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.
15 comments:
well done everyone! Enjoying the blog. All the very best for tomorrow from all them Greens.
nearly there then... loved the tale of the yorkie bar hanging out of the support van. well done too Dad - don't those pink dice suit ya! have a great birthday Dean - what an achievement hey
Well done, the boy's done good and happy birthday.See you Sunday happy fishing I hope you've told the wife !!. Sponsorship looking good £465 from EVT and ESS.
regards, Steve and Tommy
Happy 50th Birthday Al from Jane Davis and Joe Shannon.
Have a few beers on us! Well done on your achievement!
Happy birthday Al hell of a way to get out of buying cakes for the lads on your birthday cycling to John o Groats !!
Well done hell of an achievement have a good night tonight !!!
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