We agreed last night at dinner that an earlier start would be good. Yesterday seemed long and as we had more miles to do it seemed to make sense. We usually left around 9 ish so settled on 8:30. Now usually FH would be up and ready, waiting for me which I know he loves but today I had a surprise for him. The alarm went off at 6:45am and I was up and at 'em straight away. I don't think he could quite believe his eyes. Breakfast was at 7:15 and then it was back to the room. Well, I was ready packed and set to leave by 8:10 and this would have given us a good early start for the long day ahead. But no; this is where FH looses his glove! First he blames me, then checks my bags. I hunted heigh and low for the blasted thing and turned the room upside down. After the place looked like a tornado had been through it, as well as the hosts and guests having also got involved in the commotion, the  'clown' finds it attached to his backside via the Velcro that had decided to grip his lycra shorts! Queue Pinhead rant made worse by FH thinking this was all rather comical. You can image the scene. Not the start we had hoped for.

Any how, on the road by 8:30, we set off at a good pace as the first 20 miles or so was smooth, fairly flat and very picturesque. We had made very good time. This was where it started to go downhill. The first was when FH did a disappearing act on a hill. I got to the top and after talking to him, looked behind to find him gone. I figured he had stopped for a picture as he often does but after 10 mins or so started to get concerned. On begrudgingly descending the same hill he was sat at the bottom bike upturned not looking too amused. Puncture time. First one of the trip too and on the last day! Anyway, fixed, moved on.

Next the weather started to turn. Queue Pinhead rant no. 2. It got cold, wet and windy and what made it worse was the fact for two days before the wind was blowing from the west. Today it changed to smack us in the face from the east. And was it cold.

Problem no. 3, the knee. Now it had been sore and painful for a few days but today marked the day when it was ready to give up, just unfortunately 50 miles short of the post. The pain was unbearable at times but very constant. Not helped by the constant ringing in my ears of FH's moto 'Pain is temporary, pride is for life'.

We had a quick lunch stop at around 40 miles which was about half way. This was needed; one for the food and two for the time to ease the knee. But starting again always feels worse. For me the worse part of being in the highlands is the relentless, unforgiving landscape. Cycling for 50 miles with no sign of life, no house, car, person was mentally numbing. You feel like you're getting nowhere because you're in the middle of it! FH once again helping the mood with 'Just keep pedalling, just keep pedalling' (in the style of Dorey from Finding Nemo).

The last 30 miles were really hard for me. Staying mentally strong is so difficult when you know you are physically in trouble and that you are in terms of distance, so close.

When we finally saw the John O'Groats sign it did lift our mood slightly. We battled on and when arriving we headed to the famous signpost. Once we had dismounted we were told by a lady we hadn't crossed the official line. When seeing the 'Finish' painted on the road a mad dash to remount and cross it nearly ended up with FH falling off his bike. My words of encouragement were 'don't make us look like amateurs now'. We crossed the line to applause from the public and promptly followed by pictures a plenty. As if by fate, at that moment Richard and David (Judy to FH) appeared to also cross the line. These were the guys we met 16 days ago at the very first b&b. It was great to meet them again and hear their stories etc. We all congratulated each other and even shared a small glass of champagne with them. More photos just for good measure. It was at this point when David was greeted by his wife and baby son, I first felt a bit emotional about it all and it really started to hit home what we had achieved. I text my loved ones back home and have to confess had a little tear in my eye. We had done it and what an amazing feeling. All the highs, lows, places, people, the pain, the laughs, the memories, will stay with me forever.

Our hotel tonight is Castletown Hotel and we were warmly greeted on arrival. A lovely welcome had also been left for FH and myself (by my wonderful lady Amanda and my two kids Sophie and Rebecca), by way of a bottle of champagne and a few 'Well Done' cards from my family. These were promptly opened and a toast was made. Thank you to you all for these, they made a really lovely surprise.

Thankfully a carvery dinner is on the cards tonight (well it is Sunday) and the plates were piled high. Dessert followed in a similar fashion! Then the bar! Let the good times roll (and not the bike wheels for at least a month!)
 


Comments

Uncle Colin & Auntie Pam

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 10:34:01

Congraulations Scott. You must be very proud of yourself. You cant give up now . because between you and me FH has already hinted that your next quest is to visit every pub in the British Isles. No doubt you will enjoy that trip a little better. Luv Pam & Colin

 



Leave a Reply