Dunnet Head (now in the rain but with no luggage) to get to the most northerly point on the mainland.
There wasn't much there except the lighthouse there so Deb took a photo and we drove down to Kingussie, just south of Aviemore for an overnight stop before retuning home on Friday.It has been one of the most satisfying and enjoyable challenges I have ever attempted and if you have ever even half considered such a thing, you will never regret doing it, but you might regret not doing it.
I would like to thank a few people for their help and support in making my dream a reality:
Roger for taking me to Land's End and making sure I started out ok
Deb for putting up with me during all the planning, for the B&B stop-over in Chesterfield, and for making the long trip to pick me up from the top of this island.
Eddie and family for looking after me in Newcastle (let me know when you are doing LE JoG yourself Eddie!)
John and Mike for traveling a lot of miles to meet me in Inverness
Everyone who has contributed (or pledged to contribute) to either Ashgate Hospoice or Macmillan Cancer Support. You will help to make others' lives better.
To all of you who have had such kind words and encouragement.
THANK YOU
Thursday 21 May 2009
Day 12 Helmsdale to John O'Groats
Day 12 52.2 miles Time 3:38:42 Average 14.3mph Max 45.6mph
I made it!!!
At 1:30 I coasted the last 2 miles savouring the ride into and through John O'Groats. I was a little bit sad to have come to the end but also satisfied having done it.
We're on our way back now so I'll update more tomorrow.
I made it!!!
At 1:30 I coasted the last 2 miles savouring the ride into and through John O'Groats. I was a little bit sad to have come to the end but also satisfied having done it.
We're on our way back now so I'll update more tomorrow.
Wednesday 20 May 2009
Day 11 Inverness to Helmsdale
Day 11 60.58 miles time 4:24:16 average 15.8mph max 37.5mph
Punctures 0
Had a great night last night with John and Mike in Inverness. That did however mean a lie in, a headache, late breakfast, and a late 9:30 start.
While John was waiting to wave me off he inspected the bike and fortunately noticed that my back wheel had a couple of cracks where the spokes meet the rim. I think the wheels probably don't have quite enough spokes in them for touring. I decided to risk it and try to avoid the worst of the potholes. The morning was lovely; sunny, and fast. But I kept stopping to check the wheel. Were the cracks getting bigger or not?? I think they were but they may not have been.
Anyway, Deb was on her way up to Scotland to meet me tonight and as she had left so early she arrived at lunch time. Rather than look a gift horse in the mouth, we decided to take the bike back to Dingwall where an excellent bike shop supplied and fitted a new wheel for me. A quick dash back to Tain where Deb had picked me up and I was off again.
I missed just about all the showers today but rode over lots of wet roads where there had been showers. Must be my lucky day.
The coast road has been a delight and the Bridge Hotel in Helmsdale (tonight's digs) is fantastic. I'm sat behind reception using the owners laptop to type this.
No aches and pains at the moment so its looking good for the final push tomorrow.
I'm trying to raise some cash for Ashgate Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support. If you are reading this and haven't yet sponsored me, please do. There are links to my Just Giving sites in one of the very earliet posts below. Or if you're in Ransom Wood there are sponsor forms in the kitchen. Thanks.
I should get to John o'Groats by about 2pm tomorrow all being well. I'm getting excited now!!!
Punctures 0
Had a great night last night with John and Mike in Inverness. That did however mean a lie in, a headache, late breakfast, and a late 9:30 start.
While John was waiting to wave me off he inspected the bike and fortunately noticed that my back wheel had a couple of cracks where the spokes meet the rim. I think the wheels probably don't have quite enough spokes in them for touring. I decided to risk it and try to avoid the worst of the potholes. The morning was lovely; sunny, and fast. But I kept stopping to check the wheel. Were the cracks getting bigger or not?? I think they were but they may not have been.
Anyway, Deb was on her way up to Scotland to meet me tonight and as she had left so early she arrived at lunch time. Rather than look a gift horse in the mouth, we decided to take the bike back to Dingwall where an excellent bike shop supplied and fitted a new wheel for me. A quick dash back to Tain where Deb had picked me up and I was off again.
I missed just about all the showers today but rode over lots of wet roads where there had been showers. Must be my lucky day.
The coast road has been a delight and the Bridge Hotel in Helmsdale (tonight's digs) is fantastic. I'm sat behind reception using the owners laptop to type this.
No aches and pains at the moment so its looking good for the final push tomorrow.
I'm trying to raise some cash for Ashgate Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Support. If you are reading this and haven't yet sponsored me, please do. There are links to my Just Giving sites in one of the very earliet posts below. Or if you're in Ransom Wood there are sponsor forms in the kitchen. Thanks.
I should get to John o'Groats by about 2pm tomorrow all being well. I'm getting excited now!!!
Tuesday 19 May 2009
Day 10 Inverurie to Inverness
miles 88.79 time 6:07:02 average speed 14.5 mph max speed 35.2 mph
punctures 1
The night life in Inverurie was quiet. I made do with a really nice spaghetti in an Italian, and golf on setanta in the pub.
Todays ride has been easy to navigate. A96 to Inverness.
It's been a ride of two halves (well 2/3 & 1/3). The first 2/3 to Elgin, across country were rolling hills, fairly quiet, and good surfaces. I stupidly picked up a puncture when I ran over a smallish (half golf ball size) stone whilst doing 30mph on the hardstrip of the road. Fortunately it was sunny this time as it was all morning. Coffee and scone in Keif for elevenses and lunch in a scottish sounding restaurant in Elgin, Mc Donald's. I went "large".
