Day 19

Struggled getting the BLOG off yesterday but last minute success in Tain Sports Bar which had free Wi-Fi access which meant that me and Boyce had no option but to setup the old laptop and start Blogging whilst the Support Team retired after another hard day in the Van!....Today’s Blog may be a day late as looking at where we are in Lybster there is just nothing here, but will do my best.

The weather forecast was for 35-40mph gales and rain from 1pm onwards. Had a chat with Boycie and we agreed that the best thing was for me was to rig up in full rain gear and hammer out the 60 miles from Tain to Lybster on my own to try and beat the weather. Boyce would follow at his own pace with a two stop strategy with the help of the Support Team at 20 and 40 miles.

So off we went and after riding out of Tain at around 9am I put the chain in the Big Ring and left Boycie in the distance behind me on the A6.

The landscape is very harsh up here and snow is forecast here by the end of the week. The coast is dotted with small fishing harbours and abandoned villages; out at sea you can make out the Oil Platforms in the distance with the occasional fishing boat going out to sea for the catch.

Progress was good and reached Helmsdale by 11:30 am but new that the climb out was going to be tough. With Lorries single filing struggling to make the 13% climb. Got up there in one, in fact I have not got off the bike on any of the hills so far. As I make my way up the 2nd of the 3 climbs I think I am dreaming and have to pinch myself not once but three times for there coming past me and leaning out of the window like a hardened trucker with a Yorkie bar is Shazza and Sheila in the Support Van. Now apart from the B&B’s this is the first time I have seen the Support Van complete with cooker, tea making facilities and of course a 1100Watt Generator since Fort William, the question now was would it stop or was it making its way to the next Scottish Pottery or Craft Centre? Well top of the 2nd climb and the Support Team were there with Sausage Roll, cake and drink and a report that Boycie was about 1 hour back down the road.

Got back on the road to take the 3rd and hardest climb which again did not present problem and it was head down along the coastline to Lybster.

Arrived at Lybster at 1:30pm and it was just starting to rain but decided to do an extra 5 miles to town and back for a quick butchers to see how the land lies for tonight…not good!. Back in the digs by 2pm checked in and waiting for news on Boyce and the Support Team.

About an hour later and all three arrived in the Van. Boyce had hit the wall at Helmsdale and despite arguing with the Support Team which he was never going to win, reluctantly through the towel in 12 miles out and was air lifted out. Good decision that Boycie and dare I say it good effort from the Support Tea, you earnt your money today.

Statistics:

Days Mileage: 59
Total Mileage: 994
Time on Saddle: 4h 36m
Ave Speed: 12.8mph
Max Speed: 38mph
Ave Heart rate: 113
Max Heart rate: 145
Calories burned: 3,074
Alcholrometer: No Limit….not going to count.

Day 18

Stayed at the best B&B yet…The Glen Rowan Guest House run by Alistair and Vanessa. These people really make you welcome and recognise that you are on holiday…if you can call LEJOG a holiday? A heart breakfast of Porridge, Scrambled egg and Salmon and we set off heading towards Tain on the North East of Scotland coast.

We has one hell of a climb out of Drumnadrotchit, it took nearly 45 minutes and the road was nigh on 45 degree angle. Got to the top and waited for Boycie who was really going well despite the shoulder injury he was carrying resulting from yesterdays pile up.

Arrived at Beauly, the sort of place you go through and say you should go back but never do, lots of nice hotels and shops.



Meanwhile the Support team were searching for Dolphins an Seals at Chanonry Point on the Moray Firth…but had no luck...try SeaWorld!



A lot of questions have been raised wrt the comfort and softness of my saddle; with over 900 miles completed I must report that the Brooks B17 Classic Leather saddle has proven itself…no problems from my end!


No more stops for me and Boyce, we were cracking on and by 2pm had arrived in Tain our destination for the day.


Boycie had done well today…exceeded expectation even and after a brief lay down to recover we found the nearest pub for a couple of Beers and a Sunday Lunch. Met up with the support team and checked into our B&B which wins the best view prize overlooking Dornock Firth.

