The Other End - John O'Groats.

The end of this ride for Big C was just 17 miles away.  An easy morning as John and Anne were on their way from their overnight stop at Pitlochry.  It was all a question of timing.    The legs felt good and on retrieving the bike from the garage it had no punctures. That did not seem right. No problem to solve.  The Norseman breakfast was as full as you could want it to be.      I needed new footwear and decided I would stop at Tesco on the way to John O'Groats.  

The bike packed up with ease and I got on my way in good time.   17 miles is still a good bike ride to complete.  The legs were in fine fettle.  So off I went on the  A99 towards the final goal.    Tesco duly delivered an identical pair of trainer shoes but in Wick they were twice the price I had paid in The Diss Tesco before catching the train to Penzance just over two weeks ago.       The old pair were binned and I felt  would now be looking my very best at JOG.       In touch with the recovery team had them about 90 minutes away.    I decided to make my way to the end and hold off to ensure that there would be no problems.  Knowing my luck of late! 

 

Whilst mostly flat there were one or two little hills to get the legs going.    I had hoped that I would find a cafe to stop and have a a drink.  Once again, no cafe.   I diverted off the main road and made my way through a couple of villages to use up a little time.  I stopped, on the coast,  went down to the beach.  No facilities in the village.  There was a telephone box but even this was a little run down.   

The sun was out but a chilly northerly breeze was blowing so I decided to move on the bicycle a little closer.   I waited on a side road until I knew that John and Anne were at the End and then rode in to the finish and a great welcome.   What a drive they had made to be there.  So kind of them to come all this way to fetch me.

After a good few photographs  taken at the official end of the "End to End" it was time to pack the machine away in the car ready for the journey south and home.    A small number of trinkets were purchased and the opportunity for a coffee taken.    A short debate took place on whether we were at the correct place for the end of the ride.     What we knew was we were at the official end of the ride. 

Just behind my right shoulder it is possible to see the sign post for John O' Groats.  I resisted the temptation to pay the high fee to have my picture  taken there.     Anne had produced a great banner and we have pictures to put up later on the blog.  

With all pictures taken it was time to head south. With a steady run back down the cycle  route we made it a little way past Aviemore  to Columba House Hotel at Kingussie.   We have John A to thank for locating this hotel for us although when we rang for service from ride control he had decided to step down from his post.    Within minutes he was back to us with a place to stay. Lovely hotel under new management, a couple from South Africa.   Rooms perfect and the dinner also of a high standard.   Very reasonable price too.   If you are ever this way try this hotel.

I would like to thank everybody who has supported this sponsored  ride in memory of Shirley with all funds donated going to the Big C Centre at Norwich Hospital.      I do not know what the final figure raised  will be. I will report back very shortly on this blog site.  If you have donated please accept my sincere thanks.  It will mean so much to people who need Big C  Centre.  Shirley and I did now know we would need the Big C Centre until we did and it was there for us both.   It is a great cause please encourage others to help by donating.  A little is a lot and it all adds up. 

The ride could not have taken place without much support from my family and friends.  John and Anne who have been there throughout and there at the end of the ride to bring me home.   Naomi, Joseph and Thomas who have helped out with training and with the blog and giving sites.   Stephen and Polly who tracked me down on day one and gave me a bed for the night and a lovely meal at the  end of day three.   John and Debbie for their perfect hospitality on the first weekend and for "Ride Control" throughout.  Richard Durrant for joining the ride for three days and spurring me on.  To Chris and Lou and family for diverting so far out of their way to find us on the road at Burton on Trent.  Andy for joining me for dinner at Chesterfield  and my two brothers who came to ride with me into Leeds where I stayed with my son Joseph and Louise, his wife.          There were also so many messages and calls of support on the blog and by text and telephne and I thank you all very very much.  