After lunch the road was very busy, narrower, rougher and not much fun at all. On top of that I caught 3 or 4 heavy showers between sunshine.
I've just met up with John and Mike from Achintraid on the west coast so we might have a couple of halves tonight.
Off to Helmsdale tomorrow.
Nearly there now!
punctures 1
The night life in Inverurie was quiet. I made do with a really nice spaghetti in an Italian, and golf on setanta in the pub.
Todays ride has been easy to navigate. A96 to Inverness.
It's been a ride of two halves (well 2/3 & 1/3). The first 2/3 to Elgin, across country were rolling hills, fairly quiet, and good surfaces. I stupidly picked up a puncture when I ran over a smallish (half golf ball size) stone whilst doing 30mph on the hardstrip of the road. Fortunately it was sunny this time as it was all morning. Coffee and scone in Keif for elevenses and lunch in a scottish sounding restaurant in Elgin, Mc Donald's. I went "large".
After lunch the road was very busy, narrower, rougher and not much fun at all. On top of that I caught 3 or 4 heavy showers between sunshine.
I've just met up with John and Mike from Achintraid on the west coast so we might have a couple of halves tonight.
Off to Helmsdale tomorrow.
Nearly there now!
Monday 18 May 2009
Day 9 Dundee to Inverurie
Miles 82.83 time 5:50:37 average speed 14.1 mph max speed 34.3 mph
puncture! 1
Whilst the B & B in Dundee was good, the promise of pasta at the local eatery never materialised ("we have just sold out Sir!").
I set off this morning kitted out in my water proofs as it was pouring down. The roads were in an awful state and after 5 miles I got my first puncture from a shard of glass. It was the front tyre so a bit easier to fix (15mins), so I was a bit *** off this morning.
But as I progressed out of the urban bits and further north, the road, the scenery, and my mood all improved vastly. Arbroath looked nice, Montrose for coffee and cake was good, and lunch in Stonehaven by the harbour was very pleasant.
This afternoon the rain all but dried up, it was relatively warm, and I got some very welcomed help from a tail wind.
The ride over the hills from Stonehaven to Inverurie was fast, smooth, and navigation was good today so I really enjoyed the second half of the day. The very heavy shower when I was within 5 mins of the B & B didn't spoil anything.
So an early finish at 4.55 pm means I can check out the Monday night Inverurie night life (when I have mended the punctured inner tube).
puncture! 1
Whilst the B & B in Dundee was good, the promise of pasta at the local eatery never materialised ("we have just sold out Sir!").
I set off this morning kitted out in my water proofs as it was pouring down. The roads were in an awful state and after 5 miles I got my first puncture from a shard of glass. It was the front tyre so a bit easier to fix (15mins), so I was a bit *** off this morning.
But as I progressed out of the urban bits and further north, the road, the scenery, and my mood all improved vastly. Arbroath looked nice, Montrose for coffee and cake was good, and lunch in Stonehaven by the harbour was very pleasant.
This afternoon the rain all but dried up, it was relatively warm, and I got some very welcomed help from a tail wind.
The ride over the hills from Stonehaven to Inverurie was fast, smooth, and navigation was good today so I really enjoyed the second half of the day. The very heavy shower when I was within 5 mins of the B & B didn't spoil anything.
So an early finish at 4.55 pm means I can check out the Monday night Inverurie night life (when I have mended the punctured inner tube).
Sunday 17 May 2009
Day 8 Dunbar to Dundee
Miles 94.78 time 7:38:53 average speed 12.3 mph max speed 33.4 mph
It’s not been the best of days today but it’s had its high points.
“Navigational issues” caused a few problems:
1.Getting out of the centre of Edinburgh
2.Getting over the Forth Road Bridge when cycles are banned from A90 road it carries.
The headwind has been back and was particularly savage on the front at Kircaldy “I’d rather go to Berwick”.
The highs have been:
1. The Northlodge B & B in Dunbar was excellent.
2. The generosity of the Scots – donations from Jane & Gordon at the B & B, Susan & Gordon (fellow guests) at the B & B, and a chap in the street when I asked for directions gave me directions and £10 for Macmillan.
Edinburgh was pleasant for coffee and croissant on the Royal Mile, and the bridges have been good (Forth Rail, Forth Road, Tay bridges).
The sun has shone all day.
Oh, and the injured Achilles and soreness seem to have stabilised.
It’s not been the best of days today but it’s had its high points.
“Navigational issues” caused a few problems:
1.Getting out of the centre of Edinburgh
2.Getting over the Forth Road Bridge when cycles are banned from A90 road it carries.
The headwind has been back and was particularly savage on the front at Kircaldy “I’d rather go to Berwick”.
The highs have been:
1. The Northlodge B & B in Dunbar was excellent.
2. The generosity of the Scots – donations from Jane & Gordon at the B & B, Susan & Gordon (fellow guests) at the B & B, and a chap in the street when I asked for directions gave me directions and £10 for Macmillan.
Edinburgh was pleasant for coffee and croissant on the Royal Mile, and the bridges have been good (Forth Rail, Forth Road, Tay bridges).
The sun has shone all day.
Oh, and the injured Achilles and soreness seem to have stabilised.
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