Statistics:

Days Mileage: 52
Total Mileage: 935
Time on Saddle: 5h 02m
Ave Speed: 11.5mph
Max Speed: 33mph
Ave Heart rate: 110
Max Heart rate: 157
Calories burned: 2164
Alcholrometer: 4 pints of 80 shilling and a bottle of Red.

Day 17

Went out on the town and found good pub food in the Ben Nevis. Good old Steak Pie, Mash and Peas. A`couple from Suffolk Steve and Lynn ordered a bottle of wine and put it on our table...Steve was something to do with cattle and was well travelled and new a thing or to on Steaks and Wine, thanks for taking wine with us Steve if you read this Blog?

Me and Boyce were on the bikes by 8am and for the first time since Lands End it was raining. We headed onto the Great Glen cycle way following the Caledonian canal toward Laggan Loch and things were going well until 12 miles in my bike slid on a wooden bridge and I was down sliding across the gritty track. That in itself was manageable but what was not was Boycie behind me who clipped the side of my head as he also came a cropper on the same wooden bridge.


A grazed knee, sprained thumb and cut on the side of the head...no problem. Back on the bike only to find the incident of my head against Boycies wheel had caused his wheel to buckle. Quick repair by Boycie jumping on? his wheel trying to straighten it and we were away again.





Oh and where was the support van, I tell you where it was supporting a trolley dash in a Scottish tourist 'tut' gift shop.

My mind started to drift to what my next adventure might be...The Caledonian canal started to call and I had several ideas involving going down it in either a Swan Pedalo borrowed from Alton Towers or a Canadian Canoe. Apparently when I quizzed Boycie about canoeing experience it turn out he used to own one! Should of kept that one quiet Boycie or should I say Boycie Crocket?

Got to Laggan Loch and found an oasis...The Eagle Barge, a floating Pub! Called in..it would of been rude not to and was greeted by Paul and Janet, Paul pulled two pints of best bitter and Janet put the Baked spuds on. If this was not enough Janet turned out be a trained nurse and provided advice and medication for my injuries.


Meanwhile the support van had found its way to the B&B 35miles further on!

We came off the Cycle way and joined the A82 to push on to Fort Augustus and Loch Ness. Stopped off at Castle, looks very 'Nessie' and pulled into to Drumnadrochit about 5pm.



Had no idea where the digs were, could not summon up the support team, so had a cup of coffee and cake in town only to find out that the waitress was the daughter of the B&B owner...Gillian told us where to go and we checked in to find the support team in the lounge with no phone signal were they bothered?


We gave them the benefit of the doubt seeings they had booked Taxi and Loch Ness restaurant for this evening.







Statistics;
Days Mileage ; 57
Total Mileage; 883
Time; 5h 30m
Ave speed; 10.3mph
Max speed; 30mph
Ave heart rate ; 107
Max heart rate ; 135
Calories ; 2,120
Weather ; Rain and wind in face...not good
Alcoholrometer; TBA

Day 16

PROBLEM SENDING SNAPS, WILL SEND IN DUE COURSE...

Well its a REST DAY today and do I need one. Yesterday was one of those days when the head was not quite there and the legs ached and Scotland can be quite fearsome.
The scapes, the traffic, the breakfast, the midges and the tourists but mostly the country is spectacularly daunting, the A828 in particular, a shore lapping ride with islands to the west and mountains rising inland.

Fort William what can I say? The location of the town is just fantastic. It is the largest town in the Highlands and situated at the south end of the Great Glen and lies in the shadow of Ben Nevis and overlooks Loch Linnhe.

It was head down by 9pm and up at 7am to catch the Hogwarts express to Mallaig known as one of the Great Rail Journeys of the world. The 84 mile return trip is about 3.5 hours and it was a pleasure just to sit down and enjoy the beauty of The West Highlands.

Mallaig is a small fishing port just opposite the Isle of Rum where Autumn Watch filmed the Rutting Red Deer, Stags were given names like Brutus, you can get a boat across but maybe next year when Im going to do the West Scotland Islands Hopscotch tour on something with more than two wheels....maybe a Trike?