Wheeling to Wick

It was quite murky and dull in Golspie in the morning.  It felt like it could rain.  The night before a heavy mist had rolled in off the sea.    A delightful breakfast with a full range of cereals and fruits in addition to a choice of cooked breakfast.  As usual I chose the poached eggs.   Free range i was assured. Done perfectly and served with a smile.    No time for hanging around as I wanted to be on the road by 08.30     As it happens I did not depart this little coastal village till after 10.00  as I once again had problems with the bike.   Rear puncture with the new tyre and tube.  Seemed  odd.    I took it out repaired it and inflated.  Packed the bike and then it went flat again.  Took the tube out and it had failed along the seam.  I know you are thinking that it is the operator at fault, maybe pinching the tube. But no.   The very kind hostess told me there was a shop in the village with a bike repair department Lindsays. I walked there to acquire new tubes to save on time. No problem and I returned and fixed it all up again.    Just about to mount the bike and yet another flat.  I decided to wheel the bike to the shop and get some expert advice. My own little knowledge was dangerous.    Very kind young man took off the back wheel and examined tyre and tube.  It turns out that the tube supplied by the Inverness shop was wrong for the size of wheel and tyre  and I was inflating the tube too much thereby bringing about a rupture each time.  A proper sized tube sorted the problem and I could get on my way in the diction of Wick.  As I was  a Lands End to JOG rider he refused to charge me for his time.   What kindness shown again.   I was looking forward to flat run to Wick.   As it turned out some of the steepest short hills were encountered on the route this morning where the rivers flowed into the sea.  

There was one which had the steepest section of road on the whole trip. Another long two mile sweeping hill was thrown in for good measure to keep me on my toes or peddles.    The good thing, no further problems with the bike. Conditions were overcast with a light but very chilly northerly breeze.

I feel I must warn others who may follow by cycle or car that there are few if any services on this section of the A9.   I was looking forward to a stop or two as distance was not an issue today.  Just the 50 miles to cover. Nothing appeared around any corner and it was a dry old journey. Once into Caithness the mountains gave way to flatter terrain and an undulating road through to Wick. Eventually I found a tea room at Laidhay Craft Museum.  The lady was happy to serve us, I say us, as I had been joined for the stop by a cyclist going the other way, but we would have to sit outside as she was fully booked for lunch.   There is a business opportunity here for someone.   Following a cup of tea and a scone,  I wished the other cyclist a successful journey and got on my way with Wick a further 18 miles away.  It was time to speak with ride control and John A who was able to find me a hotel in Wick.   He secured a room at the Norseman, Wick's finest.    The last room was on hold for twenty minutes.   I booked it in double quick time.   At just before 16.00 good old Wick appeared on the horizon. What a sight.  I stopped for a drink and a Kit Kat and enjoyed the downhill couple of miles into the town.  The Norseman was easy to find.    

I will let the picture tell the story.  Very friendly welcome though and quite quickly I was in my room.  It had been brought to my attention that the blog for yesterday was not up.  After fighting to get a wifi connection the problem was solved.    Sounds stupid but the new shoes I bought for the ride are worn up and I needed to get into town and pick up a new pair.  I wanted to look my best for the end.  Perhaps have my hair done too would help!   I think the shoes were worn from the movement on the peddles.     The centre of Wick offered little in terms of choice.  There were a couple of cost cutting stores but no footwear that took my fancy.    Back to the Norseman for a wash and brush up.  On returning a large party of Americans had arrived.  They were probably "Doing Scotland" in a couple of days.   I am sure they will enjoy the delights of the Norseman.  Just before dinner I felt sure I could hear the pipes!   Sure enough adjacent to the hotel the Wick Pipe Band were being put though their paces.

Now in a Scottish mood, brought on by the music,  at dinner I decided that haggis was a must.  I chose the chicken option served on a bed of haggis. Very tasty it was too. No complaints and I could cut the chicken with ease.  You will not be surprised to learn that the Norseman does not have a baronial dining hall.  Back to my room to finish the chores, washing and drying kit etc.   A cyclists job is never done. Earlier in the evening I had spoken to the recovery team, John and Anne.  They had made it to Pitlochry in good time and were poised for the onward trip to JOG in the morning. They reported no punctures on route.  The plan is to meet at the end so John and Anne need to get ahead of me.   Hopefully your next read on the blog will be of a successful finish with pictures also.  This means I may need to kill some time in Wick. 

Sorry

I would like to say how sorry I was that the blog from yesterday did not get published.  Technical hitch. I have restored service now.  Please find the blog for yesterday where it should be.   Thanks for reading. Thanks for your messages and thanks for all your support and encouragement.  17 miles to go on Thursday. My recovery team of John and Anne are on their way as I write.   Blog for today will be up in the morning.  

