Reaching John O Groats

The day started early with a choice of route, either to go up the A9 or go inland at Helmstead and tackle the winderness. The rain started to fall about 30 mins in and the temps dropped dramtically. We pulled on our capes and then reached Helmstead. Stopped for coffee in Helmstead and decided to carry on the A9 and A99. It was a road that we had been warned about, but we found it quite quiet. Kev went into the Halifax bank in Helmstead and the girls laughed at him warning him that the climbs ahead would challenge us to the max. Berridale Braes awaited. These hairpin bends that climb to 500ft are a challenge to any cyclist. But the three of us flew up them, something to do with all the previous climbs that we have conquered in the previous 10 days.
The rain increased in intensity and the wind got stronger, changing to a headwind by the time we reached Wick. I (Steve) rode with one of three lads from Aberdeen, who were doing the end to end in 7 days. We took turns on the front until the final 8 miles of our journey. I pulled into a lay-by and waited for Kev (who's back was troubling him) and Lee, who was going at his own pace (paying for his breakaway from the previous day on a tough climb).
The last few miles were tough, so cold and such a bleak place. We rode into John O Groats as a three and were met at the finish line by Steve B with vedeo camera in hand. He made us do about 3 takes, until we were sick of riding back and forward over the finish line (there was a danger of clocking up another thousand miles).
At the finger post we had the grumpy fella from Hi Di Hi, who did the Punch and Judy show taking our pictures. He even got the date wrong on the post (we finished on 11th June). Total miles clocked was 1037 miles. More stats to follow when I can upload the Garmin.
Then it was back to the Carnegie Lodge to enjoy their wonderful hospitality. A few beers sank and a huge meal, trying to take in what we had all achieved.
Thanks to everyone who has supported our ride with sponsorship, words of encouragement and kindness.
We hope next weeks charity night carries on raising lots of money for the fund.
Pics - The finger post at a freezing John O Groats and the end of the Braes.

Penultimate day

Great hotel last night and hit the road at 9ish this morning. There were 7 fellas staying in our hotel and we had a target of trying to catch them, even though they had set off an hour before us. Lee's face dropped when I said what my intentions were. Luckily they were on a different route.
Hit Fort William and Ben Nevis in good time. I (Steve) opted for a minor road that took us along the Caledonian Canal and stunning views that were jaw dropping.
Loch Ness next and a mad route to the right of the lake, which took us away and up a few mountains. Crazy climbs sapped us. But it was strange when Kev and I battled up yet another steep hill, Lee rocketted past us!!!!! This was the first and only time that this has happened on the whole ride. But the mere fact that he did it amused Kev and I for a while.
Stunning views and roads again took us along the side of Loch Ness. We had to stop for food next to the RockNess music festival in Inverness. At least we were not the only ones in strange clothes in the pub.
The drag on the A9 through and out of Inverness was a nightmare, busy roads and energy sapping surfaces. Over the Spean and Cronarty Bridges, then on a silly detour along the river Firth towards Tain.
In total we covered 115 miles and rode from 9am until 8.30pm.
The final push is tomorrow and another long day in the saddle.
The Carnegie Lodge Hotel staff have done everything for us and the owner Heather has been fantastic. She has kept the restaurant open for us, washed our kit and also offered a free nights stay tomorrow if we want it. I would highly recommend this place, amazing hospitality.
Pics include Ben Nevis, the three of us climbing at the Eastern edge of Loch Ness, outside the beautiful Loch Leven Hotel with Glen Coe behind. Steve on top of the WW2 Commando memorial and Kev and Lee descending towards the Caledonian Canal crossing.

Day 9 Then there were 3 (again)

Early start to catch the ferry back to the mainland. DON'T STAY IN THE LOCKRANZA HOTEL IF YOU ARE EVER ON ARRAN. Got my own back though by sleeping with my bike in the room. He refused to give an early breakfast so after the 30 min ferry, we had to climb a load of hills on an empty belly. Arrived in Tarbert fishing harbour and grabbed breakfast, the runniest scrambled eggs Kev has ever experienced (Beginning to sound like Chinook here).
Had a call from Lee via our support (Ste B) and he later caught us up on route. It was also nice to see Denis and Jen (week 1 support) and have lunch with them. Lee was quite bright and cheerful, probably due to baby Eze perking up and also having a few days rest and mountains of food. It has rained constantly since Lee left to join Ell and the baby. But as soon as he jumped back onto the ride it started cracking the flags!!!!
Once we started hitting a few hills he (Lee) was back into his usual pace, Eg sloooooow! Joking Lee.
We passed through Oban during peak time and crossed the Connel Bridge.
Suddenly, we were faced with strong headwinds for the next 36 miles, not pleasant when you are running on empty and are desperate to get to your hotel. But it was worth the huge efforts, as a beautiful place met us. The sight of Glen Coe over the bridge to Ballachulish was breathtaking and the Loch Levin Hotel is equally wonderful.
Three course dinner and watching the sunset (yes sun!!!!) at about 10.30pm, coupled with being back to a 3 has given us a much needed boost for the final push through the Caledonian canal/ Great Glen towards the East coast. Kev and Ste B met up with Karen Aspinall (old diving buddy) at the hotel. Kren told us that her husband had seen us on the road up here before, but we were travelling so fast (except Lee) that he never had chance to shout us.