Time I returned to Fort William it was 2pm and Shazza, Sheila and Boyce had arrived. Quick pint and catch-up followed by a bit of Jocky shopping then back to the digs for a wee bit of bike maintenance.

Weather ; Warm with sunshine breaking through cloud.
Alcoholrometer; 2 x 80 shillng so far...

Day 15

PLEASE KEEP THE COMMENTS COMING I HAVE ACCIDENTALLY DELETED SOME TODAY AND CANNOT RECOVER THEM...do keep them coming...

So, Oban is the final night in a Youth Hostel and I can't say I'm sorry..a coach load of 18 year old students from Bavaria a loud mouth Geordie and its B&B from now on for me!

Went for a beer in town at a bar called Coasters, lots of Yachties and G&Ts but ended up watching Scottish cup football, Rangers v Partick Thistle on the big screen. If you like your football you soon get involved and after the first 15mins I was acting like a die hard Partick fan willing them to put one past the Rangers and to wipe the grin of that Ally McCoist.

During the game I met a young couple from Glasgow, Mark and Jule a fashion designer. They were staying at the YH and were also caught up in the game which Rangers won after extra time. Very Scottish , very friendly, just nice people.



And so to bed and an early rise at 6am, quick cereal and banana and then on the road towards the Highlands.

Woke up with a bad head this can't think why, still a couple of Neurophen washed down with the Lucuzade Irn Bru mix soon sorted that out.

By 10am I had a clear head and 20 miles behind me. Found a wonderful café called Stalker Castle view. It looked out over the castle with the Loch in the background. Scrambled egg and Salmon, fruit loaf and a banana washed down by a pot of tea.

If its possible to fall asleep on the saddle then I was almost there today. Must get an early night and not get talking to the locals...

I really don't know what day of the week it is? Can't remember when that last happened, probably when the might Gillingham hammered Wigan at Wembley in the 2000 Championship league play offs.

Took my time cycling today as I didn't want to make any silly mistakes on the winding Fort William road with those heavy lorries whizzing past.


Arrived at Fort William around 1:30pm, can't check in till 4pm so down the town for a quick once over. Looks OK, outdoor shops, gift shops and the pubs and cafes.

Went in the West Highland museum and Tourist Information...going to do the Harry Potter Jacobite steam train to Mallaig tomorrow morning on my rest day. By the time I get back I will hopefully be joined by Shazza, Boycie and Sheila for the final push to John O Groats.

Statistics;
Days Mileage ; 44
Total Mileage; 826
Time; 4h 30m
Ave speed; 11.1mph
Max speed; 30mph
Ave heart rate ; 105
Max heart rate ; 135
Calories ; 1,866
Weather ; Warm and overcast
Alcoholrometer; Dark Island x 4 plus large glass of red..

Day 14

We didn't arrive at Lochranza Youth Hostel until 7pm..managed to catch a great sunset going down on the West coast.


We were cream crackered and the haul over the Isle of Arran had just about done us. ...not only that but we were sharing with the all Australian snoring champion...and you thought that I was bad Big Dave..well have some of that my son...

Got up just after Big Dave left at 6am to return home, so I'm on my jack now until Fort William. I made my way to the Ferry terminal and when passing Lochranza Castle noticed several Deer grazing in the stillness of early morning.



Caught the 8.15 ferry to Clainog and was on my bike by 9am for the 62miles to Oban.


I am by now well Jocked up having had the Haggis, Scotch Pie, Whisky and Scotch Broth. I'm going to get the old Monarch of the Glen hat in Fort William , the one like a beret with tartan tassels and everything the full bifta!...

I'm fed up of going on about the scenery so NO MORE!..let the snaps do the talking.


Cycled through Tarbet a quaint fishing village and made a beeline for the cafe for a bacon roll, cup of tea and toast. Managed to hook-up to their WiFi connection and send Day 13 Blog all be it some 12hrs late.

Saw another Eagle type bird going through Kilmartin Glen..took a snap but its too far away and looks like a sparrow so didn't include it.