Into Inverness and Beyond

Glenan Lodge served a very enjoyable breakfast.  The Frosties followed by the poached eggs on toast. If I were to find fault and that it not in my nature, I would say there was too much vinegar in the water for the poached eggs.  Now we are getting picky.    Before breakfast I prepared the bike for the off including repairing the puncture on the front. I have now lost count.  I had  taken the trouble to repair the tubes in my room overnight.    The box room which I would have to say was no bigger than a wardrobe.  I am not so sure I did not get an attack of claustrophobia.  If I had swung the cat it would have hit all four walls.   On departure the hostess asked me why I did not book ahead and had I experienced any problems finding accommodation.   She informed me that most people doing the same as me planned their detaild itinerary well in advance.  I picked up just a little criticism in her tone.   I tried to explain with such a distance it would be difficult to know exactly how far you would get and what problems that might be encountered.  As it happens I remain a day ahead of my well planned January schedule!    I pulled out of the Glenan Lodge with the noise still coming from the bike as I peddled and that made my mind up to find a cycle shop in Inverness.

Weather was set fair with little wind, warm and just enough sunshine. Perfect.  One or two climbs on the fifteen miles to Inverness with the final couple all downhill.   It was not a problem to locate a bike shop with my new Around Me and Find Near Me apps. Halfords once again proved useless in being able to help.  The Highland Bicycle Co could not have been more helpful.   In sorting out a new back tyre the mechanic found the source of the noise.  A broken back axle.   800 plus miles with me riding it had all been too much.  It must have given up the ghost on the run through the pass at about the same time as the double puncture.   No wonder that afternoon ride yesterday had been so slow and difficult. There I was blaming myself.  After a drink at Cake Mamma Cafe the bike was ready to roll again.  Off we went over the Moray Firth bridge and on to the Black Isle.

The bike and rider were humming. Progress was brisk and the miles were going by no problems.  After crossing the Cromarty Firth I stopped for lunch on the coast road near Alness. No sooner had I sat down and a call came through from my manager,John R, asking why I had stopped.  He had been keeping a close eye on the tracker.     No chance of catching a bus then! Being in good time Golspie was achievable for the evening and I managed to book the Granite Villa B&B   The ride continued in ideal conditions along the unspoilt coast road.   Once again the miles were being clocked up.  

Just to keep my hand in I got a rear puncture on the new tyre and tube, ten miles before the day's destination.   A twenty minute delay to sort out the problem.  So disappointing.    I think it must be the nature of the roads. Riding on the side of a busy road with so much debris, glass and other sharp objects.       All fixed and with the road reasonably flat I was in Golspie, a large village on the coast, in time for afternoon tea.  Instructions on how to find the Granite Villas were perfect.

What a contrast, the welcome was so warm and my room eight times bigger. I was afraid I might get lost.   I nipped down to the local shop to purchase certain essential items.  Took the opportunity to have a bag of chips and sit on the beach. A great treat.

Dinner was taken at the local hotel without a problem. A very tasty sausage casserole. Back to B&B by 21.00. Tried to stay awake otherwise I would be up too early.    Total mileage for the day was 64 miles leaving 68 miles to JOG.    The plan is to get to Wick on Wednesday night leaving a short ride in on Thursday to meet the Recovery Team, John and Anne.  I hope they have a smooth journey to the north without too many punctures! 

Carry On Up The Pass.

This was the big day, the one I had been waiting for with trepidation as it would be the stage that takes me through the highlands below the Cairngorm Mountains. Big climbs!   The Atholl Arms Hotel were busy preparing breakfast for their two guests as I packed up the bike for a clean getaway.   At just after 08.00, not before, the doors to the baronial dining hall were unlocked and I was able to take my place.  The experience with the Pork the evening before had made me wary and with the potential for retribution I went for the simple option of cereal and toast.   There seems to be no wow factor here. The staff seem tired and rather miserable. It can't be caused from overwork.   Before departing I visited the local store adjacent to the hotel to buy water and supplies.  Once out of the town settlements and places for a stop are few and far between on the A9.   I met a fellow cyclist as I was preparing to depart who asked me how I was going to get on through the Pass of Drumochter.   This just heightened my fears for the day.   Off I went.  Once again the cycle way next to the road was useful and got me off the main drag which was frightening with some of the lorries very close.    I have to say that today,somehow, man and machine were as one.  In total harmony. Both working at peak performance and I flew both up and down the steady inclines and I have to admit I was very pleased with my performance.  Before long the first thirty miles had been covered.  

There  is nothing like  a little problem to burst that smug feeling of how well I was doing.  With so much time on the cinder tracks and the side of the road a double puncture was the end result.

