Left the Crask in glorious sunshine but plagued by midges. Our getaway was fast... Once moving they didn't bother us. We'd covered ourselves in insect repellent (didn't work) and had also tried Avon Skin So Soft (apparently good against midges; the advert is "smidge that midge") but all we succeeded in doing was providing them with a greasy surface to adhere themselves to... (pic).
The road to Altnaharra was undulating and generally downhill which meant we had a beautiful morning's cycling in what was hot sunshine - until the rain started! It poured, and we got soaked, so by the time we arrived to the brew van at Bettyhill we were subdued. Our last morning's tea stop was really welcome, and refreshed we moved on to lunch. About 500 yards up the road the sun came out and the 'jacket on/jacket off' dance started.
After Bettyhill we cycled along the coast all the way to John O'Groats, stopping for lunch at Melvich. Our last lunch stop of the trip! (the lunches have been great by the way - with soup and sandwiches or pub buffets, and on a couple of occasions a full pub lunch!)
After lunch cycled through Thurso with the LAST brew van stop shortly after. Then we all regrouped at a pub in Mey about 7 miles from JOG. We were all in celebratory mood already so a few beers were consumed.. and this was where we blew up the Marigold's and attached them to our helmets as chicken combs to show our support for Chicken (Josh Blanchard) on the final miles of his LEJOG ride.
As a group we set off to JOG and shortly after the heavens opened. And I mean it - it was biblical in proportions.... We were soaked, but so happy at finally about to achieve our goal that no one wanted to stop to put on waterproofs (we also had the team tops on so didn't want to cover them up). We were getting tooted and beeped at by passing cars and lots of people were waving at us; it felt amazing. At one point a group of us started to sing - no prizes for guessing which song...
2 miles to go and we regrouped again as we'd got separated in the torrential rain. Now all together we cycled to JOG to whoops and cheers from the waiting lovelies (Steve and Nigel and the lovely Graham who was cycling with us). Steve also had champagne waiting for us and we spent an age congratulating each other and taking photos. Then of course the celebrations in the evening, which is the reason for the delayed blog entry.. as well as not having a signal (or any free WiFi!)
So, we did it - we made it - we cycled from Land's End to John O'Groats under our own steam. Didn't walk a single step of the route, not even up the hilliest of the hills... What an amazing holiday and experience this has been. We have made loads of new friends and had loads of laughs. Thanks to Peak Tours for helping us reach our goal, and making it so easy for us. We could not have asked for better support, bike maintenance, brew stops, encouragement, route notes, good laughs, and lots lots more...
I'll post an epilogue in a day or two before finally putting this blog to bed....
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