Stopped for lunch by Loch and had my now customary Scotch, pie, millionaire shortbread, banana milk shake and Mars bar for lunch.

Arrived in Oban about 3pm, checked in Youth Hostel and now going to hit town...no beer yet ?

Statistics;
Days Mileage ; 62
Total Mileage; 784
Time; 5h 53m
Ave speed; 11.6mph
Max speed; 34mph
Ave heart rate ; 110
Max heart rate ; 142
Calories ; 3,065
Weather ; Warm and overcast
Alcoholrometer; None yet...but watch this space!

Day 13

Hopefully the Blog I sent yesterday has been posted. Afraid that until the BLOGMASTER Big Dave returns from SW Scotland each day will now have two post. B.D. will tidy up later this week.

Left digs at 8am with only 3 Weetabix breakfast in order to get an early start through the Galloway hills. This part of Scotland is very much undiscovered and unspoilt, like the Lakes but with far fewer people and a lot less idiots.. Apart from the odd photo shot it was head down and hammering it to Ayr BD was charging down a 20% hill with me on his tail when a VW twin exhausted Nob car lost a nearside wheel trim bisecting me and Big Dave...lucky..!

At 11am arrived in Ayr for quick refuel at River crossing. Met a Taffy from Anglesey, called Welsh John who was admiring my Brooks saddle who then went into some sort of rant about how crap the B25 model is, but went on that my saddle was a B17 and all would be well down below...I said thanks but see you John, and try to get out more!

After Ayr we followed the Coast passing Royal Troon Golf Course and its surrounding palatial properties. We arrived at the Ardrossan ferry terminal at 1:30pm and took time out for another quick refuel waiting for the 3pm ferry to Brodrick on the Isle of Arran.

Met Jimmy a Glasweigan who told us to look out for killer Stag Deer and poisonous Adders when taking the high road across Arran. This crossing turned out to be our very own Alp Duez, zigzagging over 250m in 1.5km. We did it without stopping and reaped the benefits of the West coast scenery of the island. Think I saw a Red Kite, great big reddy orange bird with wide fan tail?

Arrived at Youth Hostel in Lochranza at 7pm after a real tough day, great location, internet broken, beds designed for Pygmies, no food and showers that don't work, otherwise top dollar!

Statistics;
Days Mileage ; 83
Total Mileage; 722
Time; 6h 43m
Ave speed; 11.5mph
Max speed; 37mph
Ave heart rate ; 110
Max heart rate ; 154
Calories ; 4,183
Weather ; Warm and sunny
Alcoholrometer; 4 exports... Plus 2 glasses of Red

Day 12

Met an interesting character last night in the Graham Hotel in Longtown, Roly the Salmon Poacher. He describes himself as a sort of an hybrid of Kenny Dalglish and George Harrison...see picture and decide for yourself.

Apparently this how you do it...get a mate with 20/20 vision to climb a 25ft Scotch pine tree to observer the Salmon as it fights its way upstream. Meanwhile Roly the Poacher has in hand a 15ft pole and attached to one end is a Rabbit snare wire. When he hears the cry of Salmon under the floating leaf moving downstream, Roly pulls the wire which closes the snare around the Salmons tail...hey presto Salmon for tea. In fact Roly asked if wee wanted one and if so what weight!

Anyway, I was soon on my way and crossing the border into the debatable lands..through Gretna Green then on to Annan where I met Big Dave and we called in his mums for coffee and biscuits.

We pushed on towards Dumfries and met some chap who must have been pushing 25 stone, with a bike fitted with 48 spoke wheels who reckons that he has circumnavigated the world without a single puncture?

Stopped for lunch at Crocketford for light lunch and 2 pints of Speckled Hen. Then through the Galloway hills to New Galloway and Kitty's famous Tea shop, which was surprisingly closed.


However in discussions with the locals found alternative supply of tea and cakes by Blacksmiths at side of stream. Now checked in at digs in Dalry. No mobile or WiFi signal so will be sending this Blog by carrier pigeon...so could be delayed.