I had bought two new tubes in Edinburgh.  Handy to sort out punctures four and five.  After forty minutes I was back on the road. All was not well.  I had lost the balance of the bike and there were some strange noises coming from the bike and I was unable to track down the cause.  Despite the problems my time to Aviemore was good and lunch was  taken at Coffee Corner.    Spoke with John A who agreed to locate a B&B at Tomalin.   There were not too many options available and eventually a room was booked at Glenan Lodge Guest House.      The destination was  further 17 miles down the road.   Once again the bike balance was out and this made progress both slow and irritating.  Through Carrbridge with its famous ancient bridge and on towards Tomalin. 

Moral was low as I arrived in Tomalin having got the bike over the Slochd Summit and rolled down to the village in search of the Glenan Lodge.  Not an easy task and to make matters worse the front seemed to have another puncture.    After a couple of calls to the the B&B for instructions I arrived.  To say the room was tiny would not be an exaggeration.  I have had bathrooms bigger on this trip. It was a bed for the night.  I went back outside to attempt to sort out the problems with the bike.  After a few adjustments it seemed to have improved.   I took the two punctured tubes to my room for repair.   Next trip, if there is to be one, I think I should have a crew bus totake care of technical problems. Dinner was at 07.30 and was a delightful repast.   I passed on the Pavlova dessert and retired to my room.  The day had been like a soccer match, a game of two halves.  The second part of the day being the most frustrating of the trip to date.       With the average 63 further miles on the clock progress had been good if a tad frustrating.  Inverness and beyond in the morning.   Total mileage now 829 with 130 to go.  Keep the prayers going and all fingers crossed.  I will need all the help I can get now through to the finish line. 

  

 

Perth, Pitlochry, Blair Atholl

Kirklands Hotel was very quiet at breakfast.  The morning was bright and still.   I recovered the bike from the garage and duly packed it up.  There is is a fair bit of weight in the panniers even though I am travelling as light as possible. It all has to be pushed up the hills.    Managed to get on the road at 08.30 on set off in search of Perth.  Good time made and before long and with a few downhill sections I steamed into Perth.   The A9 road is the main artery through the highlands to Inverness, in fact it goes all the way to the top of the mainland at Thurso.   Over the last few years the UK Network of cycle ways has been established and sign posted.   Whilst a great idea it is pointless having a network which is not only signed for locals with some regional knowledge but the whole route needs to be clear enough to keep visitors on track, so to speak.  

Next to the A9 is a cycle way  which is excellent but at certain junctions it is easy to lose the directed way and one is back on the busy and potentially dangerous A9.   I covered a good number of miles on the track and at one point was cycling by the River Tay and at another through bluebell woods.  

The noise levels on the main road are so loud on the bike and it is with some relief that you travel through such wonderful scenery. Between the two main towns on my route I stopped for my lunch at a craft centre and cafe.   Quite the most miserable people I have met in Scotland. The place was nearly empty and that was no surprise.  However Pitlochry was. A pleasant highland town but on such bright a sunny day it was full of visitors including myself.    If only you could get rid of the tourists.  I stopped for refreshments and for the first time bought some postcards.  I do not seem to have had the time before now.  It was early afternoon and I only had a few more miles to Blair Atholl.    I eventually pushed the bike into this large village, small  town just before 16.00   One or two B&B but I peddled on a little way till I caught sight of the Atholl Arms Hotel just past the entrance to Blair Castle, not the home of Tony!      I had covered 57 miles.  Total mileage to date is 766   Average 63.8 miles.  I feel I will not get back up into the seventies again on this trip.    The end is coming into sight. Many a slip...... 

The Atholl Arms Hotel is a large highland hotel from a different age.  I managed to get a good deal on a room for the night with a bath.  The bath has become an essential facility.    Big hotel but tiny rooms.  There was not enough space to swing that poor old cat!   In fact so cramped you could not walk freely around the bed. I would cope.  It was a place to stay.    Managed a good rest and a snooze.  I booked dinner in the restaurant for 20.00  or as the hotel refer to it, the baronial hall.   When I booked the receptionist warned me I would be the only person dining there.  Not a problem.