day 8 arran

We left our B+B after another great breakfast and headed towards Lanarkshire in heavy rain. We had to push hard to make the 3.30pm ferry over to Arran. Got lost in traffic in Irvine, but car sat nav saved the day. Not the best day on the bike as most of the journey was through heavy traffic and towns.
Arrived at ferry terminal with only 5 minutes to spare. Arrived in Brodrick on Arran, headed out to Lochranza again in more heavy rain, this time up a steep pass around 750 feet. Looked daunting from the bottom, but Steve and I (Kev) managed the climb ok. Enjoyed the decent into Lochranza. Found the hotel. Some of the staff were far from helpful.
Heading towards the mainland on the 8.15 ferry tomorrow, hoping for better weather.
Meeting Lee in Oban.
Keeping this blog update short, as we are all totally knackered. Need some sleep!
Pics include Sudocrem applied to feet, Androssen Ferry and Steve's bike tucked up in his room (The hotel owner refused to lock the bikes up), Lochranza Castle and the skyline in Arran at 10.30pm.

Day 7 (Chilly Jockoland)

Had a good feed last night and met up with our old buddy from home Little Ally. He's up in Kirkby Lonsdale now and it was great to see him. We were both on a high still after the fantastic send off from the club in the day.
Stayed in Nab Cottage and Tim Melling and his wife were very welcoming. They only charged £30 for the three of us, a donation towards the charity. On the road for 9am and hit Dunmail Raise straight away. This long climb almost saw a reappearance of breakfast. As we got to th summit in driving rain a fighter jet screamed over our heads. This gave Kev and I such a buzz and the noise was incredible. We thought it may be Lee catching us up!
Thirlmere lake next and a great route around the West bank. Onto Keswick and out to Hesket Newmarket with a few naughty climbs. We were spurred on by cheering at he edge of a mountain by cyclists sat on a wall, another much needed boost. At Hesket Newmarket we stopped at a cafe, where Martin (a local) donated £10!! A lovely gesture. Then Diane, who served us toast and coffee also donated. The peopl we have met and have shown kindness on this epic journey have all made the trip so memorable.
We left the cafe in torrential rain and rode on for a few hours, skirting Carlisle and on towards Gretna. Kev was beginning to suffer hunger knock around Annan, so we stopped for food at about 3pm. The weather brightened up and capes were thrown back in the car. There was a great route through the edge of the Solway Firth. Dumfries next and through to this beautiful valley here in Auldgirth, where we are staying on a farm.
Tomorrow is a tough route through to Androssan, where we will catch a ferry over to Arran. Both Kev and I are quite shattered after a few tough days.
Lee has contacted and is planning to join us somewhere near to Fort William on Wednesday. Little Eze is much improved, great news.

Day 6 (Home to the Lake District)

Start with a huge thank you to all who kindly donated at the Coey last night and all those who have donated from the H. Middleton CC.
Set off with our fresh driver onboard, welcome Ste B and a great first day in support.
We arrived at the shop at 8.20am and people came to see us off. The club all started arriving and I think the numbers were round 40 riders. Kev and I were asked to lead out towards Scorton and although Kev should have sat on wheels, he st the pace with Matt on the front. Got to th cafe in no time, think it was less than two hours.
Big feed of jacket potatoes and coffee. Ste caught us up and the three of us headed out towards Lancaster, Carnforth and Milnthorpe, all on the A6, which wasn't too bad.
The heavens opened aroun Levens and we got a bit of a soaking alongside Windermere. Sat here in Nab Cottage alongside Rydal Water, great place and Tim has welcomed us.
Just off for food into Ambleside and to meet up with Little Ali.
Thanks again to all the club for your support and it's give us a huge boost for he journey into Scotland.
If any of the Queens Park children are following, we rode past school last night at 7pm. Looked out for you, but ddn't spot anyone at that time. Keep following and the miles are clocking up for our competition.

Eze does it.....

As you have probably read I (Lee) have had to drop off the ride due to Eze being admitted to hospital with a suspected case of Ecoli. As Kev and Steve were riding off with the Cycling Club from Middleton's thismorning I was in hospital with Eze. The poor fella is not happy although the doctors have hopefully found the cause and the particular bug that has infected his system. It means he's going to be in hospital for a while as they treat it and see how he responds. I know Kev and Steve totally understand why I made this decision to drop off. My thoughts are with you boys. Here's a few photos I had on my camera. One enterting Wales at some point yesterday, or was it the day before? And another couple from the Seven Bridge. I'd like to add my thanks to my Dad and Jen for their support over the last 5 days. They are very much part of the team, and good luck Steve B, you've got some big boots to fill, but I've got no doubt you'll do it perfectly....especially the rubbing in of cream in delicate places. Good speed, stay mechanically sound and remember to do what Steve D suggested, look around and enjoy and if you can't whistle up hill you're working too hard. If Eze responds well, start looking over your shoulder for a bloke bent over the handle bars chasing you up the road.