Statistics;
Days Mileage ; 65
Total Mileage; 639
Time; 5h 10m
Ave speed; 12.5mph
Max speed; 36mph
Ave heart rate ; 110
Max heart rate ; 138
Calories ; 2,812
Weather ; Warm ad sunny spells
Alcoholrometer; Speckled Hen... Plus 2 glasses of Red

Day 11

After a night out in 'Spoonies' with Snapper and having had just about as much as I can take of loud provincial townies...time for an early night in Kendal YHA. Not bad, much better than Penzance YHA, had my own room and breakfast was good to.

On the road for 9:15 after waiting for The Brief to arrive from the Travel Lodge where he spent the night with his family. Hit the Kirkstone Pass and by 10am we had reached the summit...Too early for a beer at Pub at top so made do with Coffee.



It was like a race track going up the pass with groups of motorbikes trying to break the sound barrier, mind you we were not hanging around going down and The Brief had a full blow out on the front tyre which we quickly repaired.


With the Kyber Pass behind us it was on to Patterdale and Glenridding along the north shore of Ullswater.


Besides the magnificent natural beauty of the Lakes we were privileged to see a group of wild Deer, Pony's and Red Squirrels...

Had lunch in The Dochray Inn an old favourite of mine as it was where I stayed when me and Del Boy did our first Coast to Coast cycle ride Whitehaven to Newcastle ten years ago. As we left the Lakes we had an intimate ride along quite backroads, past old sandstone farms towards the industrial and garrison city of Carlisle.


Carlisle is nothing to write home about, though the castle is 900 plus years old,we stopped for a photo and then that was Carlisle done. Ten more miles to go and the previous 500 miles and the Kirkstone Pass was beginning to tell on me. Arrived at Longtown at 5:30, typical border town with not much to do although our digs form part of a golden triangle with a chippie and pub...
Snapper and The Brief leave the route and return to Tarporley tomorrow but I will be joined by Big Dave at Annan for the SW Scotland leg...Dave was born here so this his manor...

Big thanks to Snapper and The Brief for forming the Peleton to pull me through the Lakes and who have made a good journey a great journey!

Statistics;
Days Mileage ; 63
Total Mileage; 573
Time; 5h 05m
Ave speed; 11mph
Max speed; 34mph
Ave heart rate ; 114
Max heart rate ; 148
Calories ; 2,700
Weather ; Warm and sunny spells
Alcoholrometer; Jennings...three Plus glass of Red

Day 10

Met up with the Posh Bird from Wigan last night and did the meat pie and cheesecake in the Farmers Arms. Breakfast was not disappointing, good continental breakfast plus 2 boiled eggs then Boycie, Snapper and The Brief pulled in the digs car park at 08:15.

Unloaded Snapper and The Briefs bikes, also noticed that the van was minus the generator?

Made good progress and was soon weaving our way through the spiders web of Prestons one way system.


Then through Garstang and onwards to Lancaster. Quick diversion up a cobbled street and there before our eyes was Lancaster castle now a prison. Asked passer by to take photos who turned out to be ex-worker from the nick and Barrister Louise who had transferred from the smoke to the the same Chambers as our very own Brief.

But Lancaster was a Nightmare...got lost ..the old GPS Flight Deck got blocked out by the tall buildings and after going round in circles finally escaped to Carnforth where the Boyce was parked up ready to serve the now standard Bikers lunch; Pastie, Banana milk drink, carrot cake and Fresh Peach...This marked the half way point of the LEJOG @ miles 494 miles.

After Lancaster the terrain changed as we began to climb towards Kendal, the gateway to the Lakes.


Arrived at Kendal about 3pm time for early doors 4 Pinter sitting in the sun in the middle of Kendal people watching...

Its Kyber Pass tomorrow , I mean the Kirkstone Pass, so its out for a bite to eat and early to bed..








Statistics;
Days Mileage ; 58
Total Mileage; 510
Time; 4h 55m
Ave speed; 13mph
Max speed; 32mph
Ave heart rate ; 113
Max heart rate ; 152
Calories ; 2,100
Weather ; Great for cycling Warm ad sunny spells
Alcoholrometer; 1664 Kroni Blanc Plus Bomber...Four