As it turned out when I eventually presented myself for dinner the old major had also taken his seat. Basil was rushed off his feet looking after us both.   I was not wearing shoes as the trainers I, my only footwearfor the ride, are starting to smell a little and I did not wish to spoil in anyway the anticipated  ambience of the boranial hall.  Basil enquired " Will you be alright there in your sockies?"   Somehow I picked up that he did not approve.  I enjoyed the slected starter, smoked haddock compot. For the main course I had opted for the pork.    I now wish I had gone  again for the sea bass.  It simply proved impossible to cut the meat with the cutlery provided.  Even if you had managed to cut the meat into a bite size chunk then the effort to chew it would have been too much.  You will be pleased to know that I did not send it back or look for an alternative.    I did not wish to offend the chef but then nor did I wish to be on the receiving end of any revenge. I exchanged a few pleasantries with the major and then retreated to the hotel lobby, also deserted, to make a few calls and pick up the wifi.   The receptionist informed me they had no plans to put wifi in the rooms. Now that is a forward looking policy. I did tell her that I thought they would have to review that decision.    Must look this place up on Trip Advisor.  Back to my room for  bed and much needed sleep.   Being so much further north it is possible to appreciate how late it stays light.  It did not keep me awake.   

Good Service In Edinburgh

The Sea bass at dinner at The Hotel Lauderdale was simply delicious.  I hope it is good for my healthy regime. A comfortable night and some early blog writing.  With breakfast taken and the bike packed it was back to slogging up the A68 towards the capital.   Spitting with rain as I set off worried me slightly but this cleared into a beautiful morning and the ride was pretty smooth with  some encouraging downhill sections. With every downhill comes the uphill. After one long climb there was a great view of the Firth of Forth.  Quite often the journey to the centre of a major city can be very difficult and just before Edinburgh bicycles are forced to leave the main road and join a more circuitous route.  

Following signs for cycle paths in Edinburgh is not good if you are not familiar with layout.  The signs are not obvious enough and it is easy to get lost. The condition of the main roads is appalling with cycle lanes positively dangerous with pot holes and an uneven surface.   Eventually Arthurs's Seat came into view and I rolled into the centre in search of a bike shop.  After eleven days carrying me,lighter as I might be, up through England and a good distance into Scotland the good old bike was in need of a tweak or two and some TLC.  The rider was in need of a tweak or two also but that could come later. I caught sight of Velo Ecosse.  You cannot beat a bit of French!   After a quick examination of the machine it was agreed that new brake blocks and a cable were needed.  In addition I purchased more tubes in case of punctures. I also needed to replace my pump which I had carelessly left on the side of the road two days ago when fixing the last puncture. The helpful owner of the shop suggested I take a coffee or chocolate break in the Black Medicine Coffee Company over the road.

Whilst there I got talking to a fellow cyclist.  When it was time to pick up the bike Jimmy  Noon accompanied me and volunteered to escort me to the Forth Road Bridge, some ten miles away,  using the city cycle paths.  Having settled my account we set off. My only fear would be that I would not be able to keep up with Jimmy, who whilst older than me,was a fit experienced rider. I would never have found my way on my own and I am indebted to Jimmy who not only showed the way but helped me sort out a problem which developed with the gears. Another bike shop would be required.  Jimmy recommended Sammy Wallace's shop on the other side of the the bridge at Inverkeithing. For the crossing I said goodbye  to Jimmy but met another local, David, who rode with me and took the photograph mid way.  David also told me he was going to donate to Big C having seen the Just Giving site which was displayed on the sleeve of my shirt.  David left me at the shop and mentioning Jimmy Noon's name brought immediate service and within ten minutes the gears had been sorted and adjusted and once again I was on my way. What great people I had met, what generous people I had met.  

The escorting service from Jimmy was way beyond the call of duty.  I was certainly looked after in Edinburgh.    Safely and securely on the north bank of the Firth of Forth I took a break before finding the road to Kinross which was my chosen destination for the night.  My legs were getting  tired and it was slow progress.  Kinross had a number of hotels. The first two I tried were fully booked or they did not like the look of a worn out sweaty cyclist in their reception.   I went back to the Kirklands Hotel. They had a large room available with a bath which I could use. In fact it was a suite with two bedrooms and a lounge.  What is more the manager agreed to lock up the bike for the night and feeling very cheeky I asked if he could tumble dry my kit.  All done with a smile.      Once in my suite and settled in with a cup of tea and in consultation with my daughter and personal trainer, Naomi, I took a cold bath for my legs. That was my tweak.    We need to keep them going for the next few days. The cold bath was followed by a hot bath which seemd to revive them.  I hope to feel the benefit in the  morning.  Dinner at the Kirklands was delightful surprise and finished a most interesting and successful day.  Top marks to Scotland.