The final Day with about 35 miles to do we, yes Boycies back again, started the day with a good traditional breakfast of scrambled egg and Haddock and smoked Kippers. Weather forecast was predicting strong winds and rain and we were on the road to John O'Groats.
Went through the back roads to avoid A9 and came across the Camster Cairns ancient Neolithic burial sites. Also saw evidence of Peat cutting for fuel, I guess that when you live this far North and remote you use anything you can...
The roads were all long, straight, traffic free, wet and windswept and we soon approached the Pentland Firth which has one of the most fearsome tidal races in the UK. It is here that plans for underwater windmills are in place to harness the tides to produce renewable power for these parts. It is also here that the words 'piracy' and Stromb are never mentioned!
Stopped for a quick Scotch Pie and Banana Milkshake, from a rather weird shop assistant!!! and then on to John O'Groats where there are two finishes.
The commercial finish by the Hotel, for tourists, and the real finish a further 2.5 miles, up, down, and upppp again ... we did both.
When we arrived at the commercial finish we found the support team with a fantastically decorated support van, well it was my 50th birthday, yes that's 5 ... 0,great job but they didn't want to be photographed.
Then to the real end of Scotland by the lighthouse, yes it was another experience, particularly for old Boycie, I didn't want to make Boycie go up the hill, but he insisted, thanks Boyce.
Objective achieved so now back to the commercial finish for more "official" support team photos from the support team, check out the bike lift one.
Finally thanks for all you Bloggers out there and your comments and support it really has made a big difference and provided an incentive to complete this blog every night, THANK YOU ALL !!!!
Stats to follow as its my birthday and I'm going on the lash....
But 1032 miles done! two crahes but without a single puncture.
All the best Deano aka Al @ Shell
Went through the back roads to avoid A9 and came across the Camster Cairns ancient Neolithic burial sites. Also saw evidence of Peat cutting for fuel, I guess that when you live this far North and remote you use anything you can...
The roads were all long, straight, traffic free, wet and windswept and we soon approached the Pentland Firth which has one of the most fearsome tidal races in the UK. It is here that plans for underwater windmills are in place to harness the tides to produce renewable power for these parts. It is also here that the words 'piracy' and Stromb are never mentioned!
Stopped for a quick Scotch Pie and Banana Milkshake, from a rather weird shop assistant!!! and then on to John O'Groats where there are two finishes.
The commercial finish by the Hotel, for tourists, and the real finish a further 2.5 miles, up, down, and upppp again ... we did both.
When we arrived at the commercial finish we found the support team with a fantastically decorated support van, well it was my 50th birthday, yes that's 5 ... 0,great job but they didn't want to be photographed.
Then to the real end of Scotland by the lighthouse, yes it was another experience, particularly for old Boycie, I didn't want to make Boycie go up the hill, but he insisted, thanks Boyce.
Objective achieved so now back to the commercial finish for more "official" support team photos from the support team, check out the bike lift one.Finally thanks for all you Bloggers out there and your comments and support it really has made a big difference and provided an incentive to complete this blog every night, THANK YOU ALL !!!!
Stats to follow as its my birthday and I'm going on the lash....
But 1032 miles done! two crahes but without a single puncture.
All the best Deano aka Al @ Shell
Statistics:
Days Mileage ; 38
Total Mileage; 1,032
Time; 3h 25m
Ave speed; 11.5mph
Max speed; 33mph
Ave heart rate ; 109
Max heart rate ; 138
Calories ; 2,419
Weather ; Rain and 35mph cross wind
Alcoholrometer; Off the scale!
