LEJOG – DAY 8

Evanton – John O’ Groats 101miles

This is the last (well hopefully) day of riding as we plan to reach John O’Groats by the end of the day. This was the worst nights sleep that we have had on the journey due to the fact that a seagull was practically in our room making all sorts of noises throughout the night! This only stopped when our alarm went off as think he was scared Robert was going to get his air gun!

We managed to get away early again and planned to stop in Golspie for breakfast which due to the lack of options up this far turnout to be the place we had fish & chips on the way back!

We had 2 more hills to tackle but the coastline views made it all worthwhile in the great weather.

Late lunch was a nice little cafe just off the beaten track, we could have done without the half mile driveway but was well worth it. We did not stay too long as did not want to suffer from “cafe legs” and made our final push!

Now anybody who has done this ride will know that the last 15miles goes on forever, you just keep going over hills and round corners for what seems like for ever but finally there he was. Steve at the top of the descent into John ‘O Groats on his electric bike!

So there it is, we have completed our challenge and although sad it is over we are all thrilled with the achievement and the money raised for charity.

Nothing brings you back to reality than the realisation that you have got the 600+mile drive home! Now Alistair was obsessed with going to see the Wallace monument in the way back so decided to stop overnight at Stirling although did not bank on not being able to get any accommodation for the night as arrived gone midnight. Alistair  could not hold his excitement so we visited the monument that night which is where we decided to get a few hours sleep before continuing our journey! I fell asleep quite quick but Robert seemed to lack space in the back seat with me and decided that the tarmac outside would be more spacious. Nobody seemed over worried when we woke up at 4.30am with no Rob. This was now the worst nights sleep of the trip!

I hope you have all enjoyed the blog and look out for our next adventure! On a serious note our thoughts are with Simon’s friends and family during this time, I am sure he will be smiling after reading this! Don’t forget you can still donate here.

Cheers Steve for all your hard work with looking after us and getting the van and our kit the whole length of the country,  oh and the pink iphone lead! Well done Alistair for completing the challenge with a sore arse after day 2 and good work Robert on getting the sunglasses there safely!

James Walsgrove

My cycling career started in 2005 when I purchased my first road bike and I was immediately hooked. Since then I have completed numerous cycling challenges including Ironman, Lands’ End to John O Groats, Mt Ventoux (all 3 ascents), London to Paris, the BBAR challenge which included a 12hour TimeTrial, Ride London and the Mallorca 312 6 times now.

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